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MG Midget and Sprite General - MASC at the Classic Motor Show 11/12/13 November

The nights are drawing in so it must be time for The Heart Of England Group (was Wark's) to organise the Midget And Sprite Club stand at The Footman James Classic Motor Show at the NEC, Birmingham on 11/12/13 November 2011

This year to play our part in celebrating Midget 50, the 50 th anniversary of the BMC Midget and the Sprite Mark 2, we have been allocated an island stand, to show 8 stunning Spridgets - The Sectioned Midget from the Patrick Collection / Ken Cothliff Midget Mk 1 / Shaun & Michelle Walsh Midget Mk 3 RWA / Alan & Linda Pritchett Midget 1500 / Stuart Gunn and Rosemary Weston V8 4 wheel drive Midget / Graham & Sandra Goodall Frogeye Sprite with unique bonnet arrangement / Jim & Rosemarie Willis Sprite Mk 2 and Roger & Maggi Byford Lenham Coupe bodied Sprite, whose owners will be on hand most days to discuss their cars.

I am sure that there will be other clubs showing Spridgets at this great show and that reps will be along here shortly to advise on their line up.

You can book tickets on-line from the event website www.necclassicmotorshow.com or call the ticket hotline on 0871 230 1088 quoting the special code in your current club magazine to get discount tickets. As last year we recommend that you park, usually for free at one of the local stations and travel in cheaply by train to avoid the high NEC car parking charges (not the fault of Clarion Events) and the inevitable traffic congestion on site.

We can expect the usual BBS regulars 'invasion' at some time during the show, just let us know when you are all coming guys !

As usual a warm welcome awaits ALL SPRIDGET enthusiasts to who come onto stand 7C44. Please do come and introduce yourselves to chat about our favourite cars.



John M Platt

(unless it's finally in for its very overdue respray)

all 3 days my Spridget will be offering 10 mile passenger rides (outside the NEC Complex) for a donation to charity with the Sporting Bears Dream Rides - http://www.sportingbears.org.uk/DreamRides/sbmc_eventsDreamRidePressRelease.htm

they could also be a Midget 1500

this year I wont have the fan belt slip off at the top of Coleshill forcing my passenger to take a lift back to the show . . . in a Jag XJ220

anyone wanting to see how well a Spridget can go send them over to me

if anyone here wants to know how a 5-speed box and/or Frontline front and rear suspension drive then bring your insurance certificate with you and I'll drive you out and you can drive back

anyone who just wants to see what an idiot like me looks like or say hello then just pop across most know me and my wife, Sheila - we're easy to identify as we're both tall, slim and atheletic (not)

I'll pop across to the MASC stand again during quiet periods
Nigel At

Booked my ticket today for Saturday 12th. I did it online as I found that the telephone booking line was hopeless. "All our operatives are busy, your call will be answered soon". I gave up after waiting five minutes as I was gradually losing the will to live as well as my club discount being eaten up.(semi premium line). It may be an easier option to just turn up and queue for a ticket.
Anyway, I've got it and my train ticket, so I'll look forward to seeing some faces from on here.

Bernie.
b higginson

Quite interested in coming along, which day(s) are the best to aim for?
Be coming down from Edinburgh (maybe in the Midget, who knows!) so will need to book it all up beforehand.

Ta!
-Craig
C Robertson

Craig,
IMO to avoid the crowds and be able to see more in more comfort Friday is by far the best but is at a higher price

Friday is more enthusiasts, Saturday and Sunday more general public

The train station is only a very short walk from the show halls

The roads around and in the NEC complex can get very busy especially at peak times

Car parking is at a cost (£8?) but is plentifull and part of the complex normally a short walk or a free bus service operates from all areas

NEC Traffic Control personel are strict but normally polite and freindly

depending on your interests there is so much to see you may strugggle to fit it into one day, again it would be easier on Friday

to see, hear, smell or even experience cars actually being driven then find us on the Sporting Bears Dream Rides - http://www.sportingbears.org.uk/DreamRides/sbmc_eventsDreamRidePressRelease.htm
Nigel At

