April 2012
Via West
Page 1
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April 2012
Via West
CONTACT US VOLKSWAGEN CLUB OF WA (Inc)
Page 2
YOUR COMMITTEE (cont’d) EDITOR:
0407 347 340
PO Box 175
Ray Willis
viawest@vwclubwa.com
Victoria Park
CONCESSION LICENCE:
(08) 9332 6919
ABN:
Western Australia 6979 31 610 140 537
Rod McSwain CMC LIAISON OFFICER:
(08) 9342 8703
TELEPHONE:
(08) 9342 8703
Richard Hines
E-MAIL:
info@vwclubwa.com
PROPERTY OFFICER:
WEBSITE:
www.vwclubwa.com
Richard Hines
MAIL:
MERCHANDISE OFFICER: YOUR COMMITTEE
(08) 9342 8703 0417 173 886
Karen Fyfe
PRESIDENT:
0408 183 396
SOCIAL SECRETARY:
Jamie Barrett
executive@vwclubwa.com
Colin Seth
VICE PRESIDENT:
0415 165 175
SPORTS ORGANISER:
John Hornby
As above
Currently grouped under “Events Coordinator”
SECRETARY:
0407 347 340
PUBLICITY OFFICER:
Ray Willis
administration@vwclubwa.com
As above
MEMBERSHIPS:
0407 347 340
GENERAL COMMITTEE:
Ray Willis
administration@vwclubwa.com
Karla & Merrick Paget (country liaison South West)
TREASURER:
0438 819 443
WEBMASTER:
Shane Williams
finance@vwclubwa.com
Tina Moore
Patrick Spiteri, Dave Moore,
webmaster@vwclubwa.com
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April 2012
Via West
Page 3
Your stories and photos can also be in the magazine...just email them to... viawest@vwclubwa.com.au
April 2012
Via West
Page 4
VIAWEST MAGAZINE
VOLKSWAGEN EVENTS
Advertising: Please send your ‘for sale’ or ‘wanted’ adverts by mail or email to the Editor before the publication deadline.
Please contact the Editor to find out about commercial advertising in the magazine, inserting flyers or advertising on the website.
Normally one event will be nominated as the club run each month. Some months will have more than one event. Not all events attended by the club will be club organised. Please note that non-members are welcome to come to the club organised events. If you have any friends you would like to accompany us, please bring them along. If you have any ideas or suggestions for club organised events give a Committee member a call or an e-mail and the committee so we can put it on our calendar. The VW Events Calendar lists the upcoming events and club runs for some months in advance in chronological order.
Publication Deadline: The ViaWest magazine’s deadline for articles for the next issue is MAY 27
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Fees: Members - 1/4 page adverts are free. Non-Members - 1/4 page adverts are $5.00
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Volkswagen Club of WA (Inc), its Committee or members.
Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at John Hughes Volkswagen in Victoria Park, starting at 6:30pm. Committee meetings are open to all members and invited guests.
Membership and Birthdays Welcome to new members
Dipaunka Macrides
APRIL Bryce McPherson Carolynne McGregor Cathy Storrs Chris Faulkner Christine Annison Dianne Barr Faye Levissianos
The Club ............................. p 2 The Club (contd) ................. p 4 President’s Spot .................. p 5
Glenn Hall
Club Event Calendar .......... p 6 Aldinga Bug-In 2012 (1) ...... p 7 VW driving experience ........ p 11
Currently 135 memberships
to the following members for
page
David Kirk
3 New memberships;
Happy Birthday
IN THIS ISSUE
VW Club Quiz Nite ............. p 12
Minni Karamfiles
Autumn at Araluen .............. p 12 Club Merchandise ............... p 14
Neil Annison
South West News ................ p 18
Pieta Muste
Aldinga Bug-In 2012 (3) ...... p 21 Volkswagen News
Roderick McSwain Samuel Jones Stuart Rundle Tony Wood Geoff King
Aldinga Bug-In 2012 (2) ...... p 16
World Car of the Year ... p 24 Amarok Ambassador..... p 24 Most Secure Car ........... p 25 VW Electric ................... p 25 FRONT COVER: VW Club WA members at SA 2012 Bug-In accepting the GOLD CUP...see articles on the Bug-In in the magazine.
