www.benimarownersclub.org.uk
Issue 3 - Nov 2001
In this issue:- Editors Column Rally Reports Members Letters Junior Corner Dates for your Diary J4 Recollections A day in the life of a future star Chairman's Chat Shepton Snippets York Snippets The Way The French Do It Secretary's Report
This is the club logo as voted for by you the members
The club is just 7 months old and such a lot seems to have happened. From the original 40 odd who joined at the inaugural meeting at the Peterborough Show in late April, we now have 162 (as at Nov 30th). This is in no small part due to being able to contact owners using RDH's mailing list.
In the first 5 months we have had 5 rallies (of which Judy and I have attended 4) and we have met such a grand bunch of people, This made me recall something that Rod said last year. ”You may think that you spend a long time choosing which Motorcaravan to select, but we are just as careful in choosing our customers - just who we want to own a Benimar". You seem to have done a good job Rod - keep it up.
Cassie is still unable to commit time to the Newsletter, so I am wearing my Editor's hat again.
Many thanks to all of you who have contributed - keep it coming - the success of the Newsletter is due to its contributors and is vital to the success of the club.
Finally, Judy and I wish you all
A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (in your Benimars).
PS The next issue is due out at the end of Feb, input to me by 14th Feb please.
PPS Don't forget that it is membership renewal time
YOUR COMMITTEE
Chairman & Events Co-ordinator
Secretary & Membership Secretary Celia Rustom
Newsletter Editor & Press Officer Cassie Hersee
Treasurer Pip Rowe
Chief Marshal
Alan Verity
Extolling the virtues of RDH (and Safeguard)
The day before we were due to set off for our much awaited 5 or 6 weeks in Normandy, I rather stupidly, caught our gatepost with the plastic bin on the inside of the caravan door.. At the time the door was locked fully open and I caused fairly severe damage to the door and to the doorframe. I contacted RDH and they arranged for a fitter to be available at 7.00am the next morning. Bearing in mind that we were booked on a ferry that evening we were parked outside the yard at 6.45am!!
We need not have worried. Pete Evans arrived and was soon beavering away. Later Mel Worton gave a hand and by lunchtime we were back on the road and made our ferry with time to spare.
MANY THANKS TO RDH, PETE & MEL.
We would not have had a good holiday without their help. The van is back with RDH at the moment having some little guarantee jobs done. I must also mention Safeguard who said "Don't worry about the forms, just pay the bill and we will sort it out when you get back". When we returned the claim form was waiting for us and the whole thing was sorted out within a week!! Excellent service and well worth a mention in our news. Thanks to both these companies, we had an excellent holiday despite my broken rib (another stupid trick!!), and I got out of the doghouse.
Paul (and Carol) Smeaton.
Little Things
I bought a roll of mirror fablon with self adhesive backing and put it on the underside of the shelves as they are rather high and now I can see where things are. I also put frosted glass on a fablon roll on the bathroom window to save closing the blinds every time.
We have put hooks in the bathroom for dressing gowns and a rail on the door for towels, also hooks at the back where we have a made-up bed. We have put a large mirror on the wardrobe door, a smaller one on the lounge wall as well as 2 oil paintings, taken out of frames and stuck on with bluetack, as are the stars on the ceiling - all helps to make a rather masculine (plain) van a bit homely.
Mike has put in a circular table with off-centre leg to swivel it in and out (the table that is).
We have bought a gadget from the skillet people to make toast on the gas ring - cost us £4.99 and does one piece at a time. Our friends bought one somewhere else that does 4 at a time for £2.75! I was a bit peeved until they admitted that theirs was rubbish and ours worked very well. We also bought (from the show) an inverter so I can now use my hair drier and hotbrush any time - no excuses now for looking tatty.
That's all for now folks. Angie Waterfield
All Sorts of Foreign Tips
In June /July we are intending to travel from Hull/Rotterdam up through Germany, Denmark and across to Norway to cross the Arctic Circle and probably up to Nordkap. Back the same way but looking at Friesland (N Germany) the setting for the novel-"Riddle of the Sands". If anyone is interested in having company let me know. I am not into rallies or the "is it your van tonight" but can see the sense of one or two vans of similar mind. My wife says I'm anti-social - I say I like my space. Our van is a 2 1/2year old 6000 and we use it at least 6 months of the year mainly travelling in France, Spain, Portugal but we have also been to Morocco (quite an experience). My only addition is a "Defender" security lock. No real problems with the van apart from broken locks to "garage" and gas locker. These locks are a bit flimsy but you can get new barrels from RDH. I met Steve Reynolds in Toledo. He and his wife had brought a van out to Spain to lend to a customer whose van was letting in water. They took it to the Factory in Benicarlo for repair and then took it back to the owners!
