Tag Archives: Grenville Chamberlain

As seen on BBC2….8pm April 20th and 27th.

09 Saturday Apr 2016

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The Caravan Club’s Caravanner of the Year Competition. Soon to be shown on BBC2, two one-hour shows…

The Caravan Club is the largest touring organisation of its kind, representing over one million caravanners. As a champion of the great outdoors it is committed to raising the positive profile of caravanning for the benefit of members and the industry as a whole.

The Caravan Club allowed the BBC to film its ‘Caravanner of the Year’ competition that celebrates this Great British pastime which is held in high affection. Six top enthusiasts, (all Club members) battled it out across two highly charged weekends to win The Caravan Club’s inaugural competition and the coveted title of ‘Caravanner of the Year’. It’s the caravanning world’s “Great British Bake Off”.

The programmes – which will be aired on BBC2 at 8pm on 20 and 27 April – follow the fun, and drama, of how the motorhomers, caravanners and campervanners competed against each other.

The enthusiasts were faced with a variety of challenges covering activities such as manoeuvring, navigation, hospitality and caravanning knowledge. There was also the precision challenge of the Concours D’Elegance which demanded much polishing and primping of their vehicles!

Judges for the competition were Grenville Chamberlain, Chairman of The Caravan Club and motorhome maverick and journalist Andy Harris. Guest judges Lucy Jayne Grout, a specialist in vintage caravan restoration and Martin Dorey, the Camper Van Cook, both utilized their expertise to assess the competitors.

Scenic Ferry Meadows Caravan Club Site was the backdrop for the competition and on the Finals weekend all site visitors enjoyed an impromptu party with the finalists to celebrate the competition.

Grenville Chamberlain, Chairman of The Caravan Club, said, “It was a privilege to be involved with the competition and have the opportunity to meet such wonderful people who obviously greatly enjoy their caravanning and motorhoming. The programmes really highlight the camaraderie and sense of community that caravanners enjoy and we certainly had great fun during the competition. Tune in and watch the programmes and start planning your summer caravanning trips!”

Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews

SEAT Leon ST Estate is overall winner of The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year 2015

24 Wednesday Sep 2014

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The Volkswagen Group continued its dominance of The Caravan Club’s prestigious Towcar of the Year competition by lifting the trophy for a seventh consecutive year.

The competition’s 39 entries were split into six price classes and two weight categories, ranging from the Dacia Logan MCVLauréatedCi at just £12,114 to the all-singing, all-dancing Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury 3.0 SDV6 at a shade over £60,000. The diverse entry list included small 4x4s, saloons, estates, hatchbacks, SUVs, large off-roaders and an electric/petrol hybrid.

Each towcar endured the same gruelling series of trials – not only being judged on its towing performance over a testing circuit at the Millbook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, but also for its ‘caravanability’ – ie how much typical holiday gear and caravan paraphernalia it could accommodate, how easily it could be hooked up to a caravan and the quality of towing information contained in its handbook. Value for money (initial purchase price and running costs) was also added to the marking equation.

Seven driving judges put the cars through their paces and evaluated each one’s dynamic abilities and ergonomic qualities. Tests included a mid-range 30-60mph acceleration assessment, high-speed towing appraisal, reversing, emergency braking, ride and handling evaluations as well as hill-stop and restart trials.

Price Class wins in the competition went to: the Fiat Panda 4×4 1.3 MultiJet; Peugeot 308 SW PureTech 1.2 e-THP stop-start; SEAT Leon ST FR 2.0 TDI; Volkswagen Golf SV GT 2.0TDI DSG; Volvo XC60 D5 AWD R-Design NAV; and the Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury 3.0 litre SDV6.

From these Class winners, the SEAT Leon ST forged ahead to take the overall victory, earning comments such as, “the SEAT’s engine kept its torquey feel and produced punch whenever and wherever it was required”, and “even at increased speeds, it remained unruffled and composed”.

