Goodbye to caravanning

[colin(bridgend)]

Once again thank you all for your kind words (that is except Lord B.

). Emmerson you are correct in referring to Wales as God's Own Country and Bridgend is classed as the Mecca of the West.

The sites that bring back many happy thoughts are Widend at Marldon, Devon, Lucksall at Hereford and a third site whose name escapes me at present - between Shrewsbury and Wrexham. It was a beautifull quiet relaxing site set in grounds of what once must have been a country estate. Other sites are Pear Tree Farm Wareham Dorset and Camp Du Letty in Benodet. This site is fantastic - next to a clean undeveloped beach with excellent facilities and attractive country surroundings. We used to go to Beverley Park in Devon when the children were young and came with us but for the past few years being just the wife and self we prefer the quiet sites and not the all singing, all dancing sites. Might just be our age

Caravan now booked in for annual service on 7th. February so will be available after that date - all things being OK with the service. Our problem being is whether to sell the van and all the kit as one job lot or to sell it seperately. Other problem what price to ask for the van and equipment - haven't had this problem previously as previous vans we have owned for quite a few years so were at the cheaper end of the market when we sold them. This van is just over 3 years old and was purchased new.

 

[Damian]

Quote "Other problem what price to ask for the van and equipment"
One way of finding out is to ring a few dealers and ask how much a van as yours you would have to pay to purchase?

Sadly you will be taking quite a hit due to the VAT factor alone, but the van should hold its price pretty well.
I seem to remember a post a while ago that suggested a loss of about 25% for the van.

The other equpiment is what someone is willing to pay for it,,,,se what prices are like on EBay for an idea.

 

[Parksy]

The Used Caravan Price Guide might give you a rough idea of prices Colin and you could also try looking at adverts for similar caravans to your own which are for sale. Tot up the price of the accessories, awning etc and try to arrive at a fair figure allowing for their age and previous use, a well looked after caravan with everything needed to start caravanning is a very attractive buy and at this time of year you should have no problem in selling your outfit.

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

Emmerson you are correct in referring to Wales as God's Own Country and Bridgend is classed as the Mecca of the West.

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Best laff I've had for ages

OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

I've wet myself

 

[Lord Braykewynde]

The sites that bring back many happy thoughts are Widend at Marldon, Devon, Lucksall at Hereford and a third site whose name escapes me at present - between Shrewsbury and Wrexham.

Ahhhhhhhh, now you're talking about GOC

Wot!!!!!!!!! no favourite sites in Wales Colyn ap Brydgynd?

 

[LMH]

Hi Colin

Sorry to hear you are giving up but I do understand your reasons. It's something that will come to all of us eventually. I am sure you and your lovely wife will find other nice places and accommodation to have breaks.

Although I guess over the years you and I have had differing opinions on some subjects but you have always been a true gentleman. Pity there's not more of the old school people like you around.

Anyway, if you ever find yourself around Cumbria, the first Thursday in June, come and see me at Abbleby Horse Fair. I can be found near or in the river. I have an Appleby Horse Fair facebook page now with a 1000 members on it. So you could always join that if your/re bored.

Good luck with the sale of your van and accessories. I'm not sure if you might get more selling the accessories separately or not. You need to think about that one, maybe get a price for the van, then add your accessories up and have two prices? The hassle will be if you decided to sell the accessories separately, because it might mean several adverts, and several visits by people if you get what I mean.

You don't have to stop posting on here, you've got a wealth of experience and i know how you loved your caravanning trips, particularly with your granddaughter.

Take care Colin.

Lisa xx

 

[Surfer]

Although we have only been out twice in our recently purchased second hand caravan, we are now seriously considering selling up. When you take into account storage fees + insurance + site fees increase + VAT increase + fuel costs + servicing = poor or no bank balance. When you are on a low income plus health issue caravanning becomes unsustainable. If we sell, this time we will definitley be selling the accessories seperately to the cost of the caravan.

 

[trevor123]

Sorry to hear about your wife but all you can do is remember the good/bad time you both had over the years,
Trevor123

 

[Dustydog]

Although we have only been out twice in our recently purchased second hand caravan, we are now seriously considering selling up. When you take into account storage fees + insurance + site fees increase + VAT increase + fuel costs + servicing = poor or no bank balance. When you are on a low income plus health issue caravanning becomes unsustainable. If we sell, this time we will definitley be selling the accessories seperately to the cost of the caravan.

