benimar owners' club MAGAZINE Issue No. 15 August 2004
benimar owners' club
founded April 28th 2001 Hon-President
Steve Reynolds
In this issue:- Editors Column Members Letters WPC 2004 Benimar Junior U goes home MEMBERSHIP RDH OPEN WEEKEND CHAIRMAN'S CHAT DARKEST SUSSEX RALLY
The last couple of months have been hectic to say the least. After being at the mercy of solicitors more 5 months, and after 2 aborted completion dates we finally moved house.
Judy and I had gone on a walking holiday in the Dolomites, with some friends, not in the 'van. We were sitting in a mountain hut on the second Thursday when we had a text message to say that we had finally exchanged contracts and we were moving on the following Wednesday !!
Anyway, the move on the day went very well and we are now busy trying to find things we packed.
The new address is opposite, the phone number and email address remain the same.
We now have a paved area at the back large enough for the Benimar and a couple of cars. The only problem is that the access is via a narrow gate with insufficient width to the road out side. It is possible to get the Benimar in, but it is very tight and takes some time. Wider gates are obviously needed, so that joins the ever growing list of things to do.
We did manage to visit Lincoln on the Saturday and enjoyed meeting faces old and new. Estimates of the number of 'vans seem to vary but we certainly had in the high 30's which is probably the second highest we have managed. Mary and George are obviously very popular marshals.
We had 10 'vans for the follow on rally at Park Farm, Risley to coincide with RDH's Open Weekend. It is a lovely peaceful site with fantastic views and a very friendly farmer. Besides the rally field there is a Caravan Club CL so if you want an overnight stay near to RDH, this is the place.
I know it is a bit early in the year, but don't forget that you can renew your membership from the end of September and, to avoid paying a £2 joining fee, you must renew by the end of December.
So for you long term over - winterers who may be setting off for the sun early - Renew before you go.
The next issue is due out about early October, so input to me by 23rd of September at the latest please.
Stratford Welcome Key Concern Kevlar Gas Bottles & Drain Pipes Thanks from the USA Unwanted Ants STRATFORD SHOW MEET - REPORT LINCOLN SHOW MEET REPORT LINCOLN FOLLOW-ON / RDH OPEN WEEKEND MEET REPORT
We have just returned from our third winter in Spain and are finding life here decidedly cold! We have used the same campsite each year in the south east of Spain, approximately 90 miles south of Alicante, "Camping La Manga". Perhaps some of you may have seen us in the January edition of Practical Motorhome - our moment of fame! (yuk, not).
It is a very pleasant site where all the facilities are available all year. The pitches are a good size, divided by hedges for privacy. Each pitch has a 10 amp electric point (continental type socket), fresh water tap and waste water outlet. The Camping and Caravanning Club hold a rally there every year.
We tend to meander there and back, sometimes because we take the wrong road ("Lost in France" springs to mind) confining ourselves to approximately 200 miles per day, using various site handbooks to select campsites for overnight stops and the tourist guide books for places of interest where we may stop for a few days. The last few miles can often be the most frustrating, trying to follow the directions in the site directory! To add to the confusion we try to vary our route each time to see new places and different things, but so far we have always managed to finish up where we intended to be, although for the most part more by good luck, than by good management.
We mostly use the N or A roads, staying off the motorways or auto routes. This is partly due to the fact that I am a Scotsman and like to save money. No, seriously folks, whilst it does avoid paying hefty road toll fees, you get to travel on routes that are far more scenic and allows more opportunity to stop and visit some interesting places.
Our journey usually begins in September, returning late April or early May; this means we can enjoy a full six months in Spain. How that six months flies!!. There is so much going on that before we know it, it is time to pack up and head home. There are so many social activities; awning parties, wine tasting, boules, wine tasting. dining out, wine tasting - get the general picture.
At La Manga we met Mary and George Pennington who were there with the C&C Club Rally, and coincidentally, like ourselves, waiting for spare 'van parts ordered via RDH, who once again came up trumps with the goods. Thanks here go to Gary, Rod and all at RDH for their excellent help and efficiency. Anne has since cost me an arm and a leg by demolishing yet another glass oven lid in Nottingham, but that is another story.