Leaving your van abroad invalidates the insurance, but if you want to take a chance I recommend San Isidro in Malaga (tel: 223 7427). They have a totally secure compound and can deliver you by car to the airport (only next door) and then pick you up on your return. I have also left the van on sites (by arrangement) and just paid for the pitch. Staying overnight on motorway service areas in Portugal - check your ticket conditions - there could be a requirement to complete your journey within 12 hours - otherwise an expensive surcharge.
Benimar Factory near to Peniscola - I persuaded them to do some minor body repairs and they lent me a car for the day, Very taken with their static vans - I wish they made an A Class. (No chance from what I have heard - Ed)
Illness in Spain/Portugal.
Last year both my wife and I were hospitalised. My wife had a gall bladder removed in Portugal (Private clinic Santa Maria in Faro) and I had knee problems treated in Health Service Hospital in Cadiz. All service was excellent although communication in Spain was difficult. My drawing of a bedpan was much acclaimed!
Travellers should have no fear of illness in France, Spain and Portugal and I have also heard good reports of the American Clinic in Agadir (Morocco)
Annual Travel Insurance - if you have had a claim companies are not keen to offer long trip cover. I got round this by taking out individual trip cover for periods of 66 days and then 136 days which cover us before and after Christmas, but next May (hopefully) I can get annual cover, but be careful - one company appeared to offer annual cover but when the policy appeared the total trips in any one year must not exceed 180 days - not what I call annual cover.
I am not convinced that such cover is necessary, as at least in Europe your Elll gives you protection and the health service abroad does seem to be more interested in "saving" pensioners
Sorry to go on at length but I do find the reading, scheming and planning almost as enjoyable as the travel! Our children call us gypsies (so does Ken Dodd - Ed)
Keith Wilson
More Motorhome Modifications
Further to the request for mods which have been carried out to our motorhomes, listed below are ones which we have made to our 6000ST which was purchased in July 1999 and thereafter affectionately referred to as "Betsy".
1. Having broken my ankle in Dec 1999 and being timid about slipping on the metal step, I used part of a mat purchased at the Peterborough Show and covered the step. As glue would not make the mat stick, I dismantled the step, wrapped the mat around the metal and secured with tie wraps. This also allows us to give our shoes a wipe before entering.
2. Not being very agile and to assist with entry and exiting, a door handle was fixed just inside the doorway, being screwed to the wardrobe wall.
3. A coat hook has been attached to the wine cupboard, and with the use of a Sainsbury's plastic bag, we now have a patented waste disposal unit but I see that Benimar have taken up the idea and placed a container on the door in order to stop the exploitation of my idea.
4. The first time I had a look at the position of the spare wheel, I thought that no way would I consider going under the van on a cold and rainy night, or even asking anyone else to do the same. The spare is now stored upright in the offside locker and retained by two bungee straps attached to two metal hooks screwed into the seat panel. Checking the tyre pressure is a doddle
5. After putting water into the van at Incleboro Fields campsite, which is at West Runton, Norfolk, the smell of chemicals was terrible and this prompted me to fit a General Ecology water filter to the cold water supply to the kitchen sink. The filter is mounted in the rear locker but in a high position. This allows easy access and does not interfere with items which are placed in the locker.
We look forward to reading of modifications which have been carried out by members as we consider they can only be beneficial. Keep camping.
Freda and Don Pilz
A Novel Experience
The Motorhome and RV Show at the Bath & West Showground was our first experience of a show and rally with our Benimar. It doesn't get off to a very auspicious start, with a puncture just 3 miles from the showground after travelling 250 from the far east (well Lowestoft!). Our thanks to Vic & Pip for stopping to help. But we did have a good weekend. It was great to be able to put faces to names we had read in the Newsletter and talked to on the phone and to meet other members of the boc. though whether we remember all your names when we meet again remains to be seen.
