Monthly Archives: February 2015

Something has changed at Calais……

28 Saturday Feb 2015

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Coming through Calais today on my way home it was an absolute delight not to encounter loads of people in nearby fuel stations and on the roads into the port trying to jump into my motorhome or attach themselves beneath it. Not one.

I know the UK government has offered some financial assistance to the town of Calais to deal with what was becoming an intolerable problem and it seems to be working. The makeshift camps have gone to the relief of Calais residents and I felt very much more relaxed going through the port.

My motorhome was pulled to one side and examined by the UK Border Agency – the officer told me it was his dream to own a motorhome himself one day so we had a brief exchange of ideas on fixed beds and shower room sizes while he completed the search but I did sense that whilst vigilance is called for, some of the pressure is off. When I arrived in France earlier in the week I noticed a five mile queue of trucks waiting to get into the port by a slightly different route and I suspect this too is all part of the effort to reduce the number of people attempting to get into the UK unlawfully.

Life is definitely getting more complicated for us all because not only are we trying to eliminate illegal arrivals we are also trying to limit the numbers leaving the UK to join terrorist outfits mainly in Syria. I concluded that in comparison to the weighty issues the Border Agency staff are dealing with in Calais my brief visit to Montreuil and Vimy was distinctly mundane. And long may that continue.

Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews

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Calais Overnight.

27 Friday Feb 2015

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Am in France this week. 

The overnight stop next to the Calais ferries fills up in the evening even in February – but is lightly populated during the day. I always use it as it has restaurants and take-aways within 200 metres. Those of you who know it well will spot some fencing and earthworks on the left hand side of my photo – that used to be the pay for regular site – but sadly it is no more and whatever the good people of Calais are doing with it, it has so far taken them two years to get this far!! Doubtless all will be revealed and one day I will get to hear – if I’m spared!!!

Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews

The Caravan Club launches “Tourer Explorer” initiative.

14 Saturday Feb 2015

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The Caravan Club will launch its family-focused initiative ‘Tourer Explorer’ at the NEC
…And TV and radio presenter Matt Baker will introduce two very special mini explorers

TV and radio presenter Matt Baker will officially open The Caravan, Camping and Motorhome show at the NEC on Tuesday 17 February (10.00 Experts theatre, hall 3) and then help launch The Club’s ‘Tourer Explorer’ initiative. (11.15 Caravan Club stand 2000, hall 2 on Caravan Club Day 17 February).

The Club recognises that touring holidays in a caravan, motorhome or trailer-tent are great for families, or grandparents holidaying with grandchildren. The freedom and flexibility they provide are the reason why they are so popular and every weekend can be a holiday, plus anything that allows children to spend more time in the great outdoors is beneficial.

In 2015 The Club will extend its ‘Tourer Explorer’ offering with sixty-five Club sites designated as ‘Tourer Explorer’ family-focused sites and free activity booklets will be available at them all. Also in 2015 a series of ‘Play Day’ events will take place in August, plus children’s pocket money items will be available, and two very important mascots will oversee it all and ensure that all ‘Tourer Explorers’ in The Club are inspired!

Matt Baker will be at the show to talk to visitors about the benefits of encouraging children into the outdoors and announce the names of the two ‘Tourer Explorer’ mascots, named by 10 year-old Kayleigh Wright from Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, who entered a children’s competition run by The Club. Kayleigh attended the show and was invited on stage by Matt to collect her prize and help him reveal the names.

The Club’s stand will also be running a ‘Tourer Explorer’ Zone for the duration of the show, where children can pick up a show treasure trail form to complete while at the show. The trail will encourage them and their families to visit dealers and manufacturers across the show.

Of caravanning Matt says, “Caravan holiday are great for families to get closer to nature and give all ages the experiences of the great outdoors and simple pleasures like rock-pooling, climbing trees and just getting muddy. Growing up on a farm meant I was lucky enough to always be outdoors and this has continued to be one of my passions.”

Director General of The Caravan Club, Nick Lomas says, “We are delighted to welcome Matt Baker to the show to announce the names of our two new ‘Tourer Explorer’ mascots. Matt is a great role model for the outdoor life and is well known for his love of the British countryside. The Club wants to spread the word about touring, not only as a great holiday experience but as a fantastic way to pursue outdoor interests, such as cycling, walking, wildlife watching or surfing. A caravan or motorhome can help your family explore the UK and have great adventures that are fun and flexible. Every weekend can be a holiday!”

Visit The Caravan Club website

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews

Double digit increase in 2014 for motorhome and caravan sales.

