TVR Car Club Big Northern Gathering 2008

The TVR Car Club holds many sports car meetings and 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 was being hosted by the North East region of the TVR Car Club at the Gateshead Quayside.

As usual, some of the Ride Drive team were going to attend, and being a show that can pull in well over 300 TVR sports cars, from a commercial point of view this is the one to go to. It is also important to go to as Ride Drive sponsor a trophy that is awarded for the best TVR Cerbera, so we can’t not be there to see who wins it.

High Winds and Substantial Flooding

It would be nice to report that Ride Drive had a successful day at this year’s TVR Car Club Big Northern Gathering. However, 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 was the final decision 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 teams in helicopters and inflatable boats taking people to safety.

All TVR Drives Were Cancelled

It is always a tradition at the Big Northern Gathering for large numbers of TVR sports cars to meet up on the Saturday for a convoy drive over a pre–planned scenic route, so as to enjoy the scenery and to drive through interesting places. However, so bad was the weather 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 TVR sports cars turned up. The sun did make a feeble attempt to show itself about midday, but by then it was all too late. The Big Northern Gathering for 2008 was over.

All in all, this had been a summer that will be remembered for rain, rain and more rain – not to mention wind and rain. It’s a pity, as the venue had all the signs of making a great event. But when the weather is wet and horrible it is never going to be a good turnout. Never mind, there is always next year and hopefully this time, Ride Drive will be there.

Previous Big Northern Gatherings

Over the past few years, the Big Northern Gathering has been hosted by the Yorkshire region of the TVR Car Club at venues such as York and Harrogate, and with a main meeting being held at Castle Howard and at Elvington at the York Aircraft Museum.

Attendance rates for previous years has always been good, as this is a popular TVR sports car event where owners bring their cars representing all TVR models from past and present will attend.

There are always a number of trade stands, as well as an opportunity for TVR sports car owners to enter their car for the concourse de elegance competition, 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, with proceeds going to a nominated charity.

Gateshead quayside, with its internationally recognised backdrop and plentiful hotel accommodation, promised to provided all the key ingredients for a successful Big Northern Gathering meeting. Sadly, for 2008, it was spoiled due to exceptionally bad weather.

About The TVR Car Club

The TVR Car Club is the an organisation run for the benefit of everyone who is 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 with 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 Big Northern Gathering. The TVR Car Club has over 40 regional meetings spread to 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.

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This page was last updated
Wednesday, 08-Dec-2010

TVR Car Club Big Northern Gathering 2008