Keith Gooden
Well, well – what a week that was at the NEC at the Motorhome and Caravan Show 2022. Welcome back to the Motorhome Matt podcast. It’s a rather special one where Matt’s been out and about at the show talking to you and some of his mates. Stand by for a great interview with that well-known comedy personality and caravanner Rowland Rivron. But first, let’s hear from you and Matt!
What visitors looked forward to at The Motorhome and Caravan Show
Denise
I’m Denise and I’m from Great Yarmouth.
Matt Sims
And have you been to this show before?
Denise
Yes, quite a few times!
Matt Sims
Have you? You look like a seasoned showgoer.
Denise
Well, I’m more of a caravanner and camper type of person.
Matt Sims
So what brings you here this year?
Denise
Just to have a look around and see what’s on offer, see what’s around at the moment. I’ve looked at some of the camping stuff. And I like all the little stalls that go around the sides.
Matt Sims
Around the perimeter?
Denise
Yes. I do spend a lot of money there.
Matt Sims
It can get expensive, can’t it?
Denise
It can get expensive, yes. Very!
Richard Manby
I’m Richard Manby. I’m from Steeple Bumpstead.
Matt Sims
Steeple Bumpstead?
Richard Manby
Indeed.
Matt Sims
Where’s that?
Richard Manby
It’s on the border between Cambridge, Suffolk and Essex.
Matt Sims
So how long has it taken you to get here today?
Richard Manby
Well, we’ve been having a bit of a trip around Kent, etc. So we’ve visited various friends, and we’ve just come up from staying near here.
Matt Sims
Brilliant. And what brings you to the show today, then?
Richard Manby
Well, we’ve ordered a motorhome and would like to have another look at it and measure it for curtains and that sort of thing.
Matt Sims
What have you ordered?
Richard Manby
A Bailey Adamo!
Matt Sims
Very nice. And when is it coming?
Richard Manby
We’d love to know. It was meant to be here already, but now it’s slipped off into next year.
Matt Sims
So when did you order it?
Richard Manby
At the last show. The last NEC show, yes.
Matt Sims
And have you been given any idea of an arrival date?
Richard Manby
Just the new year.
Matt Sims
Yes. Well, good luck. Have a lovely day. And may you get a delivery date soon.
Trevor Tomlinson
I’m Trevor Tomlinson and I’m from a little village called Riddings which is two miles from Nottingham.
Matt Sims
Have you been to the show before?
Trevor Tomlinson
Yes. I was early on this year.
Matt Sims
Have you bought a motorhome here? What brings you back?
Trevor Tomlinson
I’ve got a caravan that I bought when I visited in February at the last show here. But it wasn’t a new one. It was only a year old. I bought it from Robinsons in Chesterfield.
Matt Sims
And what brings you here today?
Trevor Tomlinson
Oh, just to have a look. It’s very, very fruitful. I took it back for a service in the summer and they actually offered me £4,000 more than I paid for it!
Matt Sims
Well, it’s a good investment, isn’t it?
Trevor Tomlinson
Oh, yes. It’s very good.
Matt Sims
I’ve been told you’re a caravan buff, sir. What’s your name?
Paul
Paul from Solihull – two junctions down the motorway.
Matt Sims
Easy for you this morning, then.
Paul
Very easy.
Matt Sims
So what brings you here today?
Paul
I’m just looking around. Some new caravans out, and we’ll get a few bits while we’re here.
Matt Sims
So have you got a caravan at the moment?
Paul
Yes, I’ve got a caravan at the moment. I had a brand new one three years ago.
Matt Sims
Was that the first caravan for you?
Paul
No, second. We had the first one for six months and changed it to a brand new one.
Matt Sims
Six months – why only six months?
Paul
Because it wasn’t the right layout and it was an older caravan.
Matt Sims
I’m with you. Okay, so what’s on the list today to shop for?
Paul
An awning rail, spray, stuff like that. Accessories, really.
