The TVR Car Club holds many major events around the country each year and the Big Northern Gathering, which happens in early September, is traditionally one of the biggest. For 2008, and for the first time, this event was being hosted by the North East region of the TVR Car Club, who brought it to the Gateshead Quayside.
As usual, Ride Drive were going to attend, and being a show that can pull in well over 300 TVR's, this is certainly one to go to, especially from a commercial point of view. Besides which, Ride Drive sponsor a trophy that is awarded for the best TVR Cerbera, so you have to be there to see who wins it.
It would be nice to report that Ride Drive had a successful day at this years BNG, but the truth is we didn't go. Having carefully watched the weather forecasts over the days leading up to the event, and seeing there was nothing but rain and wind on the chart, it was always looking a bit dodgey. In fact, it wasn't until the Friday before the weekend that the final decision was made to cancel the hotel bookings and pull out. It seems it was the right choice too, as it was upon that weekend, the Saturday, that many of the people of Morpeth, a town not far to the north of Gateshead, were flooded out of their homes with rescue squads in helecopters and boats taking people to safety.
It is always a tradition at the BNG for large numbers of TVR's to meet up on the Saturday for a drive in convoy over a pre-planned scenic route so as to enjoy the scenary and to drive through interesting places. However, so bad was the weather for this one that all driving tours were cancelled. So what of the show day - the Sunday? Well, it started wet, just for a change, and only about 100 cars turned up. The sun did make a feeble attempt to show itself about midday, but by then it was all too late. The BNG for 2008 was over, and what a shame.
All in all, this has been a summer that will be remembered for rain, rain and more rain - not to mention wind and rain. It's a pitty, as the venue had all the signs of making this a great event, but when the weather is wet and horrible it is never going to be a good turn out. Never mind, there is always next year and this time Ride Drive will be there..
Previous BNG's
Over the past few years, the BNG has been hosted by the Yorkshire region, at venues such as York and Harrogate, and with the main meeting being held at Castle Howard and the York Aircraft Museum at Elvington.  Attendance rates for previous years has always been good, as this is a popular event where owners with their cars representing all models from past and present will attend. There are always a number of trade stands as well as an opportunity for TVR Car Club members to enter their car for the concourse de elegance events and the now familiar sound-off challenge, which is a competition to see whose TVR can make the most noise. There is always a raffle too, the proceeds from which go to charity
Gateshead quayside with its Internationally recognised backdrop and plentiful hotel accommodation will provide all the key ingredients for the BNG 08 TVR Car Club meeting.
About The TVR Car Club
The TVR Car Club is the club for everyone interested in the TVR marque world-wide. Founded in London in 1962 by a small band of enthusiasts, the Club has grown to become one of the premier one-marque car clubs in the UK with a membership of over 7000 and affiliated clubs around the world. The Club is run by and for its members, and provides something for everyone interested in TVR sports cars. The aim is to promote all things TVR to all enthusiasts, and that includes running family focused events, such as the BNG. The TVR Car Club has over 40 regional meetings spread as wide as all four corners of the UK. All members receive the award winning Sprint Magazine on a monthly basis keeping each up to date with current news and conversation.
The TVR Car Club’s established charity is Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, and during the BNG 08 event there will be a  charity auction and a raffle during the Gathering and the Saturday evening social event with all proceeds being donated to this worthy cause. Ride Drive will be donating two gift vouchers as prizes, each representing a half-day Advanced Driving Experience and with a retail price of £135.
If you are in the area on the weekend of 6th and 7th September Ride Drive will be very pleased to welcome you to the event if you would like to drop in and see us.
Julian Smith |
