HOW DID SINGLEWHEELERS START

After my second husband died I looked around to see if there were any singles’caravan clubs and did not find any. I contacted Caravan and Outdoor Life magazine and placed an advertisement asking if anyone was interested in forming such a club. The response was not overwhelming but was just enough to indicate that there was interest, to make me believe the idea had potential. It took 18 months to really get going and once we had enough people, we went on our first rally in 1999.

MISSION STATEMENT

To build a social caravan and camping club based on friendship, compassion and understanding.  For single people who share in the love for the great outdoors.

What advice would you give to single people wanting to get into or continue?

If you think camping with your family can wing it solo? Here’s a great alternative! with caravaning, especially women who might feel intimidated by taking on traditionally manly chores? And what are the benefits of continuing caravaning once you’re single?

Well, the main thing is that you are still able to enjoy the lifestyle that YOU were used to. Just because you’re single doesn’t mean you can’t go caravaning with like-minded friends. Our club goes all over together. We’ve been to Mozambique and undertaken trips to Gonubie and Mossel Ba and as a single person you would not normally drive to these places by yourself. And by joining a club such as ours, you’ll also get to meet and make a new group of friends.

Can a single woman hitch up a caravan and put up her tent alone?

When you have to do something, you’ll be surprised at what you can do. All our women members hitch up their own caravans at home and towthem to the site themselves. Once at the campsite we’ll all get stuck in and help one another —that’s what the club is all about. Regardless of whether you are single, I believe women should know how to do this anyway as you never know what can happen on a trip.

Is it safe for a single woman to caravan alone?

No, I don’t believe so, and would recommend that you always go with a group of people. There’s safety in numbers and caravaning is also a very social pastime, which is what it’s all about really.

Is there a community of young, single parents who caravan?

Not as far as I’m aware, but anyone of any age is welcome to join us and bring their children along. You don’t even need a caravan a tent will do just as well. Caravaning is an affordable holiday option for single parents and more should consider doing it