Packed Dubs at the Park

A hurried battery change for the Beetle saw both our air-cooled Dubs running and heading down the A329M towards Easthampstead Park. rolling up the drive we joined a short queue before parking outside the house for the busiest and hottest DATP for a while.



With a quick snack on board we started walking round. The LTV display area was out front and packed with familiar cars.









As we moved onto the croquet lawn, Kim headed for a coffee, Lily and I headed for the first of many bouncy castle goes. In the shade of the trees I admired the work of Auto Impressions and pondered some Camper body and paint work soon.







On the lower field it was all cars. Beetle rubbed arches with Golfs or various marks as well as Passats and Polos.

















As Lily skipped in the long grass I explored the traders and nabbed a pair of slightly worn Brazilian indicator Chrome tops, plastic with Chrome effect they probably won't last well, but they are a million times better than the rusted ones in place.











Back at the van we grabbed some food and a drink and the Radio Flyer for Lily to tow around. We bumped into the Dewis-Jones clan lazing on the lawn listening to the bands before aiming for more bouncy castle, ice creams and the side field.



















Meeting up with Pab, Lily had a playmate for a bit and went exploring before we said our goodbyes and convoyed home.









The show has grown massively from the small South Hill Park event from 2004. Numbers were up, the weather was good and the crowds happy. It was very telling though of the change in ownership. Fewer Beetles and more Campers. More water cooled. Younger owners and fewer of the old "owned it since new" group. But things must evolve.

Steve.

Easter Dubs

After a rather embarrassing twelve monthgap, we were back at South Hill Park for the LTV monthly meet. With the offer of chocolate and a chance to go out in the Camper, Lily leapt at the chance to head over to Bracknell for a bit. Rolling into the carpark there were a couple of club members already in place.



As more people arrived the familiar sight of Herbie and Jack, the Beetle and Buggy of David and Louise. A winter sat idle meant a push reverse was needed!





More campers and Beetles arrived as we headed for the cafe before Lily was enticed back for a gift from the Easter Bunny.











Sadly a prior engagement meant we had to head home to get a roast started, but it was nice to be back with our VW friends once more.

Steve.

Volksworld show

A while back Retro Rides friends Will and Ness said they were planning the long trip from Wakefield to Surrey for the Saturday of the Volksworld Show. With Kim and Lily at the school Easter fair I decided to go it alone for the day and nabbed an earlybird ticket. A blast along the M25 saw me arrive before the big queues and I collected my tickets before meeting the others for a walk round the for sale area and front carparks.









We then joined the masses at the front doors ready for 10am. Within minutes we were inside and heading for the main hall. An unusual sight of a cutaway Beetle from 1949 greeted us complete with display engine. A few very nice Beetles and Campers were on display, but my car of the show had to be the simply gorgeous Rometsch.



 











The big birthday and the "showroom" style display this year was to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Karmann Ghia. A replica copy of an early KG brochure was the give away this time.

 







With the place filling up we headed out to the club area to drop my bag with the LTV people and to check out the lineups.















After a quick break for lunch and a natter we headed to the down stairs hall. A couple of military vehicles caught my eye, the first a Schwimmwagen and the other was what appeared to be a WWII Willys jeep, but turned out to be a Veep, with air cooled running gear underneath.











With a trip up to the swapmeet for some bargains we headed to the back arena for the SSCC and Early Bay line up and the Restowagen display.

















With a long drive home, Will and Co headed outside for  a last look round before heading up the M1. I had a wander back to LTV for a natter before a last sweep round the traders and cars.









I had one last look at the coachbuilt Rometsch as well.





With everything seen I headed home. A brilliant day out and a chance to catch up and natter with so many friends.

Steve.