A team of Caravan Guard insurance advisers will be on hand to give insurance advice and help show goers enter our competition to win a years free insurance. Plus everybody that plays our Play Your Cards Right game will be able to win our top prize of a multi-tool or our runner up prize of a Caravan Guard lanyard.

Whatsmore, if you’re looking to buy a caravan or motorhome at the show then ask your dealer if they offer Caravan Guard’s Free 10 Day insurance with ‘vans purchased at the show.

Visit Caravan Guard on stand 19-01 at the Motorhome & Caravan show, at the Birmingham NEC, from Monday the 15th to Sunday the 21st of October.

Our friendly insurance advisers will be at The Motorhome Show Season Finale in Lincoln this weekend offering motorhomers the chance to win a year’s free insurance.

With over 240 exhibitors including some of the UK’s biggest and best motorhome dealers the show, which runs from this Friday 21st through to Sunday 23rd, looks set to be a great weekend. Plus we’ll be giving out tea, coffee, hot chocolate and soft drinks when you take part in our competition to win a year’s free insurance* .

Come visit us on stand number 35

The Lincolnshire Showground
Lincoln
LN2 2NA

*Drinks subject to availability. Maximum two drinks per completed flyer. Prize draw closing date for entries is 31st December of the current year. Winner to be selected at random and notified in writing. Prize is subject to terms and conditions, cover level and underwriting criteria. Maximum prize value is £400, any premium above this amount must be paid by the customer

In the meantime the full list of winners is below! Congrats to all. Enjoy!

Also don’t forget that we’ll be at the show on stand 19-01 with our Play Your Cards Right competition, so be sure to come over and have a go at winning a free prize!

1. Valerie Handley
2. Barry Clapson
3. Gillian John
4. Vivien Sands
5. Catherine Ellis
6. Terence Heeks
7. George Blakey
8. Leslie Evans
9. Christine Moyse
10. Barbara Price
11. Anne Plummer
12. William Sartin
13. Steve Jones
14. Emma Beck
15. William Campbell
16. Stephen Kemp
17. Stuart Durnall
18. Ray Blackwell
19. Angela Kryzanowska
20. William Turton
21. Pam Bacon
22. Ian Heseltine
23. Matthew Wellings
24. Ian Morrison
25. Malcom Ball
26. Andy Harvey
27. Michael Major
28. Mark Harvey
29. David Green
30. Le Riche Aitchison
31. Y Davies
32. Mervyn Reed
33. Neil Mansfield
34. Brian Vizard
35. Richard Hoare
36. John Palmer
37. Sarah Webb
38. Kevin Baker
39. Glen Middleton
40. Kate Smith

Once again we’ll have a team of insurance advisers on hand at The Motorhome Show at the Bath & West Showground this weekend.

We’re expecting the weather to be sunny at the show, which takes place near Shepton Mallet in Somerset, but as well as cold soft drinks we’ll also be giving out tea, coffee and hot chocolate when you take part in our competition to win a year’s free insurance*.

It’s shaping up to be a great weekend down in Somerset, so if you haven’t already pencilled in a trip then we’d really suggest you do so, the drinks are on us!

*Drinks subject to availability. Maximum two drinks per completed flyer. Prize draw closing date for entries is 31st December of the current year. Winner to be selected at random and notified in writing. Prize is subject to terms and conditions, cover level and underwriting criteria. Maximum prize value is £400, any premium above this amount must be paid by the customer

The Motorhome & Caravan Show returns to Birmingham’s NEC in October and this year it’s bigger and better than ever. We’re giving you the chance to win a pair of tickets:

Click here to enter the competition.

Running between Tuesday 16th and Sunday 21st October, it’s the only place to see all the new 2013 touring caravan, motorhome, trailer tent and folding camper models from the UK and Europe’s most popular manufacturers. This includes Adria, Autosleepers, Auto-Trail, Bailey, Burstner, Coachman, Elddis, Lunar, Swift, Trigano and Pennine Leisure Products.

A wide range of caravan and motorhome dealers will be on hand to help you compare all the different models and layouts and to tempt you with some exclusive show-only offers

The Show represents a great opportunity to stock up on the latest innovations and accessories.

Watch culinary demonstrations in the Cookery Theatre with Master Artisan Baker Paul Hollywood making a guest appearance on Tuesday 17th and former rugby player and star of the BBC’s Question of Sport Matt Dawson MBE showing off his skills in the kitchen on Saturday 20th.

Visit the Experts’ Advice Theatre where industry experts and journalists will be hosting two presentations a day on subjects ranging from choosing the right awning and travelling abroad in your unit, through to caravan and motorhome security. Sessions are free to attend starting with a short presentation on each subject followed by questions from the floor.

