Are you going to the NEC Birmingham in a few weeks to the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show? Are you still trying to make up your mind? There's lots to see and do – find out more in our latest blog.
What's happening at the February NEC show?
- Thread starter LizziePope
- Start date
I presume its the same as the NEC Show in October that we went to?
We went, spent far too much money...... can't afford to go EVER again!!!!
We went, spent far too much money...... can't afford to go EVER again!!!!
Parksy
Moderator
We're planning to pop along to take a peek at what we can't afford.
I look in every couple of years to see if there is anything new or ground breaking on the caravan scene.
We went to the NEC in October 2006 with plans to buy some toilet fluid and caravan cleaning materials and came back having signed on the dotted line after negotiating a great deal for a brand new Abbey Vogue 4 berth which we collected from Davan Caravans in March 07 :lol:
The plastic fantastic is staying at home this time!
I look in every couple of years to see if there is anything new or ground breaking on the caravan scene.
We went to the NEC in October 2006 with plans to buy some toilet fluid and caravan cleaning materials and came back having signed on the dotted line after negotiating a great deal for a brand new Abbey Vogue 4 berth which we collected from Davan Caravans in March 07 :lol:
The plastic fantastic is staying at home this time!
We are there on the Tuesday. & if we haven't had enough maybe the Wednesday also. Usually stay @ CC Chapel Lane but having a change this time and staying here :- http://www.somerswood.co.uk/
Mel
Moderator
We are going on the Friday. Tickets were a Christmas present from our oldest daughter. Won't see you Gabsgrandad. Might we see you Parksy?
Mel
Mel
Parksy
Moderator
Hi Mel
I don't think that we'll be there on the Friday because that's the day when the Midlands motorway traffic is at it's heaviest.
So far we have yet to decide between Tuesday and Thursday.
I don't think that we'll be there on the Friday because that's the day when the Midlands motorway traffic is at it's heaviest.
So far we have yet to decide between Tuesday and Thursday.
We will be there on the hunt for accessories as we collect our van the following week.
We visited the show in October and did the towing experience which was brilliant as I have never towed before or driven an automatic - the instructor was superb and gave us lots of great advice.
Can't wait to melt the plastic again this time ha ha ha :cheer:
We visited the show in October and did the towing experience which was brilliant as I have never towed before or driven an automatic - the instructor was superb and gave us lots of great advice.
Can't wait to melt the plastic again this time ha ha ha :cheer:
Parksy
Moderator
We're going to the NEC today to have a look round and to check out the price of a front towing cover
A bit miffed at missing out on the caravan competition. It would have been nice if it had been going for the shows in Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow or those unable to make Birmingham could have a go.
Been there -- nowt to excite us -- money still in pocket. But Somerswood here is very nice, vino on the table - sun shining, even folks next door sat out side. Not bad for February.! And no --- they are not smokers!
Parksy
Moderator
The caravan part of the show seemed less crowded than usual, but it was the opening day so perhaps sales will pick up later in the week.Lynnybobs said:
I was in the market for a front towing cover, mainly because although our caravan is stored under cover in ex-farm buildings the front gate only comes up to the front windows of the caravan so all sorts of dust, leaves and bird poo blows in and makes our front panel dirty at times.
For a generic one size front cover Specialised quoted a show price of £150, that was with a show discounts of about £20 if we agreed to wait until after Easter for delivery.
Protec quoted £130 but with £20 off if we bought from them at the NEC, delivered within the next fortnight so that's what we've had.
We had a good look inside all of the major manufacturers offerings, very nice if you have the money and if I was buying I'd seriously consider the Stirling Elite 560 with the fixed bed end bedroom featuring His and Hers doors into the spacious washroom amidships.
Apart from the towing cover I came away with a double pack of Thetford toilet chemical for £14.95 and a 5 night stay with ehu at Holiday Resort Unity in Brean for £40.