Friday suits us better anyway so that's good. shame the MASC discount is only for Sat & Sun but there we go!
Well aware of the excellent work of the sporting bears, we have quite a few up here too, one of the MGA's is in the local mg club too.
Will see you there!
-C
C Robertson

Going down on Friday again with my dad. Last year was quite busy on the Friday compared to previous years, but it's still not half as busy as Sat/Sun when the pushchair brigade turn up in force.
Andy Barrass

Craig,
you must mean the crew of the Edinburgh MG Mafia, I know a few of them, and some know me enough not to admit to it

if the MGA owners are the ones I know they are backed up with one of Japan's fine sports models too

ETA: see you there
Nigel At

Went last year would recommend the friday more as saturday was busy and be prepared to que to pay for parking.
D Sartain

Good, good, everyone is saying Friday! I've booked accom and ticket for Friday. Just as well, I've got to high-tail it back to Edinburgh for a party on Saturday so worked in nicely. Well, fairly nicely, was hoping to be in the area for a bit longer but too many other engagements!
We're staying in Stratford-upon-avon, from a quick look it seems like taking the car to the NEC will be the easiest, train isn't direct, etc. Unless anyone has any tips for a good station to park & ride from?

Nigel, its the multi-denominational one run by the Kirkness's. Not sure what other motors these MGA owners have, don't know them that well as I drop in & out of the club rather than being an avid attender. And with spending the first half of this year under the midget, welding seemed more productive than talking about welding!

Sounds like there will be a fair number of us at the NEC, be good to meet people again.

See y'all there!
-Craig
C Robertson

Craig,
as the old joke goes if I was heading for the NEC I wouldn't start out from Stratford-on-Avon - but if I did I'd allow plenty of time or start out very early

or go after the rush hour and aim to get to the NEC late morning more relaxed

as for the club and people, yeap they are them, Tony and Iris were members already when we went on our first Bear's tour and my wife passengered with Tony in his (then) new MGF thinking he'd be quite a steady driver :)

last year I was amazed when I got away with just a quiet reply when asking Mrs Grrumpy why they hadn't checked for oil pipe chaffing on their freshly rebuilt V8 engine, I thought I'd lit the blue touch paper (on purpose)

if you have time pop over and say hello, the Mafia wont be there I don't think as they're normally there Saturday and Sunday
Nigel At

Just a tip for those going by car on Sat or Sun: park at the railway station car park - it's £5 for the day and can be a shorter walk to the Halls.

David
David Wardell

Craig - I would definately recommend that you drive to Hampton-in-Arden railway station, park and travel in by train 1 stop to B'ham International and walk into the halls. You will not spend the £8 NEC parking charge or encounter the frustrating traffic queues
John M Platt

It's a fantastic event and seriously, 1 day will not do the show justice....

The MASC stand will draw you like a magnet as will the MGCC and MGOC stands.

Check out the Autojumble too, I've found many a rare part on the privateers stands... :-)

Enjoy, wish I was going...

Mark.
M T Boldry

Thanks for the tip John, that's was the sort of idea I was thinking of. Went to Leuchars airshow the other week and it was a similar thing but they ran park & ride buses which were SOOO simple! couldn't resist a smile as we drove past the vast queue of cars trying to get out of the airfield!

Would ideally have gone for a couple of days but otehr events have conspired against that. So plan is to go one day this year and then make better plans based on that for next year!

Cheers!
-Craig
C Robertson

Craig,
this video is from the Saturday last year it will give you some idea of the early crowds - it gets busier later - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySSq-AenFvE
Nigel At

hmm, might be worth getting there early then. However, if the dolly-bird at 00:35 is wander up & down the queue it might not be so bad!! ;-)
C Robertson

Difficult to believe that in 2 weeks time we will have spent the day setting up ! - Slight change to our line up as Roger Byford will not have his Lenham ready in time but is bringing his Ashley GT which will be a new one for me.

