At an obscene hour for a Sunday morning me and Kelly set off on the 200 mile trip to Ragley Hall, Warwickshire for the first Club GTI forum mega meet.
First stop was Brentwood services to meet up with Dave and Jackie in his black mk3 gti. Then after negotiating miles of roadworks, the usual sunday drivers and picking up Steve in his red mk3 anni and Paul towing his half-a-mk2 trailer, we eventually rolled up at the quite stunning Ragley Hall.
Driving up to the show and getting parked it was clear that the organisers, Club gti Warwickshire, had worked hard to ensure everything went smoothly for their first show. The perfect weather and surroundings made for a great, laid back atmosphere and the cars certainly didn't dissapoint either!
Everywhere from the show n shine to the club displays and forum parking there were superb dubs, be it pristine original Mk1 golfs or turbo rallyes, the standard was excellent. Unsurprisingly the arrival of a Westside convoy created a buzz and for me their black Mk1 20v turbo was the car of the show; the clean jet black lines, tan leather interior and immaculately detailed engine were just breathtaking. And, as I found out travelling home on the M40, it was pretty quick too (well and truly whooped my arse!)
Despite a long and slow journey home it was a good show, made some new friends, saw some top cars and it was sunny! can't ask for much more. If there was one criticism it would be that the traders were thin on the ground but it's the first year and I've got a feeling this show will grow and grow. Look forward to next year.
Words & pictures by Justin.