New Glamping Site in the Land of the ‘Yorkshire Vet’!
With stunning views of one of Yorkshire’s most iconic natural landmarks, Wigwam® Holidays Water Hall Farm will welcome its first guests from Monday 9th September 2019. The newest glamping site in Yorkshire includes six en-suite Running Water Deluxe Wigwam® Cabins in the village of Sutton near the market town of Thirsk. Three of the cabins have private hot tubs and one cabin is fully accessible. The site has the most incredible views of the majestic Sutton Bank and the North York Moors National Park. A family-run affair, the glamping location is set within a working farm with friendly alpacas, cheerful chickens and a cattle herd as neighbours. Co-manager James McDonald said: “We saw the Wigwam® Holidays brand at a holiday exhibition and were immediately impressed by the quality of the cabins. “We have five holiday cottages on our site and the Running Water Deluxe Cabins are an excellent addition to our accommodation portfolio in this lovely part of North Yorkshire. “We have a pub which is just a short stroll away, the Cleveland Way National Trail and Cycle Network routes close by and we have some of the most stunning landscapes in the country.” Wigwam® Holidays Water Hall Farm is open all year round and is perfect for families, couples and a group stay. James continued: “Guests will be able to see us working on our farm and tending livestock during their stay, as well as visit local attractions, of which there are plenty in the area.” Nearby attractions include the renowned Yorkshire Gliding Club, the World of James Herriot and the Sutton Bank National Park Centre, which is a short stroll from what was voted the Best View in Yorkshire by the Dalesman Magazine (2015).
Exciting New Products To Start Your Next Big Adventure
Exciting New Products To Start Your Next Big Adventure – Get Ready to be inspired for Your Next Big Adventure at the MOTORHOME AND CARAVAN SHOW 2019 – the UK’s biggest leisure vehicle show The Motorhome & Caravan Show prides its self on being the event brands chose to showcase their new and exciting leisure vehicles and related products to the UK market. This year we have a host of manufacturers showing off their products, here are just four of the new vehicles to see at the 2019 show. Rolling Homes have developed a special edition 4×4 off-road camper van. While there are numerous off-road look-a-like campers out there not many are actually able to perform in off-road terrain like this vehicle will. Rolling Homes took the new VW T6 150 PS 4 Motion (4×4) SWB and then fitted it with full off-road suspension, raised the van by 100mm, fitted full under protection, a differential lock, replaced the standard wheels with prototype wheels and off-road tyres, attached super-bright laser lights and prototype carbon fibre race seats from Cobra. From a camper van perspective, you will find all the usual fixtures and fittings; cupboards, fridge, dual ring gas burners, sink with working tap, heater and a pop-up roof. However, Rolling Homes have also fitted the van with a fully rated sliding bed/seat system so you can easily adjust the seating position and accommodate for extra storage. And after a weekend off-roading, the inside of the van can easily be cleaned thanks to the easy wipe fully rubberised floor and sides. To see this incredible campervan and others in the range visit Rolling Homes at stand 12.82. RP Motorhomes will be showcasing the BeauEr’s 3X model, this unique telescopic caravan works on one basic principle: small enough to be easily towed on the road, yet big enough to provide everyday comfort. Once parked up, this small capsule of 4m2 converts into a large 12m2 space. To achieve this the 3X utilises three identically shaped sections that slot perfectly together and combine this with electric actuators to effortlessly push/pull the modules into place. All the furniture and fittings are contained within the caravan and are easily unfolded within 60 seconds, so you can quickly get away and start your adventures. Visit RP Motorhomes on stand 12.94 to find out more. Bailey has released their exciting new Discovery caravan, this new go-anywhere vehicle has been designed to provide functional compact solutions for caravaners of all ages. Available in three different sized models, these caravans use Bailey’s Alu-Tech body making them light enough to be towed by a range of vehicle owners and driving licence holders, even young drivers who may have towing restrictions. The Discovery has its own exclusive range of PRIMA accessories that are all designed to enhance your adventures. This includes a unique wrap-around L-shaped air awning that attaches perfectly to the caravans curved bodyshell. When fitted, the Discovery air awning gives you so much more additional space to relax, eat, store and even sleep outside thanks to the optional two-person sleeping tent compartment. When erected by either the electric or hand pump the shelter provides a footprint of 13.8m2 – 17.6m2, depending on the Discovery model. Find Bailey on stand 19.25 to find out more. Highly respected German manufacturer MORELO is for the first time unveiling their new LOFT and HOME ranges to the UK market. These luxurious new