NEC Classic Car Show October 2004

An Organisers View

As I stood and reflected on the events of the show it was hard to know where to begin. What were the highlights? How could I adequately describe, for instance, the impact of the surprise appearance of Prince Charles and Jordan at the "Dream Rides" parade on the Friday morning? Of course I had to refuse to allow them to take part but both had joined the Bears in the hope of being allowed to be part of the event next year. Maybe build up day, when the stand came together without a problem and all the display cars arrived at 2 p.m. and I was able to get home before 5p.m. and relax for the evening. There was the shows 3 days with not just all the Dream rides cars coming as promised but every one brought a mate with an even more exotic car. Perhaps the arrival of the entire production run of MacLaren F1 road cars, which we had to park outside because 20 Jaguar XJ220s had appeared just minutes before. Even turning away Jenson Button, David Coultard, and a German guy waving a Ferrari flag hadn't effected dramatically the amount raised as the weather had been unusually warm and sunny throughout the show. With £20,000 banked after the first day, it was no surprise when we had counted out £30,000 on the Saturday night. In fact counting kept us so late on the stand that we had nearly missed being voted "Club of the Year", "Best Stand", "Best Web Site" and "Best Magazine" at the Classic and Sportscar Awards reception. And to cap it all we had raised another £50,000 on the Sunday to make the total for the show £100,000. I was helping to count it when the alarm clock went off and spoilt it all.

The reality was it was 4.45a.m. on a cold dark Friday morning and it was raining. By 6a.m. Diane and I were on Centenary Square waiting the arrival of the cars for the parade to the NEC. Despite the rain 25 "Dream Rides" cars turned up. Fortified by Bacon Baps and coffee the drivers all looked forward to the expected trouble free run to the show. Unfortunately the police were conspicuous by their absence so we had to make it on our own. Despite this, a plan was soon at hand and after Boo had posed seductively with an umbrella in each hand, we set out with the Lord Mayor waving his flag. I didn't see it myself but I am told that due to the wet surface of the Square Paul Baileys F40 had difficulty getting traction and much to his surprise his back end swung round through 360 degrees before he could react.(at least 8 times). All made it to the show and by 11 everything was on stream.

Friday was a quiet day with the number of people prepared to pay an extra £5 show entry limited. As a result we only banked about £4,000. Saturday and Sunday was much more as expected in terms of show attendance however it rained most of Saturday resulting in some of the cars being limited in the runs they could offer. Sunday was better and by the final whistle the weekends activity had put over £23,000 in the Charity account. Once we have the final figure the money will be divided up between, Acorns Children's Hospice, Children's Hospice South West, Mayfield School and ILEAP.

Whilst the whole weekend was a team effort it is appropriate to mention some of the individual achievements that contributed to the success. Paul, once he had got his F40 rear end sorted, did 55 runs each raising £75. Richard brought along Paul's old Lambo Diabilo, which he now owns, and did 18 runs in one day. Robert Goodchild and David Hartell got soaked on the Saturday driving their open cars in the pouring rain. Colin did his usual masterminding of the Bear raffle, each of the 3 days, resulting in £740 going into the pot and Heather and her helpers sold over £1,000 worth of regalia.

Nigel and other Bears had a clear out of magazines which people were invited to help themselves to in return for a voluntary contribution. This added a further £213 and created a lot more space in the homes concerned.

Paul Clark's firm, Clarkprint provided the Rides tickets as usual and the Centre Exhibitions gave the Bears great facilities and support.

The stand offered both a haven for the "Bears" and a static display to attract the crowds. We were lucky to get 4 rather special cars to show. Porsche Great Britain loaned us their own 550 spyder RS valued at £250,000. Noble loaned us the M14 pre-production car, which had previously only been seen at the motor show and Goodwood. Gaydon provided the Escort Mexico that won the London to Sydney world cup rally and Jensen an SV8.

Taken overall the outcome of the "Bears" efforts at the show was little short of magnificent. Everyone, who helped, in any way, should feel proud. Given that this was a new show for "Dream Rides" the final results were remarkable, particularly as we had had a 2 year gap in the continuity of the activity at the NEC. Several invitations, to take the activity to other venues, were received and help and advice given to others who considered copying the format. Do not be surprised to hear of similar activities taking place in such locations as the Channel Islands and Canada as well as other parts of England and Wales.

Finally, my personal thanks to all those who played any part in the activity. From those who offered words of encouragement or appreciation to those who rolled up their sleeves at the show and those who had to wring them out. Whatever you did feel proud of what you achieved at the NEC. At present it looks as though we will be invited to 2 shows at the NEC next year so we will have the chance to set new bench marks for "Dream Rides" and possibly exceed to £27,000 we raised 2 years ago. Thanks and watch this space.

Mick Bryan