BBWF.... was it just me?
Discussion
Hi Guys
Well before i commence I want to thank those involved in the Fest as I appreciate the time and effort needed to sort these things out. My thanks also go up to the weather god for a perfect day.
For me it was a bit flat and a little disappointing given some of distances and costs involved in getting to this once a year gathering for the marque. The numbers attending are definitely going down and again I appreciate this may be due to the current financial climate but its a trend over the last couple of years. One trade stand, the TVR table, no rolling road, no White Elephant and no reasonably priced food etc. 8-10% of the TVR's there were non Wedges! Now I appreciate that crap happens but once you have walked round the car park 5 times its pretty much done and I was on my way home by 2.30
Is it time for a rethink on the format and the location I wonder? Just a thought... and not a poke!
Well pulls on his body armour and steps back!
Chris
Well before i commence I want to thank those involved in the Fest as I appreciate the time and effort needed to sort these things out. My thanks also go up to the weather god for a perfect day.
For me it was a bit flat and a little disappointing given some of distances and costs involved in getting to this once a year gathering for the marque. The numbers attending are definitely going down and again I appreciate this may be due to the current financial climate but its a trend over the last couple of years. One trade stand, the TVR table, no rolling road, no White Elephant and no reasonably priced food etc. 8-10% of the TVR's there were non Wedges! Now I appreciate that crap happens but once you have walked round the car park 5 times its pretty much done and I was on my way home by 2.30
Is it time for a rethink on the format and the location I wonder? Just a thought... and not a poke!
Well pulls on his body armour and steps back!
Chris
You're probably right .. mrs Fire and I stayed a couple of hours but the lack of rolling road on saturday was a big disappointment for me as I love to watch the power runs, so we left and went to upton house for the afternoon instead, day saved 
Some nice cars to see as always, but the lack of traders compared to the griff growl a week earlier was a surprise also. Was good to see the rescued stainless chassis/dry sumped seac there though .. after reading the thread about its rescue that was probably the highlight car for me
Some nice cars to see as always, but the lack of traders compared to the griff growl a week earlier was a surprise also. Was good to see the rescued stainless chassis/dry sumped seac there though .. after reading the thread about its rescue that was probably the highlight car for me Yes Chris I hear what you are saying and for me and my daughter probably similar feelings but I do appreciate the effort put in by the organisers as I know what its like to drum up enthusiasm and numbers so on the day you are on tender hooks wondering if its going to be a success or not. We passed up the option to go to a big local steam rally with classic cars and loads of stuff to pop up to Ettington even though I didn't take the wedge and I did begin to wonder why, nice to see the cars yes but there always has tended to be a lack of additional attractions in the way of traders etc, I think for me it would be more appealing if it was amalgamated with the griffs or other models for some variation, incidentally the rolling road did arrive after having a day from hell beyond his control which happens to all of us and I know he intended staying for Sunday morning, I guess the response will be 'well if knockers can do better then do it or shut it', not knocking just saying how it was for me. Perhaps time to reflect and think seriously about how to improve the event for the next time.
I expect i'll be along next year though if it goes ahead!
John.
I expect i'll be along next year though if it goes ahead!
John.
For what it's worth I'll state my opinion on the Fest..........
As has been said a big thank you for the time and effort to the organisers of the event, it is appreciated. What was particularly appreciated was the torch in the "goody" bag upon arrival.
It was very useful last night (I do most of my fiddling in darkness !!!!) as I managed to refurb my seat belts using it.
However, there could have been a few more stands to be honest and as has been said there are only so many times you can walk around the car park admiring the wedges. Some of the fellow wedgers were very friendly, some were not though ! What was dissapointing was "the run". What might have been useful was an announcement reminding everyone. I wasn't ready when it started so in the end I just couldn't be bothered.
The hotel, although very nice, were charging extortionate prices, some wedger told me they paid nearly a fiver for a pint of shandy !!!!!!!!!!
And finally I have also been part of the classic mini scene for a few years now. The mini events offer a lot more in the way of stands, autojumble, attractions etc. etc. but I do appreciate they are funded heavily.
I did enjoy the day but IMHO it wasn't worth driving 130 miles to attend it though.
As has been said a big thank you for the time and effort to the organisers of the event, it is appreciated. What was particularly appreciated was the torch in the "goody" bag upon arrival.
It was very useful last night (I do most of my fiddling in darkness !!!!) as I managed to refurb my seat belts using it.