models join the well-established EMPIRE and PALACE models and together bring 13 new layouts to the whole collection. Both designs are first class, offering a completely modern and luxurious look and feel to the motorhome market. New for 2019, all models can now be fitted with MORELO’s Drive Safety Package which provides options to include emergency brake assistance, electric parking brakes and tire pressure monitoring systems. Head over to stand 9.50 to meet the MORELO team. The Motorhome and Caravan Show takes place from 15th – 20th October 2019 and is the UK’s biggest leisure vehicle show and great fun for the whole family – kids 15 and under go FREE! You can buy your ticket in advance at mcshow.co.uk Advanced tickets are £8.50 Senior (over 60s), £9.50 Adult when booking before 23.59 on 14.10.19 after which time prices revert to the on-the-door price of £12.00 Senior and £13.00 Adult. A £1.25 transaction fee applies. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. Car parking is included in the ticket price. No dogs (except assistance dogs). Children 15 years and under go free when accompanied by a paying Adult/Senior. Tickets are non-refundable. Free show guide and towing & manoeuvring tuition are subject to availability.
The security of remote access
If you’ve ever been locked out of your house or car, you are familiar with that feeling of frustration — always at the most inconvenient of times. It’s even worse when you’re staying in a holiday home and have to hunt for help in unfamiliar territory. Nick Cowley, managing director of PVCu windows and doors expert Euramax, explains how integrating remote access into holiday homes can save the frustration for both holiday makers and those that manage them. The staycation era is truly upon us. The BBC reported that the UK is the second biggest buyer of touring caravans after the US, as more holiday makers are choosing to become tourists in their own country in favour of heading overseas. With one third of British families opting for at-home breaks, the holiday home market is bursting with potential. But with an influx of properties to manage, how can we make things as seamless as possible? Access denied Whether it’s a retirement earner or second income, many owners let out their holiday homes. But while owning an at-home getaway can be an easy way of boosting your bank balance, managing the property isn’t always so simple. Quite often, holiday homeowners don’t live an easy commute from their property, which can present a logistical challenge and cause undue hassle. When giving guests access to the accommodation, many use mini key safes and keypad locks with a combination that can be changed for each guest. However, this solution does not guarantee maximum security as it affords guests to duplicate keys or share codes. If the keys are lost or misplaced, it can be difficult to rectify the situation without having somebody present onsite. Remote access is often associated with industrial processes, allowing plant manufacturing facility managers to monitor production lines across the globe. However, holiday home builders can take inspiration from this method of supervision and create systems that help owners keep track of who is entering and leaving their property, wherever they are in the world. Going remote It’s time to ditch the keys and novelty key rings. Digital locks have become a popular way of transferring access to guests without hassle — and they can do much more than simply opening and closing the door. Guests receive a unique access code via their smartphone, which remains active for the duration of their stay. Authorised users simply point their phone in the direction of the door lock to gain access. Property owners receive greater peace of mind, as the technology allows them to receive notifications when their guests check in, unlock the door and check out of the holiday home. Maintaining the property can also be optimised using smart technology. Homeowners can assign different codes to site managers, handymen or house keeping staff to give easy access in the event of an emergency repair or to track how long they’ve been at the property. Of course, most smart door locks can be overridden by a master key, allowing the owner to maintain full access to their property in the event of an emergency such as a power cut that might disable the electronic smart door lock system. Get smart While smart technology and remote access streamlines holiday home security, there are many other qualities that owners seek when selecting a new door. By partnering with industry experts like Euramax, which specialise in manufacturing windows and doors for holiday home properties, owners can make sure that their doors look great, are energy efficient and able to incorporate smart technology — whether that’s during initial installation or retrofitted in the future. With remote access technology, property owners can manage their caravan or holiday home no matter where they are in the world. Smart locking systems are not only an effective way of monitoring who arrives and leaves the property, but they also make our staycations run a lot more smoothly — with no more unfortunate lock-outs and desperate waits for the bathroom.
