Motor Caravanner – July 2026

Reliable motorhomes & aftercare to match

New & pre-owned models

In-house service centre

Range of accessories

Habitation checks & class 4/7 MOTs

CHAIRMAN'S CHAT

WITH SUE PILKIW

Irecall writing in my June Chat that I was hoping the showers would ease up before we started marking out the pitches at Statfold. I think you can safely say that they did…the sunshine came and we were soon seeking the shade as temperatures soared. The weather could not have been better, though some may have wished for it to be a little cooler, particularly in the marquee where Selma and her team of volunteers sweltered in the heat!

Everything ran smoothly as everyone took the opportunity to meet up with friends or make new friends, and, along with everybody else, I thoroughly enjoyed our National Rally. Take time to look at the photographs and article about our National Rally 2026 in this edition of the magazine.

The Minutes from the AGM and Members’ Meeting will be with you shortly – look out for your copy when it is sent out with the magazine. It will ensure that those of you who

could not attend this year can keep yourselves informed of everything that was discussed. We have already acted on some of the issues raised during our Groups’ Conference which should support all the work of our Group Secretaries.

Thank you for all the positive feedback. Taking these into account, together with points raised during CoM’s “wash-up” meeting, we are already planning to build on this year’s success and offer an even bigger and better event in 2027. Be sure not to miss it!

to stand for election next June. Welcome aboard Ian! Your Council of Management will be attending the next show in Norfolk where we will be holding our Team and Committee meetings. If you see us there, do take the time to come and talk to us. As always, if there’s anything you wish to bring to our attention, please do write or email your thoughts to Ron Harris at Head Office.

It only remains for me to say a really big thank you to everyone who participated in our National Rally 2026, helping to make it such a huge success!

who has been co-opted on to CoM.

Another positive outcome was that a number of members came to talk to us about supporting our Council of Management, either as a Supporting Officer or as a member of CoM. As a result, I am really pleased to welcome Mr Ian Knight from our Sussex Group, who has been co-opted on to CoM. He will spend the rest of this year familiarising himself with the work of CoM, before considering whether

Sue

Publisher/Editor: Mark Shreeve T: 01502 725839

E: mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk

Deputy Editor: Gemma Mathers T: 01502 725808

E: gemma.mathers@micropress.co.uk

Advertising: Henry Stephenson T: 01502 725854

E: henry.stephenson@micropress.co.uk

Chloe Lewis T: 01502 725802

E: chloe.lewis@micropress.co.uk

Club Contacts

www.themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT

Chairman:

Sue Pilkiw (07837 386104)

Vice Chairman:

Keith Poole (07736 544490)

Members:

Alistair Bartlam (07754 131893)

Carol Biggs (01473 620933)

Keith Boreham (07730 189940)

Derek Clarke (07931 733656)

Ian Knight

Kim McKelvie (07961 282133)

Selma McMullan (07752 678454)

Martin Woolven

Teresa Woolven (07477 988422)

Steve Wynn (07916 131892)

MCC Sec & Administrator: Ron Harris 10 Duddage Manor Business Park, Brockeridge Rd, Twyning, Tewkesbury GL20 6BY T: 01684 311677

E: info@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Office opening: Mon-Thu 9-5pm Fri 9-2pm

MCC Office Administration: Penny Stoyles

CoM WITH REPONSIBILITIES

CL & Night Stops:

Carol Biggs (01473 620933)

Disability Advisor:

Keith Poole (07736 544490)

keithp@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Haven Liaison:

Alistair Bartlam (07754 131893)

Head Show Marshals:

Mick & Sue Pilkiw (07837 386104)

suep@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Homecraft Coordinator:

Selma McMullan (07752 678454) homecraft@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Magazine/Handbook :

Sue Pilkiw (07837 386104) suep@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Health & Safety Officer:

Keith Poole (07736 544490) keithp@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

GROUP SECRETARIES CONTACT LIST

CoM WITH REPONSIBILITIES

Exhibition Stand: Keith Boreham (07730 189940) and Lynda Hidderley

CLUB OFFICIALS

Casual Campsites: Kate Jones (07747 000587) katejone@googlemail.com

Financial Officer: Paul Maguire (07973 827506)

Webmaster: Anna Billson webmaster@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

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

Please note that some of these contacts will be changing as a result of recent AGMs.

Jackie Birch 07786 024492 westcountry@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Jan Tree 07966 430801 sussex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Sharon Jarvis 07428 909442 kent@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Liz Dyer 07899 848074 essex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Sandra Glendenning 07876 473055 anglia@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Heather Hayward 07948 395599 eastwessex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Peter Ingham 07815 789909 chiltern@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Bob Smart 07943 075876 eastmidlands@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Gail Cole 07881 691211 severnvalley@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Ian Hill 07749 349678 nwmidsnwales@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Stephen Wright 07966 224196 lancashire@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Elaine Jakeman 01924 682148 yorkshire@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Ian McCaskie 07962 115860 northerncounties@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Aileen Clark 07771 845199 scotland@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Alastair Bartlam 07754 131893 westwessex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Sheila Revill 07796 188220 swpeninsula@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Heulwen Hewitt 07913 810417 swwales@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Peter Moore 07790 779024 nenevalley@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Heather Jennings 07875 191797 isleofwight@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Jacqueline Hutchinson 07717 161840 northernireland@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

As N. Ireland Group

Wendy Jefferson 07714 616715 motorcycle@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Publisher/Editor: Mark Shreeve

E: mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk

T: 01502 725839

Contributors: Jack Bancroft, Kavanagh Deville, Frances & Michael Howorth

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 2025. 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.

Club News

NEW CL IN SCOTLAND

On our way to Inverness we wanted to stay over somewhere and we saw a sign for motorhome stays in Carrbridge, a few miles from Aviemore.

Called AR Dachaigh Croft Campers, this CL Site is run by a lady called Millie Mann, she has 3 spaces in her garden complete with EHU/ waste/water and wi-fi. No toilets or showers but the public toilets are only a few minutes walking distance which was not a problem. The pitches are level and well drained.

There are lovely woodland walks in nearby Glencharnoch and Ellan Woods and a bus service to Inverness, Granton on Spey and Avemore There is also a bike trail, a shop, a cafe, a gift shop and a garage. The village is really pretty to walk around and you can also visit the ancient Bridge which is a Heritage site.

Millie is very friendly and helpful. We had a lovely night’s sleep with no rush the next day. The cost was £20 pn. Pets allowed and the access is great. Millie can be contacted on 07879 543442 or email milliemann@ hotmail.co.uk

Michelle Spencer, Club Member

NATIONAL RALLY TROPHY WINNERS

HOMECRAFT

East Midlands Trophy - Individual:

Heather Bubb, West Country.

Group Entry winner: N. Ireland

Overall Group winner: N. Ireland QUIZ

Quiz Winners’ Trophy: N. Ireland

Quiz Runners Up Trophy: Kent

Quiz 3rd place: W. Country Wurzles FUN DOG SHOW

Winner: Lily, Welsh Border Collie

Runner up: Bella, Cocker Spaniel

BOULES

Winners: Sharon & Steven Jarvis, Kent BEST DRESSED TABLE

Winner: Yorkshire

GROUP TROPHIES 2026 FOUNDERS’ TROPHY

Based on the no. in Group, no. of attendees and distance travelled. Winner: Anglia

Runner up: Kent SILVER SNAIL

Highest number of vans on site excluding the Host Group. Winner: Anglia

Runner up: East Midlands

The Recruitment trophy and Retention trophy were not awarded.

Ferry Good for Al-ko

The HPC Hydraulic Levelling System is truly a step ahead for motorhome owners. Covering all requirements expected from a levelling system. it is simply and quickly operated using the on-board touch-screen controls or operated remotely from an iPhone 5 and above or an Android phone via a Bluetooth free app. Accompanied by the AS Air Suspension system, all your suspension and levelling needs are catered for. At AS Air Suspension UK Ltd, we seek to continually improve and stay ahead of our competitors. Using innovative materials to reduce the weight of the systems, without any compromise to quality.

THE ULTIMATE

The multi-award-winning Mobilvetta offers luxury motorhomes in four versatile ranges.

The K-Yacht Tekno-Line A-class series provides a spacious, top-tier experience, while the Kea series features compact, stylish low-profile models. New to the range, is the Kea Kompakt 55. At 6.39m long and 2.15m wide, it combines Italian style with UK practicality.

The Admiral van conversion, built on a Fiat chassis, boasts a 140bhp automatic engine, 2 berths, 4 travelling seats, and a generous payload.

Discover two new redesigned icons: The K-Yacht & Kea 80

CAMP WITH US AT A WARNERS SHOW

Don’t forget you can still camp with us at a Warners Show this year. Our pitches are reserved and the tickets are on sale. We will be at: Newark, Norfolk, Retro Fest. Malvern, Shepton, Lincoln, Malvern (Oct)

To book, go to outandaboutlive. co.uk/shows. Choose the show you want and remember to use the drop down list of Clubs and remember to choose MCC.

Retro Fest 2026

The MCC is once again going to be camping at the Retro

OBITUARY

ANN EDWARDS

SUSSEX GROUP LIFE PRESIDENT

It with a completely broken heart that I tell you all that on 9th May, Ann lost her battle with cancer. Ann and Rick first joined the MCC in 1963, and their first rally was with Surrey Group at Bablock Hythe that Easter. Ann was a huge contributor to the organisation of National rallies in the 70s and 80s, drawing rally ground maps and making pitch plates and signs amongst other things. The following years saw her as Rally Officer and

KEEP IN TOUCH

the members area of our website.

How to book Retro Fest

When accessing the booking page scroll down to the section that asks if you have an access code. Type in the Club’s code and click on apply. This will take you to a page that

general committee member for Sussex Group. Her first love was for the Group and Club (before Dad and me I think!) and she gave an impassioned speech at the EGM at Easter which was repaid with a new committee forming. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer December 2023 but carried on driving her van up until February this year, and we were so glad we were able to get her to Bexhill for her last camp out. She will be sorely missed at future rallies and her going will leave a huge hole in our lives. Rest in peace Mum.

God bless you.

Kim Remnant

has the ticket prices for our Club. . Those of us who went last year had a fabulous time and would love to share the experience with more of our members next year. There is so much to see, so why not come along and join in the fun?

CASUAL CAMPSITE UPDATE

Please note the dates for the Pre Balloon Rally at Walcott Rugby Club have changed from previously published. The Casual Campsite will now take place from 31st July to 6th August.

PRE BALLOON RALLY

31 July-6 August

Walcott Rugby Club, Albert Field, Lansdown, Bath BA1 9BJ £17 per unit per night. Easy access to Bath for visits to this historic city.

BALLOON FIESTA RALLY

5-10 August

Parsonage farm, Long Ashton, Bristol BS419LU

£16 per unit per night. Adjacent to

the site of the Balloon Fiesta with launches, night burns and much more. Payment by cash only

LANDSDOWNE CAMPING

7-18 September

Landsdowne Camping Site,

Hundred End, Lancashire PR4 6XP £11 per unit per night Village within reasonable walking distance. RSPB close by. Buses to Southport and Preston. Watch magazines and Facebook for further information.

Bristol Balloon Fiesta

Motorhome, Campervan &

SUNSHINE AND CELEBRATION: A NATIONAL TO REMEMBER

WFrom warm welcomes and lively entertainment to crafts, competitions and soaring temperatures, this year’s National Rally brought members together for a vibrant long weekend of friendship, fun and unforgettable moments.

ednesday saw the Group Marshalls arriving, and with them, improving weather. After being shown to their pitches by the working party and settling in, they met for a briefing in the Marquee where there was a good spirit and all were looking forward to an enjoyable weekend. Thursday was the day that members arrived and were sited up, they were then able to enjoy a welcome cuppa in the marquee followed by a First time ralliers meeting for those whose attendance at the National was a new venture. After a break to enable

members to have a meal, the evening continued with a welcome and introduction to the National Rally Team. This was followed by Bingo and then the evening was rounded off by live entertainment by Maet Live and the Neverland Experience, followed by a disco.

As the days progressed the temperatures started to climb and soon we were in the hottest May for many years.

Friday began with craft sessions in the Marquee where members could try out new hobbies and have a chat and get to know

each other. In the afternoon the business element of the weekend began with the Group’s Conference where representatives from groups were able to ask questions of CoM members. The next event was a drop in Q&A session covering Haven, Casual Campsites, Magazine, Foreign travel and the chance to ask questions of our Safety Officer and Disability Officer.

The National started officially in the evening with the Banner Parade and opening ceremony. This was followed by live music by Flashback with Take Your Pick in the interval. The evening ended with a disco.

Saturday and the regular Silent Auction took place, an opportunity for someone’s no longer required items to become just what another person had been looking for. The crafters were still developing skills and chatting in another corner of the Marquee. The Sammy Snail Club met in their tent and there was a drop in session for First time ralliers.

The next item on the programme was the AGM and Members Meeting, those that attended were required to show cards and book in. The minutes of this meeting will be published separately. There was then a time for a cup of tea or >>

“FROM FIRST ARRIVALS TO THE FINAL FAREWELL, THE WEEKEND WAS FILLED WITH SUNSHINE, SHARED LAUGHTER AND A TRUE SENSE OF TOGETHERNESS.”

other refreshment before groups descended on the marquee to decorate the tables for Party Night. The theme being colours certainly led to a bright outcome. Members then arrived dressed in their theme and we partied the night away entertained by Ska Britannia/Cool Britannia followed by Disco.

Sunday dawned even hotter but this did not stop people from arriving at the marquee to hand in their homecraft entries for judging. There was also a shuttle bus running into Tamworth and of course, as through the rest of the weekend access to the Statfold Counrty Park to ride on steam trains and visit the various attractions including the

Roundhouse Museum which houses a collection of steam engines including other things.

The marquee was also the venue for a craft fair which was followed by the fete. The dog show was scheduled to start at 1pm but due to the heat was postponed until 6pm at which time we had many entrants and our judges were kept

busy. Before this the intergroup quiz took place which was interesting and competitive.

The day wound down with entertainment by Hayley Mills/I’m Every Whitney. Although it appeared that not many had attended when the outside was viewed, it was clear the crowd was sitting outside due to the heat.

Monday meant Prize Giving, the First Time Rallies draw and the closing ceremony. Prize giving began with the Sammy Snail Club awards and then the adult trophies were given out for everything from Homecraft, individual and group and attendance. As there was an unusually large number of first time attendees it was decided to award more than one first timers’ raffle prize. The Closing ceremony then took place including the banner

parade and the Club anthem ‘Always be best of friends’. This was followed by the raffle. The afternoon was free for members to relax before the evening entertainment by Pump up the Volume 80’s. Again many members listened outside the marquee due to the heat.