06 Friday Feb 2015

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• Dealers report strong 2014 activity
• Younger buyers with families entering the market
• Positive industry news before the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show
• More than 80,000 visitors expected for the show at the NEC, 17-22 Feb

Figures released by industry trade body the National Caravan Council (NCC) reveal that sales of new touring caravans and motorhome registrations increased significantly in 2014, illustrating that more buyers are entering the leisure vehicle market.

• New motorhome registrations increased by 18% year-on-year
• Sales of new touring caravans increased by nearly 10% (9.2%) year-on-year

For both touring caravans and motorhomes October 2014 was the busiest month, with sales of the former up 22% and registrations of the latter up 18% compared with October 2013.

According to NCC data in total 21,379 new touring caravans were sold in 2014 with 8,733 new motorhomes registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) during the same period. Anecdotal evidence suggests that buyers are increasingly younger families and the NCC is working with The Caravan Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club on a new industry promotional campaign, freedomtogo.co.uk, to attract new entrants to the market.

Mark Bebb, managing director of award winning Shrewsbury based dealer Salop Leisure said: “We’ve noticed that the average caravan user is younger than they were just a few years ago. There is a rising group of young consumers in their twenties and thirties – we’ve seen a 30% increase from this group over the last three years – who’ve realised that the industry has moved forward and they’re embracing the reality provided by this leisure option, which is all about fun, freedom and adventure. We’ve also seen customers buy a caravan and then return with friends who are themselves interested in buying one.”

Jenny Summers, NCC group marketing director, said: “It is incredibly positive to see that sales of touring caravans and motorhome registrations increased so much in 2014 as it demonstrates that more people are discovering the benefits that touring in a caravan or motorhome brings. It also shows that consumer confidence is returning to the market, many exhibitors at our Motorhome & Caravan Show 2014 reported record sales, and we hope for this trend to continue at our Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show in February this year.”

Caravanning remains a British manufacturing success story, more than 95% of touring caravans in the UK are made here and approximately 60% in the case of motorhomes. Over £2.4 billion was spent on caravan holidays across Great Britain in 2013 with more than 51 million nights spent in caravans each year2.The industry as a whole contributes more than £6 billion a year to the UK economy.

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews

The National is at Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire.

03 Tuesday Feb 2015

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The Caravan Club is delighted to be holding this year’s event at Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire from 22-27 May 2015

The National is a highlight within The Club’s calendar, attracting around 5000 people over the May bank holiday to experience a host of family fun and great entertainment. This year’s evening acts include Bee Gees and Buddy Holly tribute acts and the fabulous Beyond the Barricade show featuring songs from the great musicals. Daytime fun includes; arena displays, workshops, hundreds of trade stands and loads of outdoor activities, including the now famous, tug-of-war competition!

Nick Lomas, Director General of The Caravan Club, says “If you’ve not been to The National before, make it in 2015 and you’re in for a real treat. There really is something for everyone, no matter what your age or interests. Take in the wonderful setting, infectious fun and exciting activities during the day, then be in for a delight when the truly spectacular evening entertainment begins.”

Lomas continues, “This year we have opened the event to day visitors from the local area. There is no need to be a member or even a caravanner, it is a great day out for all. In addition, the evening entertainment is of such quality, it’s just like a trip to the theatre.”

The magnificent venue, home of Lord and Lady Rotherwick, was originally a royal hunting lodge and is situated close to the delightful Cotswold village of Charlbury.

This year the event is open to day visitors from the local area, with free of charge entry after 5pm.

For more information please CLICK HERE

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews

A sprinkling of stardust at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show.

01 Sunday Feb 2015

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• Helen Skelton, Sally Gunnell, Kate Lawler & Melodie King all attending
• Ben Fogle and Matt Baker to officially open the show
• Half-term week February 17 – 22 Birmingham NEC – kids go free

The UK’s largest start-of-season holiday showcase, the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show (NEC, 17 – 22 February) will feature a host of personalities who love nothing more than getting in the great outdoors. Daredevil TV presenter and world record holder Helen Skelton, Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell, rising surf star Melodie King and DJ / presenter Kate Lawler will all be speaking at the show about their love for getting outside, staying fit and active.

From 10.30am in the Experts’ Theatre (Hall 3), adventurer Ben Fogle and TV’s Matt Baker will jointly cut the ribbon and officially open the show, which also features an exciting blend of family friendly activities, all the latest products and celebrity guests, including on opening day comedic genius Rowland Rivron and soap star Debbie Arnold.

