tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16222493510836103252024-03-13T18:23:15.591+00:00The Campervan Man..Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-74363861349338884052015-03-25T20:58:00.000+00:002015-03-26T08:31:33.346+00:00Tardis Deadlines and the Reveal...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are on the final push now with an impending deadline fast approaching when the #Amazing Space film crew would be back to film the "Reveal". One of the key features of the build was the "drawbridge " style front which could be lowered to form a deck for the kids to play on. Sounds simple enough, but as the front was so heavy it would require a winch to crank it up and down. The hardest part was siting the winch so it wouldn't be in the way and yet accessible. This required trial and error attempts with small pulleys and adjusting the hinges at the bottom so the Tardis front could be lowered and raised safely.<br />
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Once we had that cracked , it was time to turn to the interior. We needed to build two bunks one of which could fold away, storage and a desk for Erin , plus space for Joel's sensory equipment. All of the interior was built from salvaged timber from Erin's school, like the old shelving in the picture. This timber had been old cupboard doors, shelves in the kitchen and an old desk and chair found in the cellar. This was my favourite part as we turned old junk into something special with a little imagination and a lick of paint.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--PV2ogs9L0M/VRMWQQkhFxI/AAAAAAAAAkI/Bj4E_zEd4ro/s1600/20141008_200915%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--PV2ogs9L0M/VRMWQQkhFxI/AAAAAAAAAkI/Bj4E_zEd4ro/s1600/20141008_200915%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> As we were going to need power to the Tardis I stole an idea from our Campervan, by using a camping electric hookup lead. This saved a lot of money and made the Tardis easier to move in the future. The last things to go in were the seat/mattress pads for the bunks and these were the one thing I didn't make. A good friend works at a local upholsterers' and they made up two seat pads at cost price. The night before the "Big Reveal" was due to be filmed two stylists came up from Channel 4 to help us "Dress" the Tardis so it looked it's best for the camera's. Erin found this part great fun as it meant we got to play with smoke machines and fairy lights. By the time we turned in for bed that night , the Tardis looked a truly magical place.<br />
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The next day dawned full of excitement, when the film crew descended on us...Our kitchen was churning out bacon butties for the crew and the morning was spent filming lots of exterior shots using "polecams"..(literally cameras on poles) and the smoke machine for "atmospheric effect". George Clarke (Presenter of <a href="http://www.channel4.com/programmes/george-clarkes-amazing-spaces/episode-guide" target="_blank">George Clarkes "AmazingSpaces"</a> ) turned up later in the morning to do the filming and interviews with me and Erin. He was a consummate professional who made us feel relaxed and was as nice in person as he is on TV.<br />
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So was it worth it?? You bet!!It was great fun building the Tardis and the film crew from Channel 4 were the best. But in the end none of that mattered, as the real reason we build the Tardis was for Erin and Joel to play in and inspire they're imaginations. Has it worked?...Well they have been in the Tardis EVERYDAY since we finished filming last year and Joel just loves being there, particularly lying on the top bunk gazing through the roof lights..So what's next?. Well we decided to enter the Tardis for the <a href="http://www.readersheds.co.uk/share.cfm?tag=TARDIS" target="_blank">#Shedoftheyear</a> competition running in April 2015 So you never know you may see more of the Tardis on the telly later this year... #fingerscrossed</div>
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Oh.....and the cost...£293.29p... :-)</div>
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Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-34485269525439079162015-01-25T22:36:00.000+00:002015-01-25T22:36:44.028+00:00Time and Relative Dimension in Space.....Shed...The Regeneration. So we left off last time with a shed on short legs, which clearly bore no resemblance to a Tardis, so this is where we get clever. One of the key idea's of the project was to keep it simple and affordable and in such we would use either recycled or off the shelf materials.<br />
The Tardis façade had to both look as authentic as possible and also double up as a deck which could be lowered like a drawbridge in fine weather. The basis for this would be a sheet of 8' x 4' marine plywood, which can be bought in any DIY store for around £30. This was shaped at one end to look like the roof of the Tardis and at the other it would be attached to the base of the shed with old recycled gate hinges.<br />
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Once again the Campervan was pushed into service, this time as a handy workbench. On the front of the plywood sheet we glued and screwed a mixture of old and new floorboards which would form the Tardis doors and windows. This also had the added benefit of strengthening the façade as it also had to double up as the deck when in it's lowered position. I planned only one opening door so as not to weaken the façade/deck to much.<br />
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The windows clearly could not have glass in , so they would be made with thin bits of strip wood which would then be painted. Talking of paint, getting the right shade of blue was critical for the right look. Fortunately <a href="http://www.cuprinol.co.uk/products/garden_shades.jsp" target="_blank">Cuprinol</a> do a great range of garden shades and their "Iris"blue was just perfect for the Tardis. Once painted with three coats of Iris blue it was beginning to look more like the Tardis.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbMO6z3YBPg/VMVnvn9zeRI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/tD_SGyc53KM/s1600/20140811_105408%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbMO6z3YBPg/VMVnvn9zeRI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/tD_SGyc53KM/s1600/20140811_105408%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a> The cameras were back for when we were fitting the Tardis façade to the shed, which didn't go quite to plan when I'd put the hinges an inch to high and it wouldn't clear the tree branches above...Dohhh.<br />
However no Tardis is complete without the proper signs and this is where the internet and a laminator came in handy for the two sign on the doors...So they were virtually free. The large "Police Box" sign was more tricky and in the end I got a local sign maker to cut some vinyl lettering at just the right size. These I then fitted to a piece of wood painted black which was then fitted over the doors.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Tardis was really taking shape now, but there was still the light for the top ,all the internal fit out and the all important winch mechanism to lower the front.. That we'll save until part 3.<br />
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Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-65874302320779075332015-01-08T22:27:00.001+00:002015-01-25T21:21:14.663+00:00Time and Relative Dimension in Space.....Shed.So our Amazing Space project was to be a TARDIS which is short for "<strong>T</strong>ime <b>a</b>nd <b>R</b>elative <b>D</b>imension <b>i</b>n <b>S</b>pace"...Shed ,from the BBC show "Dr Who". Now this isn't my first attempt at a Tardis, as in our last house I converted a pair of old Edwardian wardrobe doors into a built in Tardis/wardrobe for my daughter Erin. However this one was to be on a grander scale, though not much more of a grander budget.<br />
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As the name implies the Tardis would be based on a converted shed...In fact our old allotment shed which we got for free about five years ago. Now clearly this 8x6ft shed looks nothing like a Tardis, but with the application of Yorkshire ingenuity and a whole load of recycled timber and assorted junk ,it would be transformed. The first challenge was to dismantle the Shed and transport it a mile across town to its new home at the bottom of our garden in a clearing on the edge of some woodland. This is where we pressed our trusty campervan into service to transport it before we could start to restore the shed.<br />
