Meriden Branch at NEC Classic Motor Show November 2023

The Meriden Branch has displayed members bikes at this prestigious annual show for many years and this year was no different. Den. O'Neil who is now branch chairman organises our attendance which began several months earlier. Once the ‘stand’ was booked members were encouraged to attend with a bike – or two.

Set up day on Thursday saw the branch trailer being unloaded in our designated area of Hall 5. We surrounded the perimeter with wooden posts and plastic chain, and fitted the new graphic roof to our gazebo. Then as the bikes arrived they were positioned strategically to fill the area, allowing room for visitors walk around them. Each bike had an A4 information sheet stood next to it; kindly provided by John Nelson, our webmaster.

 As the set up window closure approached Den was concerned about the lack of bikes but a late surge meant that we had 2 dozen Triumphs, predominantly Meriden era machines, but with a ’guest’ Ricardo from 1927 courtesy of the VMCC. Also Hinckley era machines from a Legend representing the first generation of modern era machines to a Speed Twin from the current production range. My Tina was regarded with mirth amongst some members but it caused much interest with the public, some of whom did not know that Triumph had also built scooters back in the 50’s and 60’s.

For the 3 days of the show numerous members kept an eye on our display and chatted with a constant stream of visitors with enquiries and favourable comments. We also signed up four new members, even one for our own branch. A lack of cash stopped a few others, a sign of changing times, perhaps we should borrow the club’s card machine for future shows?

We hope to be back again next year and welcome Triumph bikes from any branch to be displayed. So watch out for our flyer in the Nacelle next year.

Page edited 30  November 2023