Thanks to one and all for the tips you passed on as novice motor caravanners we welcome them all especially the magazine rack under the table. The van will look a lot tidier in future. Steve from RDH was a great help fixing a couple of minor niggles we had and advising us on other points.
We thought that at the Earls Court Show we had seen a lot of vans but the number at Shepton astounded us, All shapes and sizes from the little Bambis to the huge American monsters-amazing!
All in all, we headed on our way home, more knowledgeable motorcaravanners and now feeling part of the Club. Hope that you had a good time at Brean - we'll be there next year.
Pat & Arthur Abbott
Getting to know your vehicle
Once upon a time there was a Benimar that lived on a farm in Dorset. One day the farmer wanted to move the Benimar and noticed that the battery was rather low. Being a kind man and wishing to be helpful he removed the battery and recharged it. When he replaced it, the Benimar refused to start. The manual was consulted, RDH was consulted, the RAC was consulted, 3 Fiat dealers were consulted, the red key was tried. Finally Safeguard was consulted and after an attempt by the AA to hot-wire the engine it was decided to transfer the Benimar to Plymouth, which was the nearest Fiat dealer to the owner's home' as it was agreed that the electronic gizmo which controls the engine immobiliser had been spiked. The chief mechanic lifted the bonnet, appraised the situation, reset the fuel cut-off switch and started the engine!
Name supplied but withheld to avoid further embarrassment.
Tyre Warning
Last month whilst driving in Spain we experienced 2 rear tyre blowouts on the same day Both instances were the same - with no prior warning the tyre exploded with a bang.
The complete tread came off, doing considerable damage to the under. side of the van. There was a radial cut across most of the tyre. At a tyre depot we inspected the front tyres and they had cracks all round at the top of the shoulder, where the tread starts - we had these 2 replaced also. In my opinion the tyres were faulty. I can see no other explanation. They were less than 2 years old, had covered 16,000 miles and were about 1/3 worn. They were Firestone CV2000 supplied with the vehicle from new.
I am writing to Firestone to complain but knowing their perilous state in the US where they are being sued over the Ford Explorer incidents, I don't hold out much hope. They may well be bankrupt before I get a reply.
If you have a Benimar equipped with Firestone tyres I suggest that you inspect them most carefully. If you have had problems with your Firestones I would be very glad to hear from you.
Getting off Site
One of the problems associated with Motorhomming out of season in this country is getting off site. Beg, steal or borrow a large bread crate (3'x2' approx. and colour co-ordinated if possible) and cut the sides off flush. Next, cut the base in half, lengthwise and you then have 2 mats to use to get you off soft ground. If you know that the ground is soft when you arrive on site, park with your front wheels on the mats. Or, if it rains during your stay, they can be placed as close to the front wheels as possible and should enable you to drive away without slipping. The mats can be stored in the locker or wrapped in a bag and strapped under the van using bungee straps. I think these are far more effective than the bright yellow things and are extremely cheap.
Pip & Vic Rowe
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A FUTURE STAR
Early on Friday morning before August Bank Holiday I was driving our Benimar alone through the Derbyshire Peak District. A couple of days earlier, RDH had asked me if I fancied taking my motorhome out for the day. Carlton TV were making another series of Peak Practice and RDH supply them with some Motorhomes as "Comfort" wagons for the stars while filming, and all theirs were out on hire. It seemed like a good idea, so there I was driving through the early morning mist, wondering which star I would be allocated. Would it be Julia Roberts? or perhaps Nicole Kidman ? But it turned out better than that, for it was John Baker - " who?" do you ask? I arrived at the village of Longnor which was completely taken over by Carlton. There were trucks of all sorts, Buses, Caravans, Minibuses, Landrovers and 3 Benimars (Carlton have 3 of their own).
I was quickly parked up and Andy (2nd Assistant Director) informed me that my "star" would be a young boy in a wheelchair, who has quadriplegic cerebral palsy and played the part of Dean. My "star" soon arrived, John Barker, aged 11 from Droitwich. He had done some modeling but this was his first foray into films, He was accompanied by his mother, Judy, and elder sister Sarah (complete with nose ring and rolling her own cigarettes-but otherwise quite normal).
