Motor Caravanner – February 2026

Reliable motorhomes & aftercare to match

New & pre-owned models

In-house service centre

Range of accessories

Habitation checks & class 4/7 MOTs

FEBRUARY 2026

CHAIRMAN'S CHAT

WITH SUE PILKIW

Hello everyone, and welcome to our February magazine. The Club has had a very positive start to 2026, although I am aware that some members may have experienced a difficult time weatherwise. Having celebrated bringing in the New Year, Mick and I stayed away for a few days longer… until the snow came! At that point we travelled home a day early, and just as well, as Storm Goretti roared across from Europe the next day! With gusts of wind reaching 100 mph, I hope all of you stayed safe and that your homes (and motorhomes) didn’t suffer.

Talking of homes, or rather offices, I can report that we have found a new home for our Head Office. Once all is agreed I will let you have the new address. In the meantime, if you need to contact Head Office, the phone number and email address remain the same. We plan to move

over a weekend (sometime in the near future), so the normal weekday service should be maintained!

Another positive start to our MCC year came after the North West Midlands and North Wales Group held their EGM. I am really pleased to hear that eight Group members volunteered to stand for election and once elected, formed the new Group Committee. As their details are not in the Handbook, I am including the contact details for their officers at the end of my letter. I am sure you will all join me in wishing the new Committee all the very best as they lead the Group forward into 2026… and beyond.

It is very encouraging that bookings for our National Rally continue to rise and we already have more bookings than by January in previous years. If you enjoy art, crafts or cookery don’t forget to check the categories for our Homecraft competition. The closing date for

OUT & ABOUT

47

entries is Friday 8th May 2026. Remember you can take part in the Group entry even if you are unable to attend, or you can participate in one of the workshops and enter your creation on the day.

And now, I must go and dodge the rain and pack the motorhome in readiness for our Burns Night Rally. I leave you with a quote from Robert Burns;

“Here’s a bottle and an honest friend.

What wad ye wish for mair, man?”

Wishing you happy motorhoming with your MCC friends,

56

REGULARS

35

North West Midlands and North Wales Group Committee

Chairman: Dennis Allman (01782 475189)

Secretary: Ian Hill (07749 349678)

Rally Officer: Geoff Pearce (contact tbc)

Publisher/Editor:

Mark Shreeve T: 01502 725839

E: mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk

Deputy Editor: Gemma Mathers T: 01502 725808

E: gemma.mathers@micropress.co.uk

Advertising: Henry Stephenson T: 01502 725854

E: henry.stephenson@micropress.co.uk

Chloe Lewis T: 01502 725802

E: chloe.lewis@micropress.co.uk

MCC

Club Contacts

COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT

Chairman:

Sue Pilkiw (07837 386104)

Vice Chairman: Keith Poole (07736 544490)

Members:

Alistair Bartlam (07754 131893)

Carol Biggs (01473 620933)

Keith Boreham (07730 189940)

Derek Clarke (07931 733656)

Kim McKelvie (07961 282133)

Selma McMullan (07752 678454)

Steve Wynn (07916 131892)

CoM WITH REPONSIBILITIES

CL & Night Stops:

Carol Biggs (01473 620933)

Disability Advisor:

Keith Poole (07736 544490)

keithp@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Haven Liaison:

Alistair Bartlam (07754 131893)

Head Show Marshals:

Mick & Sue Pilkiw (07837 386104)

suep@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Homecraft Coordinator: Selma McMullan (07752 678454) homecraft@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Magazine/Handbook :

Sue Pilkiw (07837 386104) suep@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Health & Safety Officer: Keith Poole (07736 544490)

keithp@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

SECRETARIES CONTACT LIST

CoM WITH REPONSIBILITIES

Exhibition Stand: Keith Boreham (07730 189940) and Lynda Hidderley

CLUB OFFICIALS

Casual Campsites: Kate Jones (07747 000587) katejone@googlemail.com

Financial Officer: Paul Maguire (07973 827506)

Webmaster: Anna Billson webmaster@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

To email a member of the Council of Management please use first name & first letter of surname followed by @themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk ie suep@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Please note that some of these contacts will be changing as a result of recent AGMs.

Jackie Birch 07786 024492 westcountry@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Carole Bennett 07769 944009 sussex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Sharon Jarvis 07428 909442 kent@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Liz Dyer 07899 848074 essex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Sandra Glendenning 07876 473055 anglia@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Heather Hayward 07948 395599 eastwessex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Peter Ingham 07815 789909 chiltern@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Bob Smart 07943 075876 eastmidlands@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Gail Cole 07881 691211 severnvalley@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Ian Hill 07749 349678 nwmidsnwales@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Stephen Wright 07966 224196 lancashire@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Elaine Jakeman 01924 682148 yorkshire@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Ian McCaskie 07962 115860 northerncounties@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Aileen Clark 07771 845199 scotland@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Alastair Bartlam 07754 131893 westwessex@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Sheila Revill 07796 188220 swpeninsula@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Heulwen Hewitt 07913 810417 swwales@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Peter Moore 07790 779024 nenevalley@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Heather Jennings 07875 191797 isleofwight@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Jacqueline Hutchinson 07717 161840 northernireland@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

As N. Ireland Group

Wendy Jefferson 07714 616715 motorcycle@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Publisher/Editor: Mark Shreeve

E: mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk

T: 01502 725839

Contributors: Jack Bancroft, Kavanagh Deville, Frances & Michael Howorth

All opinions expressed in these pages are those of the Editor and his contributors and do not necessarily represent official Club policy. All Material copyright. The Motor Caravanners’ Club Ltd 2025. All Rights reserved. While every care is taken when accepting advertisements neither the Club nor the Publisher can accept responsibility for unsatisfactory transactions which arise. Printed by Micropress Printers Ltd.

The opinions, advice and information contained in this publication are offered solely to inform members as to matters which will be of assistance to them.

The Motor Caravanners’ Club and Countrywide Publications accepts no responsibility for any opinion, advice or information expressed by any person in any article contained herein and members should seek their own counsel on matters before acting or relying on any opinion, advice or information.

Club News

A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER

It has been brought to our attention that the last posting of the magazine and annual Handbook has, on some occasions, been arriving with members in ripped packaging. We would like to sincerely apologise to all members who have been affected by this. Both ourselves as a business and the Club itself have worked hard to transition to paper wrapping over recent years to reduce our carbon footprint and while this has worked successfully for most issues unfortunately it has not been strong enough to hold this year’s Handbook.

I would like to assure members that going forward we will revert to poly wrapping the January magazine

OBITUARIES

EDDIE DOUGHTY

We have recently heard the sad news of the passing of a long standing member, Eddie Doughty (Ed the duck). He was a member for 36 years. Our thoughts go out to Sylvia and their family, R.I.P. Essex group

to avoid this happening again. Thank you all for your understanding and please do get in touch if I can be of further assistance.

KEITH MULLER

It is with sadness that the South and West Wales group announce the death of Keith Muller. Keith, with his wife Josephine, had been members since 1999; they enjoyed many rallies with our group and will be missed. We extend our deepest sympathy to Josephine and all the family at this very sad time. S&W Wales group

This year's National Rally will be held at Statfold Country Park, Ashby Rd, Tamworth B79 0BU 21-26 May.

SCOTTISH MOTORHOME SHOW OFFER

The Scottish Motorhome Caravan & Holiday Home Show returns to the SEC in Glasgow 5th-8th February 2026 and the Club are pleased to offer a member discount of up to £5 per day for anyone who would like to attend.

To take advantage of this offer please scan the QR code and quote MCCOFFER.

RECRUITMENT REWARD VOUCHERS

Please note the £10 Recruitment Reward Vouchers are allowed to be redeemed as part payment for a rally or you can exchange them for insignia items on the Show Stand at Warners Shows. You are not allowed to use them as part payments for Night Stops or CL Sites.

to Orkney and Shetland

Your holiday in the beautiful Northern Isles begins as you set sail with NorthLink Ferries.

The comfortable and reliable service offers sailings from Aberdeen to Lerwick, Shetland, with regular calls into Orkney’s capital of Kirkwall.

Alternatively travel from Caithness to Orkney’s port of Stromness. This 90 minute journey on MV Hamnavoe is the only sailing to Orkney which passes the iconic sea stack, the Old Man of Hoy.

Mousa Broch, Shetland –One of the best-preserved Iron Age brochs, built 2,000 years ago.

A settlement of houses which were occupied 5,000 years ago.

2026 HAVEN OFFERS

The Club are pleased to release details of this year's Haven offer and campsite included. The offer is for members only and the five night offer is not combinable with any other offer including any Freedom Trail discounts.

TO BOOK

Thornwick Bay

This is a five-night offer running from Sunday - Friday

Blue Dolphin

Please see the Club website. Please remember to choose five NIGHTS starting on a Sunday to qualify. Do not call the Haven office to book as you will be charged an admin fee, the offer can only be booked via the MCC website.

AVAILABILITY

All parks are available on the following dates: 15 Mar, 22 Mar, 26 Apr, 3 May, 10 May, 17 May, 4 May, 7Jun, 14Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 13 Sep, 20 Sep, 27 Sep, 4 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct,

In addition the following parks are available on 5 Jul and 12 Jul: Blue Dolphin; Greenacres; Golden Sands; Haggerston Castle; Hafn y Mor; Lakeland; Littlesea; Peran Sands; Reighton; Seton Sands; Skegness; Seaview.

EXCLUSIONS

Kiln Park is excluded for the following dates 28 Jun and 13 Sep

All offers are subject to availability and any park/date/pitch can be removed at any time.

For more information please contact Ali Bartlam 07754 131893.

5% DISCOUNT

The 5% offer is based on a minimum duration of three nights and runs from 1 Dec 25 to 6 Nov 26. Dogs stay for free (max. 2 dogs). This offer is not combinable with the five night offer or any other touring promotion.

Elec. grass pitch with awning £40

Elec. hard standing pitch with awning £55

Extra large elec. grass pitch with awning £50

Reinforced grass electric pitch with awning £55

Golden Sands

Elec. grass pitch with awning £40

Extra large elec. grass pitch with awning £45

Haggerston Castle

Elec. hard standing pitch with awning £40

Extra large hard standing pitch with awning and water £55

Electric hard standing pitch with awning and water £50

Lakeland

Elec. grass pitch with awning £40

Seaview

Elec. grass pitch with awning £40

Hard standing Euro pitch with awning £55

Reinforced grass electric pitch with awning £50

Thornwick Bay

Elec. grass pitch with awning £40

Elec. hard standing pitch with awning £55

Extra large elec. grass pitch with awning £45

Presthaven Sands

Elec. grass pitch with awning £45

Elec. hard standing pitch with awning £50

Perren Sands

Elec. grass pitch with awning £50

Extra large elec. grass pitch with awning £55

Skegness

Elec. grass pitch with awning £45

Extra large elec. grass pitch with awning £55

Thorpe Park

Elec. grass pitch with awning £45

Hard Standing Euro Pitch with awning £55

Littlesea

Elec. grass pitch with awning £50

Elec. hard standing pitch with awning £55

Reinforced grass electric pitch £55

Morton Mere

Hard standing super pitch with awning £50

Hard Standing Euro Pitch with awning £55

Reighton Sands

Elec. hard standing pitch with awning £50

Seton Sands

Hard Standing Euro Pitch with awning £50

Greenacres

Hard Standing Euro Pitch with awning £55

Hafan y Mor

Hard Standing Euro Pitch with awning £55

Kiln Park

Elec. grass pitch with awning £55

Hard standing super pitch with awning £60

Servicing & Repairs

CAMP WITH US AT A WARNERS SHOW

Come and camp with us at a Warners Show next year. Our pitches are reserved and the tickets are on sale. We will be at: Newbury, Newark, Norfolk, Retro Fest. Malvern, Shepton, Lincoln, Malvern (Oct)

To book, go to outandaboutlive. co.uk/shows. Choose the show you want and remember to use the drop down list of Clubs and remember to choose MCC.

