Tag Archives: Nick Lomas

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show.

09 Friday Feb 2018

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Caravan Times’ William Coleman caught up with CAMC Director General Nick Lomas at the show.

LINK TO CARAVAN TIMES

By William Coleman

On the opening day of the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show we caught up with Nick Lomas, The Director General of The Caravan and Motorhome Club. We spoke with Nick about The Club’s sites in Scotland that are pitched on locations that film fans will certainly recognise.

Nick also gave us the rundown on The Club’s ‘Adventure Outside’ campaign which will include the Cycle Fest. We have a full article of CAMC’s CycleFest.

For those who love films here are a few of The Club sites that have been given the Hollywood treatment. Some of these are contenders for list of all time greats. The films are good too.

The Highlands: Film- Stardust

Kinlochewe Club Site

Set at the bottom of the rugged slopes of Beinn Eighe and along the shores of Glen Docherty, Kinlochewe Club Site is somewhat famous on the network. The Site played host to the stars of 2007 romantic fantasy film Stardust; including Robert de Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer, when it was used as a base camp for filming in this beautiful region. Kinlochewe offers a slower pace of life and is a great spot to wind down after a busy day outdoors exploring the surrounding mountains. This Site is also popular with bird lovers trying to get a glimpse of the golden Eagle at nearby Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve.

From £18.70 per standard pitch per night based on two adults sharing

Glencoe: Film- Skyfall

North Ledaig Caravan Club Site

Home to one of the most famous battles between Scottish Clans, Glencoe also played host one of the most recognisable Special Agents in the country. Featuring in the 2012 film Skyfall, the childhood home of James Bond, Skyfall Lodge, was set and filmed in the natural beauty of Glencoe. For 007 fans, combine a visit to this stunning landscape with a stay at the North Ledaig Club Site. This 30-acre Site is located on two miles of sandy beach and has been awarded the David Bellamy Conservation Award. The Site is ideal for those who love watersports and is only a 40 minute drive to Glencoe.

From £20 per standard pitch per night based on two adults sharing

Fort William: FIlm- Harry Potter

Bunree Caravan Club Site

Deemed one of the most iconic film locations in Scotland, Fort William and the surrounding area welcomed the magic of the Harry Potter movie series for over ten years of filming. Muggles will recognise the infamous Rannoch Moor in the area, where the dementors boarded the Hogwarts Express in the first instalment of the final movie. The West Highland Line also runs through Fort William with services from Edinburgh and Glasgow and will be familiar to Potter fans as the route of the Hogwarts Express. For those looking to be close to all of the enchanted action, Bunree Club Site offers a great pit stop. The Site is only a 20 minute drive from Fort William town centre and is on the water’s edge of Loch Linnhe.

From £17.50 per standard pitch per night based on two adults sharing Mon-Thurs during mid-week discount periods

Perth: Film- Braveheart

Balbirnie Park Caravan Club Site

Situated just north of Edinburgh, Perth plays host to the filming location one of the most iconic Scottish movies of all time, Braveheart. Some of the best known scenes of the 1995 classic starring Mel Gibson, were filmed at Loch Leven in Perth including the famous mountain walk of William Wallace after the killing of Mornay. For the perfect Scottish getaway this year, combine a trip to Loch Leven with a stay at nearby Balbirnie Club Site only a 30 minute drive away. The Site is set within 400 acres of parkland and is a popular stop off point on the network with hikers, cyclists and dog walkers.

From £13.50 per standard pitch per night based on two adults sharing Mon-Thurs during mid-week discount periods

SOURCE: William Coleman of “Caravan Times”

Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews

Interview with Caravan and Motorhome Club peeps.

27 Saturday Jan 2018

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SOURCE: Caravan Times

Interview Exclusive With CAMCs Head Of Communications And Events

By William Coleman

Last week I ventured up to Manchester to the Caravan and Motorhome show to speak first hand with senior members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club about what they had in store for their members during 2018.

So with both the Scottish and Birmingham NEC Caravan and Motorhome shows only a handful of weeks away I wanted to speak with The Club about how they prepare for the show and what it means to them to have such a presence. As an industry leading holiday provider I feel they do a great job with communicating with their customers, and the public in general. So here is my interview with CAMC’s very own Brian Morgan.

The Club always have such an impressive stand and presence at the shows. How far in advance does the planning start?

It’s an ongoing process, we exhibit at both NEC shows, Manchester and Glasgow, as well as a number of outdoor shows and events throughout the year. We are always in ‘show mode’!

What goes into making sure you have something for everyone at the show?

