Newsletter December 2017

Hi All,

Event Reports:

A quiet month with nothing to report, however we still had over 40 people to the Club Night, so another busy night but we have had the Xmas Meal since. There were 52 of us to enjoy the meal at the Golden Cross and Matt and his team did us proud with a very good meal, the only complaints I heard were there was too much!!! I think the Xmas Quiz caused some consternation and I don't think everyone saw the immediate connection to our favourite sports cars, MGs. The question was to name as many car makers or models that began with the letter 'M' or 'G'. There were some really good answers but it was the 'Naughty Arden Elves' aka Mike, Steve, Alan & Doug with the highest total of 64 and they took home the chocolates. As usual every couple went home with a prize from the draw, I hope you all liked yours. It was great to see so many of you dressed up for the occasion, there were an awful lot of Elves about and I kept getting 'tickets' for being naughty!!!!

Future Events:

The calendar of events for next year is taking shape and a lot of dates have now been set, here are a few to note in your new calendar/diaries.

New Year's Day 2018 - Chilly Willy Run. This is the last chance to book lunch for this run (I will be sending the pre-order on 18^th Dec), which will meet at the Golden Cross for bacon rolls, tea or coffee (£2.50 and £1.00) from 11.00am to be ready to leave around 11.30/11.45. There is a 25 mile scenic run over to the Oak in Upton Snodsbury where lunch can be pre-ordered, please see the invitation on the website. No problem if you want to join the run but not take lunch but please let me know, so I print enough route sheets If you find you can no longer attend then just let me know. We have also set an alternative route using only gritted roads if the weather requires it. Remember for this run your modern car is acceptable but your MG is preferred.

Tuesday 2^nd January - Club Night and AGM. This is the only formal meeting we have all year and the 'Business' part only usually takes about 15 minutes, so please come along. This is your chance to say anything about the running of the Club, if you would like to add anything to the Agenda just let me know.

Sunday 25^th March - 'March Madness' Spring Sunday Lunch Run.

Alan and the team are working on the event and details will be available soon but keep the date free.

Sunday 22^nd April - Drive it Day Run. Nigel is in control this time and he has already booked an end venue, so full details will be available soon but reserve the date.

Tuesday 1^st May - British Motor Museum 25^th Anniversary Run. We will be having a run to finish at the Museum on this day which is the 25^th anniversary of the museum opening in 1993, when the Arden MG Club held their first Heritage Run finishing at the Museum (actually on the 2^nd) and we were the first car club to attend there. I would like to get as many people as I can who took part on that first run to attend on this day, even better if you have still got the same MG. Please let me know if you would be interested in taking part.

Friday 8^th June 2018 to Mon 11^th June 2018 (3 nights) - St Audries Bay. This is all organised now, however I'm sure Nigel would be able to squeeze a few more in if you would like to join us for the week-end. Who has read the Lorna Doone book in readiness for the Saturday run?

Sunday 1^st July - The BMC & Leyland Show, BMM Gaydon. I will be booking a display area at this show, more details nearer the time.

Tuesday 2^nd October - Arden MG Club 30^th Birthday. After various discussions with several people who were around at the time (not least John Saunders who founded the Club), I have determined that the first meeting of the Club was the first Tuesday of October 1988, which makes 2018 the 30^th birthday. As I missed the 25^th birthday I think we should celebrate the 30^th next year. I have a few ideas of things to do, so keep the date free.

Other Events:

Spring 2018 - MGCC AutoSOLO. The Midland Centre are looking to run an AutoSOLO next year and are trying to gauge interest. The idea of an AutoSolo is starter competition which is non damaging with only 1 car moving at a time. There is forward motion only, against the clock but precision is also important. No special equipment is required for the car, no special cloths or licences. It is also suitable for youngsters (over 14) and they want to get them involved. If you or anyone you know, especially younger people would like to get involved please let me know and I will collate the replies to pass them onto the Centre Committee. The current plan is to hold the event at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, where there is a lot of space and run-off areas.

18^th August 2018 - Coast to Coast. If anyone is interested in this event I can email a flyer, however they have stated that the hotels are getting booked up so you may need to pre-book as soon as you can.

Other Matters:

Club 2018 Calendar: The calendar is now available but has been selling well and I only have 2 left!!! If you would like one of these please let me know A.S.A.P. first come first served.

What Have You Done in Your MG This Month:

Jane Green and the 'Rabble' had a trip down to Torquay in their MGs, looks like a nice day to start off.

Let me know what you have been doing in or with your MG.

My MG: Roger Phipp

Subtitle….. "A Tale of Two Emgees"

A story with a moral, just like all good Christmas stories, and maybe a tip that only costs a few coppers and may save you a fortune.

The reasoning, the intention and the disclaimer.

I have been told that it has been getting more and more difficult to find something to fill this section of the newsletter, I was asked to contribute but thought no, after all who be interested, but after reading about a windscreen that had a chip in it, I thought "I can do that" or not? You decide. ………………………… either way even if this is not interesting or informative I hope you at least find something slightly entertaining or mildly amusing, it's certainly not meant to offend.

