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Post by Sorento 08 on Oct 13, 2020 13:13:31 GMT
Update today Had a text message from the Mobile AWS guy to say he has been in touch with Alko and is coming over on Saturday morning to remove the Axle. I will give him a hand as it will take 2 people. He has arranged with Alko to collect the axle next week. So at last things are beginning to move. Just hope it is back in time for me to get the van over to Alde on the 9th Nov for them to look at the reason for the boiler to kettle on EHU.
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Post by Sorento 08 on Oct 11, 2020 14:57:21 GMT
Well the saga goes on Had a call from the engineer last Wednesday (while he was in Hospital waiting to go down for an operation, that is commitment) to say he had received email from Al-Ko offering him the parts to replace the Stub Axle, but he has declined saying during his usual re-training session 18 months ago the removal and replacement of this part is strictly factory including a copy of the training booklet showing the advice, Al-Ko replied saying the whole axle needs to be returned to factory. During this time I have sent 2 emails asking if I need to cancel my future bookings and when I might expect the repair to be completed, I still wait for a reply. I must admit I am not impressed with Al-Ko ignoring my emails. I have copies of the emails they have sent to the AWS engineer and must say a 3 year old could write better and they never leave the name of who sent the reply, neither have they allocated a claim number. I am hoping the AWS engineer is back to work next week and the axle can be removed and the van sat on axle stands on the drive. Now Alde are totally the opposite, I had an email from Alde (Man Dir) asking me to call him on the Monday morning as Coachman had passed on my concerns regarding the "kettle" effect going on in the boiler when on EHU. I called him on the Monday and he wanted the van in to his factory the next day for investigations, unfortunately I had to tell him I have an issue with the axle so the van is not roadworthy, we have provisionally set 9th November for the van to go in (done before I knew it would take up to 4 weeks at factory for the axle), he is not convinced it is the fluid as this is pre-mixed at the fluid manufacturer before sending to Coachman Alde still go into Coachman to test the fluid every 8 weeks. He thinks it could be a sensor in the boiler, or worse still could be a dis-placed baffle plate inside the boiler, if that is the problem then they will fit a new boiler while I wait. So really hoping Al-Ko take less time than estimated, plus we are not locked down again or this could take forever.
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Post by Sorento 08 on Sept 29, 2020 10:48:32 GMT
First service and all going well until the AWS Mobile guy told me the Alde fluid is -23c instead of -35c, that would explain why my boiler was "kettling" when heating up the hot water, Alde had suggested this might be the problem when I contacted them earlier, who told me to check the fluid, then he came to the offside wheel (last one), while removing the one shot nut it picked up on the last few threads, stripping them off the axle shaft, he did manage to replace the old nut onto the shaft and torqued up to the correct value, so he contacted Alko who said the usual send photos and claim, so that looks like the van is now to sit on the drive until Alko confirm if it is safe to move. So much for booking our next break in a couple of weeks. Sent dealer email with the facts and see if Coachman are prepared to refund the fluid replacement, not holding my breath on that one. Over the past 40 odd years of caravanning I have never experienced axle thread being shredded by the nut. The joys of modern vanning. Clock now ticking to see how long and where Alko will rectify the issue.