Matt Sims
Brilliant. Well, have a lovely day – make sure you listen to the podcast!
Paul
No worries! Thank you.
Peter
My name is Peter. We’re from Stockport.
Matt Sims
From Stockport! Is this your first time at the show?
Peter
It is at this one, yes. We’ve been to a few shows before but we’ve not been to the NEC before.
Matt Sims
So what brings you to the show today?
Peter
Well, we’ve just got a little bit of time off at the moment. I’ve got a Volkswagen campervan at the moment so we’re looking at maybe upgrading it just for a bit more room and a bit more space, really. So we’re not sure what we’re looking at yet, whether it’s going to be a motorhome, a tourer or a van – a Crafter or something like that. It’s just for bit of inspiration today.
Matt Sims
So you’ll just wander around and see what’s there? And what about for you? What do you fancy?
Lorraine
I don’t mind really, to be fair, because it’s alright for me as I’m only short! So yes, it’s more room for Pete, really.
Matt Sims
So the ceiling height’s going be the key issue, isn’t it?
Peter
We’ve got a pop top and everything. So when all that’s up, it’s great. There’s enough room, really. I’ve had them for years now. This is my fourth one, I think. Age is getting up there with us as well. And I think the crouching down is getting a bit too much, so just a little bit more comfort really. That’s all.
Matt Sims
Brilliant. Well, have a good show. Good luck. And may you place an order at some point before the end of the day?
Peter
You never know!
Matt Sims
Good morning. I’m Matt. What’s your name?
Colin Lister
My name is Colin. Colin Lister. This is my wife, Victoria.
Matt Sims
And where have you guys travelled from today?
Colin Lister
We’ve travelled from Felixstowe.
Matt Sims
How long has that taken you?
Colin Lister
About three and a half hours.
Matt Sims
Okay. Oh, not too bad.
Colin Lister
Not too bad.
Matt Sims
Not too bad. And have you been to the show before?
Colin Lister
We came for the last show about three years ago – before COVID. So yes, we have, and this is our second time visiting.
Matt Sims
And what brings you today? Why are you here?
Colin Lister
We currently have a motorhome and a campervan and are looking at whether there is a single vehicle that could perhaps marry the advantages of both.
Matt Sims
Okay, so you’ve got the best of both worlds then!
Colin Lister
Or the worst! Whichever way you look at it.
Matt Sims
That’s showing off, isn’t it?
Colin Lister
Probably!
Matt Sims
So what sort of thing are you here to look at?
Colin Lister
A panel van conversion style, as to what is on offer regarding UK spec rather than German. Our current one is a Hymer. The problem with most of the smaller Hymer panel van conversions is there are no ovens. They’re really designed for outdoor summer living as against all year around and eating on board.
Matt Sims
So a larger kitchen and more seating space?
Colin Lister
A larger kitchen definitely.
Matt Sims
There is a Hymer in there that’s definitely worth looking at. It’s probably not what you’re after. But it’s a showstopper.
Hassan Aziz
I’m Hassan Aziz.
Matt Sims
So what brings you here today?
Hassan Aziz
Oh, we’re just here browsing and looking. We’ve got a caravan. My wife and my son sail, so they want a campervan so they can tow the boats as well as sleep in the van. So that’s why we’re here. We’re here to have a look!
Matt Sims
Fantastic. And have you been to the show before?
Hassan Aziz
Yes, many years ago, though. A long time ago. Well before kids!
Matt Sims
What kind of campervan are you looking for?
Zoe
One that I can stand up in!
Matt Sims
Okay, yes – a pop roof.
Zoe
Yes.
Matt Sims
So Zoe, come on. Tell me – what is it you’re looking for today?
Zoe
I need a campervan, because I don’t want to have a caravan anymore.
Matt Sims
What’s wrong with the caravan?
Zoe
It’s old! We need a new one because it’s getting too small.
Matt Sims
Okay, so what kind of campervan are you looking for?