We are repeating our "Spridget Sales & Wants Board" which was so successfull last year, so bring your items on a postcard and we will stick it on the board. We already have a complete Sebring Sprite Kit for sale.

MASC are again having a Show Offer of membership for only £27.50 with no joining fee.

Still awaiting news of the traditional BBS invasion, when are you planning to come guys ?
John M Platt

Also see the competition in this month's mascot as there are seven tickets (for all three days) to give away.
The question is really very easy.
Gary & Gaps

We are staying in a hotel nearby on the Thursday night and will be at the NEC at opening time friday.

Is there any advantgae to getting the tickets by post. Will it be busy at the ticket desk first thing on Friday.

eddie
Eddie Cairns

Hey Gary, do you mean November's MASCOT? Haven't had it yet. This is Wales!
YHM by the way.
Neil
Neil K

Nobody has it yet and it took me so long to put together that it will most probably arrive through your letter boxes by midweek at earliest. My apologies to everyone including those of you in Wales.
Gary & Gaps

The November 'NEC Special' edition of MASCOT has just arrived in deepest Warwickshire - This special copy highlights all 8 of the cars on the Midget & Sprite Club stand at next weekends NEC show, with a great cover of some of the early brochures.

Another superb copy. How Gary manages to produce this quality 100% Spridget magazine each month amazes me, whilst selling some of Londons most desirable properties during the day. Gary is one of several MASC officers who give their time so freely to run MASC, unfortunately unlike the other clubs there are no paid positions !

Extra copies have been printed for the show so visit stand 7C44 if you are attending and pick up a copy FOC. For those unable to get to the show I am sure that new membership secretary Stuart Watson will post you a copy if you contact him at membership 'at' midgetandspriteclub.co.uk
John M Platt

All tickets in the competition have now been won.
Gary & Gaps

He He :)
Neil K

I will be there on Friday. If anyone wants to buy a set of silicone hoses for a downflow radiator car in ORANGE let me know!
Daniel Thirteen-Twelve

Just back from setting up, all our 8 stunning cars are safely installed on the stand. Setting up this year was much quicker than usual so we must be getting good at it - Only now have to finalise the rota for the 29 guys and girls who are giving up their time to man the stand. Plenty of other Sprites & Midgets spotted this year on the AH & MG clubs stands very near to us.

No indication yet of when the BBS 'invasion' is taking place, any plans guys ? You will all be very welcome to come and talk Spridget during the 3 days

The remaining stock of MASC regalia is on sale for half price to clear - We have a supply of the new grille badges which are hot off the press and of course we have plenty of MASCOTS to give away foc including a 'Show Special'

Please bring your "Spridget Sales & Wants" on a postcard for our board which is free

As usual all Spridget enthusiasts are very welcome on stand 7C44 for a chat, looking forward to meeting you all

John M Platt

I'll pop over when we're quiet our end

whether at my age I'll remember even an easy name like John after the morning rush of drivers registration I'm not sure

here's to tomorrow
N Atkins

I am led to believe that there are a handful of grille badges from Midget50 for sale at the club stands for those who might have missed out on earlier this year - not many though as they were a great seller!
rachmacb

just on our way now, might see you there, cheers
N Atkins

I'm going on Saturday, so if any other BBSers are there, any special time to meet on the MASC stand?

Bernie.
b higginson

traditionally it's always been 1.00pm. I'll be there Sunday only this years
Gary & Gaps

OK then. 1PM Saturday. I'll be there, will anyone else?

Bernie.
b higginson

We'll try to remember to be there for 1pm tomorrow. Always get embroiled elsewhere then remember at 2 ish... doh!

Andrew
Andrew McGee

End of the first day and the busiest Friday ever. The show is now really very big and you would struggle to see it all in one day. This years show is really 2 shows split by a very univiting tunnel which gives the impression of them and us ! - Make sure you visit both halves.

