Dub Freeze 2002

The season opener isn't called Dub Freeze for nothing! A chilly Derek Griffin was there and brings us this report:

Under a crisp early morning sky, what seemed like the middle of the night and acknowledging the milkman, I ventured onto empty roads for another national Volkswagen meeting. The show season had once again kick-started into gear.

Renamed Dub Freeze from Bug Freeze, and sponsored by Total VW magazine, seemed inconsequential as I contemplate numb fingers in removing the night's unwanted visitor to my car windows - stubborn ice!

The journey up the M1 and then M6 was made in a Presidential BeetleÞ or rather, the journey to Stafford was with The Mexican & Brazilian Beetle Register's top bod, Pete Frost - the President of said club.

Dub Freeze is UK's most respected, and certainly the largest, spare parts and accessory meeting. Strategically located in the central/north midlands region afforded dealers from as far as Tyneside. I even chatted to a trader from Scotland!

With most traders offering discounts over and above day-to-day business, it was little wonder that brisk business was witnessed throughout the day as ´vee-dubbers' enjoyed a steady march clutching all sorts of panels 'n' parts.

The organisers were enjoying a record attendance with some 5,000 visitors. It was therefore a pity that the entrance fee had increased by 40 per cent on last years admission price. Nevertheless, this minor financial irritation was more than offset by the vast amount to see and buy.

Wishing to make an early exit to avoid the M6 southbound ´crawl', I still hadn't managed to see all the trade stands. Yes, it was that large! There was even a cordoned-off area for a superb concours d'elegance event inside the large fully indoor area.

Dub Freeze is the one event that enthusiasts and dealers miss at their peril. A day full of smiling faces in an early spring atmosphere of cordial benevolence. See you there next year!