So here goes

I have had a few MG's in the past, 60's and early 70's Midgets, 60's and early 70's MGBs, even a 60's Healey Sprite, all of which were my daily transport to and from work and all of which required some form of minor or major service and or repair each weekend ready for the Monday morning commute.

(that's not me)

So out of necessity I became acclimatised to the weather, unlike the cars, and fairly familiar with the joys of 60's and 70's motor mechanical engineering with a little help from a 'Mr. Manual Haynes'

As you may or may not know I have been rebuilding an MGA….A car I had lusted after since I was a young lad in short trousers when they were first introduced to us in the mid 50's. At the beginning of this year I managed to acquire a 1960 MGA 1600 which needed a total restoration, and after neglecting my very understanding nearest and dearest, by spending endless days and nights in the garage, finally back in September, it was completed in record time, apart from one minor BIT…. but that's another story…

When I start thinking about the cars I lusted after as a lad, I automatically go straight to the first ever car that I owned, I guess we all do.

In those far flung days when the sun shone every day, it is with clouded fondness that I remember my first ever car, a 1960 Ford Popular 100E in Primrose Yellow, which I bought for the princely sum of £50. I know that doesn't sound much but it was more than a months' wages to me at that time, and I know it's wasn't an MG but I couldn't afford my dream, it at least got me off two wheels for a while, and started me on the road of proper driving and also DIY Service and Repairs.

The Technical bit…

It was quite a simple, basic, or should I say primitive design 3 Speed Manual with a with a simple 1172cc 'side valve' engine developing a whopping 36 BHP.

For those of you less technically minded…..

It had a top speed of nearly 65 mph eventually if conditions were in your favour, namely no passengers, downhill, wind behind you and providing the road was long enough.

The engine had just enough power to pull a spoon from a bowl of Auntie Ethel's custard.

And the windscreen wipers cleared the rain off the screen only when you parked up somewhere.

It would achieve about 10MPH in 1^st gear about 58MPH in 2^nd gear and maybe 63MPH in top.

The cylinder head was basically a slab of metal held on by a few bolts.

(just a slab held on with a few bolts)

But it was mine, and if you are a 17 year old lad with a very limited budget who wants a more powerful car, the 'thought process' is so simple.

Step 1…..Remove cylinder head

Step 2…….. Rub vigorously on granite paving slab outside Mums house, but don't let her catch you, until cylinder head is totally flat and depressions are barely visible.

Step 3…….. Replace cylinder head.

Step 4….. get behind the wheel and drive flat out (now 66MPH) and pretend it's a 'Big Healey E Type MGA Dart' SIMPLES………………

Anyway back to MGs, a couple of years ago and after many many years of only driving 'modern' vehicles, Caroline (who has a better pedigree than me in the motor industry) and I decide it would be a good idea to get a classic car.

But WHAT CAR?????

To be continued next month, thanks Roger a great story.

To close, Nigel has composed a Xmas Poem:

The Christmas Tree Fairy By Nigel Hook

I am the Christmas Fairy

That sits atop the tree

I look down at all the people

And they look up to me

I used to look so pretty

With glitter in my hair

I know there's something wrong

When they look at me and stare

My dress is torn, my wings are bent

And half my wand has gone

But every year they bring me out And I have to soldier on!

I've heard next year I'm being replaced

With a star that shine and flickers

No longer will I have to suffer

A Fir Tree up my KNICKERS!!!

Merry Xmas and a Very Happy MG--ing New Year,

Paul

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Newsletter November 2017

Hi All,

Event Reports:

It was good to see so many of you at the Club Night on what was a very dark and dreary day. I'm sure the 40 who signed in thought it was worth it, with another of Nigel's fine quizzes. Well done Nigel, many thanks. The quiz was far ranging with many different topics and it kept the room quiet for a good long time. After going through the answers (with lots of 'I knew that' and 'I told you so'), there was the count up and the clear winner was eventually found and yet again David Harrison won again this time ably assisted by David & Diane, well done.

Future Events:

It is a quieter time of year now but we still have some events for you to join in:

Tuesday 5^th December - Club Night. General natter evening

Tuesday 12^th December - Xmas Meal. At the Golden Cross from 7pm ready to sit down at 7.30pm. I have well over 50 people booked and paid so far but there is still plenty of space in the pub if you would like to join us and the menu is below. The booking form can be downloaded from the club website. 3 courses for £20, Matt has however agreed to a 2 course menu at £17.00 (which still includes the coffee/tea and mince pies). There will be the usual prize draw and every couple will receive a prize!!

STARTERS

1) Oven-Baked Button Mushrooms. In a garlic & mature cheddar sauce, served with rustic bread.

2) Potato & Leek Soup. Topped with gruyere & pancetta flakes.

3) Game Terrine. With toasted rustic bread.

