The Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

er | Summ 3 5 e Issu

2018

Sizzling Summer Special! p14

The NACO Story • Best British Beaches

Holiday Home Spotlight . 2018 Prices . Polzeath Beach Park Review Winter Weather Warning! . Caravan advice and guidance . and much more...

Supporting static caravan owners across the UK

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With over seventy years’ experience, Willerby is the UK’s largest manufacturer of holiday homes and lodges.

When you think of Willerby, we want you to dream of your perfect home from home - where the details are better than they need to be, and more affordable than they should be!

For more information, visit willerby.com

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Sherato

View the latest models at our Willerby showgrounds: Hull: Carluke:

showground@whh.co.uk

01482 7 17599

scotland@whh.co.uk

01555 86027 1

Welcome!

Hello again! As we prepare to publish the Summer 2018 edition of The Holiday Caravanner, we are basking in a Mediterranean-style heatwave, the like of which we have not encountered since 1976... ...Here’s hoping you can enjoy some of this when you next visit your caravan or lodge. On page 38 we review some of the latest picnic paraphernalia to help you make the most of outdoor living this summer.

Relaxation has not been a big feature of the NACO agenda, with our usual wotkload exacerbated by the Beast from the East. The freezing effects of this cold wave between February and March presented our dedicated team with a higher number of claims than at any time since the 2007 floods. Thinking that prevention is better than cure, please check out this issue’s early-warning guides to drain-down (p29) and trace heating (p30).

Another development was the implementation of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). We have always taken the greatest care with our customers’ data, but the new regime puts a greater onus

on all organisations to consider how much personal data they store, why they need it and how long they keep it.

Before we know it, we’ll be gearing up to send our team to the Lawns and Beaulieu shows. But let’s not wish the summer away…

Back on the front line of NACO activity, we have been making changes to our website, hopefully making it easier for members to find the information they need.

Happy caravanning!

We aim to make it the go to resource for all things caravan.

Stop Press! - Beer Head Caravan Park The image we used to accompany the "Length of Licence" article in the last issue, was of Beer Head Caravan Park, Devon.

This proved to be somewhat ironic as the licence offered at this picturesque park allows owners to stay as long as they like.

We are happy to make this clear.

Please address letters or subscription details to: NACO Services Limited Leisurefame House, 37 Clacton Rd, St. Osyth, Essex CO16 8PA 01255 820 321 01255 820 231 (Fax) info@nacoservices.com Every care is taken to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publishers cannot accept any responsiblity for errors.

While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements, the publishers cannot accept any responsiblity for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions. They will however pass on any

14

17

written complaints.

Abbreviations Throughout the magazine we refer to a few rather long-winded bodies and items of law. To obviate the need to spell them out in full at the start of each relevant article, we propose to use abbreviations in all cases. These are the full descriptions that relate to these abbreviations.

• BH&HPA British Holiday & Home Parks Association • FCA Financial Conduct Authority • HMRC Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs • NCC National Caravan Council • OFT Office of Fair Trading • UTCCRs Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations (1999) • DCLG Department for Communities & Local Government • OFT 734 Guidance on Unfair Terms in Holiday Caravan Agreements Please note that letters for publication may be edited.

Content Editor Steve Munro editor@nacoservices.com Sub Editor & Photography Dan Ellacott Contributors Mason O’Dell Dan Ellacott Advertising Enquiries Kim Rowlen 01255 820321 Design & Production The Catalyst www.thecatalyst.info Printing & Distribution Optimum Print www.optimumprint.org.uk 01255 221 447

Polzeath Beach Holiday Park

26

r Summe | 3 5 e Issu

2018

Contents 20

32 06 07 08 14 17 18 20 25 26 29 30 32 34 38

34

Inbox Events Guide 2018 Price Guides Summer Recipe: Prawn Tacos Nature Trail: The Adder Fun ‘n’ Games Best Beaches: Blackpool Sands Advice: Pitch Fee Increase Park Profile: Polzeath Beach Advice: Winter Weather NACO Meets: Alert Trace Heating NACO - Our Story Holiday Home Spotlight Product Reviews: Perfect Picnics

38

Inbox Our advice enquiries continue to increase every year, and 2018 is no different. Here are a few snippets from our inbox. One might answer your own issue. If it doesn’t then give us a shout.

Either visit the website and use the contact link or drop us an email...

There is to be a fundraising effort soon to raise money to purchase two defibs. We have no objection to donating to this cause, but not if the owners are legally obliged to provide them.

Also, is there any training required for those prepared to use them in an emergency?

Thank you.

Rob

Hello Please could you tell me whether a gas safety check is required for your insurance policies (both market value and new-for-old policies)?

Good Morning Rob,

Both my parents and I have policies with you and have been advised to check by our park.

As far as I can find there is no legal requirment for the provision of defibrillator however there has been a strong groundswell on the introduction of public access defibrillation (PAD) programs that place automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout communities, in fact last year here in St Osyth we have had one installed with staff at local business as well as local residents having been invited to partake in traning for usage.

Kind regards, Bridget

Bridget, Thank you for your email enquiry.

It is a general condition of the policy (page 14) section 2 that you must “keep your property in a good state of repair”. I’m happy to go ‘on record’ as stating that a gas safety check is only a recommendation and that our policy does not specifically require a gas safety check.

However, as a responsible caravan owners association we’d highly recommend that you have one undertaken on a yearly basis. https://www.nacoservices.com/static-caravanadvice/gas-and-electricity-safety-in-static-caravans Carbon monoxide & smoke detectors are a must in my opinion.

I hope that this helps and clarifies the position.

NACO

06

Can you tell us if a Caravan Park is legally obliged to provide a defibrillator on the Park and/or in the Clubhouse?

Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

Many thanks for your enquiry of today relating to your caravan park.

From what I can find online, it would appear that training is strongly recommended; feel free to take a look at the info I’ve found initially at; http://www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/whats-new/ training-automated-external-defibrillators.htm Hope this helps!

NACO

Events Guide

2018 Our daughter just bought a static caravan - on visiting the site we were informed by someone who works there that it has very bad rust. We couldn’t see it before... The salesman was not helpful... Have they got to repair it? It is a 2008 model...

Thanks Laura.

Hi Laura, If you purchased the caravan from a retailer (the park) you'll be covered by the Consumer Rights Act, which states that goods must be as described, fit for purpose and of a satisfactory quality.

The seller is required to tell you about any faults or problems – but you’ll have to factor in realistic wear and tear. After the first six months, the burden will be on you to prove that the product was faulty at the time of delivery.

If it’s the chassis that is rusty, this is quite common for caravans of that age. There’s plenty of guidance on both the Consumer Rights Act and Chassis Maintenance on our website. NACO members can access our specialist advice team for specific guidance and assistance.

