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National Gathering

‘National Gathering’ held on Sunday 12th June, 2022  at Apley Estate &  Farm Shop, Shropshire                                                                                                   

What a fantastic day!

This was our Club’s National Gathering, which moved to 12th June rather than our usual first Sunday June date, due to not to clash with the Queens Jubilee Bank Holiday celebrations.

Our National Event this year was held at the great venue of Apley Estate & Farm Shop, which is very much more than its name implies, with a fine selection of shop units in the old farm barn buildings, including Deli with fine local foods, a Butchers, Plant Shop, Gifts and a lovely cafe/restaurant.                  

The Apley Estate & Farm Shop for those who were unable to make the day, can be found near the village of Norton and is situated off the A442 between Bridgnorth and Telford in Shropshire. Postcode TF11 9EF

Attendance at the Event was fantastic, particularly considering some Members are still very worried about effects of Covid and also our change of date due to the Queen’s Jubilee , plus clashes with other pre-booked events. Despite this we had a great attendance of Classic Volvos and Club Members in other vehicles, which included a Vauxhall Viva and a classic Mercedes.

As is our usual event practice, Club Members received complimentary Refreshments, of a Drink and piece of lovely Home Made Cake, which was well received judging by the many compliments 

received both on the day and since on social media.

              Members were also able to view the aircraft displays at the local RAF Cosford Air Show, which included the ‘Red Arrows’ – according to Kevin these had been booked specifically for our Club National, but I am not that totally convinced on that! – it was however a great end to the perfect day’s festivities.

Awards on the Day:             

Judging of the attending Volvo’s was as usual undertaken by Club Members, with additional awards being judged by a team selected from the Club’s Co-ordinators – See the results for award winners. Our thanks once again to Lancaster Insurance for their continued support by sponsoring awards presented on the day.

             Our Congratulations to all the Award Winners.

             Many thanks to all those Members who came along and supported us, plus particular thanks to those Members who arrived early and helped with setting up the field, erecting the Club Event Gazebo and also those who helped at the end of the day with the packing up.

A GREAT DAY SPENT IN THE BEAUTIFUL SHROPSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE

Best Volvo 2022 Competition - The Results:
During the day attending members voted for the ‘Best Volvo’s’ attending – these are the results for 2022:

Best Car Awards:

Best PV: Andy & Lynne Marshall – Volvo PV Duett 1965 Reg: No: FNB 421C

Best 120 Series:  Malcolm Crosher – Volvo 122S 1968 Reg: No: UGF 436F
R/U Best 120: John Kemp – Volvo 131 1968 Reg: No: TVT 146G

Best 1800 Series: Kevin Knowles – Volvo P1800 1962 Reg: No: 813 UYX
R/U Best1800: Louise & Robert Lovegrove – Volvo 1800S 1965 Reg: No: ALK 799C
Best 140/164: Andrew Selleck – Volvo 164E 1973 Reg: No:  OAM 299M

R/U Best 140/164: Patrick Bunn – Volvo 164 1972 Reg: No: OYY886L

Best 200 Series: Alan & Pat Orgill – Volvo 245 Torslanda 1992 Re: No: KFH 487V

R/U Best 200 Series: Ian & Stephanie Moseley – Volvo 245SE 1992 Reg: No: L331 GJO

Best 300/66 Series: Edward Bostock – Volvo 360GLE 1989 Reg: No: G165 WWL
R/U Best 300/66 Series: Matthew Long – Volvo 340DL 1986 Reg: No: C872 VFH
Best 700/900/V90: Steve & Cath Cropper – Volvo 940 Estate 1998 R267 TJU
R/U Best 700/900/V90: Thomas Hill – Volvo 740GLT 16V Saloon Reg: No: O ABC 348
Best 850/Classic 70/S80 Series: James Moore – Volvo 850T5 Estate  1996 Reg: No: P608 TFC

R/U Best 850/Classic 70/S80 Series: – Peter Kaye – Volvo 850 T5 Est 1996 Reg: No: P605 TFC

Best 90/80/70/50/40/30 Series: Ant Stewart – V60 Polestar 2017 Reg: No: JXI

R/U 90/80/70/50/40/30 Series: Ben Walters – Volvo C70 Coupe 2000 Reg: No: A17 DBW
Best Modern Volvo: Anthony Stewart – V60 Polestar 2017 Reg: No: JXI 417

Best Jensen Built P1800 or P1800S: Kevin Knowles – Volvo P1800 1962 Reg: No: 813 UYX

