Turboventure

REFLECTIONS --- SPY STORY Chatting to a couple who brought relatives for the Jungle Challenge last week, it transpired that they previously owned Orion TV. Several years ago, we were approached by their Newcastle office as military consultants for a pilot programme intended for commissioning by SKY. It involved a captured nuclear scientist, hostages, a helicopter etc. Right up our street, obviously. We investigated locations and put together a scenario which included; Scie...ntist being airlifted from Bolton Castle--suggested that dropping into the courtyard there could be dangerous due to downdraft. The helicopter landing within the high walls would cause strong up currents and consequent instability (i.e. a crash)--later confirmed by an experienced Army pilot.
A parachutist (stunt man) dropping into Kielder Water, (where we 'd gained permission to land the huge Sunderland Flying Boat after the Gateshead Garden Festival) swimming to the shore, finding a hidden argocat 8x8, driving to a RV in the forest to collect remainder of team, proceeding several miles to railway tunnel and setting up an ambush. (I think our Saladin armoured car was going to be there too, but cannot recall the details.)
An aircraft spraying nerve agent over the exposed party when crossing moorland (coloured water, a/c fitted with crop spraying gear) and a low level strafing attack on a moving train by a Hawker Hunter jet fighter. The farmer gave the ok for pyros to be planted in his field (makes a change from turnips). We'd need two aircraft; the second being the camera platform to keep abreast for air to air shots (which an Auster AOP prop would have found difficult). The £12,000 included B and B for me, as I'd have to journey south to accompany the two seater to ensure he could find his way to our temporary base at Carlisle airfield. Then SKY turned it down. But it could be resurrected...... (Would have made a change after our 'Byker Grove' and 'Geordie Shore' episodes! ) ......😉😉........................... ..........................,,............ ........................................ .............................
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REPORT-- Quadding yesterday Phew! Interesting conditions. Not sure how our helmets would cope underneath x tons of wood but decided to continue as the gusts were less than the previous day: there was still a cutting wind in the training field which lessened--a bit-- in the Jungle. Several tracks were newly blocked by huge fallen trees, so much of the fun was recceing new routes. The popular(?) big water splash was at a high level (it needs a spill way) as you'd expect. We we...re reminded of the awesome power of nature--the devastation was as dramatic as years ago when Josh and his dad spent hours with chain saws cutting sections out of fallen trees to allow passage. Am. We welcomed skiers and snowboarders Sarah and Stewart (reading Physics at Edinburgh) and threw everything at them--unfamiliar territory but they relished the challenge. Pm. It was 6th formers from Keswick, who, despite lacking driving experience, learnt so quickly that they also were introduced to the jungle--and handled things well. By the end, your instructor had had enough of dragging branches and trying to shift trees, merely relieved there were no more takers!
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HALF TERM WEATHER!
Want to go out--but not keen, this weather? Ever tried shooting? Half price fun sessions (rifle and pistol) this week, in our INDOOR Range. ... Matfen Hall's 'Keepers' Lodge' is round the corner for good value lunches, teas-- not forgetting Go Ape and the golf driving range. Beginners welcome, expert coaching and the widest range of compressed gas rifles in the area (or bring your own). Call 0777 296 1364.
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HALF TERM BARGAINS and an Opportunity Student (under 21) reductions on rifle and shotgun shooting, assault course (min 10), quads--even the Jungle Challenge, if you think you're hardy enough!. SEEKING ENTHUSIASTIC p/t asst--mainly w/ends-- also keen to learn mechanics. Doubt you'll find more varied, interesting--even exciting--work anywhere.😊 Call 0777 296 1364.

NEWS! POST BREXIT shooting yesterday! Umm....well, same as normal, really. Presumably many were still abed after celebrating. Julie came with Dylan (not that one), Ken with son Jordan in his second year at Uni--we bedded in the new rifle (excellent grouping helped the zeroing a lot, Jordan, thanks). Unsurprisingly,with an ex Army body, sea cadet (how can that huge 'lorry' --the M2 Bridging Ferry--swim whilst carrying an APC?) and Mech Eng student in the group, their return to the smoke was via the collection at Belsay 🙂 three and three quarter hours after arriving at Matfen. Same as normal, really.

RIFLE SHOOTING We love it. Our enthusiastic instructors have decades of experience--each--and enjoy passing it on to others. An unusually broad range of 14 pistols and rifles, bolt action, side lever, some with bipods and one for those more slightly built (ok, smaller) means we can cater for almost anyone. Our recently adapted 18 yard INDOOR range (shooting from a sitting or standing position) is popular; not everyone likes coping with wind/rain/cold lying prone outside i...n the winter. And the boss thinks that the presence of a Saracen APC alongside complements the setting. If you're really keen--and given notice-- we may be able to show you some more serious hardware, though not demonstrate it. Those wishing coaching using their own rifle/ammo are welcome. (No weapons held on Firearms Certificate may be used.) We are intending to hold sessions on Saturday mornings for a period. Come along for a coffee/chat. Call 0777 296 1364.
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Scenes from the fashion shoot.

FASHION Eh? Not the first thought when pondering Turboventure, but....... Fresh Couture, a fashion house based in Newcastle, were launching a new utility 'range' (now that's a word we understand) and decided that a military setting would be appropriate. Tank? No problem. Interesting setting? No problem, either. Shall we bring our biggest smoke machine? YES. Might its use affect traffic flow on the A1? We'll find out. They selected the BATUS coloured 432, the models disrobed (it was a touch chilly) and photographers set to work. From our viewpoint not as interesting as working for film/TV but a new experience. Pics to follow. Once the smoke machine was off it was surreal to see wraiths of smoke from the models clothing lingering--as if from their internal organs. Amazing.