The Caravan Extravaganza Weekend at The Lawns 8th and 9th September Open from 9am to 5pm each day Admission: £3 per person and £7 per family - Free Parking The Lawns, Harland Way, Cottingham, East Yorkshire HU16 5SQ www.lawnsandbeaulieushows.com

Holiday Caravan & Lodges 2018 at BeauLieu 21st to 23rd September Open from 10am to 5pm each day Admission: £5 per car (includes all occupants) Hides Field, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Hants.

SO42 7ZN www.lawnsandbeaulieushows.com

The Motorhome and Caravan Show 2018 16th to 21st October Open from 10am to 6pm Tickets from just £8.50 parking included, children under 15 go free.

NACO

The NEC, Birmingham www.mcshow.co.uk

get in touch: info@nacoservices.com

Come and see the NACO team at both the Lawns and Beaulieu shows!

Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

07

2018 Price Guides Here is our 2018 holiday caravan price guide.

Our listing includes the most popular manufacturers with details of length, width, number of bedrooms and total price.

All prices are ex-works, which means that they are the prices you would pay if you were to purchase your caravan direct from the manufacturer.

Lawns Show Summer 2017

In most situations the price of a sited caravan takes into account items such as delivery, connection and siting. The fact that it is on a pitch on a park normally means that the park’s sale price will be several thousand pounds more than the ex-works price.

Prices shown are inclusive of VAT and were correct at the time of going to press.

ABI

Arronbrook

Tel: 01482 678 000 www.abiuk.co.uk The Summer Breeze

28 x 10 x 2 Beds 32 x 10 x 2 Beds 36 x 10 x 3 Beds 28 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 36 x 12 x 2 Beds 36 x 12 x 3 Beds

The Oakley

28 x 10 x 2 Beds 32 x 10 x 2 Beds 36 x 10 x 3 Beds 28 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 36 x 12 x 2 Beds 36 x 12 x 3 Beds 39 x 12 x 3 Beds

The Blenheim 36 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 39 x 12 x 3 Beds

The Sunningdale 36 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 3 Beds

The St. David 33 x 12 x 2 Beds 36 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 39 x 12 x 3 Beds

The St. David Exclusive 38 x 12 x 2 Beds

The Derwent 38 x 12 x 2 Beds

The Clarendon 33 x 12 x 2 Beds 40 x 12 x 2 Beds 40 x 12 x 3 Beds

The Malham

40 x 13 x 2 Beds

The Ambleside 40 x 13 x 2 Beds 41 x 13 x 3 Beds

The Beaumont 42 x 14 x 2 Beds 42 x 14 x 3 Beds

The Westwood 44 x 13 x 2 Beds

Tel: 01482 562 101 www.atlas-caravans.co.uk

infospot £17,731 £19,319 £21,629 £20,174 £21,546 £23,086 £23,795 £23,980 £25,584 £28,229 £25,288 £27,798 £28,499 £29,324 £29,949 £30,091 £30,723 £32,824 £31,193 £32,328 £33,418 £31,385 £32,377 £33,567 £33,777 £34,147 £35,180 £32,508 £36,936 £36,999 £44,227 £48,043 £47,262 £58,847 £59,746 £61,603

Atlas Oasis

26 x 10 x 2 Beds 28 x 10 x 2 Beds 32 x 10 x 2 Beds 35 x 10 x 3 Beds

Arronbrook report that they are heading for one of their best-ever starts to a year.

Their top-of-the range Eclipse models do them proud, with an impressive list of features as standard and optional extras including galvanised chassis, Trace heating and double doors to the front - maximising indoor/outdoor leisure living.

Tel: 01482 210 327 www.arronbrookcaravans.co.uk Topaz

24 x 10 x 2 Beds 26 x 10 x 2 Beds 28 x 10 x 2 Beds 26 x 12 x 2 Beds 28 x 12 x 2 Beds 30 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 3 Beds 38 x 12 x 4 Beds

Clipper

24 x 10 x 1 Beds 24 x 10 x 2 Beds 26 x 10 x 2 Beds 28 x 10 x 2 Beds 24 x 12 x 2 Beds 26 x 12 x 2 Beds 28 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 3 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 3 Beds

Eclipse

28 x 12 x 2 Beds 30 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 37 x 12 x 2 Beds 37 x 12 x 3 Beds 37 x 13 x 2 Beds 37 x 13 x 3 Beds 40 x 13 x 2 Beds

£19,981 £20,617 £21,279 £22,583 £23,651 £24,344 £25,058 £26,406 £30,889 £31,367 £32,442 £24,618 £24,622 £25,763 £27,174 £26,806 £28,115 £29,616 £33,919 £34,429 £36,690 £37,213 £33,117 £35,482 £40,187 £42,192 £42,536 £49,534 £49,838 £52,973

Mirage

28 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 36 x 12 x 3 Beds

Amethyst 3

28 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 36 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 3 Beds

Onyx

36 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 40 x 12 x 3 Beds

Debonair 5

36 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 3 Beds

Sapphire 2

38 x 12 x 2 Beds 40 x 12 x 3 Beds

Status 4

38 x 12 x 2 Beds 39 x 12 x 3 Beds

Portfolio 2

38 x 12 x 2 Beds 39 x 12 x 3 Beds

Image 5

41 x 12 x 2 Beds 41 x 12 x 3 Beds

Rufford Lodge 40 x 13 x 2 Beds

Sherwood Lodge 3 40 x 13 x 2 Beds

Ovation Lodge 2 43 x 13 x 2 Beds

Trend Lodge

43 x 13 x 2 Beds

Azalea Lodge 43 x 13 x 2 Beds

Lilac Lodge

40 x 16 x 2 Beds 40 x 16 x 3 Beds 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 20 x 3 Beds

Laburnum Lodge 40 x 20 x 2 Beds

£22,488 £22,978 £24,248 £25,983 £24,161 £27,002 £28,013 £28,427 £29,817 £31,191 £32,308 £33,018 £30,767 £32,188 £33,010 £34,848 £35,797 £36,697 £38,249 £39,416 £38,029 £38,914 £40,546 £41,472 £51,673 £52,334 £48,458 £51,496 £60,930 £66,717 £75,118 £76,721 £77,808 £80,946 £81,903 £110,892

Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

09

Carabuild

Delta

www.carabuildleisurehomes.co.uk

Tel: 01482 788 088 www.deltacaravans.co.uk

The Haven

32 x 12 x 2 Beds

The Oasis

35 x 13 x 2 Beds

The Serene

38 x 12 x 2 Beds

The Park View Lodge 40 x 13 x 2 Beds

The Essence Lodge 40 x 14 x 2 Beds

The Signature Lodge 42 x 14 x 2 Beds

The Parkland Lodge 40 x 20 x 2/3 Beds

£26,990 £31,410 £39,038 £41,103 £47,776

£76,125 £90,861

Carnaby Tel: 01262 679 971 www.carnabycaravans.co.uk Ashdale

30 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 36 x 12 x 3 Beds

Oakdale

32 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 36 x 12 x 3 Beds 37 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 3 Beds

