New prizes announced for C&SC's 2014 Club Awards

By Greg MacLeman

| 29 Sep 2014

Classic Motor Show headline sponsor Lancaster Insurance is demonstrating its commitment to the next generation of enthusiasts with an inspired new gong for Best Contribution by a Youngster as part of the C&SC Club Awards.

Andrew Misseldine, Lancaster’s car club relationship manager, said: “It’s so important that the industry acknowledges the young people out there doing amazing things for classic car clubs. A large proportion of our customers under 35 have classic Fords, Land-Rovers, MGs and Volkswagens – and they’re the driving force of the classic scene.

“Attracting young members can be challenging, but the introduction of a dedicated ‘Youngtimers’ area at the show is a significant step forward in supporting the likes of Oxford University Motorsport Foundation, Young Guns Classics, the Morris Minor Owners’ Club, Young Members Register and Supra MkIV Owners’ Club."

“We’re incredibly proud to be supporting the awards,” he added. “It’s an opportunity for us to give something back to club members and to reward them for their devotion to the movement.”

There are two more new prizes for 2014. This year we’ve broadened the scope of the Best Club Website to include the use of social media, such as Facebook and Twitter. When Joel Vermiglio’s Mini was pinched, he was reunited with it in just over 14 hours – thanks to social media and club forums.
This year’s other new prize is for the Best Contribution to Charity to reward the tireless individuals who raise funds for good causes. Last year’s Best Run – the North Wales Classic Fords Snowdonia Tour – amassed £13,000 for Hope House Hospice. But the prize won’t be decided just on the total.

And there’s still time for you to enter, but you need to be quick! We urgently need your nominations for the categories judged before the event (see below), while a selection will be decided at Birmingham’s NEC. The ceremony takes place in the Hilton Metropole Hotel – just a short walk from the exhibition halls – at the end of the second day of the 14-16 November event.

Only one entry will be accepted per club for each award, and entries should be accompanied by a letter from a senior officer confirming them as the club’s submissions. Please send them, with photos and explanations, by 24 October to David Evans at the p4 address or e-mail david.e@haymarket.com

This year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show is to feature a Rover centrepiece – to mark 110 years since its first car rolled off the line – organised by clubs for the Marauder, P6, 75, 800 and MG ZT.

And don’t forget the event’s main theme – The Big Screen – which should give clubs plenty of scope for their stands. How about Genevieve, Back to the Future, Bullitt or Peter Yates’ other landmark chase sequence from Robbery? It’s not restricted to films, either, and could be from TV series or adverts.

Nominations needed

Club Personality of the Year

Club of the Year

Best Club Run/Rally

Best Club Show/Event

Most Improved Club Magazine

Best Club Website

Best Contribution to Charity

Plus, to be decided on the day

Best Club Stand (three awards)

Best Themed Club Stand

Most Interesting Selection of Cars