Volkswagen team pedal to Paris for cancer charity

A ladies night at a Bury St Edmunds car retailer helped raise over £1,000 for a cancer charity.

Over 125 ladies attended the event at Northgate Volkswagen as it was transformed into a venue to raise money for Macmillian Cancer Research.

The Ladies Pampering and Shopping Night was organised to help showcase the fundraising efforts of a team from Northgate Volkswagen who are taking part in the London to Paris cycle ride in July in aid of the charity.

Cars were moved aside as the showroom was converted into a pampering arena of beauty treatments, colour analysis sessions plus stalls of homemade crafts, gifts and jewellery.

Shaun Barlow, Joe Parmenter and Terry Scott from Bury St Edmunds hailed the event as a huge success as Volkswagen business manager, Shaun, explained.

He said: “We were overwhelmed with the response and the money raised.

“We are very grateful to our colleagues who helped sell tickets for the evening and kindly baked cakes as refreshments for our guests.

“We were delighted that so many local shops and suppliers supported the event, with over 22 different stalls and services there was plenty to keep everyone entertained.”

The £1,000 raised on the night was generated through tickets sales and a raffle supported by stall holders and Northgate Volkswagen.

Shaun, added: “The three of us all cycle but the 408km ride in July, which we have to complete in four days, is certainly a tough challenge for us.

“The money raised has certainly kick started our fundraising efforts as we have a target of £4,650. We are so pleased our employer was willing to let us take over the showroom for the night.

“There is a lot of organisation to events like this and a special thanks must go our work colleague, Amelia, who helped coordinate the stall holders.”

Robert Rolfe, brand manager at Northgate Volkswagen, added: “The spacious showroom provides plenty of space for this sort of event so we were more than happy to support our staff on their impressive charity challenge.”

To support Shaun, Joe and Terry donations can be made by visiting justgiving.com/northgatevolkswagen.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR MOTORING SPECIALISTS

Three motoring specialists have been recognised as the best in their field after defeating over 1,000 individuals to get a place in the national finals of the Volkswagen Service Qualification World Championship.

Service advisors, Kate Thomas (26) and Donna Sillence (30) and master technician, Julian Durrant (38) successfully completed a series of assessments to reach the prestigious final.

The dedicated three, all from the same Volkswagen motor group, represented 20% of the elite group of specialists at the tightly-contested UK final.

Kate, from Rougham has worked at Northgate Volkswagen for the past five years and has reached the UK final for last three years. Julian from Wickham Skeith and Donna from Ipswich have each gained over 12 years experience at Barnards Volkswagen in Stowmarket.

To have the chance to represent the UK at the Volkswagen World championship Kate and Donna had to complete a series of intensive on the spot product knowledge assessments and role plays. In addition Julian, being one of only five master technicians, had to complete four practical tasks, closely watched by the judges.

Kate, said: “Having been there before I knew what to expect but this does not help with the nerves on the day. It is very intensive but an enjoyable experience.”

Brand managers Robert Rolfe from Northgate Volkswagen and Gary Halestrap from Barnards Volkswagen were delighted to have such a strong presence on the day.

Gary, said: “ This is a fantastic achievement and is testament to their hard work and dedication.

“They may not have claimed the UK title on this occasion but to be one of the top five master technicians and top 10 service advisors in the UK is an excellent achievement and something that they should all be very proud of.”

All three received a finalist trophy, certificate and £150 worth of Virgin Leisure vouchers.

For further information please contact Sue Foster or Becki Oake on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com / becki@connect-group.com

DRIVING SUCCESS FOR CHARITY BIKE RIDE

A group of novice cyclists from Northgate Volkswagen recently took to the road in the London to Cambridge charity bike ride, raising over £1,600 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

The Bury St Edmunds team cycled the 60 mile route despite having done very little training.

The Volkswagen team of nine joined a staggering 4,500 other cyclists on a stunning countryside route from Lea Valley's Pickets Lock in North East London to Midsummer Common in Cambridge.

Donations were collected from customers, friends and Northgate Volkswagen’s owner, the Marriot Motor Group, who kindly gave £250 towards the total.

Team member and brand manager at Northgate Volkswagen, Robert Rolfe, said: “Although the ride was tough we all really enjoyed ourselves. The atmosphere, supporters and fellow cyclists spurred us on which distracted us from any saddle pain.