Oakdale Centre Lounge 34 x 12 x 2 Beds 37 x 12 x 2 Beds 37 x 12 x 3 Beds

Hainsworth

36 x 12 x 2 Beds 39 x 12 x 2 Beds 39 x 12 x 3 Beds

Hemsley Lodge 37 x 13 x 2 Beds 37 x 13 x 3 Beds 39 x 13 x 2 Beds 39 x 13 x 3 Beds

Stamford Lodge 39 x 13 x 2 Beds

Envoy

40 x 13 x 2 Beds

28 x 10 x 2 Beds 30 x 10 x 2 Beds 32 x 10 x 2 Beds 35 x 10 x 3 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 3 Beds

Resort Plus

29 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 3 Beds

Bromley £60,336

The Signature Lodge Deluxe 42 x 20 x 3 Beds

Santana

23 x 10 x 1 Beds 23 x 10 x 2 Beds 26 x 10 x 1 Beds 26 x 10 x 2 Beds 28 x 10 x 2 Beds 32 x 10 x 2 Beds 35 x 10 x 3 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 30 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 3 Beds

Bromley Deluxe 37 x 12 x 4 Beds 39 x 12 x 4 Beds

Ascot £23,433 £24,638 £25,608 £26,509 £26,860 £28,509 £29,861 £29,957 £30,822

26 x 12 x 1 Beds 26 x 12 x 2 Beds 29 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds

28 x 10 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 3 Beds

Linden £15,686 £16,867 £17,719 £18,699 £21,157 £21,577 £18,703 £24,204 £24,738 £16,687 £16,886 £17,916 £18,049 £18,837 £20,244 £20,598 £21,562 £21,959 £22,665 £23,372 £25,445 £30,278 £31,463 £26,047 £26,936 £28,366 £29,102 £30,830

Europa infospot

£28,223 £29,339 £29,755 £33,147 £34,232 £34,783 £36,963 £37,856 £38,445 £39,912 £47,098 £57,163

Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

24 x 10 x 2 Beds 26 x 10 x 2 Beds 28 x 10 x 2 Beds 28 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 3 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 3 Beds

Cypress 10’

23 x 10 x 1 Beds 23 x 10 x 2 Beds 26 x 10 x 1 Beds 26 x 10 x 2 Beds 28 x 10 x 2 Beds 30 x 10 x 2 Beds 32 x 10 x 2 Beds 35 x 10 x 2 Beds 35 x 10 x 3 Beds

Cypress 12’

24 x 12 x 2 Beds 26 x 12 x 2 Beds 28 x 12 x 2 Beds 28 x 12 x 2 Beds 30 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 3 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 3 Beds 38 x 12 x 4 Beds

Maple

35 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 3 Beds

Willow

32 x 12 x 2 Beds 36 x 12 x 2 Beds 36 x 12 x 2 Beds (WCF) 36 x 12 x 3 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds (WCF) 38 x 12 x 3 Beds

Mulberry UK 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 36 x 12 x 2 Beds 36 x 12 x 3 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 3 Beds

Sequoia Having just experienced extreme winter weather, it is understandable that Europa are trumpeting the build quality of their range of holiday homes. Visit their website to see how much snow a caravan can withstand!

Fitted with extra insulation, a model such as the Maple might just be the all-round performer for extended UK holiday seasons.

Tel: 01482 226682 www.europacaravans.com

10

Rosewood

40 x 13 x 2 Beds 40 x 13 x 2 Beds (Bath) 41 x 13 x 3 Beds

£16,621 £18,876 £19,532 £16,505 £16,671 £17,380 £17,937 £19,470 £19,602 £20,257 £20,627 £17,815 £18,143 £18,532 £18,766 £19,142 £19,574 £20,610 £20,974 £21,562 £19,378 £20,025 £20,672 £21,399 £21,772 £22,022 £23,891 £23,451 £23,805 £25,433 £28,234 £28,836 £30,692 £31,783 £34,279 £32,300 £32,029 £34,783 £32,553 £31,112 £32,161 £32,604 £32,721 £33,445 £39,257 £39,742 £39,849

Omar Tel: 01842 810 673 www.omar.co.uk Southwold Gold 40 x 12 x 1 Beds 40 x 14 x 1 Beds 42 x 14 x 1 Beds 45 x 14 x 2 Beds

Southwold Platinum 40 x 14 x 1 Beds 42 x 14 x 1 Beds 45 x 14 x 2 Beds

£54,315 £56,292 £59,329 £67,214 £58,562 £60,284 £68,743

Manhattan

42 x 14 x 2 Beds 42 x 14 x 3 Beds

Westfield 16’ 34 x 16 x 1 Beds 40 x 16 x 2 Beds 40 x 16 x 2 Beds

Westfield 20’ 36 x 20 x 2 Beds 36 x 20 x 3 Beds 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 20 x 3 Beds 45 x 20 x 4 Beds

Westfield Platinum 36 x 20 x 2 Beds 36 x 20 x 3 Beds 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 20 x 3 Beds 45 x 20 x 4 Beds

Apex

40 x 20 x 2 Beds 45 x 20 x 2 Beds 45 x 20 x 3 Beds

Kingfisher

36 x 20 x 2 Beds 38 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 38 x 20 x 3 Beds 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 42 x 20 x 2 Beds 42 x 20 x 2 Beds 42 x 20 x 2 Beds 42 x 20 x 3 Beds 45 x 20 x 4 Beds 50 x 20 x 3 Beds

Ikon Lodge

45 x 20 x 2 Beds 50 x 20 x 2 Beds 50 x 22 x 2 Beds

£68,118 £68,264

Regent

36 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 39 x 12 x 3 Beds

£67,091 £70,262 £72,013

Marlow

£72,529 £74,280 £74,946 £76,647 £84,770

Abingdon

£84,079 £85,780 £86,446 £88,197 £96,270 £97,144 £105,632 £107,372 £104,221 £106,033 £107,384 £107,613 £108,934 £110,568 £112,430 £114,244 £116,519 £120,088 £126,132 £117,391 £123,509 £130,526

Pemberton infospot

35 x 12 x 2 Beds 37 x 12 x 2 Beds 37 x 12 x 3 Beds 36 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 39 x 12 x 3 Beds

Rivington

40 x 12.5 x 2 Beds 42 x 13 x 3 Beds

Serena

42 x 13 x 2 Beds 42 x 13 x 3 Beds

Brompton

42 x 13 x 2 Beds

Park Lane

42 x 14 x 2 Beds 42 x 14 x 3 Beds

Knightsbridge 43 x 14 x 2 Beds 43 x 14 x 3 Beds

Arrondale

42 x 16 x 2 Beds

Lyndale

40 x 20 x 2 Beds

Rivendale

40 x 20 x 2 Beds

Glendale

40 x 22 x 3 Beds

£42,492 £43,990 £45,977 £47,972 £51,952 £59,494 £62,482 £62,992 £73,937 £75,977 £75,975 £77,490