Retro Fest 2026

The MCC is once again going to be camping at the Retro Fest on Newbury Showground 6th to 10th

August 2026 from. To book your pitch with us, you will need the code which you can find in the members area of our website.

How to book Retro Fest

When accessing the booking page scroll down to the section that asks if you have an access code. Type in the Club’s code and click on

apply. This will take you to a page that has the ticket prices for our Club. There is an early bird offer until December 31st 2025. Those of us who went last year had a fabulous time and would love to share the experience with more of our members next year. There is so much to see, so why not come along and join in the fun?

choose from and over 300 camping pitches with excellent facilities, start planning your adventure with us today!

Time Travel

Trip No 4: WesTfaliA CamPerVanS (AKA ‘WesTiEs’) Pilot: GenTleman JacK

IN ThE BEGINnINg

Westfalia exhibited the first fully-equipped VW campervan at the 1952 Frankfurt Motor Show. It was a one-off build for a valued customer. Such was the interest from showgoers and the press, the company decided to launch the Camping Box…a new range of campervans with removable furniture. Pictured [1] is a 1953 example with a colour co-ordinated trailer. Aficionados call these early VW vans ‘Splitties’ because of the split windscreen. The Westfalia engineering works was founded by Johann Knobel way back in 1844, in Westphalia, Germany.

Many pre-owned VW ‘Westies’ are offered for sale with the model incorrectly listed as ‘California’. Westfalia did build California campervans for VW from 1988 until Westfalia became part-owned by VW competitor Daimler Chrysler. This resulted in VW deciding to build the California ‘in-house’ from the 2005 model year. Pictured are a couple of iconic VW Westies. [2] is a 1970’s ‘bay window’ model with a rear hinged elevating-roof, [3] is a cut-away of a 1980’s high-top T3 ‘brickie’ VW.

TwO FOR TwENtY-SIX

Westfalia was an innovator in the early 1950’s and remains so in 2026. Contemporary-but-practical interiors continue to enhance a variety of base vehicles to provide a very ‘European’ motorcaravanning experience. Two of the author’s favourites are [6 & 7] the 5.45m/17’ 10.75” Ford Transit Custom Kipling…4-travel seats, 4-sleeping berths and loo! Brilliant as an only vehicle. [8 & 9] the go-anywhere, sub-6m, AWD Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based James Cook 600D. Westfalia is currently part of the Rapido Group.

ShOuLdA

Could have been hugely popular…indeed should have been hugely popular…but! Two candidates here, but to be fair, the reason why they did much better in Europe than in the UK, was Westfalia’s then reluctance to convert RHD base vehicles. Westfalia built many motorcaravans named after explorers, such as [4] a VW LT-based Sven Hedin. Another (initially) slow seller in the UK was the LWB VW Joker with its ‘peaked’ overcab high-top [5]. However, the redesigned version for the 2020’s received critical acclaim…deservedly so!

M otorcaravanners C ontinental C amping 2026

The Club are pleased to annouce we have arranged member trips abroad to France and Spain during June and September. Details of locations, dates and costs can be found below. Booking details will be made available via social media and in this magazine in due course. Each country has two destinations which can be visited either separately or consecutively (stays 1 & 3 in France). Each stay will be for 10 nights, and pricing refers to a 10 night stay in all cases.

France

Destination one

Stay 1: Flower Camping Omaha Beach, Vierville-sur-Mer Jun 3rd-13th 10 nights stay with 10A EHU

Max. two animals per pitch (dog or cat). Cost for two people in a van: £270

Cost for one person in a van: £265

Destination two

Stay 2: Le Coin Tranquille, Les Arbets-le-Dauphine Jun 3rd-13th

Stay 3: Le Coin Tranquille, Les Arbets-le-Dauphine Jun 13th-23rd

10 nights stay with 10A EHU

One animal per pitch (dog or cat)

Cost based on two people per unit, one dog free (others at cost)

Two persons in a van: £700

One person in a van: £400

Spain

Destination one

Stay 1: Camping Peniscola, Peniscola, Valencia Province. Sep10th-20th

Stay 2: Camping Peniscola, Peniscola,

Valencia Province. Sep 20th-30th

Both stays are priced to include: 10 nights stay with 10A EHU (4Kw per day, with extra charged at 0.45 euros per Kw) – all pitches have water and drainage. Based on two people per unit, dogs free (no limit on numbers)

Cost for two people in a van: £285

Cost for one person in a van: £250

Extra persons over two in a van: plus £85 per person

Children free, and Child rate for meals available on request

Destination two

Stay 3: South Valencia Province

Sep 20th-30th

Stay 4: South Valencia Province Sep 30th-Oct 10th

SHOW TIME

Frances and Michael Howorth take a look at what’s in store at this month’s Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at the NEC in Birmingham

Here we go again. Another new year and with it, the chance to plan more adventures at the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show. Running from the 17th until the 22nd of February at the NEC Birmingham, it is great place to turn your 2026 travel plans into reality.

If the springtime show differs from the autumn show in any way other than its size, it is that the February show tends to focus more on destinations. Yes, there will still

be hundreds of new campervans, motorhomes, tents, trailer tents, accessories and gadgets on display, but it is the campsites and destination ideas that make this show that little bit more exciting. And with the summertime touring season ahead of us, it promises to have everything you need to get your 2026 adventures underway.

We really enjoy the free travel talks at the Inspiration Theatre. There is no need to book, just take a seat and enjoy listening to those who have been there and done that.

If our own Iconic Road Trip feature in this issue has you itching to visit Yorkshire’s wild beauty, big skies, winding lanes and character-packed villages, then you should take the time to join travel writer Robbie Roams for one of his talks on either Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday. He is promising to share his secrets of an unforgettable road-trip adventure through the Yorkshire Dales, across the dramatic North York Moors and out to the rugged coastline. Along the way, he says he will spill the beans on some secrets and allow you to discover hidden gems only the locals know and road-trip surprises to make your journey all the more extraordinary.

The author, Martin Dorey, takes to the stage on Tuesday and Sunday with his message of “It’s never too late,” and the instruction, “Don’t let anyone write you off.” At 57, and recovering from a serious knee injury, this campervanner, surfer and writer fancied a change. So, he set off to surf and cycle his way from Cornwall to The Algarve. After 67 nights on the road, 3400km, 35000m of climbing and multiple punctures, Martin claims it to be the greatest adventure of his life and is looking forward to telling

ONE DEVICE TWO NETWORKS TOTAL COVERAGE

Uniquely designed to work with both Apple Find My and Google Find My Device networks, the Wolftrax tag ensures instant location of your valuables regardless of your phone preference.

CAMPING KIT

Locate expensive awnings, generators, and equipment

VEHICLES

Security for your pride and joy when parked up

COMPANIONS

Peace of mind for roaming pets on the campsite.

GET YOURS TODAY FROM

ESSENTIALS

Keep track of your keys or wallet while adventuring.

his tale as much as we are looking forward to hearing it.

YouTubers Richard and Jackie from Early Retirement Wanderlust Travel will give a presentation on Tuesday and Friday highlighting their best moments from their European campervan road trip through Provence and the Côte d’Azur. They will tell of scenic drives, historic treasures and dazzling Mediterranean coastlines, giving insider advice for enjoying authentic culture, exceptional food and breathtaking scenery. Fellow YouTubers, the Roaming Radfords, spent the summer 2025 visiting the sun-soaked shores of Croatia before heading off the beaten track into Bosnia’s spectacular interior. In a talk entitled 'A Balkan Adventure Awaits' on both Saturday and Sunday, they will describe their journey that took in iconic coastlines and friendly faces to mountain scenery, historic

rewarding and eye-opening road trips.

If you enjoy the taste of Italy,

Eats shares the stories, flavours and special moments that turned his recent trip to Italy into the ultimate

Fully-equipped for freedom

Two NEW ways to tour

On display from the 17th-22nd of Feb ‘26 at the NEC, Birmingham.

Our Autograph motorhome range welcomes two new layouts for 2026.

Travel in top-tier luxury with the new Autograph 79-4F and 79-4XT models – offering enhanced space and comfort for extended adventures.

To see the full range, visit: baileyofbristol.co.uk/motorhomes/autograph Scan QR code for discounted tickets to the show.

STAND

road trip for food lovers. He will tell us all about his most memorable stopovers to unforgettable gelato finds, while creating a meal to remember.

These talks, demonstrations and presentations run throughout the show, offering insight from seasoned travellers and technical experts. The sessions often resonate because they focus on real-world use rather than just the theory. Routes that worked, those that didn't, and lessons learned on the road are shared openly. Even experienced motorcaravanners frequently leave with new ideas or refinements to their touring approach. Sometimes, it only takes one conversation or presentation to entirely reshape a plan.

As well as these inspiring talks, you’ll find a wide selection of great-value campsites, destinations and holiday park operators each showcasing stunning pitches across

the UK, Europe and beyond. For many motorcaravanners, even those not touring during the colder months, winter is never quiet. It is when ideas form, maps are unfolded, and next year’s touring ambitions take shape. Routes are imagined, upgrades considered, and long-held plans finally begin to feel achievable, and the show helps bring those

dreams to fruition.

Destination and campsite operators from across the UK and Europe are a core part of the show. Whether your ambition for 2026 is slow touring through rural France, coastal routes in northern Spain, or rediscovering lesser-known parts of Britain, the show allows you to speak directly to those who know their regions best. This face-to-face access often unlocks ideas that would never surface through online research alone. Regional tourism teams can suggest quieter routes, seasonal highlights and practical touring advice. Campsite operators explain pitch options, off-season availability and facilities relevant to larger motorhomes. For many of us, this is where vague aspirations become real itineraries.

In Hall Four, Devon’s Top Attractions, the official tourism body for Devon will be promoting >>

the county’s attractions, accommodation, events, and natural landscapes, encouraging visitors to explore the county. Go North Wales and Visit the Isle of Wight will also have a stand manned by experts who can give you many reasons why you should visit their areas. Premier Parks and Tranquil Parks are both membership organisations offering the best in independently owned campsites and both will have stands staffed by specialists on hand to offer destination advice. Spanish and French campsite organisations are also well represented. In France, Campings Seasonova France operates eco-friendly campsites across scenic regions, offering family-friendly facilities, nature immersion, and sustainable outdoor campings, as does Campings Sites et Paysages whose sites across France offer unique, nature-focused holiday experiences, emphasising

sustainable tourism and a connection to the local environment. In Spain, Campings de Espana offers motorhome-friendly campsites across the country, including Costa Brava and Costa Blanca sites with excellent facilities. The campsites in the Region

of Valencia are internationally renowned and Campings Comunidad Valenciana offers a variety of services and facilities aimed at enhancing the touring opportunities in the area. Back in Blighty, the folk on the British Naturism stand will be promoting >>

body confidence. They organise events, and advocate safe, respectful social nudity within inclusive environments across the UK.

Campervan and motorhome hire companies will be on hand, as will escorted motorhome tour providers all offering unforgettable journeys to spectacular destinations around the world. Crossings Motorhome Tours and Escorted Motorhome Tours both have stands specialises in providing fully escorted motorhome tours to Europe’s finest destinations. Their teams have a proven track record creating hand-holding trips across Europe.

