HOC GB Classic Show  National Motorcycle Museum 

                                                                                          June 4th 2023

The Classic Secs had a vision for this year and that was to add to the HOC Classic Show in the South taking it around the country to make it easier for all branches to access. Earlier this year in February we had a great time at The Bristol and Classic Show  

So in June we had our first ever show at The National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham

 James Hewing and Dan Powell of  the NMM & Conference centre were incredibly helpful and positive about us being there. Nothing was too much trouble. On the day, a hardy group of Southerners assembled at the NMM before 8am and proceeded to build our base complete with new giant sail flags. And Ryan of the NMM staff was on the gate - on hand whenever we needed help. Steve Hill ushered the bikes into classic/non classic sections.  

We also had the help of the resident peacock who seemed to want to get involved.  

Another member is signed up by Graham Gull

Graham and Sarah & Chloe soon arrived to set up membership and regalia and having prepared the large area of the car park allocated to us we awaited our visitors. 

At first they trickled in but soon we were busy parking the concours entrants in the right bays and Zoe was kept busy booking in the  hopeful owners. It’s surprising how many people don’t know their registration numbers! A fantastic display of bikes began to be assembled

By 12.15 the number further swelled and the museum café had a steady flow of visitors wanting  refreshments.  

Shortly after this the judges (Andy Smith, Dave Thomas, Steve Cribbin and Tony Surridge) started their rounds.

 At times it was a hard decision but eventually agreement was reached. 

The prize giving was compered by Dave Thomas 

Steve congratulates Brian Lewis on his splendid Valkyrie

The trophies were hand made by Tony and Zoe—slate trophies for the 1st prize, wooden trophies for the 2nd prize and certificates for 3rd prize. We also had certificates for non members. 

Zoe presents Dave with one of his two awards - 1st prize for his GL1000. 

Dave also picked up 3rd prize for his NS400

Judges were excluded from any decision-making in any categories they themselves had entered bikes in!

Brian Beebee won best in show for his CB650K

Facts and figures:

Approx 70 people attended on 55 bikes of which  31 entered the concours.

Nine branches came along to support

 Nine new members were enlisted and £147.50 was spent on regalia. 

Durham branch supported the event

A couple more HOC Classics ... Stuart Hayes chats with Tony Pegg

Dave Andrews has owned his CB650 for 44 years!

And some interesting variations

PRIZE WINNERS

CLASS 1 UPTO 250CC

1st—Steve Cribbin—SS50

CLASS 2 251-500CC

1st—RVF 400—Owen Lloyd Davies

2nd—400 Dream—Charles Deakin

3rd—NS400—Dave Thomas

CLASS 3 501-750CC

1st– CB 650—Chris Beebee

2nd—CB750 K6—Trevor Jones

3rd—VFR—Brian Hudson

CLASS 4 751+ CC

1st –GL1000—Dave Thomas

2nd—FGC Valkyrie—Brian Lewis

3rd—Blackbird—Jason Handy

Non member— VF 1000R—Mick Yardley

 

BEST IN SHOW

CB650K—Chris Beebee

 


A couple of 750/4s

We welcome Non-members — VF 1000R—Mick Yardley

Photos are courtesy of Dan Walton  - here are a few more of his pix to give you a flavour for the day..

So all in all, a great day out and quite a success for our first show at the NMM. We were delighted to see this response on the Museum's own website when we wrote and thanked them. All good publicity for the HOC

And now we move on to the main event of the year - at The Sammy Miller Museum in the New Forest on Sunday 23rd July. Come along and join us - we hope to have Allan Millyard, Guy Willison and of Course Sammy himself

This is Martin Haenlein from West London Branch receiving 1st prize at last year's Sammy Miller Show - don't miss this year's event!