The answers about the fest!

[mikeb]

dickymint said:

Dickymint! how you doing matey? I think we need to start pushing a few people into the stingies again! ;-)

MikeyB

[Mr Tank]

Number 7 said:

Andy,


It's also very unfortunate that the typical response to criticism levelled in connection with any TVRCC events is trotted out here - effectively put up with it or do it yourself. Hardly calculated to engender a spirit of friendship or unity, and one of the reasons I gave up contributing to the TVRCC forum some years ago. Too many egos. I thought and hoped that we were all bigger and older than that.

Hi

Can I correct you there the BBWF is not a TVRCC event, and a lot of wedgers would not like it to be. In fact I beleive it was started dispite the TVRCC!

But I can agree with some of what you say.

I have mentioned this in the past and this is the best time to say it.

I am leaving this PH forums because of some of the reasons you have posted, life is to short to have all this agro. I have decided to concentrate on my 350i collection with just an exception for the SEACs and my 280is as they are the only TVRs I can drive at present!

I have enjoyed a lot of my time on here and have made some great friends but time has come to move on!

Andy

Edited by Mr Tank on Tuesday 16th July 21:22

[thegamekeeper]

Mr Tank said:

Hi gents

I am completly calm.

First, I did not name anybody (I delebratly did not name anybody) all I have done is answer a few comments made in another post by explaining what happened during the day with regard to traders and why things didn't happen.

Please look at what been said, the person who got out of his bed and named him self because he knows what happened was correct and he has appoligised for it!

With regard to the auction/raffle we have always called it this and the person concerns knows this as he has been to three other fests and they never had an auction, like we don't in fact have a "Banquet" its a buffet!

Its a thing we have done as a pi_ _ take!

I am very happy for somebody to take over the fest and run it. As I said please come forward so we can get you name on the account so I can get my name removed.

Andy

How tempted I am but fundamentally I dont really agree with or see the point of "national" single model events but that only my view. It is however based on some experience. Despite what is commonly believed I personally started the "Chatsworth" event in 1999 as the Chatsworth Classic TVR Picnic and it soon grew and became a multi model event. The current "owners" ignore this and claim it as "their brainchild" (their words on this years flier not mine) but that is patently not true. Am I bothered, not in the least, just setting the record straight.


Chatsworth is in my opinion the only annual TVR gathering that works (but there is much room for improvement) because it brings together ALL models of TVR. I dont think any individual model has sufficient numbers to hold an annual stand alone event, coupled with my feeling that if you have a Wedge why would you want to spend a weekend in a hotel car park or a field looking at 60 variations on a theme, worse still Chimaeras.

When I was an RO for almost 20 years I used to organise about 20 events a year, at least 3 or 4 international trips. All organised for FREE but in actual fact at considerable expense in my time and money. People complained I didn,t do enough so dont beat yourself up Mr Tank, you can,t please all the people all the time.

I think standing down after a bout of combined willy waving and rattle shaking reflects badly on yourself, nobody has critisised you and your efforts have been recognised but if you feel people are being critical then it will only ever get worse.

You have no idea how true your life is too short cliche is.

Good luck.

ps before anyone says what has any of this got to do with you I waa actually on my way dowm to the event in my Wedge only to be stuck on the M6 for hours because it was closed between junctions 15 to 14 till 3 pm. I sat in the traffic for 2 hours, temp never went above 88, oil pressure never moved and only I got hot, very hot.

pps. I still organise several TVR events a year for a few owners but they are driving based, no polishing and posing.

Edited by thegamekeeper on Tuesday 16th July 22:05

[mrzigazaga]

thegamekeeper said:

I think standing down after a bout of combined willy waving and rattle shaking reflects badly on yourself, nobody has critisised you and your efforts have been recognised but if you feel people are being critical then it will only ever get worse.

