CENTRES ABINGDON WORKS Richard Martin sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk There were a couple of days last week when I received notification of the cancellation or postponement of four events planned for early July, showing how difficult it is for organisers trying to get the ‘season’ under way. This, coupled with staff shortages in pubs resulting in some not being able to open seven days a week – yes, I had one of
ANGLIA Rob Muir 01206 862619 Email: scribe@mgccanglia.com Website: www.mgccanglia.com The MGCC Anglia Summer Picnic 2021 This year the Picnic was at Holkham Hall near Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk. The event was well publicised with details and booking form both on the Anglia website and a full-page advertisement in the May edition of Safety Fast! The response from members was amazing, perhaps due to the fact the country was beginning to emerge from lockdown and also because it was an affordable way to meet and socialise with other MGCC members at a relaxed informal event. On the day the official count was 85 MGs and three other cars where members had problems with their MGs. Entry was via the South Gate which led to a scenic two-mile drive across the estate. We had a great location, drawn up in rows behind the Hall looking out on the lake. There was a profusion of wildlife in the parkland with hundreds of geese, swans on the lake and even red kites. Part way through the morning there was an amazing sight of a herd of deer moving en masse www.mgcc.co.uk
those as well – proving it’s clearly a frustrating time for all. Our emailed Newsletter does try to keep everyone abreast of such things, but it’s not an easy task and does rely on information being sent to us, so please keep it coming. This also applies to Pub Meets as they look to get going again. If we can help promote your activities, please do let us know via sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk There have, however, been a few opportunities for us to give the cars an airing when we’ve been alerted to informal gatherings in large open spaces linked to places providing refreshments. We’ve been along to a couple and
enjoyed meeting up with some people we’ve not seen for over 12 months. At the time of writing, we’re optimistic about our Summer Day Out on Sunday August 22 so please look for the separate piece about this in this issue. Lockdown has presented members with opportunities to exercise their imaginations and we’ve recently been sent a couple of examples of this, so well done and thanks, James Hall (Octagon Garden) and Pat & Graham Stubbs (TF Workbench) for sharing your efforts. Finally, welcome to all new members and we hope to see you out and about sometime soon.
past the lake and on into the far parkland. Some said there were 50 others thought nearer 100. I had never seen anything like it. During the afternoon we were entertained by a cricket match in front of us. Rather worrying was a six hit with the ball dropping between the rows of cars. Some members prudently moved location. The opportunity was taken to make a presentation of the Annual Photographic Trophy to Gus and Pat Ives, the very well-deserving winners from 2020. Anyone taking photos at the Picnic is
invited to enter them into the 2021 competition. There was a superb and varied selection of MGs present, ranging from a PB Airline saloon and some other pre-war cars through every type of post-war model of MG right up to the present day ZS. The Holkham Hall staff were very helpful throughout and did everything they could to help make our day a success. Many thanks to those Committee members who helped me in various ways on the day. Roger Latham
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