Iduna Taylor Janis Thornton Rochelle Lavery
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April 2012
Via West
Page 5
Hi All, No the president of the club has not changed, I have temporarily taken over his SPOT for this issue of the magazine. The President’s Spot will be back next issue with the ‘President’. As you all know the National Bug In 2012 was on at Easter and held at Aldinga in South Australia. The club had 9 members attend this year, the most I have seen from the club at an interstate event since I joined the club in 2000. It was such a great Bug-In and the members each had different ways of getting there and back. We also had 3 WA cars at the Bug-In, which matches Bendigo in 2009. Besides bringing home 3 individual trophies from the event, the club also brought home the GOLD CUP. Congratulations to Patrick - concourse, Rod - concourse & Pete – motorkhana, as well as all WA members at the 2012 Bug-In who proudly won the Gold Cup for the state who participated with the most Bug -In spirit. Patrick & Jean, Rod & Karen, Stuart & Lara, Ray, Pete & Trish. In this magazine edition, you will find 2012 Bug-In articles from Patrick and Jean, Rod and Karen*, as well as the traditional report from Pete. My Bug-In pretty followed that of Rod and Karen including the trip up to Lake Eyre, however it did vary at times and I spent an 3 extra days in Pt Augusta with my Beetle in the workshop - but that’s another story. Rod is also thanked for keeping up the Bug-In news on the forum throughout the trip - well done! Sorry if the all the Bug-In stories seem to overload the magazine, but they do illustrate the adventure that attending an interstate Bug-In can include and the different ways the Bug-In can compliment the ’travel bug’. Just maybe it will inspire more club members to make the trip next year to New South Wales, it will be my eighth in 9 years, 2 at home and 7 interstate (6 of which me and VWBTLE1 have attended together). We have actually been to 7 interstate events, the other one was 2003 when Tasmania held the VW in Australia 50th celebrations. Well enjoy the read about the Bug-In and start planning for next year - 2013 National Bug-In in NSW at Easter 29th March to 1st April - I have already booked my holidays...
Ray Willis - Via West Editor
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April 2012
Via West
Page 6
This Month
May 2012 # indicates a club run
Wednesday 2nd
ALFRED’S of GUILDFORD 7pm cnr of Meadow & James St Guildford
Wednesday 9th
MONTHLY COMMITTEE MEETING 6:30pm @ John Hughes Volkswagen, Victoria Park
Sunday 13th
SOUTH WEST MONTHLY GATHERING BUSSELTON See page 20
Wednesday 23rd
EVENTS COORDINATION MEETING 6:30pm @ John Hughes Volkswagen, Victoria Park
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
W/E 25-27th #
DWELLINGUP CAMPING WEEKEND Nanga Mill Town site, Lane Pool Reserve, Dwellingup,
Contact: Jamie Barrett 0408 183 396
VWWATERCOOLED AUTUMN AT ARALUEN CRUISE AND SHOW n SHINE See page 12
Contact: Geoff King
Sunday 27th
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
Also refer to the Forum on the club website
Also refer to the Forum on the club website
Also refer to the Forum on the club website
June 2012 Wednesday 6th
ALFRED’S of GUILDFORD 7pm cnr of Meadow & James St Guildford
Sunday 10th
SOUTH WEST MONTHLY GATHERING BUSSELTON See page 20
Also refer to the Forum on the club website
BUSSELTON
See page 20
Wednesday 13th
MONTHLY COMMITTEE MEETING 6:30pm @ John Hughes Volkswagen, Victoria Park
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
#
MAY CLUB RUN—TBA Anybody with an idea?
Contact:
Wednesday 27th
EVENTS COORDINATION MEETING 6:30pm @ John Hughes Volkswagen, Victoria Park
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
July 2012 Wednesday 4th
ALFRED’S of GUILDFORD 7pm cnr of Meadow & James St Guildford
Sunday 8th
SOUTH WEST MONTHLY GATHERING BUSSELTON See page 20
Also refer to the Forum on the club website
BUSSELTON
See page 20
Wednesday 11th
MONTHLY COMMITTEE MEETING 6:30pm @ John Hughes Volkswagen, Victoria Park
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
Sunday 22nd
GERMAN CAR DAY NORTHAM More details to follow
Mercedes Benz Car Club of WA http://www.mbccwa.org.au/
Wednesday 25th
EVENTS COORDINATION MEETING 6:30pm @ John Hughes Volkswagen, Victoria Park
Contact: Ray Willis 0407 347 340
Friday 27th #
QUIZ NITE twenty12
Contact: Richard Hines 9342 8703
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April 2012
BUG-IN 2012 ALDINGA SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Via West
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Spiteri, and Stuart and Lara Rundle, WA; both couples attending their first Bug-In out of WA. It was great to see them!
After lunch, Phil, Henny and Becky Southam, SA, arrived in the next door chalet, to a huge welcome. The number of Bug-In’s this family has attended is anybody’s guess. It was great to see good friends. We helped Mal and Maris set the registration area up, by Pete Summerfield ready for a 4pm start. Coffee, tea and hot cross buns were offered as the Out of the nine West Australians to Bug-Inners started to arrive. attend the 2012 Adelaide Bug-In, in As I missed last year’s Bug-In in Perth, Aldinga, (the biggest contingent for some years), Trish and I took the easi- it was great to catch up with people you have met through the years, and est way and flew across to Adelaide. Arriving late afternoon on Wednesday re-acquaint yourselves. Time seemed to have stood still! Registration was before Easter, we were met by our great mates Mal and Karen Dodd, and next, followed by the Bug-In barbecue; taken to their house for a “quiet” even- fish or meat, plus salads. Thanks to Julia and the SA ladies for a lovely ing at home, before a big weekend meal. ahead.
