20 minute read
Centre Updates
by MG Car Club
ABINGDON WORKS
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There is definitely light at the end of the tunnel, and for the first time in over a year, we can realistically expect that it isn’t another Inter-City 125 hurtling towards us. The PM has announced his roadmap to normality, and at the time of writing, public events are a real likelihood in the coming weeks. Of course, we all need to remain compliant with the regulations while they are still in place, but we at least have some target dates for meeting up and enjoying our MGs once again.
Sezincote House, May 2010 Cotswold Woollen Weavers, April 2016
The first AWC event post lockdown will be the Summer Day Out. We expect this eagerly awaited restart of the events calendar to be on Sunday August 22 2021. Boy, it feels good to be able to write those words! The Summer Day Out involves a trip to Chawton House, the ‘Great House’ referred to in Jane Austen’s letters. Please check the AWC Newsletter for further details and how to register for this day out.
It is also advisable to keep an eye on our website for the most up-to-date information regarding events, as the situation regarding social distancing is still subject to change www.mgabingdon.org.uk/
As you will have seen from previous AWC notes in this splendid monthly magazine, the St. George’s Day and Old Speckled Hen runs have been cancelled for this year. So here’s a little reminiscence of previous years, and a reminder of what to look forward to in 2022.
Stay safe and healthy everyone, and we look forward to seeing you all plus our new members at an event soon.
Cotswold Motor Museum, April 2014
ANGLIA
Rob Muir 01206 862619 scribe@mgccanglia.com www.mgccanglia.com
Restoration Trophy
At the February committee meeting the shortlist of candidates for winner of the Restoration Trophy was voted on by the committee. The result was a unanimous vote in favour of a truly amazing restoration of a 1977 MG Midget owned and restored by Stan Carter. Stan, who is a member of the Club’s Young Members Branch, did all the work himself with the exception of the welding which was completed by a friend of his.
What makes the restoration all the more incredible is that Stan doesn’t have a garage to work in, not even a small lockup. The whole restoration was carried out in the front driveway of his home, under a gazebo, except that is for the spray painting of the major panels, which Stan completed on an old kitchen table in his back garden!
A charming man, Stan has always had an interest in engineering and how things work which has led to his current employment as an aircraft engineer.
From the moment he could drive, he wanted to own a classic car. Initially he was on the lookout for a Triumph Spitfire, but when a friend of his told him about a Midget for sale, he bought it on the spot. It was in a sorry state. Someone had decided to cut the gearbox crossmember away and even cut the front chassis legs with a view to fitting an engine from a Mazda.
Most people would have walked away but Stan knew he wanted to save the car, all credit to him. With members of Stan’s calibre, the MG Car Club will have a very bright future indeed.
CALEDONIAN
Bob MacGillivray 07870 407111 mgcarsscotland@gmail.com www.mgcaledonian.com
I had hoped to be able this month to encourage you all to get your Glamis Extravaganza entries in. However unfortunately, like so many other shows, the organisers have taken the difficult decision to cancel the event for this year.
That means that all the shows we had hoped to attend this year have been cancelled also, including the September Bo’ness event. It will run but only as a competitive hillclimb, and not at Kinneil but at Forrestburn on a date to be
Hopefully by the time you read this, the future is starting to look brighter with an easing of all the restrictions placed on all of us for everyone’s protection.
Unfortunately, there is still some bad news to go along with the good. Events that require a huge amount of pre-planning are still being cancelled for 2021. We have just received news that the Historic Vehicle Gathering at Powderham Castle near Exeter and organised by the Crash Box and Classic Car Club of Devon is off for this year, but they have already booked the dates of July 9-10 2022. We will have a Centre stand |there once again so let’s hope we can make it a special display.
Now on to some good news. Due to the current situation, technology has made us all look at modern ways to keep in contact. The Committee has met over a Zoom meeting to see what we may be able to organise as things improve. Also,
Norwegian race MGB announced. Incidentally, I understand that one of our members has bought the ex-Kenny Baird competition MGB which I imported back from Norway a few years ago. Earlier in its busy life the car had competed in various MGCC race events south of the border. Perhaps Bo’ness/Forrestburn will be its first competitive event in new hands.
However, there is perhaps a little glimmer of hope on the horizon... Last year the team at East Ayrshire Car Club managed to run an excellent show at Kames AND stay within the Covid rules. Rumour has it that it may run again this summer. If so, I expect numbers will be restricted and that the event may be oversubscribed, so if you would like to attend then keep an eye on our website, Facebook and our emails for updates and enter without delay! Other than that, it is likely that as soon as restrictions allow, we will try to organise some one-day runs. These are likely to be informal picnictype events possibly arranged at relatively short notice, so again check our website,
P Type MG at Kames in 2020
social media, and emails for info.
