VW Action 99

Considering VW Action saw its final finest days during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, it either takes a fool or person gifted with telepathic entrepreneurial know-how to continue this autumn meeting, held with such high regard nationally and internationally - and expect a seamless transition of success.
Not one to suffer life’s fools or lost causes gladly (ala NAS), show grandmaster Brian Burrows can and does deflect life's setbacks - to strengthen his resolve.
If the name and nature sound familiar, Brian is as equally competent as chief “underwriter” of the very progressive “Outrage” drag racing team; who’s impact upon the British drag racing scene is well assured.
It is always nice to see weekend- long Volkswagen events return to the motoring calendar. For so long the one day only trip has prevailed, much to the changrin of enthusiasts far and wide - not least fellow vee-dubbers from continental Europe, who have always made events such as Action and Malvern’s British Volkswagen festival into a full weekend break.
Travelling up on a Sunday (only) was made all the more convenient with an uncluttered A1/M1. the return journey equally fuss free; making a very pleasant change from the ghastly and frustrating M6/M1, as any of fellow club members travelling to and from such meetings as Bug freeze and VW Northwest / Tatton park will have no doubt experienced.
The layout of dealers and traders under cover was probably a wise precaution against unpredictable skies, though personal preference would have preferred to witness under cloudy and blue September weather. Our club shone out like a beacon in the gloomy looking, though practical, vast shelters. Our treasurer, and engine performance tuning guru Max Morley was on hand to dispel myth and convey sound advice on the problems and much felt heartache felt by all us 4 Star fuel consumers and the attendant decisions good, bad and indifferent come Jan 1st.
Another equally commanding authority on the demise and dilemma facing air-cooled and early water cooled cars is Keith Seume. A seasoned and vastly experienced Volkswagen Commentator, he is always to be found on his “VW Collectible” stand at all the shows.
Predictably, the concours arena always draws the crowds. A very colourful & clean collection with some quite brilliant innovative ideas on both Bugs and Golfs. Many I recognised from the Sandown show back in March.
One peculiar vehicle which caught the eye, and continual recognition of concours judges in every show in which its has been entered in shows the length and breath of the country, is Roy Wilson’s 1967 Zenith blue beetle. Roy is a shop floor director of operations at L.J.Sheppard Ltd, an official VW agent in Bishops Stortford, Herts. Having owned and maintained his superb example of a totally original VW for quite a number of years, his car reflects the skills and damn hard work need to keep a beetle exactly as Mr Volkswagen intended.
Perseverance has paid handsome dividends in the form of many trophies, getting “Best of Show” at this event. Also securing the coveted “Super Class” winner at this year’s Stanford Hall event. As you read this, I’ve managed to persuade Roy to join the LTVVW - after all we can never have too many experts in the club.
For the record Roy also owns and runs a Polo estate, a mark 3 Golf; and is taking delivery of a RHD New Beetle (oooahhhh!) in late December ‘99 - just goes to show, you can have your Christmas cake and eat it.

Del Griffin