“We are very grateful to everyone who kindly supported us The feeling of accomplishment and the satisfaction of raising money for such a worthy cause made all the pain worthwhile.”

For further information contact Sue Foster or Becki Oake on 01902 714957 or email sue@connect-group.com / becki@connect-group.com

CAR RETAILER SUPPORTS SWIMMING STAR

Northgate Volkswagen is getting behind an up and coming swimming star as he prepares for one of the most important competitions of his swimming career, the GB National Youth Finals.

Danny Proffitt, 15, who swims for West Suffolk Swimming Club at Haverhill Leisure Centre has been participating in competitive events for the past seven years.

His latest challenge is to compete in the GB National Youth Finals before working towards the European Youth Championship Finals in 2012 representing his country.

Brand Manager of Northgate Volkswagen in Bury St Edmounds, Rob Rolfe recently presented Danny with his sponsorship certificate.

James said: “The local community is very important to us and we have made it our company policy to support individuals from the region where we can.

“We are very pleased to assist Danny in his quest to reach the European Finals and we would like to wish him the very best of success in reaching his goal.”

For more information please contact Sue Foster or Becki Oake on 01902 714 957 or email sue@connect-group.com / becki@connect-group.com

Fast lane sponsorship for premier racing talent

Northgate Volkswagen is on track to support a talented racing driver as he embarks on his Formula 3 debut, in this seasons British F3 International Series.

Rupert Svendsen-Cook, 19,from Bury St Edmunds is one of Britain’s most promising racing talents after coming sixth in the Formula BMW Europe Series in 2009.

Rupert’s driving career started at the age of eight and his latest challenge will test his racing skills. The F3 Championships, which started at Oulton Park this April, will take Rupert to high profile racing circuits across the UK and Europe.

Speaking of his sponsorship, Rupert said: “I am very grateful to have received the sponsorship from my local Volkswagen retailer and I am working hard to achieve more wins.”

Northgate Volkswagen is sponsoring Rupert for this year’s Championship.

Rob Rolfe, Northgate brand manager said: “Rupert is a superb talent in the premier racing scene.

“As a company we strive to support up-and-coming talent and community projects where we can.

“Rupert has had a fantastic start to the season winning in his debut for Volkswagen Power, and we wish him every success in the Championship’s upcoming races.”

Rupert is presently in third position, the next race meeting is at Silverstone on 1st May 2010. Rupert is part of the Volkswagen Driver Development Programme.

SALES TEAM HAS A MAKEOVER IN BURY ST EDMUNDS

A Bury St Edmunds Volkswagen retailer has boosted its sales team to meet the growing needs of the business.

Northgate Volkswagen has appointed sales manager, James King, to lead the new six man strong team.

James was successfully promoted to the role after working as a salesman at the Northern Way retailer for the past 10 years and compliments the team’s expansion as a result of the Volkswagen retailer’s increase in used car sales.

Speaking of the new role, James, said: “I am delighted to be taking on this new role. My aim is to continually develop the exceptional level of service that customers expect.

“Our new team is now in place to drive sales forward, making sure that customers are offered the right service and advice, whatever their reason for visiting or getting in touch.”

The new team, who all live in the Bury St Edmunds area, include: business finance manager, Shaun Barlow; sales executives, Michael Barbrooke, Tony Pasmore, Joe Parmenter and Paul Dray; and fleet sales executive, Rob Webb.

Rob Rolfe, brand manager of Northgate, said: “James’ superb track record and understanding of customers’ needs makes him ideal to lead the team and business forward.”

Picture caption: L-R, Paul Dray, Joe Parmenter, James King, Tony Pasmore, Shaun Barlow and Michael Barbrooke.

For more information please contact Sue Foster or Becki Oake on 01902 714 957 or email sue@connect-group.com / becki@connect-group.com

Volkswagen sponsors motoring event for a second year

Three of Suffolk’s Volkswagen retailers have renewed their support for the highly popular ‘Alive and V-Dubbin’ motoring festival, by sponsoring the family friendly attraction for the second year running.

The weekend event, which attracted over 6,000 visitors last year, takes place at the Mid Suffolk Showground from June 11th to 13th, and is planning to be bigger and better for 2010, thanks to its main sponsors the Marriot Motor Group.