Winery in McLaren Vale, a short drive from the caravan park. The Show ‘n’ Shine started at 9am, and the lawn filled quickly, with approx 30 beautifully prepared cars. Rod McSwain won the Water Cooled Trophy with his Jetta, and Patrick Spiteri won the Kombi Trophy with his fabulous split window Kombi. Congratulations to you both. There were no WA entrants in air cooled Beetle section.
Thur
sday, a beautiful sunny day welcomed us, as Mal and I did some last minute things before we drove down the coast to Aldinga, and the Port Willunga Caravan Park, Bug-In Headquarters. It was a mini convoy, two Beetles, and Karen’s Celica. We booked into our two bedroom chalet, had a nice meal at a local restaurant, a couple night caps, and then said goodnight to Thursday.
Frid
ay arrived all too soon. The sun was well and truly up when we arose. We had a leisurely breakfast, and then it was off to explore the caravan park to meet the other Bug-Inners. The WA chalet (with WA flag flying), was the first, with Ray, Rod and Karen. It was good to catch up, having not seen them for several months. Then there were our co-hosts, Maris and Julia Rozleja, SA; other regulars such as Keith and Mardavi Lawrday started out overcast, er, Qld; Chris and Scott Harper, NSW; but improved as the day Col Anderson, NSW; Pete and Pat progressed, and made it a perfect day Curran, TAS; Bernd Wachs and Rob for the Bug-In Show ‘n’ Shine. It was Busselmann, VIC; just to name a few. held on the front lawns of Serafino’s Later we found Patrick and Jean
The show came to a close, and we were led by Mal on a winery cruise around the McLaren Vale district. It was great to see twenty or more Volkswagens in convoy cruising around the wineries.
Satu
(Continued on page 8)
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April 2012
Via West
Page 8
Our next port of call was Sellecks Beach. The idea was, those who wanted, could drive along the beach, meeting the others further along. However, (Continued from page 7) someone hadn’t told Mal the tide was Not to out done, Stuart and Lara joined in, and there was no beach to drive on. us in their rented VW Crafter Camper So, we followed the others to Aldinga and enjoyed a tipple or three. Beach, and then back to the caravan park. A quick shower and change, ready for an impromptu dinner at a local restaurant.
We left the wineries and headed south to the Myponga Micro Brewery, for a beer tasting and a bit of lunch.
Sund
Then it was off along a picturesque drive to the Myponga Reservoir. At the lookout we were able to take photos of the convoy driving across the reservoir wall, which looked pretty specky.
ay started early for those who were involved in the motor sport part of the day, as we had to travel to Tailem Bend about an hour and a half way. I was the only competitor from WA. The others chose the South Coast Cruise to Cape Jervis and Victor Harbor. Mal and I, together with the NSW contingent, headed to Tailem Bend. We arrived a bit after 9.30am, booked in, car checked, the first of the six tests set up, Straight Salom (same as the first test in Toodyay last year), and we were off.
This is a dirt circuit of less than a kilometer long, around witches hats, trees and rocks, and also good fun. We completed four tests, of different variations, in the same area. A couple of witches hats got moved, however, surprisingly enough, the trees and rocks remained unscathed. There was a bitumen khanacross being held on the skid pan at the same time, and Mal and I had entered this event as well. So, in between the dirt tests, we competed in the bitumen khanacross as well. I didn’t find the bitumen nearly as much fun as the dirt.
Competition came to an end and time was getting on, so, flags and witches hats were gathered up, and it was back to the chalet for showers. After getting spruced up, it was back to Serafino’s Winery for the Presentation Dinner.
They ran two tests at once, so the morning and the six tests were over in no time. I had a great time, making up for missing last year. However, in having such a good time, a couple of flags got in the way. In one test, I knocked a flag over, and because I could not see it on the return part of the test, I didn’t go around it, and was given a wrong way. Bugger! Lunch was called, and then it was into the Dirt Khanacross.
(Continued on page 9)
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April 2012
Via West
Page 9
Next year it is in Sydney, so let’s rally around the NSW boys and girls and commit to Easter in Sydney 2013.
tioned that the Murray River was still in flood. This was a godsend for the local people, as up until flood, the area had been in drought for quite a few years. See you there, (Continued from page 8) The Murray River mouth is now open Pete and Trish Summerfield. Dinner was very nice and was compleand flowing, giving the water ways a mented on by everyone. Trish and I good flushing out. Everyone is happy. had the honour of sitting at the direcWhile all this was going on, we had tors table with Mal and Karen Dodd, lunch, and shortly after we stopped on and Maris and Julia Rozleja. We felt a sand spit. Those who wanted could pretty special. The trophies were a walk to the beach, about a kilometre BUG IN SA number plate, which were away. It was quite sheltered where we unusual and excepted very well. The had pulled up. However, when you got WA trophy winners were, Patrick to the beach, the wind was very by Pete Summerfield Spiteri, Best Kombi; Rod McSwain, strong, so, needless to say, we didn’t ay is the day most Best Water Cooled; for the car show, stay there long. Back on the boat, tea people are packing up and coffee was served, and we headand I won the motorsport trophy, 1st and getting ready to go back home, WA. Not hard to do as I was the only ed back to the dock. It was a very after a great Bug-In. This included competitor from WA. pleasant trip, and everyone enjoyed most of the WA contingent. Rod, Kathe relaxed atmosphere, after a very ren and Ray were off to see Lake busy weekend. Back to the cars, and Eyre, while the others were doing side everyone said their goodbyes, and we trips on the way home. Trish and I are will see you next year. We all made staying for the extended tour. our separate ways home.
