|
| Welcome to the HCMC history page. Why don't you take a trip down memory
lane with us and learn a little bit more about the club and what we are
all about.
|
INTRO
Like the birth of many organisations, that of the Highland Classic Motor Club was modest. Late in 1979, following a notice placed in the local press, six local enthusiasts met at the Shandwick Inn between Invergordon and Tain in Easter Ross. A second advert attracted further interest from further a field and the Club was truly up and running. I am sure that those attending that first meeting would have been pleasantly surprised to see the Club still in existence and, in fact, thriving nearly forty years later. It is gratifying to note that, of the handful of people who attended the first two meetings, at least five are still members of the Club.
Whilst in no way claiming that our Club is unique, nonetheless it does have distinct features which many club members believe have secured its survival over the years. We are friendly, believe running a classic car should be fun, caters for all interests, including those who don't own anything 'classic', and above all we have remained true to our roots. Whilst logic might seem to dictate that a Club bearing the name 'Highland Classic Motor Club' should be based in Inverness, the main population centre in the Highlands, nonetheless the Club has always retained its links with the Black Isle, the large peninsula due north of Inverness.
Partly because there is just not the sheer number of classic cars in the Highlands compared to further south, our Club has always catered for a wide range of vehicles, from bubble car to Ferrari, whatever the condition. As a result the Club has always been refreshingly free of cliques and one-upmanship. We are that kind of Club. Not surprisingly, many Club members have become close friends over the years with the attendant benefits of shared advice, practical help and encouragement.
|
CULTURE
Whilst some of our members do take their hobby seriously, and we have some splendid vehicles amongst our ranks, one of our endearing features is that we don't always take things too seriously. In other words we enjoy our Club and our Club nights. In particular the annual indoor Auction sees grown men literally with tears of laughter rolling down their cheeks. The auction warrants further explanation. Basically it entails Club members taking along unwanted surplus items from their garage to the Club evening. The auction is conveniently held in January so it can cater for unwanted Christmas gifts. Our membership secretary has played the role of auctioneer for many years - superbly! The result is that members go home with someone else's surplus items to place in their garages. 10% of the takings go to Club funds - a win-win situation if ever there was one. People get rid of surplus items, others can pick up a bargain, the Club benefits and we have a social evening which is the highlight of the year.
|
ACTIVITIES
From its earliest days the Club quickly settled down to a routine which has served it well, and remains basically unchanged to this day - meeting on the first Thursday of the month without fail (with the possible exception of January, when it can be the second Thursday). During the winter months, the venue tends to remain the same, at the time of writing, the Old North Inn at Inchmore, whilst during the summer the venue is changed each month to allow members to take their vehicles on an evening convoy run, finishing off with a blether at the chosen hotel / pub. As we live in probably the most beautiful and certainly most unspoilt part of the British Isles, finding somewhere to visit is not a problem, with quiet roads and stunning scenery.
Winter Club nights either take the form of a Club visit to a local organisation or a 'home grown' evening with some form of indoor activity (no - not that!). Over the years we have visited museums, local engineering firms, restoration workshops, the local Air Traffic control tower at Dalcross, other local car clubs, the local Police control room and the Club occasionally invites a guest speaker to give a talk, or presentation.
Over and above the monthly Club nights, the Club hosts the annual local Drive It Day in April. In keeping with the openness within the Club, many of our members support other clubs and organisations and take their vehicles individually or as a group to attend rallies and shows throughout Scotland, including places as far away as Shetland.
|
MEMBERSHIP
Like many other clubs and organisations we have had our peaks and troughs, and yes, we have had Club evenings in the past with three members attending where the main topic of conversation has been house renovations and lack of money! The Club, however, has always pulled through, partly due to the monthly club newsletter 'Classic Scene' which has been produced since day one without, I think I am correct in saying, any break. The successive editors each deserve a medal in ensuring that it always has been published in time and, in keeping with the spirit of the Club, is down to earth, friendly and humorous.
During recent years the Club has developed to a point where membership stands around the eighty mark and inevitably, with increased funds and the benefit of new technology, a semblance of professionalism has crept in. We've even got a web site http://www.highlandclassic.org.uk and you can find us on facebook https://www.facebook.com/HighlandClassicMotorClub
|
HIGHLAND CLASSIC MOTOR CLUB A REAL CLUB, FOR REAL PEOPLE, WITH REAL CARS!
Ranald M Smith
|
 |
|
|