4) Scottish mussells In A Tomato, Chorizo & Paprika Sauce. Served with sourdough bread

5) Bourbon Glazed Chicken Wings. Served with a blue cheese dip

MAINS - All come with honey roasted parsnips and seasonal vegetables

6) Traditional Roast Turkey. With goose fat roasted potatoes, stuffing, 'pigs in blankets'.

7) Roast Beef. With goose fat roasted potatoes, stuffing, 'pigs in blankets'.

8) Pan Roasted Sea Bass Fillet. With a lemon cream sauce, with crushed baby potatoes.

9) Butternut, Emmental & Quinoa Roulade. Served on a bed of crushed baby potatoes with a jug of creamy cheese sauce. (V)

10) Beef Brisket In A Mushroom & Balsamic Jus. Served on a bed of creamy mash.

DESSERTS - Followed by Fresh Coffee and mince pies

11) Christmas Pudding. With brandy sauce.

12) Chocolate Brownie. With chocolate sauce and icecream. (V)

13) Spiced Apple Crumble. With custard

14) Vanilla Cheesecake. With raspberry coulis.

15) Sticky Toffee Pudding. Served with custard and a rich toffee sauce.

New Year's Day 2018 - Chilly Willy Run. I have now booked us at 'The Oak' in Upton Snodsbury and as discussed last month we will start from the Golden Cross, be there from 11am ready to start at around 11.30am. I will be setting out the route in the next few days and as ever will offer an alternative route should the weather require it. The Oak have requested that we place a pre-order, so can you please let me know if you would like to join the run (I will be inviting the other local clubs as well) and if you would like to have lunch please choose from the menu attached to the newsletter.

Tuesday 2^nd January - Club Night and AGM. I'm sorry this has come round again so soon but it needs to be done. As ever if you have anything you would like to add to the agenda or if you would like to be involved in the running of the Club, then please let me know before the evening and it can be included, also please attend so I don't have to talk to myself, it will take no more then 15 minutes I promise.

Sunday 25^th March - 'March Madness' Spring Sunday Lunch Run.

Sunday 22^nd April - Drive it Day Run. Nigel is in control this time and he has already booked an end venue, so full details will be available soon but reserve the date.

Tuesday 1^st May - British Motor Museum 25^th Anniversary Run. 2018 will be the 25^th Anniversary of the BMM (formerly Heritage Motor Centre) and I'm planning to organise an event to help them celebrate this date. It's early days with the planning but hope to get something sorted out as the Museum have no formal celebration planned.

Friday 8^th June 2018 to Mon 11^th June 2018 (3 nights) - St Audries Bay. The deposits for the 'Week-end away' have now been paid and Nigel is busy planning for the event to include a run out on the Saturday into Lorna Doone Country. If you are not yet booked for the week-end (I think it is 46 Nigel has on the list) there are a few chalets left but don't leave it too long, have a word with Nigel.

Tuesday 2^nd October - Arden MG Club 30^th Birthday. After various discussions with several people who were around at the time (not least John Saunders who founded the Club), I have determined that the first meeting of the Club was the first Tuesday of October 1988, which makes 2018 the 30^th birthday. As I missed the 25^th birthday I think we should celebrate the 30^th next year. I have a few ideas of things to do, so keep the date free.

Other Events:

Sunday 17^th December 2017 - Holly Run. Once again the Morgan Three Wheeler Club have invited us to join in their run. The start (and finish) is at the Old Wagon & Horses, Kidderminister (on the A451, post Code: DY10 3NX) at 10am. It will be about 20 miles of country roads and is open to anyone with an 'interesting' vehicle. Sunday lunch will be available at the end, however it is advisable to book (01562 701 367) for 12 O'Clock, mention you are with the Morgan Three-wheeler Club.

Spring 2018 - MGCC AutoSOLO. The Midland Centre are looking to run an AutoSOLO next year and are trying to gauge interest. The idea of an AutoSolo is starter competition which is non damaging with only 1 car moving at a time. There is forward motion only, against the clock but precision is also important. No special equipment is required for the car, no special cloths or licences. It is also suitable for youngsters (over 14) and they want to get them involved. If you or anyone you know, especially younger people would like to get involved please let me know and I will collate the replies to pass them onto the Centre Committee. The current plan is to hold the event at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground, where there is a lot of space and run-off areas.

18^th August 2018 - Coast to Coast. If anyone is interested in this event I can email a flyer, however they have stated that the hotels are getting booked up so you may need to pre-book as soon as you can.

Other Matters:

Bloodhound: Mike Green has kindly sponsored the Bloodhound project in the name of the Arden MG Club. The Club name will now be added to the tailfin of the vehicle. Mike had been down to Newquay to watch the first speed trials of the vehicle in readiness to make a challenge on the outright Land Speed Record with a view to breaking the 1000mph barrier. The project is headed by Richard Nobel with Andy Green as the driver/pilot (they currently hold the LSR with Thrust SSC) and they have been using the project to involve schools and generate interest in engineering, so a great undertaking and many thanks to Mike for getting the Club involved. He has been given a certificate which I will upload on the Club website (see the section: 'Donations & Certificates'). Great, thanks Mike & Jane.

