The classic Sprite Countryman caravan is now a rare find. It took me 4 hours to get to it!

It’s very rare that while I am away I don’t come across a classic caravan, but one such caravan I found just a few miles from the Broadway Caravan Club site where we were staying was of particular interest. A rare model from around 1962.

Driving along the A46 I glanced across the fields and half a mile from the road I spotted the distinctive profile of a rare Sprite Countryman caravan. This was a 17ft length family caravan complete with rear door and a side door entrance too. Once a popular tourer and holiday caravan the Sprite Countryman is now as rare as hens teeth!

Tilly - the youngest member of my family.

So yesterday I introduced Gene to the youngest member of my family – Tilly.

Tilly is 3 years old and is the daughter of my cousin, Sophie. This actually makes Tilly my second cousin which sounds less important than a first cousin so I just say she’s my niece and that gives her the status she deserves.

Anyway, Tilly met Gene yesterday and I think it’s fair to say they got on famously.

"Say it with flowers" from this Lynton Scimitar classic caravan in Cheltenham

On a recent trip out to Cheltenham, I came across a flower seller by the road, using a 1979 Lynton Scimitar as his little shop. I managed to take a quick picture (and get a bunch of flowers for Mrs J). Apparently the owner had several people take a picture of his Lynton flower shop caravan!

Being a caravan historian I am always keeping an eye out for any vintage caravans.

Here I am with Gene - my 1982 VW campervan. A "pop top" is useful for lost friends.

So this my 1982 VW campervan, Gene Pitney (“24 hours from Tulsa” because the number plate is PTN 316Y), at the most recent summer adventure with the band (Barulho).

After stocking up with food, drink and various ridiculous festival outfits Gene, Lisa (fellow band member) and I set off for a weekend to play at a nearby festival.

According to the AA route planner the journey should’ve taken a mere 45 mins but a diversion in Lewes sent us whizzing precariously along country lanes with only room for a shopping trolley, let alone a van piled high with essential outdoor living equipment.