More than simply a showcase of shiny new vehicles, the February show is where inspiration meets practical decision-making. For anyone serious about turning 2026 travel ideas into something tangible, it remains the most efficient and rewarding place to start. Leading manufacturers and quality conversion companies will be showcasing pop-tops, high-tops and fixed roof models built on a variety of base vehicles including VW, Mercedes, Ford, MAN, Fiat, Renault and more! With more AWD

WIN TICKETS

Motor Caravanner magazine has five pairs of tickets to this year’s show to giveaway. To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the question below and send by post to Motorhome & Caravan Show competition, Motor Caravanner Magazine, Fountain Way, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6SZ or email to editor@ themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk (please put Show Competition in the subject line). Remember to include your name, address and

models available, there’s plenty of choice for those wanting to take their adventures further off-grid.

The immediate appeal of the show is scale. Hundreds of motorhomes and campervans are displayed side by side, allowing visitors to compare layouts,

a contact telephone number. Closing date for entries: noon 10/2/2026.

Terms & Conditions: The winner will be selected at random after the closing date. The prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash equivalent. The editor’s decision is final. The competition is open only to members of the Motor Caravanners’ Club. Tickets to be collected at the press office at the NEC, the press office is located near Hall 4.

QUESTION

Martin Dorey’s adventure took him from Cornwall to where?

construction quality, specifications and pricing without travelling the length of the country. This matters. A floorplan that looks ideal online can feel very different once you step inside. Kitchen worktops may be tighter than expected, lounge seating less comfortable, or storage >>

VOTED PILOTE

more limited. Equally, a model you had dismissed on paper may suddenly make sense once you see how cleverly space has been used. For owners considering a change of vehicle before the 2026 season,

the ability to walk directly from one manufacturer to another and from panel vans to A-class models, is invaluable. Conversations with designers, dealers and technical specialists add context that brochures

Motorhome and Caravan Engineers

cannot provide.

Club members can look forward to some significant new campervan and motorhome launches and a first ever UK show appearance. Making its world premiere, Ace will debut a striking range in Hall 5. Expect to see a new launch from Auto-Trail too. The all-new F-Line F67 makes its public debut at the show bringing contemporary touches to a proven best-selling layout.

Bailey of Bristol brings Adamo and Autograph motorhomes to the show, with enhanced features for 2026. In Hall 3, Auto-Sleepers will launch their new Active range designed with families in mind. Those who missed out on discovering The Swift Group’s latest range last October, will have another opportunity to explore a variety of adventure-ready vehicles, including the distinctive Trekker and the Carrera panel van. Also in Hall 3, >>

PRODUCTS YOU CAN TRUST

The NEW Wraith 3 is compact and easy to fit, ensuring uncompromising security for Motorhomes. Provides a strong visual theft deterrent that offers exceptional, attack resistance. Transit version now available.

The Milenco BC Lock encases and locks the motorhome brake and clutch pedals, rendering them inoperative. Versions available to fit the majority of motorhomes. Fits in seconds. Now available for VW T5 / T6.

The Commercial High Security Steering Wheel Lock has a hardened steel construction with a high security locking mechanism. Extremely secure and very easy to fit, in a compact design.

NEW 2025/26 Fiat Ducato Long / Short Arm Mirror Protectors, Patented ribbed design offering protection against accidental damage. Available in black or white. Transit Long & Short Arm now available. See us at the February NEC Hall 5 Stand 5135

Coachman, will also be showcasing their new 2026 luxury motorhome ranges: Sportivo, Avventura and Travel Master.

practical questions without sales pressure. Topics range from licence categories and towing limits to solar installations, lithium batteries and off-grid touring. For newer motorcaravanners, this guidance can be transformative. For experienced owners, it often confirms whether a planned upgrade or modification genuinely suits their touring style. It is easy to underestimate how much accessories influence the way a motorhome is used. A well-chosen awning, improved energy system or smarter storage solution can extend a touring season or open up new destinations. The February show brings together specialist suppliers covering everything from security systems and satellite technology to outdoor furniture and lightweight touring equipment. Seeing products demonstrated and discussing them with the people who designed them helps owners make informed choices

that will matter long after the show has closed.

With rising costs across all aspects of travel, value matters more than ever. The show provides a transparent environment to compare prices, specifications and offers. Manufacturers and suppliers frequently launch new models or packages at the NEC, and show-only deals remain a genuine incentive. Even for those not ready to buy immediately, understanding the market helps set realistic budgets and timelines for the year ahead.

The February show is also refreshingly sociable. Fellow

motorcaravanners and MCC members share experiences in cafés, aisles and seating areas, swapping stories and recommendations. Children under 16 attend free, making it accessible as a family day out, while included parking simplifies logistics. It is this blend of enthusiasm and practicality that gives the show its energy. By the time visitors leave the NEC, many will have moved from thinking about travel to actively planning it. Vehicles shortlisted. Routes discussed. Equipment chosen. Advice absorbed. That is why the February show for us remains such an important fixture in our calendar. It does not just inspire dreams it provides the tools to make them achievable. For anyone hoping that 2026 will be the year they travel further, stay longer or tour with greater confidence, February in Birmingham is where that journey truly begins.

GROUP NEWS & DIARIES

FEBRUARY 2026

ANGLIA

Group news coordinator: Jade Soanes

T: 01502 725840 E: groupnews@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk

Post: Motor Caravanner magazine, Countrywide Publications, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk IP18 6DH

Deadline: 5th of the month for inclusion in the following month's magazine

Forty-eight vans came to Terrington St. Clements for our New Year rally. 40 Anglia, five East Mids, one Kent, one Chiltern and one Sussex. Weather-wise we were lucky; very cold but sunny. Tuesday evening there was cheese, biscuits etc with mulled wine followed by six games of bingo which was, as usual, profitable for some. There was then a general knowledge quiz and a music one. A very good evening.

New Year’s eve the hall had been decorated and at 5.30pm we all sat down to enjoy a gargantuan buffet prepared by Committee members. We were entertained by Dale Diamond from 8pm to 12.30am, who was very versatile with music covering many years and something for everyone.

New Year’s day we were in the hall at 11.30am for brunch with a great English fry up cooked by Committee members. 4pm tea and cakes plus leftovers from the buffet. The evening started with a short quiz then a huge Chinese raffle with much hilarity with steals. Finally the raffle itself

Chiltern Group

was drawn with a good selection of prizes on the table. Congratulations are due to all the Committee for their hard work and putting on a great rally in the Anglia tradition. Temp. Scribe Derek Upcoming rallies: 13-15 February at Fakenham High School, NR21 9QT. Start time 5pm. 13-15 March at Whittlesey PE7 1XB. Start time 5.30pm. Both rallies bookable to Teresa on 07739 463321.

CHILTERN

The Chiltern Group wishes all our readers a peaceful and Happy New Year. I thank Paul P. for the following write up: Some 47 vans turned up for the cold New Year’s Rally at the school in Wing, Buckinghamshire; they came from as far afield as SWP to Northern Counties and Kent to NWM&NW. The rally was for the four days over the New Year with bucket-loads of entertainment and fun. Thank you to the Kent Group for entertaining us all one evening. The central focus was of course New Year’s Eve with a fine

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disco from Leon, excellent food and plenty of fun, dancing and silliness. The other evenings had a quiz with a difference and a musical quiz. The weather was cold but it was possible to enjoy trips in the local area to Aylesbury and Leighton Buzzard. The Committee did an absolutely superb job in looking after us and putting on this most enjoyable rally, a fine ending to 2025 and beginning to 2026! Thank you!

Upcoming rallies: 6-8 February at Barnstones, Great Bourton,OX17 1QU, booking required. 7 February is a Day Meet at Gt Bourton Community Hall, OX17 1QU. An expression of interest would be helpful to help with catering. 2-6 April at Cottesloe School, Wing, LU7 0NY. 4 nights, booking required.

EAST MIDLANDS

The Christmas Party at Corby Glen started with vans being parked on the grass field, as hard standing was unavailable due to a double booking at the hall. The evening began with the usual bingo, followed by a light-hearted Christmas quiz and dingbats. Christmas music played in the background as members relaxed and chatted.

Saturday started with a coffee morning. Some members walked into the village to visit the pub or coffee shop, while others with vehicles ventured further afield. The evening programme began with a ploughman’s lunch, followed by a lively rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas, with the Anglia Group particularly vocal during “five gold rings!”. A Christmas jumper competition followed, jointly won by Paul Girling and Dot Tomlinson.

Excitement built as the children gathered, loudly chanting for Santa. After much anticipation, Santa arrived accompanied by Elf Kelly, delighting everyone. Each child received a gift bag, bringing smiles all round. The evening

inundated, creating a varied and popular playlist. Singing, dancing and festive cheer filled the hall, with the elf keeping the energy high throughout the evening.

Sunday concluded with a coffee morning, the chairman’s talk, the raffle draw and farewells, as members departed wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.

The New Year Rally at Skellingthorpe was a fantastic end to 2025 and a great start to 2026. Full credit goes to the stewards, Sandra, Rob, Pauline and John, for organising such a successful event. A total of 39 vans attended, including members from the Anglia, Nene Valley, Yorkshire and West Wessex groups.

Festivities began on Tuesday 30 December with an evening of games. Bingo offered three top prizes of £45, followed by the popular Lucky Seats game, where raffle numbers, dice rolls and seat swapping kept everyone entertained until the final six claimed surprise prizes. The evening concluded with “Open the Box”, won by Michele C, who scooped £58.

Wednesday, New Year’s Eve, was free for members to explore. Some travelled into Lincoln by bus, while others enjoyed walks along the nearby cycle trail to Lincoln or Doddington Hall. The highlight was the “Rags to Riches” themed New Year’s Eve party. The hall was beautifully decorated with banners, tinsel, table treats and photo props. A welcome drink was provided, followed by a van raffle won by Ian and Samantha. Vida and Keith kindly donated a chocolate calendar to every van. Entertainment was supplied by singer Ady, who kept the dance floor busy until midnight, when everyone joined together for Auld Lang Syne.

New Year’s Day began with a coffee morning, raffle and chairman Paul’s chat, followed by a relaxed afternoon. The evening buffet prepared by the stewards exceeded

EAST WESSEX

Twenty motorhomes turned out for the East Wessex Christmas rally, including one from East Wessex and one from Chiltern, which this year was at Easebourne Primary school, Midhurst. Arrivals on the Friday evening were unfortunately met with some pretty unsavoury weather in the form of torrential rain which did mean sadly the host and park up people got a tad wet; humour and smiles won the day though but did leave a few soggy coats and shoes!

The evening meet up had a slightly later start mainly due to people drying out, but it soon warmed everybody up and proceeded in the hall with usual meet and greet, laughter and smiles, tea, coffee and things stronger in abundance. There was lots of chat and people starting to decorate their tables, also the hall got a bit of a makeover with twinkling lights, and soon the damp weather outside was forgotten.

Saturday saw a great change in the weather, quite a few people took the trip into town for lunch and walk round the small market town of Midhurst, but got back in time for afternoon refreshments, the obligatory game of card bingo – it was good to see a visitor taking home one of the winning pots. The rest of the afternoon was taken up with setting up for the evening.

The evening started with the Ploughman’s provided by the group which, going by the comments, went down well as a change and was more than enough to keep everyone going with raffle tickets being sold. In between this and our entertainer starting we had a surprise visitor, Santa made an appearance with a lot of laughs and giggles. All too soon Annie Jo took to the stage with her vocal show which turned

the ladies who organised the food shopping etc and put it together, you all did a great job. Alan and Brenda for raffle, Annie Jo for the vocal show and of course Santa.

