MAURICE FELTHAM 1939-2017
All six CMC Motorcycles retail outlets were closed yesterday (Thursday, 2 November) in honour of CMC founder Maurice Feltham whose funeral took place at Brimington Crematorium, Derbyshire.
CMC staff, family, leading members of the motorcycle industry and loyal customers turned out in force to pay tribute to the man who bought Staveley Motorcycles in 1975 and with sons Ross, Mark and Darren built the business into a leading retail empire.
Police stopped the traffic to allow a funeral cortege of hearse, limousines, family cars, eight CMC works vans and 100 motorcycles to exit CMC’s main premises at Clay Cross, Derbyshire. The drone and rumble of the massed motorcycles provided an emotional and fitting soundtrack for the seven-mile journey to the funeral service.
The respect and affection felt by the motorcycle industry for Maurice (78) was summed up by Richard MacPhee-Wallis of CMC Nottingham’s branch when he said: “He was a smashing fellow. He had time for everybody. And he was really hands-on. If you had a leak in the roof he would be straight there with his ladders.”
Maurice’s leading role in the industry was recognised in 2016 when he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual BDN Industry Awards ceremony. CMC’s other industry awards include MCN Dealer of the Year, MCN Multi-outlet Retailer of the Year, and Yamaha Dealer of the Year.
Maurice leaves wife Gillian, three sons and a daughter, 16 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. And he leaves legions of loyal customers across the country who value his enthusiasm for motorcycles. The former metalwork teacher treated his customers as friends, thus forging lasting relationships.
CMC claim to be the UK’s leading retailer of used bikes. And I wouldn’t doubt it. When last interviewed (in 2011) CMC had two full time buyers, they now have five.
BRIAN CRICHTON