Club 2018 Calendar: At the Club Night there was a general consensus to have another calendar and Norman Large has volunteered to put the calendar together this year and it will be of a similar design to previous years but the reproduction of the photos will be much better!! We hope to have them available for the December Club Night but that is a very tight deadline, so may fall back to the Xmas Meal evening. We are planning to produce 25 and expect the cost to be around £5 to £6, if you would like to reserve one please drop me an email.

I can still provide the Arden MG Club film as put together by Graham Robson, it runs for an hour and includes stills and videos from several past club events. It's good fun trying to spot yourself. If you would like a copy just let me have an SD card or memory stick (minimum 6 GB) and I will down load it for you.

What Have You Done in Your MG This Month:

The only thing I've done this month is take the windscreen apart to see if I can replace the glass that was chipped by a stone on the run down to St Audries Bay back in June (I have previously replaced the whole screen in the car with a second hand one).

Let me know what you have been doing in or with your MG.

My MG: This Could Be You

I have used all my stories to date, if you would like to be included then drop me a line with your story and don't forget to include some photos.

Happy MG-ing,

Paul

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Newsletter October 2017

Hi All,

Event Reports:

Just before the October Club Night we were invited to attend the official opening of the Memorial Retreat that we sponsored at Gloucester Warwickshire Railway. This turned out to be a very enjoyable afternoon out. We had a dozen MGs lined up against the fence at Toddington Station, which meant a good sized crowd to hear the interesting and poignant speech by Canon John Mead (who is a director of the Trust) about the importance of memories. Richard then said a few words before removing the rope to open the retreat. We then had plenty of time to inspect and discuss the retreat, which was resplendent with the Arden MG Club Heritage Run Rally Plate (kindly supplied by Nick Godfrey's company Central Scanning) before jumping on the train for coffee and biscuits and a ride to Cheltenham station and back. As you can see from the photos the weather was kind to us with the sun shining. Thanks to everyone for attending and allowing GWR to use the day for further promotion.

At the club night we were joined by Nicola Edwards, the community fundraiser for Shakespeare Hospice. She treated us to a brief explanation of the vital work carried out by the hospice despite receiving only 7% of their revenue from the Government, so all the funds donated are essential to complete all the work they do. She gave us an invite to some of their future fundraising events like the 'Firewalk' on 3^rd November at The Bell in Alderminster, Bath Christmas Market Coach Trip on 1^st December, 'The Santa Fun Run' (5K) on 9^th December at the Stratford Rec and to sign up to 'Wear Your Jolly Jumper' during December, please check www.theshakespearehospice.org.uk for further information. Nicola was very pleased to receive our donation cheque for £400 which was from surplus club funds.

Future Events:

Friday 27^th October - Skittles Evening. At the Butchers Arms in Mickelton. Start time is 7pm, however it is now fully booked, should be a good evening.

Tuesday 7^th November - Club Night, Quiz. I have persuaded Nigel to put together another of his quizzes, so will be a lot of fun, don't miss it.

Tuesday 5^th December - Club Night. General natter evening

Tuesday 12^th December - Xmas Meal. As requested at the club night I emailed out the Menu for the Xmas Meal along with the booking form, however I attach the booking form with this newsletter or you can download from the website. Here is the menu to whet your appetite:

Xmas Meal - Tuesday 12^th December 2017 - 7pm for 7.30 sit down

STARTERS

1) Oven-Baked Button Mushrooms. In a garlic & mature cheddar sauce, served with rustic bread.

2) Potato & Leek Soup. Topped with gruyere & pancetta flakes.

3) Game Terrine. With toasted rustic bread.

4) Scottish mussells In A Tomato, Chorizo & Paprika Sauce. Served with sourdough bread

5) Bourbon Glazed Chicken Wings. Served with a blue cheese dip

MAINS - All come with honey roasted parsnips and seasonal vegetables

6) Traditional Roast Turkey. With goose fat roasted potatoes, stuffing, 'pigs in blankets'.

7) Roast Beef. With goose fat roasted potatoes, stuffing, 'pigs in blankets'.

8) Pan Roasted Sea Bass Fillet. With a lemon cream sauce, with crushed baby potatoes.

9) Butternut, Emmental & Quinoa Roulade. Served on a bed of crushed baby potatoes with a jug of creamy cheese sauce. (V)

10) Beef Brisket In A Mushroom & Balsamic Jus. Served on a bed of creamy mash.

DESSERTS - Followed by Fresh Coffee and mince pies

11) Christmas Pudding. With brandy sauce.

12) Chocolate Brownie. With chocolate sauce and icecream. (V)

13) Spiced Apple Crumble. With custard

14) Vanilla Cheesecake. With raspberry coulis.

15) Sticky Toffee Pudding. Served with custard and a rich toffee sauce.

New Year's Day 2018 - Chilly Willy Run. This year we will be back to the Golden Cross for the start for the usual bacon rolls and tea or coffee. I'm still planning the end venue but put the date on your calendars and bring the New Year in driving your MG.