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Simple as it sounds though, every stage of the build was being filmed for Channel 4's "George Clarkes Amazing Spaces" so we were forever stopping to film from another angle or to do a retake. This meant relatively a few seconds on TV could take hours to film, but it was fun for us to do.To make the Tardis stand out more we planned to build it on short legs, so when viewed from the house it would appear to be hovering just above the ground. Our next door neighbour gave us an old length of railway sleeper which we cut up to make six legs, which we then attached to the strengthened shed floor.<br />
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After repairing all the rotten timbers in the old shed, we rebuilt it on the prepared base which created it's own challenges. As it was squeezed in-between the tree's and there was little space to work around it especially when putting the roof on. This ironically created much hilarity for the film crew when I fell out of the tree I was climbing in order to fix the roof on the Tardis. I will point out it was my project manager, otherwise known as my nine year old daughter Erin, who suggested I climb the tree in the first place. So I blame her..;-)<br />
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.To add more light and to give great views up into the tree canopy above, we cut three "port holes" into the roof into which we fitted reclaimed "safety" glass. These would allow you to lay on the bunks that I would build in the Tardis and look up into the trees above..<br />
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So the basic shed was rebuilt, but it hardly looks like a Tardis does it? Stage 2 would involve building a Tardis façade that would cover the front of the shed and also double up as a deck for the kids to play on.....But I'll save that for the next blog... :-)<br />
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Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-74919802144652726082014-10-27T23:37:00.000+00:002014-10-27T23:40:49.810+00:00An Amazing Summer...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok so my last blog was back in April....I must apologise for the lack of updates, but I've been busy...Very busy. Just after my last post we decided to put our house on the market so we could pursue the dream of building our own house. Our little town house was a wonderful home but the reality was that it had no garden and that was becoming an issue for our autistic son Joel.<br />
We could never afford to buy the house we would need for our family, but we could afford to self build one. So our first step was to sell our house then rent whilst we looked for a suitable plot of land to build on. However we were taken aback how events unfolded...We sold our house in seven hours!! Then were offered a housing association house to rent, due to Joel being autistic and finally a perfect plot of land came up that would be ideal for our self build. All this happened over the course of three months, it was like a whirlwind.<br />
Our new house that we were renting was a newly refurbished large thirties semi detached with a huge garden backing onto woodland. It was the perfect garden for both Erin and Joel to play in. At the bottom of the garden there was the wooded area that Joel was immediately drawn to and this got me thinking on ways to improve it. On TV there is a series called "George Clarkes Amazing Spaces" that features the brilliant ideas people come up with to reinvent small spaces on more down to earth budgets.....I had a plan and with the help of Erin we decided to build it. We sent our idea into Channel four and they loved it. So within a few weeks of moving house we began building our #Amazingspace , whilst a film crew followed our progress.<br />
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By the middle of October we had finished the build and we filmed the final "Reveal" with George Clarke, which was great fun for us all...Oh what did we build?....Well until the episode goes out in November I can't say....but rest assured all the details will be on here. <a href="http://www.channel4.com/programmes/george-clarkes-amazing-spaces" target="_blank">http://www.channel4.com/programmes/george-clarkes-amazing-spaces</a>Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-65400843864452335532014-04-25T22:05:00.001+01:002014-04-25T22:17:50.906+01:00Spring Camping...Part One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the UK Easter usually heralds the start of the British camping season, but it also can be the most challenging weather wise.. Optimistically we bought a new Khyam awning, camp beds and chairs as at my age comfort is becoming a lot more important. With Easter approaching we left if to the last minute to book a campsite just so we could see if the weather would be fine and not snowing as it did last year...Thankfully the forecast was fair...But where to go??.. As we would only be away for three to four days we wanted some where within a three hour drive. Our daughter Erin chipped in and said she wanted to go to the beach....So it we decided on Anglesey in North Wales just 115 miles away.<br />
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Now normally you could get to Anglesey in a little over two hours in a car, but in a heavily laden campervan in Bank Holiday traffic that journey turned into over four hours...During a break for lunch an ominous trickle of water emerged from under the van, much to the hilarity of our daughter Erin who chimed in that Chester had wet himself.. After unloading all the camping gear so I could get to the engine it thankfully turned out to be just a loose coolant hose...phew and we were soon on our way again.<br />
The site we chose in Rhosneigr was full of Welsh rustic charm..( read basic) but it was clean and the farmer who owned it was laid back and cheerful..After a little head scratching with how to pitch the new awning, base camp was set up and after a long day a pub tea was in order.<br />
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The next day dawned glorious with blue skies and a gentle breeze and we heard that the local Racing Circuit was open that day and as Joel loves all things car related we couldn't miss the chance. Just 10 minutes down the round we positioned the campervan on top of a small hill above the circuit and enjoyed an hour or so of free motor racing. It was a surreal location with the sea on one side and the mountains on the other and all enjoyed from the comfort of Chester the Campervan.<br />
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After a while though the lure of the beach became too must to resist and we mooched down the coast to "Cable Bay" where we could park the van right next to this gorgeous beach and enjoy the almost summer like weather. The sea was still freezing though so we kept our water born activities down to paddling. Next to the beach was a coast path that lead to a 5000 yr old burial mound from which we sat on top off to enjoy the views and ponder on what the people were like who built it ...All in all a great first day and it would only get better....But that's part two.. ;-)<br />
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Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-61173468849631147162013-10-24T22:54:00.000+01:002013-10-24T22:54:28.953+01:00Day Tripping.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Owning a Campervan is not just about camping but it opens a whole new raft<br />
of possibilities for the humble day out. In reality you will only go camping in the warmer months and unless you are retired you'd be lucky to camp more than half a dozen times a year. But what about the winter and those times you just don't have time to "Camp over".<br />
This is where the other bonus of owning a Campervan comes into play..."The Day Trip". Our van gets used all year round and it can be a workhorse as well as a "Fun palace" and yet some of the best experience's we've had in the van have just been day trips out to Forests, Castles, Markets, and even Ikea.. Having somewhere warm and dry after a mornings walking and the ability just to brew up, gives you an amazing sense of "well being" and makes the entire day out more of an adventure.<br />
So don't pack away your campervan in the winter, but get out there , have fun and make a cuppa....." Day Tripping across the UK "<br />
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Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-55686578364885814512013-08-11T00:07:00.000+01:002013-08-11T00:07:38.186+01:00Keep Calm.....and Relax.Since being a small child August has always meant long summer holidays by the beach and playing out late. The summers were always sunny and life seemed so simple...Ahhhh the memories.<br />
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Now with children of our own we try and recreate those times for Erin and Joel, hence why we have a Campervan. Right now we are in the middle of packing for our next adventure to France, which is just a few days away. As a child summer holidays for me involved long drives down to Cornwall in the back of mum and dad's old Ford Cortina. Back then the motorway wasn't finished so the journey often involved an overnight stop, where today you can do it in 5 hours. Anyhow I digress. Being a child you don't worry about the packing malarkey (that's mum and dads job) and it seems that is one thing that's not changed in 30 years. Erin and Joel are completely oblivious of the preparation work required for three weeks camping in France.. And why should they, they're kids.<br />