COMMUNICATION From time to time we have problems, largely due to technical ineptitude (ours). If not receiving a reply in a reasonable time, USE THE 'PHONE! 0777 296 1364 or 01670 783273.

TURBOVENTURE OLD TIMERS REUNION! TANK DAY REPORT Sunday 5th Jan. One had bought a tank drive for his fiancee's uncle (who was ex military). Chuffed to see it was Chris L, ex Stocksfield paintball marshal--at 15-- whose image (with the Q pod in Weardale) is still on our photos page 12 years(?) on--great to see him;, after lecturing at Gateshead College he is running his own business; another (whilst studying A levels), archery instructor and dedicated rock drummer Jude S ...returned with his Masters in Mech Eng from Manchester (I recall him phoning two years back for the number of teeth and diameter of a Chieftain's driving sprocket), who came with Camille N (newly qualified in fine art, our most imaginative web and facebook advisor yet, and who posed wearing a ripped T shirt for a FV432 promotion 5 years back-- to the annoyance of his girl friend). If Charlie R had dropped in, that would have completed the set. Excellent driving by traffic policeman K P--do remember my reg no! Afterwards the lads were clustered around Kieth for ages, fascinated by his war stories. He has enough material for a book. Apart from a minor hiccough when the Mk2 cooling fans didn't trip in--soon rectified-- a glorious day with interesting people, some of whom had driven more than 100 miles and were reluctant to leave. 😊
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BORING it isn't! Variety -- the spice of life? Certainly is at TURBOVENTURE. Our facilities have been and continue to be used by world renowned internet companies, oil/gas industry, transport (Nexus and Arriva), NATO, Metropolitan Police Firearms section, RAF, Army, Navy, Church of England priests in training, BBC ITV MTV and many other film organisations, several internationally respected Defence and telecom firms, Red Bull--(they were fun), most of the major supermarkets (m...anagement training), American football team (from Blaydon...), a 'rap' group for a video (we hid all our weapons and any references to shooting and, yes, they did arrive in blacked out Range Rovers which they were sure could manage our Off Road course. They couldn't, and we had all vanished.) And the latest--for January 2020? A well known mens fashion company for a military themed promo shoot. Anything that means firing up a tank or two must be good. HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our readers. Even our jealous competitors.😊
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TANK NEWS. We're running three armoured vehicles on Sun 5th Jan. Use your Xmas vouchers! CREW RIDES £30, teens £20. (A competitor charges £58.) And ours is the most exciting civilian course in the UK. Fact.

RIFLE SHOOTING---TWO for ONE---Dads and Lads Xmas present? Our £40 session lasts for at least an hour, and allows plenty of time for coaching. Our aim is always to improve the client's shooting. Kieth, Andrew and Richard have been shooting all their lives and enjoy introducing others to the sport. Over the holiday we have a new Gift Voucher. TWO can shoot TWO different types of gas powered rifle (iron and telescopic sights) for an hour --at the £40. Includes ammo, paper targets, coaching. And a coffee. Each. Come and have a go--and IT'S INDOORS! 😊

Short video showing only a small area of our industry leading tank driving area- which boasts 1km of road, hills, tracks, trees & plenty of mud.

TURBOVENTURE HAS THE BEST TANK TRAINING AREA IN THE WHOLE OF THE UK (see new videos on our website tank driving page) Instructors trained by the Army--as instructors. NOTE. All our pics/videos feature our own tanks. Turboventure's 25 years driver training experience in Northumbria (on airfields and rough terrain) testing defence equipment for major NE firms (using our own APC's and Chieftains) has culminated in this amazing site, boasting a one km road and 100 ft hills. Photography by Hugh Readman - https://hughreadman.myportfolio.com/

See NEW VIDEOS on our website tank driving page! MUD, MUD, GLORIOUS MUD. Tank driving on Saturday. The weather forecast was continuous rain from Fri night all through Sat. We warned Charlie's 6 man group in Southampton on Thursday. They began with the barn tank tour at 1000 then we all joined Kieth and Michael (who'd been prepping both APC's) at 1200--and off we went. The tracks were scrabbling for grip up the hills, mud being thrown into faces --of those in the ...crew compt--and general mayhem. The water splash lived up to the name, the filthy stuff nearly reaching the drivers hatch on entry. Joined by the Dyson family from Warwick at 1400 then more local (Morpeth and Gateshead) contingents an hour later-- and on-- to find the early birds were still there taking in the scene and atmosphere! Many of our bedraggled customers just didn't seem to want to leave. Fifteen drives, much of the time running both APC's, was fun. Pushing through under and overgrowth cautiously hoping the other tank wasn't there (we don't have a fixed route because it has to be adjusted according to drivers' ability) made it more exciting. Wonderful (wet) people, brilliant vehicles--and maintenance, Kieth. Thanks a lot. Glad we're not golfers--don't they have to replace the divots? An exhilarating session. But the poor vehicles....
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NEWS.Tank driving gift voucher holders will be entitled to a ride in either an impressive, fully kitted fire engine/ our ex RAF Thornycroft Mark 9 Rescue appliance (image shown) or the Humber armoured car, also known affectionally (not) as the pig. (Posted by Dylan)

Ready for the off!