Upcoming rallies: 13-15 February (Valentine’s rally) at Ringwood Junior School, BH24 1NH. Hard standing, heated hall. Hosts Lyn and John Docherty. No arrivals before 6pm please due to after school clubs.

ESSEX

Although it was a rainy Friday afternoon at Chelmer Valley High School for our 2025 Essex Christmas Party Rally, two committee ladies and two gents booked everyone in and parked vans up very efficiently. The tables were decorated and raffle set up before everyone met up in the hall at 7pm wearing Christmas jumpers.

Before festivities began however, the chairman sadly announced the recent passing of Essex group members Phil Stafford and Val Pugh (Mrs Kipling). A minutes’ silence was observed in their remembrance. R.I.P.

With a mix of festive music in the background we caught up with friends over a drink, and it soon began to feel a lot like Christmas. Raffle tickets for the lovely prizes bought by Yvonne went on sale, followed by a game of bingo with many happy winners. Many then joined Sue, who was dancing to celebrate a recent birthday, to dance the evening away to well chosen tunes.

Saturday brought better weather so most caught the bus or walked into Chelmsford for lunch or drinks in the surrounding restaurants and pubs. It proved a good chance for some to do some Christmas shopping.

Saturday evening we met in the hall where black tie/suit

lights and photo booth, got underway. The new photo booth, with lots of crazy hats and sunglasses to wear, proved very popular and great fun. Everyone went away with many good quality, couple and group photos and nothing was too much for JoJo to assist with. The evening was danced away under JoJo’s vibrant strobe lights playing varied tunes of our choice. 11pm and lights out came about very quickly.

On Sunday tea, coffee, trays of mince pies and Christmas cake were served. After the Chairman’s chat, where everyone was thanked for their contribution in making it another great Christmas Party at Essex, all left the school grounds by 1pm.

We have recently heard the sad news of the passing of a long standing member, Eddie Doughty (Ed the duck). He was a member for 36 years. Our thoughts go out to Sylvia and their family, R.I.P. Anne

Upcoming rallies: 13-15 February at Mayflower School, Stock Road, Billericay, CM12 ORT. Start time 5.30pm. 27-29 March at Chelmer Valley High School, Court Road, Broomfield, Chelmsford, CM1 7ER.

KENT

Happy New Year to all our Kent MCC members! As I write this article, we are expecting a “cold snap” and indeed in some parts of Kent we have seen snow today! Not a lot to look forward to but take heart as our rally season is opening up and probably you will receive this magazine at the same time as our first rally at Sandwich Junior School (St Barts Road, CT13 0AS) is in progress. School is a short walk from the historic town of Sandwich. City of Canterbury is a short bus ride away. This is a bookable rally. Start time 5pm. Digger, Marion, Sheena and Ty have a fun weekend planned with a professional entertainer on the Saturday night and so brave the weather and join us as we come together in fun, food and fellowship as we blow away the winter blues!

All Kent members should have received a 2026 Rally Booklet via email, if not then please do contact our Kent Secretary Sharon. Grab a cuppa and take some time to view our 2026 Rally Programme and book the dates in your diaries. Full information on what to expect at each rally will be communicated via the Kent Group of the Motor Caravanners’ Club Facebook Page – so watch that page! Please do come along to the rallies where you can meet up with old friends and make new friends. If you are new to rallying, then please do be encouraged that we are a friendly bunch and would love to meet with you.

Each rally does need hosts to “own the weekend.” The minimum you need to do is welcome people as they arrive and make sure they are pitched up in a safe manner and slot in a coffee/tea meet up at some point during the weekend. The rest is up to you! It can be a quiet weekend, or one filled with silliness or perhaps you like to take us on a ramble, preferably to the local pub but the extra fun is all up to you. Please do speak with the committee if you need any advice or help and don’t be put off if you can’t be there to pitch people up, we can find someone to do that.

Upcoming rallies: 13-15 March at Abbey School, London Road, Faversham, ME13 8RZ. The school is just outside the historic town of Faversham. There will be the usual fun and games for our St. Patrick’s Day rally. This is a bookable rally. Start time 5pm. 2-6 April is our Easter Rally at Palm Bay Primary School, Palm Bay Avenue, Cliftonville, CT9 3PP. The school is adjacent to the beach. A flat walk along the promenade to Margate. There is a loop bus a short walk away to nearby Ramsgate and Broadstairs. This is a bookable rally. Start time 6pm. Please contact Sharon kent@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk for bookable rallies.

LANCASHIRE

Lancashire Group wrapped up 2025 with two fantastic rallies. The first took place at Wittingham and Goosnagh 12th to 14th December, featuring our annual Christmas Dinner hosted by the committee; there were 25 vans in total all from the Lancashire group.

On Friday evening, everyone that wanted donned on their Christmas jumpers, we met in the hall for bingo called by Allen, while Christmas raffle tickets and Bonus Ball entries were available for purchase. There was music with dancing provided by our DJ Jimmy, and Carole organised one of her quizzes.

Saturday began with a tai chi session led by Stephen and Janet, followed by an afternoon craft workshop where Anne and Janet guided us in making holly and ivy illuminated table decorations. In the evening, we enjoyed a sherry reception, a three-course meal, lively entertainment from an engaging artist who got the room moving and grooving. In the break we had a round of Take Your Pick, followed with more music from DJ Jimmy.

Sunday coffee morning the bonus ball and raffle prizes were drawn, Chairman David wished all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year along with a safe journey home.

Our final rally of 2025 took place at Warton Cricket club 28th December to 2nd of January, this was hosted by the committee with 23 vans attending, 20 vans from Lancashire group and three vans from NWM&NW group. There was a lively party atmosphere, daytime activities included tai chi, crafts, curling, jigsaws, walks and socialising whilst drinking lots of tea and coffee.

Sunday evening was a casual get together where friends met and chatted about their Christmas events, Monday evening was bingo called as usual by Allan, there was the sale of raffle tickets and bonus ball, quizzes, games and music from our DJ Jimmy. Tuesday evening was a great festive party night, games, live entertainment, along with singing and dancing from our DJ.

New Year’s eve saw us celebrate in true Lancashire group style with some in fancy dress for the occasion. There was an amazing buffet followed by ‘talent night’ – words cannot describe the evening but sufficient to say we were entertained with poems, crooners, laughing policeman, Puff the Magic Dragon, Stavros and Lagi, Cinderella Rockefeller a rendition of My Ding-a-ling, as well as a surprise guest

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appearance by Britney Spears; it finished with Jack our President singing Working Man. We then all sang Auld Lang Syne as we brought in the new year.

New Year’s day was a little more subdued after the previous night partying but Rob put on an amazing curry for the group. All in all, a fantastic end to a fantastic year.Scribe Deena

Upcoming rallies: 5-8 February at Whittingham & Goosnagh PR3 2JE. This rally is bookable. 20-22 February at Canberra Club BB2 7LF. 6-8 March at Hoghton Village Hall PR5 0SG. This rally is bookable.

NENE VALLEY

Pattishall Christmas Meet – We had 26 vans booked for our Christmas Meet, but sadly three had to drop out at the last moment because of the dreaded flu bug, and we were unable to fill those spaces at such short notice. As our members arrived, they were welcomed with tea, coffee and biscuits in the small hall. In the evening we met in the hall for a catch-up natter and hot mince pies. The Twelve Days of Christmas seemed to be better practiced this year, probably helped by the Chairman remembering to bring his spectacles! Later we had a quiz and raffle tickets were on sale, Mick sold and drew the Bonus Ball, with all the money in the pot going for three prizes, won by two lucky winners. Saturday dawned a much brighter but colder day, with frost on the meadows. We had a coffee morning and some walked into Eastcote for lunch and sustenance. In the afternoon Jane organised a well attended game of bingo, while the large hall was made ready for the evening’s festivities. It started with the now traditional President’s Sherry Reception, and a bottle of wine per couple for the table. Hearty Cuisine treated us to an absolutely fantastic three course meal, with not one complaint! Well done to them. Entertainment was provided by Justin, and again, he read his audience very well and had us all in stitches with his rhetoric. The raffle! What a raffle! The National would have been proud to have had this. Our thanks to all who quietly contributed to make this possible. We ended the evening with the majority of people on the dance floor for the final part of Justin’s act.

Sunday morning was another bright sunny day, and we ended our meet with another coffee morning and notices, before our guests made their homeward journeys. The Committee would like to thank everyone who volunteered their services, whether it be refreshments, setting up and taking down chairs and tables, cleaning down and sweeping up, including Tony and Kath for organising the catering and Sherry Reception. As the advert says, ‘every little helped’. By popular demand, the caterers and the venue have been booked for 2026. Pat

Upcoming rallies: 13-15 February at Bledlow Cricket Club, West Lane, Bledlow, HP27 9PF. Cost £17pupn. Bookable. Pretty village, sunken garden, use of club house, Valentine’s weekend, Steam railway. 20-22 March at Barnstones Camping and Caravan Site, Great Bourton,

nr. Banbury OX17 1QU. Cost £22 pupn / £26 with EHU, Bookable . Hard standing, use of hall in the evening. 10-12 April at Prince William School, Herne Road, Oundle, PE8 4BS. Cost £15 pupn. Bookable. Hard standing. Pretty market town with attractive buildings, pubs, eateries, wine merchants and brewery. Walks along the River Nene & Barnwell Country Park. Buses to Corby, Kettering and Peterborough. Rooms in the evening. For booking details please see our website www.nenevalleymcc.co.uk.

NORTHERN COUNTIES

Best wishes to all members of MCC for a happy healthy New Year. Our Christmas dinner held early December was fully booked and enjoyed by all.

Our new year rally at Redcar racecourse was well attended by: Northern counties 40; East midlands one; Scottish two; Lancashire two; Yorkshire two. Thank you to all our visitors and members for making a 4 day rally such a great occasion, and of course our leader Mark and all committee who all worked very hard to ensure all enjoyed a great event.

On a different note on behalf of all club members our gratitude and appreciation goes out to Angela and Nigel Gladstone for the assistance care and comfort given to Mr John Ternent on his medical episode,they took him to hospital at 11am and stayed with him at two hospitals, returning to the rally site at 3am. You are special people thank you.

Entertainment was supplied by Simply Vocal, a very good duet, and we had a disco on new year’s eve, with fish and chip supper. Many thanks to Redcar race course for allowing the rally to be held.

Valentine’s weekend rally is at Clennel Hall in the heart of the Cheviot hills, booking through our rally officer.

N. IRELAND

Remembrance Weekend 7-9 November. Hosts David and Dawn Caskey and co-hosts Stephen and Mary Glenn welcomed 28 vans to Limavady High School for a special weekend. Friday evening saw the usual catch up in the hall followed by bingo, ably hosted by David and Stephen. Victor and Eleanor scored a double victory in a fast-paced game! Think David had taken instruction from our very own “Hurricane Hutchison”.

Saturday morning was a busy one with Audrey displaying the new club merchandise and taking orders for Christmas, David sharing his metal detection finds and Jacqueline patiently teaching the process of diamond art. There was great interest in the metal detection finds which ranged from a coin from the 1400s through musket shells, buckles and other items, to modern jewellery. Diamond art bookmarks were completed and Jacqueline sold some of her own diamond creations in aid of the Chairman’s Charity, raising £45. We were delighted to be joined by Agnes Adair. The afternoon saw many wander round the

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varied independent shops in Limavady and sample some local food and drink.