A SMART future for holiday homes
How SMART technology will reinvigorate the holiday homes market According to data from Airbnb, the UK is the fifth largest geography for the home-sharing service — with 64,000 listings in London alone. When you add in the growth of hotel comparison sites, you’d be forgiven for thinking that holiday home and park home sites need updating. However, this needn’t be the case. Here, Nick Cowley, managing director of uPVC windows and doors expert, Euramax, explains how SMART technology could be the key to the future of the holiday home sector to new generations. Holiday styles have come a very long way since the 1970’s when caravans were deemed the perfect family holiday. In the 1980s, holiday makers that wanted sun, sea and sand, enjoyed the rapid growth of package holidays meaning that everything could be booked in its entirety, from accommodation and travel to food and activities — all at the touch of a button. We now live in an era where we can book holiday accommodation, wherever it is in the world, without having to physically speak or meet with anyone regarding the booking. People want to have control over every aspect of their holiday and as such, the Do-It-Yourself holiday rise began with the launch of Airbnb in 2008. Since its launch, it is estimated that 150 million people use Airbnb across 5 million listings in 191 countries. While you can’t blame consumers for finding the great appeal in using Airbnb, does that mean the end to holiday home parks and the holiday lodge industry? The SMART boom SMART stands for Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology and its addition into society is making consumers’ lives easier. Whether it is TVs, watches, phones or fitness wearables, SMART tech is integrating into our daily lives. In fact, the YouGov Smart Homes Report for 2018 found that a quarter of people in Britain own one or more SMART home gadgets. This rapid increase has also drastically improved the way we control our home life. Now, we can adjust the heating and lighting from our phones, mimic being at home when we are away, as well as keep tabs on everything happening on our doorstep through SMART cameras and monitoring systems. With SMART technology positively impacting daily life, there is significant potential for these technology developments to be implemented into the holiday home sector, helping them compete with other holiday options available to consumers. The SMART holiday destination While there are 66 million people living in the UK, according to the NCC (National Caravan Council) there are only 365,000 caravan holiday homes currently in use across the country. In order for the industry to prosper, there is a distinct need to keep up to date with modern technology. SMART technology can be incorporated into the industry in a number of ways. The predominant requirement for modern day holiday-goers is for full access WiFi across the entire holiday site. Not only does this allow personal use and entertainment, but it would also ensure that any integrated SMART technology would work seamlessly. SMART features in the caravan or holiday home, such as remote window and door locking, could be highly beneficial. An app for the site, with details and access options specifically for a customer’s property could allow visitors to remotely lock windows and doors. Access codes could also be granted for the duration of the customers stay, preventing any security risk. This implementation would also mean that maintenance and management teams could speedily secure each and every property at the touch of a button. However, there are more SMART technology options that could bring the industry up to the Airbnb standard that is now demanded for by consumers. Rather than physical keys, QR code scanning devices or fingerprint recognition technology could also be added to allow customers direct and easy access to their holiday rental including manuals and information. By working with experts like Euramax that specialise in manufacturing windows and doors for holiday home and caravan properties, you can collaborate to ensure that any technology you want to incorporate can be done so from the start. This not only helps to save cost and time but can also reduce maintenance, as there is no need to remove the windows or doors to retrofit technology changes. Introducing SMART technology will modernise and reinvigorate holiday homes to a wider audience, increasing its attractiveness as a holiday option, while also improving efficiency and making life easier all round. One thing is certain — SMART technology holds the wireless key, to a brighter future for the industry.
Butlin’s Offers A Range Of Eco-Friendly Pouch Bags!
