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Earls Court Caravan & Motorhome Show 2007: Cancelled   29 August 2007
www.caravanshows.co.uk
Clarion Events has announced that the Earls Court Caravan & Motorhome Show 2007 has been cancelled.
The Earls Court show was one of three caravan and motorhome shows to be organised by Clarion Events and was scheduled to take place in November, one month after the NEC show - International Caravan & Motorhome 2007.
The launch of International Caravan & Motorhome (NEC, Birmingham) was a huge success in 2006, winning Consumer Launch of the Year and generating enthusiasm and excitement amongst manufacturers, dealers and consumers.
Due to the amazing focus and investment that has been placed on the NEC show in October by the industry, it has become apparent that the major manufacturers, dealers and many visitors plan to make International Caravan & Motorhome 2007 'the place to be'.
Understandably, this has had a knock on effect of reducing time and resource from exhibiting companies to invest in the Earls Court Show.
The demand from consumers for a London based show had been very high, which had been welcomed by the industry. Clarion will harness interest from potential visitors so that they feel compelled to travel the short distance to Birmingham to see the award-winning International Caravan & Motorhome 2007 exhibition.
Sam North, Show Director at Clarion Events comments: "At the beginning of the year, there was a strong demand from manufacturers and visitors, however companies were struggling to resource both shows, so shifted focus to the NEC exhibition.
"Making this decision has been both difficult and regrettable but ultimately, the right thing to do. We will never put on a show that is anything less than inspiring and effective for our visitors, exhibitors and partners."
For further information, please contact:
Tara O'Brien
Midnight Communications (Caravan Shows Press Office)
T: 01273 666 200.

Showered with new features 25 July 2007
Step into an all-new Ace Award and get showered with a whole host of new and innovative features, including:

• Stylish new full height one piece moulded rear panel
• All models 2.3m wide
• 45mm (2”) wider and 80mm (3") taller exterior two-part door
• Alloy wheels
• Walk-in shower with separate drying area in end washroom models
• Fully lined shower in all models
• Thetford toilet with larger seat and 18 litre wheeled holding tank
• Front locker design with integral lights
• Concealed lighting above lockers
• Restyled furniture with new soft furnishings
• New Radio/CD/MP3 player with iPod/MP3 player connection
• 'Ultra Comfort' luxury deep sprung fixed bed mattress
• Microwave oven

Take a look in more detail at www.newaceaward.co.uk

Fresh new appeal 20 July 2007
The all-new Sterling Eccles range has a fresh new appeal, with stunning restyling inside and out. Added to the Scandinavian styling are a host of new features including a new exterior body with full height rear moulded panel, snazzy new exterior graphics. All models in the Eccles range are 2.3m wide 45mm (2") wider and 80mm (3") taller exterior two-part door.
Sterling offer a walk-in shower with separate drying area in end washroom models, with a fully lined shower in all models. Watch out for

• Thetford toilet with larger seat and 18 litre wheeled holding tank
• Restyled furniture with integrated feature lighting
• Radio/CD/MP3 player with iPod/MP3 player connection
• Concealed lighting above lockers
• 'Ultra Comfort' luxury deep sprung fixed bed mattress

Sandy Balls unveils a UK first 19 June 2007
Sandy Balls has just unveiled the UK’s first SmartSpa.
The New Forest-based holiday centre has introduced the unique high-tech facility to its extensive leisure facilities as part of its commitment to providing stress-busting solutions for guests and local residents alike.
The trio of self-contained rooms offer Rejuvenation Spa, Chi Spa or AlphaLounger experiences and have been developed by a team which includes Tim Evans, the Queen’s physician, and Linda Friedland a world authority on women’s health and stress management.
SmartSpa is the latest in a host of new facilities being introduced by the award-winning holiday centre as part of its multi-million pound investment project. All the experiences can be used in complete privacy, and without even the need for users to take their shoes off. www.sandy-balls.co.uk