On Saturday evening many booked their place with Jacqueline for the Dinner Dance in the Ross Park Hotel in January and bought ballot tickets. Niall McHenry entertained us with a great selection of music.

Coffee morning on Sunday was hosted by Selma in the absence of the chairman. She thanked the hosts and co-hosts for an enjoyable weekend, especially mentioning David and Dawn for whom it was their first time hosting. Number plate draws were won by Nelson and Joycelyn Stewart and Ernie and Sue Corry.

Some members stayed in the town to attend the Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. Caryn Brown

Rally held at the scenic Magheramourne Blue Circle Boat club from 14-16 November. We had 27 vans turn up and all were welcomed by the hosts Norman and Sally McKee, and the co-host David McFadden. The weather was cold and windy but fortunately the rain held off.

Friday night the bar opened at 7pm with most turning up for some liquid refreshment and to play bingo, the numbers being shouted out by Chairman Sam, assisted by David. The musician for the night was Robert Swann. Robert really got everyone going and virtually everyone at some stage took to the dance floor. A big thank you to Norman and Sally for their generosity suppling sandwiches at their own expense. Everyone agreed it was a fantastic and enjoyable night.

As Magheramourne railway station is a few minutes’ walk away, Saturday morning saw most club members taking the train to Larne, Whitehead, Carrickfergus or Belfast. By late afternoon most had returned to enjoy a free barbeque. Many thanks to Harry and Billy our barbeque chefs for the day, their efforts were really appreciated. Saturday night was spent in the bar area of the club having a few drinks and enjoying a good chat and each other’s company.

Sunday morning coffee morning was held in the clubhouse. Chairman Sam thanked all that attended what was a successful weekend. Sam also thanked Mary Glen for making and selling craft items, raising £63.40 for the chairman’s charity. Sam also wished a few of the members who had been ill a speedy recovery. David thanked everybody for their participation. All the hosts were applauded for their efforts in making the weekend successful. The number plate draw was won by Allison Masters and Steven Glenn. David McFadden

SCOTTISH

Hello members wishing you all a very Happy New Year, hope you had a good festive season. With the north east of Scotland covered in 18 inches of snow, there’s no chance of me getting the motorhome out. Hope things are better where you are but it does help thinking of springtime when the rallies start at Foresterseat Forfar. Sorry there is not much to report on at this time of year. The website should be updated by the time you read this. Eric our rally officer has booked meets covering most areas of Scotland. We are

visiting Drumnadrochit in the north, to Fife and Lauder in the borders. A few favorites are returning such as Irvine in the west and Montrose in the east. Thanks to Eric for all your hard work. Having done this myself I am aware how difficult it can be to arrange a rally program. Squeezebox

SEVERN VALLEY

Xmas rally at Fromebridge Mill 12-14 December. We had 24 vans from SV, one East Mids, one West Country, one Yorkshire, one West Wessex.

Everyone was parked up by 5pm, unfortunately due to days of heavy rainfall the car park was full of puddles which most members managed to avoid and luckily the rest of the weekend we had sunshine.

Friday evening, we had carol singing led by Jodie Carter on keyboard. Everyone joined in from the carol sheets provided which created a very festive atmosphere to start the evening off. This was followed by a three-course Christmas dinner which members had chosen beforehand with a complimentary drink and coffee afterwards.

A disco played music from new to old songs, including Christmas songs, and members got up on the dance floor to boogie the night away.

Saturday morning, members were free to catch the bus into Gloucester where there was a Christmas market being held at the quays. A full bus timetable was given to all members. There was also a local garden centre a 10-minute walk away which had a nice restaurant serving light snacks or full meals. Across the road from the garden centre was Attwoolls camping centre. In the evening, we were entertained by the fabulous singer Mitzy who sang songs from modern, Motown and songs from the 60s.

There was an option to stay for Sunday lunch at members’ own cost; several people took up the opportunity.

Sunday 10.30am coffee morning was held and raffle tickets sold if not bought beforehand. The Chairman commenced the meeting by thanking everyone for coming. He thanked Tony, Mick, and Steve for parking the vans. The raffle was drawn and a round of applause was given for Jan and Ann for doing the raffle and Andrea to check everyone was booked in on the list. The Chairman then wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe journey home.

S&W WALES

Friday 12th December saw the group at Tycroes Rugby club, quite a popular venue. It was our Christmas and last rally for 2025. The hosts were Laura, Nigel, Mike and Lyn who parked up 35 vans plus their own. There were two visitors from Severn Valley.

Friday night was a quiz with a Christmas theme, followed by bingo. Apparently it was also a very late night/early morning finish.

Saturday was a free day to go out and about. At 4pm members dress their respective tables in Christmas décor for the best dressed table competition. It was a great evening, >>

GROUP NEWS

consisting of a raffle and entertainment in the form of a Tom Jones tribute act. We gave best wishes to Rob and Cath Wallace who have recently gotten married. There was also a presentation in the form of a large bouquet of flowers for two members who had tendered their resignations in writing to the chair Sue Howard before the AGM: Liz Davies (Scribe) amd Michealle Lewis (Admin). We thank them for their contribution over the years. I hope I do Liz proud...

Everybody have a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy and wealthy New Year.

Upcoming rallies: 13-15 February at Porthrhyd Village Hall SA32 8PN. Arrive 1pm. Bookable. 5-8 March at Tycroes Rugby Club SA18 3NY. Arrive 1pm. Live entertainment and Six Nations.

SWP

Our New Year’s rally was held at Trevarrian Holiday Park, near Newquay, on Dec 29-2 Jan. The weather was kind to us and 41 vans in total, 28 the first night, 13 the following day (two West Wessex, one East Wessex, three East Midlands, one S&W Wales, one taster, three Severn Valley, seven West Country, and 23 SWP) gathered to see the end of 2025. After getting settled we all enjoyed meeting in the bar to enjoy the live music and a drink or two.

On the Tuesday we had two sessions of ten pin bowling and a basket meal, the winner of the bowling was David Meek, a bottle of wine is waiting for you. Then many took part in a very serious game of bingo while many enjoyed meeting up in the bar with old and new friends. During the days the majority took the bus to enjoy the delights of Newquay, or Padstow for a beer or coffee etc. A certain party took a much longer bus ride than they anticipated! They know who they are. Some braved the cold weather to go walking along the many coastal paths and beautiful countryside to Mawgan Porth or Watergate Bay.

New Year’s Eve turned into a fantastic party night, where we all made merry and danced the night away. At midnight everyone joined hands to sing Auld Lang Syne then went around the room wishing everyone a very Happy New Year. It was a very memorable and enjoyable evening. Although the weather had changed to showers it did not stop us having a great time.

On New Year’s day our hosts Marion and Pete held a coffee morning; our Vice Chair Barry thanked everyone for making the rally a huge success and reminded us we still need hosts for a couple of our rallies, which would be in danger of being cancelled if hosts do not come forward. On New Year’s day a lot of our members enjoyed a very tasty roast dinner at ‘The Travellers Rest’ the local pub.

The 2026 Rally Programme is almost finalised, just a couple of rallies to be confirmed. Sheila will then send to all the members via email, in the meantime you can view our programme on the SWP Facebook page under the tab (features). Please remember if any changes to the rally programme are necessary they will be notified to all MCC members through the monthly newsletters, SWP and MCC

websites together with our SWP Facebook page.

To all SWP members – our fantastic Rally Officers have secured a Soul & Motown Weekend 1-4 May at Anchor Barrow, Perranporth, for the amazing price of £85. This is inclusive of entertainment Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The site have reserved a limited number of pitches, but need to know our numbers by the end of February. If you wish to attend this rally can you please inform Marion & Pete via petergray.swp@icloud.com before the deadline. If we have spaces left, the opportunity will be open to the rest of the MCC members. All updates will be on our Fb page.

Upcoming rallies: 27 February-2 March at Trevarrian Holiday Park, Mawgan Porth, Newquay TR8 4AQ. £25 pupn inc EHU. 2-7 April is our Easter Rally at Trevornick Holiday Park, Holywell Bay TR8 5PW. £22 pupn.

SUSSEX

Happy New Year. Our Christmas rally was a great success attended by members from many other Groups. Everyone took part in decorating their tables with fantastic results.

A near disaster when our booked entertainment let us down due to a severe injury resulted in a mad phone around and then the new DJ had written down an incorrect date! Martin took up the Rudolph reins by ‘phone and the DJ arrived in time to ensure a super evening on Saturday.

Our Valentine’s Meet is at an old favourite, Easebourne School GU29 9AG. Marilyn is taking bookings: houseproudbrighton@gmail.com.

Easter Extravaganza at Bexhill is being booked by Claire: stonerce@googlemail.com.

Don’t forget our Group’s future depends on a new committee. Carole

WEST COUNTRY

Our first rally of the year is our Valentine’s rally at Riverside, South Molton from 11-15 February. Rally details and booking forms are now available on our website www. westcountrymotorcaravannersgroup.co.uk

Future rallies to look forward to are Unity Farm, Brean in March and Parkers Farm, Ashburton in April. I look forward to seeing you there.

WEST WESSEX

West Wessex once again rounded off an eventful rallying year with our ever-popular New Year Rally – fully booked early, as always, thanks to its winning combination of good company, a great location, and excellent food. The rally was based at St Michael’s Middle School in Colehill, where motorhomes were able to park in the spacious playground and enjoy full use of the school’s facilities – ideal for a winter gathering. Neatly positioned between Wimborne Minster and Ferndown, ralliers had plenty of local exploring opportunities.

Hosts Gill and Andy, along with their team of helpers,

arrived the day before to prepare the venue. After a productive afternoon, they enjoyed a relaxed evening meal at a local pub, joined by former chairperson Maria and Rob. The following day was equally busy as the team completed the final preparations.

All meals throughout the rally were prepared and served by the hosts and helpers, who spent the day setting up the hall, collecting provisions, and welcoming the 33 arriving vans. Attendees represented a wide spread of centres: Chiltern (one), Essex (three), Kent (one), Lancashire (one), S&W Wales (one), West Country (five), Sussex (one), and an impressive 20 from West Wessex.

Ralliers gathered in the hall on the first evening to catch up with friends old and new. A lively quiz rounded off the night, with the winning team scoring just over 50% – a sign of how challenging it was!

Tuesday and Wednesday saw many members heading out to explore the local area. With a bus stop only a short walk from the school, direct routes to Wimborne and Bournemouth made sightseeing easy. Wetherspoons in Wimborne – The Man in the Wall – proved a particularly popular stop. Tuesday’s evening meal featured a hearty selection of pies, potatoes, and vegetables, followed by an array of gateaux and cheesecakes. Later, Keith hosted one of his much-loved music quizzes, always a highlight of the rally.

New Year’s Eve brought a lighter buffet meal, followed by Gill’s traditional raffle – congratulations to all the lucky winners. The Enigma Roadshow, led by Stephen Snook, provided the soundtrack as we said a fond farewell to 2025 and danced our way into 2026.

New Year’s Day began at a leisurely pace, helped along by bacon, sausage, and egg sandwiches served in the hall. That evening, members gathered once more for the Chairman’s chat and a few friendly games of bingo before bringing the rally to a close.

Andy extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the rally – Gill, Keith and Sandra, Jo, Chum and Sue, Keith, Stephen, and all who lent a hand. To all our members, we wish you good health and happiness throughout 2026.

Upcoming rallies: 19-23 March at South Lytchett Manor, Lytchett Minister, BH16 6JB. 13-20 April at Leadstone, Dawlish, EX7 0NG. Rally host needed for Petruth Farm Cheddar 18-22 June, contact Andy if you can help: andymundy420@gmail.com or 07746 058602.