Very good to meet up with Nigel from Sporting Bears who are tucked away a little this year and need highlighting to support this worthwile charity. Your chance to have a ride in a Midget if you are contemplating buying one.

Left over from Midget50 we have grille badges reduced to £6, a few rally plates for offers and programmes foc.

Early to bed tonight as its a long 9.00 am to 7.00 pm day tomorrow but looking forward to meeting more of you and the first BBS invasion.
John M Platt

John nice to meet you and chat, thanks for your help

I'm a fraid my wife's feet suddenly started to ache reminding her that she at least had been very busy all day and still had more to do before sleep
N Atkins

Another great day on stand 7C44 - Perhaps not as busy as last years Saturday due to us being almost at the end of a long trek, seemingly only the dedicated reaching us ! - However several new memberships taken and plenty of interesting conversations with Spridget enthusiasts. We actually had previous owners appear for 3 of our display cars which helps to fill in gaps for their owners history.

Good to meet up again at lunchtime with Bernie who represented the BBS.

No 'personalities' today unlike yesterday when legendry racer Barrie 'Whizzo' Williams and former British Rally champion Russell Brookes arrived almost together, both now Spridget owners.

Nigel called in again at the end of the day having been busy giving rides to potential Spridget owners supporting the Sporting Bears charity who have had a terrific day.

The show has been open until 7.00 pm each evening but this has not been well supported by the public as we have had at least the last hour to ourselves.

We even have a Frogeye for sale on the MASC stand which is prepared for light competition and has the early Donald Healey disc brake and wire wheel conversion and has only covered 1,000 miles since a total restoration.

Our "Sales & Wants" board is proving very popular and is now almost full with only Spridget items, cars and spares.

Hope to see more of you tommorrow, it really is a supper show, well worth a visit with this year plenty of Spridgets around the halls.
John M Platt

No prizes for identifiying this Midget from the MASC stand at the show. It has had a lovely new paint job to replace the ravages of thousands of "Oh I do wish THIS was mine" fingers over the last few years

And how do you like the subtle shadow logo? One of several hidden deep in the paint I think it is brilliant.

The car? Well. You tell me...

:)

Bill 1

Which car did I want?

Dozens, a couple of very tasty Porkers for a start, the odd F'rarry and a nice Hawk Estate, but my own best bu(y)ild was this monster


Ish



It appealed to my dark side :)

Bill 1

Bill,
You need to stay off the cheese late at night!:)
I'm still not sure about the 4wd V8. As apiece of engineering its fantastic and I suspect if I went for a spin in it I'd be totally sold. I just feel the Spridget's lines don't accomodate quite such a modern pumped up look. I do wish he'd fit a tonneau cover as well. Every time I've seen it it doesn't look quite finished for that reason. Petty I know! The paint effects look the part though.
Matt1275Bucks

No cheese tonight

And I have been for that ride, it is remarkable (best Murray Walker impression needed here)


And I wish there was a half tonneau on it too :(
Bill 1

By the way, that black car was a Hilman Imp.
Great show, great effort from John and the team on the MASC stand. I'm not sure how much bigger the show can get as it's now more than a day's worth of cars to see.
Very moving at 11.00am on Sunday when the complete show came to a stop. It really looked like someone had taken a still photograph for the one minutes silence. Nobody moved and you could hear a pin drop.
Gary & Gaps

Its all over for another year, the 4 days including set up really do go very quickly.

Thanks for your kind comments as we really are a very small team and do try our best. Very pleased to receive comments from visitors on how friendly we all are and how they appreciate meeting the display car owners, being encouraged to sit in the cars and look under the bonnet. No absent owners and fences around our stand !

The 'sales & wants' board was again very popular and had filled up by Sunday morning with lots of bargain parts and even some complete cars, many were seen writing down phone numbers.

Again as last year our guys kept nipping off to visit the Hammerite stand but never returned with any paint ! - Does anyone know why and Bill (press) did you take any photos ?

Again its been a tremendous show, perhaps now too large but an absolute pleasure to meet and speak to so many interesting Spridget folk.