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Post by Sorento 08 on Sept 24, 2020 18:30:13 GMT
Toilet Chemical and Fresh Water Point Self Catering Bungalow
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Post by Sorento 08 on Sept 24, 2020 18:28:37 GMT
Firtree CC CL (Adults Only) Stripe Lane Hartwith Pateley Bridge HG3 3HA CL Owner: Mrs V Bradley Date visited – Sept 2020 Unit - Car/Caravan/Awning/EHU Price per night - £15.00 incl Earliest arrival - after 12.00 Open: All year This is an adult only site with grass pitches each having 10amp EHU, fresh water tap and grey water waste and has spectacular views over Nidderdale in ¾ acre, levelling blocks will be needed on the CL pitches (provided for you, if you need them). The site leads directly onto the Nidderdale Way with footpaths and bridleways. It is within walking distance to Brimham Rocks and close to Fountains Abbey, Ripley Castle and Pateley Bridge. 4 additional hard-standing pitches away from the CL on the top section each having fresh water and 10amp EHU are available when the weather is wet. Rubbish bin is located in one of the barns. The road leading to the site is narrow with few passing places, fortunately, we did not come across anything too big, site entry is wide enough. There is also a holiday cottage available. When we arrived, the CL was very wet, so the owner offered us to go onto the CL or site on the little car park opposite the toilet, which we decided to take, we were so pleased that we chose that as the site got very wet during the days we were there. Eventually the owner had to cancel visitors for the next couple of weeks to allow the site to dry out; they are considering adding hard standing to the CL section for the next season. The toilet was immaculate and hand sanitiser was supplied at the door. DVD’s and books available free to watch and read. We were recommended to visit the Butchers on the top of Pateley Bridge, especially for their pies, we were certainly impressed. Coffee shops were scattered about the village too, despite Covid -19 most people were observing the distance rules wherever possible. A nice walk along the river through the park, (with bandstand) at the bottom end of the village. Car parking fees are very reasonable and plenty of spaces. We would definitely visit this site again. Site Plan View of CL grass pitches Fully Serviced Toilet and additional Hard Standings
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Post by Sorento 08 on Sept 23, 2020 21:40:13 GMT
Showers and Toilet Recycle and Fresh Water Tap Chemical Toilet Empty Point
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Post by Sorento 08 on Sept 23, 2020 21:37:11 GMT
Woldsway CC CL (Adults Only) Goodmanham Market Weighton YO43 3LT CL Owner: Mrs J Stephenson Date visited – Sept 2020 Unit - Car/Caravan/Awning/EHU Price per night - £15.00 incl Earliest arrival - after 12.00 (Adults Only) Open: All year This site is all grass pitches. With all the EHU points along one side of the field, which means if you want to pitch along the farm house road, then you will need a couple of hook up leads. The site is sloping and very uneven, but the views are excellent, the owner allows friends to stop in the enclosed paddock at the bottom of the site. There is also a self-catering converted barn for hire for friends or relatives that campers may want to stay nearby. The site is well off the road so offers no light pollution, but the owner does have a security light that is on during the night, which shines into the field, so not fully dark. Facilities were closed due to Covid-19, the Owner had placed hand sanitiser at the CL site gate and next to the Chemical toilet point and fresh water point, pity everyone did not use them. The Goodmanham Arms Ale House with its own micro brewery and home-cooked food and close to the Wolds Way which runs from the banks of the Humber to Filey Brigg, just under 80 miles of walking in the lovely chalk landscape of the Yorkshire Wolds. Also close by is The Hudson Way Trail a pleasant easy 10 mile walk along the old railway track through the heart of the Wolds from Market Weighton to Beverley. Tesco supermarket and petrol station can be found in Market Weighton. Access roads to site are narrow with limited passing places, the 0.6 mile road to site from the road has no passing places, We chose this site as it was Adults only and off the beaten track so expected peace and quiet, with the exception of usual farm noises. Sadly owners of the dogs put paid to that, with constant barking being encouraged, and allowing them to run wild around the site, we were the only van on site that had no dogs (sadly lost many years ago), we even had a calling card left by one of them near to our car, but did not see which one was the offender. The owner is very friendly and welcoming, and had a carefree attitude to how you site your van. Due to and only because of the intrusive noise experienced, we would not return to this site. Site Plan CL Site Entrance
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Post by Sorento 08 on Sept 23, 2020 21:31:20 GMT
Information Cabin and Entrance gate Refuse point, Chemical and fresh water point
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Post by Sorento 08 on Sept 23, 2020 21:29:35 GMT
Pippins Park CC CL Christon Bank Alnwick NE66 3EU www.pippinspark.co.ukCL Owner: Mr & Mrs J Atkin Date visited – Sept 2020 Unit - Car/Caravan/Awning/EHU Price per night - £18.00 incl Earliest arrival - after 12.00 Open: All year This site was opened in 2016 and within 2 miles of the coast, by road, but can be reached on foot over the adjoining fields. Each pitch is on hard standing with EHU point, pitches are well spaced. The site is right next to a rather busy road, which we found intrusive from 7.00am. Also it is very close to the train main line from Edinburgh, and right near to the site trains sound their horns from 06.30 each morning, until about 11pm, again we found this to be intrusive, one funny point, while I was topping up the water butt from a smaller container most of it went on the floor as one train sounded the horn while passing. The owners are very friendly and welcoming. We stayed here so we could visit Cragside NT house (booked online the Friday before we went) sadly due to Covid -19 restrictions, the house was closed, but the cafe and shop was open. The 6 mile Carriage Drive is worth doing as you can stop off at different locations in the estate and have your picnic. Seahouses (about 7 miles from site) is worth a visit too, offering boat trips, if you drive through the town and head out towards Bamburgh Castle, you will (if space allows), be able to park up on the side of the road for unlimited time and free, many Motor-homers were using this. Continue on this road and you will find Bamburgh Castle, again, due to Covid-19 and at the time we were here restricted numbers were allowed in. Due to and only because of the intrusive noise we would not return to this site. Site Plan Entrance to Site
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Post by Sorento 08 on Sept 23, 2020 21:23:17 GMT
Hi Mike, Could you please add the following.