Loire

28 x 10 x 2 Beds 28 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 10 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 3 Beds

Burgundy

28 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 3 Beds

Biarritz

35 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds RL 38 x 12 x 3 Beds RT

Bordeaux

33 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 3 Beds

Bordeaux Escape 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 40 x 12 x 3 Beds

Moselle

38 x 12 x 2 Beds 40 x 12 x 3 Beds

Antibes

38 x 12 x 2 Beds 40 x 12 x 3 Beds

Chamonix

41 x 12 x 2 Beds

Biarritz Lodge 40 x 13 x 2 Beds

Moselle Lodge 40 x 13 x 2 Beds

Chamonix Lodge 42 x 13 x 2 Beds

Whistler Lodge 42 x 20 x 2 Beds

£36,355 £37,755 £37,355 £39,755 £38,655 £40,255 £50,755 £44,000 £50,655 £61,695 £123,095

Tingdene infospot

£87,777 £97,033 £104,994 £109,990

Tel: 01482 847 332 www.swiftgroup.co.uk

14 x 10 x 2 Beds 17 x 10 x 4 Beds

Tel: 01942 321 221 www.pembertonlh.co.uk

£34,444 £35,495 £36,996

Swift S-Pod

Pemberton have accepted the challenge to provide greener leisure living with features under their ‘intelligent design’ banner.

These include low-energy lighting throughout their range, A-rated appliances, dual flush toilet cisterns and superior insulation.

With spacious, stylish interiors and models to suit a variety of budgets, the Pemberton range is certainly attractive.

£31,991 £33,477 £34,993

£23,295 £27,055 £23,285 £24,755 £23,955 £25,795 £26,755 £27,855 £25,655 £26,955 £28,855 £29,755 £30,655 £31,355 £31,595 £32,955 £32,195 £32,795 £33,655 £34,955

If you like something a tad unorthodox, whilst appreciating a high-end finish, Tingdene’s Kudos might be for you…

With a 14’ wide central section between two 12’ wide end sections, it will stand out on most parks. Ultra-modern features and plenty of light put this in the ‘dream holiday lodge’ category!

Tel: 01933 230 130 www.tingdene.co.uk Regency Single 40 x 10 x 2 Beds 40 x 12 x 2 Beds 42 x 12 x 2 Beds 40 x 14 x 2 Beds 45 x 12 x 2 Beds 42 x 14 x 2 Beds 45 x 14 x 2 Beds

Southwold

40 x 14 x 2 Beds 42 x 14 x 2 Beds 45 x 14 x 2 Beds

Manhatten

40 x 14 x 2 Beds 42 x 14 x 2 Beds 45 x 14 x 2 Beds

£58,617 £61,429 £65,280 £66,103 £68,388 £69,399 £70,509 £64,637 £67,629 £69,433 £79,109 £83,172 £86,193

Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

11

Tingdene

Ikon

Tel: 01933 230 130 www.tingdene.co.uk

Ikon Lodge

Regency

36 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 20 x 3 Beds 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 45 x 20 x 2 Beds 45 x 20 x 3 Beds 50 x 20 x 2 Beds 50 x 20 x 3 Beds

Westfield

36 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 20 x 1 Beds 45 x 20 x 2 Beds 45 x 20 x 2 Beds

Middleton

36 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 20 x 3 Beds 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 45 x 20 x 2 Beds 45 x 20 x 3 Beds 50 x 20 x 2 Beds 50 x 20 x 3 Beds

Accent

40 x 20 x 2 Beds 45 x 20 x 2 Beds 50 x 20 x 2 Beds

Apex

40 x 20 x 2 Beds 45 x 20 x 2 Beds 45 x 20 x 3 Beds 50 x 20 x 3 Beds

Sandringham 38 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 45 x 20 x 2 Beds 50 x 20 x 2 Beds

Colorado

36 x 20 x 2 Beds 50 x 20 x 2 Beds 45 x 20 x 2 Beds 50 x 20 x 2 Beds

Kingfisher

36 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 20 x 3 Beds 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 42 x 20 x 2 Beds 45 x 20 x 2 Beds 45 x 20 x 3 Beds 50 x 20 x 3 Beds

Kingfisher Roof Terrace 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 45 x 20 x 2 Beds

Sheringham

40 x 20 x 2 Beds 45 x 20 x 2 Beds 50 x 20 x 2 Beds

Elveden Cottage 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 45 x 20 x 2 Beds 50 x 20 x 2 Beds

12

45 x 20 x 2 Beds 50 x 20 x 2 Beds

£84,233 £86,321 £86,909 £88,536 £91,855 £94,618 £95,341 £101,738 £102,748 £88,323 £90,391 £90,989 £99,139 £100,769 £91,367 £94,107 £94,107 £96,432 £96,857 £102,473 £103,848 £109,566 £111,067 £98,798 £107,144 £114,544 £104,005 £113,731 £115,571 £124,091 £104,134 £106,230 £115,895 £123,929 £108,704 £113,467 £119,067 £126,052 £110,378 £113,937 £115,614 £116,084 £121,919 £126,112 £127,231 £134,532 £140,198 £151,485 £112,379 £120,711 £128,493 £114,336 £123,107 £132,001

Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

45 x 20 x 2 Beds 50 x 20 x 2 Beds 50 x 22 x 2 Beds

Anniversary

45 x 20 x 2 Beds 50 x 20 x 2 Beds 50 x 22 x 2 Beds

Heritage

50 x 20 x 2 Beds 50 x 22 x 2 Beds 60 x 20 x 3 Beds 60 x 22 x 2 Beds

Inspiration

40 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 22 x 2 Beds 50 x 22 x 2 Beds

£118,472 £125,871 £128,515 £135,821 £143,551 £128,515 £135,821 £143,551 £161,952 £168,900 £174,581 £180,986 £184,170 £187,620 £200,698

Victory

40 x 16 x 2 Beds 40 x 16 x 3 Beds 29 x 20 x 2 Beds 36 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 40 x 20 x 2 Bed CL 41 x 20 x 3 Beds 46 x 20 x 4 Beds

Monaco Duo 40 x 20 x 2 Beds 41 x 20 x 3 Beds

Versailles

40 x 20 x 2 Beds 41 x 20 x 3 Beds

£85,682 £86,975 £84,106 £85,538 £89,172 £89,064 £90,072 £99,691 £98,937 £102,402 £99,320 £102,792

Rio Gold 10

28 x 10 x 2 Beds 32 x 10 x 2 Beds 35 x 10 x 2 Beds 35 x 10 x 3 Beds

Lymington

29 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 3 Beds 37 x 12 x 4 Beds

Rio Gold 12

28 x 12 x 2 Beds 30 x 12 x 3 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 37 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 3 Beds 37 x 12 x 3 Beds

Brockenhurst 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 3 Beds

The Martin

34 x 12 x 2 Beds

Rio Gold 10

28 x 10 x 2 Beds 32 x 10 x 2 Beds 35 x 10 x 2 Beds 35 x 10 x 3 Beds 29 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 3 Beds 37 x 12 x 4 Beds