It's been two years since we've done a long camping trip as last year the Campervan was out of commission in August due to gearbox problems. We instead flew to Ibiza for two weeks, which was great, but these days flying is such a mither with all the regulations that going by Campervan is easy in comparison. This time we're taking the bikes as where we're going is fairly flat and there's some great cycle tracks to explore.<br />
This time as we're more familiar with our route and the Campervan the journey doesn't seem as daunting. The total distance we're driving is less than 700 miles and we are doing it at a leisurely pace over three days. <br />
We picked a 5* site this year with swimming pools and everything you could wish for and still only 500m from the beach. How much did this indulgence cost???..About £24 a night!!, which when you compare it to UK prices, its very cheap. Once there I shall kick back drink wine and relax, I may even try a little surfing. <a name='more'></a>However one thing does concern me.... It's what will happen to Britain whilst we're away? Last time we went to France in 2011 Britain erupted with Rioting ,looting and general civil unrest...<br />
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Now I understand how unnerving it is for the rest of the population when we leave this green and pleasant land But please this year I want you all to take a deep breath and......KEEP CALM AND RELAX!! that is all ..carry on.<br />
THIS HAS BEEN A PUBLIC SERVICE ANOUNCEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE <br />
"MINISTRY OF CAMPING"Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-39953368978690694882013-07-09T23:51:00.000+01:002013-07-09T23:51:17.403+01:00Surgery time....No one likes growing older and in our minds we all tend to think we haven't changed much since our teens, but alas the reality is far from that. So as we get older we have to start paying more attention to ourselves to keep our aging chassis going..lol. Our campervans are much the same and since Chester is certainly past his youthful years, he was staring to get a bit crusty around the edges (much like me ).<br />
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Even reliable VW engineering is far from immune from the dreaded tin worm and those worms had been nibbling away on poor Chester for years. When the rust bubbles started erupting with vengeance I knew poor Chester would be needing surgery and soon.<br />
Upon inspection several area would be needing rusty panels cut out and new steel welding in. This was beyond my capabilities but in our VW club there was a guy we call "Metal Mickey" who was an old school craftsman who was able to do the job. In an ideal world I would have all the work done at once , but I can neither afford the cost in both money and time I would be without the van. So Mike had one week to sort the nearside rear quarter and rust holes near the windows. Mikes lives about 100miles from me so after stripping a lot of the interior out I pootled over the mountains to his gaff and left Chester with him whilst I got the train home.<br />
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Mike worked his magic posting step by step photos on our club forum so I could watch the progress from the comfort of my own computer. True to his word one week later Chester was ready and looking a lot less rusty. To keep the costs down I would be repainting the panels he's replaced, but hat meant after getting the van back I only had a few days before heading off to a VW festival <a href="http://www.camperjam.com/" target="_blank">CamperJam</a>. Just enough time to refit the interior but not paint the van. Though as we had entered a "Cooking in a Camper" completion at the festival my daughter had a brilliant idea to use the black unpainted panel as a Menu board for the cooking competition...:-)<br />
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Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-16545697024732432562013-06-01T00:18:00.000+01:002013-06-01T10:58:22.411+01:00First Camp of the Year!....at last.Normally by the end of May we would have got in two or three camping trips in the Campervan, but this year with it being the coldest spring in over 50 years it never happened. Indeed even May which can be a warm month in years gone by was decidedly cool and wet (not good camping with young kids). However we were determined to get away over half term so we searched round for sites in North Wales and found a cracking <a href="http://www.wales-camping.co.uk/" target="_blank">4* site</a> in Snowdonia just outside Caernarfon. The first camp of the year always takes longer as we have to dig out all the awnings from their winter storage in the attic and collect all the gear which seems to go AWOL just when you need it .<br />
I gave the van its spring service a few days before we set off and prayed the weather would improve....it did..Wahey.... On the day we set off it was glorious sunshine and wall to wall blue skies..result. However though it was only a 100 miles away everyone else had had the same idea, so a two hour journey turned into four hours. At least we were able to pull over to make lunch whilst everyone else sat fuming in the traffic jams (smug feeling)<br />
North Wales has everything a camping trip could need..Beaches, Castles, Mountains and some great pubs for when the thirst gets the better of you..The first evening we drove into Caernarfon to the <a href="http://www.caernarfon-castle.co.uk/" target="_blank">castle</a> and strolled along the harbour with the walls of the magnificent castle on one side and stunning views of the Menai Straights on the other..truly breathtaking.<br />
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The following morning dawned with again great weather, so clearly today was a beach day...but which one?. Laura recalled as a child going to a beach on Anglesey near the village of <a href="http://www.anglesey-hidden-gem.com/Llanddona-Beach.html" target="_blank">Llanddona</a> which was only a few miles away. However what Laura had failed to remember was that the road down to the beach was down a steep 35 % winding single track road with very few passing places, but boy it was worth the white knuckle descent to the beach...Half a dozen other campers had made the same perilous descent and were parked right on the beach at the high water mark, just kicking back and enjoying what mother nature has to offer....It was a brilliant sun soaked day.<br />
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As is the way in Britain though, no two days are alike and so the following morning was grey and damp. No fears though today would be a "Castle" day, <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/penrhyn-castle/" target="_blank">Penrhyn Castle</a> to be precise. It was great to be inside and there was a great cafe serving home made soup...And since at the end of the day we felt that a BBQ would be pushing our luck in the rain , a pub tea was in order.. Well when I say "tea" I mean Welsh sirloin steak was washed down with a pint of local ale in a <a href="http://www.black-boy-inn.com/home.htm" target="_blank"> 500 yr old Inn</a> next to Caernarfon castle...nice..:-)<br />
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So all in all our first camp of the year went down well...roll on the next.Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-26698104940867394282013-04-26T09:57:00.000+01:002013-04-26T09:57:04.973+01:00The Corkscrew.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just a quick Blog this morning as the heavens have opened and I have ten minutes to spare while I drink my cuppa.<br />
The Corkscrew...no I'm not on about any new theme park roller coaster ride, but that humble implement that's supposed to sit in the cutlery draw at home or in your campervan. It comes in a variety of designs but its purpose is simple, to allow its owner to open with a minimum of fuss a bottle of their favourite plonk. <br />
A straight forward task you may think, ahh but no. Picture the scene. Your meal is ready you have a bottle of wine in hand, but can you find the corkscrew??? Can you heckers like. I have come to the conclusion after many years of research that "corkscrews" have the same paranormal abilities as "the odd sock" or the "missing keys". You'd think with our advanced intellect humans would have no problem getting a cork out of a bottle without a corkscrew, but under pressure we seem to resort to the problem solving abilities of a chimp.(no offense to chimps implied.<br />