Sound advice for caravanners - maintain the pressure Tyre Trade News 17/06/07
Spring has come early this year and many caravan owners are taking their caravans out of storage again for a long weekend or an extensive holiday. Vredestein urges caravan owners to check the pressure of their caravan tyres properly and make it a standard part of customary holiday preparations. A minor effort that can help avoid a great deal of holiday misery.
Many caravan owners only take their 'mobile home' out of storage once or twice a year for a short holiday or weekend break. Caravans that have spent most of the year in storage are often hitched on for a long journey towards the sun, but their tyre pressures are often not checked. However, as is the case with all rubber products, tyres also age and can therefore become porous or develop hairline cracks. This not only reduces tyre performance, but can even cause hazardous situations. And this will ultimately cause considerable holiday misery.
Maintain the pressure!
Vredestein therefore advises caravan owners to check the pressure of their caravan tyres first as part of their holiday preparations. This requires minimal time and effort, but will help avoid major problems en route. A visual inspection and a tyre pressure check are already sufficient in most cases. It is important to not only check the two main tyres, but also the spare tyre.
On its website www.vredestein.com under the heading 'Frequently asked questions', Vredestein, the tyre specialist, offers a number of practical tips for keeping tyres in a good condition in order to increase their service life and guarantee optimum safety.
Caravan owners can also consult the website to obtain personal tyre advice as well as information about recommended tyre pressures, speed codes and new types of caravan tyres. Moreover, while checking the pressure of the caravan's tyres, it's also important to check the pressure of the vehicle's tyres at the same time. It is essential that the tyre pressure is checked with a full load.
Vredestein Comtrac popular among caravan owners
Over the past few years, more and more caravan owners have switched to commercial tyres due to their greater load capacity, longer service life and better directional stability. As a result of this trend, Vredestein has seen an impressive increase in the sale of Vredestein Comtrac commercial tyres among caravan owners recently.

Caravan Sitefinder acquired by Haymarket Consumer Media 9 March 2007
LONDON - Haymarket Consumer Media today announced the acquisition of the leading caravan parks booking site www.caravan-sitefinder.co.uk, its second major internet purchase within weeks.
This purchase is the outcome of a long standing existing commercial relationship between the two companies, with Haymarket having acted as sales agent for the site for a number of years. The purchase also complements Haymarket's existing brands within this market, Practical Caravan and Practical Motorhome, and will be managed from their offices in Teddington, alongside their existing print and web products within Haymarket Consumer Magazines' Leisure division.
The site's founder, Ken Watson, commented, "I built the original Caravan Sitefinder as a "hobby website” one weekend in May 1998.  Since then I've been amazed at its growth and development, thanks to a great team of fellow enthusiasts and the loyalty of the many thousands of caravanners who regularly visit the website to choose and book their holidays.”
Caravan Sitefinder's Managing Director, Craig Douglas, said: "Having worked jointly with Haymarket for the last four years, we are certain they will continue to nurture the directory's growth, particularly with regard to accelerating the introduction of on-line booking throughout the industry, to the benefit of all. We are very excited at the prospect of a dynamic future for Caravan Sitefinder UK."
For further information, please contact:
Stuart Forrest
Publishing Director
Haymarket Consumer Media
F: +44 208 267 5318
M: +44 7710 919550
Stuart.forrest@haymarket.com

Caravanners E-Book
This downloadable e-book will give you some insight about the caravan that will best suit you, the equipment that you will need to enjoy your new hobby, and give guidance to things that your average caravan salesperson may not tell you. With information about awnings, choosing a caravan, etiquette on campsites, insurance, legal issues, maintenance, manoeuvring a caravan, preparing for winter, sanitation, security, tourer accessories, touring accessories, touring abroad, towing a caravan, types of caravan park, tyre safety, water/gas/electricity, weather, and winter touring, we hope to take you from caravanning novice to confident beginner in easy steps. Price: £14.99. www.mpgpublications.co.uk

Park Holidays UK - The New Name for Cinque Ports Leisure 29 January 2007
Cinque Ports Leisure Ltd has changed its name to Park Holidays UK Ltd to reflect the expansion of the group’s national coverage and of its holiday letting operations.
The group has created a new website - www.parkholidaysuk.com - to coincide with the rebranding. The new site offers enhanced functionality, including the opportunity for people to book on-line and have the chance of winning a caravan holiday home.

