:laughabove::laughabove::laughabove::laughabove:
Caravan sales at an all time high;
It is believed that last year sales of caravans and camping equipment reached an all time high. The contribution of two billion pounds to the UK economy can be seen as part of the increased popularity of caravan and camping holidays. Now the nation’s favourite holiday pastime; research has also highlighted a perceived link between camping and caravan holidays with the benefits of healthy living.
It is believed that each day camping and caravan holidaymakers spend almost thirty pounds. Included in this figure is petrol, food and drink sales and when considered that there are around seventeen million caravan and camping holidays being made each year this figure is considerable.
Although this does not include pitch sales and fees; it is estimated that if it did the figure would be closer to fifty pounds a day. Considering that pitch fees are used to develop sites and employ local residents the contribution to local economies is also vast.
A survey has further detailed caravan and camping holiday spending. It is believed that fifty seven percent of holidaymakers spent their money in pubs while almost the same number spent money in local eateries. UK tourist attractions have also benefited in terms of ticket sales with almost seventy percent visiting a variety of attractions regularly. An outstanding eighty five percent of camping and caravan tourists walked to their destination highlighting the benefits to the environment this type of holiday has.
Of the seventeen million caravan and camping holidays taking place annually the average stay is estimated to be four days. Over these four days the amount poured into local economies through food and drink sales as well as entry to local attractions is believed to be one of the major factors bolstering rural incomes. Without this steady stream of holidaymakers it can be surmised that the large contribution in many rural economies is a vital element in their survival.
Campers rather than those staying in a caravan are believed to be even more likely to add to local economies. Because of a lack of facilities and storage when tent camping, shops and restaurants around campsites make more sales of subsistence products than those near caravan parks. With the popularity of this type of holiday growing rapidly rural economies will benefit further.
In terms of the supposed link between camping and caravan holidays and a healthier lifestyle the supposition seems to hold water. A survey used data from the general public as well as regular camping and caravan holidaymakers; it found that ninety seven percent of those who camped or caravanned regularly felt that being outdoors had a positive impact on their lives. The research also found that campers and caravanners were more likely to undertake activities such as walking, swimming and cycling than members of the general public.
Comment on the research has stated that it demonstrates what camping and caravan holidaymakers had believed for years. The contribution to the local economy through food and drink sales and local services keeps rural economies alive and provides jobs for those in the localities. The research also showed that campers and caravaners are driven by a desire to explore new places, visit attractions and sample local food.
Camping and caravan holidays are fundamentally about spending time in the marvellous British countryside, so the link between these types of holidays and a healthier lifestyle is unsurprising. This type of holiday not only provides freedom and choice but is also part of a healthy lifestyle. As a result there is little wonder that sales of tents and caravans are skyrocketing as more people try to join the hoards seeking this lifestyle choice.
New building every where we look;
Poundbury is a thriving new urban development on the outskirts of Dorchester, West Dorset. It was designed by the Prince of Wales who outlined his pioneering ideas in his 1989 book, ‘A Vision of Britain’.
Mallalieu: Hunting vote soon please
The study was carried out by Harry Benson, who is director of the Bristol Community Family Trust, which carries out research into parenting and relationships.
The findings are based on a study of 15,000 mothers who gave birth during 2000-01 - the so-called Millennium Cohort Study. It found that cohabiting couples were twice as likely to experience a family breakdown during the early years of parenthood than married couples of a similar income.
When the sample was expanded to include all unmarried couples — including those cohabiting and "closely involved" — family breakdown is five times more common than among married couples.
Almost 3,000 of the women involved in the study had become lone parents during the first three years of their child's life.
However, analysis of the figures reveals that six per cent of married couples had experienced a family breakdown compared with 32 per cent among all unmarried couples. When the unmarried figures are broken down, they show that 20 per cent of cohabiting couples experienced breakdown while the figure among "closely involved" couples was 74 per cent.
Evidence from the study suggests that the low breakdown rates among married couples can be explained by a range of factors including commitment, fathers playing a greater role in their children's upbringing and better communication.
I have to say I am confused by this one and find it difficult to have a clear cut view. :sad:
Foxy and Nielinleeds are quite right in much of what they say, yet so is Star. If/when it becomes law the church will not be able to refuse gay couples the right to marriage in there churches and this also can not be right.
Northwest,
21st century, or modern thinking does not automatically equate to be correct or for the best.
Not too bothered about the NHS after all then and tells porky pies it would seam
Ed Miliband watched football just hours after saying 'too ill' to visit NHS protest
Labour leader Ed MilIband was spotted watching a football match - just hours after claiming he was "too ill" to attend a planned protest against NHS reforms.
Should the church have a say in gay marriage? I am undecided on this and would be interested in people views
Gay marriage: Bishop of Bath and Wells calls for debate
The bishop called for "constructive" discussions
Continue reading the main story
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The Bishop of Bath and Wells has called for more time to reflect on government proposals to allow gay marriages.
Bishop Peter Price said the church needed to recognise there are many Christians who accept the reality and validity of homosexual relationships.
He said: "There are both heterosexual and homosexual couples who deeply believe God has brought them together and want that union blessed.
The government wants to introduce gay marriage by 2015
Can you cook?
I can’t, but I do have a speciality – squirrel. I’ve been running a campaign to wipe out grey squirrels, and I’m a dab hand at flash-fried squirrel with garlic and butter. Skinning it is quite difficult, then you quarter it. Really you want to marinate it because there’s no fat on a squirrel.
On Tuesday 28th February the Evening Standard published a comment piece by Simon Jenkins, National Trust Chairman, which highlights the growing problem of urban foxes, and local authorities' squeamishness about dealing with them properly.
He has managed to make some changes which people should be very pleased with
Also he had more good news;
In his keynote speech, Mr Clegg also pledged to do more to reduce the tax burden for the lowest-paid, saying next week's Budget must have "fairness" at his heart.
The UK's economic recovery would be "long and hard", he argued, but the Lib Dems and their Conservative coalition partners were determined to help those facing tough times.
