A DVD about caravans from the UK

A DVD about caravans from the UK Apr 28, 2006 20:16:30 GMT 10

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Post by Jim on Apr 28, 2006 20:16:30 GMT 10

This post is a bit long, I hope this doesn’t go past your attention span.

I came across a double DVD pack for sale in the UK of ‘The Caravan Show’
It’s ten episodes of a TV program that aired in the UK recently.

It arrived a couple of days ago and it’s great viewing.
The presenter, Alex Riley does a good job at keeping the humour rolling along

There is over four hours in total and while much of the program content is about new vans and tourist spots around the UK and Europe, this is interesting in the comparison between caravan parks over there and parks here.

Also of note is that vans are often much larger on a single axle that you’d find in Oz.
A reflection of different road conditions maybe..

The difference between caravan parks in UK/Europe and Australia is noticeable in how ‘organized’ they are overseas and how everything seems so regulated… almost regimented.
I suppose it has to be that way when the population is maybe 20 times as many in about the same area.

The best bits are some very interesting segments about old caravans, restoration projects, ‘way out’ pods (teardrops) and many tips from restorers and repairers that are worth noting.

One amazing van restoration is a two story Berkeley Statesman van built in the early 50’s (Yes, a two story caravan)
Another segment is about Airstream Vans imported to the UK and given the upgrade treatment.

To quote parts of the advertising blurb:

“Many regard caravans as merely a way of bringing the A330 to a total standstill in the rain sodden months the British laughingly call summer, but not anymore – Caravans have again become (officially) fashionable”

“These programs humorously show the remarkable transformation of rotting hulks, meet engaging individuals who have made caravans a way of life (side show travellers with incredible vans) and take the viewer on enigmatic road trips to fantastic locations in ‘classic’ caravans.”

It’s impossible to mention all the aspects of the older van content and restorations, but a few things stands out..

Gas or oil heaters are very common in vans (new and old), a reflection of the climate.

Many old vans had small coal heaters, baths and toilets.

One floor replacement in an old van involved four layers:
Tongue and groove boards (glued and screwed)
Insulation
Ply
Carpet
This would also be a reflection of the climate.

If you are interested in this two DVD set go to:
www.greenumbrella.co.uk
and click on:
* Special Interest
Then click..
* Motor Cars/Motoring

It’s a Region 0 and plays on both a Region 4 and a multi Region player I’ve tried, as well as my computer.

Green Umbrella were very quick and incredibly efficient in processing and sending the DVD’s.
It cost me $39.00 by C/Card after exchange conversion and international bank fees.

Below is the cover and links to some clips (all considered ‘fair dealing’ as a sale’s review as far as copyright I hope)

It’s a lovely little van on the cover.. I like the flower box on the window, that could look good on many old vans..

A DVD about caravans from the UK

Post by Jim on Apr 28, 2006 20:16:30 GMT 10

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