John was soon settled in the Benimar and liked the soft toy frog (one of many that inhabit our home and motorhome). He collects cuddly toys and always has his favourite 2 mice with him (Gus and Jack)
The weather wasn't too good, drizzle then rain, but I spent quite a lot of time watching the film scene in a market. Carlton had brought the market with them (5 stalls and all the goods - fresh flowers, bread, baskets, fruit and veg, bric-a-brac and all for 15 seconds of film !).
The following Tuesday and Wednesday were hot and sunny and we were based in a quiet village of Chelmorton filming outside Dean's house, in his father's workshop and then the interior shots using another house in the village.
John was fantastic, nothing seemed to faze him, although he did keep laughing when he should have been looking worried when the wheelchair lift that his father had made kept (intentionally) going wrong. The crew and cast (about 70 in all) were all very friendly , At first it seemed to be total chaos with lots of people hanging around, but after a while I realised that everyone had their part to play and a pattern emerged of setting up the shot, rehearsing and then a few takes. On these last 2 days John was made up because Dean has eczema so his elbows and knees were given the treatment. John appears in episode 10 of the series which is now being shown. It should be on either just before or just after Christmas - so be sure to watch my young superstar. John thought the motorhome was wonderful. When he is famous he is going to buy one - I must remember to send him a membership form.
The 3 Carlton Benimars are all Europe 6000 STs. (V103 DNN, V104DNN and V398 ECH) Bob Sutton is their chief driver and he used to work for RDH but moved to Carlton when they bought their own Benimars.
In 1982 we paid the grand sum of £400 for a very old, obsolete BMC J4 van that had been subjected to an amateur conversion to a camper van complete with pop-top held on with brass tacks and leather straps. Curtains were made, Fablon was stuck on many surfaces and an oven and sink were fitted. The fitting of a fridge had to be abandoned as we couldn't get it to vent properly for reasons that I forget with the passing years. An awning was purchased second-hand and fitted as a drive-away. This camper was my pride and joy and we started going for holidays to Gloucestershire, Dorset, Cornwall and the New Forest. Lisa, our 4 year old daughter had a canvas bunk slung across the cab and the table made a bed for Vic and myself in the back. 16 years ago we decided it would be nice to get away from typically poor British summers and go down to the South of France for a fortnight. Plans were duly made - the ferry crossing booked and a pitch reserved at Les Dunes, Torreille Plage near Argeles for myself Vic and Lisa.
The J4 had a top speed of about 50 mph (downhill with a following wind and a prayer) and after a full day on the road, we arrived at about 7pm to stay the first night with Sally, a friend of Vics who lived in Nevers ( just about smack bang in the middle of France). An early start was made, the roads were quiet and I thought that it was an ideal opportunity for me to drive on the" wrong" side of the road for the very first time, How wrong I was!
I was doing very well when the windscreen shattered, frightening the life out of me and showering everyone with glass. I was very pleased that I did not panic but pulled carefully to the side of the road and there we took stock of the situation.
The pop-top appeared to be still in one piece so we decided that it would be prudent to make our way slowly to the nearest campsite and await assistance from the AA Foreign cover people. I am sure that you all know', or have read, that if a windscreen breaks it is a simple matter to carry on driving as !long as all the vents are shut - believe me - this is not the case with a pop-top! The first French HGV that went past caused a shock wave that sent the pop-top up with a terrific BANG, breaking the leather straps but leaving the brass tacks in place to hold the pop-top on to the van. I sat in the back with Lisa and we were both desperately hanging on to the pop-top frame as lorries went past us. Each time Lisa being light was lifted from her seat by the blast. We finally limped into the Camping Municipal at Paray-le-Monial with several hundred charismatic Catholics in the next field for company!
My limited French was tested to the extreme when I had to explain to the local garage that a Pare-brise was to be sent out from England within the week. The windscreen eventually arrived and Vic drove to the med overnight and we spent 3 wonderful days on the beach in the sun. The ladies of the night in Orange caused my daughter to ask why a "lady" was wearing a swimsuit and carrying an umbrella in the middle of the night.
The return journey was almost as eventful and involved a tyre, an alternator wire, a Sainsbury's wine buyer and Vic defending his family against all comers.
In hindsight we realise that it was probably rather foolish to attempt this sort of journey with such an old banger but you only live once.
We have been back to France many times now with various caravans and this summer we took the Pollyvan. I wonder what stories of early motorhome/caravan/camping holidays other members have ?
To be concluded at a newsletter space permits.
