 | Home > Events > Goodbye wave to the old Defender...? |
 
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| Cuthbert Member Since: 26 Oct 2013 Location: Up North Posts: 1535  |
The idea of partaking in a 'Celebration of Defender Production' trip from Anglesey to Solihull is a noble and appealing concept. I have no doubt the event could be designed and delivered to create a lot of goodwill and pleasure for all involved.
Turning that concept into implementation is the challenge - and that may require bringing additional skills and experience to the table - that so far are lacking in this thread. For example, is it the intention to get Land Rover to actively participate or is it merely their passive endorsement that is sought? For any corporate 'sponsorship' or 'endorsement' to succeed, the benefits to all parties needs to be clear to all. So do the risks (think brand, think image) if it was to go wrong in a minor or major way. Crudely - What's in it for everyone involved? What might Land Rover get out of it? Who is going to ensure every press story reflects a positive element of British innovation and success - Not a Daily Mail feature on some sad blokes in anoraks creating a traffic jam in Solihull with a group of smoky old Defenders that wouldn't pass their next MOT. Firstly I'd suggest that if this concept is ever to get off the drawing board and into production, then those who want to progress it should get together offline and work the concept up in more detail. Having online spats will not impress anyone from JLR looking at this thread - bit like revealing you are part of a dysfunctional family seeking an invite to H.M. The Queen's Garden Party. So think about it "What is the ask of JLR and what's in it for them"? |
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23rd Jan 2015 10:31pm |
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| zone30 Member Since: 07 Sep 2012 Location: Gent Posts: 669  
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We all know there's still some road to travel. The idea is only 2 weeks old now.
We still have plenty of time, time to do it wright. |
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24th Jan 2015 11:38am |
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| X4SKP Member Since: 29 Nov 2013 Location: Berkshire Posts: 2295  
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What...When...How...Who The following suggestions, to progress the idea have been put together with zone30 and are posted back to the Forum in order to gauge the opinions of other members. The overall request is that this event, planned by Land Rover enthusiasts, is supported in a constructive and positive manner, this is an open forum, for which we have Martin to thank, we will to go from a good initial idea, to a successful and enjoyable day, by the way we organise ourselves. We also suggest that we don’t go back to Land Rover until we have a clear idea of exactly what has been organised. The suggested approach we take from here is that this is going ahead hopefully with, but if not without, JLR involvement, as a tribute to the Defender by Land Rover enthusiasts. Potentially it would be good to have some coordination / support with Land Rover, but it’s too early to test this from where we are currently. The event needs to reach ‘critical mass’ both in its organisation and take up first. What... The basic idea is for Land Rover owners to drive in convoy from Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey (LL75 8RJ) to the Land Rover Factory, Lode Lane, Solihull (B92 8NW). The ‘event’ is to acknowledge and pay tribute to the current Land Rover Defender ending its production in 2015. When... The suggestion is to establish a date by testing the basic idea with other Land Rover enthusiasts, in the UK and Internationally. At some point, relatively soon, a ‘stake in the sand’ (sorry) needs to be made. It won’t be possible to please everyone, but it’s important to get to position of establishing a date without too much delay so that this event looks ‘real’, and interested participants can say yes or no, and then plan accordingly. How... To work, the core idea needs to remain simple, (the What...) Amongst this forum and other ‘groups’ there will be a few, maybe many, who may wish to become actively involved, who see a suggestion and think ‘I can help with that’, at this point all these ‘contributions’ are all welcome, just share your suggestions as required, to judge overall opinion, if you are in doubt over getting involved maybe ‘test’ the idea off line first with a few members. We won’t get everything right, but keep it simple (and fun) and we should be capable of getting a strong turnout and have a good day. zone30 has suggested creating a web site ‘to anchor’ the idea, which would be great, this will act initially as a simple statement of the event, a sign posting to interested parties and forums getting involved, and generally give a status point of where the idea is during the organisation stage. The site is also designed as a central access point for everyone interested, to easily view. Our ‘reach’ to try and maximise support for the ‘event’ needs to extend beyond a single forum. We are lucky to have numerous ways of contacting Land Rover owners. In order for people to assess their interest the core