Bug-In SA Extended Tour
Mond
A cruise to the Murray River mouth was on the agenda for Monday, starting at 10am. The convoy started outside the caravan park (about 8 cars), and we headed south to Coorong,
Then the Best Bug-In Spirit Trophy went to WA. Yippee! It is the first time WA has won this trophy. Well done, to all nine of us. SEE FRONT PAGE OF MAGAZINE
Tues
day we met at the Haigh’s Chocolate factory in Adelaide. There were six of us who went on the tour. It was quite interesting, and very yummy chocolate to taste. The factory is not unlike the Margaret River Chocolate Factory in the Swan Valley. One o/clock came round all too quickly, as we had to get Trish to the airport for a flight to England to see her elderly mother. That done, Mal, Chris Harper, and myself headed back to Mal and Karen’s place for the rest of the afternoon and evening.
Wedn
esday’s trip was a tour of AAMI Stadium which is on banks of the Murray River. (home of Port Power). We were escortOn arrival, we managed to find parking ed to one of the corporate boxes (how for everyone in the same place. It the other half live, only $70,000 per looked good all the VW’s parked in a year), to the coaches box, down onto row. A short walk had us arriving at the the edge of the hollowed turf, into the What a great weekend, enjoyed by all boat and we were ushered aboard. We players dressing and treatment rooms, who attended. Another Bug-In comes cruised down river, and while we were and finally, to see were the umpires to an end and thanks go to the South watching the scenery, places of interhave their rooms. All this took about an Aussies for looking after us so well and est were pointed out, and it was menhour and a half, and was very interestbeing such great hosts. ing for everyone. Lunch was called, so it was off to the Port Dock Hotel and mini brewery. Lunch was very nice, and so were the beers. After lunch, we were taken on a tour of this very small brewery at the back of this old pub. The Pub was going when sailing ships tied up on the wharf outside. The wharf is long gone, and the land reclaimed, but instead, they have a mini brewery. To end the night on a high, Maris and Julia Rozleja, and John and Pat Short; four stalwarts of the South Australian VW Club; were awarded life memberships. Congratulations.
(Continued on page 10)
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April 2012
(Continued from page 9)
Via West after vineyard, finally stopping at Jacob’s Creek Winery. It is a very flash place, with very nice wines to taste and buy. Then it was off to Seppelts Winery, were there was more tasting, but not as much buying. We stopped off at a bakery in a small town for lunch, and then to a lookout where I remembered we visited while at the 1996 Adelaide Bug-In. Seven out of the eight that were there now, were also there in 1996. On to another winery that also made a white port. Another tasting and more purchases. This being our final stop for the day, we said our farewells, and made our way home.
We left the pub, and went on cruise of the local area, and then headed for home. We all met for tea at a Chinese restaurant, and had another great evening.
Frid
Thur
I would like to thank Mal and Karen Dodd for letting us stay with them; Maris and Julia Rozleja for being the tour guides in Adelaide, and John Short for
sday was a trip to the Barossa Valley. Our tour guide was John Short. John led the three car convoy through vineyard
Page 10 showing us around the Barossa Valley area. I had a fantastic time, with some fantastic people. This is what the Bug-In is all about. See you at Easter next year in Sydney, where we can do it all again! Thanks to Maris and Julia Rozleja for the photos used in this article (and the disc of the event sent to me - Ray Willis Editor.
ay was the day Chris and I went back to our own homes. Chris is driving back to Sydney, and I’m flying back to Perth.
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April 2012
Via West
Page 11
Volkswagen driving experience
Join us for an exhilarating day on the track, under the guidance of professional driving instructors to gain firsthand experience with the latest Volkswagen vehicles. With only limited places available, early booking is highly recommended! https://www.volkswagendrivingexperience.com.au/ All the details are in the February ViaWest‌ remember that being a VW Club Member provides you with a $100 discount.
21-23 June 2012
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April 2012
Hello members, this is an important notice for you... Your Volkswagen Club in conjunction with the Council of Motoring Clubs is holding the Annual Quiz Nite for 2012. To hold a Quiz Nite takes a lot of planning and involvement of members to make it happen as seamless as possible. The date is Friday 27th July and we have booked the Perth Soccer Club for the event.