So what's the answer I hear you say?... Simple, you buy more corkscrews!! So that why now we now have six corkscrews, there are probably more but they're off having a party with my odd socks and car keys. So tonight when you come home in desperate need of a glass of Merlot and can't find your corkscrew, just give us a shout as I might just have a spare one to lend you.... Ohh its stopped raining! Now where did I put my Campervan key's??????<br />
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Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-64153278249005728402013-04-12T20:53:00.000+01:002013-04-12T20:53:11.384+01:00Spring Break.....Not in a Campervan...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aTmsvgTVpMI/UWhkI-hZI6I/AAAAAAAAAVY/eyxzj1Xjojk/s1600/20130411_185154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aTmsvgTVpMI/UWhkI-hZI6I/AAAAAAAAAVY/eyxzj1Xjojk/s320/20130411_185154.jpg" width="320" /></a>Easter usually heralds the beginning of the camping season for us, but with Easter varying from late March to April the weather can be a bit variable. However we were optimistic this year as last year in March and April it reached around 70f and since it was the first week in April the weather was bound to be better....<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2300364/UK-Easter-weather-Spring-Freeze-set-make-March-coldest-bitter-winter-1962.html" target="_blank">How wrong we were.....</a><br />
March turned out to be the worst winter weather for decades and even though now its turned mild I can still see snow drifts on the hills from my lounge window and its mid April..What to do???. Now I can put up with cold camping but the rest of the family would not share my enthusiasm , especially in the biting easterly wind straight from Siberia...brrrr.<br />
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Fortunately my wonderful wife Laura is always on the look out for a "deal" and spotted an offer at a "holiday park" in Devon in a static caravan..."with full heating" for the very week we we're planning to go camping...Now I have a confession....I "HATE" caravans....there I said it. To be honest I have never stayed in one but the idea of living in little boxes all lined up in a row sprawling over the hillside brings me out in a cold sweat.<br />
Now many will no doubt agree with me on how these places look from the outside, but the fact is the park had full indoor "fun" pools , a SPA, restaurants, and tons of stuff to do for the kids even if the weather was dire. So I bit my lip took a sedative and off we went for five days at <a href="http://www.haven.com/parks/devon/devon-cliffs/index.aspx?waplacement=devon_cliffs&waSite=Google&waSource=Online&waChannel=Paid_Search&waCampaign=Paid_Search-Parks&waGroup=Devon_Cliffs&mpch=sem" target="_blank">Devon Cliff's.</a> leaving the poor Campervan at home. I will admit I had a preconceived idea as to what these Parks were like and what type of people go to them....again so so wrong. The caravan was luxurious , the Park spotless and laid back and the people from all walks of life including the well to do if the Range Rovers and Jaguars parked outside were anything to go by and yet "all" of us were in affect living in identical 12' x 35' boxes.<br />
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The kids loved it and by chance our friends who also had their camping cancelled, booked the same place without our knowing. So it was a bonus to meet up with them in the pools and the pub at night. We got chance to tour the Devon coastline through some idyllic villages and sample some scrumptious ice creams and Devon cream Teas.<br />
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Fear not though we have not forsaken our Campervan and we look forward to some explorations later when all the the snow evetually melts and spring truly arrives.Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-91126169161215283252013-03-18T20:16:00.003+00:002013-03-18T20:18:38.014+00:00Amazing Spaces...<br />
Last year there was a series on channel 4 called <a href="http://scrapbook.channel4.com/programmes/george-clarkes-amazing-spaces" target="_blank">"George Clarke's Amazing Spaces"</a> which showed what great design ideas you could incorporate into small spaces. The places people converted ranged from underground toilets to 1960's coaches and of course the ubiquitous VW Camper van. It was inspiring to see what people could achieve on budgets ranging from a few hundred pounds to tens of thousands of pounds. When we built our Camper Van our budget was tight and yet we built and have enjoyed our Van for the past four years for a fraction of what it would have cost to buy a new purpose built van.<br />
A few weeks ago we went to a Camping and Caravaning show at the NEC in Birmingham courtesy of some free tickets we got from Sarah at <a href="http://www.inspiredcamping.com/" target="_blank">Inspired camping</a> . I had never been to a show like this before and it was quite an eye opener as to the ingenious storage idea's designers build into their Campers. One idea that I really liked was the little Teardrop Caravans which could be towed behind the smallest of cars or the most underpowered of Campervans.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6ImJ1eScBI/UUdp3hWMwkI/AAAAAAAAAU0/pUSgC7Uj_9o/s1600/20130212_135450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x6ImJ1eScBI/UUdp3hWMwkI/AAAAAAAAAU0/pUSgC7Uj_9o/s320/20130212_135450.jpg" width="320" /></a> In the four years since we built our Camper she has done us proud, but as with all things they need a bit of TLC now and again. So this spring we will be giving the interior units a bit of a makeover and then in the early summer the body work will be having a couple of panels replacing to keep the dreaded rust at bay.We view our van as a keeper and so spending money on her is seen as a long term investment as she has brought us so many happy memories over the last few years.<br />
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Apart from our Campervan we have our allotment, which as a family we spend a lot of time there as we have a very small garden in our town centre house. The kids love the open space especially Joel who loves playing in the allotment shed and climbing the trees.This got me thinking especially after watching the "Amazing Spaces " series last year. I drew up plans for converting our humble shed into a combined potting shed / playhouse for the kids. a place where an Autistic boy like Joel could play and explore yet still be of a practical use to me as well. Channel 4 were looking for new ideas for the new series and so I sent in our plans. They loved the concept and we were just a few days from initial filming, when a change in our circumstances meant we had to pull out...shame. But not deterred we have three weeks in France in the Camper to look forward too and I'm confident our "Amazing Space" shed project is merely delayed not forgotten......Watch this space!!!<br />
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Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-10587422241209081342013-01-16T22:27:00.001+00:002013-01-16T22:30:22.555+00:00A Campervan Winter.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a name='more'></a>For most a Campervan will be something they use during the summer months for weekends away or longer jaunts for their summer holidays, but what about in the depths of winter? Camping for most is a summer occupation (and who can blame them) But with auxiliary heaters such as <a href="http://eberspachersales.com/" target="_blank">Ebberspacher</a> or <a href="http://www.justkampers.com/propex-hs2000-interior-12v-heating-system.html" target="_blank">Propex</a> and the fact many places have electric hookup the camping season can be extended even into winter.<br />
Our Campervan has no auxiliary heater but even I have camped over in December and February without hook up either. The key is plenty of layers both to wear and to sleep in, especially when tucked up for the night in your bed. I tend to put as many layers under me as I have on top of me. Personally I don't like sleeping bags as I find them too restrictive and so I usually plump for a winter duvet or two and a hot cuppa before bed. However if sleeping bags are your thing then check out this <a href="http://www.inspiredcamping.com/choosing-a-sleeping-bag-2/" target="_blank">Sleeping Bags</a> . <br />
This week has been below freezing both at night and during the day and yet the van has never failed to start. The biggest problem though is getting in it, with the locks freezing at the mere hint of cold weather. This can be most entertaining if not a little terrifying when the sliding door locks freeze open and as you drive down the road it slides open dumping the contents of whatever was unsecured on the floor of the van along the Queens highway.<br />
Snow is another matter. Supposedly being rear wheel drive and the engine being in the rear the van it should have plenty of weight (and thus traction) over the wheels...Well that's the theory, however this works fine until you stop after which you wished you'd bought a <a href="http://www.club80-90syncro.co.uk/Syncro_website/TechnicalPages/_THE%20SYNCRO%20STORY.htm" target="_blank">Syncro</a> four wheel drive camper. A couple of years ago I got stuck in a forest car park in the snow trying to get up the slightest of incline and in the end had to drive downhill first and swing round at speed and plough through deep snow to get out...so be warned.<br />
