Pictured: Claire and Steve Parsons at the Peak Leisure Vehicle showroom

When Lorraine Pudner, from Plymouth was suddenly widowed last year she never expected to carry on touring Europe in a motorhome. But with the support of the Derby motorhome dealer Peak Leisure Vehicles, Lorraine and her dog Loui are now planning their trip to France, Germany and Belgium next year in their brand new Bentley Cobalt motorhome. 

Although Lorraine's husband Steve had been ill, when he suddenly died last September it was a big shock for the family and Lorraine, aged just 61 was left uncertain about what to do with the large Dethleff motorhome she and Steve had loved and enjoyed using together. "I had spoken many times with Steve about what we would do if anything happened and one of us was left without the other," Lorraine said. "and although I'd always said I would carry on using the motorhome and enjoying traveling, I never actually thought I would."    

A few months later, in April this year, Lorraine was visiting her daughter in Nottingham when she saw in a local newspaper that Peak Leisure Vehicles were holding a Bentley open weekend. Interested in seeing the new Bentley motorhomes, Lorraine and her daughter decided they would have a trip out on the Sunday to the Kirk Langley show room.

"Steve and I had motorhomes for many years, so we knew about Richard and Gordon Bentley and their great reputation in the industry. When I heard they were setting up designing and manufacturing their own range of Bentley motorhomes I was interested in seeing what they had done." Lorraine continued. 

On arriving at the Peak Leisure Vehicles showroom, Lorraine wasn't disappointed with the motorhomes on display and the warm greeting she received from owners Claire and Steve Parsons. 

"I liked the Cobalt model and it felt right for me." Lorraine explained. "It was smaller than the motorhome I had and quite by chance I bumped in to some friends at the open weekend who agreed that the Cobalt suited me perfectly."

"Claire and Steve were so helpful and friendly too. They understood it was a big decision for me to both part with my old motorhome and commit to buying a new one and never made me feel under any pressure. They offered me more than anyone else to trade in my old motorhome and their after service was second to none. Derby isn't nearby for me and I could have bought a Bentley from much nearer but I wouldn't have received the standard of service." 

It was just a month later that Lorraine returned to Derby and Peak Leisure Vehicles to collect her new Bentley motorhome. Following Claire and Steve's advice, Lorraine and her friend stayed in the Derbyshire area to get used to the new vehicle and be close to Peak Leisure Vehicles if they had any questions or teething problems. 

"The new motorhome was great." Lorraine said. "I really felt I could call Claire and Steve for help and advice at any time; and I did. It got that they recognised my voice I must have called that many times but nothing was ever too much trouble. My friend's husband sadly passed away too and she doesn't drive so I pick her up and we go off for trips with our dogs and get to so many places. I do the driving and my friend does the cooking! This year we have been staying in this country but my husband and I used to take our motorhome to France, Germany and to visit friends in Belgium and next year I'm determined that I'll be doing it again."

At time of writing, Lorraine is working with Bentley to set up the Bentley motorhome owners club. She is looking forward to visiting the International Caravan and Motorhome show 2011 with Peak Leisure Vehicles at the Birmingham NEC between 11-16 October as guest of Bentley.