Best Tuned/Modified: Kevin Price – Volvo V70 T5 Ex Police 2002 Reg: No: FL02 FXN

Best Engine Bay: Kevin Knowles – Volvo P1800 1962 Reg: No: 813 UYX   
Best Commercial Volvo: Nick Dimarco  – Volvo TGB 1111 Tank Buster Reg: No: DNP 344N

R/U Best Commercial Volvo: Kevin Price – Volvo V70 Ex Police 2002 Reg: No: FL02 FXN

Best Restoration 2021/22: Kevin Price – Volvo V70 Ex Police 2002 Reg: No: FL02 FXN

Best Working Volvo: Stephanie Moseley – Volvo 245SE 1992 Reg: No: L331 GJO

Most Original Volvo: Alan & Pat Orgill – Volvo 245 Torslanda 1992 Re: No: KFH 487V

Oldest Volvo Attending: Kevin Knowles – Volvo P1800 1962 Reg: No: 813 UYX

Best Non Volvo Classic: – Chris Johnson – Vauxhall Viva 1966 – Reg: No: DCL 925D

R/U Best Non Volvo Classic: Rob Francis – Mercedes 280SL 1983

Furthest Distance Travelled to Event Overseas:

From Belgium - Thomas Hill – Volvo 740GLT 16V Saloon Reg: No: O ABC 348

Furthest Distance Travelled to Event UK:

Kevin Knowles – Volvo P1800 1962 Reg: No: 813 UYX   

Volvo Enthusiasts Club – Trophy Awards:

“The PV Co-Ordinators Trophy” - Donated by Colin & May Tatlow

Andy & Lynne Marshall – Volvo PV Duett 1965 Reg: No: FNB 421C

 “Phyllis Patchton Memorial Trophy – Best Amazon”

Malcolm Crosher – Volvo 122S 1968 Reg: No: UGF 436F

“Ted Wills Trophy – Best 1800 Coupe”

Kevin Knowles – Volvo P1800 1962 Reg: No: 813 UYX

“Best 164” – Presented by Vic Barnes

David Selleck – Volvo 164E 1973 Reg: No:  OAM 299M

“The Matthew Stadden Trophy” – Best 300

Edward Bostock - Volvo 360GLE 1989 Reg: No: G165 WWL

 “Best 700/900/V90 Trophy” – Donated by Christina Stadden

Steve & Cath Cropper – Volvo 940 Estate 1998 R267 TJU

“Best 850 Series Trophy” – Donated by Kevin Price

James Moore – Volvo 850T5 Estate 1996 Reg: No: P608 TFC

“The Brookhouse Volvo Trophy – Best Engine Bay” – Donated by Simon Richardson

Kevin Knowles – Volvo P1800 1962 Reg: No: 813 UYX

“The Volvo Concessionaires Trophy – Most Original Volvo”

Alan & Pat Orgill – Volvo 245 Torslanda 1992 Re: No: KFH 487V

“The Mike Lawrence Trophy – Oldest Volvo driven to the Event”

Kevin Knowles – Volvo P1800 1962 Reg: No: 813 UYX

“The Founder’s Trophy – Best Restoration 2021-22” – Donated by Kevin Price

Kevin Price – Volvo V70 T5 Ex Leicestershire Police 2002 Reg: No: FL02 FXN

 “The Jensen P1800 Trophy” – Donated by Barrie Sutcliffe

Kevin Knowles – Volvo P1800 1962 Reg: No: 813 UYX

“The Bodyline Trophy – Best Commercial Volvo” – Donated by Bob Nash

Nick Dimarco  – Volvo TGB 1111 Tank Buster Reg: No: DNP 344N 

Powderham Castle show 2022

The Vintage Vehicle Gathering, which is a 2 day show, one of the largest in the South West and organised by the Devon Crash Box Club, with all profits going to charity.

            Once again Terry & Lisa Court organised our Club Display, with preparations for our display starting early on the Friday with Terry checking our stand area before building started in the afternoon.

             We were once again pleased to have Kevin, our Club Founder’s 1962 P1800, the ‘original’ TV Saint Car ST 1 aka 71 DXC, used by the late Roger Moore in The Saint as the focal point of our Stand, which as always, is a of great interest on any of our Club Displays where it attends.

               Over the weekend we were joined by Andrew Selleck from Cornwall, with his lovely gold metallic 164E. This must be one of the very best 164’s in the country and if not in existence – it is absolutely beautiful and like new!

             Joining the P1800 and the 164E for the 2 days was Kenneth & Lynn Webb’s 740GL Saloon from Aylesbury, which had in March formed part of our display for the Practical Classics Show at the NEC Birmingham. Again this vehicle caused much interest over the weekend from many visitors.

             Also on display was the red Volvo 245DL which was previously had been used as the Club’s vehicle on the Loan Car Project.

              Tony & Jill Malkin from Devon, over the weekend brought a different colour co-ordinated Volvo each day. On the Saturday they arrived in their beautiful Volvo C70 Coupe, now a very rare model and on the Sunday another rarity, a Volvo S70R.

              The final car on our display for the Sunday only was a Volvo 121 owned by Club Members Derek Russell & Victoria Soal from Gloucestershire.

               The Show in the grounds of Powderham Castle near Exeter, is held in fields next to the River Exe Estuary and the GWR Paddington to Penzance Railway. It is a perfect venue for the event and with this year perfect blue skies and sun, what else could you need? On the Saturday we even had the ex British Railways Steam Locomotive 70000 ‘Britannia’ pass us in the morning and afternoon, on route to Dartmouth and return, on a steam hauled excursion

               In all it was a great show for the Volvo Enthusiasts Club, with several new Members joining and lots of interest in the cars on display.

               Once again, many thanks to Terry, Lisa, Andrew, Kenneth, Lynn, Tony, Jill, Derek, Victoria and Kevin,  for bringing their cars and help on the stand and all those who came along to support us. See you next year

Would you like to join us next year?             

 So why not come and join us next year, dates are the 8^th & 9^th July 2023, - Camping and Caravan Site on the Showground for exhibitors is available. If you are interested please contact Terry Court asap at email: topcars1@hotmail.com he will be pleased to hear from you. BOOK EARLY to avoid disappointment as Terry has to book our space very early in 2023.

         Due to the rising costs to the Club, the charges from the Organisers to exhibit at this show, will now be passed on to the Member and also for camping if required.

         Terry will be able to confirm costs but this year it was £17 to exhibit, including a pass  for the driver and passenger for the event and camping was £40 per tent/caravan etc, which was available from the Friday to the Monday, with showers etc on site.

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The Volvo Club of British Columbia newsletters

Articles and news from our classic Volvo friends in B.C.
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At the shows

Views from some of our friendly & famous outdoor meets.... come along as soon as you can!

Modern Classics, at Grimsthorpe Castle.

Tuesday, 13th August, saw myself joining Modern Classics magazine, at Grimsthorpe Castle (Lincolnshire), along with 5 other modern classic estate cars, for a cover photo shoot. I was lucky enough to have been asked to include the VEC’s 1988 Volvo 245 DL, provided to me through the Classic Car Loan Project scheme.

Stephen Gough (my “classic car mentor”) and I set off around 6am, leaving Mill Meece, with there being only a slight nip in the air. Blessing shone upon us, as the waters from heaven paused for the day, meaning the shoot was to be mostly sunny and dry. We aimed to arrive at 9am, but managed to make it half-an-hour early, where the photographer was waiting outside the main entrance.

Shortly thereafter, the other estate cars started arriving. An immaculate E30 BMW Touring was the second “modern classic” on the scene, driven in by the owner’s father. Two cars arrived by delivery, one being a bright red Ford Sierra estate, on a trailer, with a museum owned AUDI 100 “estate” (more of a lengthened hatch, in my opinion) then arriving in a temperature controlled truck. The founder of Coventry Motofest brought his very special Citroën CX along, which was quite a treat for me, being an automotive design student. Lastly, a very neat Mercedes-Benz E-Class was on the scene. 

With the main entrance not being open until 10:30, we followed each other to a side entrance, where we then got the day started. The first part of the shoot was for driving photos, with our cars being paired off for “overtaking scenes”, along the straight. This needed to be done before visitors arrived at the venue, so after a bit of post-journey polishing, James Noble (Citroën CX) and I drove along the main Grimsthorpe Caste driveway, behind the photography vehicle. As we were only doing between 10 and 20 mph, Modern Classic magazine said they’d be adding motion blurring, in the photo-editing phase. Regarding this particular pairing, I wasn’t too sure about the Citroën’s brown and the Volvo’s deep red looking good together, but we’ll see how it turns out in February 2020 (apparent publication date). The two cars do, however, contrast each other well in some other areas (eg: surface design), especially when it comes to ground clearance, where the Volvo looks to be an off-road vehicle, beside the Citroën’s lowered hydraulic suspension! Stephen was tasked with driving the Audi, as the car came directly from AUDI’s museum collection, with no driver, so at least he didn’t have to wait around for me.

 

After we’d all had a chance to model our cars on this vehicular “catwalk”, we regrouped in front of the house, for much needed coffees, which were provided by Assistant Editor, Nathan Chadwick. Some of us took to a spot of croquet and toured the grounds.

Being done with our morning energy boost, it was time for the group static shoot, which will possibly be for the cover. It took a while for our cars to be positioned, as the editor (JJ Vollans) and the photographer made careful consideration of the final composition. I took a quick picture, from just below their camera’s angle, as a sneak preview.

Individual shoots followed, during and after lunch, which was, again, kindly provided by Nathan, before he set off to do “driving impressions” in each of the estate cars.

The last part of the day was left for more driving photos, which were taken on the park grounds. These shots were also only taken at a steady 20mph, so I suspect more motion blurring to be added, for high speed effect.

JJ and Nathan explained to us that, as for the article, the 3 cars “in front” were the BMW - for driving, the Citroën - for uniqueness...and the Volvo, for being the most practical and “honest” estate. 

In the end, it was a great day, with lovely cars and interesting conversations, all set in an exquisite estate (pardon the pun). We set of around 5pm, with good memories and looking forward to food and sleep!

Photos by Jared Joubert

 

 

 

THE VEC getting out again finally!

LATEST EVENTS GUIDE 2022 - see on PDF (opens in new window) or view lower down this page

VEC Informal Club Meet at Redwings Horse Sanctuary – 6th Feb, 2022 Oxhill Centre near Stratford upon Avon

What a fantastic turn-out to our first Club Meet of 2022.  See members pictures on PDF here 

This annual informal Club Meet for refreshments and a chat usually takes place in early January as a chance to not only  socialise but also to see our Club adopted rescued horse Rumpel, who succeeded Dylan just before the UK went into full blown Lock-down due to Covid. So it was a chance not only for Members to meet friends old and new but also introduce themselves to Rumpel.

This year saw Club Members arrive not only in their everyday cars but also their Classics Volvos, which included a 1957 Volvo PV444 recently restored and was owned from new by present owners Uncle in Norway, a very rare today C70 Coupe and a Phase 1 C70 Cabrio, a 740 Saloon, an Amazon, an 850 T5 Estate, plus a couple of 245’s.

Members, as is our usual practice at Club events, were served with complimentary refreshments, which on this occasion included home make cake and a hot drink of their individual choice. Although some Club Members had driven though rain showers on way to the venue, the day stayed dry, although quite windy.  Judging by comments made, everyone had a great meet and we all look forward to a return visit in early 2023.

The Volvo Enthusiasts Club National Gathering 2021 was on Sunday 19th September at Apley Farm Shop, Nr Bridgnorth, Shropshire was a great day out good to see so many members family & friends.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY CLUB EVENT CONTACT vec.volvo@gmail.com

National Gathering - 2022 To be held on Sunday 12th June, 2022 A National Gathering for ALL Volvo owners, friends and enthusiasts                                  This is our Club’s national gathering which has, been chosen so we have plenty of space for our meet and thus provide Members, their families and other visitors to the event, a  hopefully safe environment from Covid. 

The event has also been moved from our usual first Sunday in June to the second, so not to clash with the Special Bank Holiday for the Queens celebration.

Our National Event this year be held once again at the great venue of the Apley Estate & Farm Shop, which is very much more than its name implies. Local car enthusiasts will know it probably for its annual large Classic Car Show. 

Apley Estate & Farm Shop is near the village of Norton and is situated off the A442 between Bridgnorth and Telford in Shropshire. Postcode TF11 9EF

All Volvo owners , enthusiasts and their friend & families are welcome to come along.  There is lot’s to see and do for all the family in a lovely rural setting. There is even a Play Barn for our younger visitors – Booking prior to the day is essential so not to be disappointed. 

On arrival please follow the VEC Signs and directions to ‘Volvo’ Car park

CLUB MEMBERS- Please Book in on arrival after 11.30am at the Club Reception and collect Voting Forms, FREE Refreshment Voucher etc. 
Picnic area available for those who wish or catering in lovely cafe in the Main Buildings.  See full details on PDF here (opens in new window) 

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Below are a few shots from our infiormal gathering at Redwings with Rumpel our adopted Welsh Cob.

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