Pip Rowe
PS On the 1st and 2nd of December we will be going to the NEC for the National Cage & Aviary Birds Exhibition 2001 where, hopefully, Merlin will defend his title of "Most Talented Bird of 2000". This is an enjoyable day out even if you are not bird mad like me, as there are hundreds of different types of birds on show from Humming Birds right up to Macaws that are in a walk through aviary. I expect to be stewarding again this year on the Talented/Talking Bird Stand and if anyone can make it on either day it would be lovely to see you.
All the best - Pip
At the end of the Shepton Mallet Rally Greg Parkes told me that his two children George aged 7 and Ella aged 5 had been busy drawing.
Here are their efforts - I think they are fantastic. We don't have many young children in the club, but it would be nice to have a regular spot for them.
So come on Eleanor Apperley and Andrew Staite (and anyone else that I have missed) can you think of something for the next Newsletter?
George 's vision of the next generation of Benimar, Greg says that he will have to start saving straight away!
Ella’s version is a little more freestyle - a cross between a hedgehog and a campervan, complete with pushchair carrier on the back.
Shepton Mallet - Bath & West Showground Sept 14-16th
It was good to see 16 members turn up for the weekend & 3 non-members came to look us over with a view to joining. Ron was going to make sure that they did not escape!
Brian & Mavis made everyone welcome. Due to Len being involved with marshalling, we were sited on the main route in, but made frequent visits to try and get to know everyone. Steve Irvine was on hand to sort out any problems with vans that had booked him beforehand and was kept very busy. Members had donated a good selection of books which brought in some much needed cash to the funds, and a selection of Logos were on view for us to choose from. After the shattering events in America that week the organisers requested that the showground pay a respectful silence on the Friday along with the rest of the country; you could hear a pin drop. Despite the strong wind that persisted most of the weekend, Ron did get us together behind windbreaks on the Saturday. He gave us a run down on how things were going and Pip & Vic's grey parrot in the newly erected safari room was having his say as well.
Everyone spent a lot of time going round the show and chatting between Benimars, and very much enjoyed the fireworks on the Saturday night. It is amazing that they come up with something different every year. It was nice putting faces to names and thanks to Brian & Mavis for acting as marshals. We wonder where their flying bat ended up?.
Carol & Len Pardy
Brean Sands – Somerset Sept 17th -21st
The winds followed us to Unity Farm where 10 Benimars were scattered over the yellow field and a couple down on green field. Not having booked as a club, an area was not kept for us, but it was not a problem, as with so much going on, most people did their own thing. On Tuesday morning 10 of us went over to the Tavern for coffee where Paul and Margaret from the site gave us the low-down on the events for the week, Richard the owner then took us for a walk in the dunes and told us about the wild life and history of the area. Many enjoyed the tea dance & entertainment that was laid on plus a daily swim in the indoor pool. The surrounding area was good cycling country being flat and there were good walks along the beach. We walked to Burnham on Sea and came back by bus whilst others caught the bus to Weston Super Mare.
There were get-togethers at different vans and the talk was of getting away to Spain for many Benimar owners. We hope to see some of you down there during the winter. It was a super value for money break at Unity Farm and all enjoyed their stay. We look forward to seeing you all sometime in 2002.
Carol & Len Pardy
York - Racecourse Sept 21 - 23rd
15 units camped in the boc area of the York racecourse for the MMM Northern Motorcaravan Show. 5 or 6 other Benimars also attended, one with the C&CClub, but unfortunately couldn't join us as they had not pre-booked, subsequently the show marshals had reduced our pitch allotment to 11. They did offer us some more later but it was then too late to up stakes and move. Ron, our chairman took the opportunity to enroll any Benimar owners who strayed within the boc web (sorry area). With a little bit of juggling George and I managed to fit in 15 Benimars by Saturday morning. Two new members (nice one Ron) were invited in as they trundled through the darkness on Friday evening after a 2 hour queue in the holding area. I’m just a big softie despite my CCC Wardens training! The weather was cool and breezy most of the time, just enough to, need a but not to blow down the windbreaks but turned good for the delicious Chilli party Mary and George put on for us on the Saturday, with soup & apple pies, in the correct order of course. The club logo competition entries were on show and we all cast our vote for the best design, bearing in mind it had to be suitable for both sticking on the Benimar and on club notepaper. A goodly number went to see Ken Dodd in the evening, performing "in a tent, in the middle of a field, to a bunch of gypsies, in sheds!". My jaws are still aching. Sunday morning saw a great exodus starting - queuing to get out now! and by Monday morning Mary & George Pennington, Edna & Myself and Eileen & ???? who are filling in time before they go to Spain for the winter, were braving it out in the now rapidly emptying racecourse. See you around.
Geoff and Edna Follows
Club Notice Board
This has now been screwed to the wall (thanks Pete) in the Conservatory/Waiting Room at RDH HQ at Beeston.
Club Handbook
All members will receive a Club Handbook with their renewal, or when they join. The handbook will contain the Club Constitution and Rules and also a listing of Members Names with their town and Phone Number.
PS: Don't forget that your membership expires on 31st Dec - see elsewhere for renewal details.
Security tips
Thanks to Jim Morgan, who told me this. If you push the drivers seat full forward (preferably not when you are driving) it can be easily locked in place with a small padlock through a hole in the runner, Simple - and prevents the vehicle being driven. Another simple security aid which I read in MMM and have just effected is to drill the cab door lock buttons in the locked position and insert a pin through into the door cavity This prevents the door being unlocked, even if you use a key - handy if you overnight in a suspect area.
Club Logo
There were 6 designs submitted for the club logo which were displayed at both the Shepton Mallet and York rallies. Each member in attendance was invited to vote for their preferred design. It was a close run thing between2 designs, both based on the Benimar logo, a but luckily I did not have to use my casting vote to decide. The winner was no.6 with the "boc" in a font similar to that used by Benimar with 26 votes. In second place was no.4 (the stripey sea). Those who voted will understand. The other 4 designs only polled 9 votes between them".
Fiat Service
There seems to be a scarcity of Fiat garages that can accommodate our Motorhomes. For anyone within striking distance of Derby, you may be interested to know that the Fiat dealership has changed hands and is now run by Co-op Motor Group. They are installing a new purpose built bay with a hydraulic lift that will accommodate the height, length and weight of big Motorhomes. It will be ready by Christmas. They can be contacted on 01332 375300
Odds and Ends
At a site in Denia, Spain recently we met Terry and Sheila Sweet who were there for 3 days and seemed to spend the whole time trying to get their digital satellite TV working. We left Denia just before a bad storm hit the coast. 2 days later we had about 10" of snow in Andorra. The engine on our Benimar has freed up nicely and over the last 3000 miles we have averaged 28,2 mpg.
Pip tells me that they are spending Christmas in Kenya - the club must be doing well!
Football Quotes Partick Thistle Manager, John Lamb, when he heard that his striker was concussed and didn't know who he was, said "That's great, tell him he's Pele and get him back on"
Alan Ball - "I'm not a believer in luck, but I do believe you need it”
Andy Gray - "The most vulnerable area for a goalie is between his legs.
REMINDER - it's Membership Renewal Time. Please make Celia's Christmas by renewing promptly - there is an accompanying form to make it easy.
Following Tim's famous erection at the Lincoln Rally we had not one, not two but three at Shepton! First Mike Waterfield put up a "smoking shed" that looked like a knitted igloo, then Vic Rowe made a parrot cage in the shape of an Omnistore Safari Room.
Not to be outdone Jim Morgan erected a wheelchair shelter for Sherree.
Brian Baldwin lost his bat in the strong wind.
The Book Market was launched and despite a scare when I thought someone had run off with the money (Mavis had taken it in for safekeeping after I had left it unattended) we made £4,40 for the club.
We managed to get 5 new members during the rally although it took John and Sheila Atkins two attempts to complete their form (trouble remembering who they were, I think).
The Book Market proved a success with £16.30 taken - nearly 4 times as much as at Shepton - which proves that those in the North are much more generous and well read than their Southern neighbours!. Most of the above success was due to Paul and Carol Smeaton who turned our motorhome into a Mobile Library - thank you both very much.
Salon des Expositions
On our latest trip to the sun, Judy and I decided to call in at the Leisure Vehicle Show at Le Bourget, Paris. We found the site well signposted from Le Bourget and were directed to a large flat concrete area next to the Exhibition Halls and under the shadow of an Ariane Space Rocket. Motor caravans (or Camping Cars as the French call them) can spend 2 days/l night here free (after that it is 50FF/night). There was ample space and 5 service points (bornes) with fresh water, waste water and chemical WC emptying points. A bit better than the NEC or Earls Court eh?. After a quick lunch we walked over to the Exhibition and were discussing whether there were any reductions we could claim on the 40FF entrance charge (about £4 –1/2 that of NEC & EC). The chap in front, overhearing us, gave us a voucher enabling us to get in for 1/2 price. Then another chap (an official) came over and told us that if we were foreign we could get in free (a lot better than the NEC & EC eh7). We then found that the Show guide was also free (much better eh?).
The show itself was in 5 halls with a few vehicles outside. There was a huge selection of camping cars and caravans, but not so many accessory stalls. It was interesting to see the Benimar static’s and so many different Motorhomes that you do not normally see in the UK e.g. Notin, Le Voyageur, Carthargo, LMC, Challenger, Esterel, TCG, Tischer, EVM, Fleurette, Ossau and Moncayo to name but some.
Apart from the Carthargo, which is in another price league, we didn't see anything to better our Benimar. The new shape Benimars were there and I like the new roofline which gives more headroom in the over cab area and should stop the rain pouring off the roof over the door but they seem to have had some teething problems getting the ceiling covering to stick properly. We saw only 1 other UK motorhome in the parking area, which is next to the Aerospace Museum at one end of Le Bourget Airfield, but it was not at all noisy. If you are in the vicinity at the end of Sept/beginning of October it is well worth a visit.
Ron & Judy Smith
Celia has been having severe problems of late - with her computer -and hasn't been able to send me her report. However I understand that membership has now reached 162 (that' s 81 Motorhomes). I have recently sent out about 5 membership forms to people who have contacted me through reading of us in MMM so that is encouraging.
Of course the main topic on the membership front is that it is:-
TIME TO RENEW
There is a renewal form to make it easy, although you still have to write out a cheque. If any of your details have changed please let Celia know and also, if you didn't know your registration number al the time that you joined please update her.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2001
Nov 27 - Dec 2 Earls Court
Caravan and Outdoor Leisure Show - RDH will be there for the first time-hopefully with the 2002 models.
Dec 10 – 13th Belgium Christmas Markets
Unfortunately due to lack of interest this trip will not now take place. Perhaps next year?
2002
Jan 11 –13th. Shepton Mallet Outdoor Leisure Show
20 places reserved for us. RDH service van in attendance (for inside jobs only).
Marshals - Ron & Judy Smith
Book direct with Stone Leisure _ Tel:020 8302 6150, Thur £23, Fri £18, mention boc, or send SAE to me for form. Book by 1st Jan.
Feb 16 - 24 NEC National Boat. Caravan and Leisure Show
RDH will be there.
Mar 29 - Apr 1st Cotswolds Water Park near Cirencester
A super area with lots of walking, cycling and water sports. Hard standing, Toilet and Shower. £5+vat per night
Marshals _ Dennis & Beryl Peer Let marshals know if you are attending Tel: 01285860863
Apr 12 – 14th Lee Valley Park
Tube into London, Large Sunday Market More details in next issue.
Marshals - Colin & Francis Varley Tel: 0208 556 0953
April 26 – 28th Peterborough
National Motorcaravan Show at the East of England Showground
Entertainment includes Jimmy Tarbuck and the Kenny Lynch Band.
Don't forget - our AGM will be held on the Saturday during the show. Please try and attend. RDH will be there + Service Van
Marshals - Ron & Judy Smith Helpers - Volunteers needed
Use booking form in MMM or send SAE to me.
June 7 – 9th Stratford Racecourse
Motorcaravan and US RV Show
If we have a marshal in place you can arrive from Monday 3rd RDH will be there + Service Van
Marshals _ volunteers required
Book direct with Stone Leisure or send SAE to me for club booking form.
July 11 – 14th Kent County Show
Tim and Honor Hewitt are proposing to organise a rally at this very popular Show - pencil the date in for now and watch out for more details - I can't wait for another of Honor's famous BBQs.
July 19 – 21st Lincoln
Midsummer Music Festival. RDH will be there + Service Van
Marshals - volunteers needed
Use booking form in MMM or send SAE to me.
Sept 13 – 15th Shepton Mallet
Motorcaravan & US RV Show
Sept 20-22nd York
Northern Motorcaravan Show