My thanks to the Display Car owners for providing 8 stunning Spridgets and to the 30 Guys & Gals from MASC who so freely give their time to man the stand.

We will do it all again next year but not by me as after 6 years I am handing over to Alan Pritchett but will probably be in the background.

John M Platt

Now then John, why did no one point out that folks were vanishing for hours untold, I could have checked it out for you. it would have been a pleasure to be able to put your mind to rest.

A few facts about the show have come to hand (acktually a lot, I'll precis..)

"Estimated visitor numbers: over 47,000 is a conservative estimate (45,000 in 2010). We won't have a combined Top Gear Live visitor number for around two weeks."

"Total area covered by the show: 70,000 square metres"

big huh?

"Total number of clubs: 230 (190 in 2010)
Total number of cars: 1,400
Total number of bikes: 300
Total number of exhibitors: 576
Total number of trade stands 346
Total number of Dealers: 32 "

I didn't get to see lots of those :(

"Sporting Bears' Dream Rides fundraising: £34,000-36,000"

Well done Nigel and your mates, that is an outstanding achievement.

"Andy Rouse, Show Manager, said: "2011 has surpassed all our expectations and once again the bar has been raised in terms of the cars, the bikes, and the overall presentation. From seeing the traders in action and business being done at the show, it proves the UK classic motoring movement continues to be bouyant in the current economic climate. "

These quotes were released after the show yesterday, blimey it was big. My feet is a killin' me :)

Great to meet so many good people at the NEC.


Lots of facts and figures to digest before I post my pictures, a report or two will appear elsewhere soon-ish no doubt.

Finally a taster of the "possible", no difficulty seeing what this was huh...

Bill 1

thanks for your comment Bill about SBDR but I'm not sure about Andy's figures on amount raised, organisers ‘optimistic’ figures perhaps

in fact unfortunately I’m encouraging people to moan about it, the location given by the show organisers was very poor, absolutely no chance (or room) for passing visitors and next to no room for viewing and little room for passengers waiting and their family and friends to take photos

this year I think would have been a record year for fund raising had the show organisers not given us such a poor location at the ar*e-end of nowhere so I've started a new PH thread see - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=65&t=1076770&mid=39637&nmt=Classic+Motor+Show++%28SBDR%29+moan
N Atkins

I think most people jammed in the hall at the back of beyond would agree with you Nigel.

Sticking the big interest clubs (MG AH Austin Rootes etc and those American Motor Car Clubs) back there (IN MIDGET 50 YEAR) and giving spaces to some esoteric but hardly "mainstream" clubs in the larger halls hardly made sense either.

I'm glad I don't organise these things because I would be stirring things with Andy now, before they start finalising those locations for next year!

The figures were released on Sunday afternoon to the press contingent from the show organisers so we have to rely upon their integrity, never had reason to doubt them myself before.
Bill 1

It would be a very boring show if the main halls were full of MGs I think the organisers are well aware of the fact that thousands of classic cars are MGs and unless you are an enthusiast you simply get bored. So the main halls have something that is different and generally appeals to a far larger audience.

I was suprised last year that Midget 50 did not have a stand of it's own, the same as I was equally surprised that MGB 50 did not either?

Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Bill,
probably my cynicism, Andy needing to sell the show for next year, and having worked with marketing and sales figures usually stretched like an MPs expenses

I can understand the need for more space but the three areas all seemed disjointed to each other

the Bears have helped Andy out in previous years so I don't think he'd have anything but goodwill towards the Bears

as it happens his, or whoever gave him the total, will be about right, £31k+, add some bits and bobs and some Gift-Aid

turns out it was, as suspected, our neighbours that wanted the space we lost plus it meant we lost the access from their show and on top of all that also lost a good potential spectator and passenger area, I think we'd easily have added another £6/7k at least to the total - ar, well, such is commerce
N Atkins

This thread was discussed between 01/10/2011 and 15/11/2011

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