We make sure we have details of all Club products and services available for show visitors, we can help them from the very first stages with inspiring them to choose the right leisure vehicle for their touring group, to sharing ideas of where they could have their adventures and giving them help and advice along each step of the way and, of course, make their actual holiday bookings for them. Our show staff have such a vast amount of knowledge and experience and they love being at the shows and talking to people. We really do have a great team, not only at the shows but at head office and throughout the site network.

It is quite clear that The Club invest heavily in listening to their members, how can members communicate with you so they are heard?

It’s really important for us to listen to our members to hear about what they want and need from us. We have our Club Together forum with over 400k registered users, our social platforms are a great way for members and future members to interact with us, we carry out regular research and surveys with our members to hear from them – first-hand – about their views. Our Magazine is also a great source of information for members. And, most importantly, we act upon this information we receive. We provide over 60 relevant member offers (everything from discounts on outdoor clothing, fuel discounts, unbeatable ferry offers), our ongoing sites investment programme, we represent the members views through parliamentary channels and other associated bodies such as Transport for London and the FIA to name but a few.

As Matt Allwright said at the Manchester show, ‘there’s nowhere our members haven’t been’ and we are keen to provide the platforms for members to share their knowledge and experiences as they, in turn, inspire others to have great adventures.

At the Manchester show you had Matt Allwright open the show and do a acoustic set with his band ‘The Walnuts’. Will we see Matt again in Birmingham this February?

Yes! Matt will be with us on Club Day (Tuesday 20 February), he will again be hosting a series of informative forums for show visitors. Matt is a Club member and really enjoys getting away with his family in his campervan.

The shows are a fantastic way for members, new and old, to have face to face interaction with key members of The Club. What aspect of meeting the public do you enjoy the most?

You will always find me at the front of the stand, encouraging people to come and say hi to our team. I really do enjoy that aspect of my job. It’s so important to get to meet and talk to people, face to face, you can’t beat it.

And lastly what can we expect from you guys at this years Glasgow or the NEC shows?

We are heading to Glasgow soon, it really is a terrific show. We will be opening the show on Club Day with our Director General, Nick Lomas, the show Director, Jamie Taylor, and there will be a performance for show visitors by a really talented local quartet called the Capella String Quartet, so if anyone is in the area, come and say hi. And then we are at the NEC, Matt Allwright will be with us and we will have an exciting announcement to make, so make sure you are there on Club Day!

Source: Caravan Times

Christopher Macgowan

@motorhomenews

Bailey invades the Arctic.

16 Thursday Feb 2017

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Bailey motorhome and caravans aim for the Arctic Circle.

Bailey will be heading off on its Artic Adventure in a motorhome and two caravans.

To demonstrate the strength and durability of its Alu-Tech construction, Bailey of Bristol is about to embark on another marathon product endurance test. This time the company, in association with The Caravan Club, will be taking an Autograph 75-2 motorhome and two caravans on an epic 5,000-mile journey to the Arctic Circle.

The Bailey Arctic Adventure will set off from the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, travel through Europe across the Arctic Circle to the Millbrook Winter Test Centre in Ivalo, Northern Finland and then back.

The journey will take 16 days and the team will visit 12 countries in the process taking in some of Europe’s most iconic locations including the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the official home town of Santa Claus at Rovaniemi in Finland, and the Oresund Bridge linking Sweden to Denmark on the way.

Road and weather conditions at this time of year in Scandinavia will be challenging. With temperatures possibly dropping as low as minus 30 degrees centigrade there will be plenty of snow and ice on an already harsh terrain, making driving potentially hazardous.

To combat this, the 2.0 Blue Hdi 160bhp engine of the Autograph 75-2 should be able to take this journey in its stride, said Bailey, especially as the motorhome has been fully winterised, are fitted with winter tyres and supplied with snow chains.

As with all Bailey leisure vehicles the ‘Arctic Adventure’ motorhome and caravans are built using the company’s patented Alu-Tech body shell construction system.

Bailey points out that this award-winning technology creates vehicles that are more robust, more durable and yet lighter than those manufactured using conventional methods and offer greater protection against the elements to keep owners comfortable, safe and secure all year round.

To date over 40,000 Bailey caravans and motorhomes have been built using this method.

The team will be posting daily blogs and social media updates as often as possible via the Bailey and The Caravan Club social media channels details.

Talking about the challenge ahead, Bailey Marketing Director and a member of the ‘Arctic Adventure’ team Simon Howard, said: “After completing the West2East challenge in Australia we wanted to show people the other side of the ‘extreme caravanning coin’. Whilst the road and weather conditions in Northern Finland will be the polar opposite to those we experienced in the Australian Outback, they will be no less challenging.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to show people that if you put your mind to it you really can go anywhere and do anything in a modern leisure vehicle” he added.