Tuesday and a mass exodus of vans meant an end to this year’s National.

A final comment- none of this would have been possible without all the people who worked hard to make this a success. Thanks must go to all of them.

SUMMER STARTS HERE

Frances and Michael Howorth explain why your motorcaravan should get a health check before the season starts

For many club members, summer is the season they wait for all year.

The days are longer, campsites are busier, rallies fill the calendar, and the prospect of spontaneous weekends away becomes irresistible. Yet before turning the ignition key and heading for the coast, countryside or continent, there is one important task that deserves attention. One we call a seasonal health check.

Whether your motorcaravan has spent winter tucked away in storage or has been used occasionally throughout the colder months, a few hours spent inspecting, cleaning and preparing it now could prevent disappointment later. After all, there is nothing more frustrating than arriving at a favourite campsite only to discover a flat leisure battery, a leaking water connection or a fridge that refuses to cool. Begin with the basics. The vehicle itself should always be your first priority. Tyres deserve special attention. Long periods of standing can reduce pressures and sometimes create flat spots. Check pressures against the manufacturer’s recommendations and inspect sidewalls for cracking, bulges or damage. Do not forget the spare wheel. Next, check all fluid levels including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid. Start the engine and look carefully for warning lights. Ensure all external lights operate correctly and that >>

wipers are clearing the screen efficiently. If your motorcaravan carries a bike rack, trailer hitch or rear-mounted storage system, inspect those too. Winter weather can take its toll on exposed fittings and fastenings.

A thorough wash does more than improve appearance. Cleaning allows you to spot potential problems before they become expensive repairs. Examine seals around windows, rooflights, service hatches and doors. Look for cracks, gaps or signs of deterioration. Pay particular attention to the roof. It is often overlooked, yet it houses vents, solar panels, aerials and rooflights. Any weakness here can allow water ingress that may remain unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Open every window and roof vent. If hinges, catches or gas struts feel stiff, now is the time to lubricate and adjust them.

Inside the van, start with a thorough clean. Remove cushions and inspect beneath them. Check lockers, wardrobes and under-bed storage areas for signs of dampness or mould. Even wellmaintained vehicles can suffer condensation during winter storage. Many owners use spring as an opportunity to declutter. We certainly do. Every item on board occupies valuable storage space and contributes to payload weight. If something has not been used for a year, ask yourself whether it really needs to travel with you this summer. While cleaning, check blinds,

PRE-DEPARTURE CHECK LIST

There are some safety checks you need to do before you take your van anywhere. Check that the following items are in working condition:

• Check the brakes and make sure they haven’t seized up

• Check the tyres for correct pressure, cracks and splits, and tread depth

• Check lights and change bulbs if needed

• Test the leisure battery with a voltmeter to ensure that

“Preparation is the first step of every great journey.”

it charges up and holds its charge

• Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

• Check for any signs of dampness or leaks. Be vigilant for mould and mildew, damp patches, and musty smells. If you do spot anything, find the source of the leak and re-seal where possible

• Get any gas heating systems serviced by an engineer

flyscreens and curtains. These components often receive daily use yet can be surprisingly fragile.

Freshwater systems can harbour bacteria after months of inactivity. Before your first major trip, thoroughly sanitise tanks, pipes and taps using a suitable cleaning solution. Flush the system completely before refilling with fresh water. Inspect all visible pipework and fittings while the system is pressurised. If the pump cycles intermittently when all taps are closed, there may be a leak somewhere within the system. Do not forget waste tanks. Empty, rinse and clean them before the season begins. Many owners also replace water filters at the start of summer to ensure the best possible water quality throughout the season.

KEEP YOUR COOL THIS SUMMER

Top tips for better motorcaravan fridge performance Nothing spoils a summer tour faster than warm food and lukewarm drinks. Follow these simple steps to help your motorcaravan refrigerator perform at its best during hot weather.

• Park Level. Ensure your motorcaravan is level before operating the fridge. This is particularly important for absorption refrigerators.

• Pre-Cool the Fridge. Switch the refrigerator on well before departure and allow it time to reach its operating temperature.

• Cool Food Before Storing. Let cooked food cool first and cover all liquids before placing them inside.

• Keep Fridge Stocked. A well-filled fridge retains cold temperatures better than an empty one. Only place prefrozen items in the freezer compartment.

• Minimise Door Openings. Every time the door opens, warm air enters. Open it only when necessary and close it firmly afterwards.

“• Maintain Good Airflow. Keep ventilation grilles clean and unobstructed. Good airflow is essential for efficient cooling.

• Help Your Absorption Fridge. If your fridge runs on gas, avoid packing food tightly against the cooling fins. Leave some space for air circulation.

• Defrost When Needed. Ice build-up on the cooling fins reduces efficiency. Remove frost before it becomes excessive.

• Consider a Fan Upgrade. A rear-mounted fridge fan kit can significantly improve airflow around the cooling unit, helping performance in hot climates.

• Watch Interior Temperatures. High vehicle temperatures place extra strain on the fridge. Use blinds, ventilation and shade where possible to keep the living area cooler.

Follow these simple precautions and you’ll enjoy colder drinks, fresher food and trouble-free refrigeration throughout the summer touring season.

monoxide detectors. Replace batteries where necessary and check the expiry dates of the

Give your ‘van the care it deserves, and it will reward you with miles of freedom.”

Once the technical checks are complete, attention can turn to comfort. Replace expired food supplies and replenish emergency stores. Check first-aid kits and medications for out-ofdate items. Summer also means changing what you carry; heavy winter blankets, de-icer, thermal screens and cold-weather clothing can often be removed. In their place come outdoor chairs, awnings, barbecue equipment, picnic gear and sporting equipment. For us, the seasonal changeover always includes bicycles, pétanque boules and outdoor cooking equipment. Others may prefer paddleboards, fishing tackle or walking gear. Whatever your hobbies, now is the time to make sure everything is clean, complete

Mechanical reliability is important, but paperwork matters too. Verify that your MOT, insurance and breakdown cover remain valid. Check that your driving licence entitlements are correct, particularly if your vehicle exceeds 3,500kg. If travelling overseas, make sure passports, health documentation and vehicle paperwork are all current and easily accessible. It is also too easy to overlook membership cards, whether it is club, heritage attraction passes or campsite discount schemes, you should ensure they are packed and up to date.

Motorhome

Caravan Engineers

Summer travel often means leaving your vehicle unattended while exploring attractions, beaches or towns. Check alarms, tracking systems and immobilisers. Inspect steering locks, wheel clamps or other security devices if you use them. Visible deterrents remain one of the most effective ways of discouraging opportunist thieves.

Preparing a motorcaravan for summer is not simply about maintenance, it is about confidence. Knowing the vehicle has been checked thoroughly allows you to focus on what really matters: discovering new places, revisiting old favourites and creating lasting memories.

A few hours of preparation now can prevent days of inconvenience later. Summer adventures rarely begin when you arrive at a campsite. They begin at home, with a hosepipe, a checklist and the determination to ensure your motorcaravan is ready for everything the season has to offer.

So, use our checklists, dust off the maps, and give your motorcaravan the care it deserves. A few hours of preparation now can secure endless miles of carefree exploring ahead.

Say goodbye to ramps and uneven surfaces – Propex installs fully automatic HPC levelling systems that level your motorhome or caravan in under 90 seconds.

HOW TO SANITISE THE WATER SYSTEM

Follow these steps to thoroughly sanitise your motorcaravan water system:

• Close all drains and install drain plugs.

• Measure out 50ml of everyday household bleach for every 50 litres your freshwater tank holds.

• Pour the bleach into a 5-litre container and fill it with water.

• Add the bleach and water mixture into the freshwater tank.

• Fill the freshwater tank entirely with water.

• Turn on the water pump and open all taps.

• Run the water until you

Why choose an HPC system?

• Rock-steady stability, no more wobbling or shower drainage issues

• Lightweight aluminium jacks (from 2 kg, up to 10 tonnes per jack capacity)

• Touch-screen & smartphone app controls (iOS & Android)

• Safety features including handbrake lock & emergency manual pump

• Suitable for caravans, campervans and large motorhomes

Enjoy effortless comfort, safety and convenience – whether you’re away for a weekend or an extended tour.

486950

can smell the bleach and then turn off the taps.

• Let the solution sit for up to twelve hours in the water tank and water system.

• Drain all of the water from the system.

• Refill the freshwater tank with water.

• Flush the system by turning on the water pump and opening all taps.

• Allow the water to run until it no longer smells like bleach.

• While you’re at it, check you’ve got all your hoses and connectors ready for when you need to fill up on site.

Servicing & Repairs

At Sheriffmill Motor Co Ltd. we understand how much your motorhome means to you. Our team of friendly, experienced technicians are fully trained to use the most modern techniques and equipment to ensure you receive a thorough service, MOT or diagnostic for your vehicle.

Stay cool, wherever the road takes you

Meaco’s Sefte 6 Portable Battery Air Circulator proves that staying cool off-grid doesn’t have to mean compromise.

Anyone who has spent a warm summer night in a motorhome knows that staying cool can be a challenge. Hook-up points are not always available, and traditional fans can be noisy, power-hungry and awkward to position. The new Sefte 6 Portable Battery Air Circulator from Meaco tackles those issues head-on, and after spending time with the unit it is difficult not to be impressed.

Designed in the UK, the unit combines portability, performance and thoughtful design in a compact package that is perfectly suited to touring life. Whether you’re parked on a remote coastal Aire, enjoying a festival weekend or wild camping far from the nearest electrical socket, this little fan delivers cooling comfort wherever you need it.

mini fan generates a surprisingly powerful airflow. With 12 fan speeds available it is easy to tailor to suit changing conditions.

The addition of Normal, Eco and Night modes further enhances

“Quiet, efficient, portable and remarkably well thought out, it delivers comfort far beyond what its compact size suggests.”

The headline feature is undoubtedly the rechargeable and replaceable battery. In an age when many products are discarded once the battery performance begins to decline, Meaco has taken a more environmentally responsible approach. When the battery eventually reaches the end of its service life, you simply replace the battery rather than the entire fan. It is a sensible design decision that reduces waste and extends the life of the product.

versatility. Eco mode maximises battery life, while Night mode creates an exceptionally quiet environment for sleeping. In fact, noise levels can be as low as just 23dB. During testing, the fan was barely noticeable, making it ideal for overnight use in the confined space of a motorhome bedroom.

Battery performance is another major strength. Depending on the speed setting selected, users can enjoy up to 26.5 hours of cordless operation from a single charge. That

is more than enough for a weekend away without requiring access to mains electricity. For off-grid enthusiasts, that level of endurance is particularly appealing.

Air distribution is helped by both horizontal and vertical oscillation. Rather than directing airflow at a single fixed point, it circulates air throughout the living space. This creates a much more comfortable environment and helps prevent the stuffiness that can quickly develop inside a vehicle on warm days.

Practical touches abound. The lightweight design and integrated carry handle make it easy to move. The glow-in-the-dark magnetic remote control is a surprisingly useful feature that proves invaluable when adjusting settings in the dark. The ability to mute operating beeps and dim indicator lights demonstrates that Meaco has clearly considered how customers actually use the product.

Safety has not been overlooked either. The unit has been child safety tested, offering additional peace of mind for touring families.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect is how well it addresses the specific needs of motorhome and campervan owners. It operates without the need for a plug socket, provides long-lasting battery performance, remains exceptionally quiet and offers excellent airflow control. Add in the free three-year warranty and the result is a product that inspires confidence.

The Sefte 6 Portable Battery Air Circulator from Meaco is one of those rare accessories that has quickly becomes an essential part of our touring kit. Quiet, efficient, portable and remarkably well thought out, it delivers comfort far beyond what its compact size suggests.

SNEAK PEEK MOBILVETTA KEA KOMPAKT 55

Motor Caravanner presents a photo tour of an award-winning, super-slim, low-profile motorcaravan which combines sensational Italian style with British practicality. Gentleman Jack is our guide...

Right: View forward through nearside entrance door aperture. Roomy lounge comfortably accommodates seven adults...amazing considering the external body width is just 2.15m (7’ 0.75”). Settees convert into two face-forward travel seats with three-point safety belts.

Left: Kea Kompakt 55 is one of the smartest motorcaravans we’ve seen in a long while. Built by Mobilvetta in Italy and imported by Marquis, it was a worthy winner of this year’s Practical Motorhome Awards for sub-7m coachbuilts... actually measuring 6.36m (20’ 10.5”) .

Below: Offside part of the centrally-located kitchen has two wide storage drawers below a rectangular sink and two-burner hob. There isn’t a microwave oven, although one could easily be retrofitted. Natural and artificial task lighting is very good.

Above: Nearside section of the cook’s quarters is home to a ‘mine’s-bigger-thanyours’ fridge-freezer, above a gas-operated combined grill and oven. Both are adjacent to the entrance vestibule. See TV bracket on wall.

Above left: Immediately behind the kitchen is the full-width comfort station, which also gives access to the rear storage area. All can be separated from the main salon. Facilities include a vanity basin and loo on one side, plus a walk-in shower compartment on t’other side. Above right: Kea Kompakt 55 offers four sleeping berths. Main bed is a forward mid-level transverse double. It raises and lowers electrically and can be stored fully ‘made-up’. The lounge will convert into another transverse double, or into a longitudinal single-bed.

Above: We resisted calling the area between the garage and comfort station (just) ‘a wardrobe’ because it is so much more than that. Note the flexibility and sophistication of the available stowage at the base of the full-height clothes hanging area.

Above: There is so much to admire about this motorcaravan that we can’t possibly list everything here. The importers (Marquis Leisure) is a multi-outlet retailer and will bring an example to the branch closest to you, if there isn’t one already there for you to view. Pictured are two more examples of ‘smart storage’. As always, it’s the details that make the difference between a good motorcaravan and an exceptional one. Price £100,000? Nope. £80,000? close...actually £79,995 OTR, including automatic transmission and solar panel.

Above: At the far rear, behind the washroom and storage area, is a full-width garage-style space with a tall exterior-access door on each side. A generous payload (690kg manual/ 612kg automatic) will be useful for serious clobber collectors.

‘Lithe and highly manouvrable’. Official publicity photograph ‘says’ it all really...

