NEC 2009
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This is one of the most prestigious shows in the classic car calendar and is held over 3 days in 3 halls at the NEC Birmingham it attracts visitors from all over Europe. The daunting task of organizing this event in the guild circle is ably done by Brian Creed a saltwort of the guild who, after the horns have sounded at the closing of this years show will start to think about next years event ! ! !
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This is not a show that you just turn up at, the stand has to be up and running by 21:00 hrs Thursday the cars then cannot be moved till 19:00 on the Sunday so if you fancy being part of this event see Brian but you must be committed as accommodation, transport to/from the arena must all be considered
I arrived on the campsite on the Wednesday with the trusty old Minster set up then off back home on the train to Derby where I was collected by Mr B in his Mk2 taken home picked up the Two door and straight back to the campsite this little task bearing in mind that the camping area is only 60 miles from home took all day . . . A meal followed and it was off to bed.
Thursday and up with the lark and to see what state the Two door was in seeing that it rained all the way to the camping area as well as all night. It was not a pretty sight the red car was black at the front and grey at the back. It was soon cleaned and all was well. Next to arrive was John Barton followed in by Brian Creed the latter being discovered going towards the Park and Ride in Coventry I wonder what he planned to do there ! ! ! He reckoned he put the wrong digit in the sat nav.
Once all was set up my Minster was taken up to the event and parked in the allotted car park this was going to be the shuttle vehicle for the week-end Camel was the next to arrive Kempy should have been next but had a bit of a do in the services with a relay that he had neglected to change after it failed some weeks before, its one of them things yes i`ll change it but it works fine for a while so it gets forgotten.
It was then off to the NEC a convoy of Granadas heading through Jaguar territory marvellous ! ! !
We were soon directed to our allotted area next to arrive was Alan Andrews in his Mk1 then Chris and Sue Magnus in their Mk1 Piranha which has a tale to tell on its own. A new water pump had been fitted to the said vehicle and subsequently leaked. Undaunted they hired a trailer, next problem what to tow it with so they hired a van.
God knows what they spent on the week end but that’s dedication . . . .
Kempy finally arrived and the stand was set up a lot of club stands tend to fence off there allotted area we on the other hand left everything open this makes it easier for the public to wander around
Over the three days the stand was constantly busy with at least 20 people on the stand at any one time. A good guild presence was represented with members coming and going all week end a big thank you to all who attended also a warm welcome to all the new members that joined us over the week end.
It is as I have said before a big commitment to do this event we were on the road at 08:15 in the morn and not getting back to the camping area till 8 in the evening but the time soon passed
Our neighbours here was the Fiesta club along side with the 100e club and the Mk1 Cortina club over the way the banter was well amusing . . . .
Next years event is scheduled for the same week end this being the 12–14 November. The application form is in so we just have to wait till next May to see if we have been allocated a stand, if you think that you fit the bill for this extravaganza please contact me, [Brian Creed] and let me know your intentions.
Regards,
Brian Creed
