Hi Ron, the "TR Yoof Group" is the name of the 'youth group' within the TR Register for TR / Triumph enthusiasts aged 17-35 (ish). The name comes from the way older folks in the TR Register used to refer to the original group of the younger Triumph drivers that started the youth group when they arrived at events - so it kind of stuck!
The Yoof group came about because lots of us young guys in our teens or twenties were going along to TR and Classic car events thinking we were the only one's of our age to be into these cars. Then gradually, through the sea of flat caps and pension books we started to meet one another until over time there was quite a large group of us. I now count many of the lads and lasses I have met through Triumph's as my best mates and we were happy to carry on just meeting informally.
In recent times the TR and Classic car scene has realised that it must get some young blood coming into the scene to keep it vibrant and secure its place further into the future. Eventually we were approached by the TR Register who noticed that our presence was increasing and offered the support to help us grow even bigger. There was always a feeling that things were getting dull within the TR scene and that there is nothing for those of a younger age and so when we were given the chance to change things we took the chance. It's nice to give something back to the club for all the fun we have had growing up.
We started as about 8 or 9. Thanks to our official Facebook group and chat board we have now rounded up 220 + young TR enthusiasts, the majority being aged 17 - 35 from all over the world. Unlike a local TR Register area groups we are not brought together by living near each other so the internet as proved key to getting people together for events such as the TR International at Malvern and the TR Register Lakes Tour. We had 30 attendees for the Lakes Tour this year and our numbers are growing all the time. To find the Yoof group page on Facebook just search groups for TR Yoof and there we are!
Since it began we have had lots praise the idea and wishes that it had been done sooner. Some came to their first ever International Weekend this year purely because they knew there would be others of the same age group present for a change.
Many had given up going to local meets and either being ignored or asked "where's your Dad then?" or "do you know what this car actually is" "who did you borrow that TR off?" etc etc - many have been encouraged to come back because of the Yoof group.
There are other benfits as well such as lobbying insurance companies to increase mileage allowances ( we all use our cars everyday) and to cover under 25s which many hadn't done previously.
Wherever we go we fly our TR Register banner high to promote the clubs younger face. A lot of work goes into organising run's and activities as well.
We have no age limit at all - the only requirement for Yoof membership is to be up for partying loud and proud until the sun comes up - yes, like the old days
We have 40 year olds who feel they have more in common with young-uns than old-uns, and 60 year olds who aren't ready to buy slippers just yet.
To sum it up, while local groups are on cream tea run's, we are TR'ing at Santa Pod Drag Strip, doing a track day at Silverstone, Partying until 5am or teaching Modded Jap Clubs about what real cars look like.
<b>Red 4.0 Litre V8 DHC Grinnall (with huuuuuge arches...!)</b>