Cooking with Freedom:

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Auto-Sleepers expand dealer coverage

Broadway-based Auto-Sleepers has recently added two dealers to their Northern England network. First was Cheshire-based Yourstyle Leisure followed recently by Durham Caravans & Motorhomes (pictured below). Both are established businesses with multi-bay workshops. Auto-Sleepers commented that, ‘These appointments reinforce our commitment to working with trusted dealers who share our dedication to quality, service, and customer satisfaction’.

Devizes to push plans for canal-side Aire

Yourstyle Leisure, Chester Way, Northwich CW9 5NQ. Durham Caravans and Motorhomes, Hurworth Road, Newton Aycliffe DL5 6UD

Motorhome owners could soon gain a new overnight stop in the historic Wiltshire market town of Devizes. Devizes Town Council has formally backed proposals to create a dedicated Aire-style facility at The Wharf Car Park, located alongside the picturesque Kennet and Avon Canal. The scheme aims to attract more touring motorhome visitors to the town while providing a boost to local businesses.

Under the initial pilot scheme, at least three dedicated

motorhome spaces would be created within The Wharf Car Park. The proposed Aire would operate separately from the main car park and would cater specifically for self-contained motorhomes and caravans equipped with onboard facilities. Vehicles would be permitted to stay for up to 48 hours, with a suggested charge of around £10 for a 24-hour stay. If approved, the Devizes scheme would join a growing number of UK towns recognising the value of motorhome tourism.

TIme TRavel

TRIp No 6: AUto-TRaIl

PIlot: GeNTlemaN Jack

IN THE BEGINNING ICONIC

The clue is in the ‘Trail’ part of the name...Auto-Trail was originally a successful caravan repair and specialist trailer manufacturer based in Stallingborough. In the very early 1980s proprietors Bill Boasman and Barry Holmes decided (after an RV tour of America) to build similar luxurious motorcaravans, but in a Brit-friendly size. First prototypes were all built on a rear-wheel-drive Ford chassis. Look closely, it is not on the Transit, but on the larger Ford A-Series.

They grew exponentially after swapping underpinnings to ‘Bremen’ Mercs for the flagships (Cherokee pictured), and to the Bedford CF for the less welltrousered. After the demise of the Bedford, A-T utilised the front-wheel-drive Talbot Express, including those with the extended Al-Ko Kober rear chassis. Seminole was the first production ‘flagship’ model to feature a separate bedroom at the rear, and to offer ‘six-appeal’...thanks to its tandem rear axles.

For many years Auto-Trail’s different models were named after Native American Nations. This was reflected in the design of early logos.

TwO FOR TwENtY-SIX

Currently Auto-Trail has a wide range of motorcaravans available to suit different priorities and budgets. It remains the only volume UK converter to offer an A-Class coachbuilt which is monikered Grande Frontier. One would be forgiven for thinking the other image is of the inside of a coachbuilt...but...it is actually of their V-Line Sport PVC, which swaps the rear doors for a one-piece GRP moulded infill with boot-access. Coachbuilt comfort, but PVC manoeuvrability.

COULdA SHOULdA

Could have been hugely popular…indeed should have been hugely popular…but wasn’t! First-up is my all-time favourite Auto-Trail...the original Tracker built on the (road-hugging) Fiat Scudo Al-Ko. Super clever, but (relatively) expensive to build. Second is the Miami on Renault Master... pictured whilst on full live-in test by the author, twenty years ago. It was very wellreceived. Sadly, problems with the supply of the Renault killed it off prematurely.

GREAT OUTDOORS THE AWAITS

From coastal paths and forest trails to paddleboards and dark skies, Frances and Michael Howorth explore outdoor activities that complement life on the road.

One of the greatest pleasures of motorcaravanning is that every journey comes with a front-row seat to the outdoors. Whether we are parked beside a loch in Scotland, overlooking a Welsh valley, or tucked into a woodland campsite in Devon, we love the fact that the natural world is never far away.

For many of us, our vehicles are more than simply a means of travel. They are our mobile basecamps allowing us to enjoy activities that would otherwise require careful planning, expensive accommodation, or lengthy day trips.

The beauty of outdoor activities is that they can be as energetic or as relaxed as you wish. Some people seek mountain summits and challenging trails. Others are content with a gentle stroll followed by a leisurely barbecue and an evening

under the stars. Fortunately, the British Isles offers opportunities for every taste and every fitness level.

Walking

Walking remains one of Britain’s most popular outdoor pursuits, and it is easy to understand why. It requires little equipment, costs virtually nothing, and rewards participants with access to some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.

Motorcaravanners are particularly well placed to take advantage of Britain’s extensive network of footpaths and trails. National Parks such as the Lake District, Snowdonia, the Peak District and the Cairngorms offer routes ranging from gentle lakeside walks to challenging mountain ascents. Even a short woodland walk can deliver significant benefits. Studies continue to demonstrate the positive effects of spending time among trees, with

improvements in mental wellbeing, stress reduction and cardiovascular health, all linked to regular time spent in natural surroundings.

Our advice is simple. Keep a comfortable pair of walking shoes, waterproof jacket, walking poles and a small daypack permanently stored in the van. That way, whenever a promising path appears, you are ready to explore. We really enjoy using the Trailfinders App on our mobile phones to locate likely paths.

Cycling

Few accessories transform a motorcaravan holiday quite like bike racks and bicycles. Once parked up, bikes allow us to venture further afield and avoid moving our van for short excursions.

Electric bicycles have made cycling more accessible. Hills that once seemed intimidating become manageable, and longer distances

can be covered with ease. Folding e-bikes are particularly popular among motorcaravan owners because they require minimal storage space. But we found they are often not so suitable for cycling off tarmac roads and that is why we stick to our full sized versions.

The Peak District’s trafficfree trails, the Camel Trail in Cornwall and Scotland’s extensive network of cycling routes, all offer excellent opportunities for leisurely exploration. For more adventurous riders, dedicated mountain bike centres such as Glentress and BikePark Wales provide world-class facilities and exhilarating trails.

On the water

Britain’s waterways offer another dimension of outdoor adventure. From the tranquil waters of Lake Windermere to the winding beauty of the River Wye, opportunities for paddling abound. Inflatable standup paddleboards and kayaks have become increasingly popular with motorcaravanners because they pack away neatly when not in use. Modern designs are robust, easy to transport and surprisingly quick to inflate. Stand-up paddleboarding provides a wonderful way to explore sheltered lakes, estuaries and coastlines while improving balance and core strength. Kayaks, meanwhile, allow longer journeys and can carry additional equipment for day trips. Whichever craft you choose, always wear a buoyancy aid, check weather forecasts and remain aware of changing conditions.

In the water

A growing number of people are discovering the pleasures of wild swimming. There is something wonderfully invigorating about slipping into a clear lake, river or sheltered bay after a day spent travelling or hiking. Popular locations include the River Dart in Devon, the Fairy Pools on Skye and the Blue Lagoon in Pembrokeshire.

The rewards are considerable,

Wild swimming in a Scottish loch.

Andy Soloman / Shutterstock.com

Paddleboarding on the River Thames.

Once parked up, bikes allow us to venture further afield.

Adult Only Touring Park – Stretton, Oakham, Rutland

Our 5 star gold site has 40 lakeside hardstanding superior pitches. Excellent for dog walks with a 2 acre fenced dog exercise eld. An award winning pub within walking distance. 8 shing lakes to choose from. 01780 410507

www.strettonlakes.co.uk • info@strettonlakes.co.uk

in the stunning Cairngorms National Park, Dalraddy Holiday Park is the perfect

Just 3 miles from Aviemore Your adventure starts here.

for motorhome adventurers. With spacious hardstanding and grass pitches, electric hook-ups, and modern facilities, our park is a favourite for those touring the Scottish Highlands. But we’re more than just a pitch… Dalraddy sits within the Alvie & Dalraddy Estates, where guests can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities right from the doorstep, including:

• Clay pigeon shooting

• Fishing on Loch Alvie

• Farm & estate tours – meet the animals, watch a sheepdog demo, and discover Highland estate life

• Zip wire through ancient pine forest & gorge walking

• Quad treks across the moor and River Spey

• Archery

• Paintball

• Foraging activities

• Survival skills courses

• Pony trekking with breathtaking views of the Cairngorms

• Deer feeding & photography (winter only)

• Red squirrel photography hide (winter only)

but so are the responsibilities. Water temperatures can remain surprisingly cold, even during summer. Never underestimate the effects of coldwater shock and avoid swimming alone. A warm robe, dry clothing and a cup of tea in the campervan can make all the difference afterwards.

Wildlife on your doorstep

One of the unexpected joys of touring is encountering wildlife. Early mornings and quiet evenings often reveal creatures that remain hidden during the busier hours of the day.

The Scottish Highlands offer opportunities to spot red deer, golden eagles and dolphins. Norfolk’s wetlands attract a variety of birds, while the Pembrokeshire coastline provides sightings of puffins, seals and porpoises.

A decent pair of binoculars, a long lens on the camera together with a little patience, can transform an ordinary stopover into a memorable wildlife encounter.

Star gazing

As darkness falls, another outdoor activity emerges. Many campsites and rural stopovers enjoy skies far darker than those found in towns and cities. On clear nights, countless stars become visible, revealing

occasional meteor shower. Dark Sky locations such as Galloway Forest Park, Northumberland National Park and parts of Snowdonia provide some of the finest stargazing opportunities in Europe.

You need little more than a reclining chair, a blanket and perhaps a warm drink or a wee dram. A pair of binoculars or an entry-level telescope can add another level of enjoyment, but for us simply looking skyward sitting outside our van is often enough.

Open

air cooking

For us, alfresco cooking is very much a favourite activity. There is

preparing a meal outside after a day spent exploring. Whether using our Cobb Gas BBQ, our Blackstone griddle, Snow and Fire firepit or our Coleman portable stove, cooking outdoors transforms even the simplest meal into an occasion. Fresh local produce gathered during the day can quickly become the centrepiece of an al fresco feast. Breakfast cooked outside tastes so much better and the smell of bacon often brings welcome visitors sniffing around our pitch!

Adventure for the energetic Not everyone is as ancient as we are and for those seeking a little more

>>

Red deer in Scotland.

outdoor excitement there are plenty of options.

Rock climbing, mountain biking, coasteering, caving and scuba diving all have enthusiastic followings throughout the UK. Yorkshire’s limestone caves attract cavers from around the world, while the waters surrounding Britain’s coastline offer some of Europe’s most fascinating wreck diving. These activities demand additional training, equipment and preparation, but they provide unforgettable experiences for those willing to take the plunge.

Rallies, shows and social gatherings

Not every outdoor activity needs

to involve hiking boots, paddles or bicycles. One of the great pleasures of our hobby is the social side of the Club we all belong to, and summer is the season when club rallies, and meet-ups come into their own.

Across the country, the Clubs’ regional groups organise rallies in locations ranging from village recreation grounds and country estates, to racecourses and showgrounds. For many members, these events are highlights of the touring calendar. They provide an

opportunity to catch up with old friends, compare vehicles, exchange travel tips and enjoy organised activities ranging from quizzes and barbecues to live entertainment and charity events. Whether you attend a small local gathering or the National Rally, the sense of community is often as rewarding as the destination itself.

Festivals with a front door view

Summer also brings a packed programme of music and food

join the Club at it’s annual National Rally.

Coasteering in Cornwall.

Chris

Hurley Riverside Park

Hurley, Berkshire SL6 5NE • 01628 824493

info@hurleyriversidepark.co.uk

Our family-friendly park sits alongside the River Thames in the picturesque village of Hurley between Henley-on-Thames and Marlow and has been run by four generations of the same family since 1926. We are a Tripadvisor and Campsites.co.uk award-winning park and are ideal for paddleboarding, walking and dog owners.

With the lush green countryside of the Thames Valley all around, red kites circling above and the river traffic gliding past it’s hard to believe we are only an hour outside London and 11 miles from LEGOLAND.

www.hurleyriversidepark.co.uk

DAVE COOPER BIKE RACKS

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festivals and cultural celebrations, many of which welcome those of us with motorcaravans. There is something rather special about walking back to your own comfortable accommodation after an evening of live music, rather than facing a long drive home.

Events such as Glastonbury, the Isle of Wight Festival and the Cambridge Folk Festival attract visitors from across the country. We absolutely love the Battle Proms and make a point of going each year. Countless smaller festivals around the country celebrate everything from jazz and blues to food, cider and local heritage with many providing dedicated camping and motorhome areas.

Open-air concerts are another excellent reason to travel. Historic estates, castles and country parks regularly host performances during the warmer months. We really enjoy spending the evening listening to an orchestra or a tribute band before strolling back to our campervan beneath a star-filled sky.

Traditional County Shows

show. These long-established gatherings combine agriculture, food, crafts, livestock, equestrian events and entertainment into a day out that appeals to all ages.

Summer and early autumn see major events such as the Royal Highland Show, the Three Counties and the New Forest Show drawing thousands of visitors. But beyond the headline attractions, there are hundreds of smaller county and village shows that offer an authentic glimpse into local life. For us, these shows provide an ideal excuse for touring. Many offer dedicated overnight parking, while nearby campsites often become lively social hubs.

Respect our outdoors

Whatever activities you enjoy, remember that we all share responsibility for protecting the places and overnight stopping points we visit. Leave no trace of your presence; take litter

home, respect local communities, stay on designated paths where required and follow any restrictions on overnight parking or wild camping.

Make summertime count

The beauty of life on the road is that adventure begins the moment you open the door. Sometimes the most memorable moments of a summer tour are not found at the summit of a mountain or on a paddleboard in the middle of a lake, but around a rally barbecue, beside a concert stage, or among the livestock rings and exhibition tents of a bustling county show.

With your motorhome or campervan as your basecamp and the British countryside stretching out before you, the only question is where will your next adventure will take you? We know where ours will be, and in a few months’ time, you will read all about it in your copy of the Club magazine.

Enjoy the freedom a motorhome offers while respecting the great outdoors.

Andy Sutherland / Shutterstock.com

Cornwall County Show.

The Cambridge Folk Festival.

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GROUP NEWS & DIARIES

JULY 2026

ANGLIA

Group news coordinator: Jade Soanes

01502 725840 | groupnews@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Post: Motor Caravanner magazine, Countrywide Publications, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH

Deadline: 5th of the month for inclusion in the following month’s magazine

I hope that you managed to get out and about and enjoyed all that sunshine we had at the start of spring. Unfortunately, the rally at Swaffham on 10th July has now been cancelled. This is due to the venue double booking us with a large wedding.