Rio Gold 12

28 x 12 x 2 Beds 30 x 12 x 3 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 37 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 3 Beds 37 x 12 x 3 Beds

Skye

28 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 3 Beds 38 x 12 x 3 Beds

Sierra

Brockenhurst

01482 707 808 www.willerby.com

34 x 12 x 2 Beds

35 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 3 Beds

35 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 3 Beds

Willerby The Martin

Sierra

Lymington

Tel: 01482 822 822 www.victoryleisurehomes.co.uk Parkview

Skye

28 x 12 x 2 Beds 32 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 3 Beds 38 x 12 x 3 Beds

35 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 3 Beds £22,991 £23,027 £24,199 £24,953 £26,801 £23,598 £24,630 £25,738 £26,518 £28,325 £24,447 £25,850 £26,394 £27,875 £28,621 £28,861 £29,394

Avonmore

32 x 12 x 2 Beds 35 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 2 Beds 38 x 12 x 3 Beds

Richmond

37 x 12 x 2 Beds

Granada

29 x 12.5 x 2 Beds 35 x 12.5 x 2 Beds 38 x 12.5 x 2 Beds 40 x 12.5 x 3 Beds

Canterbury

35 x 12.5 x 2 Beds 38 x 12.5 x 2 Beds 40 x 12.5 x 3 Beds

£28,226 £30,572 £31,122 £32,183 £32,204 £33,215 £30,606 £31,584 £32,666 £32,293 £33,477 £34,563 £22,991 £23,027 £24,199 £24,953 £26,801 £23,598 £24,630 £25,738 £26,518 £28,325 £24,447 £25,850 £26,394 £27,875 £28,621 £28,861 £29,394 £28,226 £30,572 £31,122 £32,183 £32,204 £33,215 £30,606 £31,584 £32,666 £32,293 £33,477 £34,563 £32,037 £32,801 £34,135 £35,599 £34,547 £34,247 £37,580 £38,915 £40,784 £38,155 £39,547 £41,113

Winchester

38 x 12.5 x 2 Beds 40 x 12.5 x 3 Beds

Sheraton

40 x 13 x 2 Beds

Sheraton Elite 42 x 14 x 2 Beds

Aspen

40 x 13 x 2 Beds 42 x 13 x 3 Beds

Linear

40 x 13 x 2 Beds 40 x 13 x 3 Beds

Vogue

43 x 13 x 2 Beds

£43,441 £44,550 £48,086 £51,983 £51,502 £52,535 £58,433 £60,038 £65,958

Industry News Trecco Bay Regional Award Winner Trecco Bay entered the 2018 National Tourism Awards and were selected the regional winner in the ‘Best Caravan, Camping or Glamping’ category.

The National Tourism Awards celebrate the very best the tourism industry has to offer. After Trecco Bay initially demonstrated how they create exceptional experiences for visitors, they then went on to receive over 400 votes.

Allan Clark, General Manager at Trecco Bay; "The team at Trecco Bay are relentless in their pursuit of our company’s mission statement, to ‘Create Amazing Memories’ and deliver world class customer service. To have won Best Caravan and Holiday Park for the South West of Wales and being nominated for the Overall Wales Award just shows that our customers are appreciating the work that the team put in. I am very happy and proud of what my team deliver on a daily basis."

Award judges pick Blairgowrie for top Scottish honour There were cheers for Scotland’s park-owning Wood family this summer when their Blairgowrie Holiday Park in Perthshire took first place in a major awards final. Blairgowrie was named as Scotland’s Best Caravan Site of the Year at the Scottish Hospitality Awards which took place at Crowne Plaza, Glasgow. In front of VIP guests from Scotland’s tourism industry, members of the family and its management team stepped up to receive their honour from popular STV radio presenter Zara Janjua. The annual awards highlight hospitality enterprises which offer exceptional standards of facilities and services, and take into account the feedback given by customers.

Wood Leisure started life almost 40 years ago when husband and wife Colin and Margaret Wood acquired picturesque Blairgowrie Holiday Park.

The couple invested much time, effort and resources to create what is now one of Scotland’s most highly regarded and multi-award winning holiday parks.

Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

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Prawn Tacos

with Salsa & Guacamole [ Serves 4 as a starter... ]

Next up, use a large knife to smash

Ingredients: Tacos

the tomato to a pulp on a board,

• 400g of raw peeled tiger prawns

use a spoon to scoop out the flesh

• Chipotle paste or cooking sauce*

into the bowl with the tomato.

• Half an iceberg lettuce, shredded

Tip all the other ingredients into

• 8 small flour tortillas

the bowl, then season with salt

• Sour cream

and pepper. Use a fork to roughly

* if you can’t find chipotle paste

mash everything together. If not

you can always use fajita seasoning.

serving straight away, sit a stone

then tip into a bowl. Halve and stone the avocados (saving a stone) and

What we’re Eating...

Easy Tuna Niçoise Puy lentils help to give this quick, healthy salad an edge. Using tinned tuna keeps it quick, simple and cheap!

in the guacamole (this helps to stop

Guacamole • 1 large ripe tomato • 3 avocados, very ripe but • not bruised • 1 large lime, juice only • A handful of coriander, chopped, • plus a few leaves to serve • 1 small red onion, finely chopped • 1 small red chilli, deseeded • and finely chopped

Salsa • 2 large ripe tomatoes, peeled • and finely chopped • Half a red onion, very finely • chopped • 1 small garlic clove, chopped • A small splash of white wine vinegar • Half a lime, juice only • Half a bunch coriander, roughly • chopped

Method:

it going brown), cover with cling film and chill until needed.

Warm the tortillas in an oven set on a low temperature. Fry the prawns in a little oil and butter then add the chipotle paste, be sure not to overcook the prawns as they continue to cook in the pan. Serve immediately and allow people to build the tacos themselves. Layer the lettuce, guacamole and prawns topped with salsa and sour cream.

Serve with a squeeze of lime and ice cold beer!

Make it veggie!

Buy some pre-seasoned tofu pieces – now widely available in most supermarkets and substitute this for the prawns.

Got a recipe that you’d like to share?

A fail-safe lunch for the family or an on-the-go breakfast or snack… send it over!

First off prepare the salsa. Combine the tomatoes, red onion, garlic, white wine vinegar, lime juice and coriander in a bowl. Stir then refrigerate until ready to be served...

every recipe we print gets £25 cash!

Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

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A caravan owner has started a Government petition to raise the issue of a lack of industry speciďŹ c legislation...

Sign the petition today!

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/214936

Nature Trail: The Adder

The European Adder (Vipera berus) is the only venomous snake found in mainland Britain. They are extremely widespread in the northern hemisphere and can be found from western Europe, throughout Russia, China, and Mongolia to the eastern shores of the Pacific. Adders are the only species of snake to be found as far north as the Arctic circle, as they are well adapted to cold and can hibernate through long winters if neccessary.

