1999 Heritage steals the show at the NEC

Fleetwood directors Richard Allen and Mick Shaw, pictured on the front cover of this Flyer, have every reason to look pleased with life.

After years of being regarded as the Cinderella of the caravan manufacturers, Fleetwood cocked a snoop at the rest when the company collected three awards, including best two-berth caravan, between £10,000 and £12,000, at the NEC show in February.

The awards, presented by Practical Caravan Magazine, represented an amazing turn around in fortunes for Fleetwood.

The first challenge against the big boys came last year when the company introduce the big skylight to the Colchester range.  It was quickly picked up by the others – but then come the quantum leap; the introduction of the Heritage range.

Both Heritage ‘vans won an award at the Birmingham show and rightly so.  The Heritage range has proved a sure-fire winner with orders far exceeding expectations.  The challenge now for Fleetwood is to keep their designs one step in front – coupled with further improvements in build quality which is promised.

The pick of the company’s range was on show with considerable interest not only on the two Heritage models, but in the Colchester and Countryside ranges too.

This was evident when club members, rallying near Coventry, turned up en masse for the final Saturday.  Several club members dug deep into their wallets and we should be seeing a selection of new Fleetwoods on the rally field before too long.

“I have never seen the Fleetwood stand so busy” said Flyer Editor Colin Stockall, “It was tremendously heartening after some fairly lean years for the caravan trade and let us hope that this is translated into an influx of new members for the club.”

At one point dealers were desperately seeking additional seating to conclude deals with an eager public.

The one really disappointing aspect from the club’s view was the absence of the club display.

The Fleetwood stand appeared smaller than usual and according to the company lacked space for the club display which has, admittedly, grown.

This was unfortunate as the interest shown by the public in the vans might have attracted new members there and then.

One couple that did buy a new Fleetwood, however, were Mack and Josie who were staying on the same Coventry site as the club’s NEC rally and were welcomed to flag on the Sunday.

The rally was once again run by Sylvia and Brian Collins, this year assisted by Chairman Steve and wife Yvonne.