Try out Pétanque or archery, brush up on your caravan towing skills or motorhome manoeuvring with advice from the two major caravanning clubs and gather great ideas for places to visit from the many sites and destinations stands.

Advance tickets start at £7 for seniors (£9 on the door) and £8 (£10 on the door) for adults including parking and a show guide. Advance tickets must be booked before 15/10/12. A £1 transaction fee applies to all bookings. There will be a temporary campsite at the NEC for the duration of the event. For further details visit http://www.motorhomeandcaravanshow.co.uk

How to enter

We have 40 pairs of tickets to be won, worth up to £20 per pair. For your chance to win, please click here and fill in the short entry form. Closing date for entries is the 12th September 2012.

Competition terms:

• Only one entry per household.
• No cash alternatives will be offered.
• A refund will not be available for winners who have already purchased tickets for this event.
• Winner to be chosen at random and notified by email. Tickets to be sent by post. Caravan Guard cannot take responsibility for tickets lost or delayed in the post.
• Closing date for entries: 12th September 2012

We’ve been massively impressed with the Motorhome, Caravan and Camping show at the Excel in London, run by NCC Events, and also at the sheer number of fantastic new models available. All the major caravan and motorhome manufacturers are in attendance and there really is a lot to see.

Our insurance experts will be on stand S101 giving away Free Prizes until the end of the show on Sunday, but here’s a quick round up of a few caravans and motorhomes we enjoyed taking a look at in case our stand isn’t enough for you!

New Lunar Venus range

Lightweight, well priced tourers which can be towed using a normal family saloon are proving extremely popular and the Venus from Lunar is their contribution to the market. Inside we were surprised by the quality of finishing and the space that has been squeezed out of such a small footprint. If you’re a newcomer to caravanning, or simply want a great value, light weight ‘van, then these should definitely be on your shortlist.

Bentley Motorhomes

Bentley motorhomes are a relative newcomer to the market, but don’t let that put you off, these motorhomes are definitely worth a look if you’re in the market for a stylish, modern ‘van. We particularly liked the oversized front grill which gives these motorhomes a really unique, premium styling.

Inside you’ll find tried and tested layouts and quality touches throughout, making these motorhomes a viable option for all types of motorhomer.

Airstreams of all shapes and sizes

Who can resist having a nosy around these design classics? Effortlessly cool in a retro-yet-modern-way we’re always surprised by the sheer quality of workmanship and decor on the inside of these high end caravans, which look so impressive from the outside. If you’re looking for something truly unique with an interior more akin to a swanky apartment than a tourer, and you’ve got a budget which can stretch, then these are the brand for you.

If you’re attending the show and need some advice on caravan insurance or motorhome insurance then don’t forget you can speak to one of our friendly insurance advisers on stand s101 anytime up until the close of the show on Sunday.

The Summer caravanning season isn’t too far away, and when it comes to this year’s Caravan and Motorhome shows things are definately well underway, with 3 of the year’s shows already behind us and one of the biggest happening in just a few weeks.

The shows are run by a number of different companies so finding a list of all the shows that are happening can be tricky to find in one place, so we’ve done it for you! Here’s our guide to the Caravan shows and Motorhome shows happening in the UK during 2012, as well as info on which ones we will be attending.

If there are any shows worth mentioning that we’ve left off then please feel free to comment below and we’ll look in to it.

January 6-8 The Motorhome Show
Bath & West Showground
Tel: 020 8302 6150

January 19-22 The Caravan & Motorhome Show
Event City, Manchester
www.caravanshows.com (Clarion Events)

January 20-22 The Caravan & Motorhome Show
King’s Hall, Belfast
www.holidayworldshow.com

February 2-5 Scottish Caravan & Outdoor Show
SECC, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW
Tel: 0844 395 4000 (QD Events)

February 14-19 Motorhome, Caravan & Camping Show
Excel, Docklands, London
www.motorhomecaravanandcamping.co.uk (NCC Events)
Caravan Guard Stand Number: S101 Visit us to win a prize!

