The MMOC at the NEC
Susan Akrill MMOC Branch Liaison Officer
"Why would anyone want to go to the NEC Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show every November? If you have never been and wonder why thousands of enthusiast’s flock to it year upon year, then perhaps it’s time to take a look for yourself at what’s on offer ‘Within these Halls’!
There are more things than shiny old motor cars and bikes (some not so shiny or not that old) to see. Whatever you are looking for you will find. From American Cadillac’s to the humble Bubble Car. Live Shows and car builds, wild rides for charity with Sporting Bears, celebrity TV presenters.
This show is for young and old so there literally is something for everyone, it just goes on and on. To make a list of all things that those who go to enjoy would run over several pages, so perhaps I will just stick to a few of the many highlights. One thing I can guarantee though if you do this show end to end you will certainly get good value for your money."
The first thing everyone has is the anticipation of what they will see, who they get to meet and information they can gather. When walking into that first Hall the atmosphere is almost tangible, the buzz is something I can’t describe to you, you really have to go and feel it for yourself! The MMOC have had a constant and extremely successful presence over many years, our stands are well known for imagination and content often linked to the theme of the shows, over this time we have won many converted Awards to put under our belt to prove this. All are proudly displayed at our Derby HQ.
So, what’s our stand and our continued presence all about? Basically, it’s all about you our members and for everyone with an interest in the Morris Minor, it’s as simple as that. We aim to promote the unique quality that the MMOC has, and this quality is the feeling of belonging to something that is way more than just another ‘car club’. It’s the constant support, information and ‘being there’ to help in any way we can. Friendships forged over the years, meeting and welcoming those new to us with the same commitment that we give to all our members.
By visiting our stand, it gives everyone a chance to come and meet a lot of us in person, tell us your views and even on the odd occasion your woes! It’s about putting names to email and telephone voices, to share stories of cars past and present. To get technical help and information on a one-to-one basis, sound valuation advice and all our other activities, I really don’t think there is anything that one of the Team can’t answer on the spot, if not we can always find out while you are taking the weight of your feet and having a coffee! Our main aim is to meet you all and help as much as we possibly can. Opportunities for new recruits to the MMOC membership to get to know what we are all about and why our club is such great value for money.
Talking of money, new members who join us at the show are given a first-year discount on membership and a surprise goodie bag, we are also one club that does not believe in a joining fee, you don’t even need a Morris Minor to come and join our happy band, so if that’s not a good deal I really don’t know what is! Still not convinced? Read on…. Now speaking from a slightly more feminine angle, I personally like to drive a Morris Minor, that’s really where my expertise stops with the car, although I can about recognise a Radiator and Rocker Cover. You may wonder where I’m going with this so let me explain…..
We often get reluctant wives or partners hauled onto our stand where their other half talks all things Morris for what seems like an age and spoken mostly in a foreign language while they look round aimlessly for some sort of distraction! I can say hand on heart that most of these poor souls when one of us realising their dilemma can explain that we are not all about cars at all but take a great pride in the social side of things that we do, the fun things for everybody and how we get involved on a friendship level while the boring bit (for many of us anyway) is taking place, like several ‘scratching’ heads are under a Morris Minor bonnet wondering why the ‘timing’ is out! Some we have even added on as a Family Member before they leave us, this is something we do that I know all involved are proud of, to generate enthusiasm for our passion.
We have a great reputation for our hospitality at the shows too, although we will have to see how the last 18 months will affect this…..
If you fancy doing a little early Christmas present buying our Merchandise Team are also on hand with gifts for him and for her, we have everything from monogramed clothing lines to the smaller items of pin badges and gear knobs. A comprehensive book range and jigsaw puzzles, we also cater for the younger family members. In fact, we have something for everyone and all at a price range to suit anyone’s pocket.
I do hope that this has encouraged you to come along to the show, ofcourse we are only one of the many, many attractions……but if you are already an MMOC member or considering becoming one we are definitely the best!!!
