beetle gallery 2023

January 2023

For Christmas 2022 I was given a ROC Hobby 1:12 scale KommandeurWagen. It was quite a surprise, especially as it was RTR (Ready to Run) and is highly detailed. Once of the best true scale models I have ever seen. It has working doors and lights, two forward speeds and 2wd and 4wd. It feels as though it could tackle any terrain. The battery will last between 20 and 30 minutes depending on how you use it. So far I have used indoors on carpet and hard floors and also given it a test outside on concrete and on grass to which it still moves quite well.

February 2023

This month I went to the Horsham Historics Autojumble held at the Ardingly Show Ground. It was the first time I had been, the weather wasn't great and the car park was extremely soggy (luckilly I didn't get stuck). There were a large amount of stalls inside and out and a bargain was to be had. I managed to pickup what I can only describe as a large VW Trophy (looks like it is made from Aluminium) on a plinth and a metal Beetle sign. As you can see, the Beetle sign needs some work as it is a little rusty. I will later on rub it down, treat it and paint it, after which it will come to the shows. The VW Trophy just needs a good polish and possibly a lick of paint to the base, then it will be good to go.

February 2023

This month once again it was cake time. I do like to make cake, especially Beetle cake with my Mum. Another joyful time making and decorating, enjoy.

May 2023

The first show of the year for Southern Classic (SCS), held at the Lavendar Line at Isfield. Once again it was a lovely day with lots of various Classics turning out to make a great show. Since last year I have invested in a aluminium rear window blind and some side window shades to help keep the temperature inside Bertie down when the weather turns hot, they do seem to make a difference. The trains weren't running as much today due to staff shortages, but a quick trip could be had if desired. It was an ok trip, the roads are still rough in places and not a journey I would want to travel every day.

Southern Classics had issues this year with Venues, hence the slightly later start date, a couple of venues had promised to host SCS shows only to cancel late on. At least we got three shows this year, better than nothing.

May 2023

I went to the Laughton Spring Fayre this month. It was a bright sunny day, quite warm but with a gentle breeze to help keep the temperature down a little. Shade was in short supply. The show was busy as usual with lots of exhibits to see. The show arena was busy all day with Tractors, Military & Commercial Vehicles, Traction Engines, Motorcycles and at the end of the day the Classic Cars. It was a lovely day and well worth visiting. Bertie ran well all day. The only problem at Laughton is at the end of the day your car gets covered in a fine layer of dust, caused from being around farmers fields.

Below you will also see the plque that you get at the end of the show, this can be collected at the end of the show (usually the Monday), but if you are not returning it can be collected on Saturday or Sunday.

August 2023

Southern Classic were holding their summer show at Worthing Rugby Club this month and once again I had the honour of being the official photographer for the day. An honour I truly relish. The day started out overcast and there was a hint of rain in the air, but once those clouds dispersed it was a lovely day with the sun shining and it was quite warm. There were several autojumblers to tempt you with spares or memorabilia. Once again there was a large turnout, around 150+ cars on the day. Bertie went well, espcially on the way home up the A24 and he was a pleasure to drive. Sometimes I feel as though Bertie drives himself (a bit like Herbie) and you are along for the ride!

I had cleaned the VW Trophy prior to this show and brought it along and it certainly shone in the sun. The Beetle sign has been painted silver with a black base (I was going to paint it black but I didn't think it would stand out as much) and looks quite nice sitting at the front of Bertie.

Worthing Rugby Club is well worth a visit if like a full-on Car Shoe and enjoy mingling amongst many difference classic cars.

September 2023

This month I headed down to East Sussex and the town of Laughton for the Laugthon Autumn Show. Whilst it is located in the same place as the Spring Fayre, there are way fewer stalls or attractions on offer. There still plenty of Classic Cars, Tractors and military\commercial vehicles to see to keep you interesetd for the day. This year the sun was out from the start and it was a lovely day without a threat of rain. As the ground was dry it was quite dusty and your footwear certainly changed colour! The sho arena was in use all day from 10am to 5pm and it was good to hear from the owners about their particular vehicle.

Bertie ran well all day despite the conditions along the A29 (some parts of the roads are reallt rough). I really enjoyed the show and at the end of day picked up my Laughton Show plaque.

September 2023

At the end of the month I headed down to Leonardslee Gardens, a new venue this year for Southern Classics and their designated Charity Show. Whilst the promise had been of good sunny weather we never seemed to get that and it was quite chilly all day with many people using their cars to keep out of the breeze. Despite this there was a large turnout we pretty muh filled out the entire field. As a new location I really enjoyed it, we had a walk around the gardens and down into the valley for a walk around the bottom ponds and lake. There are also Wallaby's to see in the enclosure and you can speak to the keepers at feeding time.

November 2023

I booked Bertie in to have some rust attended to and it turned out to be a little worse than what myself and possibly the garage I use thought. Bertie had a rust bubble on the bottom of the near-side rear wing along with a nasty scratch on the off-side rear wing (caused a by a chair at a car show). There was also some slight rust forming in the bottom of the spare wheel well which I wanted dealt with sooner than later incase it got worse. Finally at the bottom of the windscreen near the aerial there was some rust forming and again I wanted this dealt with before it spoilt Bertie's good looks. I must say that I am really happy with the results, they have a done a fantastic job and I am more than happy with the work they have completed.

December 2023

This month Bertie finally managed to complete 100,000 kilometers, with me covering around 95,500 of them. I see this as an achievement as many Beetle owners pride themselves in the fact their Beetle hasn't covered many miles from new. I am happy to use my Beetle as much as possible and don't see it as just a summer vehicle but a Beetle that can be used day in, day out. I can't wait to see what the next 100,000 kilometers hold for me and Bertie. I did manage to take these photo's legally as I stopped along a residential road to get the exact moment the milometer went full circle. The next plan is to get a photo of the exact mileage Bertie had when I bought him back in June\July 2006.

JAW’S VW BEETLES