Even if you don't camp over in your van in the winter they do make good everyday vehicles and are perfect for days out where you own tea making facilities are worth there weight in gold after a winter hike.So rather than tucking up your camper in a garage or wrapping it up in a tarp, get out there and enjoy her and even in the depths of winter you be able to banish the winter blues with a little Campervan fun.Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-59012230562774367372013-01-02T21:29:00.000+00:002013-01-02T21:29:45.847+00:00Moments of Trembling....the MOT!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Its that time of year when my heart beats loudly my mouth goes dry and my fingernails get chewed off....Yes MOT time.... Indeed moments of trembling would be a fitting meaning of the MOT test when your poor old Campervan gets prodded and poked by an MOT tester with no sense of humour or willingness to be bribed.<br />
Though we all recognise the need for our vehicles to be tested once a year to ensure they are not mobile death traps, it is a nerve racking time for the owner of "older" vans. Why the trepidation I hear you ask ? Well usually this is the time we get a list of things that need fixing which means ££££ will be flying from your wallet.<br />
Now we've had our van for four years now but I always forget and get caught out with the MOTs This year was no exception as it was about to run out three days before Christmas (bad planning) and of course I left it to the last moment and you guessed it they couldn't fit it in... eeeek. So the vans MOT had expired and I couldn't drive it for two weeks until the garage reopened in the New Year. So this morning with sweaty palms I dropped the Camper off for her MOT.....FAIL...ahhhhh. Thankfully Steve and Les who do most of the work on my van felt pity on me and got her in straight away for the relative minor work and I will have her back tomorrow...phew.<a name='more'></a><br />
Now in the past when your Van passed its MOT you got a official looking certificate which you could prize like a badge of honour. These days everything is on computerised databases , so all you get now is a boring black and white print out from the garages greasy printer...hardly something to prize. But hey ho it means we all legit now for another 12 months and adventure is out there.. Now where shall we go this year?Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-11506168633051360622012-09-03T21:12:00.000+01:002012-09-03T21:12:53.578+01:00If you go down to the Woods today......<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SXhcxgopALE/UEUOQB1hLHI/AAAAAAAAAOc/RfltLzbYZmk/s1600/20120902_173136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SXhcxgopALE/UEUOQB1hLHI/AAAAAAAAAOc/RfltLzbYZmk/s320/20120902_173136.jpg" width="240" /></a> This summer has been a poor one for getting away in our van. Mainly due to the lousy weather and also by the fact the van was in the garage for 5 weeks having its gearbox being rebuilt. So when we picked up the van last week I was itching to get away even for one night. Laura was taking Erin down to London at the weekend and the weather was set fair, so I decided to do a quick lads night away with my six yr old son Joel.<br />
After much head scratching as where to go, I decide on a spot just a few miles away in a woodland we'd been to before as a family. A few provisions were chucked in the van and off we set and since it was local we were there in less than 30 mins.. It was a lovely warm Autumn evening and it didn't take long to make camp so we set off to hunt for blackberries near the lake. I kicked myself for not packing a fishing rod as the fish were biting.<br />
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Our appetites were duly built ,so I rustled up some supper for me and Joel just as the sun was setting and shinning into our little clearing on the edge of the woods. Its funny how the mood of a woodland can change as darkness creeps into what had been lush canopy of green with pools of dappled sunlight.Once Joel was tucked up asleep in the Campervan I lit a fire to keep me company and cracked open a beer. I could see the stars through a clearing in the canopy of foliage and now and then a snap of a twig and a rustle in the undergrowth, as some creature scuttled by. At night I was glad of the campfire as my imagination played tricks on me with the dancing shadows all around.<a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
It may sound a bit spooky, but not really its just that last time we were here it was with a group of people and a more lively affair. I laughed at myself for letting my imagination run away, but then again I loved the peace and atmosphere compared to camping in an open field. I slept well that night as I watched the dieing embers of the fire from the comfort of my bed in the van<br />
Once again the mood of the woods had changed in the morning as I peered through the curtains..There was a swirling mist amongst the trees which spilled out onto the fields and a hazy sun was just taking the edge off the early morning chill.<br />
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So if you've not tried woodland camping do it , but if you're of a nervous disposition take along plenty of friends and enjoy the "darker" side of camping...sweet dreams.Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-82419272254323168352012-07-31T19:31:00.000+01:002013-05-04T21:00:54.202+01:00The Campervan and the Festival...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ITZRxfXLqs/UBgjTFJoZfI/AAAAAAAAANk/RSfnGPsmocU/s1600/20120707_135448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ITZRxfXLqs/UBgjTFJoZfI/AAAAAAAAANk/RSfnGPsmocU/s320/20120707_135448.jpg" width="320" /></a> No British summer is complete without a festival or two. The great thing is no matter what your interest is, whether it's music, cars , beer ,comedy etc etc there will no doubt be some kind of outdoor show/festival to suit you.<br />
Anybody who has ever been to or seen on TV " Glastonbury" will be familiar with the vagaries of the British weather. You get thousands of people in a field in the rain and what do you get....."MUD".. Now here's where the campervan has the advantage over the tent as you are "up" out of the mire and as long as you packed you wellies ,you can be all clean and mud free inside.<br />
Also the most feared of all things at a festival are the "toilets". If you've ever had the unfortunate need to use one of these plastic coffins of doom you'll know what I mean. Festival rules dictate that the more people that attend the less toilets will be available/fit for use. So a portaloo within the comfort of you Campervan becomes the best thing you ever bought, as long as you remembered the loo paper.<br />
Assuming you don't intend to buy all your meals from the overpriced "food" vendors then you'll be needing to cook a meal for yourselves. Here again you will come up trumps in your van, as out of the wind and rain..(I did mention rain didn't I).. you can rustle up a simple yet tasty meal without even leaving your seat. And you can't beat having chilled beer in the fridge and the luxury of being able to put the kettle on in the morning without getting out of bed.<br />
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To be honest though one problem you may encounter with your camper when you mix over two tons of steel and rubber with a boggy field...yes you "WILL" get stuck. This summer when attending one VW festival the camping field more resembled a battle field with us getting stuck once getting in and three times getting out. Thankfully VW folk are a helpful bunch with plenty of people willing to give you a push when you get stuck(don't forget to do the same for others). Ironically the getting stuck in the mud made it more fun for Erin who kept shouting faster faster as we tried to plough through the quagmire.<br />
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<a name='more'></a> So next time you fancy a weekend festival do it in comfort and style in your campervan...but please leave the wellies outside.Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-45159028480464754232012-07-11T21:23:00.000+01:002012-07-11T22:01:29.322+01:00Due South....<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4mEDP1il-o/T_3eTAj3-KI/AAAAAAAAANM/xLlRZs4HhRA/s1600/20120707_142532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i4mEDP1il-o/T_3eTAj3-KI/AAAAAAAAANM/xLlRZs4HhRA/s320/20120707_142532.jpg" width="320" /></a> If you enjoy camping in our green and pleasant Isle, you will be of a hardy breed who will come to expect our weather to be "variable". If you were camping for a week in mid summer, showers even a day of rain would be expected and we would just shrug our shoulders and show that British stoicism for which our nation is famous for.<br />