You will have read in SF! about the plans for the joint MGCC/Triumph Clubs event at Malvern on August 13-15. As I write this, it is not clear what involvement Centres may have in this but in any event, it is likely that a number of our members will be planning to attend. If you are intending to go then please let me know just in case, we might want to involve you in a Centre stand! Obviously, too, it will depend on whether or not cross-border journeys will then be allowed!
DEVON & CORNWALL
Young Janner II bobslatter@hotmail.com www.mgccdc.org
the Natters have kept in similar contact with their details as they become available will be regular attendees. circulated via the newsletter and email, etc.
I think that the Natters will play a very A fortnight later, on Sunday September important part in getting us back together again, 19, Pete and Lin Opie will be running a touring when we are able to safely gather in groups, as assembly. This had been planned for 2020, but they are the lifeblood of the Centres and can be obviously had to be curtailed. I have no further organised at short notice. details at the moment but contact Pete on
Roger Punch, a Centre member, has sent in webmaster@mgccdc.org to show an interest. details of the Saltram Rotary Club Classic Car I realise that these items are a long way off, Show being held on Sunday September 5 from but when things resume there will probably be 11.00am to 4.00pm in the beautiful setting of a plethora of such events to attend which all the Lyneham Estate, near Yealmpton, Plymouth, organisations have postponed from 2020. PL8 2LG. This is principally supporting Devon Air Ambulance, a very worthy cause. We would like to organise a Centre display once again at this event and Roger has reserved a space for us. More information is available by emailing rotaryclassiccars@ gmail.com Further Mel Jones’s 1986 MG Montego Turbo, one of only seven still on the road.
LINCOLNSHIRE
Ian Mackenzie 01529 497849 MaccaV8@aol.com www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk
Sadly, it seems that we are unable to gather for the National Drive Your Classic Car Day event, the anniversary date falling as it does within Boris’s ‘continuing protection period’. So, if you have the opportunity to undertake an independent unnecessary journey in your MG on April 25, remember to wave. Or copy our Google Street
COVID unfortunately continues to play havoc with our Events Calendar, so it is essential please that you keep a close eye on our website - see above - for up-to-date position. Your Committee set out again to be adventurous in our planning/listings of events for 2021, and like everyone else are keenly looking forward to exercising our cars legally, as distinct from wearing out walking boots!
As has been mentioned in previous notes, we did succeed last year in putting on a successful and MSUK-compliant Trial in Bromsgrove, and a Curborough Sprint, these being scheduled again this year. In fact, at the time of writing these lines some 50+ entries have been received for the latter on April 11 – but unfortunately our MSUK permit does not allow spectators, even if they do arrive, and in an MG! Hopefully things will be a little easier for August Curborough. View Virtual New Year’s Day Run (but you’ll have to provide your own tea and cakes).
However, what we can arrange is the first autotest of the year! We look forward to our visit to East Kirkby, for the first round of our autotest season on April 11, at the now familiar Fen Road site. See our Facebook page, or contact Dave Stonehouse on 01790 754774 for details. Hopefully, we will have the Triumph and MG weekend to build up to on August 13-15 at Three Counties Showground, Malvern.
A further East Kirkby Autotest date for your diary is Sunday May 16.
We hope to hold the Centre’s AGM on Thursday July 1, at a venue yet to be confirmed. Hopefully, clan Mackenzie will have seen most of you by then....
As stated last month, our Centre Webmaster has retired from the role, and we are in need of a willing volunteer to step forward into the breach. Thank you Bob, for all your help and support in informing and entertaining us all. If you feel you would like to take on the role, please contact Hon. Secretary Sue at MaccaV8@gmail.com or on the above number.
Bob Welch with his trusty Midget (in a previous incarnation) at MGLive! The end of the line at one of our Drive Your Classic Car Days
MIDLANDS
John Fry jcfryza@gmail.com Website: www.mgccmidlandcentre.co.uk Midland Centre Facebook: @mgccmidlandcentre
Bob Blackstock is busy organising separate Regularity and Naviscat runs for June 5 in the Worcestershire/Herefordshire area, as we are confident necessary MSUK Permits will be available, but entrant numbers will be limited. So, if you would like to have a go, entry forms can be downloaded from our website. Alternatively, why not spend a pleasant day marshalling?
As you will be aware, Kimber House has announced news we have all been waiting for – a major event, to be held jointly with the TR Register and TSSC, over the weekend of August 13-15. The event takes place at the Malvern Three Counties Showground, which being within the Midlands Centre boundary will allow us to work with our Triumph friends and KH to bring you an exciting couple of days. We envisage an organised run to or from the site, and hopefully Autotests/Autosolo. Watch this space!
