YOU ALSO SAID...
LOW PROFILE
I know a roofbox on your vehicle can provide valuable extra storage space when you go on holiday. However, once you arrive back, your roofbox should be removed, or it will lower your fuel economy, owing to the drag it produces. This is particularly important if you drive an electric vehicle.
When vehicles are designed, they are done so with an aerodynamic shape in mind. Leaving a roofbox in situ negates that aerodynamic design. I realise for some the removal of a roofbox may be a bit of a faff, but the fuel savings will more than compensate for the inconvenience.
Neil Wrench
COAST WATCH
You featured a nice article about the Isle of Purbeck (issue 471), one of our favourite places. However, I wanted to comment on something written about Peveril Point. There is an NCI (National Coastwatch Institution) site there, rather than a Coastguard site.
The NCI are “eyes on the sea” and as correctly stated, keep records and assist vessels with weather, radio checks and so on. If an incident is spotted, they alert the Coastguard, who will deploy assets, such as the Rescue helicopter, Coastguard rescue services, RNLI and independent lifeboat stations. NCI, Independent Lifeboats and the RNLI are volunteer services, with no public funding, so need support; the Coastguard are public funded, although they do have volunteers.
All of the above have excellent websites. I am a member of Solent Rescue, an independent lifeboat charity operating in the Solent (solent-rescue.org.uk). Bruce Mckoen
GLOBAL WARMING
I was disappointed to see your magazine suggesting people heat their awning (issue 472). The Caravan and Motorhome Club does not allow the heating of awnings, for obvious reasons.
We are in a global warming crisis, where we should be conserving energy. We are encouraged to turn down thermostats indoors, insulate our homes and so on, but you suggest we heat the outside!
Sue Mcnally
Editor Sarah replies… Thank you for the message, Sue, and you are absolutely right – we should all use heating sensibly and with thought for the environment. We have reflected your comments in an article on heating in this very issue (p84), and would encourage all readers to use their caravan heating in a responsible way.