YORKSHIRE

The Yorkshire Christmas party weekend was at Ripon Racecourse, with a room for entertainment and fun. We had 43 vans arrive in total, 34 from Yorkshire, one from Nene Valley, three from Northern Counties and five from East Midlands. Of these, six of the vans were first timers at an MCC event. It was so nice to have them with us to join in the festive fun.

The committee were the hosts, with teams greeting, parking, decorating the room and doing all the jobs to make

the weekend an amazing time for everyone.

There was a packed programme of events from Friday evening to Sunday morning. On Friday evening we had quizzes, a bottle game and bingo with musical interludes till the end of the evening.

On Saturday our room was open all day for people to have a chat. Many had a walk into Ripon, last-minute Christmas shopping and refreshments.

The evening was full of festivities. Santa’s elves collected all the Secret Santa gifts and had them ready for Santa to give out. Poor Santa had every person who collected a gift sit on his knee for a photo. There was only one child attending so the rest were the big kids. Santa’s elves did a grand job keeping Santa supplied with gifts to give out and keeping everyone happy.

Rachel B the singer entertained then, getting everyone singing along and dancing. After her first session Santa pulled the raffle tickets and the two elves ran a tombola-style prize collection. So, all the prizes were numbered and each raffle winner had to draw a ticket to see which prize they had won. Loads of prizes were there to be won including wine, spirits, chocolates and goodies.

Rachel B came back for another wonderful set with a variety of songs. The dance floor was full by the end of her slot with many couples taking to the floor.

To round the weekend off we held a coffee morning on Sunday before everyone wended their way home. It was a brilliant festive weekend with everyone having fun. Thanks everyone for coming and joining in the festivities.

Upcoming rallies: 27 February-1 March at Marsden cricket club HD7 6NN. Bookable. 13-15 March at Catterick racecourse DL10 7PE (with Northern Counties). 20-22 March at Ripon Racecourse HG1 1UG. Bookable. 27-29 March at Skipton Auction mart BD23 1UD. 2-5 April is our Easter rally at York Auction Mart YO19 5GF. This rally is Bookable from 2nd February. All bookable rallies need to book with the rally officer on 01924 682148.

OUT & ABOUT

THIS MONTH WE VISIT... NORTH WEST

BGET A GRIN YOU ARE IN CHESHIRE NOW

of Merseyside and Greater Manchester to the north, Derbyshire to the east, and Staffordshire and Shropshire to the south, Cheshire has a lot to grin about. And it is not just Lewis Carroll’s cat that is enjoying life. So were we when we toured the area and discovered why the country has so much to offer motor caravanners.

If the Cheshire’s Cat is said to be sly, tricky, deceitful, manipulative, and mischievous then the county he is named after, is rich, rural, with towns and villages supporting agriculture, cheese, salt, silk and chemical manufacturing.

pitched Voyager, our motor caravan, at the Elm Cottage Touring Park. This countryside park offers 35

Boats on the Trent and Mersey Canal at the Anderton Boat Lift >>

seasonal use. The campsite is ideally situated for those seeking to visit Oulton Park, the motor racing track, that most days is alive with events from motorbike testing to drag car racing. In the early 18th century, the Oulton Estate, its manor house and formal gardens, was home to the British aristocratic Egerton family and was converted by them from farmland into a gracious parkland. It became a motor racing track in 1953 and the tranquillity of the countryside was forever ruined. Elm Tree Touring Park is also well located for visiting somewhat quieter attractions. Of these, perhaps the most practical for the newly arrived

visitor is Hollies Farm ship in Little Budworth. A bright, modern shop selling locally sourced fresh and artisan foods, wine, flowers, and gifts, it is a great place to stock up the van with goodies.

The Anderton Boat Lift is a world famous and free to visit heritage site. It is a fascinating two caisson lift lock near the village of Anderton, some 12 miles from the site. It provides canal barges with a 50-foot vertical link between two navigable waterways: the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal. While the lift was restored to working order in 2001, it was not operating at the time of our visit following a failure of a safety component. Despite that, there is much to see and learn about its fascinating history. The 60-minute river cruise on board Edwin Clark sailing along the picturesque Weaver Navigation is a wonderful experience. Getting your van to the attraction is somewhat of a nightmare given the one-way system and lack of signage, but once there, the car park is wide, expansive and has no height restrictions. Perfect for us motorcaravanners!

Not far away, Jodrell Bank, famous for its landmark radio telescopes, is worth a visit. These telescopes detected radio waves emitted by astronomical sources in the sky and today the site's visitors' centre allows families to visit indoor exhibition spaces including a new

permanent exhibition about the history of Jodrell Bank and the chance to see a Clockwork Orrery, a working model of the Solar System. Who knew that Britain has the largest ice cream parlour in the world. It was not until we visited Cheshire Farm Ice Cream in Tattenhall that we found that to be the case. Besides getting to choose and eat ice cream made on the farm, you can take the children to enjoy the free-to-enter fun park. Not your thing? Never mind the farm has

one of the few drive-thru ice cream shops we know of, and what’s more, the drive-thru shop is campervan friendly without height restrictions. Our choice of flavours included Honeycomb and a wonderful, clotted cream ice cream made using product from happy cows at Clotton Hall Dairy just five miles away.

Don’t tell the cows but we also discovered the Cheshire Biltong Company while we were touring the county. Located in the heart of Cheshire, the Cheshire Biltong

find Tate Liverpool and Liverpool Mountain. Liverpool’s stunning waterfront and dramatic skyline are one of the most iconic views in the world. Take a ferry and cruise the waterfront, to view the iconic mercantile buildings known as the “Three Graces” – Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building – stand on the Pier Head. For an overnight stay consider the Hidden Corner Campsite or the RV park inside Liverpool Marina in Coburg Dock.

Company is a specialist Biltong producer run by husband and wife team Ryan and Sheryl Walker. With years of artisan Biltong production experience, their Biltong is handmade using variations of exotic and unique meat cuts including deer, kangaroo, ostrich and British sirloin steak; all marinade in authentic South African spice blends and tumbled in red wine vinegar.

Anderton Boat Lift. When exploring it and its restored buildings, which offer a fascinating journey through the life of the country’s last open-pan salt making site, you will discover how the salt works operated and the impact of salt on midCheshire’s people, economy and landscape.

A visit will also set the scene for a wider exploration of the footpaths, waterways and attractions of the adjacent Northwich Woodlands (a 350 hectare area of vibrant and accessible parkland) and the wider Weaver Valley.

Lions Salt Works restored in 2015 with £10m of lottery money, is a historic open pan salt making site

Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is the third most populous county in England, after Greater London and the West Midlands. The county was created in 1974 from the city and associated towns that had formerly been in Lancashire, adding in a few that were lying south of the River Mersey and had once been in Cheshire. Manchester has been most successful at re-inventing itself and is now a lively modern destination. Sports fans might like to visit Old Trafford, the Etihad Stadium or the National

that dates back to 1894. As a tourist attraction it has won many awards. Located in the village of Marston, close to Northwich, the site lies adjacent to the Trent and Mersey Canal, close to Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, and the historic

On route back to the campsite be sure to stop off in Northwich and admire the Town Bridge over River Weaver. Town Bridge, and its nearby sister structure Hayhurst Swing Bridge, used ground-breaking technology when they first opened >>

football museum, while history buffs may well opt for the People's History Museum, the Manchester Museum or the Science and Industry Museum.

A large multi-award winning market is located at the heart of Bury, open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday it’s a great venue for day visits. Stay at the Hawthorne Caravan and Campsite in Oldham, set in The Lows Nature Reserve at the foot of The Pennines. It is a lovely 15 pitch campsite in the countryside of Oldham.

at the turn of the last century. Back then, the Weaver Navigation was in constant use by coastal steamers and barges transporting salt, coal and other goods to the River Mersey, Liverpool Docks and beyond. River transport was massively more important than road traffic, which was still dominated by the horse and cart at this time. The control cabin was manned 24 hours a day and the bridge was apparently operated more than 55,000 times in the first 15 years. Today’s largely leisure boating traffic, requires the bridge to be swung less than 50 times a year.

Gaius Marcellus Valarius, our Roman Guide from Roman Tours UK for a walking tour of Deva talking about the recreated baths

soldier in Chester

While rural Cheshire is famous for its many white plaster and black half-timber frame houses, its capital Chester, contains over 550 listed buildings, spanning from the medieval to the Victorian periods. The city, founded as a Roman fort in the first century A.D., is justifiably proud of its heritage, the ancient walls that surround it and a cathedral displaying 1,000 years of architectural history. With tour guides dressed in medieval garb or as Roman foot soldiers, it milks its history for the sake of tourism but does so in such a way as to make

Lancashire

Lancashire is a county of contrasting landscapes, with wide, open spaces, diverse heritage and plentiful food and drink. It covers 1200 square miles of England’s North West. You can sample rich culture and heritage, take to coast and hills for some much-needed fresh air fun and some of the best outdoor activities around. Learn why Lancashire is referred to as the food and drink county. Apparently, it is all down to authentic local produce that’s

Eastgate Street, Chester

learning fun rather than just tacky money chasing.

That is perhaps why we found ourselves in the company of Gaius Marcellus Vallerius, a Legionary guard whose job it was to take us through the city and explain his job of policing the fortress. Gaius explained how he was well paid as mercenary while hoping that it was a job for life. Typically, he and his fellow legionaries could expect

to serve for 25 years or so under Roman rule before he could draw on his substantial pension which by todays standards was very generous indeed. We walked as he talked and as he did so he pointed out buildings and artifacts that would have been around in Roman times. We were somewhat taken aback when suddenly, just over halfway through the tour, we unpredictably entered the Chester branch of

second to none. Spend two or three nights in the Ribble Valley. Hike Pendle Hill and visit the Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford to discover more about the area, including the infamous Pendle Witches. Explore the Forest of Bowland, including Gisburn Forest, Sawley Abbey or the historic villages of Dunsop Bridge and Whitewell. Visit Clitheroe town centre and admire the Castle. Follow that with two nights in North Lancashire

camping at Red Bank Farm a site overlooking Morecambe Bay. Check out the campsites Archer's Cafe where they serve the Lancashire delicacy of Salt Marsh Lamb which are farmed on site. Explore the Bay by bike and visit the historic Leighton Hall and discover the history of the Gillow family. Explore the beautiful city of Lancaster, the hilltop Castle there has some stunning antique furniture, 19th-century prison cells and views of the River Lune.

Pret a Manger, the sandwich shop franchise chain. Had Gaius strangely and quite unexpectantly dropped out of character or had Pret started serving Ientaculum? We were completely bewildered! None of the establishment’s patrons seemed to glance up from their cheese toasties and lattes as a Roman soldier, in

The city, founded as a Roman fort in the first century A.D., is justifiably proud of its heritage, the ancient walls that surround it and a cathedral displaying 1,000 years of architectural history

full fighting garb, stomped through their restaurant with two baffled journalists in tow. “Come this way,” commanded Gaius as we stared at him open mouthed. He grabbed

times. In the basement of the Pret a Manger shop, there are the remains of roman stone columns laying where they were found by archaeologists some years back. It was amazing to stand there and see them as they had been nearly 2000 years ago. Gaius did not stop there! Later, we walked the Roman Walls, saw where the city gates once stood and we finally ended up just outside the old city limits in what remains of the roman amphitheatre. Used for entertainment and military training, this is the second of two stone-built amphitheatres to have stood upon this site. The first included access

| NORTH WEST Cumbria

As incredible as the scenic Lake District is, with its large expanses of water and soaring mountains, there is a lot more of Cumbria, for those travelling in Motorcaravans, to enjoy. The county boasts more than 100 miles of stunning coastline roads. They stretch from the Solway Firth in the north, to Morecambe Bay in the south. Here you will discover secluded beaches, majestic castles, hidden lakes and aweinspiring mountains. The best part is that driving here is much more

to the upper tiers of seats via stairs on the rear wall, as at Pompeii, and had a small shrine next to its north entrance. The second provided seat access via vaulted stairways. The two buildings differed from each other and from all other British amphitheatres, underlining the importance of Roman Chester. With Gaius needing to report back to barracks, we bade farewell to him and set off in search of our own chariot. There it was! Parked just where we had left it – our Italian made Fiat Ducato whose life began not so very far from Rome. Seemed rather appropriate we thought!

tranquil than the Lake District.