idea needs to remain simple, they can stay with it for as long as the possibility of joining in interests them. There will be a numerous individual arrangements in order to participate, but they should be worked through individually or in groups as required. Who... The event is ‘pitched’ to Land Rover owners generally, to either join the convoy at the start, finish or at any point along the route, because of the nature of the idea it needs to be open to anyone, from anywhere, but should attract support principally from Land Rover enthusiasts. The proposal at this point is to coordinate with other Land Rover ‘groups’, clubs, web sites etc, to initially ask two questions: 1. Have you had a similar idea? If the answer is yes, establish where they are with their idea? We can develop this approach by asking if they would be interested in coordinating with us, in organising one ‘principle’ event? (We know from zone30 that around 10 Defenders in Belgium are planning a trip in November) Clearly it is possible that club events may want to remain small and ‘stand alone’ which is fine, but at least the opportunity to combine numbers will have been explored. 2. Have you had a similar idea? if the answer is no, we can ask if they would like to join in the Defender Tribute convoy, and start to build interest, and establish numbers. Overall we collect responses (and other observations) and aim to establish a date. It would be very good to try and pull together a diverse collection of Land Rovers and even better if there was a good representation from overseas, maybe each displaying their country’s flag. In addition it is an opportunity to try a bring together a strong representation of all the Series Land Rovers, and the various Defender types to date, special issues, 50th Anniversary, SVX 60th, Tomb Raider etc. It may also be possible to gain interest form ex-military Land Rovers, even Defenders used currently with the Services, MOD, Emergency Services, Mountain Rescue, or the Commercial Service Sectors generally. If we get a strong take up of the idea, and our ‘participants’ go from ‘a hand full’ (currently) to ‘significant’, we probably would be ‘smart’ to advise the local Police in Birmingham, and dare I say ask for / request a Police escort through and past (or stop at?) the Land Rover Factory, the escort ideally being provided by the best 4x4 Police vehicle by far. So there’s an overview (jointly complied) of where we are in order to give this the beginnings of a plan. Thoughts ladies & gentlemen... SKIP https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic83242.html Last edited by X4SKP on 29th Jan 2015 10:50am. Edited 2 times in total |
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24th Jan 2015 6:14pm |
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| Cuthbert Member Since: 26 Oct 2013 Location: Up North Posts: 1535 |
I'll throw in a few other initial thoughts.
What day of the week is best? What other events on the route on that day might clash in terms of local authority, police/ambulance/fire commitments/resources - think football/rugby, country shows, galas etc Say 150 Land Rover Defenders gather on Anglesey. Where can they all meet up - can the beach be accessed and can it cope with the volume? What services are available locally - fuel, human food, beds etc Will there be an 'official' start/flagging off and at what time of day - by someone famous/relevant -press call/p.r. opportunity? How long will it take those vehicles to drive to Solihull - one official route or options - Estimated arrival time? At Solihull - what happens? Where do the Defenders arrive, collect their souvenir mug/certificate and park up? What happens after - dispersal plan? |
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24th Jan 2015 6:47pm |
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| zone30 Member Since: 07 Sep 2012 Location: Gent Posts: 669
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One Life, Live it!
There's hundreds of reasons not to do something, but you only need just one to do something. Click image to enlarge PS: the poll is life, made it as simple as possible. |
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25th Jan 2015 6:14pm |
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| strang Member Since: 16 May 2012 Location: Happy Valley Posts: 1385 
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I have just been reading about a 'Tribute' event on the series two club forum - to be held at RWB in April. No other details at the moment, but this is being organised as a purely 'classic' Land Rover event. There may well be others in the pipeline - so maybe we are not alone...... Euro-Leafing to infinity and beyond.....
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25th Jan 2015 6:35pm |
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| a13x Member Since: 25 Sep 2011 Location: Burton on Trent Posts: 553
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Something that may need to be considered and which I came across when I had my sports car with meets including Pistonheads. If I can remember correctly, the law changed to make organisers and convoy leaders accountable for the actions of others in the group. It limited groups to a set number and was the reason why a number of events now do not happen.
