Combining classic Triumphs with the most resplendent of surroundings, Rob Marshall heads for the Malvern hills to the TR Register’s International Weekend.

In a recent edition of "TR Action", the TR Register's own publication, club chairman Chris Cunnington raises the burning issue of change. As both drivers and car enthusiasts, we all have to face the pressures that are not only affecting our daily lives, but also our hobby. The issues of rising fuel prices, insurance, excise duty (excluding those fortunate Triumph owners who are exempt from paying for their disc), deteriorating road conditions and speed cameras may not make for light bedtime reading, but they are all relevant to the Triumph movement. The TR Register has been faced with further change as well but, rather than resisting the inevitable, the club is evolving as a result with some very positive recent developments.

However, introducing changes for no valid reason can be highly damaging, which is why the TR Register's International Weekend, a well established annual event, held at the Malvern Showground in Worcestershire, has not been altered significantly - after all, why fiddle with a successful formula? Triumph World was fortunate e no ugh to be invited on the weekend with our publisher, Phil Weeden, braving the showers on the Saturday, with myself arriving the following day, accompanied by much more satisfactory weather. Although one could remain at the site and camp throughout the whole weekend, there was a cheaper option of a single-day ticket for those wishing to enter on the Sunday only.

Many things have not been changed for the enthusiasts who continue to visit this TR-Mecca for the past 10 years. The concours still takes place, with the expected high standard of entrants, as does the ongoing commentary and interviews throughout the proceedings, provided by both Steve Redway (who also edits TR Action) and the club's honorary president, Graham Robson. Many traders also took part, with rare parts being available both under cover and outside. Furthermore, TR owners had the opportunity to confirm the health of their Triumphs, thanks to the services of a mobile rolling road and, for those who needed attention, the tune-up guys were on hand to make the required adjustments. The first part of Saturday evening's entertainment came courtesy of the Blues Brothers Reloaded, but there was no doubt that the traditional disco finish for the TR die hards was more popular. For those wanting to explore the locality during the daytime, a coach service was laid on to and from the shops in Cheltenham, as well as guided tours up the Malvern hills.

SOCIAL SIDE

Yet, despite the familiarity that this longstanding show brought, the 2008 event also introduced several important developments. After taking over the chairman's post late last year, Chris Cunnington formally welcomed the TR Register's new general manager to the fold. Of course, Allen Forster already owns a TR - to be more specific, a TR7 - and he is keen to bolster enthusiasm for both the club and the models it represents. Allen tells Triumph World that the social side to clubs is essential, but it is equally as important to keep as many TR models in use as possible, for without the cars, the club's future is quite obviously threatened.

The latest development has been the creation of TR Register's "Yoof" group, which has been created to meet the needs of the evolving Triumph scene. Born on the Facebook social networking website, a group of young Triumph enthusiasts was motivated initially to join forces to provide a united front for insurance companies, who were not forthcoming to offer quotations for younger Triumph drivers. Despite publishing its first group report in the July, 2008 issue of TR Action, the faceless nature of the Internet meant that many Yoof members had not met - that is, until the TR international show, where acquaintances were made at last. Wayne Scott, the official leader of TR Yoof told Triumph World that the group was not ageist, as no specific age limits were set, but it was felt important that the group was established to meet the needs of the younger enthusiast.

Although change is, to some extent, inevitable, the TR Register is proving that, despite the challenges the future will bring, it is well equipped to tackle them head-on.

CLUB CORNER CONTACT DETAILS

Please let us know about your club's news. If you would like to tell us of an upcoming event, or even invite Rob to attend, he can be emailed at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Alternatively, write to Triumph World via its Peterborough office: FAO Rob Marshall, Triumph World, Kelsey Publishing Group, PO Box 978, Peterborough PE1 9FL, Fax 01733 891342.