We have always gone freelance, planning our own routes and itinerary and selecting our stopovers. We never stay on Aire de Services or wild camp. The security of a campsite for a few ponds far outweighs the risks of any gassing etc. However with a little care and planning our journeys have always been a very enjoyable experience and a great way to beat the British "Winter Blues", even more so now that there is an excellent ferry from Rosyth on the river Forth to Zeebrugge, with an overnight sail of 17 ½ hours, as Rosyth is only 25 minutes from our front door. This is more preferable than the usual 500 mile drive through the "Badlands" to the south of England. It also allowed us to vary our route and go via Belgium, Holland, Germany, Luxembourg (very cheap diesel there) France and on into Spain.
September is not that far away and we will be off again, but this year we plan to tour more rather than stay on one site.
If we can do it anyone can, so happy motorhoming and perhaps we will meet on the road somewhere.
PS We saw many Benimars, old and new in all six countries we travelled through.
As new members we didn't know what to expect but Colin and Frances showed us where to set up and explained what was planned for the weekend. We then set up and explored the show (shame there were not many accessory stands) but we purchased and had fitted a solar panel from Solar Solutions, who did a very good job.
Although we didn't attend the barbecue on the Saturday night, we enjoyed the coffee morning on the Sunday, chatting with like minded people and getting some security ideas for our own van.
We found Mary and George very knowledgeable about their travels and some of their advice was very helpful for our own trips.
We hope to meet up with more members at the Shepton Mallet show in September after we come back from our holidays in Austria and Lake
Garda.
First of all our thanks to all who organised the rally at the Peterborough Show. As usual we thoroughly enjoyed meeting all our Benimar Friends again, the show itself and, of course, the very unseasonable weather.
The only 'dark cloud' on the horizon presented itself late on the Saturday evening. Due no doubt to the excellent nourishment afforded to us by the delicious BBQ, an overzealous turn of the key in the motor home lock reduced it to something resembling a Uri Geller cast-off. Luckily we were still able to enter and exit the vehicle via the cab doors. The next day we visited Steve and Rod at the RDH stand and related our misfortune to them. Within seconds, Rod had called the workshop at Nottingham, confirmed that they had a spare key and arranged for it to be brought to the show ground. By 4.30pm the same day we were the proud owners of a new, shinny (and straight) key.
You can't get better service than that!
We were interested to see the article on Kevlar gas bottles. We have had our two bottles for a year now. We have found them excellent and have saved money on every fill £7 instead of £l5 for an exchange bottle at Calor. Also during our travels we have had no trouble in filling them either here or in France also with the exchange rate it cost the same as in the U.K.
Having trouble filling your water tank by containers?
Because of the position of the filler on the Benimar they are often difficult to fill using containers on their own. Some people use funnels others watering cans. But we have solved the problem. During our travels in France we purchased in the local (Hardware Shop similar to our B&Q) an 80cm male to female elbow. I think they are used in France for guttering down pipes. The male end fits neatly into the water inlet resulting in a fixed funnel for filling with water.
It proved so successful that several other Motor Homers saw us using it & were so impressed they rushed off to the Bricolage to buy one. So if any Benimar owner wishes to avail themselves of this wonderful gadget that will make filling easy, get on the ferry to France find the nearest Bricolage (The cost of the gadget being only £2-£3)
Dear Mary, George, Helen and Roger.
It's nearly impossible to tell you how thankful we both are for your hospitality generosity and friendship. We have never been treated so well by so many for so long.
That so many people (and you all know who you are) have been willing to offer so much needed advice and to take such pains to see that we remain happy and comfortable will never be forgotten.
We hope that over time we will be able to return all the kindness and repay all of you in some way.
It is our hope that we represent our country well and that you may come to love America as much as we love Britain. Even if we could have scripted the first few weeks of our "adventure", we couldn't possibly have written a better ending than these few days in Lincoln.
Where ever we go over the next couple of years we will always be on the lookout for BOC members with the knowledge that where ever there is a Benimar there are good and friendly people inside.
