Jack Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 With the undoubted success of the Bunker Bash and Military Mayhem to name just two from two people here that I know well.... Are we seeing a move away from the traditionally run shows that have been run by the traditional established groups?? Are folks/the hobby wanting something different now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marmite!! Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 We at the Bunker Bash are always open to new ideas :-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest catweazle (Banned Member) Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 most definetely as far as i am concerned,as you say b/bash,m/mayhem,and on a local level for them the evesham event.of course this does require a lot of help from members and if its going to be a success its no good relying on a bad forecast and not turning up,if its not absolutely toshing down get out there.i felt for the organisers on sunday as the bad forcast obviously affected the gate,and i meen vehicle owners not public.my doctor said use it or lose it i think that will apply to events in the future. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Ives Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 i dont mind admiting to tending to stay withing a two hour drive limit unless it is a special event like the plains but w&p tends to be a 1 day event for me as would end up spending well to much money there that could be split over 4/5 smaller shows also the smaller/newer shows still have the friendliness about them with meeting up with others you turn up and told rougthly where to go and set up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rambo1969 Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 Don't forget W+P started as a small event. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M5Clive Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 Ok Jack I think you've hit on something here. Like we have both said many times in the past - static shows bore us! Thats not to say anything against static shows - each to his own - But from my stand-point, the events where our vehicles actually turn a wheel or track, rather than a shunt around an under-sized arena are firmly the way forward. Thats why Eagles, Bolero, Plain's Trip and now Route to Victory this year are attracting the following they clearly are - People always want more and I have had countless people come up to me throughout this season asking when's the next Operation Bolero? The truth is (as I'm sure the Plains Trip organisers will vouch for) - These type of events are a year in the planning to get them to work properly - and all for no financial gain to the organisers, other than the satisfaction of a job truly well done. Don't mistake me, I'm not saying everything in life has to have a price tag associated with it, but having organised a succession of these style of events over the last decade, it does take its toll on yourself, your partner and your job. No different to organising a static show of course, but at least (someone) gets the gate money and the traders pitch fee's at the end of it. Short of charging MV entrants to enter events like Eagles and Bolero, they simply aren't financially viable events, but bloody enjoyable events! To date all events organised have been entirely voluntary, but when you see how the £25 facility fee for Beltring simply doesn't deter practically anyone from attending - It does make you wonder who's actually got the right idea! (And yes I know IMPS members etc get in free and it includes camping all week, but we never charge for camping at our events anyway) Charging entrants is something I really am going to try to avoid for as long as possible. Fortnuately, the Lottery Grant for both Bolero and Route to Victory have made a significant difference. But if you own a GMC and drive it from central UK across to Suffolk, then spend all weekend trundling around the county and then drive home. You can easily blow £400 on fueling one vehicle, let alone a £30 entrance charge on-top. But it may have to be the way forward in the future as the events progress and everyone is striving for the ultimate event/show. Ed and I have already spoken about a next big event for 2010. Next year is out as in November this year Suzanne is due to give birth and what with the 65th events in Normandy and Holland next year, it won't be a good year for a home-turf show anyhow. So, for those thirsting for the next Bolero type fix, keep your diaries clear for 2010 and possibly a five day convoy & camp event! Better start filling those Jerry cans in preparation already! A taste below of what you can be part of.............. With Flags flying, HMVF Leads the Charge! (£4.99 per passenger in Jack's case!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtistsRifles Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 Playing devils advocate for a moment Clive - what about those who's interest lies in oversize vehicles? I do agree the rolling type of events such as Bolero (wish I could have made that as a visitor!) are the best way to go. Be nice to have a Post-War/Cold War one for the RL, AEC, Antar, Scammell and Stalwart owners etc. too.... BUT - those who are into and own things like Cheiftain's, Centurion's, T55's etc. can't really take those on road runs - leaving out the cost of the fuel for these the local authorities/police wouldn't take to kindly to having the roads blocked by heavy armour rumbling along assuming they could legally use the roads.... For these being parked in a large field with an arena to rumble around in is all there is.... Come to that - can you imagine the reaction of a Cheif Constable on being told they'd had an application for a rolling event for 20+ FV43x's over a weekend or a bank holiday!! :rofl: :rofl: I think - for the foreseeable future both kinds of event will be needed, the rolling ones for those whose vehicles can do this and the Military Mayhem type (minimal regulations) for those who can't Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted September 3, 2008 Author Share Posted September 3, 2008 I was thinking about post war convoys too Neil and I would love to attend one of those too as a passenger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtistsRifles Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 Plenty of room in a Stalwart mate - turn up and you can have a go!! Comes to that - see me anywhere with the old girl with me and just ask!