During the event, supported by Volkswagen retailers, Northgate, Barnards and Wolsey which are owned by the Marriot Motor Group, families and Volkswagen enthusiasts will be entertained by local bands, treated to an exhilarating night time flame throwing display and have the chance to rummage for a bargain at the trade stall.

Organised by the VW owners club, Suffolk Bugrs, visitors will have the opportunity to inspect the autojumble and trade stands and pick up those hard-to-find Volkswagen spare parts and collectible items.

An impressive display of iconic Volkswagens will be available throughout the weekend from the earliest models through to more modern conversions, while children can take advantage of the skate ramp, climbing wall and new Volkswagen bouncy castle.

A big screen will feature England’s World Cup match on Saturday evening so football fans can keep up with the action.

Rob Rolfe, brand manger of Northgate Volkswagen, said: “After such a successful and enjoyable event last year, we are more than happy to renew our support for this year.

“It is such an action-packed weekend, and we are looking forward to meeting even more likeminded individuals who share the same passion for Volkswagen as we do.”

Barnards, Northgate and Wolsey will bring a display of the current range of models allowing visitors to see the evolution up to modern day styling.

Andrew and Naomi of the Suffolk Bugrs: said: “We are delighted that Barnards, Northgate and Wolsey Volkswagen have continued their support for this year.

“As a not-for-profit organisation it is essential for the success of the event that we have the support of local businesses.

“The funding from the Volkswagen retailers has enabled us to add lots of little extras for everyone’s enjoyment at no extra cost. Without the retailers’ help, the event would not be the success story that it is.”

Alive and V-Dubbin takes place from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th June at Mid Suffolk Showground, Stonham Barns. Costs for weekend camping packages begin at £15, day tickets cost £5 with free entry for under 16’s .

Northgate Volkswagen is part of the Marriott Motor Group which includes Northgate Volkswagen in Bury St Edmunds and Barnards Volkswagen in Stowmarket and Wolsey Volkswagen in Ipswich.

MOTORING WEEKEND FOR VOLKSWAGEN CLASSICS

Suffolk’s Volkswagen enthusiasts club is launching a motoring festival for the very the first time thanks to generous support from its local Volkswagen retailer

The Suffolk Bugrs will host ‘Alive and V- Dubbin’ at Mid Suffolk Showground June 12th - 14th. The three day event is expected to attract hundreds of fans and owners of the iconic Volkswagen classics from around the country.

The Marriott Motor Group operates three sites in Ipswich, Stowmarket and Bury St Edmunds. Each retailer has each provided funding to hire the showground and will be judging the Best of Show category in the Show 'n' Shine competition on the Sunday.

Vehicle enthusiasts will have the opportunity to inspect the autojumble and trade stands and pick up those hard-to-find spare parts and collectible items. Children can take advantage of the skate ramp, climbing wall and outdoor games while entertained by a live band.

The family friendly motoring event is also aiming to raise money for East Anglia's Children Hospice by running a raffle with prizes that any Volkswagen enthusiast would delight in winning.

Tim Hargraves, brand manager of Wolsely Volkswagen said: “We’re delighted to be supporting such an action packed family event. It will be a great chance for us to meet people who share the same passion as us for the Volkswagen range.

“We’re especially looking forward to taking part in the judging. We expect there to be many lovingly restored cars so feel sure the competition will be tough.”

Wolsey Volkswagen will also be supplying a display of the latest Volkswagen models for visitors to compare and contrast how the cars have changed and developed over the years.

A beer tent and various food outlets will provide refreshments during the day. For those dedicated visitors camping is available throughout for the weekend.

Andrew and Naomi, from Suffolk Bugrs, said: “We are very grateful for the support of Wolsey Volkswagen. We are determined to make the event a success and have been working very hard to ensure everyone’s enjoyment.”

Alive and V- Dubbin takes place from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th June at Mid Suffolk Showground, Stonham Barns. Weekend camping and entry costs £15, day entry is £5 and under 16s can enter for free.

The Marriott Motor Group includes Northgate Volkswagen in Bury St Edmunds, Barnards Volkswagen in Stowmarket and Wolsey Volkswagen in Ipswich.

If you are interested in this story please contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or email suefoster@connect-group.com