Tuesday 2^nd January - Club Night and AGM. I'm sorry this has come round again so soon but it needs to be done. As ever if you have anything you would like to add to the agenda or if you would like to be involved in the running of the Club, then please let me know before the evening and it can be included, also please attend so I don't have to talk to myself, it will take no more then 15 minutes I promise.

Friday 8^th June 2018 to Mon 11^th June 2018 (3 nights) - St Audries Bay. Nigel has started to collect the deposits (£20 per person) for the St Audries Bay Week-end, if you have not given your money to him yet he needs to receive it by the November Club Meeting very latest, so he can pay the funds to St Audries Bay. Cheques made payable to Arden MG Club. As a taster to keep us interested he has written the follow:

A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME by Nigel Hook

St Audries Bay weekend. 8^th to 11^th June 2018.

On Saturday 9^th June I have a planned visit to The LORNA DOONE country.

From Porlock to Lynmouth via the DOONE valley.

FACT, FICTION or a bit of both. YOU decide! Here are some facts:-

R. D. Blackmore's Romantic Novel "LORNA DOONE" was first published in 1869.

A stirring tale of Romance set among a Gang of Hated, Feared and Bloodthirsty Robbers.

They were called the DOONES who captured a pretty girl called LORNA.

They ravaged the Countryside around Exmoor in the 17^th century committing Rape, Murder and Robbery, ultimately being brought to Justice by a farmer called Jan Ridd.

But did the DOONES exist? A question often asked but never conclusively answered.

So what do we know:-

Blackmore spent most of his life on Exmoor, after he finished school he became a Lawyer until illness forced an early retirement. He turned to writing combining it with Market Gardening.

His novel of LORNA DOONE was based on local knowledge and tales that were told to him about the area. It is also known that in the troubled times of the Monmouth Rebellion, a band of Outlaws did indeed inhabit one of the Glens of Exmoor.

The Ridd family still farm on Exmoor to this day. It is recorded that Jan Ridd's father was often seen drinking in the Ship Inn in Porlock. (Jan is West Country for John.)

On his way home from Porlock Market to Oare he was ambushed and killed by a "Band of Robbers" (said to have been the DOONES) at the top of Porlock Hill near the spot where the Exford Road meets the A39.

As you descend down the hill to Oare on the right is Parsonage Farm a scene of Murder by (the DOONES). Blackmore actually write his "LORNA DOONE" at this farm. Just down the road is Oare Church where you can see the Window through which CARVER DOONE is alleged to have shot LORNA as she was being Married to Jan Ridd.

Jan Ridd's Grandfather was Rector of Oare Church from 1809 to 1842. Oare is the Parish of the Ridd family. A John Ridd is recorded as being Church Warden in 1914 to 1925.

Down the road at Malmsmead is the ancient Pack Horse Bridge over Badgworthy Water (pronounced Badgery). The track opposite follows the River to Hoccombe Comb after a 2.5 mile walk the ruins of buildings, the homes of a band of Robbers, said supposedly to have been occupied by the DOONES in the 17^th Century and now known as the DOONE Valley.

Nearby still stands the Robbers Bridge said to have been the scene of a lot of the DOONES Robberies.

There was a Garrison at Minehead where Troops were sent out to fight the DOONES.

In the little Church in Watchet is the grave of Lorna's mother.

FACT or FICTION - Everything seems to fall into place from Blackmore.

Which will YOU choose it to be - that is the question!!!

NOW READ THE BOOK.

Other Events:

Sunday 17^th December 2017 - Holly Run. Once again the Morgan Three Wheeler Club have invited us to join in their run. The start (and finish) is at the Old Wagon & Horses, Kidderminister (on the A451, post Code: DY10 3NX) at 10am. It will be about 20 miles of country roads and is open to anyone with an 'interesting' vehicle. Sunday lunch will be available at the end, however it is advisable to book (01562 701 367) for 12 O'Clock, mention you are with the Morgan Three-wheeler Club.

Spring 2018 - MGCC AutoSOLO. The Midland Centre are looking to run an AutoSOLO next year and are trying to gauge interest, I have attached an invitation for the event, if you would like to get involved let me know and I will collate the replies to pass onto the Centre Committee.

18^th August 2018 - Coast to Coast. If anyone is interested in this event I can email a flyer, however they have stated that the hotels are getting booked up so you may need to pre-book as soon as you can.

Other Matters:

If you would like a copy of the photo/video presentation Graham Robson put together for showing at the Quiz on Wheelz evening, just let me (or Graham) have a memory stick (minimum 6Gb) and we will download the file for you to enjoy. It is good fun trying to spot people you know and of course yourself. All the photos and videos have been shot on the Heritage Runs and other Club events.

What Have You Done in Your MG This Month:

Several of us were spotted at the MGCC Production Car Trial at Burton Dassett. Fred was actually taking part with his son in the white 'NG' (and he let Tom beat him again!!!). David Witham was there to marshall, so used his white MGB to get there and I was assigned to the same test as David. It was a lovely day, there are great views over the Warwickshire countryside from up at the top of the hills.