As you are aware Keith, Teresa and Sandra all announced last October that they are stepping down from their roles as Chairman, Rally Officer and Secretary at this year’s AGM. So far no one has come forward or expressed an interest in doing one of these roles. Please consider this, as if no one comes forward Anglia could be in danger of folding. If this is something that you are interested in doing, please feel free to have a chat with one of them to learn more about what each role entails. The committee has agreed to still host our Christmas and New Year’s Eve rallies, and as last year deposits need to be paid now, with full payment due by the end of October. To secure your booking please pay the deposit ASAP.

Upcoming rallies: 2-6 July at British Sugar Sports & Social club, Bury St Edmunds IP32 7BB. Start time 1pm. 24-29 July at Sheringham high school, NR26 8ND. Start time 1pm. 6-10 August at Hallowtree Scout Camp, Ipswich IP10 0JP. Start time 1pm.

CHILTERN

Farmoor, 8-10 May. Thank you to our member Bev for her write-up: Another fantastic Chiltern rally, ably run by Lynn and Glen, at Valley Farm, Farmoor. We luckily had two dry days, which lots of members made the most of on a very sunny Saturday to walk over to the reservoir. Some managed to walk the 4.5 miles around the rim; others did shorter walks, enjoyed the views and the refreshments at the

cafe. Friday evening was a catch up, and Saturday evening was filled by games and a raffle. The rally was attended by 17 vans: of which two were new Chiltern members and a visitor from the Wessex group. 16 Chiltern, one visitor from East Wessex, including three first timers.

National rally. Thank you to Roy for the following write up: For the 2026 event the Council of Management arranged the weather which can be best described as extremely hot! A total of 16 Chiltern vans attended the Statfold Park site located near Tamworth, Staffordshire. This is an excellent site that had the usual line up of fun, games and entertainment in the marquee. For party night royal blue was the colour theme for Chiltern’s table. All attending were encouraged to wear something royal blue and adorn themselves with one of the 34 crowns made by Carole. Yes we competed with other groups to make ourselves conspicuous. A big thank you to everybody who helped us decorate the table, with special thanks to David (insignia and Buckingham Palace) and Chris (motorhome decorated cake). A great night. I am sure the AGM will be covered elsewhere but all those attending will agree it was extremely hot. Throughout the rally members took part in various competitions and quizzes, resulting in three rosettes in the dog show and two in the handicrafts. Well done everybody. All the Chiltern group had a gathering on Monday in the shade where we enjoyed more nibbles and cakes. This will be remembered as an excellently organised rally with great company. It will also be remembered for the extreme heat.

Upcoming rallies: 1-5 July at Home Farm, Stoke Bruerne, NN12 7SY. 16-20 July at West Oxon Steam Fair, OX29 6UU. Booking required. 30 July-2 August at Long Wittenham, OX14 4QJ.

EAST MIDLANDS

The East Midlands area has had a quieter period on the rally front recently, with no rallies of our own to report on due to

members supporting both The National and our invitation to Sheringham, courtesy of the Anglia Group. Although we have not held any local rallies during this period, it has been great to see East Midlands members out and about enjoying events further afield and continuing to support the wider club.

The Sheringham rally was particularly well attended and provided a wonderful opportunity for members to catch up with friends old and new, enjoy the coastal surroundings, and make the most of the excellent hospitality offered by the Anglia Group, to whom we extend our sincere thanks.

As always, the East Midlands committee continues to work behind the scenes planning future events and looking ahead to the rest of the season. We hope to see plenty of familiar faces at upcoming rallies and welcome new members along to join in the fun and friendship that make our club so special. Safe travels to everyone until we meet again on the rally field.

Upcoming rallies: 9-13 July at Rempstone Steam and Country Show LE12 6ST (bookable). 24-28 July at Bakewell Showground DE45 1AH.

EAST WESSEX

For our May meet up we gathered at the Beehive field at Bradford on Avon and welcomed ten units from East Wessex, one from West Country and one from the East Midlands, both first time with us and as always a warm welcome was extended. Larry and Sheila, Dave and Heather were the advance party on this one and soon had the signs and flag flying to guide the other members in. The pods were soon put up which proved a blessing as it started to rain which was very much on and off for the next few days.

Thursday evening was the usual meet and greet and catch up with friends, old and new. Friday came along and most opted to make the most of a dry-ish day into Bradford on Avon, Bath, or the local café by the lock for coffee and cake, oh and of course a spot of watching boats go through the lock with varying levels of ease. The evening came around with all in the pods for more chat, a round of card bingo and the LRC game to much laughter and banter.

Saturday came along with much the same weather and people doing their thing, although this didn’t stop a visit to the Kettlesmith micro brewery for some (which just so happened to be holding its small annual beer festival).

With some leaving us on Sunday morning we decided to bring forward the raffle and plaque presentation along with Larry’s millionaire quiz; the evening soon disappeared. Sunday saw most disappear for the day and lunch in various hostelries followed by a quiet evening with more chat and laughter, always good to see!

Monday come along and with it more trips to town, the café by the lock etc. In the evening we had a Brit quiz by Dave to round off the trip. Tuesday morning saw pack up and say goodbye time and hand the field once again to the next bunch of campers.

A few words from a member who attended the National: The National was really great, so enjoyable, we managed to meet up again with friends from NI it was really good to see them, they were really very friendly and extremely hospitable, the craic was great! The organisation was seamless and no issues with anything and we would love to go next year’s event along with a few more from East Wessex. This will last long in my memory, many thanks to all concerned. Dave and Jan D

Upcoming rallies: 24-26 July at Harting Memorial Field and cricket club GU31 5LU. On B2146 on right just before entering village. 1pm start. 7-10 August at Hayling College, Church Road PO11 0NU. 1pm start. Please book all rallies with Dave Hayward on davehayward56@gmail.com or call 07948 395603 and always check our website for details at www.eastwessex.uk

ESSEX

White Roding, 8-10 May. Another great weekend for Essex group at this very nice venue, including members from Yorkshire and Anglia. A good turn out and the sun shone for our arrival so we all relaxed outside catching up with friends. Friday eve we all met up in the hall for our usual game of bingo and sold raffle tickets for a great selection of prizes organised by Chrissy and John. We also played roll a coin to win a bottle of vodka. The evening went on with a few dancing until bedtime.

Saturday most strolled along to the local garden centre/ restaurant for breakfast or lunch which had a varied menu for all. The afternoon was again relaxing in the sun until the very productive evening which included an entertaining game of scattergories by Malcolm, a lovely selection of cheese/meats biscuits etc organised by Chrissy and helpers. We drew the raffle then played Chrissy’s 50p game which was tense but great fun and only one lucky winner, Sue R, who has been lucky enough to win this game before. Sue won the grand sum of £60 which certainly put a smile on her face. The evening passed with people having a dance to Nick’s playlist until late.

Sunday morning was teas/coffees and toast along with our vice chair chat. Sue R

Upcoming rallies: 17-19 July at Clare Priory, Clare, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 8NX. Start time 2pm. Please note both of these rallies are bookable. To book please contact our rally officer Sharon Blowers on 07795 165562.

ISLE OF WIGHT

Now back from the National Rally which was brilliant with glorious weather. Our rally at Comforts Farm was well attended and it was good to meet new members. The site had full facilities. We had some challenging quizzes provided by Teresa and Martin, our rally hosts. The weather was mixed but Saturday was a very rainy day and we now have webbed feet. Saturday afternoon Teresa did a craft session

with some of the ladies in the event shelter. Accompanied by lots of laughter they made some very nice felted fairies. A lot of cake was eaten at this rally as it was one of the member’s birthday.

Our rally programme is on our website www.mcciow.com and all rallies are bookable. Contact our rally officer Andrew at cherylclapp@hotmail.co.uk.

Upcoming rallies: 3-5 July at The Old Barn PO36 9PJ. 17-19 July at Rodgebrook Farm PO30 4LH. 31 July-2 August at Whippance Farm PO31 8NE.

KENT

Wow what a wonderful National we had, 19 vans joined us in supporting Kent. We marched in on party night in our ‘Team Kent’ lilac T shirts, whistles blowing as hard as we could. From playing rugby on the dance floor then onto winning trophies. The weather was great, perhaps a bit too hot for some, but none the less no rain. Sharon and Steve won the Boules cup, a first for Kent in many years and then to add to that we were runners up in the quiz, thanks to Lorna, Adam, Sharon and Steve. Our new member Theresa won the parchment craft competition and what a win for Bella the Cocker Spaniel, a first and two seconds. Jo and Tony were so proud.

Quite a few of us visited the Steam Rally in the neighbouring Staffold Country Park and had a ride on the steam train, or the electric one which was slightly faster. With a game of crazy golf and a visit to the amusement park many enjoyed the day. Others decided to take avantage of the trip into Tamworth and as in true Kent style popped into Wetherspoons and had a cold beverage. All in all a very good time was had, as normal we stayed hydrated, not necessarily with water.

9-12 July at Headcorn Aerodrome, Shenley Road, Headcorn, TN27 9HX. There’s always plenty going on at Headcorn Aerodrome; including vintage plane flights, aerobatics, parachutes and wing walking. There is an on-site café and licensed bar / restaurant. Hosts Gill and Ken Smith. The theme for the weekend is the 80s, so start thinking about your costumes! Start time 12 noon.

23-26 July at Slough Fort, The Brimp, Allhallows, ME3 9QD. Victorian Fort overlooking the Thames at Allhallows. We will have access to the neighbouring Haven Holiday Park with its Wetherspoons pub! Start time 2pm.

Please note that we have been cordially invited to join the Motorcycle Group at their rally at Cottington Lakes, Sandwich Road, Deal, CT14 0AR from 5-10 August. Please book with Steve Louch, Rally Officer for Motorcycle Group on 07519 349129 if you would like to attend.

27-31 August at Hampton Bay Park, Whitstable Road, Herne Bay, CT6 8BL. A small private campsite on the coast between Tankerton and Herne Bay. Close to the beach. Onsite clubhouse and café. Buses into Whitstable and Herne Bay. Start time 2pm. Please contact Sharon on kent@ themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk for any bookable rallies.

LANCASHIRE

Halsall School Rally – May Bank Holiday Weekend. The Lancashire Group had just one rally during May, but what a rally it turned out to be! Held over the May Bank Holiday weekend at Halsall School and hosted by the committee, there were 20 vans in total – 19 from Lancashire and one from NWM&NW. By the time the weekend was over, everyone agreed that it was a fantastic rally and we had well and truly smashed it!

Friday evening was our traditional “free and easy” gettogether, we paid our rally fees and quickly got down to the business of buying bingo tickets, raffle tickets, and the bonus ball. The evening’s entertainment began with bingo, expertly hosted by Allan, this was followed by a quiz, with teams putting their collective brain power or not to the test. Music was provided as always by Jimmy. It was a relaxed and enjoyable evening, giving everyone the chance to catch up with friends old and new and ease themselves into what promised to be a fantastic weekend.

Saturday afternoon saw members gathering in the hall for games. In the evening, we enjoyed a magnificent Jacob’s Join supper. The effort put in by everyone was truly outstanding. Members arrived carrying dishes of every description, and before long the tables were groaning under the weight of an incredible buffet. There was enough food to feed a small army. The evening then continued with our VE Day celebrations. The hall was filled with nostalgic music and we all joined in with a good old-fashioned sing-along.

Sunday morning began on a slightly more peaceful note with tai chi, led by Janet and Stephen. This was followed by a craft session with Ann.

At 2:30pm everyone gathered in the hall for what became one of the highlights of the weekend. Allan formally introduced the now legendary “Wafty Spankers”, a Morris dancing troupe with a very definite twist. Armed with bells, sticks, wellies and a great deal of courage, the group had been given only 30 minutes to rehearse. Despite this – or perhaps because of it – they delivered a performance that had everyone in stitches. The combination of enthusiastic dancing, questionable coordination and sheer determination made for a truly unforgettable spectacle.

Fresh back from her holiday, Carol returned full of energy and in fantastic form. She organised an evening packed with games, quizzes and entertainment that kept everyone thoroughly amused. There was a series of performances from members of the group who bravely stepped up to the microphone to serenade the audience. Performers included Carol herself, Bill Walsh, David Meacock, Pam Davies, Howard Ashton-Smith and Eddie Garside ‘who knew none of the words to his song’.

Meanwhile, Jimmy provided the musical accompaniment throughout the evening, helping to create a brilliant atmosphere. There was laughter, singing, friendly banter and more than a few moments that are probably best left

undocumented! The evening finished with ‘Best of Friends’. Quite simply, it was one of those evenings where you really had to be there to appreciate just how much fun everyone had.

Monday coffee morning, the group gathered in the hall for coffee and a final catch-up before the raffle and bonus ball winners were announced. David the chairman wished us a safe journey home. Scribe Deena

Upcoming rallies: 10-12 July at Aspull Rugby Club WN12 1PJ. 23-26 July at Cononley BD20 8LX. 6-9 August at Pinfold Camping PR3 OTR There is a big car boot Sat/Sun. 26 August-1 September at AKS Lytham St Annes.

MOTORCYCLE

The Yorkshire rally continued at Drax for the second part of our 10 days away together. Twenty vans parked up on the field at the Drax Sports & Social Club. Some members have left us and new ones have joined. We had a welcome meeting in hall that evening. Our stewards were Jane/ Sean and Sandra/Tony. We had the use of a meeting room, showers and toilets for the next five days.

Next day Martin led a 70 mile ride out around the area. We had a stop off at Gearchange Clothing at Scunthorpe where a few of the riders had to buy some ‘inner gloves’, as the riding temperature was a bit chilly. Then we sped off over the Humber Bridge (see photo) and ended at the Zoom Cafe for lunch. We travelled along flat straight roads into Lincolnshire then back over into Yorkshire. We could see for miles. That evening we gathered in the hall for games. Martin led the second ride out the next day to Squires Cafe. Unfortunately Nick and Lyn had a puncture. A couple of the group went to assist and plug the hole and they got back to site safely. We then rode onto Squires for lunch. Another good day riding along some lovely country lanes. We gathered together that afternoon for outdoor games with the stewards.

On Saturday Martin led a few of the group for breakfast at Seaway’s Biker Cafe. Neil and Wendy led the group over

to Wandahome Motorhomes at South Cave so Martin could get a flap for his broken toilet. The rest of the group looked round too. Then we were led back to site by Neil and Wendy. We all left on Sunday, looking forward to our next meeting.

Upcoming rallies: 1-6 July at Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP (bookable.) 6-11 July at Casthorpe House Farm, Grantham. NG32 1DS. Further details can be found on our MCG website.