March 16-18 The Caravan and Motorhome Show
Westpoint, Exeter
www.appletree-exhibitions.co.uk/Vis%20Exeter%20Caravan%202012.html (Appletree Exhibitions)

March 24-25 UK Motorhome & Caravan Spring Fair
Newark Showground, Newark, Nottinghamshire
www.eventdevelopments.co.uk (Event Developments Ltd)

April 7-9 The Spectacular Caravan and Motorhome Show
Broadlands House, Romsey, Hampshire
www.appletree-exhibitions.co.uk/Vis%20Romsey%20Caravan%202012.html (Appletree Exhibitions)

April 13-15 The Motorhome Show
Bath & West Showground
Tel: 020 8302 6150

April 21-22 Wales Caravan & Motorhome Show
Chepstow Racecourse
www.appletree-exhibitions.co.uk/Vis%20Chepstow%20Caravan%202012.html (Appletree Exhibitions)

April 27-29 The National Motorhome Show
East of England Showground, Peterborough, PE2 6XE
www.warners-exhibitions.co.uk or www.outandaboutlive.co.uk (Warners Group)
Caravan Guard Stand Number: TBC

April 27-29 The National Park & Holiday Homes Show
East of England Showground, Peterborough, PE2 6XE
www.warners-exhibitions.co.uk or www.outandaboutlive.co.uk (Warners Group)
(See our Static Caravan and Park Home sister brand www.Leisuredays.co.uk)

May 5-7 The Caravan and Motorhome Show
Blaise Castle, Bristol
www.appletree-exhibitions.co.uk/Vis%20Bristol%20Caravan%202012.html (Appletree Exhibitions)

May 11-13 Carmarthen Caravan & Motorhome Show
Carmarthern, Wales
Email: info@towyevents.co.uk

May 18-20 Park & Holiday Homes Show
Newbury Showground, Chieveley, Berkshire
www.warners-exhibitions.co.uk or www.outandaboutlive.co.uk (Warners Group)

May 18-20 The Southern Motorcaravan Show
Newbury Showground, Chieveley, Berkshire
www.warners-exhibitions.co.uk or www.outandaboutlive.co.uk (Warners Group)

June 8-10 The World of Park & Leisure Homes Show
Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, CV8 2LZ
www.parkhomeandleisure.co.uk

June 15-17 Motorhome & Caravan Show
Kelmarsh Hall, Northampton
www.warners-exhibitions.co.uk or www.outandaboutlive.co.uk (Warners Group)

June 22-24 The Motorhome Show
Racecourse Stratford Upon Avon
Tel: 020 8302 6150

June 30-July 1 UK Motorhome & Caravan Summer Fair
Shropshire & West Midlands Showground, Shrewsbury
www.eventdevelopments.co.uk (Event Developments Ltd)

July 13-15 Northern Motorcaravan Show
Cheshire Showground, Clay House Farm, Flittogate Lane, Tabley, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 0HJ
www.warners-exhibitions.co.uk or www.outandaboutlive.co.uk (Warners Group)
Caravan Guard Stand Number: TBC

August 17-19 The Western Motorhome Show
Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6NW
www.warners-exhibitions.co.uk or www.outandaboutlive.co.uk (Warners Group)

September 1-2 Tha Lawns Caravan Extravaganza
The Lawns, Cottingham, near Hull, HU16 5SQ
www.lawnsandbeaulieushows.com/the-lawns-show
(Attended by our Static Caravan and Park Home sister brand www.Leisuredays.co.uk)

September 3-4 UK Motorhome & Caravan Autumn Fair
Newark Showground, Newark, Nottinghamshire
www.eventdevelopments.co.uk (Event Developments Ltd)

September 7-9 The Motorhome Show
Bath & West Showground
Tel: 020 8302 6150

September 21-23 Holiday Caravan 2012 (Beaulieu)
Beaulieu, Hampshire SO42 7ZN
Tel: 01276 686654

September 21-23 The Motorhome Show, Season Finale
Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln, LN2 2NA
www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/Shows/The-Motorhome-Show-Season-Finale/_sh5 Tel: 01778 391123

September 21-23 New Forest Caravan and Motorhome Show
The New Forest Showground, Brockenhurst, Hampshire
www.appletree-exhibitions.co.uk/HLS%20New%20Forest%202012.html (Appletree Exhibitions)

October 6-7 The Caravan and Motorhome Show
Westpoint Exeter, Devon
www.appletree-exhibitions.co.uk/BIG%20SALE%20PLUS%20EXETER%202012.html (Appletree Exhibitions)

October 16-21 The Motorhome & Caravan Show
NEC, Birmingham
www.motorhomeandcaravanshow.co.uk/
Caravan Guard Stand Number: 19-01

Caravan Guard will be giving you the chance to win a year’s free insurance in our annual FREE prize draw. There will also be instant prizes such as a multi-tool kit available on Caravan Guard’s stand throughout the Motorhome, Caravan and Camping Show at Excel in London, from the 14th to the 19th of February.

