Whitstable winner collects prize caravan worth over £22,000 in Club competition

Thursday 12th December 2024

A Whitstable woman has had a ‘childhood dream recognised’ after winning a Swift Sprite Alpine 4 caravan worth over £22,000 in a Camping and Caravanning Club competition.

Susan Pattwell, 56, visited the Caravan and Motorhome Show at the NEC with a friend, saw the competition and thought why not enter. She said: “I was looking around the caravan and it was such an amazing prize, so I took a chance. I told myself to stop dreaming as I was not going to win it. Not long after, I got the call to tell me I had! I called my friend straight away to share the news, and now I’m planning my first adventure.”

Susan, who has never owned a caravan before, is planning to visit some sites close to home to build her confidence. She is hoping to venture out between Christmas and New Year, with her friend pitching up beside her in her own vehicle.

She then wants to head further afield and visit the Lake District, where she has never had the chance to go, followed by the Cotswolds, one of her favourite holiday spots.

And who will be joining her on these trips? Susan said: “I have two dogs Mabel and Gizmo, and it is just perfect as I don’t need to worry about who will look after them when I am away. I can just bring them with me wherever I go. They won’t be allowed on the bed though, but there are two sofas so they can have one each!”

Susan also wants to take her twin brother away. They had a deal that whoever won a prize caravan would take the other on a road trip.
And Susan also thinks her 76-year-old mum would love it too as the Swift Alpine 4 is very comfortable, has plenty of storage space, and all the mod cons. She adds: “When I was a child we wanted a caravan, and I had recently been saving up for a campervan. I don’t need one now, and can use that money to pay for trips, ideally every weekend! The main plan is to take mum to Ireland to visit the Ring of Kerry. That would just be fantastic.”

Susan collected the prize at MG Caravans & Motorhomes in Royston where the team shared hints and tips for hitching up and towing safely. She has also taken home a year’s free membership of The Camping and Caravanning Club so she can explore the UK using the many benefits of being part of the Club.

Joanne Mitchell, marketing director at Swift Group, the manufacturer of the range, said: “The Sprite Alpine 4 is just perfect for Susan. It’s got a versatile lounge area which can be converted into a double bed, a fully equipped kitchen, a fixed double bed with a luxurious Duvalay mattress, a separate shower and sink, and everything else you need for both short and long trips.

“I hope she enjoys her new touring caravan, sees a lot of the country and makes plenty of happy memories.”

Madeleine Birch, from the Club, said: “Hearing how much Susan has always wanted her own caravan, and being able to make that dream come true has been fantastic. With her membership she will be able to access hundreds of Camping and Caravanning Club campsites across the country and has promised to send us photos from some of her adventures in the great outdoors. We can’t wait to see them.”

For more information on the Camping and Caravanning Club, and details of how to become a member, visit: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/membership.

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Notes for Editors
1.    The Camping and Caravanning Club is 123 years old and is the world’s oldest and largest organisation for all forms of camping.
2.    There are nearly 100 Club Sites in incredible locations around the UK that are also open to non-members.
3.    For more information about Swift Group visit www.swiftgroup.co.uk.
4.    Email the Club’s Technical Information team at techtalk@thefriendlyclub.co.uk for advice on licence entitlements or matching a car and caravan.
5.    Join the Club from £53 a year. Members also get additional benefits such as discounts in retail stores, on days out and attractions. For more details about membership visit www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/join.  
6.    Get involved: for the latest news, information and inspiration from The Camping and Caravanning Club, and to engage with those who’ve enjoyed holidays with the Club, visit www.facebook.com/campandcaravanning or check out our Instagram page www.instagram.com/campandcaravan.
7.    To view the Club’s comprehensive video directory, visit www.youtube.com/@campandcaravanning.