In 2021, Cumbrian Tourism conceived a 200-mile motorcaravan tour in a bid to keep roads surrounding the Lakes clear of heavy traffic. They designed the route to inspire those in campervans and motorhomes to explore this captivating area. It takes in isolated bays, proud headlands, storybook islands and fascinating tales, while avoiding touristic bottlenecks and traffic jams.

Isle of Man

An almost mystical island, The Isle of Man is located at the geographical centre of the British Isles in the middle of the Irish Sea. Tynwald, the island's 1,000-year-old Parliament, makes its own laws and oversees all internal administration, fiscal and social policies. The Isle of Man is the first entire nation in the world to be recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere. That status was awarded in recognition of the island’s extraordinary natural environment, vibrant culture, unique heritage and close-knit community.

Open roads offer motorcaravanners, a wealth of great driving opportunities covering all corners of the Island. Sit in the driving seat and be wowed by majestic scenery with over 500 miles of relatively uncongested public road, 100 miles of beautiful coastline,

32 beaches, 33 National Heritage sites and 18 scenic glens. The island offers drivers the freedom to make unscheduled stops anywhere and uncover legendary landmarks and treasures. Somewhat surprisingly, there is no national speed limit on the Isle of Man meaning that some roads may be driven at whatever speed you deem safe and appropriate. In built-up areas a speed limit of 30 mph usually

applies and there are 20 mph speed limits in some local areas. With 26 official dark sky sites for stargazing, the highest concentration of dark skies anywhere in the British Isles, the island is best known as an outdoor adventure hotspot. It is perfect for walking, cycling, camping and wellbeing holidays, or somewhere to simply switch off whilst immersing yourself in its 10,000-year story.

Staywith theClub

Belmont Hall

Belmont Hall is a small family run caravan and campsite set in rural parkland, bounded by fields and fishing lakes offering members peace and quiet in unspoilt surroundings in the heart of Cheshire. Located in Great Budworth, facilities include water, chemical disposal, toilets, showers and washrooms. Along with, electric hook-ups, rubbish bins, five hard standings, and a disabled toilet with shower. Dogs are allowed and there is an exercise area for their enjoyment.

ELSEWHERE IN CHESHIRE

WHITEGATE WAY

A former six-mile railway line route now given over to walkers and cyclists. Nearest access is Whitegate station café just a mile away from the Elm Tree Touring Park.

find peace in the heart of the forest. Good for cyclists and walkers alike. Great place for a picnic.

SECRET BUNKER

Manor Farm

Manor Farm is a CL in Tattenhall run by Brian Ryder. His family run campsite has its own farm shop, butchers, coffee shop and café. He sells locally sourced and seasonal products. The onsite shop carries all the essentials you will need for your camping stay, including BBQ’s, firewood and of course sausages and burgers made fresh from the butcher onsite. Old Ma’s cafe is also based on site offering a wide range of meals, cakes, and drinks to eat in or takeaway. Wi-Fi is accessible at the cafe area and but not on the campsite. There is fresh water, rubbish bins, hard standing, chemical disposal, a new shower & toilet block, washroom that has a disabled facility accessible by wheelchair users.

WINSFORD MARINA

A lovely spot in which to spend a few hours watching the canal boats and yachts stopping at the marina. The marina is home to a wide range of wildlife, especially waterfowl.

BLAKEMERE CRAFT CENTRE

A family-run attraction, two craft workshops, plus food and drink outlets. There is a craft brewery creating Sandiway ales on site. Award-winning Birds of Prey experiences. Packed with activities, enticing eateries, and independent shopping opportunities, the village is free to enter and offers free parking. There’s something to suit everyone, whatever the weather.

DELAMERE FOREST

An area of woodland, managed by Forestry England, covering some 972 hectares making it the largest area of woodland in the county. It contains a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees. It is a great place to let off steam, escape the crowds and

A World War II and Cold War defence complex that stayed secret for nearly 50 years but is now open for public inspection. It has one of the largest collections of decommissioned nuclear weapons in the world. A must see if you like this kind of thing.

CHESHIRE OAKS DESIGNER OUTLET

Largest outlet centre in the United Kingdom, with 145 stores and eateries. Its large, pedestrianised, village-style site is well known for its designer and high-street fashion brand discounts. If you need retail therapy, this is the place to be.

ELLESMERE PORT BOAT MUSEUM

Focus is on the Britain’s navigable inland waterways, including its rivers and canals, The museum incorporates all surviving parts of the original industrial port. Over the past 40 years, the historic site has been restored. This includes the locks, docks and warehouses, along with a pump and engine room.

Nestled in the Eden Valley surrounded by rolling countryside, Pennine View Park is perfectly placed for walking, cycling and simply relaxing. We are a family-run caravan and camp site on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a mile from the historic market town of Kirkby Stephen.

t: 017683 71717

hello@pennineviewpark.co.uk w: www.pennineviewpark.co.uk

Station Road, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4SZ

SEA CLIFFS, SEABIRDS AND SEASIDE SUPPERS

Frances and Michael Howorth take journey along Yorkshire’s Route YC and discover a road trip of lingering lay-bys, clifftop walks, and seaside suppers eaten with the doors slid open.

Yorkshire’s coastline rewards those who travel slowly. And perhaps that is the very reason why we have chosen this route to kick off the first of our series of Iconic Road Trip features.

Possibly conceived as a result the apparent success of the North East 500, Route YC was created in 2019 by the Yorkshire Coast BID (Business Improvement District). Its aim was to encourage visitors to stay longer, travel further and look beyond the traditional seaside dash. Rather than funnelling traffic down one road, the route forms a network of carefully curated touring loops, linking coastal roads with inland lanes, heritage towns and scenic stopovers. For motorcaravanners, it is the flexibility that offers the real appeal. You can dip in and out, tailor distances to suit your pace, and linger where views or fish and chips demand it.

The route stretches across the full sweep of the Yorkshire Coast, from chalk cliffs to cobbled harbours.

It takes in the wide sands of Spurn Point in the south to the dramatic headlands around Whitby and Staithes in the north. Along the way, the scenery constantly changes. One moment you’re following clifftop roads above the North Sea, the next winding through rolling farmland, historic estates and quiet villages where time seems happily paused. Highlights include the chalk cliffs near Flamborough, the fishing ports of Bridlington and Scarborough, and the atmospheric abbey ruins overlooking Whitby. Inland detours lead to the Howardian Hills, the North York Moors, and food-focused market towns such as Malton, often described as Yorkshire’s culinary capital.

Our favourite stretch runs from Bridlington to Whitby. It is a section of the journey that almost becomes the destination. And we love it because this short stretch of coast packs in those towering chalk cliffs,

fossil beaches, fishing villages, and some of England’s most dramatic seascapes.

Bridlington: Setting out by the Sea

Begin in Bridlington, a classic Yorkshire resort with long promenades, sandy beaches and easy supplies for the road ahead. Stock up on provisions before heading north, because once you leave town the coast quickly feels wilder.

Just north of Bridlington, Route YC hugs the clifftop through Sewerby. Stop at Sewerby Hall for a final view across Bridlington Bay, where chalk cliffs rise sharply from the North Sea. It’s an early hint of what’s to come.

A few miles on, Bempton Cliffs delivers one of the UK’s greatest wildlife spectacles. Park at the RSPB reserve and walk out to the viewpoints. In season, tens of thousands of seabirds wheel and cry

around the cliffs. Gannets plunge into the sea like javelins. This part of the coast feels positively alive and we love to watch puffins shuffle along the grassy ledges they call home. Even outside peak months, when the wind carries the smell of salt and guano, the sheer scale of the cliffs makes this stop unforgettable.

Filey to Scarborough:

Big views, bigger skies

Route YC eases down into Filey, where the coast softens into long sands and a traditional seaside atmosphere. Filey Brigg, a rocky peninsula stretching into the sea, offers a short walk with expansive views back towards the chalk cliffs.

Filey works well for lunch. Fish and chips eaten on the front here feel timeless. There are two good outlets on Coble Landing. Campervanfriendly parking is available nearby, making it an easy pause before heading into quieter territory.

South of Scarborough, Cayton Bay opens up beneath steep cliffs popular with surfers and photographers. The road above offers wide horizons and dramatic light, especially late in the day.

Scarborough itself arrives suddenly. The town spreads across two bays beneath a castle-crowned headland. It’s lively, busy, and full of energy. For campervan travellers, this is a good place to refuel, restock,

or stay overnight before continuing north. Take time to walk the Marine Drive loop if conditions allow. It offers sweeping views along the coast you’ve already travelled.

Scarborough is famous for its Victorian Central Tramway funicular train links the town centre with South Bay and its harbour. The Rotunda Museum explores local coastal geology and the Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary puts on impressive marine displays. The Peasholm Park Japanese gardens are behind North Bay and for those seeking a good night out then The Spa always seems to have a show worth seeing. But for us, it was Scarborough’s Market Hall that was the big attraction. Regular readers will know that we love to explore markets and this one has much to offer. Evenings in Scarborough also feel special. As daytrippers leave, the village settles into a calm rhythm. Lights glow in pub windows. The sea murmurs below.

North of Scarborough, Route YC threads through quieter lanes before plunging dramatically into Robin Hood’s Bay. The descent alone is memorable, with the road dropping steeply towards a village frozen in time. Park above and explore on foot. Cobbled streets wind between

cottages, opening suddenly onto the beach. At low tide, this is a fossil hunter’s paradise, with rock pools and wave-cut platforms stretching north and south.

Continue north to Ravenscar, once ambitiously promoted as the “Brighton of the North”. It never quite happened. What remains is a haunting, open headland with staggering views. Pull over and step out. The land drops away into sheer cliffs, and on clear days you can see miles of coastline curling away. It’s one of the most atmospheric stops on route, especially at sunset. For travellers, Ravenscar feels remote without being isolated. The wind, the space, and the light create a sense of freedom that defines this drive.

The final stretch to Whitby

The road into Whitby winds through moorland and woodland before the town reveals itself around the mouth of the River Esk. Abbey ruins stand high on the cliffs, watching over redroofed houses and a busy harbour. Arriving in Whitby feels like reaching a natural conclusion. This is a place to stay a while because there is a lot to do and plenty to see. Whitby is a

town centre meaning you can hop back to the van between activities and better still, you can have a drink, or three, over dinner.

delightful town spoiled only by the overwhelming smell of stale cooking oil. That said there are plenty of good fish and chip restaurants to choose from that do not fry in overused oil. Our favourite is the Fisherman’s Wife on the sea front and they cook chips in traditional beef dripping.

Sadly, the streets and parking facilities in Whitby do not lend themselves to campervans, so our advice is to choose a well-placed campsite and use Shanks’s pony to do your sightseeing. There are plenty of campsites to choose from, but our chosen one was the family-owned, Whitby Holiday Park right on the cliff top overlooking the sea. It is a full facility site, well set up for touring motor caravans, but best of all, you can walk from there into town along the cliff top Cleveland Way.