That's a real shame Surfer. I couldn't imagine not having the caravan. I was lucky to have packed up the fags some years ago and that money still goes into the holiday fund.
I don't think International travel is any cheaper but I do know my late dad had many a good coach holiday with Lochs and Glens coach tours. I think he also did a Shearings and some local coach firm. Mum and he were too old to fly.
Well I do hope you don't miss the caravan too much. I suppose a long term seasonal is no use to you?

 

[Surfer]

We did consider a seasonal site, but none available around us and there is no way we could afford to pay £800 plus up front unless we did not caravan at all for at least a year. Its just getting too expensive!

 

[plotter]

This is the third and last attempt to post a reply on here that doesn't dissappear into the ether:-

Colin me old mate sorry to hear that the health of your other half Myrna means that you are giving up caravanning but as you have gone to seasonal pitches then perhaps you already had.LOL

We too are giving serious thought to doing the same because we have only used the van twice in the last 2 years.Now that we are both back at work after my wifes cancer we are finding it difficult to get annual leave at the same times.Which is strange after 36 years of 'vanning'

In any event I hope Myrna gets better and that you continue to post on here in case we need to revive Smokaloo PLC.

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Hi All - thank you all for the kind words and your best wishes for Myrna's health. Just to inform you that the caravan was sold yesterday so now we are at present at home with no escape into a world of relaxation and stress free enjoyment. I hope each and every one of you have a jolly good future in your caravan and that no matter how far you travel it be a safe and happy trip. Good luck to you all and enjoy your van while you can.

 

[OmOnWeelz]

It's always sad when people have to give up a long term persuit.
Keep safe and well.

 

[forestgump]

as you know colin i dont come on this forum much these days only to help old freinds like kev (if i can ) if you and your good lady feel the need to get away send parksy a e mail to me , and you can use my van as i know you are a good caravaner i wont worry to much.I am more than happy for you to loan my van if you like to get a way no charge if you have not got a tow car any more i am sure i could help you out i know i can trust a caravaner like you some may say risky but i dont think so dont be a stranger here.GUMP.

 

[Gagakev]

What a super gesture from FG, it has just put a lump in my throat, you see there are still people in this day and age who have got a heart. Well done Forest.
Colin good luck in whatever you decide to do.

 

[colin(bridgend)]

Mr. F.G. may I thnk you for your kind and wonderful offer of the loan of your van. It is very much appreciated. I will be honest that Myrna at present does not feel up to any form of holiday as she has now also torn the tendons in her thumb - goodness knows how she has done that - she is at present well and truely in the wars. However if I may keep your offer in mind and get back to you at a later date it would be very much appreciated. Thank you on behalf of Myrna and myself.

 

[Soozeeg]

Colin, it's very naughty of you to have caused Myrna to damage her thumb through the strain of keeping you where you belong

.
I hope she's better soon.

Forest, that was an amazingly kind and thoughtful gesture, something of a rarity these days. And especially when it was made to someone you hardly know.
Your van will be ok if Colin does decide to take you up on your offer. Although I've never actually met Colin in the flesh (or even clothed

), we've known each other for a long time and have corresponded a lot (still do). Colin is a true gentleman and was very kind and gallant to me/on my behalf at a time in the distant past when I was having some problems. He will treat your van with the same respect he treats everything else.

 

[Beachball]

Hi Coln I am a new member sorry to hear about your wife. but after reading your story can fully understand both of your feelings. I had to retire aged 36yrs due to health issues, but found caravanning a perfect way to still have holidays and accomodate my own health issues. About five years ago we felt that had to completely give up an enjoyable part of our lives and sold the van. After six months of lodges and cottages we discovered that caravanning actually enabled us to have the flexibility to continue. The trick is to find the van and visit the places and travel the distance so that you can still enjoy it. Just know that caravanning is something that we will be doing [in various ways] until we have run out of options, I just want to wish you and your wife all the best for the future and my story enables you to make an informed choice on your future plans