What makes the January meet extra special, is that it plays host to the annual SWDubs Awards. Cars and their respective owners are nominated for various awards on the forums, before the voting polls are created allowing the forum members to decide the worthy winners. This system reflects the community that keeps this club and forum thriving, as it is very much about the opinions of the majority instead of the dictation of a minority which can often be the downfall of many other car forums/clubs.
Tradition was broken for 2013, and the awards were announced early in the morning at the services. Some bloke with a megaphone climbed on top of a Mitsubushi Pajero and started gathering everyone around to watch and receive the specially made trophies.
Without this guy, the SWDubs forum would not be running. He is the man responsible for keeping everything running, paying out of his own pocket for website hosting and giving up his time to moderate and ensure everything runs smoothly. He's a pretty integral part of the whole community that people probably take for granted. But that's enough of that, he'll start getting big headed..
Categories started being read out and people began accepting their awards, along with some unexpected prizes thrown in on top. Although only small things like stickers and valve caps, it shows the extra lengths that are gone to in order to give that bit extra.
Somehow I managed to bag 'Best Saloon' even though I don't feel worthy in the slightest, but thanks to those who voted for me, I was over the moon! My brother's S4, also managed to win 'Best Audi' which was thoroughly deserved in my opinion.
The remaining awards were given out which included Chris Godfrey winning 'Best Mk1,' James Moore winning 'Best Mk4,' and the coveted 'Car of the Year' being won by Mk2Biggy's Immaculate 20vt Mk2 Golf on RS's. Sadly I didn't manage to get a snap of this, but it was a very worthy winner.
The award giving concluded, and people started to make their way back to their cars to head on down to Budleigh.
A number of cars either got lost along the way or just didn't plan on coming down, so numbers were a little lower for the second part of the day but the atmosphere became more relaxed as people strolled around taking photographs, talking to new and old faces and looking at the cars.
Being a Bora owner myself, I can't help being drawn to every one I see and having a good look around. I think there's something about knowing a car inside out that makes you want to see other peoples take on it.
Joe's Bora on 9.5" wide Rota Grids was probably my favourite car there. He really has nailed the fitment on this car, something that hasn't been done much before on 9.5's all round.
Camber adjustable top mounts up front and a healthy dose of camber out back result in a perfectly flush fitment. Couple that with its US styling, retrimmed interior and some other subtle touches and the end result to me is nigh on perfect. I can't get enough of this car.
Not enough pictures were taken at all due to how cold it was, and soon people started fleeing from the brisk sea breeze that swept across the car park. I did however manage to catch Woody's immaculate BMW E21 as he was leaving. Definitely a car worth getting cold fingers for.
All in all it was a really great day with a good turnout, an unexpected trophy win and a chance to actually enjoy my car again on its shiny wheels. Roll on the spring where I can have them back on permanently!
Thanks to Dave Tapp and everyone else that organised the meet and the awards. If you're in the SouthWest and into this kind of culture (if you're not why have you even read this far?) then sign up to the forum and say hello by clicking here!
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