Members News

Sharon Horn has provided the following details for Steve’s funeral:

The funeral will take place at Banbury Crematorium, Southam Road, Banbury, OX16 1ST on Friday 26th September at 2pm.

The service will be followed by a wake at Banbury Cricket Club, White Post Road, Bodicote, Banbury, OX15 4BN.

No formal dress (dress as you wish, were Sharon’s words).
Family flowers only.

A charity link will be provided shortly but donations can be made on the day by those attending.

An Obitus link will be provided at a later date for those who are physically unable to attend.

All SOC members who knew Steve are welcome to attend.

Val Brailsford is collating a list of names of those wishing to attend to assist Sharon.
Please let her know as soon as possible if you are able to attend. She can be contacted by any of the following methods:
Email: val@thebrailsfords.com / Text or Call: 07711 263295 or: WhatsApp/Messenger.

Webmaster

Those of you who were at the Skipton rally you will know that Trustee Neil Stanley has a nasty fall and ended up in hospital He  had a broken nose in a number of places and 2 fractures to his neck. He now has to wear a substantial collar for 10-12 weeks.

We visited him a couple of days ago when he was back home. He is generally in good spirit but he knows he is going to get very bored in the next few months.

He wanted us to pass on his appreciation for all the messages and phone calls that he has received from members; it means a lot to him.

He is hoping that he may be able to have the collar removed in time to attend the Elm Cottage rally at the end of November.

John & Val Brailsford

The information below is purely for members derived from the most up to date information available as at 27.08.2025.

It is not an exhaustive list. The information below will not apply to members if they do not intend to travel to Europe with their caravans.

Disclaimer: The club is supplying this for members information only.

The club/committee is not an advisory body on this matter. It is for the individual member to decide if this information and any subsequent actions are pertinent to them and the timing of doing so.

On 26^th August 2025, the UK Government issued a fresh update on UK trailer registration rules for travel abroad, reminding drivers that trailers including caravans over 750kg should be registered before being taken to most European Countries. Whereas in the past this registration process only pertained mainly to commercial trailers, the new update now includes caravans.

The latest guidance confirms caravan owners must ensure compliance before departing from the UK, or risk fines if stopped whilst travelling in Europe. A full list of countries where registration is compulsory (as of Aug 2025) can be found on the .Gov website ‘Check if you need to register a trailer before towing it abroad’.

The key points of note are:

• All trailers/caravans over 750kg must be registered to travel in or through most European countries. The exception being Malta, Ireland*, Spain, and Cyprus, however registration is still required if travelling through European countries to get to those destinations. (*travel from the UK to Ireland (Eire/Republic of Ireland) does not require registration of the caravan).
• Registered trailers/caravans must display their own number plates (separate to the tow car registration number plate). A white square number plate situated on the rear of the caravan and away from the car registration plate (e.g. top left- or right-hand corner of the back panel)
• The trailer/caravan registration certificate should be always carried when in Europe to show to the Police/Border Officials if requested.
• A UK sticker/Number Plate identifier is still required.

Registration can be made online at: www.gov.uk/register-trailer-to-take-abroad You will need the CRiS number of your caravan, the Gross and Unladen weight of your caravan and the manufacturer (The Swift Group), an email address and debit or credit card. You will need a Government Gateway ID and password, however if you do not have one you can set one up on application as part of the registration process. Please note that even if the website says you do not need a registration there is a button to click which states you wish to continue to register – use this button to continue your registration.

Cost

• The charge for registration for the life of the caravan is £26.00
• A new registration certificate is issued on the change of keeper at £21.00
• A £10.00 charge is levied for a replacement certificate.

Once registration is complete you will receive an email with the caravan’s individual registration number and will then receive in the post a certificate that can be used to obtain the relevant number plate. More information on the registration plate requirements can be found in leaflet: DVLA INF291

Please note: The Gov and DVLA websites show conflicting information currently but are being updated and therefore may show contradictory information in the short term.

I was very saddened and shocked when we received a phone call yesterday evening informing us that former member Steve Horn had suddenly passed away at the young age of 56. He passed away 2 days ago whilst at work.

Steve & his wife Sharon joined the club in 2004 and were very active members for many years, marshalling and attending over 300 rallies; they won the Fellowship Trophy for number of rallies attended in a year twice!