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To make it a successful Quiz Nite, we Donations can be in the form of goods need your participation as members in such as caps and shirts, car parts; or the form of… as services such as car detail, engine service, membership to a club etc. 1. Helpers on the night...many hands make light work! They do not have to be VW based as all car clubs attend these Quiz Nites. 2. Prizes on the night...we are looking for donations of goods and services If you have been to a Quiz Nite, they to be used for raffles, competitions are great fun...the VW Club of WA has and the Quiz Nite winners. come second in recent years...now we will be on the other side of questions You may be able to get donations and competitions on the night. and sponsorship from your employer, if self employed, you may be able All enquiries or to arrange a to donate directly or if you know donation, contact Richard somebody that knows someHines on 9342 8703. body...all donations help.
Autumn at Araluen Cruise & Show ’n’ Shine VWWatercooled.org.au is holding their first Autumn at Araluen Cruise and Show & Shine afternoon on
the City of Stirling carpark from 9am, before driving up to Araluen through the hills for a bbq lunch and public display in the afternoon.
Sunday 27th May 2012 at Full details of the event are available at Araluen Botanic Park in www.vwwatercooled.org.au Roleystone. (Scroll down the main page to UpThe event is being organised in coming Events). conjunction with other webfoRegistration is required if you rums, so there will also be local wish to display your watercooled member cars on display from VW on the day. So if you would Audi, BMW and more! like to attend as part of the disThe day will begin with a meet at
play please RSVP on the VW Club webforum - www.vwclubwa.com/ events or Contact Geoff King
g.king@bigpond.net.au
0419900006.
Information about Araluen Botanic Park, including a map and how to get there, can be found at their new website www.araluenbotanicpark.com.au. Normal public entrance fees apply if you would just like to visit the Park for the afternoon.
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April 2012
Via West
Page 13
Cruise & Show ‘n’ Shine Sunday 27th May
Autumn at Araluen presented by
Full details of the event are on the VWWatercooled forum:
www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f21/autu...al-thread-
Araluen Botanic Park On display will be a selection of local 'modern era' VWs (yes the ones with radiators!!) as well as member vehicles from some of the other web forums including Audi, BMW and more! If you would like to participate in the show with your water-cooled VDub, please REGISTER YOUR INTEREST on the VWWatercooled thread - see link below.
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April 2012
Via West
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A casual shirt for the men and boys $30.00 each A pocket is an extra $5.00 A name can be added for another $5.00
A V-neck design for the ladies and girls $30.00 each A name can be added for another $5.00
A unique design Double sided with the club logo on front and back Stand out in the crowd. $25.00 each
All VW club stickers are $2.00
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April 2012
Day of the Volkswagen Collectors cloth badge and annual stickers (limited numbers) $2.00 each
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A peak cap with the traditional club logo adjustable velcro band at the rear. $15.00 each
2011 Toodyay Bug-In 42nd National Metal car badge (limited number) $25.00 each
VW Club WA Cloth badge $5.00 each
2012 Calendar All holidays—month per page Discounted to $5.00 each
Merchandise Officer: Phone: Email:
Rod McSwain (08) 9332 6919 info@vwclubwa.com
Purchases can be made by cash, cheque or credit card (Visa or MasterCard) - postage charges may be extra.
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April 2012
Via West
Page 16
The 2012 Bug-In Trip by Patrick Spiteri Jean and I started our holiday by sending the splitty bus to Ceva transport on Friday 23-3 to go to Melbourne. Jean and I got the midnight flight and got into Melbourne at 3:30 pm on Thursday 29-3.
I had a good time in Melbourne got to see all the family and an old school friend that has a Kombi.
B
Jean and I started our journey to Adelaide on Thursday 54 we decided to drive along the It was too late to pick up the Great Ocean Road, it was great...we bus that day as it was getting did a lot of stops to enjoy the scenery late so we got the bus from the we stayed in Portland for the night. airport to the city and stayed in a hotel The next day Jean and I got up early and had a great time with the night life. so we don't get too late into Aldinga Friday30-3 came, Jean and I got the Beach. On the way we seen a farm train to pick up the Splitty from Ceselling fruit and vege using a split va, they took care of the kombi as screen Kombi. We also seen some old there was no damage only a flat batBeetles on the way. We arrived at tery because they must have hit the the Aldinga Beach caravan park at interior light on. 3:30 pm and was welcomed by every one from the Bug-In. The battery was charged up all was OK I was staying at one of my brothers Jean and I had a lovely cabin. property out side of Melbourne he has The next day was the Show 140 hectare with animals and lots of and Shine so I was busy cleancars (no VW ). The next day I was go- ing and getting the bugs off the splitty. ing into town from the farm when the The Show and Shine was great...I got accelerator cable broke...it was a pain Best Original/Restored and the Monty in the bum as I did not have the right Love Award. I also got to see and talk one in the car...got it going and the to so many people and I enjoyed the next day I went and got a new one. Cruise after as I got to see some great sites. The next few days we got to see
A
C
some great coast and one of the oldest car museum.
