At last years Uttoxter classic bike show much discussion took place into the feasibility of a dedicated sidecar display, mainly due to the wet weather giving us time to rabbit on about the idea and what would be needed.

With John and Pat Procter being in the VJMC John approached the organisers to see if they would approve the idea of a dedicated sidecar display. If you attended this year you will know it got the backing of the show committee and the "Sidecar Village", as it is known now, was born.

I set out at around lunch time on the Friday with the pass sent to me by John firmly attached to my wrist, somehow I think I should have left it until I arrived like most of the others did, as it looked well worn after 100 miles in the rain. At that point I was thinking of last year, but 10 miles away from Uttoxeter the sun came out and the weather was very good the whole weekend apart from one heavy shower.

John and Pat worked all weekend as officials at the show, so much so you are most likely to be met at the gate when you arrive at the show by either of them, like I was this year when Pat stepped up to greet me as I approached the main gate.

So, where is the sidecar village? Well it occupies a slightly elevated position at the end of the main stands with small trees and bushes sheltering you from the north. Elevated is good, one; you have a great view over the show and two; if it rains heavily you can be certain you will not be suffering  in wet ground.

Peter, due to problems with his outfit attended with his car and volunteered to bring the large South Yorks Club tent in his trailer, so a big thank you to Peter. This was erected with ease and promptly named the "Village Hall". I was then summoned by John and promoted to "Mayor of the Village" and presented with a chain of office. More on that later.

With over 20 outfits in the sidecar village, I feel we did ourselves proud for the first year of a dedicated sidecar display, and I would say one of the most varied sidecar displays I have seen. There was concern that as we were at the end of the stands, and out on our own so to speak, that the public would not bother to visit. Far from the case, I think it worked to our advantage, with word getting round that the sidecar village was a must-see display and we were well busy with visitors both days. Being elevated meant we could be seen from a distance, with many saying the sidecar display looked good from the other side of the race course and even better once they arrived.  Charnwood Classic Restorations and Dave Angel of F2 motorcycles both were in attendance in the village which meant you could direct interested parties to them.

Then the dreaded moment arrived Sunday morning when the commentator came along and was directed to me, "The Mayor". Don’t you just love these so called friends? Anyhow, I did my best, but the sad thing is later at the awards ceremony the commentator spotted me in the audience taking pictures and pointed out to all that I was the "The Mayor of the Sidecar Village" and that I was out without my chain of office. 

Helen Jones won the best combination award for her "Pretty" Suzuki 800 and RX4, in the runner up spot was Karen with her BMW and Steib. As for some of the concours awards, yes I know an un-measurable amount of work goes into these bikes; many are not even ridden other than to ride the couple of yards into the ring. Some had not been on the road since they were taken out of the box many years ago. Somehow I can't quite get my head around it, but each to their own.

The show is not on the same scale as some of the larger shows we see in the calendar, but the show has a very friendly atmosphere to it, something money can't buy. With various club rallies in the centre camping area (Gold Star, Jawa, Cossack, to name just three of the many clubs attending), loads of bike displays in various halls and marquees along with trade stalls there was plenty to see and do, plus there was live entertainment both nights. On top of that, MPC sidecar display team put on several great displays over the weekend and with the added bonus of Uttoxeter town center is a short walk away, all I can say is, if you wasn’t there this year, you missed a great weekend.

To all who attended, displayed their machines and helped with the village, many thanks and over the weekend many familiar faces dropped by to say hello and it was great to see you all.

All being well, the sidecar village will be there next year. There is plenty of room for camping within the sidecar village, with showers and toilets all available nearby, along with bars and various food outlets. I think the tickets will go fast next year, remember tickets are limited, so it is a case of first come first served and by simply displaying your machine, you get a full weekend of what a good motorcycle show has to offer and entertainment. It is the Uttoxeter Classic Motorcycle Show, run by the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club (VJMC) and it is not just about vintage Japanese bikes with all types of outfits of any age welcome. The thing is as soon as you put an outfit together, it is a one-off or unique and almost a classic overnight.

John and Pat looked a little tired by the end of the show ( I can't say it here but you know, where a horse goes at the end of its life) having worked for three days straight early morning to late at night for the VJMC. The Mayor would like to thank them for making the "Sidecar Village" happen and for all their hard work. Next year's show is on the 3rd / 4th July and you never know, the village could well be a town.

The Mayor (whose chain of office has been hung up for this year)