However the last couple of years I've noticed a change in our weather patterns, where cooler wetter summers are becoming the norm. This year has been the worst I can remember with records been broken for rainfall month after month and its still July. No matter what is causing this, the fact is spending a week camping (even in a Campervan) can become a miserable affair if it rains most days.<br />
So what do you do?..Well alas the reality is the further south you go the better the chance of good weather. But even the south west tip of Cornwall and Devon has had washout conditions this year and I know of dozens of outdoor events that have been washed out and even cancelled due to the horrendous conditions.<br />
It may seem treacherous to our wonderful British countryside but the only solution is to cross the channel going to France , Italy , Spain in fact anywhere warmer than Britain. When you have children you quickly realise that they want to be outside playing and not stuck in a damp Campervan playing on their Nintendo DS or watching DVDs.<br />
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Of course such a holiday takes a little more planning , particularly if your Campervan is no longer in the first flush of youth. But with a good service a few carefully selected tools and breakdown cover don't be afraid of a little risk. Last year knowing the gearbox was dodgy and taking a spare clutch with us we did 2000 miles down through France following the sun. Whilst Britain shivered in the rain and rioters rampaged through the cities , we were chilling on a French beach watching the sun go down.<br />
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Does it cost a lot? I here some say...well it doesn't have to. We spent three weeks in France last year in the Campervan and everything and I mean everything from fuel ,tolls,campsites ,food, insurance ,ect ect came to less than £1500 for four of us...Now thats hard to beat. So if you're fed up going rusty in Blighty head due south and follow the sun.Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-19605708326888465242012-06-16T23:04:00.000+01:002012-06-16T23:04:55.022+01:00Running a Campervan...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tAsgXRey7n8/T90CHkijIwI/AAAAAAAAAMs/dbNKJ1jcKfw/s1600/DSC00481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tAsgXRey7n8/T90CHkijIwI/AAAAAAAAAMs/dbNKJ1jcKfw/s320/DSC00481.JPG" width="320" /></a> For many people the first idea for owning a Campervan comes from something they've seen on TV or read in a magazine and now the idea has been planted. The dream our escaping everyday life and hitting the open road grows and grows until one day they hit the "Buy it now" button on Ebay.<br />
Now whether you spent £1000 or £20,000 you still have to keep your new pride and joy going, otherwise you have a rather large and expensive garden ornament. Now regardless how often you use your van it still has to be taxed and insured so straight away that's the best part of £500 gone. On top of that you've got servicing costs and fuel and not forgetting the inevitable breakdowns, so very quickly you can see how that dream of escaping the rat race comes at a cost.<br />
Fear not all is not lost, the best way to keep costs down is to learn how service and repair your van yourself, thus saving a fortune in labour costs. One of the best ways I learnt about our van was to join a local or national VW club where to can meet fellow Campervan nutters face to face or through many of the online VW Camper forums such as <a href="http://forum.club8090.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=1">Club 80-90</a> .Once you learn you're not alone in your obsession then asking those seemingly silly questions doesn't seem so bad .<br />
No matter how much you spent on your van it WILL breakdown at some point, leaving you to finish your journey on the back of a truck (we've all been there) . So it goes without saying that breakdown cover is a must, particularly if you plan travelling any distance. One of the best ways to avoid breakdowns is to use you van as much as possible and get used to all its quirks and rattles so then if something new starts rattling you can see to it before it breaks and leaves you stranded. We use our van all year and as of next month it will be the one and only vehicle we own so preventative maintenance is a must.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fKpcMz_bbk/T90BLel9HdI/AAAAAAAAAMk/8Q5E_6kRnvs/s1600/DSC00359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fKpcMz_bbk/T90BLel9HdI/AAAAAAAAAMk/8Q5E_6kRnvs/s320/DSC00359.JPG" width="320" /></a> For some owning a Campervan will be a passing phase (bought in the spring and sold in the autumn) . But for the rest ,owning a Campervan gets in your blood and you could no sooner sell your van than you could "chop off your hand"....its that addictive. To truly get to know your van who have to at least go once on a "Big" adventure in her and I don't mean a weekend in the Cotswold's. I mean two or three weeks minimum to a place you've never been to before living in each others pockets waking up to a different view each morning. Once you've had your "adventure" all the money and heartache your van has put you through will be worth it and you'll have memories that last a life time.<br />
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<a name='more'></a> If you're still not convinced that running a Campervan is for you then read <a href="http://campervanliving.blogspot.co.uk/">Martin Doreys</a> blog or read his books and I guarantee you you'll be hitting that "Buy it Now" button tonight.Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-63713308541180927852012-05-13T22:08:00.000+01:002012-05-13T22:08:30.664+01:00Camping with Autism...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Joel is a good looking happy five year old boy who loves animals and being outside. To look at he appears no different from all the other children in the park except if you talked to him he would never speak back and probably just ignore you and run off... Yes Joel is Autistic.<br />
Autism has a very wide spectrum of symptoms and indeed no two Autistic people would show the same characteristics and yet one in a hundred people are thought to have Autism in one form or another. So you see it's quite probable you've met some one with Autism and either not known or just put their behaviour down to a personality quirk.<br />
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Back to Joel though. Joel was diagnosed with Autism aged three when certain characteristics were noticed at his preschool and thankfully with their support and now with his Infant schools help Joel is happy and making progress. One key factor with many forms of Autism is that the individual relies on routine and order in many aspects of daily life and if things are different they can become unsettled and upset. So as you can imagine going on a camping trip can seem fraught with potential upsetting scenarios that would put most parents with Autistic children off the entire idea.<br />
Thankfully this is where the Campervan is so useful. Because we use the van all the time even for shopping trips, Joel is used to being in it. Also when we first got the van we spent time playing in it with his toys and older sister and so after a while it just became an extension of home. The big test came on our first camp out just a few miles from home. We packed his favourite food (very important for children with Autism) his favourite toys and with a little trepidation set off....He loved it..especially the freedom of being outside, it even helped him to socialise with other children. It was quite touching when his sister Erin who is only 18 months older than him was explaining to the other children that Joel couldn't speak because he was Autistic.<br />
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Each camping trip we've gone for longer and longer expeditions until last year we spent three weeks touring France and Joel loved it ( so did we).<em> </em>In many ways our camping expeditions have made Joel more able to cope with different routines and even encouraged him to try new activities and foods. So much so that now all Joel wants for breakfast is croissant's.<br />
<a name='more'></a> Sometimes its the fear of doing something different that stops us from trying new things and yet our experience has taught us that if a five year old Autistic boy can do it and have fun...whats stopping you?...Get out there and have fun!Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-60878108770937364632012-05-01T21:02:00.000+01:002012-05-01T21:03:01.136+01:00Homebrewed Campervan.....Lets get something clear when we mention a homebrewed Campervan, that we aren't talking about any illegal moonshine still in the back of a Camper, that's produce would send you blind. Rather we're talking about converting a humble Van or minibus into your home from home on wheels.