D
Wednesday 11-4 came and I caught up with Brian and we started our long trip along the Nullarbor. Brian , Jean and I did 819 km as we stopped along the way to take photos. Our first stop was Ceduna we had a good run sitting on 100kph.
E
The next day we started but we stopped and rest and took a lot of photos and with the clock turned back 1.30min we only did 765km to Cocklebiddy. Friday we got up early as we had along trip to Perth. Brian and I had some great morning photos and along the way the Buses are running good as we only sitting on 100kph and got to Northam around 6.30pm. All was good when I had a tyre blow...it was dark and Brian helped me.
F
The rest of the trip home was good it was 9:00pm when I got home and 1170km. Later on the next few days I was cleaning the bus. Brian, Jean and I had a great time.
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April 2012
Via West
Page 17
Your stories and photos can also be in the magazine...just email them to... viawest@vwclubwa.com.au
April 2012
The First South West Volkswagen Get-together The first south west Volkswagen gettogether was held on Sunday the 15th April at the Busselton waterfront. The get-together was a fantastic success with a turnout of 21 Volkswagens and their enthusiastic owners from Bunbury, Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup and Margaret River. Everyone had a great time chatting, checking out the cars and sampling food from the kiosk. There was a great story behind every car. Highlights included a '76 beetle that drove in with L plates and a late '59 beetle bought in early 1960 still with the same keen owner after 52 years. Amazingly, quite a few people had another Volkswagen lurking at home
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and knew others that wanted to come along.
They normally hold 2 movies per night and the gate normally opens 30 mins before the movie. We may be able to With the level of interest shown it has get in late afternoon so we could get been decided to make the get-together all lined up and be able to get some a monthly informal gathering on the good pics before the sun goes down. second Sunday of every month at the Busselton waterfront car park next to I'm looking at Saturday 3rd Novemthe Equinox CafĂŠ from 12:30pm onber with maybe all the Vee Dubs putwards. Other south west events for ting on a bit of a display in the park the warmer months should be planned area on the Busselton Waterfront on over winter. the Sunday morning. Kim
proposed‌
VeeDubs @ The Drive-In Movies
I'm hoping this type of weekend would encourage many other VW owners from other area's to come along and make a fun weekend. You can register you interest with me...my email is; newwavemaintenance@hotmail.com Mark
More South West news and activities can be found on the VW Club I have been thinking ahead about sort- WA website forum...and keep a look ing a weekend out later in the year. I out here in future magazines as have been in touch with the owners at well! The editor Busselton Drive In Movie's and he is only to happy to have a Vee Dub night.
Photos from the First Get Together follow...
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April 2012
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April 2012
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Page 20
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April 2012
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Page 21
Rod & Karen’s 2012 Bug -In Trip by Rod McSwain Each Bug-In is a different experience and 2012 was no exception. Firstly, I (Rod) was going by train, then both of us were heading off the bitumen and into the Flinders Ranges and up to Marree on our way to Lake Eyre, I put
the train to the airport to pick her up ... good timing. The accommodation was typical caravan park chalet – nice with plenty of room for Ray as well. On Wednesday we headed in the scenic Adelaide Hills whilst a 35 degree Perth type day in Adelaide on Thursday enticed us into the city. So we drove to Glenelg and caught the light rail to the CBD, taking in the Entertainment Centre, Casino, Rundle Mall and the City Markets, and then returned to the Glenelg to view the jetty and foreshore.
a product called Ventureshield on the Jetta to protect it from stone chips etc. town called Cook is where the train It stays on permanently, so check it our stops for fuel and water. The longest next time you see the car. train line straight in the world at 447 km (according to the sign), is just down I went to Adelaide with Ray on the Indithe line. an Pacific – leaving on the Sunday before the Bug-In at Easter and the cars came too. The Jetta was first on bottom row. The communications on the Nullarbor is rare and scarce and a
Karen flew to Adelaide on the Tuesday, so it was a case of driving from
Others started to turn up to the caravan park tonight, including WA members Pete & Trish and Stuart & Lara, while Patrick & Jean were driving from Melbourne Friday was car cleaning day ready for the concourse, and then we just had to walk to the grassy area of the caravan park for the Welcome B-B-Q.
(Continued on page 22)
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April 2012 (Continued from page 21)
Saturday was a nice 15 minute drive to a local winery for the Show – n – Shine at Serafino’s Winery in McLaren Vale (1) below...
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saw Lara and Stuart get locked in the stocks at a winery (2) below – too drunk or something, so we rescued them before they were committed to life in South Australia.
and trophy presentations (2) below and delicious dinner. The Jetta received one of the 3 allocated trophies for Water-cooled cars – I now have to work even harder next year to keep the perfect Bug-In record intact in NSW if I go. The most interesting was a 1979 LHD Mexican Beetle (2) below...
