Sunday Scramble - Bicester

[Paynewright]

hi,

Just wondered if the club have attended one of these events - car clubs usually get an entry discount and infield parking.

Great event with an eclectic array of automobiles!

Ian

 

[ZipcodeUK]

I’ve been down a couple times. It’s very local to me (15min) and there some cracking motors to see!

 

[Paynewright]

Anyone got tickets for tomorrow ?

 

[Paynewright]

Some nice vans in attendance…

 

[Captain Quick]

Sadly, they seem to have changed the rules at Bicester now and don’t have club line ups like they used to, and they now only permit pre-1990 vehicles in the display area. This means everything else is directed to park in the public car parks which is why you’ll see exotic but post-1990 Astons, BMWs, Ferraris, Porsches, etc. parked up amongst the Mondeos, Fabias, Jukes, etc.

Having been to all the Scramble events and exhibited as a large club there since the first one in 2014, it’s been disappointing to see it evolve from an enthusiasts‘ gathering to a lacklustre commercial event as Bicester Heritage Limited has become more focused on its bottom line. For me, it’s become too big, too commercial and tired to bother attending any more. On the other hand, I look forward to rocking up on 18 June at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu where all ages and models of VW are welcome to display.

 

[Paynewright]

Thats sad to hear but I don’t see it the same way. I’ve been attending Bicester since 2018ish including the only UK Luftgekuhlt.

Early events were via PCGB and always parked in the Porsche area. I expect covid and limited advantage of club discounts meant it has evolved into more of a general car meet.

I like the fact that modest, cherished classics park next to multi million pound icons (and everything inbetween). The car park is equally interesting as the curated display within the grounds. For me its the joy of browsing cars I grew up wanting, classic cars I’ve read about and supercars I’ve seen launched. The first time we went there was everything from a mk1 Cavalier to a Ferrari 250gto. I don’t get the same enjoyment from single marque events.

I paid £15 for me and my son to attend which I dont think is bad value for a day out to see such a breadth of automotive porn.

I will keep going!

 

[Paynewright]

…

 

[Captain Quick]

Thats sad to hear but I don’t see it the same way. I’ve been attending Bicester since 2018ish including the only UK Luftgekuhlt.

Early events were via PCGB and always parked in the Porsche area. I expect covid and limited advantage of club discounts meant it has evolved into more of a general car meet.

I like the fact that modest, cherished classics park next to multi million pound icons (and everything inbetween). The car park is equally interesting as the curated display within the grounds. For me its the joy of browsing cars I grew up wanting, classic cars I’ve read about and supercars I’ve seen launched. The first time we went there was everything from a mk1 Cavalier to a Ferrari 250gto. I don’t get the same enjoyment from single marque events.

I paid £15 for me and my son to attend which I dont think is bad value for a day out to see such a breadth of automotive porn.

I will keep going!

The large club I was referring to was actually the Porsche Club. From the first one in 2014, we were consistently the largest display at Bicester (with as many as 500 Porsches of all ages in our display on some occasions). I’m pleased though to hear that you enjoyed it as a visitor as that’s what we all set out to achieve.

Sadly, from a club event organisers’s perspective, the BH organisers, by their actions, made it clear that they didn’t really value our contribution which made it a hugely frustrating and thankless experience for the many volunteer organisers and club marshalls that gave up their days to support and promote the Scrambles. As an example, at one event in 2018, after having agreed a traffic flow plan for the site, their gate team sent vehicles the wrong way around the site, then blamed us for the ensuing traffic jam. We walked away as a result and left them to it. That might help explain why I and several other members and other clubs no longer feel we can support the Scrambles. I can understand however, why you would have a different view.

 

[Paynewright]

Many car clubs were given discounted rates and parking pitches which has all stopped, so don’t think PCGB has been singled out. TBH I don’t think its needed - still incredibly popular with ticket only events selling out quickly.

I think Porsche was probably the most represented marque at the whole event yesterday (inside and parking on the field), particularly air cooled.

I do understand why you’re aggrieved - volunteering is an often thankless task but essential to ensure car club members can enjoy their toys.

 

[Captain Quick]

Many car clubs were given discounted rates and parking pitches which has all stopped, so don’t think PCGB has been singled out. TBH I don’t think its needed - still incredibly popular with ticket only events selling out quickly.

I think Porsche was probably the most represented marque at the whole event yesterday (inside and parking on the field), particularly air cooled.

I do understand why you’re aggrieved - volunteering is an often thankless task but essential to ensure car club members can enjoy their toys.

You’re right @Paynewright. From talking to other exhibitors, many other clubs had similar experiences with BH as we did; TIPEC, BMW, Jaguar, Lotus and MG to name but a few. The principal grievance is not about the thanklessness of volunteering, but that the many vehicle clubs and groups invested a huge amount of cash and time to promote the event for BH who now appear disdainful of this past support. Specifically, the reason so many Porsches still turn up is down to the huge commitment PCGB made to BH over many years and promoted to its 20000 plus members and the wider Porsche community through its publications, online forums and multiple social media channels. However, these are aspects that individual attendees aren’t likely to be aware of, or indeed care about.

 

[RedUn]

I went along yesterday for the first time with pcgb but in the van, I thought it was a great event, I was quite surprised at the turnout it was impossible to go see everything but overall no complaints from myself and the little man