Club Blog

It’s a brutal message that doesn’t sit comfortably with our relaxed holiday pastime, but the reality is a lit charcoal barbecue gives off enough carbon monoxide (CO) to kill – even if it’s not hot enough to cook on.

Over the last year the Club has been at the forefront of a camping safety campaign and I’ve had the privilege of being involved. It’s been tough at times, especially when I spent an afternoon with Danielle –14-year-old Hannah Thomas-Jones’s mum. Hannah died in May 2012 after the family put their barbecue into the porch area of the tent overnight. Danielle is an amazing lady and the power of her testimony underlined the need for an awareness campaign. The family knew nothing about the dangers of carbon monoxide from a barbecue before Hannah’s death.

Wouldn’t it be great if 2013 marked the first year that no-one said: “I didn’t know that”? And as a result no-one felt groggy – or worse – after breathing in the colourless, odourless gas that is carbon monoxide from a charcoal barbecue?

If you read my previous blog post a couple of weeks ago, you’ll have no doubt read about my excitement following my trip to Manchester to attend the Caravan and Motorhome show.

And I’m pleased to report that the initial buzz amongst members of the public surrounding a caravan or motorhome holiday in 2013 seemingly continues to gather pace, especially given the notable attendance at both the Scottish Caravan Motorhome and Holiday Home Show in 2013 and the Spring Caravan and Camping Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

Having attended both events for a couple of days I can report a sizeable crowd at both venues, with visitors from all ages attending. This can only be good for the industry and hopefully if the weather plays its part, those looking to enjoy a spot of British sunshine.

Where was your first camping trip?

I remember my first time… I was eight years old and I pitched up with my friends and family at York Cycling Rally.

My family were – and still are - all keen cyclists so in true Thomas Hiram-Holding spirit, we loved taking our tent along with us on our summer escapades.