Adults grow to a total length of 60 to 90 cm, most have some kind of zigzag dorsal pattern down the entire length of their bodies. Unusually for snakes, the sexes are possible to tell apart by the colour - Females are usually brownish in hue with dark-brown markings, the males are pure grey with black markings. The base colour of males will often be slightly lighter than that of the females, making the black zigzag pattern stand out. Occasionally some females are entirely dark and lack any apparent dorsal pattern.

They are mainly active during the daytime and have a broad diet depending on their locality. They will feed on small mammals, birds, lizards,

and amphibians, and in some cases on spiders, worms, and insects. They use their venom to immobilise larger prey such as lizards, amphibians, nestlings and small mammals. After striking, they leave the venom to take effect before following the victim’s scent to find the body.

Habitat complexity is an important factor for the presence of this species, in order to support its various behaviours - basking, foraging, and hibernation — as well as offering some protection from predators and human harassment. They can be found amongst chalky downs, rocky hillsides, moors, sandy heaths, meadows, rough commons, edges of woods, sunny glades and clearings, bushy slopes and hedgerows, dumps, coastal dunes, and stone quarries. They will venture into wetlands if dry ground is available nearby and thus may be found on the banks of streams, lakes, and ponds.

Males find females by following their scent trails, they will chase away rivals and if necessary, engage in combat.

This takes the form of the fabled and dramatic 'adder dance’ - The males confront each other, raise up the front part of the body vertically, make swaying movements and attempt to push each other to the ground.

Females breed once every two or three years, with litters usually being born in late summer to early autumn. The Adder is ovoviviparous - the eggs hatch inside the mother a little while before giving birth to ‘live’ young.

They are born with a fully functional venom apparatus and a reserve supply of egg yolk within their bodies. Litters range in size from three to 20 with young staying with their mothers for a few days after birth.

The Adder is not aggressive and will usually disappear into the undergrowth at the hint of any danger. Humans are generally bitten only after stepping on them or attempting to pick them up.

Although an Adder’s venom poses little danger to a healthy adult human, the bite is very painful and professional medical help should always be sought as soon as possible after any bite.

The UK government passed legislation in 2007 prioritising the protection of all UK reptiles but recent surveys suggest that their numbers continue to fall at an alarming rate. This is considered largely to be the result of unsustainable habitat destruction throughout their range.

Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

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Fun ‘n’ Games 9 5

NACO Sudoku Last Issue...

3 6 4 6 2 7 7 2

9 1 6 2 8 7 4 3 3 4 1 2 9 8 6

1

Winner : Mrs C Gaywood, Tilbury.

2nd Place : Mr E Bjorkelund, Aberdeen.

3rd Place : Mrs M Wardlow, Sheffield.

The winners will be the first three correct entries drawn prior to the next edition. NACO’s decision is final. No correspondence will be entered into. The winners will be announced in the next issue.

Send your entries to the address at the front of the magazine.

Don’t forget we pay £75, £50 & £25 IN CASH to the winners!

NACO Sudoku Competition Grid 6 5 7 3 4 9 6 7 3 4 8 2 7 8 1 6 2 9 6 4 2 1 1 8 4 7 9 Name : Address :

Post Code : Telephone : Membership Number :

£75 / £50 / £25 CASH prizes for winners!

NACO Wordsearch W K A Y A K J C Q V

A R O C K P O O L D

T E S A C T I U S N

E G B U C K E T D A

BEACH BUCKET FAN KAYAK OCEAN ROADTRIP ROCKPOOL SAND

R M N A T S T W Q I G M WM K I E N S G

E E Y N N U S N A F

L C D X P G Y X C N

O O Z H B E A C H Y

SUITCASE SUNNY SWIMMING WATERMELON

N P I R T D A O R I

CO L OUR - I N - CORN E R

Win a £15 Amazon Voucher!

Here’s the chance for one lucky reader to win a £15 Amazon Voucher!

All you need to do is snap a picture of a coloured-in version of the above...

The recipient will be picked at random by the NACO team!

Email or Facebook the pictures over…

Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

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Best British Beaches Blackpool Sands

StaticCaravanParks.co.uk

The UK’s No.1 Independent Holiday Park Finder

Three miles south-west of Dartmouth, Devon is this sheltered and peaceful crescent of fine shingle, backed by wooded hills. It's popular with families, and a great spot for swimming as its turquoise waters are clean and usually calm.

It’s a Blue Flag Award-winning beach backed by evergreens and scented pines, giving it more than a whiff of the Mediterranean. Blackpool Sands is privately managed and has kept its standards high, making it one of the most popular family beaches in the region.

Carnaby Kayak, paddle boards and wetsuits

are all available to hire on the beach.

But if you’re thinking of taking the dog then you’d be best advised to find another of South Devon’s beaches, as dogs are not allowed in the car parks or on Blackpool Sands from March to the end of October.

Here’s our pick of nearest caravan parks: 1) Start Bay Caravan Park Strete TQ6 0RU 2) Alston Farm Caravan Park Malborough TQ7 3BJ 3) Sothern Mill Caravan Park South Sands TQ8 8LN

1

2 3

Information courtesy of: StaticCaravanParks.co.uk Search our database of nearly 3,000 holiday parks across the UK!

Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

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Membership Benefits...

Relax! Membership to NACO means that you’ll have access to all of our member-only benefits!

FOR SALE Static Caravan & Lodge Insurance

Owner Advice & Support

Sell your Caravan

Advertise your Rental

Caravan Exchange Link

Members’ Magazine

Whether it's our specially tailored insurance policy designed with our members in mind, or being able to pick up the phone and speak directly to a member of our team - we’re always here when you need us.

We’ve also been working hard on discounts on products and services nationwide...

Check out the latest member-only discounts!

for full details login at our website: www.nacoservices.com/member-login

Pitch Fee Increase

It won’t be long until pitch fee reviews are being undertaken and being sent out to caravan and lodge owners across the UK. It’s important to make sure that you’re being treated fairly and to check that any increase that’s being proposed is in accordance with your contract or agreement.

Most static holiday caravan agreements contain reference to how the pitch fee will increase annually.

It's important that any increase criteria are clear and concise and written in plain language.

The following extract is taken from the BH&HPA & NCC Model Licence Agreement (MLA) and gives an indication to the sort of terms you might encounter: We will review the Pitch Fee having regard to the following criteria: 8.4.1 Any charges which are not within our control 8.4.1 such as rates, water charges and other charges 8.4.1 paid to third parties, including those caused 8.4.1 by a change in the law or rates of taxation.

8.4.2 Inflation.

8.4.3 Sums spent by us on the Park and/or its facilities 8.4.1 for the benefit of the owners of caravans.

8.4.4 Changes in our operating costs including those 8.4.1 brought about by changes in the law or regulatory 8.4.1 change and by taxation.

