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In praise of AVC...
 We are all quick
to shout about slow service, poor workmanship and tradesmen who couldn’t care less once they
have your money, but when something goes right we should lavish praise. Last year Alison and
Bryan Grimes bought a very special Ford Transit which had been lovingly personalized by a
wonderful man who has since, sadly, lost his battle with the big C. We promised to look after
the Silver Dream Machine and decided to spend some money having a little more work done.
We
looked around, and found a company called AVC – Affordable Van Conversions – advertising on
Agilitynet. We rang them and, although they were very busy, they agreed we could leave the van
with them and they would fit it in as the job was quite small.
We
delivered the van to Midsomer Norton. (Yes, there are still people living there despite all the
murders.) We discussed all the fine details over several cups of tea and left the van with
them.
A few weeks later, we
returned and were absolutely delighted. The standard of finish and workmanship was amazing.
Darren and Terry took so much time and care to get everything right. Terry suggested putting
wipe clean finishes around all the cage area, and on the back doors. What a blessing in the wet
weather!
The front seats, originally the
standard Transit 3-seater configuration, are now comfortable reclining seats on swivel
bases. The new centre seat was carefully made to retain access to the cage escape doors, also
housing a small porta-loo so no more worries about the length of queues before a run! There is
even storage for running shoes etc.
A
couple of things weren’t quite right. The over-cage storage was open to the front, for
instance, and I had visions of a chair hitting me on the head. Conversely the finishing on the
over-cab store was too deep. I would certainly bang my head on that one! So the following week,
Darren and Terry drove over, collected the van and took it back, returning it a few days later
with everything changed – the shaping and quality of the woodwork showing Darren’s skills.
All the
time, their main concern is that everything is right for us, and as we want it. They are
wonderful, helpful and talented people to deal with, and the overall cost was very reasonable
too!
So, if
you want any interior improvements to your van this year or early next year – book now – they
are so very busy (testament to the quality of their work). You won’t be disappointed.
Dave,
if you’re watching down on your lovely van, I hope you approve!
For more information about AVC visit their
web site
 About
the author...
Alison Grimes started Agility in
1985. She helped to found Mid Downs DAC and held the posts of Chairman, Secretary, and Show
Manager before setting up her own Club, Ashdown Dog Agility School, with husband Bryan. They
ran this for 17 years, holding classes at Golden Cross Equestrian Centre at Hailsham, before
moving to Dorset in 2007.
Alison now teaches from the field behind her
home which has been beautifully prepared and manicured by her long-suffering husband
Bryan. With her daughter Tamzin also doing some of her Sports Massage treatments from home, she
is able to offer training sessions followed by muscle relief all in one place!
First published 18 July 2011
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