Commenting on The Caravan Club’s involvement Director General Nick Lomas said: “The Caravan Club is delighted to support the ‘Arctic Adventure’ as it highlights what fantastic adventures you can have in a caravan or a motorhome. Not everybody can travel to the Arctic Circle but we hope it inspires people to have their own adventures, whether it be travelling for 10 miles, 100 miles or a thousand miles.”

You can follow regular updates on the team’s progress on the Bailey of Bristol Twitter @BaileyofBristol (#ArcticAdventure) and as well as the new Bailey of Bristol Facebook page.

 

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

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

2015 expected to be the Year of the Motorhome

30 Friday Jan 2015

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2015 is expected to be theYear of the Motorhome as January gets off to a strong start with bold tourers getting out and about, whatever the weather.

The Caravan Club is excited to see the first month of the new year has seen an increase of over 7% in occupancy across its UK sites network. With over 200 sites, from the very top of Scotland to the tip of Cornwall, it seems the weather has not deterred caravanners and motorohomers from heading out across the UK.

Meanwhile, forward bookings for the rest of the year also suggest that 2015 is set to be a busy year. Each December The Club releases its pitches for booking for the forthcoming year and since that date (3 December 2014) over 800,000 nights have already been booked.

The Club believes that tourers are more relaxed than other types of holiday makers, after a recent member survey asked them about how they feel. The results showed that they were more likely to give a rating of 1 or less out of 10 for feeling anxious, which is 8% lower than the national average. Showing that, as a group of people, caravanners and motorhomers are less anxious and less deterred by inclement weather.

Nick Lomas, Director General of The Caravan Club says, “We know that tourers are made of tough stuff and we often liken tourers to intrepid explorers. They like an adventure and are not put-off by the colder weather. With modern caravans and motorhomes, touring can be a year-round pastime and it is really wonderful to see that members fall below the national average when it comes to anxiousness.”

Visit The Caravan Club website.

Christopher Macgowan
@motorhomenews

The Caravan Club – new director of marketing.

16 Saturday Mar 2013

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Tony Hall has been appointed Director of Marketing at The Caravan Club, Tony walked through the doors to take up the reins on Monday 25th February.

Tony has a wide range of tourism and marketing experience having previously worked for a number of technology and communications companies including Philips and Vodafone. Prior to joining The Club, Tony was Director of Marketing and Communications at The Ramblers and he has also worked as Head of Visit Cornwall and Head of Marketing for Cornwall Enterprise.

Nick Lomas, The Club’s Director General, says, “With his blend of knowledge of commercial marketing, tourism and membership organisations, Tony will help The Club further develop its marketing capabilities for helping members make the most of The Club.”

Tony Hall, Director of Marketing at The Club, says, “I am thoroughly looking forward to being at The Club. The Caravan Club is such a long established part of Britain’s heritage, and I see my role as helping drive The Club forward to further embed caravanning as a great holiday pastime. I want to highlight to members, and the public at large, the ever-increasing range of services and products on offer for them to enable them to make the most of their leisure time and enjoy the great outdoors.”

Christopher Macgowan
twitter: motorhomenews

The Caravan Club has purchased the Mark Hammerton Group which will now be known as The Alan Rogers Travel Group.

09 Tuesday Oct 2012

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The Caravan Club has purchased the Mark Hammerton Group; under Club ownership it will be known as The Alan Rogers Travel Group.

The Club is delighted to be able to add the extensive range of travel products, expertise and service to its already renowned Travel Service. This acquisition is a strategic move for The Club to enable it to grow its Overseas Travel Service offering for members and to further strengthen its position as market-leader. The acquisition of The Alan Rogers Travel Group will ensure Club members have a greater choice of travel products and services.

Nick Lomas, Director General of The Caravan Club, and now Managing Director of The Alan Rogers Travel Group, says, “The Caravan Club’s acquisition of The Alan Rogers Travel Group has combined two market-leading brands which will further enhance The Club’s Travel Service offering for its members. Together the two organisations can build an array of unbeatable travel products and services.”

The Caravan Club is Europe’s premier touring organisation representing the interests of over one million caravanners, motorhomers and trailer tenters.

The Alan Rogers Travel Group is a UK market leader: it is the publisher of the Alan Rogers Guides; provides extensive campsite information; sells sites and ferry crossings and is the exclusive UK agent for Camping Cheque. It also owns Belle France, a specialist French tour operator, a digital media company and has a Dutch office that sells media opportunities to individual campsites.

As Europe’s premier touring organisation, The Caravan Club represents the interests of over one million caravanners, motorhomers and trailer tent owners.

Christopher Macgowan
twitter: motorhomenews