Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

andyrr1971 · Joined: 28 May 2012 Posts: 40

Hi, I wondered if anyone knows of a caravan club for older caravans? I have been told quite strongly on occasions in the past by several members of the historic caravan club that non of my vans are 'classics', of interest within the club, nor welcome at their rallies or other classic caravan displays. I was also told by the organisers of our local steam rally (Lincoln) that my van was of no interest and there was not space for anything like that.
Surely there must be other people interested in more recent caravans. Personally though I love the early vans, I neither have the money, nor the available suitable storage for a fragile masonite/ canvas van from the 30s. Perhaps someone can guide me towards a suitable group or club.

Brian M · Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2012 8:09 am Post subject:

The HCC have a very strict pre 1960 caravan rule for membership.

There is the Period and Classic Caravan Club that I think is still in existence although their website hasn't been updated for two years. There are committee member names on the website so a letter to them might work.

You don't say what caravan you have. There are many one-make classic caravan clubs - some more active than others. I run the Classic Safari Owners group , but there are similar groups for Cheltenhams, Royales, Thompsons, Sprites, Sterlings, Carlights and I am sure more.

There are several multi-make Facebook Groups for Classic caravans "My Cool Caravan" is one that is particularly active. If you have a classic caravan that is not catered for by one of the clubs/groups and go on one of the multi-make groups, owners of the same brand will be in touch very quickly.
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Brian
1970 Volvo Amazon and 1978 Safari 15-4 Caravan
Classic Safari Forum: www.classicsafaris.co.uk

D4B · Joined: 28 Dec 2010 Posts: 2083 Location: Hampshire UK

darren7303 · Joined: 28 May 2012 Posts: 23

You don't say how old any of your caravans are.

Whist the HCC does state 1960, we have joined with a 1966 Stirling and have had no problems either with joining the HCC or displaying at the local steam rallies with them.

Did this particular steam fair even have a section for historic/classic caravans? We have just come back from Masham Steam Fair and this was the first year they had classic caravans there. It could just be that this fair is not interested in caravans at all and you have been unlucky.

andyrr1971 · Joined: 28 May 2012 Posts: 40

Thankyou for the reply's. I have looked at individual makes clubs in the past, however i've found them to either have no knowledge, or interest in older vans (eccles/ stertling - sprite). Both of which were very polite and quick in replying, but suggested I joined the historic club. I have joined a couple of individual makes clubs in the past however those clubs tended to do very little and as a younger member I was not made to feel particularly welcome. From what I understand the best supported and most active clubs seem to be the Royale and safari clubs, neither of which unfortunately are makes I have.

The rally I mentioned had a classic caravan section last year and have again this year (i have a friend who is displaying).

I have seen the 'cool caravanning' group on facebook and met a couple of people through it, however the group does not actually run any rallies and it is sometimes a little too kath kidston. 90s caravans dressed up in fake retro materials don't really appeal to me, though I can see that each to their own and why shouldn't people do what they want?

I was hoping someone could suggest a club, group or event where I might find people with a similar interest to myself.

Perhaps someone on here has a contact number for the period and classic club?

emmerson · Joined: 30 Sep 2008 Posts: 1268 Location: South East Wales

What make and year are your caravans?

andyrr1971 · Joined: 28 May 2012 Posts: 40

1960 sprite musketeer, 1962 sprite musketeer and 1965 car cruiser.

Dalek63 · Joined: 15 Aug 2009 Posts: 490 Location: North Cornwall

You need to join the Period and classic caravan club. we are members and have found the club to be friendly and helpful. Our club takes all caravans made before 1980, so yours fit in a treat. We have a 1960 Car Cruiser Clubman 300. The 30th National club rally is on 15th to the 20th August all members are welcome, so join up and come along.
Phone Ted and Susan Yates 01964 536176 for membership details.
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I can resist anything except temptation ! ( Oscar Wilde)
"Don't try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." ( Mark Twain)
http://www.period-classic-caravan-club.co.uk/

Swampthing · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2012 12:37 am Post subject:

Lincoln is a bit of a funny show for classic caravans, You coming to Stapleford Andy, can explain about it to you there there , Also Ted and Sue are a wonderful couple and you will find them a delight to talk to regards joining the PCCC. and the other thing with Ted and Sue , they don't suffer with ageism or members having young children, like some of the others that don't seem to like anybody in the clubs unless you are nearing or have reached retirement age, A thing that I have come across and seen for myself.
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The Oldtimers · Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 83

Hello Andy. Your vans are more than eligible for the PCCC (of which we are membership secretary).

We hold four rallies a year in the Yorkshire area.

Regards the HCC, it does depend on what other vans are on display at rallies, and who is the marshal. We rallied for years with our sixties vans, perhaps you have just been unfortunate. I can pm you with details of the marshalls for HCC if you would like.

Swampthing, thank you for your wonderful compliments, which I return. Now can we have our Stirling back?

andyrr1971 · Joined: 28 May 2012 Posts: 40

Hi, again thankyou for the messages. I will get in touch with the period and classic club as it sounds like that is the most suitable one for me.
Yes we will be a stapleford, though not sure which van yet as i'd like to bring the 62 musketeer, but it might have to find a new home as I've just been halfway across the country today to collect yet another car cruiser, though i'm not sure if I will have chance to sort that in time.

Dalek63 · Joined: 15 Aug 2009 Posts: 490 Location: North Cornwall

Another Car Cruiser ??? What model, year? Always like to hear about other Cruisers. Oh and whats the 1965 Cruiser model ? Will have to have a chin wag at the national.
_________________
I can resist anything except temptation ! ( Oscar Wilde)
"Don't try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." ( Mark Twain)
http://www.period-classic-caravan-club.co.uk/

andyrr1971 · Joined: 28 May 2012 Posts: 40

A 1960 car cruiser carousel 4 berth 14ft. The other van is a cambridge. What id really like to find is a 16ft carousel or a mayfair.

Dalek63 · Joined: 15 Aug 2009 Posts: 490 Location: North Cornwall

Cambridge's are pretty rare and very nice caravans. Might we see it at the National?
_________________
I can resist anything except temptation ! ( Oscar Wilde)
"Don't try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." ( Mark Twain)
http://www.period-classic-caravan-club.co.uk/

Swampthing · Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2012 1:08 am Post subject:

I will tell you, Sue. they will bury me in that Stirling. Manda wants me to look at a 10 foot Stirling, but like thats going to happen !!, I like , no make that love the one we had of you and Ted., Oh , and regardless of what any manuals tel you I ran it over a w/bridge a while back, with a Full gas bottle, awning, pots and pans and spare wheel (no display items, clothes, food or bedding)1480kgs. no wonder Manda and me struggle to push it on site. and it used to make the Zephyr Estate wag its tail over 40mph.
And Andy, Bring what ever caravan you like to Stapleford, its always a pleasure to see you and your Family.
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Nobody saw me do it, you can't prove a thing!!