Once again thank you very much for everything!
With great fondness and admiration.
lmhixson@msn.com
(Mike and Libby have bought a Benimar and are spending 2 years touring Europe. By the time you read this they will probably be across the channel and are intending a Scandinavian visit - Ed)
An unwanted ants nest in a Benimar Europe 6000 CD -98
This summer I noticed small black ants in the caravan, especially around sweets in the food storage. It took a while before I could locate the source, where the ants came from.
Eventually I found a water leak above the frame to the outer shower door, causing the water to penetrate the actual door.
It probably would not have been a problem, if it had not been for the piece of wood mounted inside the door. The water damage had probably been there for several years, because the wood was already soft and you could easily press a finger through it. It also had an unpleasant smell but this was not noticeable until the door was dismantled. The wood part contained hundreds of black ants.
I can not see the original purpose of the wood piece inside the door and replaced the content with a solid block of
frigolite (possibly expanded polystyrene? Follow
this link for photo's Webmaster).
After the renovation, the ant problem was gone.
It can be a good thing to be aware of this construction and keep an eye on an eventual water leakage.
Despite the cold wind all weekend and the torrential showers in between sun on the Saturday and Sunday, more like April in Peterborough than June in Stratford upon Avon, we all enjoyed the weekend.
Seven motorhomes were on the Benimar area of the hayfield, which Stone Leisure allocated to campers. The grass had been cut and then left there lying on the ground, only to finish up being trampled into the 'vans.
We arrived on Friday lunch time in glorious sunshine, though cool, to find :-
Colin & Frances (marshals)
Margaret & Peter (friends of Colin & Frances)
Barbara & Mel, and their three dogs
Mike & Libby, an American couple full timing over here in a Benimar, guess they will be members by the time you read this.
Roger & Helen, had set up facing the race track, awning out, chairs in place, waiting for the first race to pass - think they had put their shirts on a horse !!
Coffee came from one 'van, cakes from another and we sat chatting for some time before moving off to the Show. As we strolled through the general camping area more Benimars were spotted. We tried to coax them into joining us, but without any luck.
The show is a lot smaller than Peterborough, York and Lincoln, hence the very mixed reaction from Traders, some saying that it was the last time for them, as their costs had not been recovered - heavy showers didn't help. Hymer were doing a roaring trade selling new 'vans with no VAT, saving £7,000 plus - don't know how they manage it. Big American RVs had a lot of sold signs on them at hefty prices.
Most of our party went to the Friday evening entertainment (comedians) that I gather were rather good.
Saturday we did our own thing until late afternoon when Frances and Colin supplied potatoes, salads and sweets. We all took our own meat to put on the communal BBQ. It worked very well. As I
went to the BBQ I was pleased to see we were up o eight 'vans. I forgot to mention that van 7 arrived after us on Friday with their two children (can't remember their names).
Owners of 'van number 8, Ken and Eileen Holland, now have an apartment in Portugal put their 'van in store in the UK, fly back, take it out to tour then return it to store before flying back to Portugal.
Unfortunately ............ had tripped, broken her ankle and was immobile with her leg in plaster. (Another name you can't remember - must do better Mary - Ed).
A man on his own who used to be a member appeared from the general area. We fed him, gave him drinks and a form to rejoin, so hope he does.
The Saturday night entertainment was mediocre; a singer who couldn't sing, a comedian cum singer cum magician straight from Las Vegas! The highlight of his act was when George assisted him with his one of his tricks (photos to prove it). No, he didn't make him disappear.
10 pm was the interval. We all went outside for a fireworks display.
Sunday was coffee morning, cakes by Frances and Helen. After a lot of chit chat and putting the world to rights, some left for home, others walked into Stratford. The rest wandered round the show again to make sure that they had not missed anything on the other occasions or, because things had been so bad they were doing a "Buy one Get one Free Van" offer .
We left on Monday after a great time. Benimar folk make rallies fun whatever the weather.
Here are a few words about the Lincoln Show.
Wardens - George and Mary
Asst wardens - Roger and Helen
B.B.Q - Tim and Honor.