NENE VALLEY

Kineton Sports and Social Club. A big thank you to Adie and Gill for standing in to arrive early to meet and greet and park the vans up; a great job they did as well! A disappointing turn out from Nene Valley members at this new venue for us, courtesy of Severn Valley Group. Those that did attend thoroughly enjoyed ourselves with fine, sunny weather which allowed us to sit outside our vans and admire the lovely countryside setting. We also had the free use of heated showers and toilets. A short walk into the pretty town found it a vibrant and welcoming community with a Farmer’s Market on Saturday together with Morris dancers performing. In the evenings, we met in the friendly social club where we were served drinks at discounted pricing as ‘campers’ (every little helps they say). The grounds around the site were well used and busy all weekend, with football, bowls and cricket matches involving not only adults but youngsters. On Saturday evening the local fish and chip shop delivered fish and chips to those that wanted to partake. Hopefully, if we can book it for next year we can attract more members to attend.

63rd National Rally, Statfold Country Park. We had 10 vans at this years’ National, with three ‘first-timers’, Ian and Susan, Martin and Elaine and David and Janet, with one van joining us from Northern Counties and one from Anglia. I hope you enjoyed your time with us, and that we see you again at our meets. It was nice to see John and Ann back into the fold after a long absence. The weather and venue were superb, and I don’t think I have attended a happier >>

National. Even the AGM was the shortest on record, with no questions or criticism of CoM at all. Was it that everyone was trying to escape the heat of the marquee, or that CoM and all their ‘elves’ had done such a superb job of organising this year’s National? I think it was the latter, so well done to you all for your hard work!

Party Night we were given the rather drab colour of silver grey, so we dressed as mice, and had a Mad Mouse Tea Party with plenty of cheese and other nibbles. Some made use of the free buses into Tamworth, whilst others savoured the interesting narrow gauge museum on site, or took a train ride. Most evenings it was so warm in the marquee , that we sat outside listening to the live music, supporting Alan’s bar and snack trailer. At the closing ceremony David and Janet kindly ‘ volunteered ‘ to carry our precious Nene Valley banner. Monday evening we gathered around Paul’s van where his secret wine store was eagerly consumed. John showed us pictures he was capturing of the sun, moon and planets, and we chatted until late. Hopefully more from our group will be encouraged to join us in 2027! PAT

Upcoming rallies: 16-24 July at Reydon Community Centre, IP18 6PA. Cost £14pupn, bookable. 24-29 July at Homestead Lake, Weeley, Clacton, CO16 9JN. Cost £13pupn. Bookable 14-19 August at Home Farm Campsite, Stoke Bruerne, NN12 2SY. Cost £15 pupn. Bookable. For booking details please see www.nenevalleymcc.co.uk.

NORTHERN COUNTIES

Hopper House Rally. Hosts Doug and Jill Wardle. This was our very first time at this new venue and we had a total of 19 vans, all Northern Counties members. Hopper House Farm is a working dairy farm with its own microbrewery and taproom which we had exclusive use of. There were tours showing us around the farm and the robot milking machines and other robots were fascinating. Of course, having access to the microbrewery and taproom went down extremely well, as did the range of real ales brewed on the

farm. The weather held fair until Saturday night and Sunday but brightened up again on Monday. Our hosts worked extremely hard all weekend, what with running the farm tours and serving behind the bar as well as the usual host duties so a big thank you to all from Spittal Farm.

Kendal. Hosts Doug and Jill Wardle. We had 22 vans over the weekend and everyone got a warm welcome from Jill and Doug, the attendance included one from SWP, one from Anglia, six from Lancashire and two from Yorkshire so a good geographic spread. Our friends from Lancashire had a great set up so that we could all celebrate VE Day. The weather was good (for the Lake District!) and entertainment included a couple of quizzes. We also had an emergency water repair to one van. We then opened the world’s smallest bar, the proprietors (Jill and Doug) serving free beer, which was kindly donated by Hopper House Brew Farm from our previous rally site.

Braithwaite. Hosts Jill and Tony Carson. Thanks to first time hosts Jill and Tony Carson, and Paul Brack with help from Pam and Dave Brack. The first couple of days were free and easy and people enjoyed the weather. On Friday night we had the room, Tony and Jill put on some very difficult quizzes! Then there was bingo! Jill was chief bingo machine operator, and Tony was chief bingo caller! Tony did a great job of calling, Just don’t ask what 8 and 6 is as he will tell you it’s 88!

On Saturday most ventured into Keswick, the Keswick festival was on so the town was very busy! The weather was kind on the whole. On Saturday night we had live entertainment from Rue! Those of a certain age may remember him from Rue and the Rockets! He had us all up dancing and laughing to his banter!

Sunday was free and easy, and we all headed off on Monday after a great weekend.

National & AGM. Hosts Mark and Sue Lang. The actual AGM was probably the quickest on record and passed with no contentious items. The members’ meeting followed with the main discussion on where to hold future meetings for

the AGM. Mark and Sue organised us all and the fun began with a drinks early evening soiree, then off to the party evening, sadly due to a technicality, we managed to get disqualified from the table competition, but undaunted we carried on and injected the Northern Counties party spirit. Michael Davidson

N. IRELAND

Regents House School, 27-29 March. Hosted by David and Elena McFadden, co-hosted by Willie and Sylvia McBride. A total of 31 vans attended. On Friday night members met in the hall for a get together and a few games of bingo. Background music was played by Albert.

Saturday morning a general meeting was held. Members were asked to discuss and vote on various proposals that had been raised. Our thanks to Selma and the team for supplying the scones, tea and coffee afterwards.

The town centre is a short walk away with a local Saturday market, plenty of shops and bars. On Saturday our live musician for the night was Dave Kane. Many thanks to Dave for an excellent night of music. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

Sunday morning coffee morning, chairman Sam thanked everyone for attending. He thanked Lynette and Norman for gifting the club a nice box for holding the raffle draw tickets. Sheila Beattie was congratulated on her new van. We also welcomed two new members, Clifford and Wendy Ross. Sam also informed members that at the next rally a meeting will be held to give advice and training to future rally hosts. David thanked everyone for what was a very enjoyable weekend, stating the success of any rally is down to the members. The hosts were applauded. The Number Plate draw was won by Mervyn Ross and Willie McBride.

Many thanks go out to our committee for the tremendous amount of work that they put in, this goes a long way to making our rallies a success. David McFadden

The Easter weekend was a vibrant mix of outdoor adventure and community spirit, centred around our motorhome base in Enniskillen. Despite the unpredictable spring weather, the group’s energy remained high.

Friday night was time to meet up with everyone again and with 35 vans there was plenty of chat, along with a game of bingo from Brian and background music from Albert.

Saturday morning began with a craft session where members designed personalised Easter bonnets and decorated pictures. These were all independently judged by a member not in attendance and the winners announced as 1st Jacqueline, 2nd Sam, and 3rd Janet. The picture winners went to Ariana and Joan. Each one deserved the large Easter egg given to them.

Saturday afternoon featured a lively line dancing session. In the evening the hall was full as we were entertained by Dave, he was impressed by the members who showed off all their new line dancing skills!

A professional Tropic pamper morning was held on

Sunday led by Alex and Joy. Members who attended were spoilt and left totally refreshed. Alex kindly donated £100 to the Chairman’s charity. Alex also had a raffle with the prizes going to Janet, Ken and Selma.

An Easter egg hunt for children took place. Well done to Emily and Ariana who won.

Sunday afternoon vouchers were given to each motorhome to use at the chippy van. This was by way of saying “thank you” to loyal members.

Easter Monday a few members left for other commitments while others took the opportunity to complete the walking quiz around Enniskillen, which was composed by Lynsey Coalter. Congratulations to Eric who won and received a large bottle of wine.

Monday evening our Chairman Sam hosted a game of Play your cards right in the style of Bruce Forsythe, he had the room full of laughter, it concluded with three worthy winners.

Tuesday morning, we had a coffee morning. Our chairman welcomed new members Janet and George Purcell and Ann and Roy Harper. He congratulated Selma and Elmer McMullan on their 55th wedding anniversary. The number plate draw was won by Ken Little and Selma and Elmer McMullan.

This was a memorable rally, full of fun and laughter. Thank you to all who contributed. Jacqueline Hutchison

NWM&NW

A superb turnout marked the pre-National Rally in Shrewsbury, with 64 motorhomes representing 14 groups travelling from every corner of the UK to join the event.

The weekend began with an evening social of bingo, expertly hosted by Ian and Martin, followed by Martin’s Music Quiz. With the room on the chilly side, only a few hardy souls braved the dance floor, but spirits remained high.

Saturday saw most ralliers strolling into the beautiful town of Shrewsbury, enjoying its cafés, pubs (including two Wetherspoons), independent shops and historic streets.

Meanwhile, Martin and Ian spent the morning on a mission to secure extra heaters – Toolstation to the rescue –to keep everyone warm for the evening entertainment.

That night, the UK’s No.1 Neil Diamond tribute act took to the stage, with a lively game of Take Your Pick during the interval and a £40 jackpot up for grabs. The performance proved a hit, with the dance floor full until late.

Sunday began bright and early with a well-supported car boot sale, where plenty of bargains changed hands.

In the evening, Dennis and Ann’s Beetle Drive brought lots of laughter – once everyone finally got the hang of the rules.

Monday’s entertainment brought unexpected drama when the booked performer accidentally travelled to the wrong venue – an hour away. Thankfully, Jane Arndt from East Midlands stepped up without hesitation, taking the microphone and keeping the room entertained until Monty Scott eventually arrived. Jane received well-earned applause for saving the night, and Monty soon had everyone dancing. >>

GROUP

For the next two evenings, Dennis and Ann kept the rally buzzing with their quizzes and bingo, with the royal bingo proving especially popular.

A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who helped throughout the rally – parking vans, setting up the room, selling bingo and raffle tickets, and supporting the committee in countless ways. Your efforts made the rally the success it was.

Upcoming rallies: 7-10 July at Y Giler Arms. 10-15 July at Cae Clyd Campsite (change of venue). 15-20 July at Bala Rugby Club.

SCOTTISH

Hello fellow members, I hope you have all enjoyed the late spring heatwave. Our meet at Drumnadrochit had a turn out of eleven Scottish vans, one from Anglia and another from NWM&NW. This was our first visit to this site and proved a great success with calls to repeat it next year. The owner went out of her way to accommodate us and make us welcome. For example, she decorated their garage for social gatherings which was a pleasant change. By that I mean table and chairs were provided and she appeared each day around 5pm and lit the wood burning stove. The atmosphere was very pleasant as was the company present. On Saturday night she collected a Chinese takeaway for those members who had ordered. Drumnadrochit was visited by members as it was a 20-minute walk from the site. A quaint Scottish village with a nice café near the green which had a craft fair on it.

A stopover site was booked for members needing a break at Eweswater Caravan park, on their way to the National at Tamworth. Five members took advantage of this welcome break for a £5 reduction on current rates, full facilities were available. All members walked to Langholm in the evening for a soft drink (hmmm), in a local hotel.

Next stop was the National at Tamworth; some 430 vans were booked to attend. In the Scottish Group area, we had nine Scottish members and two from Northern Counties. The weather was very good for the duration, and it was held in a country park, within walking distance of Tamworth. Scottish Group members did exceptionally well in the Homecraft entries. Our group entry got a special commendation award; photography section we received 1st, 2nd and 3rd. An entry in jam came 1st, 2nd place for baking a cake and 3rd for babies blanket and chutney. To my knowledge this must be the best the Scottish Group have achieved in a very long time. Congratulations to all the hard work to those who participated, too many to mention. Numerous photographs are available on the group website.

Our next rally will be held at Lochore Meadows in Fife from the 17-20 July. This meet will be in a country park, with fresh water and elsan disposal. The cost of this rally is £14pupn some sites are available with EHU at an extra £6 pn plus the normal rally fee of £1 per adult. Perth Caravan Park rally runs from 31 July-3 August at £25 pupn, extra

charge for EHU, plus rally fee of £1 per adult, booking required for both rallies. Full site facilities, bus stop nearby, driving range, indoor bowling, cart track and café all close to Caravan Park. That’s all for now folks. Regards, Squeezebox

SEVERN VALLEY

Lechlade Vintage Car and Mini Steam Rally. Hi fellow members, we had a great long weekend at Lechlade, with 24 vans in total attending: 19 Severn Valley, three S&W Wales, including 9-year-old Leah who came with her nan Alison, one Chiltern and one Sussex. Facilities on site were temporary chemical toilets and an elsan point.

Most vans arrived on Thursday and Friday in a steady stream before the show opened on Saturday morning. Thursday was beautifully warm and sunny but windy to begin with, settling down in the afternoon and evening. We erected a marquee with the help of several members who mucked in just in case of bad weather. At 7pm we had our meet and greet followed by bingo under the marquee, then becoming chilly everyone retired to their vans.

Friday began very sunny reaching 24 degrees, members had the opportunity to play games in the afternoon provided by Chairman Phil, which Leah was delighted to use. Late afternoon the wind strengthened and clouds darkened but luckily, we didn’t see any rain and again we had a few games of bingo.

Exhibitors were arriving for the show on Saturday and began putting up their stalls. Most vans stayed for four nights with some only staying for three, only one van stayed for the whole five nights. Lots of aircraft were flying over us on Friday night with planes going to or coming from Brize Norton and Fairford.

Saturday started off calm and sunny, the show opened at 10am with exhibitors showing off American military motorbikes and vehicles, classic vintage cars and mini steam engines alongside various trade stands ranging from selling handmade bespoke pottery, homemade cakes, old car parts etc. A craft tent sold various items of knitwear, jewellery, >>

Scottish Group

hats etc. There were also a variety of food and drink stands, a mini fairground with bouncy castle and of course couldn’t resist an ice cream. A dog show was held in the morning with every dog winning a prize. Raffle tickets were sold from the show in aid of various charities with a prize draw later in the afternoon. In the beer tent a ukulele band was playing and singing, unfortunately by 5pm the heavens opened and the rain got heavier and heavier forcing members to retire to their vans again.

Sunday coffee morning started off by our chairman thanking everyone for coming. He also thanked Gail, Steve, Andrea and Mick for booking in and parking, Jan and Anne for helping out at the bingo and selling raffle tickets. Prizes were given for winning a line or full house on the bingo. Chair then handed over to Jan to call out the raffle; various prizes were won including a free rally voucher. Phil greeted two new members, Tony and Teresa Sewell and Brian and Lorraine Lynch, presenting them with a Severn valley key ring. He mentioned our Severn Valley WhatsApp members group, those wishing to join can see Phil for the number.