Zoe
A VW.
Matt Sims
Well, there are so many to look at in there. There are some four wheel drive ones – all sorts. So yes, have a great show.
Visitor 1
We’re coming to look at campervans today. And the most important thing is she wants to try all the beds out!
Matt Sims
All the beds?!
Visitor 2
Just to lie on them and see if they’re comfortable.
Matt Sims
Okay, and is there a particular one? What is it you’re looking for – a caravan or motorhome?
Visitor 2
A motorhome, definitely.
Matt Sims
Have you got one at the moment?
Visitor 2
No, we’ve got a caravan.
Matt Sims
Okay, so you’re going to change and go to the bright side.
Visitor 2
My husband doesn’t like towing.
Matt Sims
Okay, so what kind of motorhome is it you’re looking for?
Visitor 1
One that’s fairly compact and not too big so that you can park most places and it gives you enough space inside to actually be able to live reasonably comfortably. So it’s quite a challenge, if I’m honest. Yes, that’s why we’re here, really -to have a look and see what’s on offer.
Matt Sims
Well, my advice is to take photos. As you go in, there’s little sign with the make, model and price, and then take photos inside. Then you’ve got a clue what you saw today, because you have no idea when you leave tonight.
Visitor 1
That’s very good advice. Thank you very much!
Backstage with Rowland Rivron
Matt Sims
Well, I’m here backstage at the Motorhome and Caravan Show with a very special guest – the man who is hosting the conference. It’s Rowland Rivron!
Rowland Rivron
Hello there! How are you doing?
Matt Sims
I’m very well. It’s a few years ago, we last met wasn’t it?
Rowland Rivron
It was pre-pandemic, I think. Going way back now, relatively speaking.
Matt Sims
Well, you and Monica opened our dealership in Bristol!
Rowland Rivron
We did. That was the very first time. Now, that must have been 12 or 15 years ago.
Matt Sims
Probably 2008
Rowland Rivron
I can’t work that out. But yes.
Matt Sims
It is too early.
Rowland Rivron
14 years! I wasn’t far off.
Matt Sims
Now, you’re a keen caravaner, aren’t you?
Rowland Rivron
Yes. I mean, I got into caravanning by default. I used to do the BBC holiday show. And for one of the assignments they said, ‘Would you and your family be prepared to go on a caravanning holiday in northern France for the weekend?’ And I mentioned this to my wife, Monica, and she said, ‘Do you know, I don’t think we’ve ever used the word, “Caravan,” in conversation since we’ve known each other.’ So it was something of an anathema to us. I got in touch with the Caravan and Motorhome Club and got in touch with Nikki Nichol. She organised me a driving session with a caravan.
And very, very quickly, suddenly we’re on our way to Northern France – me, mum and three kids. We were wary of what we were letting ourselves in for. I know Nikki Nichol was very worried that because I was a comedian I’d just take the piss out of it. She said, ‘This is not going to be good.’ Anyway, we went – my kids loved it. My wife loved it. I loved it.
The show went out and the caravan and motorhome people wanting to join went through the roof. It was lovely. Everyone was happy. And from that day on, all we’ve ever done is motorhome. Before then we were going to America with the Mickey dollar and all that, and it was a revelation. So since then, nearly 20 years ago, we’ve made our way around Northern France borrowing caravans initially from Bailey.
And then eventually halfway down France when Ned was about 4 or 5, so that’s about 15 or 16 years ago, we bought a caravan off Bailey. We got it customised. Mon wanted a rubber pink floor and wooden blinds instead of fluffy curtains and all that sort of stuff. We did all that and we’ve not looked back. Every year, twice a year sometimes, we caravan.
Matt Sims
You keep the caravan somewhere different to most of us.
Rowland Rivron
Yes. What we did was we made our way down the west coast of France. And we got in touch with Nikki again and said, ‘Nikki, we’ve got three young kids. We want a campsite where you don’t have to cross the road to get to the beach.’ Now, the only one, the only campsite that does that is the Pavillon Royal. They’ve got a stand here, Pavillon Royal in Bidart, which is about a mile south of Biarritz. And there you’ve got direct access to the beach.