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markheliops Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 I tend to agree with Neil on this one. I love the rolling events like Bolero and the Plans trip but unfortunately I have an over large vehicle that swallows fuel like there's a hole in the petrol tank. Take the Plains trip - cost me over £450 in fuel plus a gearbox. I could only afford it as I had saved for a low loader which we cancelled due to the restriction on tracked vehicles. Meyhem show cost me over £250 in fuel - although I did some extra mileage. I love driving my truck and this is why I do what I do. I also enjoy showing people round my Ward La France and answering their questions. With the cost of fuel reaching silly levels and showing no sign off dropping, I do wonder how many different classes of vehicles will be able to take to the road for a rolling event. It is indeed a shame, as Bolero was a great sight to see - althought I didn't get there - but sooner or later the roads will be filled with Jeeps only due to peoples financial situation. So, I am all for both events but in all honesty, I prefer to go to a static show with an arena - where I can show my truck - have a drink and socialise with other owners. Markheliops Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Posted September 3, 2008 Author Share Posted September 3, 2008 So, I am all for both events but in all honesty, I prefer to go to a static show with an arena - where I can show my truck - have a drink and socialise with other owners. Markheliops That is a good point Mark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Burley Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 Plenty of room in a Stalwart mate - turn up and you can have a go!!Comes to that - see me anywhere with the old girl with me and just ask!! I will take you up on that!. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtistsRifles Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 OK mate!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Barrell Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 In the 25 years I have been doing this, I have seen shows change out of all recognition. Not only in number but size and focus. There is no doubt that people expect more from a show these days but there is room for all types. I too enjoy a 'private' type event where you can chill out and chat to like minded(!) friends and indeed it would not bother me if the public were never there! The trouble with that sort of event is, as Clive pointed out, there is no income unless it attracts some funding from an external source. I also like the chance to drive my vehicles properly, it is after all a vehicle hobby and that is why I restore them, to use. However, I probably only take a vehicle to a couple of events a year now, so saving up for a good blast is easier to swallow. I remember Beltring as a nice, small show but with an excellent variety of vehicles, a great site and none of the rules that seemed to infest other shows at the time. I know it still has these 'values' but for me, it is too big now. Just my opinion. I prefer to do different types of show now, more low key and if it involves a road run or indeed a large enough off road area then all the better. But... as I'm in no position to organise one myself, I'm happy to go along with what is being offered and choose which ones I attend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeeEnfield Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 Great thread,..........any equally good valid answers, I tend to agree with Markheliops, re static shows,...........although, a road run, to local points of interest,if properly researched, also is a good thing;........I think the type of show, possibly dictates the way said show is run,.ie, if paying public are in attendance, there would soon be trouble, if they found the vehicles they'd paid to see, gone - out on a road run, somewhere. However, if the event is private,.ie, non public, said road run would make more sense. The events calender is broad enough to cater for all, I think,....(+ two quite possibly happening in deepest susex, next year,.....watch this space. :cool2:) Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Metroman Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 Mark some good points.. After I moved my 434 closer to your compound :-D, its was noticable the amount of people looking around, I think this was due to not having the tape stopping 'joe public' from getting to close. It has to be about involvement - if they are part of the event that can only be a good thing, its a live & learn world. Roll on 2009. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony B Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 I found one of the joys of MM and Bunker Bash was that as everyone knew everyone else, peer pressure ensured that things were safe and well behaved. Mess about and you want be invited to the next party. Static shows and road runs plus combination of both. All have there place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashley Posted September 3, 2008 Share Posted September 3, 2008 Though i take the Jeep to Beltring, for me the show is for socializing wit friends here and from other forums i visit as it is the one place we all gather. The Plains is always a friendly meet with good off road runs, and like wise the Poole Park remembrance service. In deepest Dorset / Hampshire we have a non public chill out weekend in the new forest, public are not turned away if they arrive at the gate but it is not advertised as a show.No matter how many attend it is always good just to talk with like minded peoples, try an activity and have a road run through the forest. I do not own a uniform appropriate to my vehicle yet and would definitely be out of place in some of the in some of the shows/road runs mentioned here (or be stuck out of the way somewhere ) Thats it from me, i am sure there is a place for all types of show and i for one will attend as many as i can while i can. Ashley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rambo1969 Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 I'm lucky that I can use my landy everyday if I want to so a show with a road run is not to important to me. I would however participate in a road run if I was asked. As for charging MV owners to enter a show, thats a very difficult one to answer. I would like to see MV shows getting involved with other groups, such as classic cars/lorry/trucks etc, having them all at a