Phil wished everyone leaving a safe journey. Monday there were a few vans left to look around the showground before leaving.

S&W WALES

Hi everyone, just wondering when summer will finally arrive. The weather has been so changeable at present. However, 30 April-4 May saw the group at Sully Sports Club, again, the weather was interchangeable. The hosts were Andy, Vicky and first time hosts Alan and Jane. They parked up 46 vans including theirs, well done all. First timers to the group were Mr and Mrs Meredith, and we had four visitor vans from Severn Valley.

Members went out on the local bus service to Barry Island, Penarth and surounding areas. The Bowls Club put on a Gary Barlow tribute act on Saturday night and a lot of the club were in attendance. Steve and Ann Sturgess won on the raffle run by the Bowls Club, their rewards were a bottle of wine and tickets to the Hawaiian night in a few weeks... (applause from all).

There was supposed to be a May Day car boot on the Sunday but as it was predicted that adverse weather was on the way (which didn’t arrive) it was cancelled. A lot of planning and income by all parties was lost because of this. Better safe than sorry?

At the Sunday coffee morning Sue and John Bollen won the lucky van. Sue and Keith Howard gave their rally talk and thanked all for attending, and the hosts for a well run rally.

National Rally AGM, 21-26 May. What a cracking weekend and it was really, really hot. 28 vans were parked up by our hosts Elizabeth and Colin Davies, 15 were first timers to the National. First timers with the group were Gaynor & John Clifford. We had quite a few members who entered into various competitions and were successful: Bara Brith 1st Carol Clayton, 2nd Colin Davies. Felting 1st Lisa Thomson,

2nd Gaynor Clifford. Sammy Snail 3rd Liyah Rae milk bottle & patchwork Elmer the elephant. Dog comp Best in Show and category was Lily, border collie belonging to Heather and Alan Owens.

Thanks to CoM for supplying gluten free scones, fresh clotted cream and jam for all to enjoy. A special thanks goes to Colin from the Scottish family for arranging a train ride for their son Lachlan (unfortunately he didn’t want to get off).Thank you to all those who joined us from other groups, we hope to see you all again. Barrie A Lewis BEM

Upcoming rallies: 2-6 July at Aberaeron Rugby Club SA46 0JR. Arrive after 1pm. 23-26 July at Hereford Rowing Club, Greyfriars Ave HR4 0BE. Arrive after 1pm. Bookable. For all bookable rallies please contact the Rally Officer Keith Howard on 07791 524227 or keithjhoward17@gmail.com.

SWP

I cannot believe that I am writing this in May for the July magazine, where is this year going. However, I am enjoying the unusual bank holiday hot weather. Only one rally to report on this time, and it is always a popular rally and venue, the hosts Sally and Ian work really hard to make it a huge success. Please see the report from Sally below.

It was a pleasure to welcome 29 vans to our 12th Little Winnick Rally on 14-18 May (25 SWP, three West Country and one West Wessex).

The forecast was worrying but we were able to put on all of our planned events in dry weather, dodging the showers and downpours! Most of us sat out together on Friday evening to have a drink, chat and enjoy the fish and chips from the mobile van.

Saturday afternoon was dry too and we had a lovely few hours listening to Off the Hook, a great local duo. Thanks to Matt and Les for manning their BBQs and helping Ian cook 120 sausages from Cornwall’s family butcher in St Austell, also thanks to Jean and Ann for sorting out serving up!

Luckily our erection team had kindly put up three Coleman shelters so when the rain did fall later on quite a few of us carried on the evening out of the rain.

After the Sunday coffee morning, raffle, quiz results and chat quite a few of us found different venues for Sunday lunch. Little Winnick is a great rally venue as it offers so many different walks along the river, coast path and local area as well as a bus into Mevagissey and St Austell, so hopefully something for everyone. We think everyone enjoyed a really good, fun rally. Hope to see you all soon. Sally and Ian

Upcoming rallies: 9-13 July at Bossiney Tintagel PL34 0AY. No EHU – water and emptying. 30 July-3 August at Veryan Country Fayre, Veryan Sports & Social Club, Elerkey Lane TR2 5UW (booking is required due to limited pitches. Booking info on Fb page nearer the date). Emptying and water. 7-10 August at Boconnoc, Lostwithiel PL22 0RG. Steam Fair – no EHU.

SUSSEX

Well, what a National we had. Although there were only five vans from Sussex, we did have fun. We had two new member couples join us. Over the weekend as the weather was so good many sat outside to listen to the five great bands who played. We were also well fed by Lawsons Food Wagon and had plenty of choice at the well stocked bar. The AGM and members’ meeting was short and sweet as it was very hot in the marquee. Overall a great National. The past couple of months have had the new committee appointed at the EGM in April very busy confirming the existing rallies booked for 2026 and working on the 2027 programme. We are also in the process of compiling a new website as well as advertising the rallies in the usual way on Facebook, but also in meetsandrallies.co.uk.

The weather has again been mixed during June, but Clive and Jo hosted a great rally at Hurst Green and put on various kinds of entertainment enjoyed by all. We also held our Sussex members’ meeting during the rally and the committee will discuss all the ideas put forward.

Upcoming rallies: 16-21 July at Lavender Line, Isfield, near Uckfield TN22 5XB. 14-16 August at South Harting Horticultural Show, GU31 5LN.

WEST COUNTRY

Warcombe Farm Rally was attended by 21 vans, 19 West Country, one Severn Valley and one from SWP. We had quite a few members it was their first rally with us. Weather was very windy, cold with some very heavy showers, but that did not deter members from catching the bus at the main entrance going to Ilfracombe, Woolacombe and Barnstaple. Some even ventured to Combe Martin, Bideford and Westward Ho. We had the marquee every day so on Wednesday we held the meet and greet with afternoon tea; Thursday was quiz night, we had a picture

quiz then a general knowledge and then and now, which was won by Jane Smart from Severn Valley. Friday was our fish and chip night which everyone thoroughly enjoyed, thanks to Lynn Bay chip shop who delivered to us, then we had bingo. Saturday was a cheese and wine evening followed by our raffle. We would like to thank every member who attended and made the rally a great success.

Fourteen units attended the National Rally and members achieved success in the homecraft, dog show and the quiz (we came third). I hope that all enjoyed the weekend.

WEST WESSEX

Dawn and Ali arrived at the Abbey Hill Steam Fair on Wednesday evening in glorious sunshine, quickly setting up before meeting the marshals and marking out the MCC parking area. By Thursday the field was steadily filling, not only with our members but with visitors arriving for the rally. Throughout the day, the soundtrack of the show was heard – heavy trucks rumbling, steam engines chugging, and machinery manoeuvring towards the arena. By 6pm every MCC van was settled, enjoying the evening sun.

Friday brought another bright start, and by mid-morning the PA announced the opening of the show and bar. Members wandered through rows of stalls selling bric-a-brac. The displays were impressive: more than 100 vintage motorbikes, 200 tractors, and around 150 steam engines of all shapes and sizes, with various model aircraft, military trucks and tanks – some radio-controlled and demonstrated.

As evening fell, the bar marquee had live music that carried on late into the night. It was especially heartening to see so many young farmers driving their families’ steam engines around the arena. Our members enjoyed full access to the showground all weekend, including evening entertainment.

On Saturday, the rain settled in for the afternoon. Many took shelter in the bar marquee, while Ali discovered the refuge of Yeovil RFC’s bar, conveniently open all weekend. The highlight of the rally was when more than 100 steam engines paraded around the arena, accompanied by smaller-scale replicas alongside them. A superb weekend was enjoyed, vans from Kent (3), West Country (2), Severn Valley (2), Chiltern (1), West Wessex (17), certainly an event we may see on the calendar again next year.

Despite being held a month earlier than usual, the Bridport rally still attracted an impressive 38 vans (WW 21, Anglia 1, West Country 9, SWP 1, Anglia 1, S&WW 1, SV 3, Essex 1) – testament to its enduring popularity and its proximity to so many local attractions. The weather was kinder than expected, if a little cooler than in previous years, and the club once again was available where our traditional Skittles Challenge took place. This year’s competition was a nail-biter, coming down to a tense final between Tony Guidi (West County) and Steve Knight (West Wessex). After a spirited battle, Tony claimed the trophy. Thursday evening ralliers enjoyed fish and chips delivered fresh from West Bay.

Sussex Group

Another successful rally with hosts Judy, Roy, Babs and Dick looking forward to welcoming everyone back next year. Chris and Margaret welcomed 23 Wessex vans (plus sunshine) to the National and thank everyone for making their hosting so enjoyable. Photos of some couples in their purple outfits plus more are now on Facebook. Fun fact –purple represents wealth and bravery.

Upcoming rallies: 16-20 July at Wareham RFC, BH20 4HY. Sandra and Dean 07507 673712. 13-17 August at St Michaels School Cole Hill, Wimborne BH21 7AB (charity weekend). Gill and Andy 07746 058606. 27-31 August at Beehive Field, BA15 1UA. Sue and Chum 07706 402880. 9-16 September at Abingdon Vale CC, OX14 3HP. Robert and Ann 07774 674507. 24-28 September at Frome CC, BA11 2AH. Judy and Roy 07831 420815.

YORKSHIRE

Pickering Recreation Ground. The hosts were Steve and Caroline Joyce, assisted by Gill and Steve Aggett with the parking up and booking in. Because of limited space 30 vans were booked in and all arrived on the Friday ready for a 4 night rally. The breakdown of vans was 24 from Yorkshire, 2 East Midlands, 3 Northern Counties and 1 from West Wessex being a first timer with the Yorkshire Group.

We had use of the room on Friday, Saturday and Monday. Friday was an evening of dingbats, music quiz and quite a difficult but enjoyable quiz.

Saturday morning about a dozen members went on a walk organised and led by Malcolm Collins – stopping at the lovely cake café and of course, ending in the The Rose. The weather was kind to us.

Saturday night again was well attended and bingo, dingbats and quizzes were enjoyed. Sunday night was the quiz held by the recreation ground and a few members

participated but unfortunately no winners from our lot but a good amount of money was raised for the cricket team to buy new equipment.

Monday was coffee morning with biscuits – again the weather was kind to us. Monday afternoon another walk attended by a few members – unfortunately the café was closed but fortunately the pub wasn’t. Monday was a quiet evening with a music quiz and dingbats.

Derwent Arms rally. Attended by 7 Yorkshire vans, 2 Northern Counties and 1 East Midlands. We had a welcome meeting on the Friday afternoon, highlighting all the places to go and places to see, and the various travel options. Members were also offered a 10% voucher for dining in the pub. Friday night was curry night in the pub, followed by karaoke... not sure anyone will be moving on to a career in the pop industry.

On Saturday nearly all went into York, many walking or cycling the 2 miles or so on the foot/cycle path. There were also some attending at the local brewery. On Saturday night it was steak night, followed by entertainment from a local singer, Finley, who has just recently appeared in Britain’s Got Tallent on the TV, and managed to reach the semi-finals.

On Sunday some went home; the rest either went into York again, or for a walk around the local lake. A Sunday Roast in the pub was also a favourite. Thanks to hosts Bob and Lesley.

The last weekend of the month was our club’s National rally at Tamworth. The Yorkshire marshalls were Bob Muskett, Malcolm Core and Mike Jakeman. There were 30 vans parked in the Yorkshire area, which included 5 from Lancaster, 1 from Severn Valley and 1 from East Midlands. There was live entertainment each evening and several other activities to participate in.

Yorkshire won the best decorated table trophy as well as getting 2nd in the dog show, Carol had a highly commended in the knitting craft category and a couple of members won prizes in the big raffle. It was a great rally enjoyed by all. Many thanks to the team who worked hard all weekend and who organised the rally for our enjoyment.

West Wessex Group

Yorkshire Group

Campsite Directory

Camping Los Gallardos

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

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

• Family run, category 2 peaceful, community campsite in the south of Spain - near Mojácar

• Bowling greens

• Busy bar, restaurant & shop

• Full services (Inc: UKTV hookup & much more)

• Full service pitches available

+ (34) 950 528 324 www.campinglosgallardos.com

Family-run park overlooking Port-Eynon Bay. Pitches for motorcaravans, tourers and glamping pods, as well as self-catering bungalows. Within walking-distance of the beach. Clubhouse with licensed bar, serving meals. WiFi. Grocery shop & laundrette. Outdoor heated swimming pool. Children’s play area. Tennis court. Booking advised for bank/school holidays. Open 1st March until New Years Day.

Head to Leobay for a peaceful break by the sea. Enjoy stunning harbour views, heated showers, cosy facilities, and your own garden space. Open all year and dog friendly. If your motorhome needs a little care, our on-site workshop with fully trained engineer offers repairs and fittings. 07899 927467 steve.leobay@gmail.com www.leobay.co.uk

The very best in facilities:

7 hardstanding pitches • Can now take up to 3 RVs • Families welcome • 26 level pitches on 2 acres • Seasonal pitches for £2,000 • Family-run

• Quiet and secluded • A sun-trapped valley in the heart of ‘1066’ country • Easy access to beach and historical sites • Residential homes for sale

Covid pro fog sterilise machine now installed to keep all our facilities clean and sterilised

Meadowview Park, Crazy Lane, Sedlescombe, Battle, East Sussex TN33 0QT T: 01424 870147

* Over 700 five-star reviews on Google * Wildlife and sea views from every pitch Restaurant, shop, WiFi, EV charging, laundry, dog

and dog wash station

www.portnangael.co.uk 01681 778 158

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WEST

SAIL, STAY AND EXPLORE

Frances and Michael Howorth enjoy a tour of the islands in the Bailiwick of Guernsey and discover it offers a genuine escape from the ordinary.

There is a moment, somewhere between the ferry slipping away from home shores and the first sight of the destination’s coastline, when a road trip stops feeling like logistics and starts feeling like escape. For us on this trip, that moment comes with a caveat. The Channel Islands are not simply another dot on a map of touring destinations; they are islands that politely, firmly, insist you do things their way. But once you accept that, they reward you in full. When we began to plan our trip to the islands, the authorities in Jersey made it clear that they were not seeking to promote the island to motorcaravan owners. Guernsey on the other hand, very enthusiastically and generously extended an invitation to visit. The Balliwick of Guernsey encompasses main islands of Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm, Jethou and Brecqhou.