However, there could have been a few more stands to be honest and as has been said there are only so many times you can walk around the car park admiring the wedges. Some of the fellow wedgers were very friendly, some were not though ! What was dissapointing was "the run". What might have been useful was an announcement reminding everyone. I wasn't ready when it started so in the end I just couldn't be bothered.
The hotel, although very nice, were charging extortionate prices, some wedger told me they paid nearly a fiver for a pint of shandy !!!!!!!!!!
And finally I have also been part of the classic mini scene for a few years now. The mini events offer a lot more in the way of stands, autojumble, attractions etc. etc. but I do appreciate they are funded heavily.
I did enjoy the day but IMHO it wasn't worth driving 130 miles to attend it though.
To Andy Tank and all the other organisers this is not meant as a criticism of the organising as some things were out of your control and I'm certain lot of time and effort on went into making the fest happen so please don't take offence
Being a newbie this year I have no previous experience of fests to make a comparison but must agree with Chris. Found that the lack of "sideshows" ( rolling road, noisiest wedge etc.) meant that after having a good look around the cars for an hour or so I was kind of left wondering what to do next.
Its a fair journey for me to Ettington (280 miles round trip,5 hours driving) and had been looking forward to the fest immensely but feel a little disappointed that there wasn't more going on.
Great to see so many wedges but it's a long way to go for an hour of looking at them so not sure I'll be making the trip again next year. Just my opinion
Ron
Being a newbie this year I have no previous experience of fests to make a comparison but must agree with Chris. Found that the lack of "sideshows" ( rolling road, noisiest wedge etc.) meant that after having a good look around the cars for an hour or so I was kind of left wondering what to do next.
Its a fair journey for me to Ettington (280 miles round trip,5 hours driving) and had been looking forward to the fest immensely but feel a little disappointed that there wasn't more going on.
Great to see so many wedges but it's a long way to go for an hour of looking at them so not sure I'll be making the trip again next year. Just my opinion
Ron
To be honest I was in 2 minds about going this year (after the rear lights thread).
However I'm glad that I decided to go.
Events conspired against taking the Wedge (used it 3 days for work the week before, only to find a screw in the tyre on Satuday morning), even so I took the tintop.
Enjoyed the run down with Trickie and the gang, although when we joined the M69 from the M1 I had to put the windows down to get a V8 fix. Then they all pulled away and I thought Bastids...
It was sad about the rolling road, but I was chatting with the guy at the bar, and if he can catch them, I'll help him string up the gits that broke into his garage.
Again, the tug o'war didn't happen , the Press car didn't run, but I had a good chat with Andy Tank, and once again I'd like to thank him and the team for all their efforts.
The plus side of not being in my Wedge, was going out in Andy's 350SX for the run. (thanks for the run out Chris, I think it was more luck than judgement that we didn't get more lost)
Zig man, I know I need a supercharger in my life.
I do think we need to mix it up a bit next year. I loved BBWF 2009 in Blackpool.
Quite liking the idea of North Wales, or perhaps we could pay a return visit to the Dutchies...
With regards to trade stands, you have to remember that we Wedgers are a bit tight (other than when it comes to charity), and I expect that suppliers haven't had much of a return on their investments in previous BBWF's, so it's difficult to get them there.
However I'm glad that I decided to go.
Events conspired against taking the Wedge (used it 3 days for work the week before, only to find a screw in the tyre on Satuday morning), even so I took the tintop.
Enjoyed the run down with Trickie and the gang, although when we joined the M69 from the M1 I had to put the windows down to get a V8 fix. Then they all pulled away and I thought Bastids...
It was sad about the rolling road, but I was chatting with the guy at the bar, and if he can catch them, I'll help him string up the gits that broke into his garage.
Again, the tug o'war didn't happen , the Press car didn't run, but I had a good chat with Andy Tank, and once again I'd like to thank him and the team for all their efforts.
The plus side of not being in my Wedge, was going out in Andy's 350SX for the run. (thanks for the run out Chris, I think it was more luck than judgement that we didn't get more lost)
Zig man, I know I need a supercharger in my life.
I do think we need to mix it up a bit next year. I loved BBWF 2009 in Blackpool.
Quite liking the idea of North Wales, or perhaps we could pay a return visit to the Dutchies...
With regards to trade stands, you have to remember that we Wedgers are a bit tight (other than when it comes to charity), and I expect that suppliers haven't had much of a return on their investments in previous BBWF's, so it's difficult to get them there.