3 nights at £15.00 pn towed total 110 miles Firtree CC CL Adults Only. (Review to follow later) 7 nights at £18.00 pn towed total 130 miles Pippins Park CC CL. (Review to follow later) 7 nights at £15.00 pn towed total 186 miles Woldsway CC CL Adults Only. (Review to follow later) And then 110 miles towed home. Thanks Paul
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Post by Sorento 08 on Aug 31, 2020 20:53:19 GMT
Additional photos of site amenities. Refuse, Chemical point (with Hand Sanitiser) and Wi-Fi booster Water tap in 2nd Paddock (with hand Sanitiser) Site plan
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Post by Sorento 08 on Aug 31, 2020 20:49:43 GMT
Date visited - August 2020 Unit - Car/Caravan Price per night - £18.00 incl Arrival time is after 12.00 noon. This is a Caravan Club CL (Members, Adults only & No dogs). 5, very large hard standing pitches are split into 2 paddocks, the first paddock has 2 pitches with the waste bins and chemical toilet disposal point with 1 water tap and Wi-Fi booster (free use) the other has 3 pitches and a water tap, each pitch has EHU point, we were on pitch 5 which struggle with Wi-Fi signal. Access into the site is down a narrow lane, at the time of our visit, the hedging could do with a trim making the lane a little wider. You need to go through the centre white gate, then through another gate along the drive into the first paddock. The site has approx 8ft hedging providing some protection against the very strong winds we experienced. This site has no toilet facilities or drive over motor home wastewater point. Public footpaths are adjacent. Some noise could be heard from aircraft taking off and landing at Bristol Airport plus the odd train, but we did not find it too intrusive. Two green woodpeckers (Adult and Juvenile) came onto our pitch looking for food. The owners are very nice and helpful. We would certainly recommend this site, and would visit again. Site Entrance 1st Paddock (2 vans) 2nd Paddock (3 vans) (Additional photos to follow due to max Att per post)
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Post by Sorento 08 on Aug 27, 2020 15:46:09 GMT
Hi Mike, Can you please put me down for 9 nights at £16 pn Towed 320 miles Stayed at Orchard Bank CL CC (Adults only) Site report will follow later after we have completed our mini tour towards the middle of September. (This visit report has now been added).
Thanks Paul
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Post by Sorento 08 on Jul 31, 2020 17:30:06 GMT
Update to this review from 31.07.20 The owners are in the process of changing their Animal and wild life bird feed shop to a deli and the other outbuildings to a bakery, so campers will be able to buy products from a butcher, baker and deli. We never bought from the Butcher this time but other campers have and said it is quality food. Covid-19 guidelines are in place so please make sure you take your face coverings, and when using the site water, Elsan and waste bin make sure you have hand sanitiser/wipes.