Alan Cleobury was also out and about in Maggie and sent this report:

Friday the 29^th September saw MAGGIE ( & Us) head towards Norwich for the Final Magnette event of the year (now known as the Lou Shorten Tribute Weekend) - Lou & her husband John set up their MG Specialists Spares Business back in the Sixties & have been instrumental in keeping many Magnette Alive today - Sadly Lou passed away a couple of years ago - But John still makes varies panels etc.

We decided to avoid the M42 & M6 south & instead went via Warwick/ Southam & picked up the A45 & eventually joined the A14 towards Cambridge _ so a comfort break was called for & it would have been rude not to call into the MGOC at Swavesey ( much "lighter" - Wallet wise of course we then followed the A11 to Norwich.

Saturday saw a good number of Magnettes arrive at the Shortens Home in Lenwade for "open House" & Buffet Lunch. Saturday night saw 20 or so Magnetteers get together at the Wensum Golf & Country Club for an Evening Meal ( Quiz - Provided by the Cleobury's & we believe enjoyed by all!!) + There were various presentations & Julia & I were awarded the " Magnetteer of the Year" Cup ( for services rendered to the Magnette Register)

Sunday saw do a run out to see "Liz" at Sandringham (unfortunately she knew we were coming & did a "runner" - although allowed us allocated parking (but not in sight of the House!)

All in all a Great W'kend - Good to catch up with so many Magnetteers (Friends we have known for 16 years!) MAGGIE did nearly 500 miles over the days ( the most she has done for a long time following her "transplant") She has earnt the Cup & deserves a rest - Especially after acting as Mobile Catering truck for our "Malvern Classics + Bacon Baps at Malvern.

Well done Alan, a well deserved award.

My MG: This Could Be You

I have used all my stories to date, if you would like to be included then drop me a line with your story and don't forget to include some photos.

Happy MG-ing,

Paul

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Newsletter September 2017

Hi All,

I reported on three events at the Club Night, starting with the Chairman's Picnic and I think I'm safe in saying it was enjoyed by everyone. Several people took advantage of the fayre at the Golden Cross before setting off on the run over to Batsford. There were no dramas on the route and the sun was starting to show when we arrived to see the 'storm shelters' ready for action, although the wind was blowing hard. A fantastic spread of food was then laid out and enjoyed by us all, well there was not much left at the end! Everyone had finished the first session in time to see the

3 o'clock flying display which was both informative and entertaining, even though the big birds were struggling in the high winds!! The rest of the food was then finished before some of us went back to see the next flying display which involved different birds. Thanks to Mike, Jane, Alan, Julia, Steve & Gaynor for setting up the picnic ready for us when we arrived at Batsford.

Our next event to report on was the Brailes Show and we had a good turn-out filling 'our' corner of the field. The storm shelters were again put to good use providing shelter from the sun!! All the usual stuff was going on to keep us entertained through the afternoon.

Lastly was the Pershore Plum Festival which was blessed with a beautiful day and consequently the fields around the Abbey were filled with classic cars, one official told us they had over 1400 cars attend, their best ever, so lots of interesting cars to view and most folk looked to have bought some fruit to take home. We even managed to pitch ourselves in our now traditional pitch with the Abbey as a backdrop, well done Alan.

Future Events:

Thursday 28^th September - Unveiling of the Memorial Retreat at Gloucester Warwickshire Railway, Toddington. Some of you may know that we made a donation earlier in the year, from the Heritage Run Funds, to sponsor the building of a Memorial Retreat at GWR Toddington. The idea of the retreat is for people to be able to purchase and place a memorial plate in the retreat as there is no longer space at the station for more memorial benches. We provided the funds to build the retreat which is now almost finished and we have the chance to attend the official unveiling. The date is now confirmed as Thursday 28th September. The plan is to have the official unveiling at 2pm and then we can all have a ride on a steam powered train to Cheltenham leaving Toddington at 14.45 and returning at 16.20, this will be at a very concessionary fare (may even be complimentary). We would like to have a good line up of MGs along the fence to have a photo and lots of people for the unveiling photos. If you would like to bring your MG along on the day please let me know as soon as you can.

Tuesday 3^rd October (Club Night) - Presentation of Donation Cheque to Shakespeare Hospice.

A representative from the Hospice will be attending this Club Night to give us a short presentation about the work the Hospice is involved in and receive our donation cheque.

Thursday 5^th October - Cheque Presentation to Alcester Day Care. The second charitable donation that we agreed to make was to Alcester Day Care and I have now arranged a date for us to present our cheque to them. Some of you will remember the passionate talk we had from Carole about the Alcester Café, well this is the extension to that project and I think it would be good for us to try and help them get some additional publicity out of our presentation. On the day we are going to have 2 MGs on display (an MG TF Midget and a modern MG TF, both in red) outside the venue for the Day Care Centre. It would be really good if we could also get a group of us to show support, so if you can make yourself available and come to Alcester on the day that would be great. The current plan is to make the presentation at the start of the day from 9.30), so that the carers can see the cars when they do the 'drop off'. Please let me know if you are able to join us. The Day Care Centre is located in the hall to the side of The Baptist Church in Henley Street, opposite the Town Hall set back from the road.

