Monthly Archives: May 2015

The Caravan Club wins another award.

31 Sunday May 2015

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The Caravan Club and IP Integration win big at regional UK Contact Centre Forum awards

The Caravan Club is celebrating after being selected as winner of the ‘Technology Partnership of the Year’ award at the 2015 London and South East UK Contact Centre Forum Awards for their continued work with IP Integration. The Caravan Club began working with IP Integration in 2013 in upgrading and maintaining its telephony infrastructure to ensure sustained and enhanced levels of customer service.

Commenting on the win, Peter Martin, Head of Operations, Membership Services at The Caravan Club, said, “This award is testament to the strength of relationship built between our two teams and how closely we worked together to overcome differing challenges in order to deliver exceptional service to Club members.”

The awards took place at the Radisson Blu Edwardian on Friday 22 May, and recognised outstanding achievements within the contact centre industry.

The Caravan Club offers their members over 200 Club sites and 2,500 privately owned places to stay, and provide all members with expert advice, overseas travel services, financial services and exclusive member offers and discounts. High standards of customer service to Club members are at the heart of all operations.

For further information about becoming a member of The Caravan Club please visit http://www.caravanclub.co.uk or call 0800 328 6635.
Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews
 

DVLA Share Driving Licence launched

26 Tuesday May 2015

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DVLA Share Driving Licence online service replaces counterpart and guarantees instant, 24 hour, access to important information.

What Is The Purpose Of Share Driving Licence?

The DVLA Share Driving Licence service has been launched to replace the paper-based counterpart and guarantee instant, twenty-four hour, access to a range of information. Its purpose is to enable you to confirm facts that relate to your licence online. Information can also be shared with (say) a car hire firm or employer that needs to confirm your entitlement to drive. Such parties previously relied on the counterpart. The photocard element of a licence remains valid but is only a summary and proof of identity. 

What Can Share Driving Licence Do For Me?

The Share Driving Licence service categorises information via a series of tabs. The “your details” tab contains basic facts such as the type of licence, its date of issue and when it expires. Confirmation of name, address and date of birth can be found here too. The “vehicles you can drive” tab – via categorises such as B1, K and L – highlights the classes of vehicle the licence relates too. It differentiates between your full and provisional entitlements. The “penalties and disqualifications” tab confirms you have (say) three penalty points but have not been disqualified.

The “share your licence information” tab enables you to reveal facts to a vehicle hire firm or employer of your choice. Simply click the “create a code” button. As the name suggests, this generates a reference that – along with the last eight digits of your licence number – provides one time access to your information. The service also allows you to print a summary that can be presented to the interested party that incorporates the reference code.

How Can I Access Share Driving Licence?

The Share Driving Licence service can be accessed online via https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence. Connect courtesy of your driving licence number, national insurance number, and postcode.

Is Share Driving Licence Safe?

The service only provides you with access to your information, plus those in receipt of a reference code. It also operates via a server that is well protected so there is only a minimal risk of hacker access. No computer is completely secure, however. Furthermore, it is important to keep your licence and national insurance number safe to prevent an authorised party logging-in using your identity.

Why Has Share Driving Licence Replaced The Counterpart?

A Red Tape Challenge consultation on road transportation inspired the counterpart’s abolition and the birth of the new, online, service. The purpose is to simplify and minimise the regulations that – according to the government and in a broader context than motoring – have “piled up and up” and “hurt business”. Cutting red tape might also reduce government expenditure. The challenge aligns with a DVLA plan that includes commitments to simplify its service. 

ARTICLE AUTHOR: Stephen Turvil. http://www.motoring.co.uk

Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews

The most dangerous footpath in the world?

20 Wednesday May 2015

Posted by in This and That, Travel

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Tourists walk along the ‘El Caminito del Rey’ (King’s Little Path) footpath in Malaga, Spain. ‘El Caminito del Rey’, which was built in 1905 and winds through the Gaitanes Gorge, reopened last weekend after a safer footpath was installed above the original. The path, known as the most dangerous footpath in the world, was closed after two fatal accidents in 1999 and 2000. The restoration started in 2011 and reportedly cost 5.5 million euros.

Tourists enjoy the view from the ‘El Caminito del Rey’ (King’s Little Path) footpath on April 1, 2015 in Malaga, Spain. ‘El Caminito del Rey’, which was built in 1905 and winds through the Gaitanes Gorge, reopened last weekend after a safer footpath was installed above the original. The path, known as the most dangerous footpath in the world, was closed after two fatal accidents in 1999 and 2000. The restoration started in 2011 and reportedly cost 5.5 million euros.