8.4.5 Market rates for pitch fees.

Whilst the MLA has quite a broad scope for pitch fee increase, there are some plus points – sums spent on the park must be for the ‘benefit of caravan owners’ and unlike its predecessor, this MLA doesn’t mention ‘any other relevant factor’ has been removed. ‘Market rates for pitch fees’ remains a contentious term – how can this ever be fair?

To establish how or why your pitch fee has gone up, it's important to put your request in writing. The approach can be light, and conversational, but it's vital that the request is documented. You can pop your park owner an email or write them a letter - whichever best fits your own circumstances.

A really common reason given for increase is re-development of the park and/or the installation of new facilities such as a pool or gym. Once again, it comes down to whether your contract mentions such items but it's important to note that in most circumstances agreement terms cover sums actually spent on the park or its facilities.

If you haven't got a written agreement, or your licence is 'annually renewable' it's still advisable to ask the question, it's just worth bearing in mind that your park owner has less of an obligation to respond.

more advice online: www.nacoservices.com/advice Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

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Park Profile:

Polzeath Beach Holiday Park

We recently visited Michael Wonnacott at Polzeath Beach Holiday Park to take a look around his beautiful park situated on the North Cornwall coast…

The holiday park is set in the village of Old Polzeath with its Post Office, shops, a local pub and easy access to the nearby villages of St. Minver, Port Isaac, Rock and Trebetherick. Across the bay from Old Polzeath lies New Polzeath perched on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic.

Carnaby The beach, one of the few Blue

Flag beaches in Cornwall, is a vast expanse of sand which opens into the Atlantic at the mouth of the Camel Estuary. Polzeath is a surfer’s paradise and with its relaxed atmosphere feels very Australian in the warm weather. This section of beach is perfect for beginners too.

The park offers a fantastic location to explore the beautifully isolated beaches and bays along this stunning Cornish coast or visit ancient tin mines, the Eden Project or a choice of local theme parks. You can even visit spectacular Land’s End and St Michael’s Mount. Alternatively, why not make a day of it and visit the romantic Isles of Scilly by ferry from Penzance?

Take a look for yourself…

Trenant Nook, Polzeath Cornwall PL276ST 01208 863320 www.polzeathbeachholidaypark.com

Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

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Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

Winter Weather

Winter weather? What? We’re having a heatwave!

All the more reason to make sure that you’re all sorted for the coming winter season. It’s an ideal time to get ready with either moving your stopcock (to make it easy to get to) or extra insulation around pipework.

We would always recommend that you should turn the water off whenever you leave the caravan or lodge.

Knowing the location of, and having easy access to your stop cock is also an essential recommendation.

Turning off the water means that in the event of a ‘freeze/burst/thaw’ situation the escaping water won’t be under pressure and should only cause a minimal amount of cosmetic damage. This can mean the difference between a total loss or months of repair work versus replacement carpets or even just dehumidifiers.

You'll need to check your insurance policy too. Many have specific periods where the unit must be drained down or the heating left on. It’s worth familiarising yourself with it now in order that you can be sure of your cover during the winter season.

In summary, there will always be the chance of frozen pipework during the Autumn and Winter months – it’s up to you as the caravan owner to decide whether the precautions that you’ve undertaken are enough to prevent damage and/or loss...

Turning off the water, opening the taps and flushing the toilets – a mini drain down if you like – would only take a few minutes would offer a great deal of protection to your property and would offer effective freeze prevention. Of course, the only way to be sure is to have the unit drained down which may also include the use of compressed air to remove all traces of water from the domestic supply.

more advice online: www.nacoservices.com/advice Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

29

NACO Meets...

Alert Trace Heating In 2016 we had an enquiry from a NACO member regarding some additional items that he'd been offered by the manufacturer at the time of purchase.

They wanted to know what the upgrades were and if they were any good - the first item on his list was trace heating.

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Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

Trace heating is still a relatively new concept in our industry but it's been used in other areas for decades. It involves wrapping cable around, or along water supply pipework to help prevent freezing. A small current is passed through the cable to ensure that the water within the pipework doesn't freeze. The cable and the pipework are also insulated to ensure the efficacy of the trace heating. At NACO we love the idea of trace heating, so long as it's installed professionally and good kit is used.

turn the water on. Genius! No more scrabbling about under the 'van to get to the stopcock.

The other addition in question was an 'automatic water stop valve'. This was the first time the team had come across such a device and we were intrigued to discover more. The idea is pretty simple - you have a unit inside your holiday caravan that is linked to a stop valve externally. The internal device is the same size a single light switch and allows you to isolate your water supply at the touch of a button.

Similarly, it allows you to turn the water back on. On the outside there is a motorised steel ball valve that opens and closes to shut the water off or

Alert Trace Heating, based in Mochdre, North Wales, have been established since 2005. They have installations and customers all over the UK. They specialise in the design, supply and installation of electrical trace heating systems and flood prevention devices for static caravans and lodges.

We were keen to learn more about these optional extras, so started some digging. In doing so, we came across Alert Trace Heating, a company who were supplying and installing both products along with other frost prevention items. We got in contact to find out more and decided to hit the road and see an installation first hand.

The installation was in mid Wales and we met Simon and Drew from Alert on a sunny May morning.

With the help of a 'demo board' Simon explained the product and showed us how it works. The caravan

Dan, Simon & Claire at the installation.

The control unit

already had trace heating installed and once we'd got to grips with the gadget Simon and Drew cracked on with the installation of the auto stop valve.

inside the caravan and automatically shut off the water supply after 12 hours (this can be reduced). This will minimise the risk of internal escape of water and help to comply with most insurance clauses between October and March.”

Simon told us that a normal installation takes around 45 minutes but with the NACO team peering over shoulders and asking questions it took a little longer!

Before long, the installation was complete and Simon could show us the device working. The thing that struck us from the outset was the attention to detail, the quality of the products and the workmanship - all of which were a of very high standard.

Another very useful feature is a sensor within the unit – Simon gave us the lowdown… “The controller inside the holiday home has a built-in PIR sensor. When the holiday home is occupied the water will stay on, if you have vacated the caravan and have forgotten to switch off the water supply the PIR will recognise inactivity

Having seen the devastation that escape of water can cause in a caravan or lodge we've always been big believers in finding your stopcock and turning off your water supply when you're away from the park. It's all very well thinking 'it's alright I'm insured' but what about the belongings and items that can't be replaced by your insurance. There's also the time, stress and inconvenience too.

This simple innovation means that turning off your water supply can done 'at the flick of a switch'.

This also means that a 'mini drain down' can be done more easily by running the taps and flushing the toilets after you've isolated the water supply. Simon was quick to stress that this doesn't mean that you won't have to have a professional drain down

done when you close up, but it will help you to maintain and manage your property.

Alert also have a variety of other products and services - including a leak detection gadget that turns off your water for you!

Check out their website for more information: www.alerttraceheating.co.uk

! Preparation for winter weather is something that everyone should be thinking about now, rather than waiting for the change in season !

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Our Story...

