Volume 2          Issue 11          November 2009
http://vicnet.net.au/~coromal

Since 5 October to 4 November our website has had 290 visits with an average time of 2mins 38 seconds per visit. In all there were 108 unique visitors from "all over" Australia. Now, considering that we are less than 30 in number, a lot of non-members have visited last month. In fact we had 24.48% new visits over last month! We have had 232 visits from Melbourne, 42 Sydney, 5 Brisbane, 3 each from Cranbourne and Warrnambool, 2 Perth, 1 Craigieburn and 2 "hidden". Of the 290 visits, 227 (78.28%) used Microsoft Internet Explorer and 63 (21.72%) used Mozilla Firefox as their browser of choice. Only 3 visits used a dial-up connection (possibly the same person 3 times) while 63 used DSL, 46 Cable and 17 T1 (a very fast internet connection). However, the Analytics program couldn't determine the speed of the connection for 161 visits. The average bounce rate is 58.97%. By way of explanation: a bounce rate of 100% means each person who entered the site on that page viewed that page only, then left the site. So, ours means that nearly on average, 60% of visits went to one page, viewed it and left the site. 59.48% entered the site using index.htm (the site's homepage), 25.35% went straight to schedule.htm and 15.17% to archive.htm. So there you are, everything you need to know about who is using what to visit our site, how many  and where the visits are starting from. In case you are wondering, the statistics I gleaned from our account at Google Analytics - a free service of website analysis offered by the Google company.

Before you leave home to go to Mansfield, have a look at the "Important Notice" linked to index.htm to remind you what to bring for the Christmas lunch. Don't forget your Christmas decoration as well! The new gazebo will be in operation at Mansfield too. We're getting too big to have "Happy Hour" in Ken's annex, so it will be very welcome given that the weather is fine. Otherwise we can always go indoors to the public camp kitchen. It'll be good to be self sufficient in this regard.

We will also be welcoming John & Marilyn and John & Gill back from their adventures. I guess there'll be a story or two to tell.

Members' News:
President Ken writes: There'll be a short Committee Meeting at Mansfield to cover one or two items, so committee members be prepared.

I have received an invitation to attend the Association of Caravan Clubs of Victoria November meeting to be held at Elmore on Sunday November 22nd. Beverley (minus the wheels) and I will be away in Queenscliff over that particular weekend and I would like to know if anyone would be interested in attending in my place please. If you think you might be able to attend – please let me know as soon as you can so I can inform the secretary. I am aware that this is a rather “big ask” but this meeting is the one that they discuss our membership application and I would like us to be represented if at all possible. I will bring the paperwork/mail to Mansfield with me.

There's no news yet about receiving a CD of all the photos Kylie and Daniel took of our 'goings on' at Daylesford. Remember to email me if you'd like a copy of the CD.

Did you know that there have been changes to the Victorian Road Rules effective from Monday 9 November? The relevant website is: Vicroads - http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/ and look for the "New Rules Safer Roads" link. I recommend strongly that all members take the time to read and familiarize themselves with the changes that are relevant to them – especially those of us who transport grandchildren around on infrequent occasions.

John Booth writes: Our February 2010 Rally is now at Ocean Grove, not Queenscliff. Book early because the place is very popular that time of year.

If you ever get into the King Valley region at Whitfield, stay at the Gentle Annie caravan park right on the banks of the King River, it is great.

Rallies:
Email Event Coordinator John Booth [ jbooth3042@optusnet.com.au ], or ring him on 0416 022 406 and let him know if you are going. He needs to know numbers each month.

New Members:
This month we welcome Heather and Doug Luke with their Excel 517. They may be at Mansfield too. We're also seeing a "mystery couple" who joined in January this year. Mansfield will be their first Rally. Just who are they? Be there!

Website News:
I think I changed the website last month and so have nothing to report this time. If you have any suggestions for the website please email me. Don't be shy!

Caravans West & Coromal Caravans Sandown News:

Just in case you missed it last month, Alan's new company banner appears on our "Home" page and it hyperlinks directly to his new website. And, the new email, phone and fax details for Coromal Caravans Sandown have been added to the "Useful Links" page. Also, next year's dates for the Melbourne Caravan Show at Caulfield have been confirmed as Tuesday 9^th - Sunday 14^th March inclusive. This is the first time the Show has started on Tuesday and finished on Sunday, so make a note of the dates now.

This month Alan Bell writes:
Only bit of "new" news is the pending release of the new Magnum Series of Pop-Tops for 2010. First vans are due in our yards late November/early December. Can't reveal much as I have no firm pre-release info on features, pricing or options. So look out for the "new look" for the 2010 Range of Pop-Tops coming to your favourite dealership very soon.

Workshop bookings are at at all time high for pre-trip servicing before Christmas. There are not many spots left I am told at either Sunshine or Springvale.

It's very pleasing to see so many members of the Coromal Caravan Owners Club getting on board for Mansfield. All concerned should be congratulated for their efforts in growing the Club throughout 2009. Janette and I are heavily committed to nurturing the new Dealership at Springvale, but we are confident that by early in the New Year we will be able to attend more of the weekend rallies planned.

Sales of the current and new models of the Lifestyle range continue to dominate. New models for next year include Cafe Style seating as a choice of layout for the first time. Yours truly has ordered his own new L667 for delivery and subsequent customising by MCR for June 2010.

Don't forget, if considering a new purchase for 2010 to get your order in BEFORE the end of this calendar year. You will get a 2010 built model at the 2009 price, avoiding the Jan 1st price increase. You will save heaps. Current Production lead times are growing....some models are now out to July delivery next year, such has been the national upsurge in new sales.

Short articles wanted for this e-newsletter. Put pen to paper (or keyboard presses to monitor screen) and get your views, ideas, comments, etc in print. Email them to Webmaster.

Travel safe, tow steady.
Alan A