All you’ve got to do to enter is visit stand number S101 and take part in our “Play Your Cards Right” game to be in with the chance of winning either a Multi-Tool kit top prize or a lanyard runners up prize – plus, every player is automatically entered into a prize draw to win the year’s free insurance.

Caravan Guard will be attending NCC Motorhome, Caravan and Camping Show from the 14th-19th of February on stand number S101.

Terms and conditions:
Giveaways are subject to availability. Prize draw closing date for entries is 31st December of the current year. Winner to be selected at random and notified in writing. Prize is subject to terms and conditions, cover level and underwriting criteria. Maximum prize value is £400, any premium above this amount must be paid by the customer should they choose to go ahead with the policy. No alternative prize or cash in lieu will be offered. One entry per household permitted. Caravan Guard Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Service Authority. Calls may be recorded.

First up are the newly launched Bailey Motorhomes. These vans use the same Alu-Tech construction that, following the success of the original Pegasus and Unicorn models, now runs right across Bailey’s full range of touring caravans. Journalist Liz King recently took a look around one of the new Bailey motorhomes recently and pondered the question “Could you switch from a caravan to a motorhome?” – something which Bailey will be looking to do, as well as to attract current motorhomers to their new range.

Pictured below is the Bailey Approach SE 760 – The biggest in Bailey’s current range of motorhomes, this 6 berth has an over cab double bed and a layout which lets you choose to makeup two more doubles or a double and two singles, making it useful for a group of couples or a large family.

Who says that it’s just the little vans that should have pop tops? This attractive motorhome from the Geist Rotec Lift range shows that even larger low profile motorhomes can make use of a pop-top to create added interior space. There seemed to be a lot of interest in this motorhome, with people constantly coming in and out as we were taking a look. If you’re looking for a low profile van with a bit more head room then this could be right up your street.

These colourful campers from small motorhome specialists Wheelhome go to show that motorhomes don’t have to be white to look good. In eye catching green and orange these Vikenze campers are fun, convenient, and extremely easy to drive, with enough space for two people to sleep comfortably inside. MMM Magazine were equally impressed, and named the Vikenze their “Best Small Motorhome/Camper” earlier this year.

One of the most talked about caravans at this years NCC Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC in Birmingham was the new Monopod 660 from IH Leisure (sister company to IH Motorhomes) – With it’s perfectly smooth, one piece monocoque body shell and space age looks it was unlike anything else being exhibited at the show.

IH Leisure told us that there will be a number of layouts available for the Monopod 660, but that because they were being made bespoke for each customer the interior finish and specification options were virtually limitless. Even the outside can be painted to match the towing vehicle, making this a truly customisable caravan. That level of quality and customization does come at a cost though, and with prices starting from £41,995 this caravan is definately at the luxury end of the touring caravan market.

So what do you get for your money?

• One piece monocoque body shell: All stresses are carried by the outer skin



• 10 year water ingress guarantee: With less joints and seams for water to get in to, IH Leisure are confident enough to offer a market leading water ingress guarantee.
• Custom painted exterior: Have the exterior shell finished in metallic paints to match your car or your tastes.
• Custom interior: Because each caravan is handmade IH Leisure can offer bespoke adjustments to suit you.
• Large 400+kg payload: With such a large payload you can be sure you’re free to bring everything you need (however, be sure to read our article on correctly loading your caravan to ensure you are safe to tow the weight).
• Aerodynamically stable: The aerodynamic shape of the outer shell makes the caravan more stable when towing and less susceptable to wind from any direction when on site.
• Spacious interior with a very high level of interior finish and styling.
• Unique, modern exterior shape unlike any other caravan currently being made in the UK.

Fact-file:

Monopod 660 from IH Leisure

Price: £41,995

Internal length: 6.35m

External length: 6.60m

External width: 2.28m

Headroom: 2.6m (highest) 1.85m (lowest)

Weight: 1580kg (MIRO) 400kg (MTPLM)

Payload: 420kg

Cost to insure: £628 *

Because of the Monopod 660′s high list price, in order to provide insurance Caravan Guard would require owners to fit an approved tracking device as well as to store at a secure storage location such as at home with 24 Hour locked gates, although at over £40k we think these are precautions that any sensible caravanner would take anyway.

For more information on the Monopod 660 visit www.ihleisure.com

* Caravan insurance cost based on IH Leisure Monopod 660 valued at £41,995. Fitted with hitchlock, wheelclamp, alarm, and Caravan Guard approved tracking device. Kept on drive behind 24 hour locked gates at HX4 0BE. Caravanner over 30 years old, claim free for 3 years and a member of a caravanning club. Quote includes 10% online discount and 6% Insurance Premium Tax and is correct as of 24.10.11.