The Volksworld show

I had planned a lazy family day out at the season opener VW show. But on the thursday evening I got a message that one of the display cars had dropped out, a shame as it was the one water-cooled vehicle on the stand and we had had to really fight the organisers to get permission to put one on there due to their strict rules of air-cooled/T25 only. Not a problem though as it gave me the perfect excuse to charge the camera batteries and take the Beetle for a spin. Last properly used in August 2010 for a quick trip and then MOT'd a couple of times then tucked up in the garage it fired on the first attempt and didn't grumble at all. At 7:30am with the sun shining down I was in the queue to get on the club stand (I won't bore you with the adventure of getting the right gate, but the words brewery and piss up spring to mind!)



After much shuffling of cars and erecting of flag poles and gazebos the club stand was looking good. Hopefully following a rough year for the club we could bounce back and get some new members in.



With the stand all set I was hoping to get a cheeky walk around inside before the crowds, sadly the staff have put a stop to that treat so I had to wait until 10am before charging round behind my lens. There were some really nice Beetles and Campers in the main hall.








The replica of the of RC Wild Willy was brilliant, it built on the Sand Scorcher version that was around a couple of years ago.



Stars of the show for me were the VW38 and the Berlin-Rome KdF-Wagen Type 60 K10 Rekordwagen. Both were stunning in jet black. I stood with a friend for a good 15 minutes just staring at each and discussing the tiny details. photos do not do either any justice.





Heading outside there were the usual SSVC and EB line ups as well a more of the 25th anniversary collection.









I spotted Martin Dorey from "one man and his campervan" he was promoting his new cookbook that comes out soon and had a few signed copies available. I had a chat and nabbed one to go with his first book.



Then it was back indoors to the basement hall and yet more great Dubs.











Needing refreshment I went back to the club stand and did some PR work, the club had a great day with at least a dozen memberships being taken and several unhappy members placated.



Following a shift on the stand I was back out with the camera for some more snaps and some shopping. I returned with new indicator lenses for the Camper, new tyre dustcaps for the Beetle, a bag for Kim and a toy Camper for Lily. A good trip.











Soon it was time to pack up and say goodbye, the show may close at 5pm, but it takes forever to clear the place of punters who dawdle about. By 6pm we were in a queue to get out





And on the road home, in a little over an hour I was settled on the sofa with a KFC, tired but glad I went. The show never really disappoints and its a great start for LTV in 2012. There are loads more photos here

Steve.

Share

Another month, another snowy meet

For the second month running the South Hill Park VW meet was blighted by snow. Not the blanket of sledge worthy white stuff we had last time, but an annoying rainy version. Still it didn't dampen everyones spirits and there was a small turnout. Air and water cooled were left in the carpark and we headed indoors to the cafe for some warmth.











Inside Lily worked off her chocolate buttons by running around the empty gallery and shouting in the echoy halls.



Fingers crossed its at least dry for the next one and we can finally get both air-cooleds out for the day.

Steve.


Share

Birthday trip to Beaulieu

The last few years we've stayed local for my birthday and gone shopping in town. This year we were up and out just after 9am heading towards the New Forest and Beaulieu, the National Motor Museum. I've been many times, the first when I was about 5 and the last about in 2007 when I took the Camper for a spin following some servicing. Coming back today as a family was fun as it gave Lily a chance to run around and see loads of CARS!





First up was the new Top Gear display featuring lots of the old stunts cars from the series. The car boats, the Reliant Shuttle and the Campers were all in various states of decay following a bashing on the show.







Then it was round into the main museum. The place seems to rearrange itself to stay fresh. A lot of the same cars are in there but shuffled about to mix it up. Its difficult to pick a favourite but these are some of the highlights.







The biggest change since my last visit is the vast Bond in Motion display that dominates the middle of the museum now. Its new for this year and is the biggest gathering of old James Bond film cars, bikes, gadgets and props. Again I have seen a fair few before but there were still some nice surprises within.





The Spy Who Loved Me, Lotus submarine is as old as me!








With lunchtime fast approaching we took a break for fish & chips in the Brabazon restaurant, also a chance to rest weary feet before part two. Suitably refreshed we headed back inside for the rest of the Bond in Motion display.









One of the best bits about Beaulieu has always been their Land Speed Record collection. Some of it has been relocated during the Bond exhibition to different museums or elsewhere on site but the Bluebirds and GoldenRod still remain. I just love the vast sleek CN7 with its tall fin.





We wandered round the rest of the area looking at the racing cars at the far end.



I have a photo taken when I was about 5 of me in a similar position. A quiet word with the staff helped to recreate it.





And that was it. But Beaulieu is far more than cars, the grounds stretch off to the river nearby and you can wander round freely. The house and ruins are also open but not really Lily friendly, we can wait a bit before attempting them! But what we could do was ride the monorail, still that familiar bright green fibreglass train that glides along on its rail from the station near the entrance, through the museum at high level and down to the house, swinging round and through the gardens before returning home. Being mid week we had the place to ourselves a lot of the time and the monorail became our personal transport for the whole ride. Lily loved every minute of it.





We then walked the same route taking in the ruins and the front of the house and the stunning spring flowers that were poking through.







Our final port of call was the kiddies play area, still a little big for Lily we shared a ride instead.



And then via the shop it was time to head home. A brilliant day blessed with glorious weather. The rest of the photos can be found here

Steve.

Share