It's Showtime - Stanford Hall 2002

As the swans glide graciously through spring chill waters, geese and ducks jostle for a better vantage point to view, nay, record not just another motoring event, more a unique early May extravaganza; organised and executed as a new dedicated, the few and far between keen enthusiasts of Leicestershire and Warwickshire Volkswagen Saviours will endorse ''....don't mess with a straight and true formula.....'' .

Marathon Beetles at the show

Within the welcoming Stanford Hall Estate, suitably central and arguably accessible from all areas turned in and turned on to mid-England, the M1 motorway earns its keep at least once a year!

This zenith of VW meetings continues to draw respect and regard for modest admission charges through the pull of any avarice absence. The 'fun' premium starts from 7 am and then some....

A total of some 118 separate traders were in place and set, ready to go the evening before or eager to set their stall on the Sunday (May 5th) ASAP!

A youthful and 9:30am witnessed brisk business clearly leaving nothing to chance for this single day sojourn, VW dealers brought as much stock as they'd sell in a week! By late afternoon they were stacking back to the main gates such was demand for ground space and trader spread.

Another measure of how loyalty holds sway in this evergreen major player are heavily subscribed classes with the main attraction -concours d'elegance. And, because of its prestigious reputation within the show and shine fraternity of classic car prime-time gigs, and envious diversity of vehicles and their (in fact) integrity of cleanliness through originality. The coveted reputation Stanford Hall presides within was evidenced by a club member, Ray Wilson. Winning the highly sought-after Super Class (by invitation only) category; the creme de la creme by any other name. Securing a third Super Class win (no less!) for his ultra clean and period standard '67 1500 cc Beetle. (Yes, to answer the purists among us even down to the cross-ply tyres. See it and believe this zenith blue bug IS good enough to eat off, as Roy has to beat the paint lickers off! (Stephen "I sprayed it myself in a fortnight" Powderhill indeed...)).

Old and new at Stanford Hall

With an atmosphere more philanthropic than philistine, a party mood among the many participants, traders and just plain curious doesn't get much better than this. What's missing to make it a fully rounded, totally encompassing event? A situation that begs for a second day, as was back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Why! As with most things in life, the enjoyment factor is directly proportional to the time elapsed..... you know the feeling too, eh??

Late afternoon and its foreclosure arrived all too quick with the urgency of an unwelcome guest.

Alison Prichett (she of New Beetle infamy, and of whom I'll be running an in-depth analysis re: "NB: a female perspective" in due course) clearly summed up this magi one day-away day with the unreserved labour of love; in time, sweat and tears with almost god-like dedication, from 7am yes 7am and on to judgment time in the concours prep and pose in the New Beetle class - to sparkle with clear conscience and unashamed prize.

Is it really another year before Leicestershire and Warwickshire VW Club present Stanford Hall....? I count the hours lost.

By Del "still working on my Beetle" Griffin

photos courtesy of fellow ABVWC members

- The Herts VW Club