Quote: Originally posted by Mucker1884 on 22/2/2013
Mike, I feel for you, I really do...... Missing out on a night with Lenny Henry, AND having to stay in Sutton Coldfield!!
Nothing wrong with Sutton - it's The Royal Borough of Sutton Coldfield, well it used to be, anyway!
Just waiting on the VAG Tech to ring. If he's got a lead all *should* be well. Off to breakfast meanwhile. Have to say, compared to Center Parcs beds, the Premier Inn beds are superb. Or maybe its the lack of the grandkids waking us up at the crack of dawn
Even the royal borough looks better this morning.
------------- Mike
My advice is worth no more than the price paid for it
Ah well, Cinders did get to the Ball, aka The Spring Caravan and Camping Show. Traffic was heavy but we got there, and headed straight for the Tent Village in Hall 4. Absolutely packed. Saw Outwell Guy, surrounded by his fans, and established from his mate that their 2013 chair pads and towel covers weren't yet in country.
They didn't have a new style BL6 up, but the BL4 convinced us we still prefer the old style flat front and bigger canopy.
PJ Camping/Intertent had Outwell's 2013 eco 12v/mains coolboxes at £59 which, whilst expensive for a 24lt box, was a steal compared to the £80 I'd seen for it online, so we got one. Be fine in the UK, and for France they're hiring us a fridge.
Also got 2 thick fleece throws for under and over our aerobed, and a big folding trolley to take it all on the long walk back to the car.
Had a look in some caravans and RV's. All very nice but unlike our unit, can't be rolled up and put in a cupboard.
Now home tired but happy and looking forward to our first trip out with our new tent and kit.
------------- Mike
My advice is worth no more than the price paid for it
Just back from the show and have to say I was disappointed
I am a camper and was going to look at tents and gear and was disappointed that there was only 1/2 of 1 of the halls given to camping which meant the tents were very tightly packed in and it seemed to be the busiest part of the show
The PJ camping retail area was to small and again very busy,I did get an Outwell folding BBQ for £20 which I am happy with
I did enjoy looking at all the vans and motor homes but just felt maybe they should have given1 hall solely to camping it would have been better
We had the same debate yesterday. There was acres of space between the big ticket 'vans and RV's, and some of the side stalls were deserted, but the tent and tent accessory areas were thronged and actually difficult to get round - especially when you're carrying a boxed cooler!
Maybe the profits derived from the tenters just don't warrant the costs of acres of space. I don't know. The crush in *our* areas was certainly noticeable.
------------- Mike
My advice is worth no more than the price paid for it
Just got back from the NEC. The traffic getting in was horrendous and the crowds inside were heaving. The motorhomes were superb if only? However must agree with others in saying very disappointed with tent area should have been a LOT bigger.
First time I'd seen an Airbeam "in the flesh" as you might say. Very pricey think I will stick to my Icarus 500 and me Quecha pop up tent.
------------- Pitdiver
Welsue's other half and also a ,Camper, Sailor and a nearly Outdoor Person.
Same here. Slow traffic for parking (arrived at entrance about 10:40, hoping the initial rush would be over!). Buses packed, so decided to walk it.... 15mins to building, quick cuppa, then another 15 min stroll over the "top walkway" to halls 1-4.
"Our" area, as said, was tightly packed, both with gear and "customers".
Went with the outlook that we didn't actually need anything, so treated it as just a nice day out, rather than a bargain hunting mission, and managed to come away without being tempted! To be honest, there was nothing there that caught my eye, and the only thing I came away impressed with, was the quality of the polyester on the Isabella tents..... and the freebie "Outwell sweets"!! :-)
The inflatables didn't excite, the TT's weren't fit to lick the boots of that Cabanon someone posted on here the other day, The FC's left me feeling flat, The caravans were gleaming, but uninspiring, The MH's were cramped, and the Statics relied on something called a "Holiday park", whatever they are!!
I came away truly thinking I'm happy with what we have! :-)
'Twas a good day out, served it's purpose, but doubt I'll feel the need to go again.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: NEC camping and caravanning show info