38 vans attended.
Friday - weather windy and overcast, threatening rain , some sun later.
Friday spent setting up, and attending the show. 2pm we gathered at the marquees, temporally called the Cavern for drinks, food and chat.
Saturday - weather still windy, but more sun, small amount of rain for a short period.
The morning was spent attending the show, some folks buying poles for flying various flags and other odd things, others setting up newly acquired digital TV dishes etc. lots of new chairs around.
At 2pm we gathered at the Cavern for Tim and Honor's B.B.Q which went down very well, thanks to Tim and Honor and all the helpers, this set everybody up for the evenings entertainment, which started at approx. 6:30 pm,
The show started with Atomic Jones, he sang the usual Tom Jones songs, for some reason this seemed to effect some members of our party, knickers started being whirled around heads, to the great amusement of everybody.
This act was followed by the Swinging Blue Jeans, they took a lot of us back to our teenage days ( very good) , then the Illegal Eagles got everyone up and dancing ( great)
The final act the Bootleg Beatles went down very well, they took us all back down memory lane , or was it Penny Lane. And would you believe it the sun came out for the last couple of hours of the show.
Sunday - Weather calm, some sunny periods.
We gathered at 10 30 at the Cavern for morning coffee and cake.
Roger announced the results of the (get your head around the problem competition) no more will be said about the results.
George and Mary got the whip out and thanked everyone for coming, and extended thanks to Roger and Helen for their assistance.
The rest of the day was spent at the show or relaxing, at around 8 pm we gathered once more at the Cavern for drinks, bites and chat till very late.
Monday - A. M. Everybody up packing away equipment etc., dog walking, and taking down marquees, come on guys I thought many hands are supposed to make light work,
Anyway, suddenly in the sky appeared a lone red arrow putting on a show for us, 5 minutes later the whole team appeared and gave us a brief display (marvellous) ,
Mary and George, I don't know how you managed to pull that one off, but it was really great, a great ending to a very good rally.
Our first rally with BOC started mid morning on Wednesday the 21st July, washed by rain we closely followed the directions to Park Farm only to end up going through the wrong village. Reversing and returning we realised that someone had knocked down the sign at the last left turn ( we were not the only ones to tour the narrow streets of the village).
However, when Ron and Judy Smith (our marshals) turned up things went smoothly.
All hooked up and settled in we met our fellow campers in the barn for a drink.
By Friday the weather cleared and the sun arrived, along with the full complement of 'vans (10 in all).
Ron took the fit and healthy for a walk to the remains of Dale Abbey and found the hermits cave, but best of all the Carpenters Arms where we had a fine lunch.
Saturday, and it was time for our trip over to RDH for drinks, and a Bar-B-Cue, and, oh yes! to look at the 'vans (there were 7 new 2005 models on display). A fine time was had by all - transport provided by RDH and Ron & Judy.
Thanks to all the campers for welcoming us into the fold. We look forward to meeting you all again in the future.
Special Thanks to our genial farmer host - Daniel Fogg.
The idea is to find the "worst" post card, and send it to me. At the end of the year I will judge them and the "worst" will receive a prize at the AGM weekend.
I am often asked what is the worst and the best way I can answer is - try and think "Why would anyone buy this postcard unless it was to enter a competition for the worst one" Good hunting.
I have already received a few, but need many more to make it worthwhile.
Our trusty, 1999 Benimar Junior U has been in print more than once. She saw us safely around Europe and the USA for many months and her tales were told in the Benimar Owners Club magazine and in MMM.
At the time, neither we, nor the Benimar, could have guessed we would all end up living in the Alpujarras of southern Spain running a relaxing holiday retreat and farming 40 acres of almonds and olives! That makes it less relaxing for us but peaceful for our guests, and we are enjoying the farming challenge.
Life as a resident of Spain is not all sunshine and siestas. There is a fair amount of paperwork to navigate and we nearly sold our faithful motorhome through lack of funds for the costly and lengthy importation and matriculation (re-registration) process.