Caravans/Trailers and Run Flat Tyres 17 January 2007
Run flat tyres are becoming increasingly commonplace and the number of new vehicles fitted with this type of tyre is set to grow.
Self supporting run flat tyres have specially reinforced sidewalls designed to provide a run on period following deflation.
Different issues come in to play, however, when run flat tyres are fitted to a vehicle that is towing a caravan or trailer says the Tyre Industry Council. In their inflated, normal condition run flat tyres may be used in the same way as a standard pneumatic tyre. Whilst a deflated run flat tyre is designed to cope with the demands of a solo vehicle, the additional mass of a caravan/trailer subjects the tyre to higher stress levels and impacts on the tyre's in-built torsional and lateral stability. The consequence of this is that even travelling at a restricted speed of 80 kph (50 mph), the additional flexibility of the deflated run flat tyres may negatively affect the stability of the car/caravan combination.
To avoid this potential hazard, it is recommended that the distance travelled and maximum speed on the deflated run flat tyre should be reduced. As the vehicle itself has an influence on the tyre's performance, drivers should refer to the vehicle manufacturer's handbook for further information.
As regards run flat tyres and pressure monitoring systems, the same advice applies to a car towing a caravan or a trailer. Run flat tyres must only be fitted to a car that has been designed to accept this technically advanced tyre and has a pressure monitoring system that provides the driver with an audible or visual warning of a deflating tyre. As yet no caravan or trailer is equipped with a pressure monitoring system and hence should not be fitted with run flat tyres.
TyreSafe www.tyresafe.org

Gas on your Tom Tom  8 January 2007
Calor is taking the guesswork out of finding your nearest dealer. If you have a TomTom in-car sat-nav system, you can load it with the locations of Calor's 7000 UK retailers. These come on two files available for downloading from the company's caravanning website, at www.caravanning-online.co.uk/satnav.

Wireless Internet Connections for campsites 22 November 2006
Visitors want more from a campsite. Not only electricity on every pitch but now TV Aerial connections are also becoming quite normal at campsites where campers, especially Motorhome & Caravan owners want a "home away from home" with all the luxuries.
The latest generation Motorhome & Caravan user is no longer roughing it with heating, electricity, a microwave, TV, a satellite dish, and other such luxuries.
The latest demand on sites now is Internet Access. Whilst it is not practical to have a "wired" network" it is now possible to install a Wireless internet access system.
Having wireless Internet access will attract visitors to the site. This will enable visitors to check e-mails, access the internet and much more. Park, Pitch 'n Surf with Wireless Internet Connections

Caravan Channel edition 3 19 November 2006
Edition 3 of the Caravan Channel is on Sky 181 and 182 on Mon, Weds and Fri at 6pm.
Quality broadband video, news and information for caravanners and holiday-makers in Britain and Europe. www.caravanchannel.co.uk

Caravan Show postponed 13 November 2006. Caravan & Outdoor Leisure Show 2007. 4-7 January, Earls Court, London
Postponed until 2008. On the back of the success of International Caravan and Motorhome 2006 Clarion Events has decided to apply the same winning formula to their Earls Court Show which was to take place on the 4- 7 January 2007. The show will be relaunched in 2008 after consultation with the industry and with much fanfare. As with their new NEC show, the Earls Court show will truly reflect the needs of the industry and deliver the event that the discerning London and South East audience require. With no other show fulfilling their needs at the moment, the new look Earls Court show promises to be the definitive event for caravanning and motorhoming enthusiasts in the South East.

Upwardly mobile homes  Steven Morris, Monday October 23, 2006 The Guardian
Every summer for half a century Janet Oakley-Hills and her ever-expanding brood would make the pilgrimage to a static caravan at Ocean Cove near Tintagel on the rocky coast of north Cornwall.
Successive generations enjoyed pottering on the beach at Bossiney Cove, taking bracing walks on the clifftop and relaxing over a few drinks at the end of the day in the makeshift clubhouse, the Tow Bar.
No longer. Weather-beaten, cosy Ocean Cove has been taken over by an upmarket holiday home company. The caravans have been squeezed out, to be replaced by swish lodges, with jacuzzis and flat-screen televisions, costing up to £250,000.
Similar takeovers are happening across the country. Developers are hunting for caravan or camping sites in fashionable areas like north Cornwall where prices for flats and cottages have become prohibitively expensive for all but the wealthiest.
A range of schemes, some with tax breaks, are offered to make it easier for people to invest in a lodge, and many are being bought as buy-to-let ventures.
The National Association of Caravan Owners warned last week that more and more caravan owners who have holidayed happily in the same spot for years were being driven away.
Clauses are often built into the contracts to make sure people cannot use them as permanent residences, which ensures that they are not an added burden on local schools and other services.
Holiday home developers Haulfryn is behind the development at Ocean Cove. It has sold the 16 "New England style" lodges already built at Ocean Cove, and by next spring another 66 are due to be constructed.
The company is confident that by the time the development, which also includes a leisure complex with indoor swimming pool, is finished they will all have been sold.
Haulfryn has sites in north Wales, Devon and the south coast but is hunting for more on the north Cornish coast, where prices for conventional second homes have soared because of its popularity with wealthy Londoners.
It is close to securing a second site in an area which has become more accessible to City types because of flights into Newquay.
Shopkeepers in Tintagel are also worried that they will lose business. In the summer the old caravan site was heaving with families who shopped in the village.
The concern is that there will be more childless professional types who do not use local facilities. Certainly while the site is being redeveloped, some have struggled.

