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Caravans: A British Love Affair

Documentary about the love affair between the British and their caravans, which transformed the holiday habits of generations of families from the 1950s through to the present day.

Documentary about the love affair between the British and their caravans, which saw the country establish the world's largest caravan manufacturer and transformed the holiday habits of generations of families.

In telling the intriguing story of caravanning in Britain from the 1950s through to the present day, the film reveals how caravans were once the plaything of a privileged minority, but after World War II became a firm favourite with almost a quarter of British holidaymakers.

It explores how changes in caravanning across the years reflect wider changes in British society, in particular the increased availability of cars during the 1950s and 60s, but also the improved roads network and changing attitudes towards holidaymaking and leisure time.

Enthusiasts and contributors include Dorrie van Lachterop from the West Midlands and Christine Fagg from Hertfordshire, remarkable and adventurous women who started touring alone in their caravans during the 1950s.

1 hour

Last on

Wed 3 Jan 2018 23:45

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:14

    Steven John

    Circles Of The Mind 

  • 00:00

    Just Brothers

    Sliced Tomatoes 

  • 00:02

    Jack Payne & His Orchestra

    Its A Hap-hap-happy Day 

  • 00:12

    Various Artists

    Rock-cha-rhumba 

  • 00:22

    Mallet Men

    Dark Eyes/It Happened In Monterey 

  • 00:25

    John James

    Morning Brings The Light 

  • 00:37

    Pierre-André Athané

    Roma Termini 

  • 00:39

    Elisabeth Conjard

    Aux Puces De Saint 

    Composer: Eric Gemsa.
  • 00:42

    Steve Tilston

    Mind How You Go 

  • 00:47

    Sylvester

    You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)

  • 00:55

    Marc Brierley

    Dragonfly 

  • 00:32

    Young–Holt Unlimited

    California Montage 

Credits

Role Contributor
Narrator Alison Steadman
Producer Michael Hewitt
Director Brian Henry Martin

Broadcasts