Sharon, supported by Steve, was the Area 5 committee member for 10 years so they were both very well known in their area and within the club in general. They made many friends within the club and we spent many great times with them both at home and abroad.

Sadly, Steve developed medical conditions almost 5 years ago which prevented them from continuing caravanning but allowed then to visit rallies a few rallies when practical.
Our thoughts are with Sharon and family at this very sad and difficult time.

RIP Steve it was a pleasure to have had the privilege of knowing you.

I will publish funeral details here when available. However, Sharon said that as he was at work when he died suddenly, she is very aware that it may take a while due to all the legalities before a date can be set.

John Brailsford, President

Swift have asked me to share their live event with the SOC members again. It’s an open weekend which you will be able to view the new 2026 Caravans, Motorhomes and Camper Vans. You will be able to have a factory tour to see how their leisure vehicles are made. There will be lots to do and see. And maybe purchase a new Caravan/Motorhome and or Camper van!! 

If you are interested in attending this event then please ensure you register your FREE place by clicking on the website below.”

https://www.swiftgroup.co.uk/events/swift-live

Regards, Gareth Roberts

SOC Marketing Officer

We have a stand at the Caravan Show at the NEC in October (14/10/2025 to 19/10/2025 10am to 6pm daily).

I am looking for volunteers to sit on the stand talking to potential new members about the benefits of joining the SOC.

The days I need assistance are Tuesday 14/10/25; Thursday 16/10/25; Saturday 18/10/25 AM only; Sunday 19/10/25 PM only

You will get free entry to the show and be expected to sit on the stand for 4 hours in 2-hour sessions (*flexible with the other members on the day).

I have a few volunteers already, but more are needed to help your club. There is a local SOC Rally conveniently located near to the NEC.

Please email me at marketing@swift-owners-club.com if you are able and want to help your club, with the days that you are available.

Regards, Gareth Roberts,
Marketing Officer Swift Owners Club.
Tel 07412 636628
Email: marketing@swift-owners-club.com

Swift have a Leisure Vehicle launch weekend, in September, which is free to attend. Numbers are limited, therefore, if you wish to attend then please use the link below to book your place. The Swift Owners Club will be at this event with a small stand to attract new members.

Swift Live2025: https://www.swiftgroup.co.uk/swiftlive/

Gareth Roberts, Marketing Officer

The Rally Secretary has recently updated the online Draft Rally Programme for next year. It’s looking good but there’s a few gaps in the autumn and winter time just waiting to be filled, so why not have a chat with your Area Committee Member and consider organising a rally?

The draft programme can be found under Rally Info in the main menu of any Members’ Area webpage.

Webmaster

The Summer 2025 edition of our magazine Going Places is now online to view or download. Access is by clicking on the magazine image on the General Info page.

As postal deliveries vary so much across the country, if you haven’t received your hard copy yet please allow a few days before contacting the Membership Officer.

Webmaster

Gill Bevan has sadly informed me that Honorary Life Member William Murray (Will) passed away last Saturday (14th June). Gill had always kept in close contact with Will.

Will and his wife Jean were a well known lovely couple who had been members since 2007 and made many friends all over the country. They reluctantly had to give up caravanning in their 90’s due to ill health.

Val & I will always remember in 2019 when Will towed 200 miles to attend the 90th birthday rally of John Rowe. Will was 90 just a few months before John and they were good friends.

Even after Will and Jean had to give up caravanning, they often visited some of the local rallies that we marshalled at Manchester Airport and at Elm Cottage and it was always a pleasure to see them and have a catchup. They also met up with Gill & Clive from time to time.

RIP Will it was a pleasure to have known you.

Will’s funeral details are as follows:
Service: Monday 14th July 13:15 at Macclesfield Crematorium, Prestbury Rd, Macclesfield SK10 3BU.
No flowers please.

Please let Gill Bevan know if you can attend. (Text: 07778 135206 or email: clivebevan.home@gmail.com)

Wake: The wake will be at Will & Jean’s home address: 14 Woburn Court, Towers Road, Poynton, Cheshire. SK12 1DF

Again, please let Gill Bevan know if you will be attending. (contact as above)

Many people may not be able to attend, due to distance and/or being abroad, so if you want to send Jean a card, please send to Mrs J Murray, 14 Woburn Court, Towers Road, Poynton, Cheshire. SK12 1DF

John Brailsford, President