Tuesday 10^th October - Visit to British Motor Heritage, Witney.

Richard Avery is arranging this and at the last count he was fully booked but it may be possible to arrange another visit, let Richard or me know if you would like to be included. The plan is to arrive at 10am for a 10.30am tour. For anyone who is not aware BMH are the company who manufacture the Heritage Body Shells (MGB, Midget, TR6, Mini etc) and you will be able to see the full manufacturing process in operation, well worth a visit if you have not been. Richard is also looking for a local hostelry for lunch after the visit.

Friday 27^th October - Skittles Evening.

At the Butchers Arms in Mickelton. Start time is 7pm, however it is now fully booked, should be a good evening.

Tuesday 7^th November - Club Night, Quiz. I have persuaded Nigel to put together another of his quizzes, so will be a lot of fun, don't miss it.

Tuesday 5^th December - Club Night. General natter evening

Tuesday 12^th December - Xmas Meal.

I'm still waiting for the Menu from Matt at the Golden Cross but if you want to reserve your place for the Xmas meal, drop me an email. As in previous years the first to book will be seated in the restaurant.

Friday 8^th June 2018 to Mon 11^th June 2018 (3 nights) - St Audries Bay.

Nigel has 38 people pre-booked for the week-end but not too late to be added to the list, however Nigel would like to collect the deposits at the October Club Night (£20 per person), very latest November Club Meeting, so he can pay the funds to St Audries Bay. Cheques made payable to Arden MG Club.

Other Events:

Sunday 24^th September - Autumn Trial. Burton Dassett. MGCC Mid Centre. Due to the Council declining to issue permits in the future this will be the last trial at Burton Dassett. Come along and spectate, it's good fun to watch or they are always looking for marshals, why not volunteer!!

Sunday 15^th October - Production Car Autotest. The Bright Sparks PCA will take place on Sunday 15 October 2017 at Curborough Sprint Course. Fradley MR 128/134128 This exciting event is renowned for its long, fast flowing tests. No reversing is re... If you are interested it is organised by Owen Motor Club, look for the invitation on Facebook.

Saturday 24h February 2018 - Samantha Hinton Wedding. Samantha is the Granddaughter of the MGCC President Bill Wallis and she is getting married on this day and would love to have some MG cars to transport the bride and wedding party to the wedding. I have already circulated this request to those people I know have 4 seater cars but if I missed you off the mail and you would be in a position to help let me know and I can forward the details to you.

Spring 2018 - MGCC AutoSOLO. The Midland Centre are looking to run an AutoSOLO next year and are trying to gauge interest, I have attached an invitation for the event, if you would like to get involved let me know and I will collate the replies to pass onto the Centre Committee.

18^th August 2018 - Coast to Coast. I will attach a flyer for this event which is next year, however they have stated that the hotels are getting booked up so you may need to pre-book as soon as you can.

Other Matters:

If you would like a copy of the photo/video presentation Graham Robson put together for showing at the Quiz on Wheelz evening, just let me (or Graham) have a memory stick (minimum 6Gb) and we will download the file for you to enjoy. It is good fun trying to spot people you know and of course yourself. All the photos and videos have been shot on the Heritage Runs and other Club events.

What Have You Done in Your MG This Month: From Graham Robson

We went out in our MG, on a flimsy excuse, involving food purchase. And we decided to go to Evesham, avoiding the perils of pre-Bank Holiday Stratford.

All back roads from our house in Lower Quinton. Therein lies the problem, as we were trolling through Pebworth and . . . . the engine died.

It's at about this point you remember that you'd meant to look up what your breakdown cover was.

Whatever it was, there was no evidence of it in the car, so the trusty iPhone came into use, straining on one-and-a-half blips.

"Just try the engine", I thought - ever the optimist. Bursts into healthy life - engine full of vim, vigour and rev.

Abandon iPhone idea, enjoy the sun. Until the engine cuts out again.

This time we are on some road somewhere [Geography is not my strong point]. Fiona raises friend who comes and picks her up, and we have raised trusty mechanic who is in on a Saturday and prepared to come and find me. Fiona gives him instructions as to where the car is [Geography is not my strong point]

So I remain with the MG. I put the bonnet up to show there was trouble. And people very kindly stopped; frankly some unlikely looking people, too. It was very kind of them.

After about three-quarters of an hour I started to have horrors of George the trusty mechanic ringing and saying "tell me again, where are you?". [Geography etc etc....]

Nice people in Audi stop . . . "can we help?" . . . "Yes", says I . . . "can you remind me where I am?"

George appears, but we have to tow the car in - it's not something simple.

The moral of this story? You might think it's "make sure you know about your breakdown cover" . . .

No . . . the main moral of this story is that if you're out in an old MG which has a chrome exhaust pipe extension . . . and you're wearing shorts . . . DON'T LEAN NONCHALANTLY AGAINST THE BACK END OF THE CAR . . . .

