We, like thousands of Motorcaravanners across the UK, happily attended February’s much anticipated Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show in Birmingham. It was to be our first such show in three years.
The Covid pandemic has played havoc with exhibition calendars, and while some shows have gone ahead at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham over the last two years many have been cancelled.
The show ran from the 22 – 27 February, and we attended on day one having driven north the day beforehand. We spent a very comfortable evening in the carpark of the Blue Bell Cider Hose a canal side pub just 10 miles distant from the show.
The next day halls 1-5 at the NEC gave us a great opportunity to witness the largest showcase of campervans and motorhomes in the country. With over 350 exhibitors showcasing their latest and greatest creations, it was the place to discover a whole host of new, desirable, and essential gadgets and accessories that make our outdoor adventures even more special.
The growth of the motorcaravan market is reflected with a 50% increase on models on display from manufacturers.
For us however the show is much more than vans and ideas! It offers us the chance to learn about accessories that we might want or simply cannot live without. Seeing and touching rather than simply buying online is so important.
If, like us, you were looking for a new awning, then the Caravan and camping show is the place to be. It hosted a variety of awning solutions from many different manufacturers, many of which had their new product pitched up ready for you to compare and inspect. Product experts were on hand to answer questions we had.
We were particularly taken by the idea of a freestanding awning leaving you free to drive off site while marking your spot for return. Made from lightweight polyester fabrics these versatile motorhome and caravan awnings can be erected in minutes.
PJ Outdoors the independent retailer of caravan, camping and outdoor equipment had a significant presence at the show selling outdoor brands. We really liked a drive away awning from Vango and were sorely tempted and indeed would have bought it if we had not then discovered the Panorama tent from Thule.
Hill View Awnings Ltd from Sturminster Marshall in Dorset did a grand job in persuading us that a more rigid tent-like approach was the way to go. And indeed we think they are right. That is why we signed up to have installed the Thule Panorama room that is made specifically to clip onto the side of a Fiat Ducato like Voyager
This tent like room seems to be extremely stable and is said to be quick and easy to install. We will let you know!
The front panel simply slides into the lead rail of the awning and a clamping profile ensures mounting and connection of the side panel to the awning fabric.
Made of AIRTEX a 100% polyester fabric it is coated on one side with acrylate and impregnated with a finish based on Teflon.
The fungicide finish prevents the development of fungus and mildew. The fabric absorbs almost no moisture and provides optimal water tightness. It is very low-maintenance and washable.
Large windows let light in and should afford a really good view onto our surroundings when we park up. The fully removable front windows can open vertically as a door, or we can open them up horizontally to let fresh air in.
Our other significant purchase was a pair of new custom-made mattresses from Jonvic in Morecambe
A family owned and run firm Jonic, offer custom made mattresses and bed linen for any vehicle within the leisure industry. Their range includes soft furnishings for caravan, motorhomes, boats and even superyachts so we felt very comfortable about placing our order with them.
While those were the most significant of our purchases we did take time to buythe latest copy of Brit Stops now that the book offers a much needed electronic version using an app. Money well spent we think.
