The Mk1 Golf Owners' Club Team

Club Chairman & Club Historian

chairman@vwgolfmk1.org.uk

Username:   Dano
Name:          Dan Perkins
Location:      Preston

Role
To over see all meetings and have the casting vote in the event of a tied vote

About
I joined the Club during way back in its infancy on 8th December 2004, having bought my 1984 Mk1 Golf Cabriolet in 2002 as a restoration project.
The username "Dano" comes from my previous employment as a Detective - "Book'em Dano!". In 2018 having served 30 years I retired but returned as a civilian investigator after a short break.

In May 2005 myself and "Walt" set up the Clubs first regional meet in the North West and a long term friendships began and I became a forum moderator.
In 2008 I had my first stint as Chairman.
2009 to 2012 saw me take on the Secretary position followed by a second period of Chairmanship until 2014.
A break of 3 years for family duties saw me return as Club Historian.
At Annual Gathering 2024 I was voted in once again as Chairman but will continue to cover the Historian and Regional Host Coordinator roles.
I also run the North West regional meets.

Regarding the Cabby, it's "work in progress", as they all are, aren't they?
The engine was fully rebuilt in 2021, 2024 saw it sporting a fresh paint job and new hood. The interior is the next big project but with the seat fabric being obsolete I've had to source a bespoke outlet in Belgium to weave new fabric up for me. It's on the "to do" list when funds allow.  
Ownership highlights have been awarded the first "Best Standard Cabriolet" trophy at the 1st Anniversary meeting in September 2004. I've attended every annual event since 2004. The car being a main vehicle in a BBC drama called "Worried About The Boy" in 2010 (a story about Boy George). Driving to Germany for the Wolfsburg factory visit in 2012.

Other interests include gardening, music, the gym and periods away in our Volkswagen T6 campervan - we've been to France, Netherlands, Germany & Austria so far.

The Club has grown and grown over the past 20 or so years and I'm proud to have been a part of its continual development.

If you have any enquiries or suggestions regarding the Club, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Build thread here

Club Treasurer

treasurer@vwgolfmk1.org.uk

Username:   Beany
Name:          Richard Stringer
Location:      Tamworth

Role
Manage and approve financial matters with regards to the club's costs and income

About
My name is Richard, but everyone knows me as Beany.
I've been into cars for as long as I can remember, my 1st road legal car was a classic mini that my Dad and I did up together.  I did the show circuit in it for a couple of years then moved on to Japanese cars for a while, until I discovered the VW scene after owning several Beetle's. I brought a MK1 Golf to run through the winter months and fell in love with the car.
In 2011 I decided to buy a GTI. I then joined the club in 2012 at the AG in Uttoxeter after seeing the cars at the show I knew I wanted a show car again. That winter I bought a series 1 Golf in Florida Blue that I modified and showed for several years, until I brought my swallowtail which I have kept OEM.
Work wise I work in a treasury office which lends itself to doing the similar job role in the club.

Club Secretary

secretary@vwgolfmk1.org.uk

Username:   macca
Name:          Greig Harvey
Location:      Fife

Role
To look after correspondence delivered to the PO Box, generally deal with day to day interaction with the public. To act as the first port of call when outside companies approach the club to advertise their products or enquire for a suitable car for a specific purpose. Liaise with all other team members regarding club business.

About
I first joined the club in December 2005, which was funnily enough when I bought my first Mk1 Golf.  This was 1982 black GTi, which later turned out to be a bridge too far for me.
As well as Club secretary I am also the regional host for the Scotland,  a position I have held since 2015.  I am assisted in running the Scottish Region by my wife Jeni (HattieHarvey on the site) and a few other diehards.
Due to the first Golf being too much work, I bought my current Golf in April 2007, and got stuck into restoring it by myself.  This took me 6 years to complete, finishing the job by May 2013. GTi Project #2  in the forum, covers the majority of the work.
Also in May 2013 we purchased Jeni's Cabby, which also kept me busy for a while.
In July 2013 I attended my first AGM at Uttoxeter, and haven't missed one since.
Overall I have owned 3 Mk1 Golfs, one which cost me £30 on Ebay, and a Mk1 Caddy, which is still out and about these days.
I took on the role of Club secretary about May 2023, when the then Club Chairman approached me about taking on the role.
I continue to organise club stands and shows for the Scottish Region and I am always on the lookout for more Mk1 Owners to join us.
Here to help anyone in anyway that I can regarding the Club.