We’re sometimes challenged about who we are and what we do.

Supporting static caravan owners isn’t an easy job. There are no quick fixes, no ‘off the shelf’ remedies and no legislation to assist us. We get no government funding and no grants. Our services are provided as a result of our modest membership fee and as you can imagine , often doesn‘t go very far. We’re proud to be helping people where we can and pushing the industry to provide higher standards generally.

Back before NACO was born the industry was awash with big investors and consumers were being forced to leave following substantial re-development of parks across the UK. By the time we reached the 80’s the government basically said to the industry that they should create some sort of code of practice because if the parks weren’t able to clean up their image the government would do it for them. Following this a Code of Practice was created and this satisfied the government for a long time. However, the Code wasn’t legally enforceable and the trade bodies didn’t regulate it either.

In the early 2000’s we supported a legal case which was as a result of an entire park being closed pretty much overnight. The (very) brief overview of the case was that we were arguing that there was an implied term that people buying a holiday caravan would not expect that they would only have a year on the pitch. The Judge didn’t agree and we ended up having a large legal bill and a piece of case history that was, unfortunately, not helpful to the cause.

Following this we spent years dealing with the OFT trying to push them to assist with the industry and they would continually reply with stock responses that they were unable to help with individual situations.

Following a great deal of pressure from us, caravan owners and other

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Holiday Caravanner Summer 2018

consumer focused organisations they released ‘OFT 734’. However, whilst it was useful in making arguments about certain behaviour and situations encountered by consumers at holiday parks, once again it wasn’t legally enforceable.

We spoke with the DCLG about ‘fit and proper’ proposals for the residential park homes sector and our concerns that rogue operators would drift into the holiday sector.

We argued that the legislation would need to apply to all licensed parks regardless of whether they were holiday or residential. They ended up ditching the whole idea considering that it was too much red-tape.

They’re looking at it again and they were supposed to release a stage 2 consultation in May. In 2010 (ish) we were consulted by Northern Ireland Assembly member John McCallister about reform over there as the Mobile Homes Act didn’t extend to cover NI. Unbelievably he was also set on ensuring that the act covered holiday parks as well and this happened – albeit that the act didn’t give the same protection for both sectors. Essentially it meant that holiday parks had to provide written agreements to holiday caravan owners but it failed to secure certain terms and security of tenure. Further consultation with MPs once again provided the response that there wasn’t any appetite to regulate a ‘tourism’ industry.

We were then involved with Darren Millar AM and his proposals for tighter control of the residential misuse of holiday caravans in Wales. The key purposes of the Bill, on introduction, were to modernise the licensing regime for holiday caravan sites.

It sought to give local authorities new duties and enforcement powers so they could ensure that holiday caravan sites are safe and well managed, and to robustly tackle breaches of licence conditions by a combination of statutory enforcement

action and financial penalties to provide an effective deterrent.

The Bill also sought to end the permanent residential use of holiday caravans by requiring caravan owners and long-term occupiers to demonstrate that their main residence is elsewhere, and by giving local authorities powers to deal with caravan occupiers who fail this test.

The Bill was intended to give owners and long-term occupiers a legal right to a written statement of the terms and conditions under which they occupy their pitch, and prescribe a number of implied terms that will apply to all holiday caravan agreements.The Bill fell at the end of the Fourth Assembly as it was not passed before the end of the Assembly in which it was introduced (Standing Order 26.77). Various attempts to get an e-petition in front of parliament have been made without reaching the required number of signatories.

There are many facets to this complex industry that is poorly protected by consumer legislation aimed at people buying a TV. We’ve long argued that this just isn’t appropriate for such a substantial purchase. There’s no doubt that many thousands of owners are happy at their park and, to an extent this is the core of the issue the number of complaints raised to government and organisations such as Citizens Advice is minute in comparison to other sectors.

However for the vulnerable consumers that we encounter the situations they face have significant financial consequences and will often impact on their mental well being and health.

The above is very much a whistle-stop overview of the last 22 years and doesn’t really touch on any of the thousands of situations that we’ve encountered with people at caravan parks who’ve been mistreated.

We’ll keep doing what we do, helping people where we can and pushing for fairness and transparency.

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Park Profile: Holiday Home Spotlight Dan Ellacott looks at the Pemberton Park Lane

32

I’ve always liked what Pemberton have done with their range and the build quality is always top quality.

The new Park Lane is no exception.

Starting at around the £74k mark (ex-works out of the factory un-sited) it’s a fair chunk of change! However, you’ll get lots of high quality standard features with plenty of space – the unit I looked at was a whopping 43’ by 14’…

What Pemberton say…

“A refreshing new layout for the Park Lane with a crisp colour scheme throughout the lounge, kitchen and dining area. Light floods in through a large kitchen window and a new bank of integrated kitchen appliances frees up plenty of space for food preparation plus an ample dining area. The breakfast bar is nicely situated on the edge of the lounge creating a good social flow through all the areas.”

Pemberton offer lots of options with their new units for changing lots of aspects. Take a look at their website for the latest brochure and full range. www.pembertonlh.co.uk Dan Ellacott

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Perfect Picnics...

Dan Ellacott looks at some useful summer picnic products...

Picnic Plates & Cups – The Range What the web says: The Hello Summer Side Plate is guaranteed to help you tuck into a wide range of delicious snacks and treats with ease. Featuring a vibrantly coloured and playful design, this fruity side plate with 2-toned trim is perfect for use at any picnic, BBQ, or outdoor dining event.

Prices start at just £1.20 for a wide range of plates, cups, bowls and serving platters. Perfect for sunny days at the beach, BBQs and out and about. www.therange.co.uk

SHO Fortis & SHO water bottle What the web says: SHO is all about delivering value to everyone we encounter. We do this by providing really useful products, by focusing on delivering the best customer service known to man(!)

Prices start at £12.99 for the smallest 260ml SHO bottle.

To say that I love this bottle is an understatement! My colleagues will attest that it’s always with me and I rave about it whenever I can! No plastic means a happy environment and it is amazing at keeping drinks cold. www.shonline.co.uk

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Aztec Windbreak – Outdoor Revolution (Blue Diamond) What the web says: The Outdoor Revolution’s Aztec Windbreak is a visually-stunning, fullyfunctional three panelled windbreaker. Designed to keep the wind at bay, it is created from polyester and supported by four sturdy wooden poles.

Priced at £24.99 this well-made windbreak won’t let you down!

Steel spikes and steel tops help with the hammering! Blue Diamond have a strong heritage in the windbreaker market and the quality of this product is immediately apparent.

Boules Set – Aldi What the web says: This handy set contains everything you need to keep the whole family entertained during those long summer afternoons. Perfect for picnics and days out in the park, or even for use in the garden, this set is easily transportable thanks to its included carry case.

Just £4.99 will get you this classic family game. We even managed to keep my 4 year old occupied with this on the beach. Aldi currently have a number of outdoor games and items for sale – get them quick before they’re gone!

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