NEC 2013 - (15-18 Nov) - be afraid, be very afraid

[Caffiend]

if we get a stand next year - and I think that's quite a big if at the moment.

From NEC official website applications page - I can't imagine it would be any different in 2013:

"If the application is successful (we begin the acceptance/allocation process in the early Spring - there is no hard and fast criteria but the space available to us is limited, so not every application is successful - we're usually over-subscribed but we do try to squeeze in as many as we can and 'rotate the content' somewhat in order to keep the event 'fresh' each year), club space is free of charge on the condition that participating clubs promote the show to their members (via an ad we send to be printed in newsletters etc) and that clubs do not retail anything other than club branded goods and regaila [sic] at the show."

Obviously we can and will (and already are ) promoting the 2013 show here, but we haven't really got a "special" year next year (I think two 30s in a row might be pushing our luck, although I do have every intention of putting the UK launch 30th anniversary on the form). So it does seem to be lap of the gods.

[Dollywobbler]

Bear in mind that the Yugo club got in last year, and were there again (with a great selection of cars) this year too. I think it would be right to say that a lot of visitors were very pleased to see us there as a club too. It wouldn't be a lie judging by the feedback we all got.

[Caffiend]

Aye, but given that there are already 3 other Citroen clubs that are regular attendees, I don't want to count our chickens.

[Tim Leech]

Its 30 years of the BX in the UK next year....and 20 years since the last hatch backs rolled off the production line!

[saintjamesy89]

I'm with Paul. carpets (or other such suitable flooring) would make the stand look SO much better! The floor was bloody awful, and I anint polishing that!

I'm sure the GT would enjoy an outing by that point next year

Really enjoyed the event, seeing friends and putting new faces to names

[Birotor]

I am 'in', in any capacity "Personnel" or what ever, plus laminated blurbs on cars. We know what the drill is, so as S said to me, decide what the concencus is, then it gets delegated and we get on with things with no moaning and groaning. This year was my 8th on a club stand. I think Sandre is a super choice to conduct the "orchestra"!
I should say that there is some feeling in CCC that our status as a club is questionable as we do not have a management structure or subscription. That attitude irritates me as the web based interest group IS the future of motor clubs. If BX Club gets in I am in. My same contri to the Public Liability Policy would be forth coming idc.

[Birotor]

Have just had my daughter (who did this year's Birthday cake) offer her immaculate 'basic' October 1989 White (blanc meije) 80,000 mile) BX14TGE if we get a stand.

[Dollywobbler]

I should say that there is some feeling in CCC that our status as a club is questionable as we do not have a management structure or subscription. That attitude irritates me as the web based interest group IS the future of motor clubs. If BX Club gets in I am in. My same contri to the Public Liability Policy would be forth coming idc.

I think that sums up very nicely just why BX Club exists as a separate entity and why 2CVGB was set up 34 years ago.

Ok, so it is a bit odd to call ourselves BX Club when there's no formal club, but BX forum doesn't have the right ring to it.

As for flooring, all I'd say is that it can be expensive. I'll ask 2CVGB how much theirs cost though. Tiles are hideous (as used on the Matra stand) but 2CVGB had much larger sections of carpet, as well as that jazzy bit of lino.

I'm personally not that fussed about flooring, but was surprised at how much difference it makes if you just run some tape around your 'border.' The Rover stand next to us did this, as did the Traction Owners Club.

[citsncycles]

I should say that there is some feeling in CCC that our status as a club is questionable as we do not have a management structure or subscription.

and

Ok, so it is a bit odd to call ourselves BX Club when there's no formal club, but BX forum doesn't have the right ring to it.

Whether other organisations think we're a club is immaterial, it's how we think of ourselves that counts. Personally, I think that Club is a more accurate description than Forum, as we do more than just chat on here, but have now had several meetings and rallies. I think Mark also discovered that there were other Clubs at the NEC that were a similar set up to ours.

I've been a CCC member on and off for 16 years, and have friends who have been involved for much longer. The Club does seem to have a history of being resistant to the changing requirements for each model, and those who look down on BXC would do to remember that if the CCC was more proactive towards these requirements then there may not have been a need for BXC, 2CVGB, or even TOC for that matter.

As for the NEC - assuming we get a stand, I'm currently available all weekend, and will be happy to help in any way

[Caffiend]

Well said Mike

And application sent this morning

[Birotor]

What matters is of course not what dinosaur clubs think, nor the NEC for that matter but what what the Sponsor "Classic & Sportscar " thinks about us. I just worry about someone putting in a bit of poison... I totally agree with Mike S and there definitely WERE other "clubs" like us eg Porsche Enthusiasts Club with which Porsche Club GB (of which I have been an official for over 20 years) have a rapprochement - and had adjoining stands. So fingers crossed!

[Caffiend]

What matters is of course not what dinosaur clubs think, nor the NEC for that matter but what what the Sponsor "Classic & Sportscar " thinks about us.

Got it in one Eoin.

Just to check I didn't miss anything vital, I did run draft responses past a few people (please don't be offended if you weren't included - if I'd asked everyone the bloody form would never have got sent!)

The cold harsh truth is that all the sponsor(s) want to hear is "ker-ching", not fluff about how we are deserving amateurs who did a great job with minimal resources (even though we did). I did put in a 'thanks for this year, we all had a fantastic time' warm fuzzy, but have otherwise focussed the very short (they will be getting a lot of mail and essays would antagonise) covering e-mail on the fact that BX values are increasing: a few nice/rare examples have recently sold for in excess of £2K, and that we had considerable interest from potential buyers looking for an 'entry level' (i.e. still affordable, reasonably readily available parts/expertise) classic as well as from nostalgia buffs. All of which are of course true.

General Booth said that the only problem with tainted money is that there t'ain't enough of it. The ends justify the means in this case IMO: people will hopefully get to see our lovely cars, we will get to show them off, which makes people made happy and the world, therefore, a slightly better place.

[Dollywobbler]

I think we're well regarded amongst the C&SC folk. They're big Citroen nuts and I wouldn't be surprised to see a BX join their staff fleet at some point in the future. No promises, but I know at least one of them is very keen...

[Dollywobbler]

Did a bit of digging. Turns out that leylandprincess.co.uk and the Rover 800 club were both at the show and neither are a proper club. The Prinny club has only 400 members. If you define 'bunch of enthusiasts' as a club, then we're a club!

[mds141]

The Rover 200,(tomcat) club are just an internet based club like ours. They imparted a few tips to Mike H and myself. As stated by others, internet based clubs seem to be the future of car clubs.