NEC 2024

Its always a lengthy wait to see if FTC-GB has been successful in being granted "Stand Space" for the annual November Classic Car Show. Having applied in December 2023, Clubs / Groups are chosen in late May / June and for the 4th year we were delighted to be chosen again. I chose to raise money once again for EDALE MOUNTAIN RESCUE for our Charity Donation, for their selfless work they do for those in need which personally i find quite inspiring. Plus its an area close to my heart in the Peak District I have enjoyed for many many years particularly days out walking the hills and valleys with Maggie our dog. My aim year on year is to have a target of £500+, selling unwanted parts and buying and selling on Ebay etc. Its a welcome task I commit to each winter time and it usually involves many transactions to raise funds. I was hoping we could meet up with the same volunteers as last time if possible, and to have lunch with us too afterwards (see photos). I wanted to alter the format of my experience at the NEC Show this year too by setting our "Stand" up a full day earlier than normal so I could enjoy it more. As I rarely have the opportunity to view the vast array of exhibits, as I'm committed to be on Stand answering all Taunus related questions! It seems to take me around 2 hours to carefully load up the 20M RS with all the Stand Equipment and Merchandise. As I set off for the 100+ mile journey and my word it was a joy rattling down the M1 and M42 with no queues to enter the NEC complex. With a 6 hour window to assemble the Stand I was done by the allotted 6pm closing time of the Hall and a short walk to the usual Hotel on site, and time to relax. Thursday morning at 8.00am is when it all kicks off with some 3,000 exhibits entering the 5 Halls and Stands being built well into the evening. So with a hearty breakfast I set off down inside the complex early to view the car arrivals and chat with some owners too, and it was awe inspiring the noise and atmosphere was superb and very enjoyable all day long! With feverish activity it was great seeing exhibitors construct their stands and soon the empty halls were full! To have Pete Goodman on Stand with me once again was a great pleasure as his enthusiasm is relentless and infectious all weekend showing those interested the work completed on his ongoing 1963 P3 17m. Over the years I have built up quite a comprehensive stash of merchandise, you name it and I probably have it to suit most tastes plus everything is reduced in price for the duration of the Show too! (See Photo) The ever present ...Tauni...our Club Rep draws in people for selfies with her and its a fun thing many enjoy as I try to catch up with Members who attend the Stand and Show. (See Photo) Surprisingly several previous show visitors to our Stand were very impressed with Pete's P3, and the work he has completed on it so far very commendable. Time burns away talking with fellow Ford enthusiasts each day, as FTC-GB has a niche presence here at this prestigious UK show with regular visitors year on year visiting. And once again for the 3rd year running we had the pleasure of Sarah Crabtree ( director of evoke classics) on Stand on the Saturday. Courtesy of the Retro Ford Team of Andy Ellis on Camera duties and of course John Waide as Editor, for the Photo Shoot opportunity bringing the crowds to a standstill once more! A marvellous moment captured by Andy! This year I have raised £516.74 for E.M.Rescue with the Secret Reveal being with Sarah. My 4 year rolling Charity Donations.... to.... 3.... Very worthy Recipients  🚁⛵🧗‍♀️ YORKSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE...HUMBER RESCUE...EDALE MOUNTAIN RESCUE TOTAL Raised to date £2,150.15...💰 Dec 1st it was wonderful to meet the same 3 Members of EMR treating them to lunch & drinks too!

Roy Townsend...Club Sec. with photos 📸 by Andy Ellis, and the Show Report in RETRO FORD  from John Waide (Editor). Plus of course our special guest revealing our Charity Donation, Sarah Crabtree.