As a couple we've always enjoyed camping with family and friends and so when Erin and Joel were born we sort to introduce them to the joys of living outdoors. About four years ago we splashed out on a new "family" dome tent and set off to our favourite destination of Anglesey in North Wales.Though we were well equipped that first night a "summer" storm rolled in and we endured the worst night in our camping lives as the wind and rain battered our tent. Needless to say we got no sleep that night and we looked on in envy at the Campervan pitched near to us that rode out the storm with ease..That day I vowed that the next camping trip would be in a Campervan.
The trouble with campervans especially VW ones is that they are highly sort after and so that is reflected in the prices. Our budget was small and so the only one we could afford was a VW T25 Danbury conversion that we got off Ebay for £1400..To say that it was rusty would be an understatement, but undaunted I vowed to restore her back to glory over a year or so (rolling restoration) Alas it quickly became clear that the rot was deep and my pockets were shallow and after four months I sold her on.
Despite this setback we kept searching until one day we sported a "Ex Taxi" late model VW T25 on Ebay. Clearly unloved but solid she was crying out for some TLC. After parting with £900 and a long journey home at 50mph she sat outside our house and I was grinning like the Cheshire Cat.We drove her around for a while, as we drew up our plans to convert her into a camper After about a month our plans were drawn up and We set about sourcing the bits we would need to build our "bespoke" camper on a paupers budget. Many of the bits came off Ebay ,like the hightop roof , flooring, seat cushions ,sink fridge ect ect. The units and cupboards were modified "Ikea" kitchen units and the front seat were from a VW club member. So as you can see I cast my net far and wide often travelling 100s of miles to collect items.
The key to success in building your own Campervan is research and patience, as building the camper had to fit in with every day life's demands. It was nice to involve the family in building her and it was scary at times (cutting a hole in the roof)but the sense of achievement was immense as it was all my own work.
In took about 6 months to initially finish the Camper which it included painting her using a roller and special paint (I'm serious). The best bit about doing it yourself is the cost..£900 for the Van and then another £1400 over 6 months to convert her. So for £2300 we got our homemade bespoke budget camper and no more storm ravaged sleepless nights.
So if you fancy your own Campervan but can't afford the mega bucks they demand these days, role up your sleaves and have a go yourself. Then one day you will peer out of the the window of your snug Campervan at the poor souls trying to pitch their tents in a howling gale and a warm smugness will make you smile from ear to ear.... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTN_Rh2PXcY/T6BANDDEbrI/AAAAAAAAAL4/97FQPWWQrl0/s1600/DSC00713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTN_Rh2PXcY/T6BANDDEbrI/AAAAAAAAAL4/97FQPWWQrl0/s320/DSC00713.JPG" /></a></div>Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-87223001508810898862012-04-09T21:35:00.000+01:002012-04-09T21:35:24.584+01:00Let there be Light...Last month I was re-upholstering the high top area of the Campervan after many complaints last year of tatty state it was getting in (it is over 22 years old ..tsk) Whilst the roof panels were out I decided to improve the lighting as the existing lighting was ok , but when you slept "up top" you couldn't reach the light switches and it was looking a little dated. I decided to fit some recessed halogen down lighters (12v)which I picked up in the bargain bucket at my local B&Q for the princely sum of £5. A little rewiring and new switches and hey presto .."We have Light"...Next job new door panels!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCmZFW2kXYI/T4NHIFnzlMI/AAAAAAAAAKM/cGCu5-thtuc/s1600/20120322_120112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCmZFW2kXYI/T4NHIFnzlMI/AAAAAAAAAKM/cGCu5-thtuc/s320/20120322_120112.jpg" /></a></div>Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-7420559756480739332012-03-13T21:14:00.004+00:002012-03-13T21:49:25.771+00:00Spring refurbishment....<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NNISb9H9p5Q/T1_AfX5Qt-I/AAAAAAAAAJA/O2tMxUNj_0k/s1600/20120313_164307.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NNISb9H9p5Q/T1_AfX5Qt-I/AAAAAAAAAJA/O2tMxUNj_0k/s200/20120313_164307.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719501697006483426" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PkWG5ZkzQIU/T1_AfGD50cI/AAAAAAAAAI0/N_8ZCTbKLyI/s1600/20120311_155054.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PkWG5ZkzQIU/T1_AfGD50cI/AAAAAAAAAI0/N_8ZCTbKLyI/s200/20120311_155054.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719501692219281858" /></a><br />Now the days are drawing out, I feel inspired to spend more time doing those jobs on the camper which I've been putting off over the dark winter months.Last week I got round to fixing one of those niggly jobs everyone hates ,in this case a dodgy speedo. Now I'm rarely likely to break the speed limit on the motorway, but around town it would be nice to know how "slow" I'm going.It turned out to be a little clip that had dropped off the speedo cable at the hub and cost pennies to fix and all of 5 mins of my time to do and yet I've been without a speedo for 3 months.. (slacker that I am..lol)<br /> Next on the list was the lining of the hightop bed area which was starting to disintegrate and shower very itchy dust on us as we slept. Thankfully they are fairly easy to remove and after a visit to my local upholsters (A campervan owner himself)I returned with a role of vinyl and foam padding and glue...guess what I was doing the rest of the day?..<br /> Hopefully this will all be done by Easter, which if the weather is fair, will be a great time to get away with the family.<br /> Mmm what's next on my list?...interior lights... To be Continued....Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-65537575485214688082011-12-04T21:04:00.002+00:002011-12-04T21:56:25.663+00:00<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-54efTWh-TEo/TtvsdTTBmLI/AAAAAAAAAIM/shPyqk3ZCwU/s1600/DSC00677.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-54efTWh-TEo/TtvsdTTBmLI/AAAAAAAAAIM/shPyqk3ZCwU/s200/DSC00677.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682395342998444210" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGnx1DGjR3o/Ttvsc-kHgzI/AAAAAAAAAIE/yrsn6Fj90RU/s1600/DSC00442.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGnx1DGjR3o/Ttvsc-kHgzI/AAAAAAAAAIE/yrsn6Fj90RU/s200/DSC00442.