A train passes through a tunnel as tourists walk along the ‘El Caminito del Rey’ (King’s Little Path) footpath in Malaga, Spain. ‘El Caminito del Rey’, which was built in 1905 and winds through the Gaitanes Gorge, reopened last weekend after a safer footpath was installed above the original. The path, known as the most dangerous footpath in the world, was closed after two fatal accidents in 1999 and 2000. The restoration started in 2011 and reportedly cost 5.5 million euros.

Source: traveller.com.au

Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews

  

 

A few very special walking spots.

17 Sunday May 2015

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SOURCE: http://www.freedomtogo.co.uk

1. PICTURE PERFECT, PANORAMIC VIEWS

A family run working farm and campsite, Trevedra Farm boasts dramatic sea views overlooking Land’s End and the Isles of Scilly. Established over 70 years ago by Leslie and Mary Nicholas the site is now run by their grandson, John, and wife Wendy. It’s just a short walk to the secluded, dog friendly Gwynver Beach. From here follow the stunning coastal path on to Sennen Cove and Land’s end. History buffs can experience the Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and early medieval periods in just two hours! Weary walkers can treat themselves to fresh bread, Cornish Pasties, home-made cakes and cooked meals at the popular Ocean Blue Café.

The perfect pitch: Trevedra Farm 
Sennen, Land’s End,Cornwall,TR19 7BE 
Tel: 01736 871818

2. WOODLAND WALKS AND WILDLIFE


At Clumber Park caravan site visitors enjoy the freedom to explore more than 3,800 acres of pretty parkland, heaths and woods. There’s something for everyone with a vast array of walks through charming gardens, peaceful woodlands and along a magnificent lake. As the caravan site is part of what used to be Sherwood Forest, kids can enjoy the excitement of camping in the same forest that Robin Hood and his Merry Men had their adventures. They can even re-enact some of Robin Hood’s famous tales in the site’s popular play area.

At 20 acres, the campsite is spacious and a perfect base-camp to explore. The Gothic-style chapel, often referred to as a ‘mini-cathedral’, offers a lovely moment of quiet reflection. Or, depending on your tastes and travel buddies, pop into the Discovery Centre to get up close and personal with some of the parks more reclusive members – whether they’re furry, feathery, creepy or slimy!

The perfect pitch: Clumber Park
Lime Tree Avenue, Clumber Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3AE
Tel: 01909 484758

3. BOMB ALONG THE RANGE


The New Forest caravan site was originally part of an old WWII bombing site. In fact, parts of the original runway still exist and there’s also a memorial to the New Forest Airfields just to the north of the caravan park making this a very attractive destination if you’re interested in war history. Bird life including Song Thrushes and Bullfinches can be discovered in the campsite’s centenary gardens, which were created in celebration of its 100th anniversary. 

There’s more history to be enjoyed by visiting the old bombing observation shelter along Ashley Walk across a landscape of skipping streams, brooding woodlands and open grassy areas. Dogs are welcome to roam freely but make sure to keep an eye on Rover and Fido as there may be deer, horses and cows! 

The perfect pitch: New Forest
Forest Rd, Bransgore, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 8EB
Tel: 01425 673638

4. WELSH VIEW FROM THE WIRRAL


At Wirral Country Park caravan site it’s possible to have lots of mini holidays in one! You can breathe in the sea air, capture stunning images of wildlife over the River Dee or picnic in the tranquil grasslands – all from one camp site. The campsite only allows caravans or motorhomes but is well laid out and offers ample car parking and public toilets. There are a number of nature trails on-site to follow including the 12-mile Wirral Way which follows a disused railway line and the river. The wonderful views are a real highlight, changing at every turn. Take care with dogs as there are some un-fenced cliffs. 

The perfect pitch: Wirral Country Park
Station Rd, Thurstaston, Thurstaston, Merseyside, CH61 0HN
Tel: 01516 485228

5. WANDER THE GREAT WOOD


Driving up to the entrance of Battle Normanhurst Court Caravan site, visitors will notice the magnificent iron gates still bearing the name of the historic house. Based in a former garden, the site boasts splendid shrubbery including rhododendrons – an absolute riot of colour in the spring! Wandering around the grounds, visitors can discover interesting artefacts from the former manor house including floor tiles and ornate railings. The site offers great facilities for families, including an area for ball games and a playground on site. Dogs are well catered for, with a lovely dog walk within the site grounds. 

Alternatively, visitors can take any one of the narrow, winding lanes that lead from the site to tiny intimate villages, each with its own church and pub. Be transported back in time along a nearby trail which intersects the very spot where the 1066 Battle of Hastings was fought and won by William the Conqueror. This four and a half mile walk is generally easy underfoot with some hillier segments, an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs and admire the views. There aren’t any stiles to trap or confuse canines and the free parking is a welcome addition. 

