Parts & Accessories

Meet the Bailey Owners Club Chairman

Meet Alan Bannister, Chairman of the Bailey Owners Club (BOC), currently their longest serving member, and Bailey caravan owner for over four decades.
Alan with his wife Fay at the BOC Works Rally in 2022

His current caravan, a Series 4 Unicorn Vigo, was bought at the end of 2017 to replace his first Alu-Tech model, a 2010 Pegasus. Alan’s love of caravanning began in 1981 with a Maestro D, followed by the 35th Anniversary Maestro C in 1983, the twin-axle Scorpio in 1989, the Millennium Edition Pageant Champagne in 2000, and the Senator 5 Virginia in 2006.

All of Alan's previous Bailey caravans, dating back to the Maestro D in 1981 (pictured top left)

Alan and his first wife bought the Maestro just before their daughter Donna’s first birthday. Tragically, his wife passed away suddenly not long after. With a one-year-old to care for, Alan turned to the Bailey Owners Club and found exactly what he needed—a supportive, friendly community that made caravanning enjoyable and gave him a sense of normality during a challenging time.

Since then, the club has become a huge part of Alan’s life. It’s always been flexible – members can be as involved as they like. Alan’s favourite part has been the chance to visit new places, knowing there’s a warm group of friends to come back to at the rally field to share a chat, a story, and a drink.

BOC rallying in the 1980s

BOC rallying in 2024

One memory stands out: in May 1982, during a rally at Bridgnorth, the club members surprised Donna with a birthday party on the field for her second birthday. It’s the kind of moment that sums up the spirit of the Owners Club – kind, thoughtful, and family-centred.

In 1982, Alan’s daughter Donna celebrated a her second birthday at a BOC rally

BOC Works Rally in 2024

Alan first visited the Bailey factory in 1982 and has seen it change a great deal since then. He’s always enjoyed connecting with the people behind the brand, and in the 1980s, the Howard family, even joined the club’s rallies. Today, Bailey’s partnership with PRIMA Leisure ensures owners have access to everything they need, from spare parts to accessories, all conveniently available.

After taking early retirement in 2002, Alan and his family spent 17 years touring across Europe. His Senator caravan clocked an incredible 40,000 miles in just three years. There were too many wonderful stops to list, but Camping Cabopino, just outside Marbella, remains a firm favourite.

For Alan, caravanning has always been about freedom and connection—visiting new places, meeting new people, and enjoying the journey. Every Bailey caravan he’s owned has been reliable and easy to tow, giving him confidence on the road. Having travelled across 12 European countries, Alan often tells people not to wait—there’s a whole world out there waiting to be explored.

Interested in joining the BOC?

Click here to join