They’ve got private stairs that go down onto the beach so the kids don’t have to worry about getting across the road or anything like that. We went there. The kids fell in love with it. We used to go for a month every August. So that was the kids summer holiday. They grew up there, basically. Mon and I still go back without the kids. It’s glorious.
Matt Sims
Now, big news for you is you’re going to be moving back to the homeland, aren’t you? You’re coming back to Somerset.
Rowland Rivron
Well, there is talk that Mon’s got her eyes set on somewhere in Somerset. Yes. We like the idea. Now the kids have flown and all that, you know, we’re a bit more mobile. So we’d like to spend more time with the caravan down in the south of France. But just for security, we’re going to maybe buy a place down there, have the place in London and rent them out and then live off the earnings living in a caravan.
Matt Sims
Fantastic. Well, pop in for a cup of tea when you’re passing. So Rowland, what’s been the highlight of this show for you?
Rowland Rivron
The highlight of the show?§ I’m always completely in awe of the way they structure the whole show. It’s faultless. There’s no one thing that amazes me. What amazes me is the efficiency with which they get all these vans in. And the amount of vans, the amount of stuff – caravans, motorhomes and campervans that they cram into this building and the way it looks. It takes them about 10 minutes before we turn up. I turned up on Monday ready to start on Tuesday – the place was a wreck. The carpets weren’t down. There was nothing. Seemingly overnight everything’s in place.
Matt Sims
It’s like a building site, isn’t it?
Rowland Rivron
Come Tuesday morning, everything’s completely immaculate and pristine. It’s the eighth wonder of the world.
Matt Sims
Well, I’ve spent 23 years in exhibitions. I’m very used to that. And there’s this magic hour as the show build closes, where suddenly everything gets cleared away. The vacuums get unplugged and the aisle carpets go down and it becomes a show. It’s magical.
Rowland Rivron
And the other thing is that when you wander around on Monday before it’s opening and everyone’s doing stuff still, there’s power drills going and all that. Nobody looks like they’re in a rush. Everyone’s just very calm. It’s like, ‘I know how long this is going to take. This is going to finish 10 minutes before the door opens.’
Matt Sims
They’re all swans, really.
Rowland Rivron
Yes, exactly.
Matt Sims
Well, have a great last day. We’re on stage in a minute for the expert panel. I’m looking forward to that. Hopefully, we’ll get some challenging questions.
Rowland Rivron
Something other than batteries and solar panels.
Matt Sims
And Wi-Fi!
Rowland Rivron
And Wi-Fi. They’re the 3 niggling problems for Joe Public, seemingly.
Matt Sims
Has there been one question that stood out for you this week?
Rowland Rivron
There was a lady sitting down the front that said, ‘I’ve been listening to what you’ve been saying and I haven’t understood a word, but I’m looking to buy a campervan. Can you help me?’
Catching up with Wayne Kavanagh from Chelston Motorhomes
Matt Sims
I’m just walking down the corridor of the NEC show and I’ve just bumped into my dear friend Wayne.
Wayne Kavanagh
Hello, Matthew, how are you?
Matt Sims
Very formal. I’m very good. How are you?
Wayne Kavanagh
Today’s been a great day. Thank you.
Matt Sims
Why has it been great?
Wayne Kavanagh
The Great British public have decided that they still want to carry on motorhoming. Despite protracted delivery, we are still taking orders and having people who want to do business.
Matt Sims
And they’re paying deposits.
Wayne Kavanagh
Absolutely.
Matt Sims
Fantastic. We’ve just been having a conversation on a live podcast and we were talking about the used values and how Wandering Bird and Darran from The Urban Motorhome. They think they’re going to drop next year because of a glut of used stock. What do you think?