All-Wheel Drive vehicles competed in two additional categories – ‘All-Wheel Drive Under 1800kg’ and ‘All-Wheel Drive Over 1800kg’. First place in the lighter category went to the Volvo XC60 D5 AWD R-Design NAV, while the Land Rover Discovery HSE Luxury 3.0 litre SDV6 took the honours in the heavier group.

The results of the competition were announced at The Caravan Club Towcar of the Year Awards ceremony, held at the Royal Automobile Club in London on 24 September.

For the 2015 competition, the Judges’ Special Award went to the Mitsubishi Outlander GX4hs 2.0 PHEV – the PHEV hybrid’s innovative electric/petrol technology was assessed shoulder to shoulder against more traditional vehicles.

Grenville Chamberlain, Caravan Club Chairman, commented, “It was great to see such a diverse variety of vehicles entered into this competition. Whether people want to tow a small trailer tent or a large, twin-axle caravan, there is a vehicle choice to suit all needs. On behalf of The Caravan Club, our congratulations go to all the winners, and a special mention to SEAT for their victorious Leon. I am sure we will be seeing competition entrants on Club sites in the near future.”

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews

The Caravan Club’s CL of the Year Awards 2013.

18 Monday Nov 2013

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Photo: Greetham Retreat.

Greetham Retreat Certificated Location (CL), in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, has been awarded first-place in The Caravan Club’s CL of the Year Awards 2013, voted for by The Caravan Club’s one million members and presented at the House of Commons. Owners Rob and Jeanette Folwell received their award from Mr Gordon Marsden MP, Shadow Minister for Transport, during The Club’s annual Parliamentary Reception on Monday, 18 November.

Certificated Locations are privately-owned, maximum five-van sites found across the UK, many in idyllic and remote locations on farms, country estates and beside inns, which can provide a valuable, additional income stream for local communities. These awards are presented at the House of Commons in recognition of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act (1960) which enables The Caravan Club to grant certificates to landowners to operate CLs.

Set in four acres of tranquil grounds with wildlife ponds, wildflower meadows and woodland, Greetham Retreat opened in 2011 following Rob’s retirement from the Police Force a few years earlier, where he and Jeanette located to Lincolnshire. The couple built the CL site themselves during the autumn of 2010, planting some 650 trees. It has hard standing pitches and one alternative grass pitch and includes a Club standard service point, heated shower and WC room.

The site is situated in the centre of Lincolnshire and is within easy reach of the east coast with its many sandy beaches and other parts of the county, including the medieval and vibrant city of Lincoln with its magnificent Cathedral and Castle. A short drive away is the famous aviation heritage venues of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, displaying Lancaster Bombers and the Spitfire and Hurricane fighter planes from WWII.

Of their win, Rob and Jeanette say, “We are so proud of our CL and amazed at the generosity of The Caravan Club members who have visited and voted for us. We thank you all so very much, this Award really means so much to us both.”

Low Moor Head CL in Longtown, Cumbria, has been awarded second place in the Competition. A former dairy farm, owners Owen and Adele Taylor, purchased the site in 2002 and decided to set up the family run site in 2005. Situated in the hamlet of Easton, with a woodland backdrop of Heathery Belt Wood, the local town of Longtown is situated just six miles from Carlisle which is steeped in Roman history, being the gateway to both the Scottish borders and England. Some three miles away is the world famous blacksmith’s shop at Gretna Green, founded in 1754 and renowned for runaway marriages.

The site is open all year round and all pitches are hard standing. Toilet and shower facilities are available and super pitch hook-ups have recently been installed incorporating individual electric hook-ups, fresh water and a waste water point.

Of the business, Owen says, “We researched facilities at other CL sites and received customer feedback as we are very aware of the importance of taking care of the environment. In fact, we have gained the Cumbria Business Environment Network Gold Award having implemented and Environmental Policy of recycling, composter, the planting of trees, shrubs and plants to encourage insects and wildlife. We also think it is important to provide information on other local businesses in the area and have set up an information centre.”