Overlooking Saltwick Bay, this five-star holiday park offers a wide selection of accommodation options, including touring and motorhome pitches, glamping pods, and holiday homes. On-site facilities include a Bar & Bistro, children’s play area and wellstocked shop where you’ll find all the essentials you’ll need for your stay. This site is just a mile away from the

Be warned, however, the way down into town involves using the 199 steps. These are a unique attraction in Whitby and lure many visitors to make the demanding, yet rewarding, climb down and up them. It is customary to count the steps as you climb and join the debate as to whether there really are 199.

As you walk into town you will pass what remains of Whitby Abbey, ruins of a once-great Benedictine monastery founded in the 11th century. The author, Bram Stoker, is said to have used it as the inspiration for Count Dracula’s castle. Indeed, in his novel, Whitby is where the ship carrying Dracula runs aground. Whitby blends history, atmosphere, and good food in a way few other coastal towns manage.

The stretch we have described covers roughly 50 miles, but it rewards a multi-day approach. Roads are generally suitable for campervans, views arrive frequently and stops feel purposeful rather than rushed. This is not a drive to tick off. It’s one to absorb.

Campervan-friendly by design Route YC was created with touring visitors firmly in mind, and that shows in the infrastructure. The region already boasts a strong network of CL sites, touring parks, farm stopovers and motorhome-friendly campsites,

Are you driving illegally?

When did you last check your motorhome weight? Ministry figures suggest up to 80% of motorhomes may be operating overloaded!

Drive an overloaded motorhome and you not only risk a fine, you also risk your insurance and the safety of you and your passengers!

When looking to buy your next motorhome, insist on an accurate, up -to-date weight ticket! The brochure may state a MIRO or payload allowance, but these f igures can be out by as much as 5% (average 125kg).

This is more likely to be against you than in your favour, so it is always recommended that you visit a weighbridge to check your vehicle’s weight.

Need to uprate to carry more payload?

If you think you might have a payload issue, we can help. SvTech is able to increase/uprate the payload allowance on many makes and models.

Behind the scenes of e very SvTech uprate, testing of a vehicle is carried out to create a ministry recognised test report, which is then use to cover subsequent uprates. This report and testing is vital in supporting an uprate, and is a legal requirement. Do not be fooled into thinking it’s just a paperwork exercise, as offered by others.

Reaching 70? Need to consider downrating?

SvTech can downrate your motorhome to 3500kg should you not pass, or wish to take, your medical. You must first weigh the motorhome to find out what payload you will have available at 3500kg . For further guidance on downrating please visit our website at www.svtech.co.uk/motor-home-downrates

To promote road safety, SvTech designed a free -to-use, Load Distribution Analysis (LDA) program which helps the user to know their likely laden weight and how best to position their goods about the vehicle to avoid an axle overload . Please visit our website www.svtech.co.uk/lda to find out how you can stay safely within your vehicle limits.

For any questions regarding these matters, please contact 01772 621800 or email, webenquiries@svtech.co.uk

For any questions regarding these matters, please contact 01772 621800, or go to the website to begin an enquiry and receive a unique ID number

many within easy reach of the coast.

Several towns along the route actively welcome motorcaravans, with short-stay parking, service points and nearby attractions within walking distance. It makes spontaneous travel far easier which is ideal for Club members who prefer to follow the weather or stay an extra night somewhere special.

While summer brings classic seaside energy, this road trip truly comes into its own outside peak season. Autumn colours transform the moors, winter seas pound the cliffs, and spring brings quiet roads and wildlife returning to the coastline.

The route is as much about experiences as scenery. Unlike many tourist routes, this one doesn’t dictate how you should travel. There are no fixed stages or rigid itineraries. Instead, it provides inspiration leaving you free to shape the journey around your vehicle, your interests and your time.

For motorcaravanners who enjoy relaxed exploration, scenic driving and the freedom to change plans, Route YC feels less like a campaign and more like an invitation.

Whether you follow it end to end or simply use it as a guide to explore Yorkshire’s quieter roads, this road trip showcases Yorkshire’s coast at its most varied and compelling.

Our top 10 tips to help you maximise your Route YC adventure

1

After you have picked your route, take a closer look at the map or better still Robbie Roams excellent No Fuss Travel Guide called Road Trip Yorkshire. Then start your planning to make sure that you get to see everything you want, no matter how much time you have put aside.

2 Bring the essentials, not the whole kitchen sink! There are excellent supply stops, places to eat and retailers throughout the area with brilliant Yorkshire produce.

3 Don’t let the weather catch you off guard! You are on the coast, and the weather can change from sunny to rainy in a day, so pack your waterproofs and a good pair of boots for your walking adventures.

4

Ensure your vehicle is in good condition: Before setting off, ensure your campervan is in good working order and all fluid levels are topped up. It’s also worth investing in breakdown cover, just in case.

5 Drive carefully: Take it easy on the roads – remember, you’re not in a hurry! – and enjoy the scenery as you go.

6 Remember there can be steep gradients on the Whitby and Scarborough routes; check the map before you travel.

7 Some roads going through the more rural areas can narrow, so take it slow, especially those with limited passing places.

8 We recommend using the great camping and caravan sites along the route. Not only will you enjoy rural and coastal locations with all the facilities you will need to make your trip more enjoyable, but you will also be helping to support the local communities.

9 Remember some pubs allow overnight stays for a minimal cost, like The Ship Inn in Sewerby and The Piebald Inn at Hunmanby, to name just a few.

10Route YC has become incredibly popular rather quickly. This means summer season pitches get booked early. It pays to book yours as soon as your travel dates are established

Campsite Directory

Camping Los Gallardos

R.T.A: AL- 4-04-0017

In sunny Almería, Spain - It’s Europe’s sunniest spot!

• Family run, category 2 peaceful, community campsite in the south of Spain - near Mojácar

• Bowling greens

• Busy bar, restaurant & shop

• Full services (Inc: UKTV hookup & much more)

• Full service pitches available

Family-run park overlooking Port-Eynon Bay. Pitches for motorcaravans, tourers and glamping pods, as well as self-catering bungalows. Within walking-distance of the beach. Clubhouse with licensed bar, serving meals. WiFi. Grocery shop & laundrette. Outdoor heated swimming pool. Children’s play area. Tennis court. Booking advised for bank/school holidays. Open 1st March until New Years

to Leobay for a peaceful break by the sea. Enjoy stunning harbour views, heated showers, cosy

and your own garden

Open all year and dog friendly. If your motorhome needs a little care, our on-site workshop with fully trained engineer offers repairs and fittings. 07899 927467 steve.leobay@gmail.com www.leobay.co.uk

Tea break teasers

See page 68 for solutions

Codeword

Crack the code and fill in the grid. Each letter of the alphabet is represented by a number from 1-26. Two letters are given as a starter, can you decipher the rest of the code to discover all the words?

Sudoku

The objective is to fill a 9x9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 boxes contains the digits from 1 to 9. A cell is the smallest block in the game. A row, column and region consists of 9 cells and the whole game consists of 81 cells.

Wordsearch

Crossword Puzzle

Across

2 A trivial detail a perfectionist might insist on “picking” (3)

3 To provoke someone into action (4)

6 The grey, powdery remains of a fire (3)

Down

1 A majestic mountain range that represents the roof of the world (8)

4 To revise the fine print of a constitution or a formal contract (5)

To collect information or crops slowly and with great patience (5)

The path left behind by a shooting star or a traveler (5) Firmly secured to the seabed to prevent drifting (8)

13 A performer in a scene but rarely has a line (5)

14 A high degree of fluency and persuasiveness in one’s speech (9)

16 To defy gravity and hover in the air (8)

18 A rhythmic repetition often heard before a race (5)

19 A rocky “pitcher” hanging from the ceiling of a limestone carvern (6)

22 A specific perspective from a vantage point (4)

23 Internal powerhouse hidden beneath a vechile’s hood (6)

24 A short, informal communication passed around a busy office (4)

5 An exam that requires a voice rather than a pen (4)

10 An additional portion of food or supportive hand in a crisis (7)

11 What one might have done during a lazy afternoon in a hammock (5)

12 A citrusy garnish stripped fro its fruit to brighten a martini (4)

15 A mistaken direction or blunder found in a printed document (5)

17 A steam or locomotive (5)

20 The patterned surface of a tyre that makes contact with the road (5)

21 A circular stage for gladiators or a venue for a championship bout (5)

Bazaar

Private sale advertisements

VEHICLES

2017 AUTOTRAIL IMALA 734. 13,390 Miles - MOT August 2026. GVW 3650 (P/HGV). 2x Rear single beds. 2x Front pull out beds. 4 berth with central kitchen. 2 Gasflow bottles. 3 fixed solar panels. 2 leisure batteries. Separate shower and toilet and much more. £47,000 Tel: 07857 713408. Mr Kevin Thorne, Taunton.

ACCESSORIES

CAMOS 400 SATELLITE DOME, In working order. Offers welcome. Tel: 01592 263153, Kirkcaldy

FIAMMA DELUXE LADDER, DJ Ducato Boxer in deep black, rear door mounted. As new. £220. Contact for more information. Tel: 07969 468922, Jane, Leicestershire.

WESTFALIA CYCLE CARRIER (BC60), CW box and platform. All manuals and fullset of keys (In good condition). Tel :07967 015773. John, Essex.

Members'private sale advertisements

Club members are entitled to a FREE classified lineage advertisement of up to 30 words. To be included, please send your listing along with this form to: Motor Caravanner, Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon, Suffolk, IP18 6DH or email: bazaar@themotorcaravannersclub.co.uk.

If you wish to include a photograph, please enclose a cheque for £12 inc vat payable to Countrywide Publications.

Please indicate whether your item is: FOR SALE WANTED

FREE ADVERT ADVERT WITH PHOTOGRAPH (£12 inc. VAT)

I enclose my cheque payable to Countrywide Publications (please write name and address on back of cheque)

PLEASE NOTE:

• Advertisements will be placed in the next available issue.

• Emailed listings that include photos will not be used until the cheque is received.

• Listings will not be used unless a valid membership number is provided

Name:

Address:

Telephone:

Club membership number:

Postcode:

Sudoku - Medium

Sudoku - Hard

Wordsearch

Crossword Puzzle

Codeword Puzzle

ANSWER: 1=J, 2=B, 3=S, 4=A, 5=U, 6=G, 7=E, 8=P, 9=O, 10=L, 11=R, 12=N, 13=C, 14=H, 15=M, 16=I, 17=T, 18=W, 19=K, 20=F, 21=Y, 22=V, 23=D, 24=Z, 25=X, 26=Q

• Secluded, serviced motorhome and tourer sites including adult only area

• Good choice of lodges and caravan holiday homes for sale; owner occupiers, close friends and family

• Superb, tranquil, landscaped park and woodland

• Dog walks & cycle trails

• Sandy beach, 100 acres of woods, meadows

• 9 hole compact golf course, 3 hard tennis courts, volleyball, basketball, shing mid September-mid October

• AA Gold Award 5 Pennant Premier Park

• Attractive lounge, bar and shop

• Some hardstanding available

We are based in Deeside, North Wales, close to Chester, Cheshire and the Wirral.

Enhance and smarten your Motorhome with Alloy Wheels. 15” and 16” heavy duty wheels to fit most vans from £500 for 4. We can supply by Mail Order or fit in our tyre depot near Chester. See our website for more choice.