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Post by Sorento 08 on Jul 31, 2020 17:10:53 GMT
Hi Mike could you please add 5 nights at £12pn Towed 45 miles Woodmill Farm CL Adults Only. (will update the review) Great to get out again, Looking forward to 3 weeks time, (that is if the idiots start to listen to the advice of the scientists and government. )
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Post by Sorento 08 on Jul 16, 2020 21:49:08 GMT
We are due to go away last week in August then into September. Been watching the R rate locally, which is good so far. being one who has been "asked" to stay at home, was thinking we might go to our local CL in Staffordshire (about 15 miles away) and use gloves etc but like Mike bit cautious, we wont make our minds up until my consultant has called me with my blood results on Thursday and when my meds are delivered after (finger crossed) One good thing come out of this is MOT for both our cars have been extended to 18th January 2021.... Must say wife and I are ready... Stay safe everyone.. Everyone should stay at home from 27th July for 4 nights, the wife called the CL close by (Woodmill Farm CC CL) and booked the 4 nights this afternoon, so it will RAIN Interesting while on the phone, the owners went through the revised requirements (Covid 19) where we can and can not go on the farm, plus how they want us to use the fresh water tap and Elsan point, the information we were given was basic stuff for us, as I have to be careful anyway (and do take hygiene seriously), but still good that this CL owner is taking this seriously so as to give campers some re-assurance, so long as everyone does their bit. Stay safe when we all start to get back to some sort of "normality". Paul
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Post by Sorento 08 on Jul 14, 2020 14:05:19 GMT
We are due to go away last week in August then into September. Been watching the R rate locally, which is good so far. being one who has been "asked" to stay at home, was thinking we might go to our local CL in Staffordshire (about 15 miles away) and use gloves etc but like Mike bit cautious, we wont make our minds up until my consultant has called me with my blood results on Thursday and when my meds are delivered after (finger crossed) One good thing come out of this is MOT for both our cars have been extended to 18th January 2021....
Must say wife and I are ready...
Stay safe everyone..
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Post by Sorento 08 on Jun 15, 2020 12:40:10 GMT
You did well there Mike Not sure I would have liked to move my van round some of those roads.
Paul
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Post by Sorento 08 on Jun 12, 2020 19:25:21 GMT
Fingers crossed. Though we will not be rushing to go away. Still very weary of a second wave. Mike Hi Mike, We are in the same mind as you, I have been Shielding what feels like ages, but recently I received a call from my oncologist and GP saying I could go for a short walk in the fields close by, but that is it. But will wait until at least the end of July. We moved one of our cancelled stays near Bristol to end of August so will stay at home until then closely watching the numbers, as we use CL's I do not see a big problem plus we will only be walking. I can see we will be glared at by locals when we start getting out and about. Take care Paul
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Post by Sorento 08 on Jun 10, 2020 8:24:29 GMT
Club statement following the UK Government announcement - update
The recent statement by the UK Government on the gradual easing of the current lockdown restrictions was welcome news, however, the Government advice still does not currently give the dates that campsites and touring sites are able to reopen and is conditional on further progress being made.
We will continue to liaise with Visit Britain, Tourism Alliance and British Holiday and Home Parks Association to ensure best practice operating, cleansing and safety protocols are developed for when we are able to reopen.
At this time we are planning on the assumption that we will be able to introduce a phased reopening of our campsites from 4 July. We will be opening most of our Club sites in England and we are waiting on Government advice for campsites in Scotland and Wales. Find out more about which campsites will be reopening for 2020.
We look forward to receiving the full briefing documents from the Government (and devolved Governments) which will enable us to make firmer plans for reopening the UK sites network.
We will, of course, ensure members are made aware of any changes or alterations to this position and we would ask you to regularly check the website for updates. Please call our contact centre only if you have an urgent enquiry.
Overseas travel Our overseas travel and worldwide holidays team are working closely with key partners internationally to understand likely timescales for the resumption of holiday travel. Many European and Worldwide Authorities have issued guidance on their own overseas and domestic travel arrangements and we are continuing to evaluate these.
Storage sites At this time our storage facilities remain closed. We will contact all of our storage customers directly with updated information should the advice from Government change. We would ask that you wait until we have contacted you directly and therefore not contact our sites or our contact centre in advance of receiving your email.
We will provide further information in the coming days. Please continue to visit the website for the latest updates. The Club wishes everyone happy touring in the future, until then, please stay alert, control the virus, save lives.
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