The Three Counties Caravan & Motorhome Show 2009 organised once again by the Golden Castle Leisure Group opened on Thursday 1st October at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern.I visited as a day visitor, but the fields were full of caravanners and motorcaravanners who were enjoying a free weekend rallying at the showground, as camping is free provided the show entrance fee is purchased. I was delighted to watch the fields fill up over the day and the number of visitors to the show gradually increase over the afternoon. Exhibitors expressed the opinion that visitor numbers were about the same as in previous years despite the changes since the opening of the October International Caravan and Motorhome Show at the NEC. Both the Camping and Caravanning Club and the Motor Caravanners Club supported the show with stands, whilst the Caravan Club took pages in the show guide.

The impressive 2009 caravan model and dealer displays from Bailey, Coachman, Eldiss, Lunar, Sprite, Sterling, and Swift were in Wye Hall. There was also a good selection of that rare commodity these days, used tourers, ranging from £6,000 to £10,000. I really enjoyed browsing in the Golden Castle accessory shop, and through the awnings from Apache, Isabella, Bradcot and DWT, as well as enjoying the trade stands which were also in Wye Hall. Powr Products were demonstrating their new improved caravan movers which have more power and can move around continously. Cotswold Motor Caravans' and West Country Motorhomes' huge displays of motorhomes filled Severn Hall. The outdoor trade stands included many products that are unusual and hard to get elsewhere, but are really useful to caravanners and motorcaravanners alike.

Catering was supplied in the Severn Hall cafe and by mobile caterers in Wye Hall, but I took my own lunch and a flask of coffee, which I enjoyed whilst watching the world go by. This is after all what we caravanners often do isn't it? I can thoroughly recommend this leisurely leisure show.