Visitors at Butlin’s are being offered new fold-away pouch bags made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, thanks to a partnership with Jutexpo, the world’s leading eco-friendly reusable bag company. The eye-catching bags have been made using Jutexpo’s HALT™ process, which turns post-consumer plastic into a soft, durable fabric called rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate), which is practical and can be wiped clean. The bags, which come in red or sea green, bear the Butlin’s logo and are available to buy at its three UK resorts – Bognor Regis, Minehead and Skegness. Each bag is made using four plastic bottles. Jutexpo has also produced a range of larger reusable shopping bags made from juco, a blend of jute and cotton, which are also available across all Butlin’s sites. HALT™ bags are the first to have the integrity of certification to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). They are ethically-produced to the Jutexpo Standard, a set of the 10 key elements Jutexpo considers to be the minimum when it comes to ethical and technical standards, awards and credentials. Butlin’s Managing Director Jon Hendry-Pickup said: “We are very proud to be stocking these new bags: it is essential that brands like Butlin’s do all they can to be as environmentally friendly and ethical as possible.” Robbie McGregor, Director of Jutexpo, said: “Butlin’s is a UK holiday institution which has been enjoyed by generations and everyone knows how invaluable a handy, reusable bag can be when you are away enjoying yourselves. “We are delighted to be supplying these new bags, which offer people the chance to enhance the enjoyment of their holiday in an environmentally friendly and ethically sound way.” Jutexpo, based at Lauriston Business and Technology Park, Salford Priors, has more than 80 per cent of the UK eco-friendly reusable bag market. It is operated by father and son Barrie and Sam Turner together with Robbie McGregor, and was founded in 2002 after they spotted a gap in the market for reusable bags to minimise plastic bag usage.
New Climalodge Series Launch
An easy, fast fit, ‘click and connect’ energy efficient, Holiday Home Central Heating & Hot Water System has arrived. The revolutionary new Climalodge Series from Park Leisure Solutions Ltd offers Park Operators and Holiday Home Manufacturers a total solution for their Holiday Home or Lodge central heating and hot water requirements. The new Climalodge Series uses the same award winning, energy efficient technology as the Climacube Heating System, driving heat up and energy costs down. Space saving in its design the Climalodge is discreetly housed in its own secure, steel outdoor unit that contains all the ancillaries that would normally take up room inside the home. There is no maintenance to the Climalodge, only standard plumbing that has been designed for easy access and visual checks. Park Leisure Solutions Ltd, Managing Director, Stuart Mulcahy said “The new ‘click and connect’ Climalodge Series has been specifically designed for Park Operators and Holiday Home Manufacturers. The Holiday Home or Lodge central heating and hot water uses the same energy saving technology found in our award winning Climacube system. Replacing the need for less efficient energy sources such as gas, oil or LPG and the expensive infrastructure issues this causes. Producing considerable savings on the initial development as well as ongoing and future running costs.” The new Climalodge Series can be factory fitted by the manufacturer or supplied direct to site. Once off loaded the Climalodge Central Heating & Hot Water Systems will take just minutes to ‘click and connect’ to the existing holiday home water and power supply. Using energy efficient Climacube technology, producing a much lower carbon footprint, and saving users up to 80% off their energy bills. For more information call the team or visit https://www.parkleisuresolutions.co.uk/climacube-heating/holiday-home-heating-and-hot-water-system/
Compass Celebrations!
Binnacle was established in a unique, strategic alliance between BH&HPA and Rural & Commercial Holdings back in December 2018. The name Binnacle was chosen for the business because a binnacle supports and houses a ship’s compass. Some six months later, it was celebrations all round on 26th of June, when the Compass team were able to finally and formally celebrate the re-birth of their Scheme. The official Grand Opening of the airy new Binnacle/Compass offices took place in Pullman Court in Gloucester, which is also home to the British Holiday and Home Parks Association (BH&HPA). Invited guests were welcomed by both the Compass and BH&HPA teams for a champagne lunch and a blue ribbon was cut to mark the occasion. In welcoming everyone to the event, BH&HPA National Chairman Andrew Baragwanath explained how important it is to the Association to ensure that the right insurance cover and services are available to park business and their customers. He also outlined some of the history of the Compass Scheme, which dates back to 1976, and explained the work involved in establishing Binnacle. Binnacle’s Chairman, Allan Gribben (who is also Chairman of the Primary Group) then detailed some of the ambitious plans for Compass, noting the investments that are being made in people and systems to ensure that the Scheme not only meets, but exceeds, its customers’ expectations. Allan went on to thank the many people who had worked tirelessly to establish Binnacle, including the park-owning members of the Compass/BH&HPA Committee and the members of the Compass team. Summing up, Allan noted that ‘this is only the beginning’ for Compass 2.0! Compass, 7 Pullman Court, Great Western Road, Gloucester GL1 3ND Tel: 0344 274 0277 E-mail: enquiries@binnacle.co.uk Twitter: @CompassInsUK Web: www.compaissinsuranceservices.co.uk Compass Insurance is a trading style of Binnacle Insurance Services Limited. Binnacle Insurance Services Limited is Registered in England under No. 11429456. Registered Office: 2nd Floor, The Hamlet, Hornbeam Park, Harrogate, HG2 8RE. Binnacle Insurance Services Limited are authorised and regulated by the Finance Conduct Authority, FRN 820727.