I cannot specifically remember what the changes were but it is something to be looked into. |
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25th Jan 2015 7:52pm |
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| X4SKP Member Since: 29 Nov 2013 Location: Berkshire Posts: 2295
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Hello strang This is no surprise, thanks for posting. It's good the SII club is doing this too, if you or anyone else on here knows someone, or is a member of this club, point them towards our 'early plans'. Whilst as you say, there's is a 'purely classic event', should anyone with a 'classic' want to join us, they would be welcome. ............................................... Thanks for setting up the poll zone30 SKIP https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic83242.html |
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25th Jan 2015 8:01pm |
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| X4SKP Member Since: 29 Nov 2013 Location: Berkshire Posts: 2295
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Hello a13x...good point Someone on here may know more... but a quick look found this (extract copied below), depending on where we end up (in terms of numbers) we can take the necessary steps before the off. .............................. CONVOY ETIQUETTE EXTRACT OF LEGISLATION RELEVANT TO CONVOYS: Since 1986 convoys have been covered by Legislation under the Public Order Act 1986. I suggest that anyone considering a convoy of any type read this very carefully. http://www.coomes.org.uk/sitebuilderconten...quette.pdf The Legislation is not intended to stop events such as convoys but to keep a check on them, particularly if disorder is likely. I have never known a convoy end in disorder, so as you can see the Legislation is aimed at disruptive processions rather than fun runs such as convoys. SKIP https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic83242.html |
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25th Jan 2015 8:28pm |
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| zone30 Member Since: 07 Sep 2012 Location: Gent Posts: 669
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I expected a lot more interest from this forum... 18
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28th Jan 2015 11:19am |
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| Cuthbert Member Since: 26 Oct 2013 Location: Up North Posts: 1535 |
Sadly it's probably heading for permanent filing under "Just too Difficult"!
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28th Jan 2015 8:56pm |
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| Grenadier Member Since: 23 Jul 2014 Location: The foot of Mont Blanc... Posts: 5878  
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Zone30 and X4SKP it's a great idea and worth keeping going as the momentum will build. I will certainly head back from Chamonix to join in the event. One idea that often turns a dream into reality, is celebrity endorsement. (And I don't mean Premiership Footballers). But we have seen today another thread with James Martin, so there is already the association with LR and as a car nut, he might be a good start. He could do the food as well!! But I am sure there will be others who will join in, Rugby players, movie stars etc, perhaps HM? Further, there must be a whole heap of companies that have LR association, who might be able to offer some help, kit, contacts perhaps a bit of cash? From parts suppliers to TV or Movie companies, from the likes of the Police/Army/Coastguard to Overland expedition companies. And if we all ask nicely, I am sure I could see if the Band of the Grenadier Guards would play on our arrival in Solihull. (Regimental association with the Midlands, one of the Grenadiers' traditional recruiting areas). I am happy to help in any way I can remotely. Just let me know.... Monsieur Le Grenadier I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list..... 2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey |
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28th Jan 2015 10:51pm |
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| Devon-Rover Member Since: 22 Jan 2015 Location: South Devon Posts: 923 
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Instead of the term convoy then perhaps if everyone was issued with a 'Road Book' that happens to mean they are all going the same place at the same time, if you catch my drift.
Maybe an RV near by (Anyone now a good spot?) then a shorter easier to manage 'convoy transistion' all at once to the factory gate if JLR are willing to play ball? Just tossing an idea into the ring |
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28th Jan 2015 11:15pm |
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| Grenadier Member Since: 23 Jul 2014 Location: The foot of Mont Blanc... Posts: 5878
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As an addendum, there are always the boys at Top Gear to get things started. We may not like one of them, two of them or any of them, but if they mention it in 'News' it often gets covered and followed up by the company in question. Further, we know they're fans and they voted the LR as the greatest car of all time.
As regards the the route, it might be worth considering more than one. I would love to drive all the way to Calais, then all the way to West Wales and then back to the Midlands. But many won't or won't have the time. So perhaps three routes to Solihull would be better, with people being able to join at any number of pre-designated RVs. For we Continentals, a Dover start might be preferable, and for our Scottish/Northern kin, a route down from Edinburgh? Etc etc. Also Gaydon has been suggested as a meeting point, but I wonder how pleased the parish will be to see a few hundred, maybe thousand Defenders turn up for a jamboree? A drive through perhaps, but whilst ugly maybe the NEC would be the best spot to end up? As regards a date, what about the 31st August? It is a Bank Holiday and the day that the Oxford and Cambridge Far Eastern Expedition met up before departing on the 1st September 1955. Over-landing is the 'raison d'être' of the LR, and a nice tie-in. Perhaps get Tim Slessor and the surviving members of the team along? Just some thoughts. Monsieur Le Grenadier I've not been everywhere, but it's on my list..... 2011 Puma 110DC - Corris Grey |
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28th Jan 2015 11:24pm |
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