The perfect pitch: Battle
Normanhurst Court Caravan Site, Stevens Crouch, Battle, East Sussex TN33 9LR 
Tel: 01424 773808

6. DISCOVER DRACULA AT WHITBY ABBEY


The North Yorkshire Moors is a wonderfully relaxing and tranquil spot. There are beautiful moorland views from the western side of the site and it’s a perfect starting point for a visit to the delights of nearby Whitby. Visitors will have over 1,300 miles of footpaths to choose from, many of which can be joined from the park. A bracing stride toward the gothic towers of Whitby Abbey – made famous by Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel – is a great walk for anyone looking to blow away the cobwebs. The four mile stretch may get a bit windy but the terrain is well kept, clean and easy to amble along. There’s ample of space for dogs to run around, although certain areas do restrict them to the lead during the peak summer period.

The perfect pitch: North Yorkshire Moors
Sneaton, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 5JE
Tel: 01947 810505

7. BOUND UP THE BEACONS


Brecon Beacons caravan site is set in the foothills of the glorious Welsh countryside and can lay claim to some of the best views of the central Beacons, with dramatic vistas of Pen-y-Fan, Cribyn and Corn Du. There are plenty of amenities for families on site with a well stocked shop, play areas, and a restaurant with an adjacent play barn to keep the kids entertained. The site’s an ideal location to both enjoy the peace and tranquillity or take the more daring option and walk, climb, bike and cave your way through the countryside. Go up, up and away into the high country, carved by ice a millennia ago, or explore deep, wooded gorges where rivers are still shaping limestone rocks as they tumble down spectacular waterfalls. If all this activity builds up a thirst, there’s a charming local pub just 10 minutes down the road. 

The perfect pitch: Brecon Beacons 
Brecon, Powys, LD3 7SH 
Tel: 01874 623326

8 DALLY ON THE DALES

Now with 10 serviced pitches and situated between the River Ure and the market town of Hawes, Hawes Caravan Site offers hours of captivating landscape to explore. With the beautiful Dales right on the doorstep, the site offers breath-taking 360 degree views and, for walking enthusiasts, the opportunities are endless.

Sitting as it does between Buttertubs and Fleet Moss in the Yorkshire Dales, Hawes has an immense character that really needs to be experienced. As well as the stunning scenery, there’s plenty to enjoy including a charming chocolate-box village, an 18th Century water-powered cotton spinning Gayle Mill, and the Wensleydale Creamery with its signature Wallace and Gromit cheese.

The perfect pitch: Hawes
Brunt Acres Rd, Hawes, North Yorkshire,DL8 3PS 
Tel: 01969 667338


9. HUDDLE IN A WILDLIFE HIDE


Stamford caravan site, set in the historic Dales Wood, is a superb place for leisurely wanderings in lovely landscapes. From the wide choices available in this area, Dales Wood allows you to view birds and even deer from the Wildlife Hide then enjoy a magnificent view of Rockingham Forest. Designed with families in mind, the surrounding Fineshade Wood has numerous events and activities running throughout the year such as the Gruffalo trail for kids. The woods are also gradually being restored to site-native broad leaf woodland under the ‘Ancient Woodland Project’; those that are inspired by the project can donate to the Woodland Trust. 

The perfect pitch: Stamford 
Fineshade, Stamford, Northamptonshire, NN17 3BB
Tel: 01780 444617 

10. LUSH LAKES AND RUSHING RIVERS


Milestone is a five star multi-award winning caravan park with over 100 touring pitches on a mixture of level grass and all weather surfaces. All pitches are lined with shrubbery for added privacy, while the open plan design of the park creates a spacious feeling. The site offers coarse fishing for the keen angler and a pretty picnic area surrounds the lake for those wanting to take in the luscious scenery. There are also specialist fishing lakes in nearby Milestone village which can be reached along a variety of scenic walks, making this caravan site ideal for anglers and walkers alike. Nearby Newark castle is undoubtedly worth a visit with its superbly kept grounds and its beautiful walls, it’s the perfect place for a picnic on a sunny afternoon or after a stroll down one of the many lovely river walks. There’s seasonal entertainment, including a bandstand that holds many concerts throughout the year. 

The perfect pitch: Milestone 
Great North Road, Cromwell, Newark On Trent, Nottinghamshire, NG23 6JE 
Tel: 01636 821244

Find more ways to get out there and get active. Want to find the right leisure vehicle for you? Take our quiz to find out which leisure vehicle suits your holiday needs or find a rental.



Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews