Aut

unm

issu

e | 2

018 Welcome to the

Halloween edition of the Cover4Caravans newsletter

Trevor John Webdale 12th March 1954 - 1st August 2018

Firstly, some very sad news. As many of you know, last year we partnered with Richard Easy and Trevor Webdale from caravan blogging website (Get Your) Legs Down to provide us with caravan

site reviews and informative videos. Sadly, Trev passed away suddenly on 1st August from a massive heart attack whilst on a caravan trip with Rich.

Trev was a larger than life character and a passionate caravanner. He also made the best bacon sarnies in the world! We will really miss working with Trev and send our love and thoughts to Rich and family.

What’s in this edition?

Get Away to … Chester and CheshireWith an enchanting mix of historic market towns, quaint village squares and picturesque landscapes, not to mention an impressive collection of stately homes and formal gardens, there are few places more quintessentially English than Cheshire. At the heart of the county is the compact Roman city of Chester; bewitching in its beauty and quietly making a name for itself as one of the UK’s most enriching short break destinations.

With lots of caravan and camping sites to choose from, why not spend a weekend in Chester and Cheshire? Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Win a £100 Amazon Voucher!This edition you have the chance of winning a £100 Amazon Voucher when you enter our Caption Competition. Good luck – and remember, no rude entries, please!

Six of the spookiestWith Halloween upon us, here are six ghoulishly great walking tour ideas! There is no doubt that one of the best ways to explore Britain’s hidden history is to go out and explore with an experienced guide who knows all an area’s spectral secrets. Join one of these walking tours and you’ll be sure to have a scream.

That’s all for now …

We hope you enjoy this newsletter. And don’t forget, we’d love to hear from you, so please keep in touch!

RichardRichard Burgess, MCIM, ACIEH, Cert CIIDirector, Cover4CaravansFollow me on Twitter @cover4caravans

Leeds Castle, Kent, England, at dawn, with mist on the lake

Welcome to our latest edition of the Cover4Caravans newsletter.

Visit www.cover4caravans.co.uk or please call us on 0800 970 7172 facebook.com/cover4caravans @cover4caravans Cover4Caravans is a trading name of Alan Blunden & Co Ltd. Alan Blunden & Company Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

My family on the bridge at Becky Falls in Devon earlier this year. Eldest son George is in the middle then younger son Toby and wife Jayne either side behind.

Visit www.cover4caravans.co.uk or please call us on 0800 970 7172 facebook.com/cover4caravans @cover4caravans Cover4Caravans is a trading name of Alan Blunden & Co Ltd. Alan Blunden & Company Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

At the heart of the county is the compact Roman city of Chester; bewitching in its beauty and quietly making a name for itself as one of the UK’s most enriching short break destinations.

With lots of caravan and camping sites to choose from, why not spend a weekend in Chester and Cheshire? Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Images and words courtesy of VisitBritain.com. Where is Cheshire?One of several counties in the north of England, Cheshire is within easy distance of a number of key cities, locations and tourism hubs, including Liverpool, Manchester, The Peak District, Staffordshire and North Wales. Day One10:00 – Find your feetFounded by the Romans in AD79, Chester has a long and fascinating history. Take a brisk morning stroll to discover the most complete City Walls in Britain; Eastgate Clock, said to be the most photographed clock in England after Big Ben; the River Dee; the largest Roman Amphitheatre; the oldest racecourse in Britain; and the city’s stunning Cathedral. There are plenty of great walking tours available, but for a tour with a difference, book a Chester Running Tour and whizz around the sites on 5k or 10k routes. Just make sure that you backtrack to Chester Cross for midday to see the Town Crier’s daily proclamation. 12:30 – Have a sticky lunchVisit Hoole where you’ll find a quaint high street and a small restaurant with big ambitions. Sticky Walnut is the acclaimed neighbourhood restaurant from local restauranteur Gary Usher offering delicious British cuisine and a great value three-course lunch. It’s one of several restaurants across the north west that serial crowdfunder Usher has opened, drawing diners into small towns and suburbs such as Heswall in Merseyside where people flock to Burnt Truffle, Didsbury in Greater Manchester where he opened Hispi in 2016, and Prescott in Merseyside where Pinion is coming soon.

14:00 – A hit of heritageTake your pick for an afternoon of unique heritage attractions and experiences. Chester Castle reopened to the public last year and features the 12th-century Agricola Tower, the first stone gateway to Chester Castle, which had been founded by William the Conqueror in 1070 in the south west part of the city. Open during the summer months, you can soak up views across the city from the tower and then head over to the Grosvenor Museum or St. Michaels Church on Bridge Street, where plans are well underway for a brand new heritage attraction – watch this space! Heading out of town, The Lion Salt Works Museum is a restored historic open-pan salt making site where you can find out about the curious impact of salt on mid-Cheshire’s people, economy and landscape. Or for something completely different, try the ‘Amazing Women by Rail’ trail which invites visitors to explore the fascinating and often hidden histories of women who lived and worked in areas along the Mid Cheshire and Calder Valley railway lines; from writers, artists and sportswomen to campaigners, suffragettes and politicians. 18:00 – Enjoy independent eatsChester’s bar and restaurant scene is booming at the moment, with independents at the heart of the scene. Book an early dinner at The Chef’s Table and let the small but passionate team look after you or Porta, a low-key, high-demand Spanish joint run by brothers Ben & Joe Wright. Alternatively, make the a pilgrimage to Stockport to sample culinary storytelling via a blind-tasting menu put together by one of the UK’s most exciting young chefs, Sam Buckley at Where the Light Gets In. You’ll need to book well in advance for the latter, however, given the perfect 10 score from Guardian reviewer Marina O’Loughlin last year. 19:30 – StorytimeOpened in May 2017, and then formally opened in June 2018 by The Queen and The Duchess of Sussex, Storyhouse is a sprawling multi-arts centre incorporating a library, theatre and cinema. It’s one of the country’s most successful cultural buildings, welcoming one million customers in its first year and is the perfect place to while

away your first night in Chester. During the summer months look out for moonlight cinema screenings and open air theatre events in Grosvenor Park run by the Storyhouse team. Day Two10:30 – Have a monkey of a timeYour second day needs to be all about exploring the tourism attractions of wider Cheshire and no visit to county is complete without a visit to Chester Zoo. The UK’s most popular zoo with over 21,000 animals and 500 species, it’s been the subject of several high profile TV series’ including the BBC drama Our Zoo, which chronicled the inspiring story of founder George Mottershead and his family in the 1930s. Major recent developments at the zoo include ‘Islands’, which showcases the tropical environments of six South East Asian microclimates with immersive and interactive experiences throughout, plus a newly-expanded nature reserve, located on the zoo’s doorstep which is free to enter.

A must-see event during winter is ‘The Lanterns’, a light festival which turns the zoo into a magical festival wonderland featuring colourful, over-sized animal illuminations.OR10:30 – get your geek onFor over 50 years, the giant Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank has been a familiar feature of the Cheshire landscape and an internationally-renowned landmark in the world of astronomy. It’s now firmly establishing itself as a tourism destination too after the UK government nominated it for UNESCO World Heritage status earlier this year. There’s the telescope itself but also several pavilions exploring in great detail our understanding of space, stars and planets so far. Taking afternoon tea at the onsite café with the telescope and rolling hills of Cheshire as a backdrop is surely one of the most unique and unusual experiences you can have in the country. And if you want to see Jodrell Bank at its best, visit during the annual Blue Dot which offers a boutique festival combining music, art and science.OR10:30 – Explore a country estateTatton Park is perhaps the best known of Cheshire’s country estates and is indeed one

of the most loved historical sites in the UK. It houses a neo-classical mansion, acres of landscape gardens, a huge deer park and a Tudor Old Hall. The park is also home to a rare breed farm, which has recently been reworked as the ‘Field to Fork’ story, explaining in honest terms where food comes from by bringing to life Cheshire’s farming history with costumed actors. Not one for vegetarians or vegans perhaps, but an essential education piece for children, it’s also possible to get hands-on with workshops and agricultural skills classes such as cheese-making and bee-keeping. 16:00 – Brain freeze!Whichever activity you choose, a crucial stop on your way back to Chester has to be The Ice Cream Farm at Tattenhall. Primarily an adventure park for kids, it also features what is considered to be ‘World’s Largest Purpose Built Ice Cream Parlour’ housing all manner of award-winning ice cream flavours. It’s probably no surprise that made it into the top 20 visitor attractions in Britain in 2017. However, if ice cream’s not your thing, back in Chester make a beeline for The Cheese Shop which stocks over 200 varieties including the iconic Cheshire cheese. We also recommend stocking up on Pant Glas Bach Preserves’ award-winning marmalade and other local treats at Hawarden Estate Farm Shop. 19:00 – Secret stop offIt’s a relatively little-known fact that much of the hit show Peaky Blinders was actually shot on location in Cheshire, including in particular, Arley Hall which stands in as anti-hero Thomas Shelby’s country home. Mark this connection with a visit to hidden speakeasy Prohibition where you can enjoy cocktails and jazz music, then head off to Simon Radley at the Chester Grosvenor for an exquisite dinner that Mr Shelby would certainly approve. Remarkably, the restaurant has held a Michelin start since 1990 and also has four AA Rosettes and an AA Notable Wine List Award.

The spotlight is shining brightly on Newcastle Gateshead this summer; Rough Guides declared it the top place to visit in 2018 and an epic 80-day exhibition – Great Exhibition of the North – showcasing art, culture, design and innovation from the north of England is coming to town.

GET AWAY TOCHESTER AND

CHESHIRE

Visit www.cover4caravans.co.uk or please call us on 0800 970 7172 facebook.com/cover4caravans @cover4caravans Cover4Caravans is a trading name of Alan Blunden & Co Ltd. Alan Blunden & Company Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Meet The Team Now you can put a face to the name!

Lisa Byott Senior Account Handler Natalie Hill

Account Handler

Megan Herbert Senior Account Handler

Aston Albon Account HandlerCatherine Wright

Account HandlerBilly Roy

Account Handler

Kirsty BrundleAccount Handler

Michael Stammers Manager

Christian OliverAccount Handler Ben Evans

Account Handler

Sarah Clarke - Senior Account Handler

Visit www.cover4caravans.co.uk or please call us on 0800 970 7172 facebook.com/cover4caravans @cover4caravans Cover4Caravans is a trading name of Alan Blunden & Co Ltd. Alan Blunden & Company Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Did you know… you must regularly check your values under new for old cover?

At Cover4Caravans, one of the policy benefits that we are very proud of is the fact that we offer new for old cover on your touring caravan or static home for up to 5 years (regardless of the number of previous owners).

This means that if you bought a caravan in 2014 and this year it is stolen or damaged so badly that it needs replacement, in the event of a successful claim, you will get your tourer / static home replaced on a new for old basis.

What you need to be very careful of though, is that the current replacement value of your ‘van is reflected on your policy schedule. This is because the value may have changed.

So, if you bought your caravan for £10,000 4 years ago, is it still worth £10,000 - or would it cost £12,000 to replace it?

As an example:

n if you bought a Bailey Unicorn Cartegena in 2014, its current resale value would be around £17,495.

n to replace your Bailey Unicorn Cartegena as new today however, prices start at around £23,845.

So, when considering the sum insured value under the new for old section of your caravan

insurance, you need to think about how much it would cost to replace your caravan at today’s prices – not its resale value.

Of course, the price to replace your ‘van may have actually gone down, so let your insurer know - you could save money on the cost of your caravan insurance premiums.

How to find out the current value of your ‘van

If you want to check the current value of your caravan to ensure you have the correct sum insured amount, speak to your caravan dealer – they should be able to help.

REMEMBER: In the case of new for old replacement on your caravan, in the event of a successful claim for loss or irreparable damage, you will not receive an amount more than what is stated on your policy schedule.

Visit www.cover4caravans.co.uk or please call us on 0800 970 7172 facebook.com/cover4caravans @cover4caravans Cover4Caravans is a trading name of Alan Blunden & Co Ltd. Alan Blunden & Company Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Where’s Relle the Rabbit in the picture aboveAnswer on back page

F

E

D

C

B

A

At Cover4Caravans, our aim is not only to find you the most suitable and cost-effective cover for your ‘van, but to provide a first class service.

Following is some genuine feedback via Feefo from some of our customers.

We are thrilled to receive such positive feedback!

“Very helpful. Fast speedy and very efficient, would recommend them.”

“I received a 100% service from cover4caravans and would recommended to anyone seeking Caravan cover.”

“Lowest quote to meet my needs! They were able to find a quotation that bettered the lowest quote I had from other suppliers. This was done promptly and with efficiency.”

“Your salesperson was polite and very knowledgeable in the field of caravan insurance. He listened to what type of cover I required and explained it in detail to which I was able to decide to purchase insurance from yourselves. Would recommend you to others.”

“Would not use anyone else! Excellent service and very helpful staff.”

“As efficient and thoughtful as ever. No time wasted. Would certainly recommend.”

What our customers are saying!

1 2 3 4 5 6

Visit www.cover4caravans.co.uk or please call us on 0800 970 7172 facebook.com/cover4caravans @cover4caravans Cover4Caravans is a trading name of Alan Blunden & Co Ltd. Alan Blunden & Company Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

My Name is Christian Oliver and I am an account handler at Cover4Caravans. Throughout my life I have always been drawn towards anything with a pleasant smell - whether that be the Yankee candle shelves in Clintons or the fragrance section of House of Fraser.Over time I have collected a vast range of colognes and perfumes and so many candles I have multiple drawers of spares. I also have a very sensitive sense of smell which sometimes gets me in trouble as I cannot hide the essence of disgust in my expression if I smell something unpleasant!

My favourite part of getting ready in the morning or preparing to go out

of in the evening is to spritz my outfit and skin with my favourite fragrance which changes regularly. As I’m writing this my current favourite is the new addition from the brand ‘Versace’ which is titled ‘Dylan Blue’.

No doubt it will probably be something different when this article is published!

I tend to go for scents that can be often branded as unisex however I personally feel that one should not be limited to the male or female section of the perfume department and should explore the entire catalogue of fragrances until they find the perfect scent for them.

I’ve always had a passion for fragrance and I plan to one day be a perfumer for my own brand. To get there I will study Cosmetic Science at University of the Arts: London College of Fashion, situated outside Oxford Street underground station.

I was lucky enough to get a taste of the University earlier this summer as I studied on the short course linked to the Degree where I learned how to

make cosmetics such as: lipstick/lip gloss, emulsions (creams), shampoo, conditioner, hair masks and also sun-screen. This experience really set my dream in stone for me and I am very excited to see what comes once I have completed my Degree.

Later this year I will also be attending another short course (not linked with the college) that will focus primarily on perfumery and I am really looking forward to it. I’m inspired by the perfumers Donna Ramanauskas and Ketrin Leka who are the wonderful minds behind some scents from my favourite brand ‘Commodity’. I strongly recommend ‘Book’, ‘Orris’ and ‘Wool’.

Hopefully one day I will also be a successful perfumer and my collection of fragrances will include some of my own creations.

My Secret Hobby...

Visit www.cover4caravans.co.uk or please call us on 0800 970 7172 facebook.com/cover4caravans @cover4caravans Cover4Caravans is a trading name of Alan Blunden & Co Ltd. Alan Blunden & Company Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Al’s ideas Six of the spookiest: ghoulishly great walking tours

Discover Dracula in Whitby, Yorkshire, north-east EnglandA mysterious vessel runs aground in Whitby – most of its crew are missing, apart from its captain, dead and tied to the ship’s wheel. A large black dog bounds from the wreckage and runs towards the church of St Mary, and the atmospheric ruins of Whitby Abbey. Horror follows, as fanged fiend Dracula has arrived in England. Go in search of the count, and discover how the seaside town inspired Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, with Whitby Walks and storyteller guide Dr Crank. Not a fang fan? Try the ghost walk instead, and discover a headless horseman, haunted lighthouse, the Whitby witches, and much more.

Follow in the footsteps of a serial killer, London Jack the Ripper was an infamous Victorian serial killer, and his identity remains one of Britain’s most enduring mysteries. In just a few short weeks in 1888 he killed and mutilated five prostitutes working in London’s East End, before disappearing. The Jack the Ripper Tour will guide you through the dark and winding alleyways

where Jack committed his crimes, and may even lead you closer to being able to speculate about his true identity.

Go underground in Edinburgh, ScotlandExplore Edinburgh's scariest streets on a two-hour ghost walk through the city led by a cloaked storyteller. The highlight of the route is a tour of the haunted Blair Street Vaults, a maze of underground tunnels and nooks. First built in the 18th century as a trading space for businesses and taverns, the vaults were soon used as storage for smugglers and a hideout for criminals. It was the site of many murders and illegal medical experiments and several ghostly sightings have been reported. The walk finishes in a candlelit cellar with a wee dram of whisky to steady the nerves.

Feel the Hope Street Shivers, Liverpool, north-west EnglandTales of the Black Plague and even John Lennon's house all feature on this 75-minute walking tour along Hope Street in central Liverpool. The tour ends at the cemetery of the Gothic Anglican cathedral, a place to

chill the bones of even the most committed ghost-buster where 58,000 souls are buried.

Discover spirits by the seaside, Tenby, WalesA mix of history, myth and humour combine to make this a light-hearted walk around the seaside town of Tenby in south-west Wales. Learn the tales of haunted pubs and ghostly goings-on in the backstreets of town, while walking along stunning coastline around Tenby with beautiful sea views.

Listen out for a spectral song in Bath, south-west England With its majestic 18th-century Georgian buildings, ancient Roman Baths and thriving culture, this beautiful city is a great place to visit any time of the year, and obviously ghosts think so too! Join a spooky stroll with Ghost Walks of Bath and explore the city’s scariest secrets. Hear about the poltergeists said to inhabit the Garricks Head pub, and see if you can spot the beautiful singing lady believed to haunt the Royal Crescent.

One of the best ways to explore Britain’s hidden history is to go out and explore with an experienced guide who knows all an area’s spectral secrets. Join one of these walking tours and you’ll be sure to have a scream. Images and words courtesy of VisitBritain.com.

Images and words courtesy of VisitBritain.com.

I’m worried how

Brexit will impact on

the economy

I’m worried it’s

bananas again for

tea’

Visit www.cover4caravans.co.uk or please call us on 0800 970 7172 facebook.com/cover4caravans @cover4caravans Cover4Caravans is a trading name of Alan Blunden & Co Ltd. Alan Blunden & Company Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Here is this edition’s competition

Last edition's picture...

Caption Competition

Please send us your caption via email to michaels@alanblunden.co.uk or post it to us at our usual address. If yours is the winning caption, you will receive a £100 Amazon gift voucher!

Closing date for entries is Friday 11th January 2019. Good luck!

Thank you to everyone who entered our caption competition in the last edition! Congratulations to Mike Green from York who won a £100 Amazon voucher.

Here is this edition’s competition … can you come up with a funny caption for this image.

Visit www.cover4caravans.co.uk or please call us on 0800 970 7172 facebook.com/cover4caravans @cover4caravans Cover4Caravans is a trading name of Alan Blunden & Co Ltd. Alan Blunden & Company Ltd are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Caravanning in France: don’t break the law!

However, just like any individual country, it has its own laws and regulations that need to be complied with.

In what follows, some of the more important of those will be touched on but don’t let this give the impression that driving in France is an obstacle! Most people, even those in the UK, agree that it is an infinitely more pleasurable experience than driving in Britain.

Warning trianglesThese must be erected in the road behind your vehicle if it has broken down and is on the hard shoulder.

Note that even if it is off the road and on the hard shoulder, you must still erect your warning triangle behind it to indicate to other approaching drivers that a potential hazard is ahead.

If visibility approaching your stopped vehicle is good, the triangle must be approximately 30 metres behind it and visible to approaching vehicles though not blocking the carriageway. If visibility is obstructed by a bend, you must place your warning triangle on the other side of the bend so that drivers know there

may be an obstacle as they go around the corner.

Fluorescent jacketsAt the time of writing, you must carry a fluorescent jacket for the driver.

If your vehicle breaks down and is partly or fully off the road, passengers must exit the vehicle and stand a safe distance away from it whilst keeping well back from the road. The driver must wear a fluorescent yellow jacket once they leave the vehicle and it might be highly advisable for the passengers to do likewise.

Evidence of insuranceYou may need some evidence on you of appropriate insurance and/or tourer insurance.

The French police are typically charming but also often far less tolerant of “attitude” from people, French or foreign, than their UK counterparts. So, avoid arguing about what is the norm in the UK or whether or not what they’re asking for makes sense.

If they ask to see evidence of your insurance, make sure you have it/show it.

Breathalyser kitsAfter what even French people

will admit was an absolutely chaotic introduction, with the law apparently contradicting itself, the current position is at best unclear.

At the time of writing, it is a requirement that you carry one of these in your vehicle. Given that should you use that one, you will immediately technically be breaking the law, that means in effect you need two.

In practice, the French authorities are not enforcing the law but even so, given that these kits are a trivial price, it might be prudent to make sure you have two with you.

Spare bulbsYou must carry a full set of replacement bulbs for your vehicle. Although once widely ignored, the French police are now much more inclined to pull vehicles up in situations where they appear to have defective lighting.

Your driving documentsBy law in France, all drivers must carry their driving licence and what is effectively their registration document, with them at all times.

By contrast, in the UK, the general advice remains not to carry your

registration document with you in the car.

For the duration of your trip to France, it might be sensible to make sure that you do have your driving licence and registration certificate with you at all times.

GB platesThere must be some indication on your vehicle as to its country of origin. For the United Kingdom, that is a GB sticker.

Note that however fashionable and politically correct it may be at home, in stressful situations when they’re making a list of faults, the Gendarmes may be intolerant of localised plates such as “Ecosse”, “Cymru” or “Yorkshire” (etc.). They will typically mean nothing to them and your loved origin plate might become another tick in a “not conforming” box – something you could do without.

This is only a subset of the requirements for driving and towing a caravan in France. It will be advisable to research the full details, as they relate to your situation, on a reputable site.

If you are heading off to France this Autumn and are new to driving abroad, the good news is that it is one of the best countries in the European Union for easy driving conditions and touring caravan facilities.

Visit www.cover4caravans.co.uk or please call us on 0800 970 7172 facebook.com/cover4caravans @cover4caravans Cover4Caravans is the trading name of Alan Blunden & Co. Ltd. Alan Blunden & Co. Ltd are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and our registration number is 309694

Cover4Caravan HomeBaxter Building80 Baxter AvenueSouthend on SeaEssex SS2 6HZ

Team Number: 0800 9707172 (freephone)

Fax: 01702 606 367

Email:

cover4caravans@alanblunden.co.uk

Website:

www.cover4caravans.co.uk

Follow us at:

2018

Calendar of

eventsWhat’s on?It’s the end of the season, so sadly, we’ve only found a couple of events coming up in the next few months that you may be interested in. All details are correct at time of going to press, but do check that an event is still running before you leave!

16th – 21st October 2018 Birmingham NEC, B40 1NT

The Motorhome & Caravan Show 2018. With over 370 exhibitor stands, the Motorhome & Caravan Show is the ONLY place to see new-for-2019 motorhomes, caravans, campervans, trailer tents, caravan holiday homes and lodges plus lots of must have accessories and gadgets

17th – 20th Jan 2019 Event City, Manchester, UK, M17 8PL

The Caravan & Motorhome Show. The largest Caravan and Motorhome Show of its kind, explore the biggest choice of caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes anywhere in the North of England at The Caravan & Motorhome Show. This Show's display products like Caravans, motorhomes, holiday homes, leisure vehicles, auto, touring caravans, essential new season accessories and much more.

Answer from page 5Where’s Relle the Rabbit

Location of 4D

The Cover4 TeamMichael Stammers Manager

Sarah Clarke Senior Account Handler

Megan Herbert Senior Account Handler

Lisa Byott Senior Account Handler

Natalie Hill Account Handler

Catherine Wright Account Handler

Ben Evans Account Handler

Kirsty Brundle Account Handler

Aston Albon Account Handler

Billy Roy Account Handler

Christian Oliver Account Handler

Ann Thompson PA to Directors

Richard Burgess Director