They are not part of the United Kingdom and have their own government and laws. They are however not truly ‘independent’, and as a Crown Dependency acknowledges; the King as Head of State. The Balliwick has fiercely defended its right to govern its own affairs and did not become a member of the European Union when the UK joined in 1973, enjoying instead a special status under Protocol 3 of the British treaty of accession. English only became the official language of the Islands in the 1920’s. Before that it was French and some people on the island still speak local versions of Norman French. Guernsey does not impose Value Added or Goods and Services taxes. Getting a motorhome to Guernsey is less about spontaneity and more about orchestration. Ferries must be booked well in advance, through Brittany Ferries, and they tend to fill quickly during peak months. But the ferry is only half

Lighthouse in St. Peter Port Harbour.

the equation. The island’s campsites and vehicle permits are inseparable. You cannot arrive first and decide later. Instead, your campsite booking unlocks your permission to bring your vehicle. The permit, issued through your chosen site, must be displayed in the windscreen. Trust us when we say it is checked and that it matters! Unlike many destinations where motorhomes drift between stopovers, Guernsey requires a base. Wild or off grid camping is not permitted and overnighting in car parks is not tolerated. Each night ends where it began, in a registered campsite.

On the island’s northern edge, Beaucette Campervans, where we stayed, occupies a dramatic position beside a sheltered marina. Boats sit low in the water at dusk, and the site, with its good facilities, lively bar and sophisticated restaurant feels more coastal retreat than functional stop. Elsewhere, Fauxquets Valley offers a quieter, wooded setting, where birdsong replaces traffic and mornings arrive slowly. La Bailloterie, by contrast, feels open and social, with space for longer stays and family routines. Le Vaugrat, located in the Vale parish, is a familyfriendly site, surrounded by rural countryside close to northern beaches. Each site becomes more than a pitch. It becomes a reference point for exploring outward.

Guernsey’s lanes were never designed for modern touring vehicles. Granite walls press in, hedges lean across the road and corners arrive without warning. For that reason, campervans and motorhomes are restricted to 2.31m in width and 9.45m in length. Even within those limits, the experience is one of careful navigation rather than casual driving. The speed limit rarely exceeds 35mph. In places, that feels generous, in others, excessive. Locals have an inbuilt understanding of their roads. Visitors learn it quickly, or do not stay unscathed for very long. Parking in Guernsey is free. However, most onstreet spaces and designated car parks operate as ‘Disc Zones,’ meaning you must display a cardboard ‘parking clock’ indicating your arrival time. Clocks can be purchased at ferry terminals, the Guernsey Information Centre, or police stations for a small fee. Disc parks operate 24 hours a day and limits are strictly enforced. You must set your disc to the exact time of arrival. Time limits range from 30 minutes to 10 hours, depending on the zone. After leaving a specific disc-parking zone, you cannot park in that same zone for 30 minutes. It is an offence to alter the time set on the clock without removing the vehicle from a disc parking zone.

Like many motorcaravanners we began to

Top: La Valette Bathing Pools.

Above: Stuart Falla firing the “noon-day gun”.

explore the island in St Peter Port, or as the locals prefer to call it “Town”. St Peter Port has a mix of short-stay (1-2 hours) on-street parking. Major long-stay and medium-stay options are available at the North Beach and Albert Pier car parks. From the harbour, where the ferries dock, town rises steeply from the sea and is a maze of stone, steps and climbing hills, with pedestrians slipping between narrow streets and alleyways going about their daily business. Above the waterfront lies La Valette Underground Military Museum, a wartime network of tunnels now holding the island’s history in cool, dim light. It speaks quietly of occupation, resilience and survival.

Just outside, the La Valette bathing pools sit open to the sea. They are simple, tidal and unpolished, yet deeply woven into local life. Victor Hugo swam here during his exile on the island. Renoir followed decades later, finding light and subject matter in the same coastline. A short climb leads to Clarence Battery, where the harbour spreads out below in layers of stone, water and anchored ferries. It is a view that explains the island more clearly than any map. At the harbour entrance stands Castle Cornet, a fortress that has guarded St Peter Port for more than 800 years. It is not just a historic site, it is a vantage point over everything sea lanes,

ferries, weather and time itself. Talking of time it is a good idea to be there at midday when the Noonday gun is fired by keepers dressed in replica 19th-century Guernsey Militia uniforms. The cannon itself is an authentic 32-pounder Georgian Blomefield gun cast in 1799.

Top: Entrance to La Valette

Underground Military Museum

Above: The Little Chapel

Above left: Fort Grey in Rocquaine Bay.

Leave the coast and the island softens as you head inland. At Rocquettes Cider Farm, orchards roll across gentle slopes, and the air carries a faint sweetness of pressed apples and fermentation. Owner James Mellerabout runs tours and tastings and his onsite shop is full of apple-based products. Further along, The Little Chapel appears almost without warning. Covered in shells, broken china and fragments of glass, it feels less like architecture and more like devotion made visible. Small, intricate, impossible to forget, it has a long history dating to 1914 and is in fact the third such chapel to stand on this spot. Nearby, the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat Farm adds something more grounded. Visitors wander in, buy goat feed, talk to the animals, and leave with cheese or milk produced just metres away. The island landscape encourages walking. From Rocquaine Bay, paths lead towards Portelet Bay and Pleinmont headland, where local folklore gathers around the so-called Fairy Ring, a place where stories of fairies, witches and elves linger longer than explanations. We really enjoyed walking to and around the island’s fortifications. L’Eree Battery, Fort Hommet and Grandes Rocques Battery stand as reminders of earlier centuries and more recent conflict. Guns, bunkers and defensive positions remain embedded in the coastline. Nature has softened them but not erased them. These are not curated attractions; they are fragments left in place. Not all are unedited, the bunkers at Fort Hommet and the Shipwreck Museum inside Fort Grey being fine examples. Opposite the fort, another tranche of Guernsey history unravels at Le Tricoteur. There, owner Rachel Laine explains the manufacture of the knitted Gansey sweaters and offers visitors to buy the real deal. The business was started by her grandfather and is still in the family today. Back towards St Peter Port, Candie Gardens offers a more ordered calm. These restored Victorian Gardens are beautiful all year round and offer spectacular views across the harbour and the islands of Herm, Sark and Jethou. The Gardens are home to Guernsey Museum. It’s range of temporary and permanent exhibitions include the Archaeology of Guernsey, Treasures From Around the World, the Folklore of Guernsey and the Rona Cole Gallery. Ask the museum staff about borrowing the key to Victoria Tower.

The 99 steps are more than worth it for the panoramic views across the west, north and east coasts of the island. The museum also has a café (housed in a Victorian bandstand) where you can have a light bite for lunch.

Nearby, Sausmarez Manor blends heritage with sculpture and woodland, the island’s only stately home. The Manor is a time capsule of the de Sausmarez family, amongst them, sailors, soldiers, inventors, explorers and judges. The modern day de Sausmarez family still live there after more than 800 years. Explore the wild subtropical gardens, sculpture park, tearoom and Guernsey Cans, here you can watch Trevor Rogers-Davis meticulously craft copper cans in the time-honoured way, just as they have been made for the last 1,000 years.

In the south at Rue du Moulin Huet, there is a public car park where you can leave your campervan to enjoy the Renoir Walk. This short, self-guided walk takes visitors to locations where Renoir painted some of his most famous works, during a summer holiday in 1883. The famous Impressionist spent just over a month here and created 15 paintings during his stay, the majority of which depict views of the bay and beach. They are considered some of his best pieces of work. The walk includes five empty picture frames, allowing viewers to see Moulin Huet Bay from the same perspectives as the Frenchman did.

Food in Guernsey feels shaped by proximity. Nothing travels far, and everything feels immediate. For those who love to feed themselves there are some great spots to buy provisions. Our favourites include Surf & Turf on Castle Pier, a glorious fish monger and butchers offering friendly, old-fashioned service while you peruse everything from plump scallops and rich

““There is a moment… when a road trip stops feeling like logistics and starts feeling like escape.”

lobster to flavourful beef or lamb. At Landes du Marche, the farm shop offers easy motorhome friendly parking and a delightful array of locally produced fresh products for field to fork home cooking.

For those who prefer to eat out, try The Puffin and Oyster on the west coast where seafood dominates and is served at tables close to the shoreline. At Rocquaine Bay, the Coast restaurant at the Imperial Hotel looks out across open horizons and serves pleasing fare. For a more casual lunchtime try the nearby Portlet Kiosk on the cliff top where sisters Nicky and Kim Bourgaise serve home baked Guernsey Cache, a local delicacy akin to a fruit loaf, thickly spread with Guernsey butter. Another lunchtime favourite was the Café at Grow, a nursery, market garden and workshop that support adults with learning disabilities. If pizza is your thing, buy one from Ottos in town and take it to the tap room at The Little Big Brew, a company created by beer lovers. Many restaurants suggest you bring a bottle. This pub welcomes you and your food!

You cannot visit Guernsey and not venture over the water to Sark and Herm. True you cannot take your van with you, but at this point,

Top: “The Moulin Huet coast” on the Renoir trail.

Left: Staff and volunteers in the greenhouse at Grow.

Sausmarez Manor.

Looe Country Park

motorhomes should stop being the focus. Sark Shipping operate ferries from St Peter Port to Sark, where cars disappear entirely and walking becomes the only real form of transport. We suggest you have cash on you for the Harbour Hill Bus, colloquially known as ‘the toast rack’.

Life on Sark unfolds at walking pace across a network of lanes, cliff paths and coastal tracks that reveal the island’s character, one viewpoint at a time. It is compact enough to cross in a day yet varied enough to encourage lingering. Gentle circuits along the higher ground suit those wanting an easy stroll with a morning coffee, while more energetic routes descend towards hidden coves and climb back onto windswept headlands with uninterrupted sea views.

Cycling is equally synonymous with Sark. Without cars, bicycles become both transport and recreation. For visitors hiring a bike offers the chance to cover more ground while retaining the island’s unhurried rhythm. Distances are short,

but the changing views and quiet roads make every ride feel longer than the map suggests. Nature is never far away. Birdwatchers can expect changing species through the seasons, while butterflies and bats add movement to the quieter corners of the island.

If Sark encourages exploration through scale, Herm captivates through simplicity. Just over a mile and a half long, the island is small enough to walk in an afternoon. Like its neighbour, Herm is largely free from traffic, footpaths thread across the island in every direction, linking beaches, viewpoints and open headland. Distances are short, but there is little reason to rush.

Sailing homeward back to Portsmouth we reflected on a destination unlike any other. Guernsey does not bend to the expectations of motorcaravanners. It asks you to plan, stay within the rules and travel at its pace. Yet that is precisely its appeal. Here, narrow lanes lead to hidden bays, history waits around every corner and island life unfolds without hurry. For club members willing to embrace its unique rhythm, the Bailiwick of Guernsey offers something that is increasingly rare: a genuine escape from the ordinary.

Frances and Michael Howorth gratefully acknowledge the help given to them in the preparation of this feature. Brittany Ferries carried the couple and their campervan from Portsmouth to St Peter Port and return, the Communications and Marketing department of the States of Guernsey organised their itinerary and Beaucette Marina provided a pitch for their stay.

La Coupee connecting Big Sark and Little Sark.

ELSEWHERE IN THE SOUTHWEST

CORNWALL

From rugged cliff tops where the Atlantic waves crash, to sheltered estuaries that have inspired world famous writers, the Cornish landscape is undeniably breathtaking. However, those who take the time to delve a little deeper will be handsomely rewarded with sub-tropical gardens, awardwinning locally produced food, world-class vineyards and an outstanding creative scene. Check the Club handbook for details of the three Club CLs on offer. Fernleigh Barn at Penstraze, Chacewater just 1½ miles from Truro, is run by Leslie Hackett. In Porthtowan, the Porthtowan Campsite on Jolly’s Lane sits astride the South West Coast path and

near Redruth, Stuart Harvey welcomes members to The Meadow on Mount Pleasant Farm, at Skinners Bottom, Redruth.

DEVON

With more roads than any other English county, Devon feels purpose-built for touring by motorcaravan. Better still, many of those winding lanes encourage drivers to slow down and enjoy the journey. Outside peak season, Devon becomes wonderfully peaceful. Vast open landscapes, dramatic coastlines, and quiet villages make it ideal for relaxed touring. Only a small percentage of the UK population lives within Devon’s 2,600 square miles, so there is plenty of room to escape the crowds. Nature lovers can explore the wild beauty of Dartmoor National Park alongside accessible countryside areas including Stover Country Park, Decoy Country Park, and Cockington Country Park.

Harbour town of Lynmouth, Devon.

Holywell Beach, Cornwall,

Ideal for dog owners, adventurers, families, and couples seeking a refreshing outdoor escape

Hiding high up amongst the rolling hills of Exmoor and nuzzling the dramatic cliffscape of the North Devon coastline, Lynmouth Holiday Retreat settles into the extraordinary backdrop overlooking Lynmouth bay and the gentle buzz of its harbourside town.

• Pet Friendly • Modern Facilities

• Close to Nature

01598 753349

//typically.dumpy.galloping Manor Farm, Barbrook, Lynton EX35 6LD

Sourton Down Caravan & Camping Park o ers an ideal touring base for Devon and Cornwall, or for just enjoying a quiet relaxing holiday.

www.littlebodieve.co.uk

info@littlebodieve.co.uk

01208 815547

Bodieve Road, Wadebridge Cornwall, PL27 6EG

Static Caravans • Motorhomes Tents • Tourers

A family site within a short walking distance or cycle ride to Wadebridge town with many lovely restaurants, pubs, independent shops and the picturesque Camel Trail either along the estuary to Padstow or inland to Bodmin Moor.

Explore beautiful Poldark country, many lovely beaches, Polzeath for surfing, Daymer Bay paddle boarding, the fishing village Port Isaac of Doc Martin fame, Rock and the Ferry to Padstow with many restaurants including the famous Rick Stein & Paul Ainsworth.

We are in Dartmoor National Park, adjacent to the Granite Way Cycle Trail, and have excellent walking and hiking!

Arrival time: 2PM - 8 PM (unless pre-arranged)

Departure time: 11am (unless pre-arranged)

Reception opening times: 9am - 12 noon & 2pm - 8pm

01837 861 747 | info@sourtondown.co.uk SOURTON DOWN OKEHAMPTON DEVON EX20 4HT

DORSET

Dorset sometimes appears to have a complicated relationship with motorists, especially given its reputation for speed cameras. Even so, it remains one of southern England’s finest touring counties. The coastline alone justifies the journey, while inland Dorset offers attractive market towns, rolling countryside, and countless historic villages. Among the county’s best touring bases is South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park. Set within more than 20 acres of peaceful parkland, the site has collected numerous awards. Its location also works perfectly for touring. Poole lies only three miles away, Bournemouth sits within

easy reach, and the spectacular Jurassic Coast is just a short drive south. Day trips from here could include Shaftesbury, Lyme Regis, Bridport, and Portland Bill.