Dissappointingly I couldn't make it this year after making my first last year. I was wondering if the timing is perhaps a bit of the problem with the numbers falling as it is the Summer holiday period (also a more expensive time for hotels in general)???
It is true there aren't much side shows but picking up on someones else's point that with a limited 'market' for wedges it is always going to be difficult to get a wide range of trade stands that will make enough money to justify the costs of coming and setting up.
I applaud all involved in making it happen as they do this on their own time and in some ways at their own expense and anyone who has tried to sort even small events will know how much heartache is involved.
It is true there aren't much side shows but picking up on someones else's point that with a limited 'market' for wedges it is always going to be difficult to get a wide range of trade stands that will make enough money to justify the costs of coming and setting up.
I applaud all involved in making it happen as they do this on their own time and in some ways at their own expense and anyone who has tried to sort even small events will know how much heartache is involved.
I'm wedge free at the moment (not for long though) hence that was my reason not to attend....
I also appreciate the time, effort and enthusiasm to the people who make the effort to organise such an event, it's not easy at all.....
I do however attend lots of local classic car shows, where I chat to owners of the curvy ones, a couple of the S and V8S models, but never a wedge owner.
I would therefore love to attend, and will in the future just to meet other owners and enthusiasts, yes it's a fair spin for me too from West Wales, just to talk to other enthusiasts and look at their cars, I'd love that, maybe I'm just a boring old so and so? lol
I guess many of you already know each other and each others cars very well indeed hence there's nothing "new" for you to look at, apart from seeing each other again?
Maybe a more general TVR event as you suggest? With a specific wedge section in the darkest corner? lol
Jay
I also appreciate the time, effort and enthusiasm to the people who make the effort to organise such an event, it's not easy at all.....
I do however attend lots of local classic car shows, where I chat to owners of the curvy ones, a couple of the S and V8S models, but never a wedge owner.
I would therefore love to attend, and will in the future just to meet other owners and enthusiasts, yes it's a fair spin for me too from West Wales, just to talk to other enthusiasts and look at their cars, I'd love that, maybe I'm just a boring old so and so? lol
I guess many of you already know each other and each others cars very well indeed hence there's nothing "new" for you to look at, apart from seeing each other again?
Maybe a more general TVR event as you suggest? With a specific wedge section in the darkest corner? lol
Jay
Edited by PHJayV8 on Monday 15th July 11:12
Edited by PHJayV8 on Monday 15th July 11:14
Fair points made I think
- Rolling Road didn't turn up until quite late as he had a break-in while en route.
- Run out ended up in some confusion - personally I did the entire circuit not seeing a single wedge.
- Apologies I was going to do a technical task on reflowing ECU's but was so chilled-out during the day I forgot about it. ;^)
However it must be said if you come down for the day and don't stay for the evening (either Friday or Saturday or both) then you miss out on much of the socialising, nattering and 70% of the fun!
I found this year to be friendlier than ever especially at and around the hotel and pub bars.
- Rolling Road didn't turn up until quite late as he had a break-in while en route.
- Run out ended up in some confusion - personally I did the entire circuit not seeing a single wedge.
- Apologies I was going to do a technical task on reflowing ECU's but was so chilled-out during the day I forgot about it. ;^)
However it must be said if you come down for the day and don't stay for the evening (either Friday or Saturday or both) then you miss out on much of the socialising, nattering and 70% of the fun!
I found this year to be friendlier than ever especially at and around the hotel and pub bars.
thank you Steve. 
I had a absolutely great Wedge Fest - even though I lost my 3rd gear somewhere coming down the Fosse Way!!!!
I re-iterate everyone's praise for those who "put their heads above the parapet"
and actual do something (rather than just talking about it on a forum) and actually organise the Wedge Fest.
