Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Lois Gibbon runs Daffodil Events, the firm which staged the South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show 2012 in Carmarthen. Here is her Holiday Heaven and Hell, as featured in the South Wales Evening Post -  What was your best holiday? As an avid traveller, it is very difficult to choose, but I think New Zealand was the most interesting. I travelled there with my best friend Mererid back in December, 2007, for six weeks. We hired a car on arrival and travelled the whole of the north and south island. In the north, we visited NZ’s biggest city, Auckland, saw dolphins at Whitianga, visited the sulphur pools and the traditional Maori Villages in Rotorua, Huka Falls in Taupo, the art-deco town of Napier and the wine region of Hastings before heading down to Wellington, the windy city. Then we crossed to the south and spent time in Picton, Nelson, Franz Joseph and Fox Glazier and on to Queenstown for some white water rafting. We visited the peaceful and stunning sights of Milfor...

The South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show was a big hit at Carmarthen’s United Counties Showground at Nantyci on the outskirts of the town. “The reaction from visitors and exhibitors was excellent,” said organiser and promoter Lois Gibbon (pictured above), of Daffodil Events. “Exhibitor numbers were higher than last year and there were more people staying over on the camp site than previous years.” Next year’s event is already pencilled in the showground calendar for May 10-12 next year. Lois said: “Obviously, we hope to be back an even bigger and better show in 2013. “Feedback from visitors was good this year, with the youngsters enjoying the face painting and exploring the exhibits and many people enjoying the display of classic vehicles by the Towy Valley Vintage Club. “One interesting development this year was the way that people used the park and ride facility from Nantyci to Carmarthen town centre. “Campers on site took the opportunity of using the park and ride faci...

There’s a big chance coming up to beat the Government’s controversial decision to slap VAT on static caravans. The South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show 2012 will showcase some of the leading caravans. “And it’s a really big chance to get ahead of Chancellor of Exchequer George Osborne and his VAT plans,” said show organiser and promoter Lois Gibbon, pictured above. “It’s fair to say there has been a storm of controversy over the Chancellor’s plans, which were announced in the last Budget. “Caravan manufacturers are upset because they fear it will hit sales. Holiday park owners are worried it could also hit their tourism industry. “The big debate about VAT on caravans is still raging this week and there are plenty of lobby groups both inside and outside Parliament trying to get George Osborne to change his mind. “You can’t help but feel that Mr Osborne has made his mind up, however. “In which case, this is the ideal time to get ahead of the game and invest in a static carav...

The countdown is well and truly on to one of the biggest events of the year at Carmarthen’s United Counties Showground. In just over three weeks’ time, the showground at Nantyci on the A40 will host the South and West Wales Caravan and Motorhome Show 2012. The show is celebrating its sixth year and will take place over three days from May 11 to 13. “In terms of scale, it’s the biggest annual event at the showground and one which has appeal for all the family,” said organiser and promoter Lois Gibbon, of Daffodil Events. “Visitors will get to see the latest in the caravan and motorhome industry, but there will plenty of other attractions, including a display of classic vehicles by the Towy Valley Vintage Club. “A major ‘first’ this year will be the appearance of The Fly Heli Wales team, who will be offering breath-taking helicopter rides from the showground.” Carmarthen-born Lois took over the running of the annual caravan and motorhome show from Towy Events. “This will be my secon...