Meet the Staff

Gary Bates Gary Bates

Proprietor		 Started messing about with scooters at the age of about 13 led on by his notorious brother. Bought his first moped (a Raleigh runabout) for £15, got it roadworthy and then sold it for £25. Progressed to a Honda graduate moped, paying £35, rebuilt the engine during the 11 months of ownership and after a coat of silver hammerite on the exhaust sold it for £49! Maybe this is where he gets his TR dealing skills from - or is it the fact that his great great grandfather was a horse trader- who knows? A real petrol head, owns amongst other cars a TR3a and a TR5 which are used regularly. Other hobbies include hill walking, cycling, circuit training, off road motor biking and scuba diving. Will generally have ago at anything especially if it looks dangerous or means that you might get hurt. Lives with his wife Leanne, and their 3 children, also have an older daughter who has flown the nest.
Richard Dempster Richard Dempster

Workshop Manager		 If Gary is described as a petrol head you should see Richard. He owns and has built more classic cars than you can shake a stick at. He met Gary about 20 something years ago when rebuilding a Spitfire. Gary was struggling to assemble a pre-cast concrete garage one day (the first TRGB workshop) Richard offered to lend a hand - and somehow never left! His TR knowledge is unrivalled. He could probably assemble a TR in a coal hole in the dark. He has full control of all workshop matters and when not house restoring, his Hobbies include classic cars, making cars go faster, photography (often of cars) hill/mountain walking, cinema, golf and cycling.
Tim Clifford Tim Clifford

Workshop		 Painted Gary's TR5 the first time round - 20 something years ago. Highly skilled panel beater and paint sprayer. Cuts, welds, beats and does amazing things to body's, chassis and bumpers. Tim has been with TRGB almost as long as Richard. By far the most tidy person in the workshop, which is just as well as no one else is! Methodical and accurate in his work, will not be hurried, but the results are well worth it. Can also turn his hand to all things mechanical as well if and when required. Married with 2 boys, Tim coaches and referee's local lads football.
Rob Cains Rob Cains

Stores		 Another car enthusiast Bob is currently messing about with several landrovers, some run some don't! Bob in conjunction with Chris runs the stores and buys and sources the parts for TRGB. He tries in vain to keep the computer stock levels up to date, and to ensure that they match the stock on the shelf- a more than difficult task! Very dedicated to his job and customer care he is often the man that gets to the phone first. His hobbies include walking, and I mean serious walking not just to the pub! Cycling, and again across England, not just local stuff. He also enjoys cinema and golf. Like everyone else he has been here a very long time, about 10 year's active punishment, I mean service!
Chris Shaw Chris Shaw

Stores and Sales		 Yes he really is called Mr C. Shaw! Almost as bad as Master Bates, but not quite. The man with the white smile, Chris runs the stores with Bob and also has a huge input on the cars sales front. Very enthusiastic about his job Chris is also now messing about with landrovers, He changes his everyday car - well almost every day - Like all the other staff he can often be found here out of hours working on his own car. His hobbies include renovating old furniture, cars (of course!) motorbikes, keeping fit (ok that one was a joke!) cinema and golf. He hates driving left hand drive cars and has been with TRGB for many years
Jason Wright Jason Wright

Workshop		 The new kid on the block, Jason comes from a well established classic car specialist. Jason has worked on and restored many classic cars including Triumph TVR and Jaguar to name but a few. He has a wealth of classic car experience and has fitted in so well it seems like he has been here for years. Another petrol head he is never happier than if he is up to the door handles in mud in his trusty off road Landrover discovery, which is also his daily runabout.
Karen Willis Karen Willis

Accounts		 Tries to make sense of all the paperwork, fends off the creditors and chases the debtors, and yes answers the phone if she is here and we are all too busy. Karen lives locally and has two (almost) grown up boys. She loves fast cars and traded her last Alfa in for an Astra turbo which apparently does over 150 mph - but not with any of us in it! Karen redistributes the gravel in the car park on departure. She is self employed and does the books for many other local firms. She has a keen sense of fun and gets involved with all aspects of the business. Hobbies include fast cars, golf, cinema and taking care of her sons; Oh... and rich men (only joking Karen!)
Trish Myers Trish Myers

Logistics		 Always has a smile on her face which is surprising since she mostly works with Bob and Chris! Frequently found singing (well that is what she calls it) at the back of the stores. Happily married with grown up children Trish has been a long standing member of the team, although she did take a break last year to clean 10,000 bricks from the old house - to raise money for the new house. Cheerful and enthusiastic, you won't find a better packed parcel.