It just reminded me that the only time I have really ever got properly stressed was when I organised the BNG 2012 in Yorkshire
2 weeks before I though I would personally loose money on the event, then the sun came out the week before
and it all suddenly filled up (my heart beat went back to normal-ish)and we eventually made around £2000 for 2 worthy Charities
My son and I met Wayne (Mr WST) and Colin (Taffo) in Leeds then Simon (Bate-man) and Steve (Convert) near Sheffield
and travelled down to this years Fest in time for Lunch. It was HOT - very - 31 degrees on the drive down
Firstly, I picked up my Fuel Sender Gauge that I had ordered from David Geralds (thanks Guys)and had a nice chat and also
about where my 3rd gear might have gone to
I then had a quick chat with "old friends" from previous Fests, then settled in a seat behind my car in the shade and had picnic lunch
Many other "old friends" then called by (I think mostly to share my ample lunch!!) and had a good catch up with friends old and new
After lunch we had a good look round and catch up with others before the heat got too much - so we just retired to the swimming pool
If I wasn't wrinkled before, then we certainly were with the time we spent in there having fun (sorry to anyone that got splashed)
Finally got about 1/2 hour for a chill out in the room - before heading to the pub for a very nice (and reasonable-ish cost) beer (or two)
Some very good food, in good company followed, before we returned to the hotel
The evening function was already started, so we joined in, with off our table firstly Tim (Act Daft) receiving his Concourse trophy
then I had the honour of receiving "Wedge Personality of the Year" following in Zigs footsteps - thanks to all who voted for me!!!!
This was closely followed by our own Elvis Wedgely doing his usual great show and getting most people either singing or dancing along
Finally late on Saturday evening (about 11pm) was one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my half century of life
and certainly a match for the 2006? Dutch vs Welsh Tug of War
Our Dutch friends excelled themselves by finally re appearing in full head to toe BRIGHT ORANGE MORPH SUITS in a line of ten
We only had a British team of 10 to challenge them - but could hardly stop laughing long enough to pull the rope
As I had chosen my team for strength (read size!!!) we easily pulled them over - so we reduced our team to 8 who still won!!!!.
I managed to sneak away to bed at about midnight (yes I am a light weight in some areas) as I had to be up early Sunday
My son joined a few others to "club it" in Stratford returning to bed at 3.30am (still 21 degrees at that time!!!)
We had an early breakfast before heading North to another TVRCC event in Yorkshire that unfortunately clashed
Altogether I had a fantastic weekend - with some great mates - and once again thank those who did all the hard work to make it so
My son also said he had a great time although all Sunday he didn't look like he had!!!
Cheers
Trickie - Wedge Personality of the Year 2013
BNG 2012 Organiser and Wedge Girlie Calendar Producer
West Yorkshire TVRCC Regional Organiser
I re-iterate everyone's praise for those who "put their heads above the parapet"
and actual do something (rather than just talking about it on a forum) and actually organise the Wedge Fest.
It just reminded me that the only time I have really ever got properly stressed was when I organised the BNG 2012 in Yorkshire
2 weeks before I though I would personally loose money on the event, then the sun came out the week before
and it all suddenly filled up (my heart beat went back to normal-ish)and we eventually made around £2000 for 2 worthy Charities
My son and I met Wayne (Mr WST) and Colin (Taffo) in Leeds then Simon (Bate-man) and Steve (Convert) near Sheffield
and travelled down to this years Fest in time for Lunch. It was HOT - very - 31 degrees on the drive down
Firstly, I picked up my Fuel Sender Gauge that I had ordered from David Geralds (thanks Guys)and had a nice chat and also
about where my 3rd gear might have gone to
I then had a quick chat with "old friends" from previous Fests, then settled in a seat behind my car in the shade and had picnic lunch
Many other "old friends" then called by (I think mostly to share my ample lunch!!) and had a good catch up with friends old and new
After lunch we had a good look round and catch up with others before the heat got too much - so we just retired to the swimming pool
If I wasn't wrinkled before, then we certainly were with the time we spent in there having fun (sorry to anyone that got splashed)
Finally got about 1/2 hour for a chill out in the room - before heading to the pub for a very nice (and reasonable-ish cost) beer (or two)
Some very good food, in good company followed, before we returned to the hotel
The evening function was already started, so we joined in, with off our table firstly Tim (Act Daft) receiving his Concourse trophy
then I had the honour of receiving "Wedge Personality of the Year" following in Zigs footsteps - thanks to all who voted for me!!!!
This was closely followed by our own Elvis Wedgely doing his usual great show and getting most people either singing or dancing along
Finally late on Saturday evening (about 11pm) was one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my half century of life
and certainly a match for the 2006? Dutch vs Welsh Tug of War
Our Dutch friends excelled themselves by finally re appearing in full head to toe BRIGHT ORANGE MORPH SUITS in a line of ten
We only had a British team of 10 to challenge them - but could hardly stop laughing long enough to pull the rope
As I had chosen my team for strength (read size!!!) we easily pulled them over - so we reduced our team to 8 who still won!!!!.