East Fortune CL in North Berwick has been awarded third place in the prestigious Awards. It has been open since 2002 and is owned and run by Grant and Jane who are the fourth generation of the Brand family to farm East Fortune Farm, which extends to just under 100 acres and boasts an award winning pedigree Hampshire Down sheep flock.

The site is a family run affair with well maintained facilities and visitors are encouraged to explore and enjoy the walkways around the farm as well as meeting the animals if they wish. Beautiful local beaches and 22 golf courses are within easy reach and the town of East Lothian close by is the home of Concorde, the National Museum of Flight. Sea fishing and pond fishing at Markle Fisheries, only five miles from the CL, is one of East Lothian’s most beautiful and popular seaside towns, traditionally known as ‘The Biarritz of the North’ and hosts the award winning tourist attraction, the Scottish Seabird Centre. With plenty of historical attractions, shops, bars and restaurants nearby, just a 30-minute train ride will find you in the city centre of Edinburgh.

Of the business, Jane says, “We didn’t know anything about CLs until my father, himself a keen caravanner for many years, highlighted the potential and we decided to investigate it as a diversification for the farm. We love welcoming visitors and there’s nothing better than hearing them say what a fantastic holiday they had at our home and that they plan to return soon.”
The site has also, in the past, been awarded three regional commendations for CL of the Year for the Scotland region, in 2004, 2010 and 2012.

Caravan Club Chairman, Grenville Chamberlain, commented, “Access to The Caravan Club’s unique 2,500-strong CL network is a huge benefit of membership and each and every CL is a gem in the jewelled crown of the overall sites network. CL owners are to be congratulated on their commitment to providing our members with a warm welcome and an exceptional place to enjoy their caravanning as well as the massive contribution they play in boosting local tourism economies.”

Overall Results

1st Mr and Mrs R Folwell (Rob and Jeanette) Greetham Retreat, Greetham Lodge, Tetford Road, Greetham, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 6PT
(Horncastle CL No 1014)

2nd Mr O Taylor, (Owen and Adele) Low Moor Head Farm, Longtown, CA6 5RG
(Longtown CL No 287) regional award 2009, 2010

3rd Mr and Mrs G Brand (Grant and Jane) East Fortune Farm, 6 New Row, East Fortune, North Berwick, EH39 5JU
(North Berwick – CL No 2411) regional awards 2004, 2010, 2012

REGIONAL WINNERS
South
Mr and Mrs A McNish, Higher Bochym Farm, Cury Cross Lanes, Helston, TR12 7AZ
(Mullion – CL No 181); regional award 2011

Mr D Hunter, Poole Farm, St Giles on the Heath, Launceston, PL15 9SX
(Launceston – CL No 162)

Northern
Mr and Mrs P Hindmoor, Crofton Hall, Crofton, Thursby, Carlisl, CA5 6QD
(Carlisle – CL No 269) national award 2nd 2012

Wales
Mr and Mrs B D Regimbal, Hillcroft, Hill Lane, Kilgetty, SA68 0QT
(Saundersfoot – CL No 2283) regional awards 2002, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2012, national awards 3rd 2004, 3rd 2008, 2nd 2011

Central England
Mr and Mrs K Rogers, Keal Lodge, Back Lane, Deeping St James, Peterborough, PE6 8RT
(Market Deeping – CL No 1045)
Regional awards: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2010 national awards, 3rd 2002, 2nd 2007, 1st 2009, 2011

Scotland
Mr J Lamb, 7 Holding, Leadketty, Dunning, Perth, PH2 0QN
(Perthshire and Kinross – CL No 2444)
Regional awards 2003, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, national awards 2nd 2004, 3rd 2007

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews

HM at the Bailey factory.

23 Friday Nov 2012

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Her Majesty the Queen looking over a Bailey motorhome when she and the Duke of Edinburgh (who is himself Patron of The Caravan Club) visited the factory in Bristol yesterday. The Caravan Club was represented by the Chairman, Grenville Chamberlain.