This is true ..Personally i think Andy has done a fantastic job these last three years but the stress of it all might be doing more harm than good..Maybe its a good idea to have a break and concerntrate on getting well again..But Andy please do not exclude yourself from being part of the forum and representing TVR's as we are all in the same boat together and i dont think anyone is throwing you overboard..(At least not on my watch)...It has been suggested that i should take it over but im not sure...If i did then i would like to include other TVR's as i love them all but would this kill the BBWF as it wouldnt be a wedge fest anymore?..I did want to create a new event with competitive teams of variants of TVR's with pitstop challenges..Laser shoot..0-60 time runs..Speed runs..Burnouts...It might sound like a coporate event but a bit of competition is a healty anecdote...Also vary the venue..Ettington is a good venue and ticks a lot of boxes but maybe its getting a bit stale and needs a change every now and then..Maybe even go dutch or continental....I dont think that events should be put to bed..If anything more should be set up as TVR's attract so much attention and the people that own them are all nice folk..Maybe the segregation has gone on too long and we all need to get together more often..The BNG last year was fantastic and it was really nice to see some real head turners..The speed 12 and 5000M were awesome..The runway for some was a thrilling time..As was my ride in a Tuscan...Its nice to have single model events and maybe they should be preserved but lets think about this and hopefully come to a positive solution...Andy did try to hold a vote as to where to hold the next BBWF but there were only a couple of options and it fell back to EC...Lets not forget also the hard work put in by those before us and applaued their efforts for bringing us this far.....Its where it goes from now is the telling factor..So who should we nominate or ask to run the next BBWF or possibly a BBWF with a twist..Cheers...Ziga

[dickymint]

mikeb said:

dickymint said:

Dickymint! how you doing matey? I think we need to start pushing a few people into the stingies again! ;-)

MikeyB

How you doing Fella - was going to ring and see if you were going to the Fete Fest as soon as I new my loyal citizens The Dutch were going. Sadly Her with the purse reminded me of our friends wedding day on Saturday.

Aye we certainly did have to use a bit of elbow to get things sorted our end. Maybe that's the difference? We all had our bit to do and just got on with it. Nobody was answerable to a 'leader' and there was a conscious effort that there should never be any sort of ownership. The early days were a bit like Punk Rock

Mr.Tank don't beat yourself up, BBWF has NEVER gone smoothly. No need to leave PH is there? At the end of the day BBWF is still alive and kicking which is a great testament to what started out as a poke in the eye to the TVRCC (as, at the time, and i stress at the time, was needed) for refusing to entertain single model events. Wedgers led the way in this and the lesser TVR models soon followed with similar success

Anyroad I'll end my Strongbow induced ramblings by urging all "newer" Wedgers to read how all this came about.....................

http://www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk/owners_bbwf_2004.ht...

Then the following year..........

http://www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk/owners_bbwf_2005.ht...

Long live BBWF and never forget it's main objective it's FREEEE

[dickymint]

mrzigazaga said:

thegamekeeper said:

I think standing down after a bout of combined willy waving and rattle shaking reflects badly on yourself, nobody has critisised you and your efforts have been recognised but if you feel people are being critical then it will only ever get worse.

This is true ..Personally i think Andy has done a fantastic job these last three years but the stress of it all might be doing more harm than good..Maybe its a good idea to have a break and concerntrate on getting well again..But Andy please do not exclude yourself from being part of the forum and representing TVR's as we are all in the same boat together and i dont think anyone is throwing you overboard..(At least not on my watch)...It has been suggested that i should take it over but im not sure...If i did then i would like to include other TVR's as i love them all but would this kill the BBWF as it wouldnt be a wedge fest anymore?..I did want to create a new event with competitive teams of variants of TVR's with pitstop challenges..Laser shoot..0-60 time runs..Speed runs..Burnouts...It might sound like a coporate event but a bit of competition is a healty anecdote...Also vary the venue..Ettington is a good venue and ticks a lot of boxes but maybe its getting a bit stale and needs a change every now and then..Maybe even go dutch or continental....I dont think that events should be put to bed..If anything more should be set up as TVR's attract so much attention and the people that own them are all nice folk..Maybe the segregation has gone on too long and we all need to get together more often..The BNG last year was fantastic and it was really nice to see some real head turners..The speed 12 and 5000M were awesome..The runway for some was a thrilling time..As was my ride in a Tuscan...Its nice to have single model events and maybe they should be preserved but lets think about this and hopefully come to a positive solution...Andy did try to hold a vote as to where to hold the next BBWF but there were only a couple of options and it fell back to EC...Lets not forget also the hard work put in by those before us and applaued their efforts for bringing us this far.....Its where it goes from now is the telling factor..So who should we nominate or ask to run the next BBWF or possibly a BBWF with a twist..Cheers...Ziga

Zigga - NOBODY runs BBWF. Read the links i've just posted it may help!