I managed to sneak away to bed at about midnight (yes I am a light weight in some areas) as I had to be up early Sunday
My son joined a few others to "club it" in Stratford returning to bed at 3.30am (still 21 degrees at that time!!!)
We had an early breakfast before heading North to another TVRCC event in Yorkshire that unfortunately clashed
Altogether I had a fantastic weekend - with some great mates - and once again thank those who did all the hard work to make it so
My son also said he had a great time although all Sunday he didn't look like he had!!!
Cheers
Trickie - Wedge Personality of the Year 2013
BNG 2012 Organiser and Wedge Girlie Calendar Producer
West Yorkshire TVRCC Regional Organiser
Well my 2 pennys worth now ! we drove down friday ! and drove home on sunday and stopped at kimbolton show !we had a great weekend loads of sunshine a look around loads of wedges had a chat to quite a few nice people !infact every one i spoke with seemed very friendly ! the mrs enjoyed the weekend ! the bbq was nice friday night and the saturday night meal was good elvis wedge was a star ! and the dutch were a total nuts! the run out was a bit of a disaster ! every one shot off in different directions !!!! thanks for organising it guys !!
adam quantrill said:
However it must be said if you come down for the day and don't stay for the evening (either Friday or Saturday or both) then you miss out on much of the socialising, nattering and 70% of the fun!
I agree completely. Both evening meals were great (I was so stuffed on both nights I almost thinked twice for the dessert!) and especially the Dutch guys gave a good amount of laugh!Just to clarify couple of misunderstandings:
Rockettvr said:
Being a newbie this year I have no previous experience of fests to make a comparison but must agree with Chris. Found that the lack of "sideshows" ( rolling road, noisiest wedge etc.)
The rolling road was pushed to Sunday due to a situation. Two cars ran, a Griff and Delilah. The loudest wedge competition was held, measured and the winner was announced.Convert said:
Again, the tug o'war didn't happen , the Press car didn't run, but I had a good chat with Andy Tank, and once again I'd like to thank him and the team for all their efforts.
But it did happen, the Tug o'war I mean! And oh my the way it happened. I'm not sure if the fault of the press car was ever announced yet, but I'd like to know what it was after all.I enjoyed the friday night meal...Which went well..I enjoyed seeing all you guys again although i might of missed some of you...I enjoyed the saturday night buffet and elvis wedgeley doing his bit...I enjoyed seeing so many wedges in one place...I enjoyed the dutch burnouts and the dutch tool delivery service which came with a smile in the form of a U shaped burnout in the car park..(Thanks burt)...I enjoyed the "Tug of war" and will always laugh to myself when i think of it..Those crazy orange dutchies...Hopefully someone will post some pics of them as it was truly funny!..It was however a shame that it looked like the numbers were down compared to last year..It was a shame about the unfortunate break in as regards to the Rolling road..Although i was the only one who went on it on the sunday..It was a shame that the windscreen guy never showed...It was a shame the white elephant never showed...It was a shame that the Auto-valet never showed...It was a shame there was no organising the run out and it ended up every man for himself..It was a shame i never got my pit shirt..Cap and mug and it was a shame there was no charity aution and my efforts ended up in the hands of someone who probably has enough TVR memorabillia to last him a lifetime for the price of a raffle ticket!..Without even being asked!
mrzigazaga said:
I enjoyed the friday night meal...Which went well..I enjoyed seeing all you guys again although i might of missed some of you...I enjoyed the saturday night buffet and elvis wedgeley doing his bit...I enjoyed seeing so many wedges in one place...I enjoyed the dutch burnouts and the dutch tool delivery service which came with a smile in the form of a U shaped burnout in the car park..(Thanks burt)...I enjoyed the "Tug of war" and will always laugh to myself when i think of it..Those crazy orange dutchies...Hopefully someone will post some pics of them as it was truly funny!..It was however a shame that it looked like the numbers were down compared to last year..It was a shame about the unfortunate break in as regards to the Rolling road..Although i was the only one who went on it on the sunday..It was a shame that the windscreen guy never showed...It was a shame the white elephant never showed...It was a shame that the Auto-valet never showed...It was a shame there was no organising the run out and it ended up every man for himself..It was a shame i never got my pit shirt..Cap and mug and it was a shame there was no charity aution and my efforts ended up in the hands of someone who probably has enough TVR memorabillia to last him a lifetime for the price of a raffle ticket!..Without even being asked!
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