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Plum Jam: Our Kind Of Street Party

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Plum Jam: Our Kind Of Street Party

For the third year in succession, it was a privilege to be involved in this mid-Sussex, aircooled only VW show. A relatively new event to the calendar, but with each edition it evolves, shows even more promise and we’re already excited for 2020.

Taking over the town

With the blessing of Horsham Council, Plum and her team of devoted enthusiasts club together and orchestrate the display of 180 vintage Volkswagens around the town. They're not just parked at random either, it is clear that some real thought has gone into the juxtaposition of auto and architecture, with colour coordination, and specific areas dedicated to one particular model.

Heritage: It's where you come from.

For those passing Shoreham on their way to the show, the Heritage to Horsham convoy is a fantastic way to start the days vintage VW shenanigans. Meeting at 7.30am there was complimentary coffee and chit chat whilst everyone congregated, before our leisurely drive.

Follow the leader

With a prearranged rural route planned, and the good folk from Kustom Revival keen the lead, close to 70 aircooled VWs left Heritage HQ at 8.30 in convoy, and hit the road.

Village People...

The convoy cruised through Small Dole, Henfield, Cowfold and Southwater en route to Horsham, offering an opportunity for local residents to check out our cars and buses on the move. Drivers and passengers happily waving for photos, and beeping horns to add to the theatre of it all.

Escort service

Guided by the SERV blood bike motorcycle riders, aircooled owners were led into town from the holding car park and strategically positioned around the town.

Clean and tidy...

It was straight to work with the polish for some, whilst others chose the 'that'll do' attitude and wandered off to explore the show.

Food and Drink Fest

Regardless of the time, or whether you were actually hungry or thirsty the fine array of food and drink stalls did all they could to relieve you of money, momentarily fill you up and leave you feeling slightly guilty for your gluttony, before you did it all over again regardless!

Cars, cars, cars...

Engaging with the public

It dawned on me that one of the things that really makes this show stand out in comparison to others is that the general public gets to check out the vehicles and chat with the owners too. All too often, our enthusiast shows are a closed door affair, and we keep these vehicles to ourselves. Sharing is caring, and our scene will grow stronger because of events like this.

Family Fun

Although you wouldn't traditionally take your kids to town 'to have fun' somehow this event captured the spirit of the tradtional 'VW show in a field' in a metropolitan location. And kids of all ages loved this green Bugle Beach Buggy!

Rec the mic...

With the addition of the Rec Rooms as show sponsor, a further 30 or so show car spaces were added to accommodate all those who wanted to attend.  The car park for this leisure and music venue, which neighbours the local park, was transformed with a music stage, food stalls and a fantastic array of vehicles. Sadly not everyone found it, but hopefully, it will be apart of the show again in 2020 as it offers great potential.

Catch up session

Shows are perfect for chatting with likeminded people in person rather than just on social media. Sharing project stories, camping tips and plans for the future, these discussions just add to the whole vibe at a VW show.

Best of show

Wrapping up the day was the prize giving and we were once again responsible for picking the Best of Show vehicle. It was a tough decision, but we eventually chose Jaime Brazier's beautiful Split Bus. A vehicle that he'd restored himself over the past 4 years; and what a job he'd done. A builder by trade, Jamie was over the moon to have been picked, and close to speechless when he discovered he'd been awarded Best Interior too!

Home time!

What goes in must come out, and the streets are lined to wave all the aircooled cars on their way as everyone heads home. And we could have posted another 1000 pictures... A big thanks to all those involved in making this such a great day out. See you at the next one! Andy
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