Pictures this month have a V8 flavour. Not JOK, but Brian Osborn participating in an Autotest/Trial some years ago at Bromsgrove, and a Rocket Propelled Vehicle about to leave on a high-speed removal job!
NORTH WEST
Paul Goodman 01625 876300
As you will know by now, the first Cockshoot Cup race meeting of the year was cancelled in March because of the timing of the lifting of restrictions. The better news was that motorsport was going to be allowed to start in April. It is hoped that the two rounds lost can be re-scheduled for later in the year.
The April go-ahead means that the Speed Championship can commence on schedule with the Midlands Centre event at Curborough on April 11. This will be followed by a southern round at Goodwood on April 17. Next up are own events at Anglesey on May 1-2 and Scammonden Dam on May 16. At the time of writing, the future of Welsh motorsport depended on mid-March announcements. Everybody is keen to run the event at Anglesey if possible. An announcement will be made on the Centre website when a decision has been made. There is much more certainty about the Scammonden Dam Hillclimb at which cars run up the steep tarmac road against the clock from the base of the dam until they are level with the M62. We need quite a few volunteers both on and
Excellent news as Motorsport UK has restarted organised motorsport, under licence and compliant with Covid guidance, from March 29 and the Government Road Map out of the pandemic reaches Stage 2, of 4, on April 12. The above means that SE events in the next quarter are subject to revised planning and change, therefore it is essential to off track to run the meeting, so get in touch if you would like to be involved.
It also seems highly likely that spectators will be allowed at our race meeting on May 22 at Oulton Park. More news to follow about this next month.
If pubs can open on the schedule given by the Government, then we may be able to meet in a limited way, probably in groups of six, at the Plough and Flail on April 20. This might be at lunchtime rather than in the evening. Those members who are on the email circulation list will get notification and the information will also be on the website.
Looking further ahead, there is a possibility that the Tatton Park outdoor show will be held in early June, and if it takes place the Centre will be displaying a range of cars. There could then be more outdoor events as the year goes on and more displays can be staged to promote the Centre. There will also be the two summer race meetings at Silverstone on June 12-13 and Donington Park on July 17-18 at which spectators will be allowed.
Finally, if any members run into problems getting their MGs back on to the road then please contact the Centre for assistance.
SOUTH EAST
Ray Ruffels and William Opie raywillmg@gmail.com www.mgccse.co.uk
Winning entry from George and Geraldine for the Valentine’s day photo competition Drive it Day April 2017 with the Woodford Vulcan. Photo: Paul Goodman
contact your local Natter or Wanderers leader/s or check status of all events and official car runs at www. mgccse.co.uk
April MGCC events start with Brands Hatch on April 24-25, providing a busy two days of MG Championship racing on the Indy circuit. For latest info and spectator entry status check first at https://brandshatch.msvcom /BH-21-MGCC Valentine’s day photo competition runners-up John and Jenny Morgan with
Unfortunately, the their entry Brooklands MG and British Marques Day on Our independent judge, Denise Smith, April 15, the Battle of Britain Run on May 2, studied the entries and congratulations go Spring Gathering on May 16 and the Isle of Wight to the winners George and Geraldine Tour are postponed due to government Homewood with their loved-up picture of Covid regulations. their MGB roadster in the snow. John Morgan
In February we were unable to run the came second with a wonderful image of an Traditional Valentine’s Treasure Hunt so instead we MG Midget – see all pictures on thought you would like to show how much you www.mgccse.co.uk love your MG by providing a picture as part of a Thank you to all those who took part in this Valentine’s Photo Comp! light-hearted Valentine’s competition.
SOUTH WEST
Andrew Owst 01761 221893 andrewowst@hotmail.com website http://www.mgccsw.com/ Facebook www.facebook.com/MGCCSW Twitter @mgccsw
Just prior to writing these notes, our government announced the road map out of lockdown, and also MSUK announced that motorsport could resume after March 29, i.e. about the time you will receive this magazine. There are several events planned for this year, but as the immediate future is still uncertain, please keep visiting the SW Centre website for up-to-date details. The photos are from the Summer Picnic at Stourhead back in 2014, and I thought they were good examples of what we will hopefully, optimistically be able to enjoy later this year!
On March 1, the SW Centre held its AGM via Zoom and 25 members attended. Jim Lott has kindly agreed to continue as Chairman for another year. and all the existing committee were willing to stand again. We are pleased to welcome two more members to our committee, Neil and Oliver Lock.