[mrzigazaga]

dickymint said:

Zigga - NOBODY runs BBWF. Read the links i've just posted it may help!

Thanks for that mate and perhaps i should re-phrase it..I mean to say help organise it as said it should retain its composure of a group of people doing their bit and not one solitary person taking it upon their shoulders...When i first joined the forum three years ago i read all the info on the formation of the BBWF and the work that everyone put in to make it work..At one point i wanted to produce a BBWF magazine to recognise the origins of such an event and was looking forward to my first BBWF..I was determined to get there by hook or crook and delilah just about got me there..I was overjoyed when asked to help with some aspects of it and was maybe a little enthusiastic in the beginning but the enthusiasm still exists and i would not want to destroy the foundations of the fest and would only want to be part of a team that organise it and see it through..I have quite a bit of time on my hands which would enable me to take on board a lot of the ground work but would need a small group of people to help carry it out..Even if i started a new event there is no way that i would even consider doing it all by myself...It just wouldnt happen..Cheers...Ziga

Edited by mrzigazaga on Wednesday 17th July 00:13

[carob]

Right guys been reading this with a tinge of sadnes.

So come on then let's chuck ideas for 2014 in the pot.

Work rules me out of being a main organiser, but I would be more than willing to help out.

All credit to prevoius organisers, let's try and keep and get this great event rocking again.

Rob

[infinity]

Mr Tank said:

Hi

With regard to the lack of charity auction there was only ever going to be a charity raffle, we have never done a charity auction.

????? ;

( http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... )

The topic title is "Charity auction!"

"Thanks again to the two gents who gave us those tickets and to the gents who bid on them!"

You mean "bidding" like in a proper auction?

It will probably be due to my lack of understanding the English language.

I rest my case.

[V8 Fettler]

It's a shame when events like this are followed by nit picking and "misunderstandings". 7 day cooling off period post-event required before public comments?

How can an event which attracted 10 Dutchmen to cross the water and don orange one piece outfits be regarded anything other than a success?

[mrzigazaga]

I think the thing to remember here is that the main reasons for people being disappointed were the lack of things to do..The rolling road probably would of been salvation for some but the fact is..

1. The Rolling road was broken into the night before and so they had to deal with that...
2. The Auto-valet didnt turn up because the washer pump was broken...
3. The car park planning went tits up due to a wedding party at the chase..
4. The Run-out was confused by an un-timely burnout...Which would of been a good way to start it if planned.
5. Some traders couldnt show because of other commitments or family issues...
6. The best dressed wedger comp was cancelled due to the weather..(Just made this one up)

Was any of this Andy's fault...NO...Did he have any control over it not happening...NO......I can sympathise with everyone but this could happen to anyone of us trying to organise an event...Yes i had my reasons for throwing my toys out of the pram but i still enjoyed myself immensly and hand on heart i must say that i laughed more at this year's fest than i did the last two...Im a social animal so enjoy being in a crowd and never want the party to stop..Probably why i was the only one left at the bar at 3.00am..Which i might add was an hour earlier than last year..But thats my buzz...I know Andy's a blunt talking man and does upset people but he is who he is and thats the bottom line...None of us are perfect..And if he does remove himself from the organising then i for one will say that the last three BBWF's were a great success..Well done that man.....

PS:Whoops sorry..And to all those of you that helped...An extra.....

Edited by mrzigazaga on Wednesday 17th July 10:29

[PHJayV8]

To sum up.....

"Circumstances beyond control?"

Also with any event, the organisers reserve the right to alter or change any part of the timetable, without prior notice, but to be fair this does not apply in this case as unfortunately the booked organisations had problems beyond their control....

For goodness sake, just enjoy each others company and cars, which is after all what it's all about at the end of the day?

I'm adamant I'll attend 2014....

Just find me a nice wedge please?

Jay

[dixiebabes]

mrzigazaga said:

I try my hardest to defend you and help you in any way i can but im sick of being treated like a piece of st..Im a big arse 50 year old man...Not some little kid!...

Here here to that!!!!!!

Dix

[mrzigazaga]

dixiebabes said:

Here here to that!!!!!!

Dix

Dad dad..bbbrrrlllllmmmm...Ga ga da da...I know i talk like a baby when im on the rusty!......

