A Day at the NEC

We had hoped to visit the NEC on Tuesday, the opening day. This was not possible because we had to travel to Southampton for a friend’s funeral. Thinking that a day of rest might be useful we decided on Thursday as an alternative. However this plan was almost put in doubt by Doris. Doris is not a calm and peaceful OAP sitting in her armchair sipping tea but the name given to the latest storm to hit the UK. I think I preferred Doris sitting sipping her tea!!! It seemed that our journey could coincide with the eye of the storm so the dilemma was to use the slow road or the motorway. Common sense suggested the motorway which is was. The wind was whipping up all sorts debris as we made our way north but fortunately we arrived at the NEC in one piece. A last minute wrong turning meant we managed to turn up outside the temporary campsite, which was pretty full, before making our way to the correct carpark. The many times we have been to the Caravan Show at the NEC it has always been well organise in terms of getting to the exhibition centre with buses laid on from the parking to the venue. 

As we were uncertain of the day we would be visiting the show we did not buy tickets in advance so had to pay £18 on the door. We could have saved a bit by getting then in advance but had we not been able to go it we wasted much more money than we could have saved. Places such as the NEC can be warm if you try walking around in your outdoor coats so we always use the cloakroom. As we entered that stamped our wrists to allow us to leave and return although I wished that I had refused as it took ages to get to mark off!!! 

We made our way through the first Hall and went up the stairs to where the Caravan Club always have their stand. Things were different this year as on the opening day of the show they announced a major rebranding and it is now called The Caravan and Motorhome Club. Much more inclusive sounding for us motorhomers! It’s a change I am very much in agreement with. Like many I am still getting use to the new logo and colouring. I suppose if you are making such a large change you have to view all aspects. 

Having had a chat to one of the ladies from the Club Contact Centre who was on duty at the show we made our way towards the trade stands. We are tentatively thinking about a new motorhome as we are thinking of going smaller in order to give us a bit more freedom from always leaving the existing one on site. So something like a van conversion or a small coach built are the sorts on the list. Bailey was the first manufacturer we came to and spent some time looking at the Advance 615 which had a rear lounge and a small lounge at the front so the back could be used as a fixed bed. A nice little van but under bunk storage was very limited. We looked at Elddis but were concerned that not all models have fully lined showers. Next up was Auto-Trail where we met Neil from White Arches who was on show duty. We were rather taken by the V-Line models as they were well equipped and had decent size fridges. They were at or over our intended budget but I could have the option of an automatic gearbox which I would really like. We looked at a couple more brands but dismissed the Swift Autocruise as the fridges were far too small. It doesn’t take long to exhaust these days so by 4.00pm we were heading home down the motorway, fortunately a bit calmer that earlier in the day. 

Having studied the brochures once we got home we realised that the single beds in the V-Line were only just over two feet wide which could be a problem. Still lots to think about and no doubt many more visits to dealers before we decide!!!