Christopher Macgowan
twitter: motorhomenews

CL of the year awards 2011.

17 Tuesday Apr 2012

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Walnut Lakes Certificated Location (CL), in Algarkirk, Boston, Lincolnshire, has been awarded first-place in The Caravan Club’s CL of the Year Awards 2011, voted for by Club members and presented at the House of Commons on Tuesday 16 April.

Walnut Lakes owners Tony and Maria Potts received their award from Dan Jarvis MBE MP, Shadow Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, during The Club’s annual Parliamentary Reception.

Certificated Locations are privately-owned, maximum 5-van sites found across the UK, many in idyllic and remote locations on farms, country estates and beside inns, which can provide a valuable, additional income stream for local communities. These awards are presented at the House of Commons in recognition of the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act (1960) which enables The Caravan Club to grant certificates to landowners to operate CLs.

Tony and Maria have run Walnut Lakes CL for five years, and they absolutely love it! The CL is for adults-only – because of the lakes – having previously owned a campsite they wanted to accommodate caravanners in a less formal way to complement their existing holiday lodge and fishing lake enterprise.

Around 30% of their CL visitors go for the fishing, but most visit to enjoy the beautiful surrounding Lincolnshire area whilst appreciating the lakeside pitching with the calming views over the water.

Another added bonus to this scenic site is the regular fly-pasts by Lancaster Bombers and Spitfires, located at RAF Coningsby, which are en-route to shows across the country. Maria Potts says, ‘they are an amazing sight’.

With regular public transport to the local village, the CL is great for motorhomers, and the flat terrain makes it ideal for cycling and walking. Most first-time visitors are amazed at what the area has to offer. The local award-winning village of Sutterton is a mile’s walk away, it has two pubs, a restaurant, fish and chip shop, a church and a duck pond. Frampton Wash RSPB Reserve is a flat, three-mile cycle ride away down the lanes and it attracts birdwatchers from across the country. Spalding, five miles away, holds a world-famous Tulip Parade; one of the biggest events of the year in that area, and there are many other events for tourists including a regular farmers market.

Caravan Club Chairman, Grenville Chamberlain, commented: “The Caravan Club’s unique 2,500-strong CL network is hugely popular with Club members. Each and every CL is a gem in the jewelled crown of the overall sites network. CL owners are to be congratulated on their commitment to providing our members with a warm welcome and an exceptional place to enjoy their caravanning.”

The awards didn’t stop there, Hillcroft Certificated Location in Kilgetty, near Saundersfoot, Wales was awarded second place in the awards.

Hillcroft CL owners, Bruce and Ann Regimbal have been operating their CL since 2000, and this is the third time they have taken national honours, being placed third in 2004 and 2008. The CL is open all year and the Regimbals commented that there are definitely more people venturing out and about at all times of the year.

“We are absolutely thrilled to come second in these national awards,” says Bruce. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank members for voting for us. After 12 years of running the site, we are still thoroughly enjoying it. And we would like to reassure everyone that when we are away our site minder, Mr Beaky, is still going strong and whistling at the ladies!” (NB Mr Beaky is the pet parrot of a regular member and a local site celebrity!).

And finally, another Lincolnshire Certificated Location was Honoured, with Keal Lodge Certificated Location taking third place.

Owners Keith and Alison Rogers also received their third-place award during The Club’s Parliamentary Reception.

Keal Lodge CL is only a five-minute walk from the pretty, historic Lincolnshire village of Deeping St James with its pubs and restaurants, good local shops and riverside walks along the river Welland. The area has so much to offer; varied rolling countryside, quiet relaxing riverside walks to the local village, nearby is the most gorgeous of towns – Stamford, and from the site there is easy access to glorious Rutland Water. The site has fully serviced pitches, is open all year and offers WiFi access.

Alison Rogers says, “We knew we were doing something a bit different with our site, but the response from members who stay has been exceptional.”

Christopher Macgowan
twitter: motorhomenews