I will repeat the reminder published in last month’s SW Centre notes, that all new and existing Club members are required to hold an MSUK Club Licence to take part in events such as MGs On Grass. This should not put members off, as the licence is FREE and can be renewed or applied for online from Motorsport UK.
TYNE-TEES
Tony Wood anthony@scrutonvillage.co.uk
Our AGM, held via the wonder that is Zoom, brought memories of better times. Our previous AGM was the last monthly meeting we were able to attend in person, so my first year as Chairman has been less demanding in time than I expected but has unexpectedly tested my computer skills. Things will hopefully improve towards the latter half of the year and we are planning to revive and revamp our calendar accordingly. As things stand, we will restart events proper with the Fish and Chip Supper run on July 9 followed by Newby Hall on the 18th. We have plans well advanced for August for two extra events which should be ready for next month’s notes, so watch this space. Breakfast meets and Coffee and Cars will restart as soon as regulations allow. As usual, Tyne Tees Tidings and this column will have details.
AGM business was slightly altered, as you can imagine. The past events report was thin to the point of non-existence and coming events were tentatively optimistic. The Treasurer’s report was the simplest David has ever had to produce. The good news is that we are financially stable. We started the year with £5,188 and ended it with £4,379 but we paid £700 in deposits for event venues pre-lockdown. Those deposits have been carried forward into this year and are for events which should be held if the current exit strategy is adhered to.
The main business came with role changes. As you know, our Secretary David Alexander wished to step back from the role which he has held since 2014 and I am pleased to tell you that Noel Lindford has been elected in his place. David did not escape completely, being elected to the Committee and agreeing to continue as Competition Secretary. His tenure was marked by the surprise presentation of the MGCC “Marque of Friendship” award, given to members who have made significant contributions to the Club. This has to be approved at Board level, the scroll and special badge reminding us that David has put in a lot of work over many years and it is appreciated throughout the Club. The bottle of single malt Scotch given by the Centre will probably run it a close second. Thanks to Matthew for keeping the secret, presenting the award and not drinking the Scotch!
David with his Marque of Friendship Award
YORKSHIRE
Ken Cothliff kencothliff@hotmail.co.uk https://mgccyorkshire.co.uk
At last, there is good news on the horizon with the hopeful easing of restrictions over the spring months. Perhaps by July we might be back to having our Natter meeting. As a precursor, the end of February saw a rise in temperature, so my wife and I took the opportunity for a run out in “Marmalade” our MGB, to Nidderdale and the south western edge of the Dales in glorious sunshine with the hood down. 50 miles round trip to the DIY store for some paint was a bit of a long way round, but we felt much better afterwards.
A word of caution from the South Natter, about a chap who lived a few doors from one of the Members, who left his car on charge over winter using a trickle charger. The owner had a car which was used by just one family member to do just local journeys for about 800-1,000 miles per year. When the car was not in use it was connected to a trickle charger in their garage. On this occasion it appears a fault developed with the trickle charger which started a fire in the garage. By the time the fire brigade arrived, they found difficulty getting to the actual fire source due to the garage being round the back of the house and the back of the garage was up against a very tall boundary wall surrounded by bushes at the side of a main road. The end result was that the car, garage, two sheds built alongside the garage and their contents, plus a caravan parked at the other side of the garage, were all lost. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
ULSTER
Carol Willis (028) 9079 9997 or 07831 345560 www.mgcculstercentre.co.uk carol.mgulster@hotmail.co.uk
As he finally stands down, we wish to thank Stephen Dawson for everything he has done as Treasurer within the Ulster Centre. He has carefully recorded our income and expenditure, prepared and submitted our VAT returns and finalised the Centre accounts for submission to the main Club. Richard McCracken, already a member of committee, is taking over and we welcome him in his new role.
With everybody not venturing very far from home it isn’t easy to find something different for Safety Fast! but I am sure you will see some familiar faces, from wedding bells to babies. A salutary lesson to be learned to use a Battery Conditioner to look after your classic MG.
South Natter also had their Annual Meeting via post and there were no role changes. Vale of York have decided to hold their AGM when the summer allows their Natters to recommence. South is hoping to hold a 25th anniversary party for the Natter, but this will also be held in the summer. Obviously the spring Daffodil Run is cancelled, and the forthcoming Centre Zoom AGM will decide on when to recommence planning summer events. Certainly, speaking to other Centre members, we all can’t wait to get going again.
We include a few photos from past events, including Vaughan Rich in his MGA Coupe, a shot from the Heartbeat Run, and two ‘golden oldies’, an M-type and VA at the 2016 Drive Day run.