We were so glad we stuck it out when we discovered that there is no import duty to pay on commercial class vehicles and that, as she is LHD, the process would be smooth going (well, relatively). We are told that if she had been RHD the Spanish authorities would not accept her as they consider the lack of vision dangerous.
Admittedly, there was some debate at the ITV (MOT) centre about the bike rack and we were instructed to remove our UK regulation fog lamp. The guys at RDH had added this extra for us at MOT time in the UK. Overall, the process has been smooth, if a little lengthy, and our UK registration document is no more. Our travelling friend is well and truly Spanish once again. Today she bears a brand new set of Spanish plates.
Travel tips for south east Spain
If you are heading for southern Spain next winter and tire of the developed coastline, spend some time in the south east corner, the Cabo de Gata national park. It is one of our favourite spots with some nice campground locations, and overnight parking at the beaches and small towns is tolerated. In San Jose, motorhomes park outside the hotel near the beach. Check out Dave the Bookman on the main street if you are ready to do some paperback purchases or exchanges.
Follow the brown signs from San Jose, through narrow but passable streets, out to two beautiful beaches, reached via a good dirt track road where no hotels, café bars nor restaurants exist! There is good parking at both beaches.
Alternatively, the Alpujarras is littered with whitewashed villages where people still have time for one another and life is slow. The Sierra Nevadas form a spectacular backdrop and overnight parking in and around the villages is usually acceptable. If in doubt, ask the local police where you can stop for the night .
Head for Trevelez if you like an alpine feel (park overnight just below the village). Be aware that the little town is above the snow line at times and not far from the ski resort on the other side of the mountains (as the crow flies, that is). The cool climate facilitates the production of Serrano hams in this area and tourists are welcome to taste the samples. There are a number of shops selling hams and Alpujarran products and most of them stay open all day. We love the local rugs, starting at 3 Euros. Restaurants offer inexpensive lunches- Menu de Dia - and a chance to experience the foods of this region.
From the south coast, N340, roads to Albunol, Berja, Cadiar, Ugijar and Orgiva will lead to the whitewashed pueblos - and get you away from those plastic greenhouses for a while! Or cut across country from Mojacar.
February is almond blossom time and May brings us an abundance of wild flowers before the sun comes out and dries everything for the summer.
Finally, if you are heading for Granada, our favourite campground is the Reina Isabela in La Zubia. It is small, so don't
arrive too late in the day in peak seasons if you have not booked. The bathrooms are clean and the bus stop to the city is outside the campground.
Look out for us in our Junior U with the CWW registration and Scottish pendants in the cab. We will be fitting in our trips between the fig, almond, grape and olive harvests!
Safe travels , Rosie
A warm welcome to the following new members :-
Andrew & Yvonne Lewton of Bristol
Michael & Josie Cherry of Rochester
Alan & Gladys Crowther of Wigan
Andrew & Beverley Burgess of Crawley
Jefferey & Patricia Radford of Mansfield
CLUB STICKERS Vinyl stickers of the club logo suitable for adorning the front and rear of your Benimar. They are 230mm x 170mm (9" x 7" in old money) and are priced at £1 each plus 40p postage and packing per order - from Ron Smith (cheques made payable to Benimar Owners Club).
RDH held an Open Weekend on July 24th / 25th at their enlarged Beeston premises, to celebrate 20 years in Business.
They had 7 new 'vans on show, 2005 models with, the Europe and Top models displaying a new overcab moulding and a new moulded rear end. I thought that they were a big improvement over the old style which is becoming a bit dated now.
They also had on display a purpose built Europe to cater for wheelchair users.
It had a wide access door at the rear with an electric lift. The wheelchair could be driven straight down the centre of the 'van and anchored in its travelling position just behind the driver. Bunk beds were designed so that the wheelchair could be turned round inside the van, and the shower, toilet area was vast.
To my inexperienced eye it looked an excellent attempt at supplying a purpose built mobility motorhome.
The 20 or so members who were rallying made sure that we were the first through the gates and thus guaranteeing a winner of the star prize (drawn from the first 20 through the gates) - a Red Letter Day (a choice of flying, gliding, motor track day, white water rafting, etc). It was won by John Porter, and I am sure he will make the most of it. Don't forget to write an article for the magazine, when you do whatever you decide, John.