show I feel would make the show a bit more interesting, after all I have seen most types of MV's and something different is always interesting. What ever the future of MV shows, I just hope they continue and that we as MV owners support the people who make the effort to put on shows for our benefit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtistsRifles Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 I'm lucky that I can use my landy everyday if I want to so a show with a road run is not to important to me. I would however participate in a road run if I was asked.As for charging MV owners to enter a show, thats a very difficult one to answer. I would like to see MV shows getting involved with other groups, such as classic cars/lorry/trucks etc, having them all at a show I feel would make the show a bit more interesting, after all I have seen most types of MV's and something different is always interesting. What ever the future of MV shows, I just hope they continue and that we as MV owners support the people who make the effort to put on shows for our benefit. I think this is what Lee & the Bunker Bash team started this year! Seemed an excellent idea to me too - but then I've a foot in both camps being into classic Saabs as well... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marmite!! Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 I think this is what Lee & the Bunker Bash team started this year! Seemed an excellent idea to me too - but then I've a foot in both camps being into classic Saabs as well... Yes it is Neil, we feel that the public need more for heir money so the more attractions the better, MV's/Living History will be kept totally separate from the other attraction though to keep the Green theme going. As well as Classic Cars/Bikes we have invited Steam Engine groups this year & we will be building on the Emergency Services section which was very popular last year. Also there should be a "Go Ape" type attraction installed in time for the 2009 show if you fancy swinging through the trees... http://www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/gazette/Kelvedon-Hatch-high-ropes-course-given-ahead/article-196668-detail/article.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M5Clive Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 (edited) I guess the answer is pretty much like every other scenario in life - what suits one person does not necessarily suit another. I personally think the key to the success of Bolero, Route to Victory etc is largely due to the rareness of that type of event. After all, I for one would get pretty tired if every show in the calendar was asking the vehicle owner to spend as many hours behind the wheel as Bolero required - The novality would very quickly rub-off, and all too soon people would be saying "Christ, I'm not going to another one of those convoy event - After I got home from the last one I needed a week off-work to recover!" Horses for courses. I greatly admire guys like Mark Helicops and countless others who actually drive their gas-guzzling waggons to events as significant personal costs. Likewise, I can see exactly that having arrived on-site, you would want to chill out, take in the atmosphere, and let the social element of the hobbie literally take-over. I do this very often at countless shows in East Anglia, sometimes not even moving my static displayed vehicle from the start to the end of the weekend show......but for those who, on occasions, what something a bit different and are a little more activity seeking, the convoy styled events offers you that choice. In response to Neil's desire to see a convoy of Post War British Army vehicles - I couldn't agree more. I have long said that an event similiar in design to Bolero, but aimed at BAOR vehicles, touring maybe the Lulworth Ranges Area of Dorset or again Salisbury Plain, would be a real cracker. It would have to be restricted to appropriate vehicles of the age in order to work successfully, but I for one would attend - (not that I have an appropriate vehicle to attend with!) What it needs is someone from that camp (ie, a collector of vehicles of the era and/or someone with enough passion to pull it off) to organise it, and not be afraid to tell those with vehicles either too old or too young that they cannot attend and to put all the planning in place to organise the event and promote it. Thats all I/we first did when we first started organising these 'different' types of events. Our family owned a GMC and put a few adverts in the Windscreen magazine (1990) asking if like minded owners were interested in getting together for a convoy style event in Wiltshire. We weren't experienced in the field or even known by anyone outside our own Area.......but it worked and continues to do so, based upon previous successes. Nothing however is stopping anybody else from doing the same - Look at the organisers of the relatively new Bunker Bash or Military Mayhem events. Jack is also a shining example. A virtual unknown, in the hobbie three years, but determined to learn about what he doesn't know by trying - and look how his efforts have been widely recognised. One day soon i'll be able to look back and think "And I knew him when he was just a humble GMC owner!" Edited September 4, 2008 by M5Clive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Ives Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 clive the plains tour has diffrent types of vehicles from all eras traveling over salisbury plain training area and stopping at diffrent locations this is run as a informal run but is run under military observation so correct behavour is important hopefully if you are free next year come join us Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M5Clive Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 The Plains Trip's gathering of vehicles at Zulu Crossing certainly looked impressive as I trundled past a top of a White Halftrack back in May this year! I would love to attend next year, committments allowing - But i'm not making any firm plans for any events in 2009 - even Normandy, as I feel that a six month old baby is going to be keeping my social calendar fairly fallow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Ives Posted September 4, 2008 Share Posted September 4, 2008 clive we even allow the plains pikeys/caravans (sorry ashley)located at the bursted along so bring the misses and the baby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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