The 1st Annual Tynemouth Classic VW Rally (A Huge Success)

Tynemouth was the place to be in the North East yesterday as it hosted the  1st Annual Classic VW Rally. On a gloriously sunny Saturday, around 4000 visitors flocked to the village to see up close a selection of fantastic vintage Volkswaggens, from campers to bugs and more. The first vehicle most people saw was the 'Doodlebug' featured below which was parked outside the Priory and Castle. The 'Doodlebug' was a massive success with many visitors including my girlfriend, writing their own messages and drawings and really getting up close with the vehicles.

All Photos by Anthony Dorman

With many VW owners and fans coming from all over the country the atmosphere was buzzing with a mixture of excitement and pride. As someone who knows very little about Volkswaggens I was amazed at the variety of vehicles on display and all of the unique customized features lovingly installed by their passionate owners.

One of the fantastic things about the rally was the range of the ages of the spectators who turned up for the event and the amount of fun being had by everyone, I nearly dropped my camera laughing at the picture I saw below.

All Photos by Anthony Dorman

The owners of the vehicles were all friendly and very proud to show me their campers and bugs often opening doors for me to get interior shots or engine close ups. I can now say that I really want a VW of some description and that I have the 'Bug' myself. A number of the vehicles were for sale yesterday, sadly for me I can guarantee the bank manager would say no if I tried to buy one. I did see a VW camper hire company there so my next holiday may be an exciting road trip.

All Photos by Anthony Dorman

The retro vibe was amazing yesterday, I had to keep pinching myself and reminding myself it was not the 60's or 70's. I think the mixture of people, vehicles and sunshine gave the event a sense of golden nostalgia - don't we all remember our childhood summers as baking hot and full of adventure?

One of the things that really made an impact on me was how important VW is to so many people and how big a part of their life this motor manufacturer has become. This was summed up by a lovely young couple who asked me to take an image of their new baby on his first VW rally (below) I look forward to taking his portrait on the 2nd rally next year.

All Photos by Anthony Dorman

To Jill Snailham, all of the members of the Tynemouth Business Forum and all of the other people involved behind the scenes I would like to say Thank You. This was the regional event of the year by far and as I heard so many visitors say 'I can't wait to see next year's event.

You can check out the Tynemouth Classic VW Rally facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Tynemouth-Classic-Volkswagen-Rally/206689336015444

INTynemouth now tweets: http://twitter.com/#!/INTynemouth

'Brucie' Tynemouth Dog

'Brucie' the smiling Staffy visiting Tynemouth to see the Classic VW Rally

Photo by www.anthonydorman.com

I will be posting some photographs taken yesterday during Tynemouth's first ever Classic VW Rally which was a massive success - watch this space.

Tynemouth Classic VW Rally

 Photo by www.anthonydorman.com

This Saturday is the first Tynemouth Classic VW Rally. There will be Beetles and campers of all kinds coming from all over the UK. Why not come down to Tynemouth this Saturday Saturday (30th July) to see these fabulous vehicles and meet some of the owners who are mad passionate about them. The event is taking place in Priors Car Park (in the shadow of Collingwood Monument) just 2 minutes walk from Tynemouth Village and all of its fantastic shops, bars and restaurants.

 Photo by Anthony Dorman

I took these shots a few months ago for Jill Snailham the owner of Ruby and Frank who has organised the show with the help of the Tynemouth Business Forum. Even with just 4 vehicles for the shoot a crowd of admirers appeared within minutes.

Photo by Anthony Dorman

Why not pop down for some fun this Saturday, the weather is looking good and I'm sure these wonderful vehicles will put a smile on your face.

For more information about the Rally please go to this website: http://www.tynemouthclassicvwrally.co.uk/index.html

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The Toy Museum

The Toy Museum in Tynemouth is the result of Tony and Maureen and Bracken's passion for toys. There are over 7000 toys on display and you can tell that every single one of them is well loved. The museum was set up to house their ever growing collection of bears, dolls, cars, robots and childhood memorabilia.

Part of the collection that really appeals to me is the selection of vintage robots which are fantastic. They remind me of old 1950's sci-fi films and the TV series 'Lost in Space' which I used to love. Because there is such a mix of toys from the 1890's until the present day there is something for everyone of all ages. My visit to the museum took me back to my childhood, it had everything I loved and collected from Star Wars, Batman and toy cars. I'm sure the massive collection of dolls, bears and comics will have the same nostalgic effect on every visitor.

One of the things that surprised me on my first visit was the sheer size of the museum and the astonishing variety of toys on display. The museum is TARDIS- like in size, much bigger than the building facade suggests.

I was made to feel hugely welcome on my visit and was shown some of the behind the scenes storage areas brimming with toys of all type. It's great when you meet people with passion, people who love what they do, Tony and Maureen are collectors with a passion for toys. I am sure that everyday their collection inspires warm memories of may a viewers childhood.

If you are in Tynemouth and fancy doing something nostalgic and fun then pop in and say hi to Tony and Maureen. Please check out their fantastic website here: http://www.tynemouthtoymuseum.co.uk/

In Tynemouth now tweets: http://twitter.com/#!/INTynemouth

All photos by www.anthonydorman.com

Busy Lizzies

Flowers can really make somebody's day, it may be a big day like a wedding or a simple thank you for someone special. Busy Lizzies situated on Percy Park Road is a bright friendly florist offering that personal touch for any occasion.



Check out their full list of services on their website below or why not pop in to the shop and view the wonderfully colourful displays and enjoy the floral aroma first hand.

www.busylizziestynemouth.co.uk