About Us

Welcome to threecandles.org, the website dedicated to providing you with valuable information about UK vans. Our team of experienced and passionate van enthusiasts is committed to delivering high-quality content and resources to help you make informed decisions about your next van purchase.

Meet our team: beginning with me (of course!)

I'm Gareth Carr, a lifelong seeker of van adventures. Raised in the UK countryside, vans enchanted me early on. Those iconic VW campervans sparked dreams of liberation and as a lad, I'd tinker with bikes, mowers, anything motorised. My parents nurtured my curiosity, unwittingly kindling a lifelong passion.

When it became time for my first wheels, nothing but a van would do. Classifieds scoured, I found the one – a resilient (OK a bit rusty, but reliable) '73 Ford Transit. Vanda, my trusted partner, came to life.

Life turned toward the open road. I became a modern nomad, drifting from one escapade to another. Vanda and I explored Cornwall's rugged coast, Scotland's winding paths, and even London's bustling streets. Vanda and I grew together; she evolved from mere transport to a cherished friend, embodying my spirit and love for exploration.

We weathered storms, celebrated triumphs. Vanda carried me through life's ups and downs, epitomizing resilience and a thirst for new horizons.

Reading back on that: how poetic it sounds! Perhaps I should have been a poet or a paperback writer 😀

John Carroll – Founder and Editor-in-Chief

John has been a van enthusiast for over 40 years and has owned and operated a variety of vehicles over the years. He founded threecandles.org to share his knowledge and passion for UK vans with others. As Editor-in-Chief, John oversees all aspects of the website and ensures that our content is accurate, informative, and engaging.

In addition to his work at threecandles.org, John is a retired engineer who enjoys tinkering with vans in his spare time. He has a wealth of technical knowledge and is always happy to share his expertise with our readers.

Peter Jansen – Senior Writer

Peter is a seasoned writer and journalist with over 30 years of experience in the industry. He joined threecandles.org in 2015 and has since become one of our most valuable team members. Peter is responsible for researching and writing many of our most popular articles, including our comprehensive van reviews and buying guides.

Peter has always had a passion for vans and has owned several over the years. He loves nothing more than taking a long drive in the countryside in his trusty van and exploring all that the UK has to offer.

David Jones (AKA Tech Davey)– Technical Advisor

David is our resident technical advisor and has over 40 years of experience in the automotive industry. He has worked as a mechanic, engineer, and consultant for some of the biggest names in the business. David joined threecandles.org in 2022 and has since become an invaluable member of our team.

David is responsible for providing technical advice and support to our readers. He answers questions on everything from engine maintenance to electrical systems and is always happy to share his expertise. David is also an avid van enthusiast and enjoys attending car shows and events in his spare time.

At threecandles.org, we are dedicated to providing you with the information and resources you need to make informed decisions about your next van purchase. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable van enthusiasts is here to help you every step of the way. Whether you are a first-time van buyer or a seasoned veteran, we are confident that you will find our website informative and engaging.

Thank you for choosing threecandles.org as your go-to source for UK van information. If you have any questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to hear from our readers and appreciate your support.

Fancy getting in touch?

We are always happy to chat online with fellow van enthusiasts. If you have any thoughts to pass on, questions or concerns about this site, please contact us at