CENTRES ABINGDON WORKS Richard Martin sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.co.uk With the easing of Lockdown restrictions and the appearance of some sympathetic weather, there have been opportunities over the past few weeks to give our cars some exercise, albeit a little chilly if you’re top down. The sunshine of Drive it Day saw us out in our B on a 50-mile round trip through the Vale of White Horse and Berkshire Downs during which we saw a couple of other Bs, a FrogEye plus a few other classics enjoying the quiet country roads. David Cato went on a nostalgic trip into Oxford in his B to visit a couple of former MG homes, whilst members of the North Oxon MG (NONG) Natter visited The Old Shed, Charlbury, for breakfast. I hope that you managed to get out and about in yours. With the approaching prospect of Natters getting under way, we’re pleased to report a new one in the Chilterns. It will be on the second Tuesday of each month at The Inn at Emmington (OX39 4LD) under the stewardship of Greg Smith.
Details from Greg on 01844 351418 or gregory.gp.smith@gmail.com
Thanks to David Cato (yellow MGB) and Brian Fisk for the photos published above.
diagnosed that the new clutch master cylinder, a copy part that Simon had fitted, was faulty. We then trawled the paddock to try to find someone who had a spare cylinder. The boys from Oselli had a refurbished original. We fitted this and Simon had a fantastic couple of races, fighting his way through the field and finishing a very close second in class in race two – a great day. A week later, I received a penalty charge of £140.00 from ‘Dart Charge’ for using the crossing without paying! I knew I had enough credit in my account, but it seems that because I had not used the crossing for over a year, my account had been deactivated. It seems I had been sent an email, but I never saw it. I was let off the charge as it was my
first offence, but it’s worthwhile checking your ‘Dart’ account BEFORE you use the crossing if, like me, due to lockdown you haven’t been over for some time.
ANGLIA Rob Muir 01206 862619 scribe@mgccanglia.com www.mgccanglia.com The Road out of Lockdown, or how to negotiate Dartford Crossing ‘Dart Charge’ With the easing of Lockdown restrictions, the eagerly anticipated MGCC Race Meeting at Brands Hatch arrived. Although spectators were not yet admitted due to Covid restrictions, I was able to attend as a nominated mechanic to Simon Tinkler and James Walpole, both of whom are drivers in Class A/B of the BCV8 Championship. On the evening before the race my phone went. It was James, to tell me that when he was loading his race car onto the trailer, the engine suddenly locked up. With no time to investigate, poor James was going to have to miss the event. The drive to Brands was uneventful and I met up with Simon in the paddock. Qualifying went well, except Simon reported an ongoing difficulty disengaging the clutch. We bled the system but it still didn’t feel right. Fellow competitor and MG expert Steve McKie pitched in to help and it was www.mgcc.co.uk
Anglia Centre Picnic There is still time to book – see May Safety Fast! or Anglia website, for our Centre Picnic at Holkham Hall on June 27. The 2019 event had record numbers. This year’s event will follow full Covid-safe protocol and is just the place to enjoy your MG as it was meant to be used. Drive It Day The photo above shows George Wilder and Roger Martin’s MGBs at Long Melford JUNE 2021 SAFETY FAST! 75