Saturday night was free, but a crowd gather at a local restaurant in Old Aldinga town until the late hours, then it was home to bed as those competing in the motorsport on Sunday, had a 6:30 am departure. We could sleep in as we had a 9:30 departure for an organised cruise to Cape Jervis (1) below… while the overall winner was Jan Steven’s 58 Beetle from Victoria (3) below…
The WA members brought home 3 individual trophies and as a group brought home the Bug-In Gold Cup, for show the best Bug-In spirit over the course of the weekend. There was lots of reminiscing as is usual during the Bug-In Dinner and the formal flag handover was surprisingly done with NSW, as Vic wants to host the Bug-In in 2013 – their 60th anniversary. Must be going to be a big one - can’t wait. On Monday, we packed up, said our good buys and headed north – destination Lake Eyre via Hawker. Driving through South Australia, there is an abundance of historic buildings and reminded me so much of Germany with small town scattered over the countryside with historic buildings (1) below…
where the ferry leaves for Kangaroo Island and Victor Harbor (2) below… The afternoon cruise around McLaren Vale and districts including Myponga Dam (1) below…
– even if lots were in ruin. We were back to Serafino’s Winery for pre dinner drinks (1) below…
(Continued on page 23)
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Page 23
(Continued from page 22)
After playing tourist we headed into Hawker at dusk (2) above…
We were up early for a quick drive along the Oodnadatta Track (1) below...
On the Tuesday, as it was only 400km to Marree, we travelled through the Flinders Ranges and via the Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges. .
Words cannot describe it and I haven’t seen it dry, but all the locals are very happy with the influx of tourists. We headed back to Pt Augusta to catch up with friends that we had pre arranged to meet. They have been on the road for 2 years. After Pt Augusta, the rest of the journey home seemed a bit boring. Not only have we done it a
Caution was required but the Jetta took it in its stride – it involved creek crossings as well as driving down the creek bed at times, but some of the views were nothing short of spectacular. See pictures below and above right column. on our way to the Marree airport to catch a flight over Lake Eyre (2) below...& (3) top right…
number of times, but nothing could beat what we had just experienced. But close is still seeing the Great Australian Bight from the road – above. All in all another great Bug-In and last but not least is that the VW product was showcased yet again in this the longest running annual Volkswagen event. Footnote: We arrived home and the Jetta now done 84,000 after doing 4,140 kms in a fortnight over slow, rough, fast, stop / start and dusty conditions that this country could just about throw at it and did an average of 5.8l/100 km at a cost of less than 10c per km without missing a beat.
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Page 24
The up! is ‘World Car of the Year 2012’ International jury gives sought after award to Volkswagen Latest triumph for Volkswagen: the up! is ‘World Car of the Year 2012’! This much sought after title was awarded today at the New York International Auto Show. The jury, consisting of 66 top journalists from 25 countries, voted by a majority to name the up! ‘World Car of the Year 2012’. In the end, Volkswagen’s city car beat off two other finalists to secure the internationally recognised awarded the up! a top score of five prize. points and also gave it an ‘Advanced “This award shows once again that in Award’ for its city emergency braking the up! our designers and engineers system. The highly regarded iF Design have created a vehicle that has been Institute in turn gave Volkswagen’s thought through in minute detail. A ve- smallest car the ‘iF design award in hicle that sets standards in its class for Gold’. Nor does it end there! The up! efficient use of space, safety, motoring has to date also won the ‘2011 fun and environmental compatibility,” Goldene Lenkrad’ (Golden Steering remarks Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Wheel) in Germany and three awards Chariman of the Board of Management from British motoring magazine ‘What of Volkswagen AG. Car?’: ‘Car of the Year’, ‘City Car 2012’ and the ‘Safety Award’. Within just a short time of its launch last December, the up! was, for exam- On a minimal footprint (3.54 m long) ple, already topping the statistics for the up! provides maximum space for new vehicle registrations in Germany. four people, plus extremely efficient At around the same time, consumer drive technologies. protection organisation Euro NCAP Adam Harvey, one of Australia’s most successful country music performers, has announced a partnership with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles after signing on as its new brand ambassador.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is Amarok’ing & Rolling with New Brand Ambassador
Today, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles handed Harvey the keys to his new dual cab Amarok Highline with selectable 4MOTION. Not only is the Amarok one of the most fuel efficient in its class, with a combined fuel consumption of just 7.9 litres/100kms, the safety package of this remarkable ute helped it to become the first dual-cab in Australia to receive a five-star rating by ANCAP. (Continued on page 25)
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April 2012
(Continued from page 24)
Phil Clarke commented on the new collaboration, “Drawing on our successful sponsorship of FESTIVAL FM at this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is developing its association with the Australian Country Music scene and building a growing rural presence.
Via West The New South Wales Minister for Police and Emergency Services, the Hon. Michael Gallacher, MLC joined the NMVTRC to present the Secure by Design 2012 awards to a Volkswagen Group Australia representative. NMVTRC Chairman, David Morgan, said: “While there are some luxury vehicles amongst the winners, the inclusion of the many affordable cars, with the Polo starting at around $20,000 clearly demonstrates that good security is within reach of everyday motorists and that other manufacturers should be aspiring to matching these levels of design.
