Annual Vauxhall pilgrimage washout
Last weekend saw the wettest summer in living memory lead to the cancellation of the 2012 Vauxhall Bedford Opel Association (VBOA) all Vauxhall car club rally at Billing Aquadrome in Northampton. I was genuinely disappointed because going to Billing is like an annual pilgrimage for me and I have attended every show since 1996 - and I have the plaques to prove it (well except for 1996 & 1997).
There is no better show to go to get your fix of seventies (and all other eras of course) Vauxhalls.
The VBOA is celebrating 30 years of operation so it’s a real shame for the association to miss its biggest event in a significant anniversary year. My sympathies are with John Ankerman because I know that a lot of hard work was put into organising the event only to have to pull the plug at the last minute because of the weather, and its impact on the venue (that’s soul destroying stuff).
Despite the cancellation, I live fairly close to Billing and went to the site on Sunday (15/07/12) to see if anyone showed-up. The site was in a terrible state with standing water everywhere. Some brave souls ventured out with their cars anyway and there was an informal gathering of Vauxhalls on the hard standing area near to the shops and fairground.
In events past, the ground has been wet and muddy and allowances have had to be made for it, but in all the years of attending, I have never seen the site in such an appalling water logged condition. Amazingly some traders were still set up in the auto-jumble area but their stands were in the standing water! Wellies really were the only footwear option (and I’d left mine at home).
I wandered around for a while took some photos and chatted to some other stalwarts but all in all the experience was a very long way below the usual standard. Still, I made the effort and take some minor satisfaction from that.
In classic car terms, I am currently without portfolio, but I have owned a clutch of HC Vivas and Firenzas in the past (I might even post some pictures of those much loved motors) and I miss the ownership experience. There is something very rewarding about driving a classic car that you just don’t get from a new one. And, I have made some good friends thanks to barrelling up to fellow classic owners and starting a conversation.
Gary Martin, if you read this, you'll know what I am talking about.
Going to Billing reminds me, and reinforces the fact, that I will own an HPF Firenza when life’s circumstances are right. In the recent past, finances have been a factor but the portfolio issue is now just one of timing! Mrs Baldwin recognises and, to her credit, accepts that situation too.
This year I missed out on my attendance plaque so if you can help me get one then I’d really appreciate it – after all, I am one of the handful of enthusiasts that actually made it to the rally site! Also, if anyone can supply me with a plaque to fill in the gaps from 1996 and 1997, I’d be very grateful indeed.
I got in touch with the VBOA and asked if the event would be rescheduled but the answer is unfortunately ‘no’ – here’s the statement.
Statement from VBOA issued 18th July 2012
Many people have asked if we can run "Billing" again this year. We have asked Billing for available dates and having looked at these and in consideration of the considerable work required of John Ankerman to produce a show we have decided not to try a rerun this year. The next show has been
provisionally booked for the weekend of July 13th/14th 2013. We are pleased to announce that Vauxhall has agreed that autojumblers can attend, at no
cost, and sell at the VBOA Vauxhall Heritage Centre Open Day in Luton on Sunday October 7th 2012. This is a free to enter show and all Vauxhall, Bedford and Opel owners are welcome to come and display their cars as well as enjoying the exhibits in the Vauxhall Heritage collection and the autojumble.
I have added the October date to my diary – maybe I’ll see you there.
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There is no better show to go to get your fix of seventies (and all other eras of course) Vauxhalls.
The VBOA is celebrating 30 years of operation so it’s a real shame for the association to miss its biggest event in a significant anniversary year. My sympathies are with John Ankerman because I know that a lot of hard work was put into organising the event only to have to pull the plug at the last minute because of the weather, and its impact on the venue (that’s soul destroying stuff).
Despite the cancellation, I live fairly close to Billing and went to the site on Sunday (15/07/12) to see if anyone showed-up. The site was in a terrible state with standing water everywhere. Some brave souls ventured out with their cars anyway and there was an informal gathering of Vauxhalls on the hard standing area near to the shops and fairground.
In events past, the ground has been wet and muddy and allowances have had to be made for it, but in all the years of attending, I have never seen the site in such an appalling water logged condition. Amazingly some traders were still set up in the auto-jumble area but their stands were in the standing water! Wellies really were the only footwear option (and I’d left mine at home).
I wandered around for a while took some photos and chatted to some other stalwarts but all in all the experience was a very long way below the usual standard. Still, I made the effort and take some minor satisfaction from that.
In classic car terms, I am currently without portfolio, but I have owned a clutch of HC Vivas and Firenzas in the past (I might even post some pictures of those much loved motors) and I miss the ownership experience. There is something very rewarding about driving a classic car that you just don’t get from a new one. And, I have made some good friends thanks to barrelling up to fellow classic owners and starting a conversation.
Gary Martin, if you read this, you'll know what I am talking about.
Going to Billing reminds me, and reinforces the fact, that I will own an HPF Firenza when life’s circumstances are right. In the recent past, finances have been a factor but the portfolio issue is now just one of timing! Mrs Baldwin recognises and, to her credit, accepts that situation too.
This year I missed out on my attendance plaque so if you can help me get one then I’d really appreciate it – after all, I am one of the handful of enthusiasts that actually made it to the rally site! Also, if anyone can supply me with a plaque to fill in the gaps from 1996 and 1997, I’d be very grateful indeed.
I got in touch with the VBOA and asked if the event would be rescheduled but the answer is unfortunately ‘no’ – here’s the statement.
Statement from VBOA issued 18th July 2012
Many people have asked if we can run "Billing" again this year. We have asked Billing for available dates and having looked at these and in consideration of the considerable work required of John Ankerman to produce a show we have decided not to try a rerun this year. The next show has been
provisionally booked for the weekend of July 13th/14th 2013. We are pleased to announce that Vauxhall has agreed that autojumblers can attend, at no
cost, and sell at the VBOA Vauxhall Heritage Centre Open Day in Luton on Sunday October 7th 2012. This is a free to enter show and all Vauxhall, Bedford and Opel owners are welcome to come and display their cars as well as enjoying the exhibits in the Vauxhall Heritage collection and the autojumble.
I have added the October date to my diary – maybe I’ll see you there.
Return to Reviews & Recommendations Home
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