One Post - two Shows ...

Show One is of course the Malvern Autumn Show which I have been previewing for the last couple of months - that marvellous mix of growing, experiencing, tasting, discovering, enjoying, and nostalgia. This is the last of my pre-show reports for the gates open this Saturday and Sunday (28th & 29th September) welcoming visitors once more onto the immaculate Showground beneath the Malvern Hills. Opening times are 9.00am to 6.00pm on both days; free car-parking, or continuous shuttle bus from Great Malvern station.

Loads of delicious food, and other shopping opportunities throughout 
the Show (I couldn't resist the cakes!)

I have not been able to make my usual pre-show visit but know that much frenetic activity is ongoing morning till night, as happens before all shows. But come Saturday, I will once more be out with my camera and notebook-cum-sketchbook, recording my favourite aspects, posting for those who follow this blog but for reasons of distance cannot visit. A true celebration of the harvest, set in a beautiful location - just remember your shopping trolley; and a raincoat is alway advisable. 

Mammoth or giant ?

And watch out for the monster pumpkins descending on the Showground - they will need industrial-strength scales at the weigh-in! Ten mammoths are appearing along with 270 other giant vegetables, ranging from parsnips, onions and marrows, to leeks, carrots and runner beans – all of them entered into the prestigious ‘UK National Giant Vegetables Championship’. The competition is taking place at Malvern for the first time, following its move from Somerset’s Royal Bath & West Showground, where it has been staged since 1997.

Images from past Autumn Shows (2007-2012)

MOVING ON:

One week later and the Showground plays host 
to the Malvern Caravan Show

Show Two is the Malvern Caravan Show which follows less than one week later - what a task for the showground staff to make ready for an influx of new exhibitors and visitors in motorhomes or tents, or with caravans in tow - or none, for day visitors are equally welcome, as is anyone in a motorhome or camping under canvas. Friday 4th - Sunday 6th October. 

Time to enjoy myself - mapping the local area 
with my trusty notebook still on hand

It's a great opportunity to relax and unwind, meet up with friends, view new models that could become your desired home on wheels, buy supplies and generally soak up the atmosphere and camaraderie of touring. (Having just returned from ten days with our motorhome touring Brittany, and next month will be in Shropshire with our caravan, I can thoroughly recommend touring as a means of 'getting away from it all'.)

Family fun of an evening

Latest news from the Showground is now to hand: Daytime activities include ‘Doggy Day’:?Fun Dog show (Waggiest Tail, Dog Most Like Its Owner etc) Good prizes for the dogs (Saturday morning). Adventurous visitors can enjoy free Laser Shoot and Crazy Golf, both available throughout the weekend. Those caravanners feeling creative can enter the Bake a Cake in a Van Competition! in the Showground’s very own bake-off. Evening activities include a fantastic line-up of entertainment from the fabulous 50s and Swinging 60s!   ?’Dream Boats and Petticoats,’ a Rock and Roll sensation! (Friday 4th October, 8pm) then ‘Dusty Miss 60s Springfield’ and the ‘Good Vibrations’ on Saturday 5th October, 8pm. ?Food is available in the Severn Hall on Friday and Saturday Evenings from 6.30 - 8pm.

Eating well on local food prepared in our two-berth motorhome kitchen
(sorry - not at Malvern, this was Brittany two weeks ago)

Go Touring: As well as the new and second hand models for sale, check top of the range caravans - don't miss your chance to see the new models from Swift, Coachman, Bailey, Elddis, Adria and Lunar plus caravan accessories - from awnings to towing equipment. Think nostalgia and look at models in the Vintage Caravan display, and share fond recollections of caravanning holidays - enjoying the British weather rain or shine with all the comforts of home!  (Note, they’re still just as comfortable today!)

Group Tour of the Morgan factory during the 
2011 Malvern Caravan Show

Explore the local area: Tour the local attractions - why not try a fully guided tour of the Morgan Motor Company factory and watch the traditional skills of the craftsmen and women hand-making Morgan Sports Cars, and the cutting edge technology that goes into the latest models. Limited spaces - Friday am. All tours must be booked in advance. Phone (01684) 584580 for details. Or tour the local Westons Cider Factory? Phone (01531) 660233 for details. Please note: All tours must be booked in advance.

Spring water - unequalled

And last but not least, Walk the Hills: glorious views, way-marked paths and carparks in various locations. See if you can find the Evandine Spring from which you can still enjoy the fabulous natural Malvern Water, for free. Or explore Malvern Town with its range of shops and two good supermarkets if you have run out of food. Above all, join the fun and enjoy yourselves!

Such a lovely Show in a superb area of outstanding natural beauty