“Both multi-award winners and the leaders in their respective fields, the Amarok and Adam Harvey are a perfect fit. We welcome Adam on board and look forward to working with him in Each of the winning vehicles were exthe future.” pertly assessed against leading market Adam Harvey has been at the forefront competitors, earning credit for the seof Australian country music with a ca- curity of its entry systems, engine imreer that spans over a decade. Harvey mobiliser and vehicle identification. has sold close to 400,000 records Doors, ignition locks, alarms, boot acworldwide and has won countless ac- cess, glazing, body stamping and micolades including Album of the Year cro dotting were among the many confor his recently released album ‘Falling siderations which helped the into Place’ at the prestigious 2012 Volkswagens distinguish themselves Country Music Awards. as the most secure cars in their class.
Volkswagens Announced as Australia’s Most Secure Cars Volkswagen has added the accolade of Australia’s most secure new vehicles to its growing list of honours, after sweeping top awards in four of six classes in an event held by the country’s expert body on vehicle crime, the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC). Volkswagen’s Polo, Golf and Tiguan all earned the title of most secure vehicle in their respective classes, while the Volkswagen Passat finished joint-first in the Medium Car group, as part of a test that included over 70 current models.
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Global Automakers to Demo EV Fast Charging at EVS26 Eight global automakers to participate in charging display and will demo the standardized single-port DC-fast charging technology The system will optimize customer ease of use and will accelerate more affordable deployment of electrified vehicles and charging infrastructure The Society of International Engineers has chosen the single-port fast charging method as its standard for fast charging and the European manufacturing association (ACEA) has endorsed harmonization for all vehicle types
Managing Director, Ms Anke Koeckler, Chargers will be available commercialcommented: “We’re delighted to ly as of the end of 2012 and vehicles using the technology will be available starting 2013 Global automakers from the United States and Germany will demonstrate fast-charging technology that will enable the recharging of most electrified vehicles with compatible systems in as little as 15-20 minutes.
Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and accept not one, but four Volkswagen have agreed to support awards for the most secure cars in Australia. These awards further demonstrate our commitment to offer cars with classleading security as well as unparalleled drivability, at a price to suite every motorist.”
a harmonized single-port fast charging approach – called DC-fast charging with a Combined Charging System – for use on electric vehicles in Europe and the United States. The combined charging system integrates one-phase AC-charging, fast three-phase AC-charging, DCcharging at home and ultra-fast DCcharging at public stations into one vehicle inlet. This will allow customers to charge at most existing charging stations regardless of power source and may speed more affordable adoption of a standardized infrastructure. The International Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has chosen the Combined Charging System as the
(Continued on page 26)
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April 2012
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customers. The Combined Charging System was developed for all international vehicle markets and creates a (Continued from page 25) uniform standard with identical electrifast-charging methodology for a stand- cal systems, charge controllers, packard that incrementally extends the ex- age dimensions and safety mechaisting Type 1-based AC-charging. The nisms. standard is to be officially published The system maximizes capability for this summer. ACEA, the European integration with future smart grid develassociation of vehicle manufacturers opments through common broadband has also selected the Combined communication methods regardless of Charging System as its AC/DCthe global location of the charging syscharging interface for all new vehicle tem. The combined charging approach types in Europe beginning in 2017. will reduce development and infraThe charging system design was structure complexity, improve charging based on the collaborative review and reliability, reduce the total cost-ofanalysis of existing charging strateownership for end customers and progies, the ergonomics of the connector vide low maintenance costs. and preferences of U.S. and European
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Commercially available combined charging stations are projected to be available later this year. All committed OEMs have vehicles in development which will use the Combined Charging System. First vehicles using this technology will be launched to the market in 2013.
Brain Study.... Wow! It took me a few seconds, but then I got the hang of it... I've seen this with the letters out of order, but this is the first time I've seen it with numbers. Good example of a Brain Study: If you can read this you have a strong mind: 7H15 M3554G3 53RV35 7O PR0V3 H0W 0UR M1ND5 C4N D0 4M4Z1NG 7H1NG5! 1MPR3551V3 7H1NG5! 1N 7H3 B3G1NN1NG 17 WA5 H4RD BU7 N0W, 0N 7H15 LIN3 Y0UR M1ND 1S R34D1NG 17 4U70M471C4LLY W17H 0U7 3V3N 7H1NK1NG 4B0U7 17, B3 PROUD! 0NLY C3R741N P30PL3 C4N R3AD 7H15.
WANTED 3 side gates for a 76 VW Kombi Dual Cab Contact : Lance Fitzgerald Mobile: 0419 753 273 Email: lance@odeum.com.au
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April 2012
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Page 27
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Your stories and photos can also be in the magazine...just email them to... viawest@vwclubwa.com.au