The Caravan Channel  5 October 2006
Information TV on Sky channel 181 is showing the pilot of a programme called The Caravan Channel on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings at 6pm, plus another showing at 12.30pm on Sunday.
There'll be a new edition coming up immediately after the October Caravan & Motorhome show at the NEC.
Best wishes, Chris. www.caravanchannel.co.uk

New residential development on schedule  2 October 2006
The New Forest National Park's latest residential development is on schedule for a speedy sale as three of the 10 homes sold prior to completion.
Crystal Hollow, a distinctive development of residential park homes on the boundaries of the Sandy Balls Estate, has been taking shape for the last three months.
The first residential development undertaken by the Estate in more than two decades, Crystal Hollow, has already captured the imagination of those looking for a permanent home adjacent to the award-winning holiday centre.
Bordered by mature conservation woodland and with its own entrance on the B3078 between Fordingbridge and Godshill, the delicate development offers occupants their very own country retreat with prices ranging from £194,500 to £210,500.
Each individually crafted home comes with a fully-fitted kitchen with appliances, an en-suite bathroom or shower room as well as being fully furnished throughout. Crystal Hollow also benefits from limitations which mean that no more than 20 people can live there at any one time and that they must be over 55 years of age.

A national 1st for Oakdown Touring and Holiday Caravan Park at Sidmouth  25 Sept 06
(www.oakdown.co.uk) Following a Spring fundraising "Big Breakfast and Sponsored walk" Oakdown was able to purchase a static defibrillator to serve the park and the immediate rural area of Weston. The whole " Oakdown Team" have now completed training in its use and the defibrillator is available 24 hours per day. Oakdown's newest strapline is :- Probably the safest Park in the country on which to have a Cardiac Arrest!" more details from Alastair Franks enquiries@oakdown.co.uk

Keeping an eye on the progres  19 Sept 06
Sandy Balls Holiday Centre is encouraging guests to take a peek at its new guest services building before it’s even built.
The multi-million-pound project which is currently underway at the centre has now moved into its second phase. The viewing platform, disguised by hoardings, and watched over by a wise looking owl, has been installed to allow guests to share in the view of the things to come.
Once complete the centre’s new facilities will include a traffic-free heart, a drive through check-in system and, of course the new guest services building to provide guests with everything they need to get the maximum out of the their holiday!
www.sandy-balls.co.uk

Desert Tours  11 September
Imagine if you can, a country that could during just one visit offer you a confusion of breathtaking scenery at every turn - dark, narrow gorges leading to mountain passes that twist high above cloud level. Dense forests where just the disturbance of leaves, the crack of a branch and the scurrying sound of wildlife break the silence……… Vast, lonely plains where the arrow straight road seems as endless as the faint horizon. Sleepy coastal hamlets where the catch is still brought in by pulled ore and hand-net. And of course a labyrinth of desert pistes that track to dune areas as spectacular and enormous as the night sky they lie beneath.
MOROCCO, it has to be where motorhomes were meant to visit.
For details of upcoming tours and prices, visit www.desertdetours.com.

WINNING WEBSITE
We have been awarded "Highly Commended" by the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) in their annual Web Site of the Year Award 2005.
For more information about this organisation and its services for caravanners, visit their website on this link: www.ukparks.com

Archive of caravanning news

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