Membership Secretary

membership@vwgolfmk1.org.uk

Username:   Lady Penelope
Name:          Shelley Perkins
Location:      Preston

Role
Develop Club Membership Package and benefits together with Club Secretary

Develop the Membership Pack ensuring it offers good value for money to Members and the Club

Promote the sale of Club Membership through the Forums

Produce Membership packs and dispatch them to Members within two weeks

Regularly check Club Forum and emails keeping up-to-date with Member queries

About
I'm married to Dano and by default have been sucked into the world of Mk1 Golfs!! 🤣

We met in 2011 and I've had a great time at numerous Annual Gatherings, shows and local meets. We went to Wolfsburg in 2012 which was a great experience. Dano always calls me "Lady Penelope" because he drives me round all the time, which must make him "Parker"!! 🤣

I accepted this role during a moment of weakness at the Auto Culture show in 2025. I'm not sure what I've let myself in for yet!

In my personal life I'm a Civil Servant with 25 years service and looking forward to my certificate! We have a rescue cat called Frank who is ace and a real character.

I like wine, cheese and most people.

My stand out moments of Mk1 Golf ownership are -

- Pushing it round when it wouldn't start.
- The 4, over the top, horn buttons on the steering wheel.
- The numerous rattles and squeaks and wondering what's next to break!

Events Manager

events@vwgolfmk1.org.uk

Username:   CabrioAnna
Name:          Anna Bebbington
Location:      Staffordshire

Role
Organise and attend national and local events to maintain the high profile of the club, including the AGM. Support Regional Hosts and encourage local meets.

About
Well, I'm married to Elvis (no, he doesn't work in the local chippy). We have 2  Labradors, Purdey and Tolley and a passion for all things VW, especially my Mk1 Cabrio and Elv's T5 Van.
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We live in Staffordshire and travel around the country to attend National and Regional events.
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For the past 22 years I have worked as an Architectural Technician producing technical drawings for buildings and managing building projects.
I currently work for a private Architects, working on a variety of projects.
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I work full time, but work flexible hours and don't work weekends, which enables me to indulge in my Cabrio cleaning fetish, do work on our never ending house project, maybe a spot of baking, and attend lots of VW shows with Elv throughout the year.
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I joined the club as a paid member 9 years ago, with my first AGM in 2010 and taking on the Events Manager role in 2011.
I love being part of such a great club, I've made so many friends and enjoy organising and representing the club at many national and regional club related events.

Merchandise Manager

merchandise@vwgolfmk1.org.uk

Username:   Nickveedub
Name:          Nick Weir
Location:      Derbyshire

Role
Development and sales of Club Merchandise.

About
I've been obsessed with mk1s for as long as I can remember, bought my first one in 1998 and drove straight to BVF in malvern the day I picked it up and have enjoyed going to shows since then. I've had quite a few over the years, but they were always my daily, so unfortunately got sold along the way for grown up stuff like houses and a wedding. Then in 2018 stumbled across this beaut via a good friend, stashed away in a garage and not being used. It's had plenty of upgrades since and the list never seems to end.

Went to my first local mk1 owners meet not long after and have been drinking jager with them ever since.

Design Manager

design@vwgolfmk1.org.uk

Username: james18wpc
Name:          James Cowell
Location:      Staffordshire

Role
To design artwork for use by the club on the web, social channels and events.

About
I fell in love with Volkswagen in my early teens when I discovered the Euro 'stance' scene, anything with a VW badge that was low and wide I was all over. A purists nightmare! (Sorry guys) The Mk1 Golf was a sort of 'poster car' for me. Sure, as a young lad, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche etc was all very nice… but a low, wide Mk1 Golf on some shiny wheels just became an obtainable dream. My first car love and big rocket into the world of the VW scene was my beloved Polo. The ugly ducking 9n model I saved from the scrap yard and came to love. It opened up a whole world for me in terms of car shows, knowledge, friendships and memories. After 10 years however and achieving what I wanted from the build it was time to move on. I pretended like I was undecided on what was next. But realistically… it was always going to be a Mk1 Golf.