We enjoyed our day out, grabbed a couple of bargains and an added bonus is that we had plenty of exercise walking round the halls. :lol:
Sounds like you had a great day Parksy ! That 5 night stay sounds a fab deal - I didn't know there would be opportunities to book sites so that is worth knowing thank you 
Looking forward to going on Friday, we will be looking at awnings as we are thinking about getting one and it will be a good opportunity to view lots of them in one place but mainly just going for a day out with some of the family to have a look round.
Looking forward to going on Friday, we will be looking at awnings as we are thinking about getting one and it will be a good opportunity to view lots of them in one place but mainly just going for a day out with some of the family to have a look round.
Parksy
Moderator
We really enjoyed looking round, thanks Lynnybobs.
The same holiday park is offering a 2 night stay on an ehu pitch free of charge for first time visitors between 26th-29th February if anyone fancies a quick pre-springtime getaway for no pitch fees.
Edit
I've just noticed that HRU are offering the same free pitches deal throughout March before Easter.
The same holiday park is offering a 2 night stay on an ehu pitch free of charge for first time visitors between 26th-29th February if anyone fancies a quick pre-springtime getaway for no pitch fees.
Edit
I've just noticed that HRU are offering the same free pitches deal throughout March before Easter.
We went on Tuesday and thought it a bit quiet thank goodness. Show seemed smaller than usual. Unless you found an info "box" it was a bit difficult navigating around the halls as the overhead direction signs were a bit misleading.
When entering we encountered a rather rude staff member. My wife was trying to get the prepaid ticket out of the envelope and the woman started shouting at her stating that she should have had it ready before entering. Next some unfortunate CC member also experienced her wrath when they presented a ticket from CC showing a discount.
When entering we encountered a rather rude staff member. My wife was trying to get the prepaid ticket out of the envelope and the woman started shouting at her stating that she should have had it ready before entering. Next some unfortunate CC member also experienced her wrath when they presented a ticket from CC showing a discount.
Stirling Elite 560
That is different Parksy. I can see the attraction. Where doe s the TV hang in the bedroom? Mind you three doors in the bathroom.... I only have one.. Not sure about that
BTW I always thought you were a TA man not SA
That is different Parksy. I can see the attraction. Where doe s the TV hang in the bedroom? Mind you three doors in the bathroom.... I only have one.. Not sure about that
BTW I always thought you were a TA man not SA
Parksy
Moderator
There are both S/A and T/A versions DD, and given the choice we'd opt for the S/A which would fit on our front drive without any part of the hitch encroaching onto the pavement area, thus saving £30 per month in storage charges.Dustydog said:Stirling Elite 560
That is different Parksy. I can see the attraction. Where doe s the TV hang in the bedroom? Mind you three doors in the bathroom.... I only have one.. Not sure about that
BTW I always thought you were a TA man not SA
The TV bracket was in the middle of the wall at the foot of the bed between the sliding doors which would slide behind the tv when open. To be honest we never watch TV in bed though
We have seen that, thought it was a good idea if you went away alot with others, but felt A bit tight bedroom wise, and the shower door was flimsy, Coachman version was not impressive. SORRY coachman fan,
We've spent a few days walking the halls of the NEC's Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show and checking out the sights. If you're heading to Birmingham this weekend, click here to find out what we think are the must-see stars.
Mel
Moderator
Thanks for the heads up on the free sample of the domestic toilet tabs. We need some more of them. Me and OH are both going tomorrow so that is two free samples. :evil:
mel
mel
Parksy
Moderator
It's worth remembering that disabled visitors who hold blue badges pay reduced admission prices with carers admitted free.
Parksy said:
The catch however is if you buy the tickets Online you get a normal discount for advance booking. If you buy on arrival at the NEC you get the discount, but it is the same price as if buying in advance. The other issue is aprking for disabled. If we did nto have my mobility scooter with me, there is no way I woudl have made it from the disabled car park to the entrance. At least with the October show you have undercover parking and it is across the road from the halls.
Parksy
Moderator
I didn't bother with the disabled tickets or the disabled car parking this visit, I parked on Car Park E5 just behind the hedge from the free bus stop so it was only a few steps to the bus and a few off at the entrance to the hall, although I can get around without a mobility scooter. The scooters are available at the NEC for those who need them
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