As summer approaches you only have to listen to the travel news on the radio to realise that caravan towing accidents are still fairly common.  The Highways agency (along with Carol Smillie - times are getting hard?) has produced a DVD and video entitled fit to tow.  I haven't seen it all the way through, but you can find it here:

Fit to tow?

A CARAVAN firm based in North East Wales has picked up a prestigious award for the fourth year running.

The family-run Fifth Wheel Company in Rhuallt designs and builds trailers which are a cross between a caravan and a motorhome.
Their products once again impressed the judges at the annual Caravan Club awards last month, where the company took home an award for its designs.
Operations director Adrian Parry-Jones said: "We're very proud of our products and winning this award for the fourth year running is a testament to our skilled and dedicated staff."
The Caravan Club award went to the firm's Celtic Rambler trailer.

From The Evening Leader

The Swift Group swept the board at the recent Caravan Club Design Awards announced at the recent Boat Caravan and Outdoor Show held at the NEC Birmingham.

The company won three of the five awards outright and were also runners up in three of the categories, recording the best ever performance by both Swift and any company in the awards. 

Of the 15 products in first second or third places in the traditional caravan categories, nine were Swift Group products. “This is an outstanding result for the company and true independent recognition of the major progress the company has made in providing products that offer the highest overall standards in design, specification and value for money, making Swift the clear first choice of the majority of caravanners,” Nick Page, Commercial Director commented.

The list of awards are:

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Over 31,000 people poured through the doors of THE SCOTTISH CARAVAN & OUTDOOR LEISURE SHOW during the four day show at the SECC, Glasgow.

150 companies showcased the latest caravans, motor caravans and holiday homes as well as outdoor leisure accessories, camping equipment and small boats.

Jamie Taylor, Show Organiser said “The show was a total success and busy throughout the four days. Every exhibitor I have spoken to has expressed delight at the results.  We are already starting work on the 2009 show which will take place on 5 – 8 February.”

TV favourite Lorraine Kelly opened the show and attractions included: 

• New product launches – the latest caravans, motor caravans, tents and accessories.
• Exclusive money saving offers and competitions including the chance to win an Xplore Caravan worth £9,995
• Farmers Market
• Kids Fun Zone
• Accessory Heaven
• Holiday Home Extravaganza
• Sail Away in the latest  boats  and accessories including jet skis, dinghies, canoes
• Tented Village

Rugby World Cup Hero and Caravan Club member, Jason Robinson OBE, will be appearing at The Caravan & Motorhome Show 2008, Manchester Central, on the 17 January.

Jason is yet another member of the squad of celebrity 'cara-fans' who have chosen caravanning as a way of unwinding and getting away from the pressures of everyday life.

He comments: "Caravanning is a great way to enjoy and see the countryside, I can recommend it - especially for families."

At a whopping 30% bigger than last year, the 47th National Boat, Caravan & Outdoor Show is set to be bigger and better than ever. From the 19th – 24th February 2008 the NEC Birmingham will play host to the largest outdoor leisure show spanning the equivalent of 24 football pitches.

Six halls house 600 exhibitors and showcase 2008 models with exclusive spring launches. This is the show to equip you and your family for everything that Mother Nature could throw at you; from caravans to 4×4s and from motorboats to camping equipment and much, much more.

For a chance to win a pair of tickets to this great show, read our full article here

The sometimes-maligned caravan industry is launching a campaign tomorrow to highlight the ‘green’ nature of a caravan holiday – especially if taken in the UK.

To prove how favourably touring in a caravan compares with other modes of transport, a new website, www.greencaravanning.co.uk has been set up by the National Caravan Council (NCC).  On it, holidaymakers can enter the distance they are travelling and what type of car and caravan they are using, to reveal their carbon footprint in terms of C0² output.  This can then be compared with flying - and with travelling by train or coach.

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At 30% bigger than last year’s show and measuring the equivalent of 12 football pitches, the National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show promises something for everyone when its doors open from the 19^th-24^th February 2008. The UK’s biggest outdoor leisure show is now in its 47^th year and keeps on growing.  With a fresh new layout, it will span six halls at the Birmingham NEC over six days featuring the largest ever display of caravans, motorhomes, boats, tents and holiday homes. Visitors will also be able to take a look at a wide selection of holiday destinations and plan their next trip.

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