I picked up my Mars red CL in August 2023, A lovely example at the right money in a spec I immediately fell in love with. I pretty much immediately got to work creating the car I own today. They say to never meet your heroes, but i'm super glad I met a rendition of mine at the age of 25. In a world of finance, electric cars and futuristic tech (God I sound old) I'm loving every second of Mk1 ownership and it is exactly what i'd hoped it would be. Low, wide, shiny wheels and a bit of an attention seeker haha!

I'm a Graphic Designer by trade and work for a design agency in Birmingham as well as take on more fun freelance work when applicable. Ive worked for numerous large clients and within the car scene space too. I help the club out with any design work when I manage to find some time but I leave the important stuff to the fantastic other, more seasoned, members of the team.

My instagram is @James18wpc and you may spot me at most VW, 'Stance' shows. My design Instagram is @jcowelldesign should you wish to see some cool car related design work

Social Media Manager

mk1golf-sm@vwgolfmk1.org.uk

Username: Anton_cabby
Name:          Anthony Muskett
Location:      Luton

Role
To manage the clubs social media presence

About
I 1st joined the team in April 2019 as the merchandise manager and continued with this role until the AGM 2024 but I didn't want to leave the team as I enjoy being apart of it. So here we are now I'm the social media manager hopefully you all enjoy the content  

I bought my mk1 golf cabrio in March 2016 it had been stored in a barn on a farm for around 7 years and was completely standard. This was my 1st experience of a classic car and I fell in love with it instantly. Many years later and lots of money spent it has now had a ground ip rebuild and sports a 1.8 supercharged stage 4 G60 engine with 5 speed manual gearbox, airride, custom tweed interior and many many other mods.
I get out to as many shows as I possibly can so may see some of you while on my travels. I find the shows a great way to socialise and meet new people/make friends all while looking at some amazing cars.

I'm a floorlayer by trade with no mechanical background but I'll always get involved with as much as possible when working on my car.

Event Support

andrea.keepence.keyte@vwgolfmk1.org.uk

Username:   AndiBeagle
Name:          Andrea Keepence-Keyte
Location:      Warwickshire

Role
Responsible for supporting club events.

About
I joined the club in 2021 but I have been to a few AGM's, and the interest comes from my husbands, Alan, passion for MK1 golfs. We currently have two which are enjoyed and in amazing condition thanks to Alan (it means I get to drive one about), having recently acquired a MK1 caddy pick up and cabriolet which are now ongoing projects.

Away from cars, I show dogs and also own a horse called Ted. I work for a large pharmaceutical company as a buildings, lab and facilities manager which is interesting and no day is the same.

Event Support

amy.bird@vwgolfmk1.org.uk

Username:   Amy.bird17
Name:          Amy Bird
Location:      Gloucestershire

Role
Responsible for supporting club events.

About
Hi I am Amy,
I found my love for Mk1 Golf's when I met Joe 8 years ago, he took me to my first AGM at Stratford-upon-Avon racecourse in 2016. I was hoping he would give me his grey MK1 to call my own.
I live in a lovely Cotswold village and work at the top motorhome company Autosleepers in finance.
I spend most of my free time building and renovating my first home followed by reading and going to the gym.

Website Manager

webmaster@vwgolfmk1.org.uk

Username:   Lhasadreams
Name:          Adrian Daniels
Location:      Staffordshire

Role
Responsible for maintaining and managing this website.

About
I have owned my MK1 Golf GTI since 1993, bought as an unloved 10 year old motor with 112,000 miles on the clock. In the last 31 years she has covered another 93,000 miles :-)
Today she is modified from a performance standpoint but not cosmetically, as I love the original look of the Mk1 Golf.
The engine is based on the MK2 Golf Limited design, currently a 1.9L 16V Lysholm supercharged unit producing 240bhp and lots of torque!
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I work for a company called Wiz - protecting the Cloud.
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I try and get to as many shows as I can.