Wayne Kavanagh
I don’t think that’ll be the case, to be fair. If you look at where we’ve been with new vehicle price rises this year, part of the reason why people are buying or placing orders today is there are certain vehicles and manufacturers out there that are willing to price protect against a delivery of 12 or 15 months away. New vehicle price rises – we’ll only see the used market follow. If you look at cars, how do you value a vehicle? You start with, ‘What’s the new one worth?’ and apply a depreciation curve. Whilst it’s not as savage with motorhomes as it is with cars, it’s still a basis for producing a valuation.
Matt Sims
And the point there is it’s what the new one is worth now – not when you bought that one.
Wayne Kavanagh
No, absolutely.
Matt Sims
People forget that.
Wayne Kavanagh
They do. But part of being a dealer is that there are 3 parties to the deal. You’ve got the customer, the dealer and the manufacturer and as long as all 3 parties are smiling at the end of the deal, happy days. Let’s keep going.
Freelance journalist, Nick Harding’s view of the show
Matt Sims
I’m here with an industry celebrity – a proper unknown celebrity. This is Nick Harding. Now, if you’ve ever read the Camping and Caravanning Club magazine, Caravan Club magazine, MMM, Practical Motorhome, then you have read Nick’s words. Nick, how are you doing?
Nick Harding
Oh, very well, thank you. You’ve made me sound very old.
Matt Sims
Well, you are old! We’re both old.
Nick Harding
Oh, I’m actually 60 in November.
Matt Sims
Oh, my goodness.
Nick Harding
I have to say I’ve been reporting on this industry for three decades now.
Matt Sims
Three decades and you’re still running around the aisles before the show opens! Now, I know you’ve got loads to do before the show opens so thank you for stopping and talking to me. I just want to ask you, what’s the highlight of the show for you this year?
Nick Harding
Well, there are loads of good vehicles here, Matt – caravans and motorhomes, campervans, trailer tents, folding campers, you name it. But I have to say the main highlight is just seeing people back here at the show loving life, looking to place orders and looking to get out there and just have a great time.
Matt Sims
It’s lovely to see. Take care. I’ll let you go. Thank you.
Visitors Matt and Eleanor’s new motorhome
Matt Sims
So I’m here with a very excited visitor to the show. Hi, what’s your name?
Matt
Matt.
Matt Sims
And where are you from, Matt?
Matt
York.
Matt Sims
And what is so exciting for you about today?
Matt
Well, today we came back in to buy a motorhome – well, a campervan which we didn’t know we were going to be doing. We came yesterday and we saw the exact van we’ve been looking for. We went to the hotel after and we weren’t supposed to be back at the show at all. But we woke up quite excited about the idea that we want to buy this campervan. So we’ve returned and we’ve put down a deposit.
Matt Sims
Fantastic! Congratulations. So what have you bought?
Matt
So we bought a Dreamer D43 Up which is a 5.4 metre van conversion with a pop top half dinette and fixed rear bed.
Matt Sims
Very good. And are you very excited as well? What’s your name?
Eleanor
Eleanor
Matt Sims
Hi, Eleanor. What are you excited about daddy’s new purchase?
Eleanor
To go to buy something so new!
Matt Sims
That’s right. And are you going to go on lots of holidays?
Eleanor
Yeah!
Matt Sims
Are you excited about it?
Eleanor
Yeah!
Matt Sims
Brilliant. Well, congratulations again. And have a safe journey back home.
Matt
Brilliant. Thank you.
Keith Gooden
Wow, what a show. What a fabulous time everybody had! If you couldn’t make it to the show, I hope you got a flavour of it through the Motorhome Matt podcast with me, Keith Gooden, and of course our expert, the man it’s named after – Motorhome Matt Sims. Don’t forget there’s plenty on YouTube. Just look for Motorhome Matt, and you can see some of the insides of those vans and motorhomes. There’s plenty to look at on there now and in the coming weeks. You take care and come back here for another Motorhome Matt podcast soon.
