The 'Glastonbury Spirit' was very much in evidence at this years International Gathering, where VEC Members, families and friends braved horrendous weather to take part in what proved to be a most enjoyable day.

Weather forcasts all weekend had promised us very poor weather, with the threat of up to 1 1/2 inches of rain during the day. Many areas as Members will know were still recovering from the great floods of the previous week and signs of this were still very much in evidence around the country as Members travelled to the event.

The day started early with Kevin, Dave and Matt plus a team of other helpers on the site, putting up the marquee and preparing the hundred or so other things that need to be done before everyone else arrives for the days activities. The Event Field which we had booked was as expected 'waterlogged' so a change of site to harder ground was proposed by the staff of the venue nearer the Farm & Shopping Village. This proved as the day progressed to be a very wise move!

Eleven thirty arrived and a steady stream of Volvos arrived on site covering a wide range of shapes, models and sizes from a PV444 to 850 t5's etc and even a visitor from Sweden with his 1800s.

Members will recall that we have visited Hatton Country World before and Christina, our late membership secretary was keen when she booked the venue to return to what is a really a very good site for the International Gathering, with lots to do for all the family or friends who may not be interested in the cars or the club.

As in previous years, as is the custom of the VEC, judging of the cars was as usual undertaken by attending members. The standard of cars attending seems to improve year by year but it is always good to see the rolling restoration project. A great strength of this club is how everyone is made to feel welcome no matter what the condition of their car or the model, long may this continue.

At 1 o'clock Members braved the elements for our customary get together for a drink and nibbles and also this year our celebration the 80th Birthday of Volvo ( wonder with all the rumours if we will see a 100th birthday?). Umbrella much in evidence this was a great success and also heralded a brightening up of the weather with only a few light showers in the afternoon.

Kevin, Dave, Matt and other helpers were as always kept busy with the sale of Club Regalia, technical enquiries, valuations etc.

After a day of heavy rain showers etc it was great for concluding events of the day, the Raffle Draw and Presentation of Awards to be undertaken in bright sunshine, which made all the difference and allowed members to travel home in good weather.

Finally our thanks to all those members who came along to support the club at its main event despite the threat of extreme weather, congratulations to all the winners and our sincere thanks to Terry and Mark of Cumbers Garage, Brixham, Devon for their continued sponsorship of our trophies presented on the day. Also to members who donated prizes for the raffle and to ALL those members who helped in anyway to make our 2007 International Gathering and 80th Birthday of Volvo Celebration so successful.

In all, a most successful International Gathering depite the weather. See you all next year.

A date for the Diary: Volvo Enthusiasts Club International Gathering 6th July 2008 - Venue to be confirmed.