11.30am, Saturday 2 July 2011

What a glorious day. I’m here at the UK Motorhome and Caravan show at Shrewsbury, on the Practical Motorhome stand opposite the Spitfire (seriously).

 

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We’re giving away a free issue of the magazine to anyone who pays us a visit, and I’m here to chat to fans of motor caravans and of our magazine.

 

It’s getting busier as we approach lunchtime on Saturday, and I can smell hotdog sausages sizzling.

 

There’s plenty to see here, with conversions from the likes of WildAx, Shire Conversions, Horizons Unlimited, and dealer displays from big names such as Brownhills, Fullers and Timberland.

 

And from a walk round the showground this morning, there are some fairly tasty show offers too.

 

I’ll be updating this blog as the day goes on, with the latest news, and the views of people we meet, so watch this space…

 

2pm, Saturday 2 July 2011


It’s still very busy here. I’ve been chatting to dozens of motor caravanners who’ve dropped by at the stand. Thanks to everyone who said ‘hello’!

 

There were plenty who said they were looking to upgrade to their next ‘van. For most, this was a case of downsizing to a smaller, more manageable motorhome. The cost of fuel was the main reason for this.

 

I’ve also just had a chat with the guys at Horizons Unlimited, best known for their Transit-based Cavarnos. Back in April they launched the Boxer-based Camaro, a MWB high top with side sofa on the driver’s side, and passenger seat on the near side, with rear L-kitchen and washroom. It’s impressively finished.

 

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Until recently, Horizons sold their conversions through Roy Wood Transits exclusively, but now they’ve taken the retail in house, and sell direct from the factory in Tamworth.

 

They’re also looking to launch a LWB Boxer conversion in the next few months, with a unique new layout. Watch this space…

 

 

4pm, Saturday 2 July 2011

 

Well here’s an unexpected treat: Bentley Motorhomes have chosen the show to launch a new model to the Artisan range: the Cerise. It’s a narrow-bodied low-profile coachbuilt based on the Renault Trafic, and brings the range up to four models.

 

I spotted it on Fuller Motorhomes’ stand. Intriguingly, entry to the habitation quarters is via the door on the rear panel – just like the old Autocruise Vista. Founder of Bentley Motorhomes (and prior to that, Autocruise), Gordon Bentley admitted to me he was up til late last night finishing it off in time for the show.

 

It has a clever end washroom, twin sofas up front, and retails at £43,995. A very impressive addition to the range, from the team that recently took the Caravan Club’s prestigious Design and Drive overall winner award.

 

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That’s all for today, but I’ll be back to bring you more news and info on day two of the show tomorrow.

 

 

Rob Ganley, Editor