There’s also an assault course, dog agility displays with regional clubs and charities, fun activities inspired by the new Shaun the Sheep movie, ‘Tourer Explorer’ family initiatives including a treasure hunt, and a packed programme of live sessions in the Experts’ Theatre. Throughout the rest of the six day extravaganza several other special guests will drop in, including expert BBQ chef Ben Tish and food blogger Caravan Larry.

The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show will inspire visitors and their families to take a trip in the great outdoors and enjoy quality time together away from home. It’s the only place to see all the latest caravans, motorhomes, campervans, tents, outdoor accessories and holiday destination inspiration all under one roof!

Details on appearance times

Featuring every day of the show (2.15, Hall 3) will be rising surf star Melodie King. At just 17 and hailing from Cornwall she is one of the sport’s newest personalities. Currently placed 5th in the UK in the under 18s ladies division, Melodie will be taking time out from her schedule to talk about competing, the benefits of leading an active lifestyle and of course living near the beach!

Also happening every day will be a new outdoor style advice session, hosted by DJ and former Big Brother winner Kate Lawler, featuring two families, the Hurst’s and Meek’s, that definitely know what to wear when living in a caravan or motorhome. Kate is now a presenter on Key 103 FM and has a passion for travelling, keeping fit and sport.

On Tuesday 17th February, following the show opening, Ben Fogle will go on to represent The Camping and Caravanning Club (Hall 4, stand 4220) and help them launch an exciting new glamping product. The broadcaster, traveller and adventurer will then take part in a Q&A session with show visitors in the Experts’ Theatre (2.45pm, Hall 3). Whether it’s rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, crossing Antarctica on foot or running across the Sahara, Ben has tonnes of exciting experiences to speak about.

On opening day TV and radio presenter Matt Baker will also feature on The Caravan Club Stand (Hall 2, stand 2000). As a two times BAFTA winning presenter, Matt’s love of the countryside, which encourages families to explore all that the UK has to offer, is sure to prove popular with show visitors. Also on opening day Rowland Rivron will launch a £10,000 trolley dash competition with Raymond James Caravans (11am, stand 4300) and Debbie Arnold will be giving beauty advice as a friend of Bailey of Bristol (11am, stand 2220).

On Wednesday 18th February, Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell will feature in the Experts Theatre (12.45 & 2.45, Hall 3) talking about her career and how to get fit and healthy as a family as well as talking about her love of camping. Canine lover Sally will also take part in the dog agility feature (1.45, Hall 4) with her four legged friend, Diggy.

Thursday 19th February sees TV presenter, world record holder and daredevil Helen Skelton visit the show to sign autographs (11.30, Hall 5) and speak about her love of the great outdoors in the Experts Theatre (12.45 & 2.45, Hall 3). She made her name as a Blue Peter presenter and has now established herself as a presenter across many genres. Helen’s greatest passion is adventure and she has completed a 66m high wire walk between the towers of Battersea Power Station, travelled 500 miles across Antarctica to the South Pole by ski, kite and bike and is the fastest person to travel 100km by ski.

On Friday chef, and BBQ expert, Ben Tish will cook up a storm in the Experts Theatre (11, 12.45, 2.45 Hall 3). Ben is Chef Director of the Salt Yard Group in London and has spent much of his career working with top chefs such as Jason Atherton. He has featured on the BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, Masterchef, Market Kitchen and BBC Radio Four’s Food Programme. At the show he will be demonstrating how to cook three exciting meals on a BBQ.

The weekend brings online food blogger and Twitter chef Caravan Larry (@caravanlarry) to the party (12.45, 2.45 Hall 3) and he will rustle up a couple of tasty dishes that will feed the family and not break the bank. Caravan Larry is a keen caravanner and with his three children regularly spends time away from home in his Elddis Crusader, so who better to show visitors how to cook in the great outdoors?

Compering the Experts’ Theatre every day will be human powered adventurer Richard Harpham. He’s completed over 7,600 miles by canoe, kayak, bike and on foot. His adventures include sea kayaking from Vancouver to Alaska and canoeing the Yukon River, London to Marrakech by bike and kayak.

With over 350 exhibitors, the show is a fantastic value, family day out for both newcomers and enthusiasts alike. Advance show tickets from just £7 (kids 15 years and under go free) can be booked by going to THE OFFICIAL SHOW WEBSITE or calling 0844 581 1250.

Stay tuned to the show Twitter and Facebook feeds more news:

twitter.com/CaravanCampShow
facebook.com/caravancampshow

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews