An interesting idea - Most events have an autojumble of some description, so why not have an event consisting wholly of an autojumble? Have it at the end-of-season to allow people to clear out their garages (or spare rooms in my case) and buy bits for their winter projects...
Myself and Pola departed his gaff with cars heavy with goodies we wanted to sell. Pola was carrying his old BBS alloys, I was laiden with the last remaining items of the MK3, and the GTI rims off the cabby. Running late we buzzed along the A3, my pace kept up by the nice girlie in the blue Polo I was following.
As we rumbled into Fleet services, there were our cohorts waiting impatiently: Lav & Slugga in one GTI, Ric & Craig in the other. We set off again, destination Slough, wallets ready to empty them selves at the first opertunity. Sadly, once we arrived at the venue, a sports hall, we found the carpark already ram-jammed with cars, so we were forced to use the overflow parking down the road. Not exactly a prime spot for selling goods.
Upon paying our 3 quid entry fee, it was into the hall to look for bargains. There was a good turnout inside, with a good selection of traders; both companies and private, althought mostly aircooled. After an initial tour of the floor, it was time for some more detailed investigation. Almost straight away I spotted a set of blingin' chrome window winders on one of the aircool stands. Just what I'd been looking for!! However, the guy selling wasn't interested in much haggling - not in the spirit of the thing at all.
But, I knew I wanted them, so with a little finance from Banco-el-Slugga, they were in the bag. Some other purchases followed (including a pimpin' MK1 GTI & Cabby mug), before I found the stall selling mint original VAG brochures... There is was - 1983 Golf Convertible! I needed it. Pola was the loan shark this time, and it was mine. It was from the same stall that the aforementioned Pola found his purchase of the day. An old skool leather case. He explained some hair-brained scheme to strap it in the back of his stripped MK2. So we'll have to see what happens(!)
Having emptied my wallet (and other people's - oops!) it was time to have a wander found the car park and see the fine array of air and watercooled dubs. As always, I enjoyed the Campers the most, especially the one with a complete double bed in the back - very pimpin' indeed. Also in attendance where some of the Bugs from previous shows - always good to see them again.
All-in-all, I was pleased I went, if only cause I picked up the winders, and got to look at the aircooled stuff again. The swapmeet was a good idea, but I think if it is to prosper in the future, then there needs to be much better planning, and better organisation for people wanting to flog things from their cars. From what I could see, it was only the traders in the hall that had any chance of selling things. Bit more thought next time...
Words by Tris, pictures by Slugga & Tris.