Steve Reynolds was busy at the BBQ and drinks of all sorts were flowing. There was a Duo singing tunes from the 60's and 70's, and very good they were too.
I popped over on the Sunday and things were much quieter and the weather not so good.
I believe that RDH were quite pleased with the weekend. I know that they were a bit nervous beforehand, not knowing what to expect.
The whole event was very well organised and I understand that they may do something similar next year, but for only one day (Saturday).
My thanks to Steve, Rod and everyone involved for a good weekend and another excuse for Club Members to meet up. The use of Richard's People Carrier was a great help in getting the ralliers to the event. Next year we may need a Minibus !
The bad news is that Colin and Frances Varley are changing their Benimar for a Lunar Autostar. The good news is that they will stay with the Club as associate members.
Latest from down South
We have just arrived back from the Deepest Darkest Sussex Rally. Quite a long trip for just a weekend but well worth the effort.
As usual Pip and Vic did us proud finding a lovely unspoilt spot, organised some great weather and exceeded all our expectations on the gourmet front.
A few thoughts from Richard Hall
Trip to Vienna went well no problems. The Spanish Riding School was magnificent.
The toll costs on Austrian motorways are expensive - 13 cents per km, plus 20% tax.
Vehicles over 3.5 tonne must buy a "GO" box , which costs 5 euros.
If your van is rated less than 3.5 tons they pull you in and weigh you before you get out of the van. Benimar owners beware we are probably, all over weight.
The system is much better than using peages, no stopping .
Beware many of the minor roads have weight restrictions of 3.5 tons where you are re-routed onto the motorway.
regards Richard
Prompted by lyrical reports of the previous two Sussex rallies and Pip and Vic's legendary hospitality, Evelyn and I arrived early Friday evening at Sellings Farm, in the heart of some beautiful countryside, near Petworth. We were welcomed first by our hosts and their impressively crafted stainless steel barbecue shimmering 'alter like' in glorious evening sunshine. This was glowing awaiting our sausages and as soon as we could park up with our BOC friends, we added the other essential ingredients and opened a bottle, whilst catching up on news. This extended to chatting around the log fire as the air cooled and gazing up at the sea of stars, trying not to miss the occasional shooting star.
Everyone slept tight and it was late on Saturday morning that the walkers were led off by Pip and Vic in the direction of a village pub, listening to stories of bygone country life. Also this was a chance to collect leaves, nuts, berries, etc for the nature hunt. Everyone except Merlin (Pip's parrot) and Scraggy (Sylvie & Ian's cat) made it to the pub alongside the river, either by foot or scooter. After a pleasant time under the pub's gazebo, it was back to the rally field to rest, celebrate Judy's birthday with chocolate and toffee cakes and prepare for the American supper. Pip had organised this to BOC gourmet standards - somehow everything blended superbly with Vic's carvery of turkey and gammon. We then struggled through an assortment of delicious cheese cakes, before collapsing around the camp fire under the stars for another evening of shooting star spotting and friendly discourse.
Sunday was another glorious sunshine day filled with more of the best things that BOC rallies offer, great eating, drinking and relaxing with new and not so new friends and joining in as much or as little as you prefer.
In the morning Pip brought out an enormous tasty fruit cake that was attacked with gusto. The nature hunt presentations were then judged and all agreed with the final close, but well deserved verdict, that Christine and Richard be awarded the red wine. Everyone thought it was a great way to make us all look around us at such wonderful countryside, which held more than bunnies and the odd fox.
Sunday afternoon found the BOC ralliers out in the sunlit field again with views over the South Downs, but gathered in the shade of gazebos whilst Pip and Vic plied us with scones, jams and cream - yummy! Two vans now had to head for home with well fed occupants, whilst the rest gathered round the campfire for a final chat until sleep called.
The weather was glorious but thanks to Pip and Vic (whatever the weather) they gave us all a real treat with their efforts and choice of location. Many thanks - it was another BOC gem!