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682395337432990514" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOg3Hnj582s/TtvsceQeNOI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1RESu_u3hFI/s1600/DSC00369.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lOg3Hnj582s/TtvsceQeNOI/AAAAAAAAAH0/1RESu_u3hFI/s200/DSC00369.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682395328760657122" /></a><br />French Odyssey...part three the Final leg<br /><br />As I write this it is early December and I've just got back from a nights camping high in the Pennines with Club 80-90 and it got me thinking of warmer trips back in the summer.<br />So back to France in August. After breaking camp in the Chateaus vineyard in the Loire valley, we headed south west from Tours down to Poitiers, Niort and across to Rochefort on the coast. From here we are driving through the flat coastal salt marsh's to the little town of Marenes. This is where we would cross the viaduct to the Island of Ile d' Oleron and our destination of La Cotinere. The only problem is that this is the only road onto and off the Island and it was chocker..<br />Once on the Island thing were more relaxed, though French "minor" road are not known for there smoothness, though the kids loved the evasive manoeuvres round the potholes and the roller-coaster rides over the undulations.<br />Our campsite though was perfect, nestling behind the sand dunes under the shade of trees. Once base camp was established we were immediately on the beach right next to the campsite.. The beach was stunning and quiet and for the next two weeks we spent the best holiday of our lives exploring the Island in our camper, eating great food and drinking great (cheap) wine...We didn't want to go home and the kids still talk of the holiday now all these months later.... Will we go back.?...You bet!!Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-39724778677030664842011-08-28T20:54:00.003+01:002011-08-28T22:24:05.029+01:00French Odyssey....part 2<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56VHXFV_z-s/TlqxdvaLxWI/AAAAAAAAAHY/ke5TEBy23-4/s1600/DSC00363.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646020207362950498" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-56VHXFV_z-s/TlqxdvaLxWI/AAAAAAAAAHY/ke5TEBy23-4/s320/DSC00363.JPG" /></a>
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<br /><div>After eating and drinking to our fill at our friends , it was time to hit the road heading southwest to the Loire Valley near Tours on the next leg of our journey. First we stopped for provisions at the largest Carrefour hypermarket in France (big mistake)..In a place the size of a small village they had car parking spaces for thousands of cars, but only four spaces for anything over 2.5m (thats us at 2.6m)..I must have driven round dozens of times whilst Laura went through the slowest checkout in Europe. Anyhow after our false start we were soon on our way on a mixture of main roads and toll motorways. Now toll booths are fun as most are automated and the calculate the cost based on the size of your vehicle (loads of sensors).. and they have two payment slots one at car level and one at truck level. You can guess which one it wanted us to use, this involved Laura leaning out of the window and contorting herself just to reach the payment slot (not good for your back). Despite these niggles we had a steady journey of about 180 miles to " Chateau Nitray" in the Loire valley.</div>
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<br /><div>The Chateau was part of the "France Passion" scheme, where each year you buy a book with thousands of farms/ vineyards ect listed, which allow campervans to stay overnight FREE. This Chateau had its own vineyard (where we camped) and of course sold their own label wine. Before long Laura was rustling up dinner whilst me and Joel checked out the "shop"....Some wine tasting ensued and I staggerd back to the van with a few bottles of their finest produce. A very mellow evening ensued as the sun set over the vineyard with some rather comical attempts of climbing into the hightop for some much needed zzz's. Part 3 .... the final Leg will follow.</div></div>
<br />Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1622249351083610325.post-51024125810210248502011-08-23T21:51:00.004+01:002011-08-23T23:34:43.952+01:00French Odyssey....Part 1<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-biBO3Kjzlek/TlQobZFC3HI/AAAAAAAAAHI/aEMlUpBpfeg/s1600/DSC00336.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644180684055698546" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-biBO3Kjzlek/TlQobZFC3HI/AAAAAAAAAHI/aEMlUpBpfeg/s200/DSC00336.JPG" /></a>
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<br /><div>After many months planning and a mixture of excitement and trepidation the Campervan was loaded with all manner of paraphernalia to keep the four of us fed and entertained for the next three weeks as we began our French odyssey. Our destination was the island of I'll D' Olleron, just off the south west coast of France some 800 miles away.</div>
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<br /><div>So as not to make the journey to arduous for Erin and Joel (and us) we planed to take three or four days getting there, two weeks on the Island and three days getting back. The first leg of the journey was down to the Channel tunnel some 248 miles from home, which ain't a quick trip at 55mph. Why so slow I hear you ask?..Self preservation. A few weeks previous routine checks on the van showed that the gearbox was on its way out, but there was not enough time to book a rebuild in. So a steady 55mph didn't put to much strain on it since we were hauling 2.5 tons . </div>
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<br /><div>We did cheat the first night staying in a travel lodge (less hassle). But bright and early the next morning we boarded the Channel Tunnel train bound for Calais. If you've never been on the Chunnel , it's quite an experience whizzing at 120 mph whilst sitting in your van and in 30 mins we were in France.</div>
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<br /><div>Our destination for our second night was Chambourcy ,southwest of Paris where some family friends lived and where we had been invited to stop over. We opted to take the motorways ( which are mainly Toll) as it would get us there with minimum hassle. Now French motorways are great as compared to Britain they are so quiet even it dose cost about 1.5 euros per 10 miles to travel on them....Oh and a Sat Nav is a great asset, especially when going through towns, if you've not got one ...get one you won't regret it and it saves many arguments with your nearest and dearest.</div>
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<br /><div>Part 2 to follow................ </div></div>
<br />Mark Beresfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05045124256021728549noreply@blogger.com1