[Convert]

mrzigazaga said:

Dad dad..bbbrrrlllllmmmm...Ga ga da da...I know i talk like a baby when im on the rusty!......

From what I've heard you turn into mumbles the penguin when you're on the rusty...

[mrzigazaga]

Convert said:

From what I've heard you turn into mumbles the penguin when you're on the rusty...

Thats after 2 litres...

[Number 7]

Mr Tank said:

Number 7 said:

Andy,


It's also very unfortunate that the typical response to criticism levelled in connection with any TVRCC events is trotted out here - effectively put up with it or do it yourself. Hardly calculated to engender a spirit of friendship or unity, and one of the reasons I gave up contributing to the TVRCC forum some years ago. Too many egos. I thought and hoped that we were all bigger and older than that.

Hi

Can I correct you there the BBWF is not a TVRCC event, and a lot of wedgers would not like it to be. In fact I beleive it was started dispite the TVRCC!

Andy, I'm well aware that BBWF is not a TVRCC event - that's one of the reasons that I like it. My grammar could have been a little better in making that clear.

[wedgeinald]

I was very sad reading some of the comments on this thread.

But I'm glad that most of the "stand off" seems to have been smoothed over.

I've only been to one BBWF and missed out again this year due to work.

MY biggest problem with this type of event is I work 6 days a week and being self employed (and the only employee) I can rarely if ever afford a day off. (I'm seriously considering it for "back home" though), I wish more of the "event" was happening on the Sunday.

On the year I did make it I arrived at 5pm and everything had all but packed up, I had pre booked for the "loudest wedge" but that was all done and dusted before I arrived, not that I expected to win just to be able to take part and see where in the list I came(in fact the sound meter had left the event before I arrived!), I did manage to get my car Valeted and it looked great after. The only things that were left for me to enjoy were the food and the "raffle", the food was very good. I was not very "lucky" on the raffle but that is normal for me so I don't let it worry me. I always try to buy plenty of tickets so the charity does well out of it as that is the important thing.

I must admit (and this is a personal taste thing) I was not really that taken with "Elvis" so took him coming on as my cue to escape. I had not booked in for the night as I knew the "only" thing on the sunday was a run out.

I realise that the above sounds rather negative but for me BBWF was a little bit of an anti-climax, maybe in future years things can be organised so people (like me?) can attend late on the Saturday or JUST on the Sunday and still feel part of the "main event". I realise that a lot of people have come from considerable distances (esp the Dutch) who will use most of the Sunday for driving home. I also realise that many of the "services" (rolling road etc) would have to comit to the extra time which might be pushing things a bit.

Having been involved in helping run (but not directly involved in organising) similar events I know and appreciate the efforts everyone puts in to these events. So this is in no way meant as a "complaint" just some feedback.

Just for the record (not to open any wounds) when Mark was looking for a rope I did ask what length would be useful as I knew I had some ropes here, as it happens the longest one I had was 50ft and not very thick, the thicker "tow rope" one was only about 40ft, so I'm not sure if either of them would have been suitable or not, and it would have meant getting it/them to him/someone some how.

I think it's amazing Mr Tank is doing as much as he is despite his current problems, but that is a measure of his passion for wedges, and Mark (to me at least) is one of the most entusiastic and dedicated wegde owners I have ever met. I'm sure if my Wedge had given me half the grief that Delilah has given him I'd have traded it in for another car (possibly another wedge) long ago! His hard work and patience are paying off though.

Here is looking forward to BBWF2014 and maybe I'll be able to make it and there might be more "left over" for me to enjoy when I do arrive.

Norman

[adam quantrill]

Hi Norman - we used to have events on the Sunday too, but the interest in this slowly dwindled away. The last one of note was a trip to Mallory to watch the TVR racing and lunch beforehand. Even that was only 4 cars plus 2 who couldn't find the pub but did find the track. Some of the Sunday lunches and drive to get there rivaled the Saturday in the past.

As someone else said - you only get out what you put in. So next time, suggest it even if you aren't organising the main event. Liaise with the event organisers. Unless they already have big plans they will welcome the input and the help.

[bradderztvr]

I turned up to go to my friends wedding at The Chase, and came across a great gathering of like minded Wedge people. Fabulous. What a great day !
I think expectations are always high, when you want something to be great or better than before.
Just go with with the flow, and enjoy what ever you find.
Cheers
Bradderz