SOMERSET

There is something wonderfully relaxed about Somerset. Wide sandy beaches, coastal views across the Bristol Channel, and quieter touring routes create an ideal escape for motorcaravanners. The county also sits surprisingly close to London, making it perfect for shorter breaks as well as longer tours. In some areas, you can even park directly beside the beach. Somerset also celebrates local food better than almost anywhere

Top: West Bay, Dorset. Above: shoreline in Clevedon, Somerset.

else in Britain. The county supports huge numbers of farmers and artisan producers, making it an excellent place to sample authentic cheddar cheese, farmhouse cider, and traditional rural cooking.

WILTSHIRE

Although best known for Stonehenge, Wiltshire offers far more than ancient stones. The cathedral city of Salisbury makes an excellent day stop. Its magnificent cathedral dominates the skyline, while the traditional market still fills the city centre every Tuesday and Saturday. Motorcaravanners will appreciate the central car park, which provides easy access for larger vehicles and, at times, allows overnight stays. Families should also consider visiting Longleat Safari Park. Driving your own vehicle through the safari park brings an unexpected African flavour to the English

countryside and creates a memorable day out.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Often overshadowed by neighbouring counties, Gloucestershire quietly rewards those prepared to explore beyond the obvious. The county combines rolling Cotswold scenery with historic towns, wildlife attractions, castles, and impressive country estates. Popular stopping points include Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, Cirencester, Stroud, and Stow-on-the-Wold. Fans of Jeremy Clarkson may also wish to visit Diddly Squat Farm Shop, although parking can become difficult during busy periods.

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

Nestled within Exmoor National Park Award-winning • Adults only 47 pitches fully serviced & 18 hard standings over 4 acres Open: 13th March 2026 to 12th October 2026 Bridgetown, Dulverton, TA22 9JN

Above: Longleat Safari Park. Right: Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire.

The river Wye flowing through the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.

St Leonards Farm, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 OAQ

Tel: 01202 872 637 www.stleonardsfarmpark.com

St Leonards Farm is a quiet family run park ideally situated near the sandy beaches of Bournemouth, the historic harbour town of Poole and the beautiful New Forest National Park. Our park makes the perfect base from which to explore the many great places and attractions in and around the Bournemouth and Poole area. The campsite is level and well drained in a tranquil and pleasant farmland setting.

Carvynick Holiday Park, nestled in the heart of the Cornish countryside, offers the perfect base for exploring Newquay’s world-famous beaches and beyond. Our well presented hardstanding pitches are ideal for motorhomes, caravans and campervans and come fully serviced with water, electric and waste outlets. Guests can also enjoy use of our on-site shower facilities as well as on-site pub. Pets and families very welcome.

HOLIDAY PARK

BEDFORDSHIRE

RV SUPER CENTRE

Redhill Farm, Harlington Road, Toddington, Beds, LU5 6HF

T: 0330 055 2504

E: motorhomesales@rvsupercentre.co.uk

W: www.rvsupercentre.co.uk

CHESHIRE

A&E LEISURE LTD

Unit 51/56 Cosgrove Business Park, Daisy Bank Lane Anderton Norwich, CW9 6FY

T: 01606 973005

E: service@aeleisure.co.uk

W: www.aeleisure.co.uk

CUMBRIA

JOHN MACADAM AND SON

Woodlands, Brampton Road, Longtown, Carlisle, CA6 5TR

T: 01228 319742 or 0370 4285191

E: caravanservices@macadams.co.uk

DEVON

DEVON & CORNWALL MOTORHOME & CARAVAN SERVICE REPAIR CENTRE

Unit K&M, Boringdon Mill Business Park, Galileo Close, Plympton, PL7 4JW

T: 01752 717750

E: service@dandcmotorhomes.co.uk

W: www.dandcmotorhomes.co.uk

TAVISTOCK CARAVANS LTD

Woodlands, Gulworthy, Tavistock, PL19 8JE

T: 01822 834945

E: sales@tavistockcaravans.co.uk

ESSEX

WEST MOTORHOMES

West Ind. Park, Todd Close, Rainham, RM13 9XX

T: 01708 556237

E: info@motorhomerepairs.net

W: www.motorhomerepairs.net

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

M5 LEISURE - MOTORHOMES & CAMPERVANS

Hayden Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 0SN

T: 01242 373373

E: Service@m5leisure.co.uk

W: www.m5leisure.co.uk

HAMPSHIRE

ADAMS MOREY LTD

Adanac Drive, Unit E6, E7 & E8 Adanac Park, Southampton, Hants, SO16 0BT

T: 02380 799550

E: mikej.white@adamsmorey.com

CS&R LTD

Unit 4, Woolmer Trading Est, Woolmer Way, Bordon, Hampshire, GU35 9QE

T: 01483 906435 M: 07979 386780

E: csrcaravanserviceandrepairs@gmail.com

W: www.repairscaravan.co.uk

YEW TREE WORKSHOPS

Fawley, Southampton, SO45 1BX T: 02380 010029

E: info@yewtreeworkshops.co.uk www.yewtreeworkshops.co.uk

KENT

H&F MOT LTD

Unit 2 Church Farm, Church Lane, Stockbury ME9 7RD T: 01795 841007 E: handf.office@gmail.com

LEICESTERSHIRE

FOX COUNTY MOBILE CARAVAN AND MOTORHOME SERVICING

Unit A1 Armston Farm Business Park, Broughton Road, Cosby, Leicester, LE9 1RD T: 0770101 9574 www.foxcounty.co.uk

MERSEYSIDE

SPENCER & GILBERT

3 St. Luke’s Rd, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0SH

T: 01704 531398

E: spencerandgilbert@gmail.com

NORFOLK

CROWN GARAGE

Newton St. Faith, Norwich, NR10 3LG

T: 01603 898253

E: enquiry@thecrowngarage.com

W: www.thecrowngarage.com

JOHN WICKS CARAVAN SALES

145 Lynn Road, Grimston, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 1AG

T: 01485 601212

E: johnwickscaravansales@outlook.com

W: www.johnwickscaravan.com

SIMPSONS MOTORHOMES

Suffolk Rd, Gt Yarmouth, NR31 0LN

T: 01493 601696

W: www.simpsonsmotorhomes.co.uk

NORTHERN IRELAND

THOMPSON LEISURE

62c Drumnabreeze Road, Magheralin, Co. Armagh BT67 0RH

T: 028 9269 3999

E: info@thompsonleisure.com

W: www.thompsonleisure.com

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

HEART OF ENGLAND SERVICE CENTRE

Unit 11 Wharf Works, Long Buckby Wharf

NN6 7PP

T: 01327 843 900

E: service@hoemh.co.uk

W: www.heartofenglandservicecentre.co.uk

ROCKINGHAM CARS FIAT

Cockerell Rd, Phoenix Parkway, Corby, NN17 5DU

T: 01536 268991

E: phil@rockinghamcars.co.uk

W: www.rockinghamcars.co.uk

DIRECTORY IN ASSOCIATION WITH

OXFORDSHIRE

ELITE MOTORHOMES

Thorpe Rd, Middleton Cheney, Banbury OX17 2QY

T: 01295 711157

E: service@elitemotorhomes.co.uk

W: www.elitemotorhomes.co.uk

SCOTLAND

TURRIFF CARAVAN CENTRE (TCC)

Premium Partners for E&P Hydraulics and VB Airsuspension. Your local specialists for habitation services, conversions & more! Greengate Lodge, Delgaty, Turriff, AB53 5TA

T: 01888 562186

E: sales@turiffcaravans.co.uk

W: www.turriffcaravans.co.uk

CULLODEN SERVICE STATION LTD

Barn Church Rd, Inverness, Inverness-shire, Scotland, IV2 7WB

T: 01463 792979

E: cullodenservicestation@gmail.com

DONALD MACKENZIE LTD

Authorised Fiat Dealer, 62 Seafield Rd, Inverness, Inverness-shire, IV1 1SG

T: 01463 235777

E: dmaftersales@dmmotorgroup.co.uk

NEWTON GARAGE LTD

14 The Wisp, Edinburgh, EH16 4SQ

T: 0131 669 6336

E: newtongarage@aol.com

NORTH ROAD GARAGE

Great North Rd, Kelty, Fife, KY4 0HW

T: 01383 830404

E: sales@northroadgarage.co.uk

W: www.northroadgarage.co.uk

SHERIFFMILL MOTOR COMPANY LTD

Sheriffmill Rd, Elgin, Moray, IV30 6UH

T: 01343 547121 or 01343 547378

E: service@sherriffmill.co.uk

SOMERSET

CARAVAN & MOTORHOME SOLUTIONS

Littlecombe Garage, Touches Lane, Chaffcombe Rd, Chard, TA20 1RY

T: 01460 63320

E: caravanmotorhome@btconnect.com

W: caravanmotorhome@btconnect.com

CHELSTON MOTORHOMES

Chelston Business Park, Wellington, Somerset TA21 9JE

T: 01823 662075

E: info@teamchelston.co.uk

W: www.chelstononline.co.uk

HIGHBRIDGE CARAVAN CENTRE LTD

A38 Bristol Road, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 4EX

T: 01278 764800

E: aftersalesDept@highbridgecaravans.co.uk

W: www.highbridgecaravans.co.uk

SOUTHWEST MOTORHOMES

Southfields Enterprise Park, Unit 1, Jordans Rd, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 9FF

T: 01278 764800

E: service@southwestmotorhomes.co.uk

W: www.southwestmotorhomes.co.uk

STOCKPORT

PINNACLE MOTOR ENGINEERING

Gordon Street, Stockport, SK4 1RS

T: 0161 480 0397

E: info@pinnaclemotors.net

W: www.pinnacle-motors.co.uk

SUFFOLK

SHARMAN

Habitation services to all motorhomes and campervans – AWS approved workshops. Colchester Rd, Ipswich, IP4 4RU

T: 01473 713284

E: sales@sharman.co.uk

W: www.sharman.co.uk

SURREY

ELMWOOD VEHICLES LTD

Motorhome Servicing & MOTs

278 Kingston Rd, (rear of petrol stations), Epsom, Surrey, KT19 0SH

T: 0208 394 2847

E: info@elmwoodvehicles.co.uk

W: www.elmwoodvehicles.co.uk

GREENFIELDS CARAVAN & MOTORHOME SERVICING LTD

Servicing and repairs for all makes AWS Approved workshop.

The Maultway, Camberley, GU15 1QA

T: 01344 231153

E: help@caravan-service.co.uk

W: www.caravan-service.co.uk

SUSSEX

CARAVAN TECH SERVICES LTD

(Bailey, Swift and Adria) London Rd, Hurst Green, East Sussex, TN19 7PN

T: 01580 860260

E: shop@caravantech.co.uk

W: www.caravantech.co.uk

RELIANCE CARAVAN & MOTORHOME SERVICES

Units D1-D3, New Bam Offices, Funtington, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 9DA

T: 01243 940050

E: enquiries@reliancecms.uk

W: www.reliancecms.uk

YORKSHIRE

JORDANS

45-52 Witham, Hull, HU9 1BS

T: 01482 222500

W: www.jordansmotors.co.uk

Tea break teasers

See page 76 for solutions

Codeword

Crack the code and fill in the grid. Each letter of the alphabet is represented by a number from 1-26. Two letters are given as a starter, can you decipher the rest of the code to discover all the words?

Sudoku

The objective is to fill a 9x9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes contains the digits from 1 to 9. A cell is the smallest block in the game. A row, column and region consists of 9 cells and the whole game consists of 81 cells.

Wordsearch

Crossword Puzzle

Can you find the words l isted below?

Harbour

Rivulet

Apex

Cobalt

Verdant

Ember

Bramble

Reverie

Crescent

Mosaic

Saffron

Fathom

Ingot

Nimbus

Oblique

Tundra

Galleon

Across

3 A medium-sized raptor (4)

8 A public square in ancient Greece (5)

11 The side sheltered from the wind (7)

12 Early paper made from reeds (7)

14 Traditional draped clothing (4)

15 A mischievous god in Norse mythology (4)

17. A heavy club with a metal head (4)

19 Egyptian symbol of life (4)

21 A shallow place where a river can be crossed (4)

22 A subtle or indirect comment (5)

23 Classical Greek instrument (4)

Down

1 A vocal piece in opera (4)

2 A large fissure in a glacier (8)

4 A historical four-penny coin (5)

5 Artistic lettering (11)

6 A wild goat with long curved horns (4)

7 Stone chamber beneath a church (5)

9 A frame used to hold a canvas (5)

10 Sherlock Holmes’ companion (6)

13 A rapid, vibrating sound from a bird (5)

14 The pace of a piece of music (5)

16 Author of Metamorphoses (4)

18 A shaded garden structure (5)

20 A thick rope for mooring (6)

21 A leaf of a manuscript or book (5)

Tea Break Teasers

Bazaar

Private sale advertisements

ACCESSORIES

FIAMMA SAFE DOOR. Brand new in box. Safety block for doors and storage compartments. A well known proven product that will keep your motorhome safe. £45 excluding P&P.Call Paul on 07902 229937 Cardiff.

AVTEX TV. 16”. Plays DVDs & CDs. Comes with its own carry bag, wall mount or standing. £60 ONO. N.Yorkshire. 07481 939953

LILLYPAD WINDBLOCKER

AWNING. Blue, front & sides. Only used once. Clean, good condition. 4 Metres. £120. Southport. 07711 502368.

A COMPACT TRANSVERSE

CMF trailer (325kg). Full documentation. £2k new. Spare wheel, large storage box, alloy bed and handlebar clamps. Used frequently. Genuine reason for sale. £700 OVNO.

Peter. Wirral, UK 07801 068499

Members'private sale advertisements

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

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

Please indicate whether your item is: FOR SALE WANTED

FREE ADVERT ADVERT WITH PHOTOGRAPH (£12 inc. VAT) 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:

Telephone:

Club membership number:

Postcode:

(from page 74)

Sudoku - Medium

Sudoku - Hard

Wordsearch

Crossword Puzzle

Codeword Puzzle

ANSWER: 1=T, 2=N, 3=U, 4=M, 5=J, 6=B, 7=P, 8=A, 9=D, 10=Q, 11=O, 12=C, 13=Z, 14=Y, 15=S, 16=W, 17=G, 18=F, 19=H, 20=E, 21=I, 22=X, 23=R, 24=V, 25=L, 26=K