I personally have not been to the B.V.F for a few years, which is a shame as it’s one of the more preferred shows on my calendar. But sadly, due to work commitments, I’ve had to miss the last few. However, this year, I made sure I put a stop to that, and booked 2 days holiday so that my family and myself could attend. My Red Vento was used as a display vehicle on the VWOC (GB) stand, so I had to be there early on the Saturday morning.
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The first thing I noticed was ‘Wow, the B.V.F’s really grown!’ I parked the
Vento up on the VWOC (GB) stand, and decided to have a look around. Bearing in
mind, this was in the middle of that short-lived ‘Heat wave’ so the heat was
almost unbearable. But I was really pleased, as there was so much to see. There
was a huge vehicle display area, where you could have a look around vehicles you
can only dream of, and an enormous trade area that seemed to go on forever. The
concourse area was just fantastic to look at, and the judges must have had a
particularly difficult job to separate them. I could spend hours just looking at
these pristine vehicles. Their hard work was very evident. Well done to all
involved.
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The special display in the hall was also very interesting, as most of the Buggy
conversions were on show. It was great because I’d never really been up close to
a Beach Buggy before. My 4-year-old son Oliver was fascinated.
It was also a nice touch that they include stuff for families. There was a big
bouncy castle, and a ‘merry go round’ amongst other things, which would keep the
kids entertained. There were also Clowns and little workshops for the kids to
learn juggling and stuff like that, and some animals that the children could
hold. It’s so refreshing to find a show that has something for the whole family.
What other show has this ? Other show organisers could learn a thing or two from
a visit to the B.V.F.
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A great feature for me, was that there seemed to be loads of van related stands.
Lots and lots of stalls selling 2nd hand bits for Type 25s, which was great for
me, as I’ve just bought a Diesel panel van ! Fantastic, I was able to buy a few
odds and ends for the Type 25, which was at that time gracing my drive. But that
wasn’t all; there were plenty of stuff for Beetles and water-cooled cars too.
There were pottery stands, cushions in the shape of Beetles etc, T-shirts in all
shapes and sizes with whichever vehicle you want on the front. As with most
shows, aside from the traders, there were also plenty of auto jumble stalls,
great if you’re looking for that all important ‘Flux Capacitor’ that the main
dealer won’t sell you separately, or want £700 quid for!
Sadly, there just weren’t enough hours in the day for me, and by 5 or 6 O’clock,
it was time to drive back home. We both said that we’d had a thoroughly nice
day, and for my wife to say she has enjoyed a VW show is quite rare ! Not that
she doesn’t enjoy them, more tolerates them really, but with the B.V.F they’re
on to a winning formula.
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Just a quick note to say well done to the organisation team at B.V.F, they’ve
really cracked it ! A show like that isn’t put together overnight, and their
hard work and determination is very apparent. It was a really enjoyable show,
and we’ve already marked it on the calendar for next year. Thanks also to all
the VWOC (GB) members who displayed their vehicles, their help was invaluable.
And finally, big thanks to Gareth, Helen and the team for setting up the VWOC
stand, and carting all the stuff around. Take my advice, put the B.V.F down in
your diary for next year, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th July 2007.