BBC award winning garden moves to Lincolnshire Parks
The focal feature of an award-winning entry at the prestigious BBC Gardeners World Live show has moved to two Lincolnshire holiday home parks. The life-size wooden horse sculptures which were hand-carved by an artist in Asia are now on permanent display at Lakeside Park in North Somercotes and Whispering Waters, Mablethorpe. The ambitious show garden created by Horticulture and Construction students at Derby College Group’s Broomfield Hall won a silver merit medal at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre in June. The College teamed up with the Multiple Sclerosis Society and a range of sponsors headed by Don Amott Parks which has five Lincolnshire holiday parks. Key features of the garden, including the spectacular wooden horses, have now been rebuilt at Lakeside Park. Chairman, Don Amott said: “Having lost a cousin to Multiple Sclerosis, I was particularly keen to work alongside the MS Society on this project. It is a charity that is close to my heart. “I also wanted to demonstrate how highly we value horticulture skills at all of our five parks and the continued importance of attention-to-detail and creativity in today’s leisure industry.” Derby College Horticulture lecturer Mike Baldwin has 25 years’ experience of creating competition show gardens with students at Broomfield Hall. He said: “We were obviously delighted to have won such a prestigious medal for our most ambitious garden yet. “Around 70 students in the Horticulture and Construction academies have been involved in the design and build and we have had great feedback from both the judges and visitors. “We were delighted to have worked alongside the Derby branch of the MS Society and Don Amott Parks who have so generously supported us and who will ensure that ‘The Revelation Garden’ continues to be enjoyed for many years to come. Lakeside Park is close to the village of North Somercotes, just 12 miles from Louth. For more information you can visit www.donamottparks.com
Elfin Kitchens goes glamping
Elfin Kitchens has supplied four 1000mm compact kitchens for a selection of high quality camping pods manufactured by The Log Pod. The kitchens have been installed in the luxury timber structures to provide dedicated stations for preparing and storing food and beverages. The ‘Grande Max Plus’ pods have been conceived as an all-year-round living space and designed with a lifespan of at least 25 years. As a result, the interior units needed to be specified with durability in mind, while also providing a stylish finish that matched the rapidly expanding glamping market. These factors combined made the robust powder coated steel kitchens from Elfin Kitchens the ideal solution. Trevor Richardson, Founder and Managing Director of The Log Pod, explained his reasons for specifying Elfin Kitchens: “When we first designed the pods, we installed wooden kitchen units, but we soon realised that they were simply not durable enough, especially for the rental market. So, we needed something that was manufactured to a high quality and wouldn’t require much maintenance. “The compact kitchens from Elfin have proven to be absolutely perfect; they are designed to last, look great in the pods and the addition of the new colours opens up more design options for us. The new bronze colour, in particular, offers the perfect colour tones to complement the timber.” Looking to the months ahead, Trevor said: “We have orders for hundreds of log pods and we’re so pleased with Elfin Kitchens that we’re specifying them on all future projects.” All the kitchens were built and packaged offsite, then delivered ready for installation. The units are manufactured entirely of powder coated steel, with a stainless steel worktop incorporating a sink and monobloc tap. Appliances specified for log pods included an A+ rated refrigerator and a built-in microwave oven. Neill Andrew of Elfin Kitchens, added: “The luxury camping market is growing year-on-year and the pods are a great example of how to utilise high quality products and exceptional design to create a great compact living space. It’s great to have such positive feedback from our customers and we’re looking forward to working with Trevor and his team in the future.” Starting at 900mm wide, compact kitchens from Elfin save space and offer great flexibility with right or left-hand versions available, as well as hotplates, dishwashers, combi-ovens and additional storage units all available. http://elfinkitchens.co.uk