Next email on 1^st September:

The later part of the "broken MG" saga is that the car was displaying, to explain concisely, the exact symptoms of having run out of petrol.

Got it to the friendly local spanner-monkies. They tried it a couple of days later . . . and it started first time. So they took it to the garage and put what seemed to amount to a full tank of petrol in.

Working perfectly since.

So, what felt like it was a car running out of petrol . . . was probably a car running out of petrol.

Petrol gauge and sender now under severe scrutiny . . .

However . . . the moral of the story is STILL: don't stand by a hot exhaust when you're wearing shorts. See attached picture.

Thanks Graham, let me know what you have been up to this month, drop me an email, even better with a photo.

Look who I met up with when I was working on the stand for the British Motor Museum at the Goodwood Revival, great costume getting into the mood of the Revival.

My MG: Fred Bury

I hope you all enjoyed the first instalment of Fred Bury's MG Story in last months Newsletter, as promised here is the conclusion to that story (I have repeated the last paragraph for continuity). Thanks again Fred. I now need some more stories, so please put pen to paper and send me a few words with some photos of your 'MG Story'

I bought an MGB from Selly Oak in 1990 which had been completely stripped and partly restored. The owner had abandoned the rebuild. I bought a new heritage body shell and, when Richard had painted it, I slowly built a concours car. We had to make quite a few adjustments (those early heritage shells were not great in terms of fit). Though I say it myself the result was beautiful but I soon became disillusioned with concourse and sold it in 1993 before using it enough to ruin the wonderfully painted underside. The purchaser contacted me nearly twenty years later asking for confirmation that it was a wide tunnel shell capable of taking a five speed gearbox. He reported that it had covered 100 000 miles since he bought it!

During the same period I had an opportunity to acquire a brace of MGC GTs (part payment for a job). One was a basket case but the other was worth saving, so I restored it and used it as a winter MG for a few years. Fun on ice and wet roads (the rumours are true!) I also had a Datsun 260Z for a while around that time. (Would love another).

Around the millennium I was seduced by V8 power and bought a nice rubber bumper factory car from Burford which I eventually debumpered and fitted with Sebring valances.

I ran it for a few years and then bought a real flying machine from Farringdon. It was Richard Walden's prototype car (he of Walden independent suspension fame). This is basically what the Hoyle conversion consists of today. Richard raced Bs in the 80s and 90s and decided to invent a fully independent suspension. He actually only sold a few kits but I can tell you this car was quite something! It had a tubular steel subframe bolted under the rear Ford Sierra LSD and shortened drive shafts. It was fitted with adjustable "Avo" coil overs on all four corners and Ford twin pot calliper disc brakes all round. It was powered by an "Osselli" machined 3500cc V8 with Vitesse big valve heads and Hurricane cam developing 220BHP. It was fed by a Holley 4 barrel carb on "Offenhauser" 360 manifold. Tony Pond Helped him set it up on Enstone airfield, eventually discarding the rear anti-roll bar originally envisaged. All that power and handling together with a really throaty twin exhaust system made for a very exciting experience. I am sure those who rode shotgun up Shelsley Walsh would agree.

During the time I was running that I spent three or four years restoring a red V8 roadster HUU 500 K (again may sound familiar!) I had just about completed it when a friend made me an offer I just couldn't refuse and I let the flying machine go.

A few years later Mike Green persuaded me to sell him the V8 which he still brings to the club regularly.

I then bought a nice old black BGT from Somerset and gradually improved it during use while restoring my current MGB GT FPH 21 J(another three years!) which is a great car having had only two owners before me and full service history. It had been off the road since 1991 following an MOT failure - just parked in the garage in disgust with keys still in the ignition when I bought it in 2012. There were mountains of electrolyte on the battery terminals which had eaten through the cover plate under the back seat. Though it needed a lot of work it is beautifully straight and original with all its history.

It has been through a complete rebuild with new sills etc. The original engine has been reconditioned. It is not really tuned in any way (having got through my racy period) but I have fitted V8 brakes, telescopic shocks all round, unleaded head, roller bearing clutch thrust bearing, uprated heater, gas boot and bonnet struts etc etc just to make it a bit easier to live with. I am quite pleased with the result, having done a few thousand miles (including a Welsh Rallye), and feel I have a car that will last as long as I want it to without major work.

So that's most of the MGBs although there have been others which I just bought and sold for fun or profit along the way.

I also have a wonderful 1958 MG ZBV Magnette VRW 765 which I bought from Mike Barnett in Leamington Spa in 2002. He had owned it since 1967, so as of this year it will have had only two owners in fifty years! Mike was meticulous in its upkeep and maintenance having cleaned and painted the underside three times during his tenure. I have fully documented service history and everything done to it from new. It is marvellous to work on as Mike replaced nuts and bolts with stainless steel and even put plastic sleeves on exposed threads so that nuts just spin off when loosened. The Magnette is a great car to drive and Jane and I have been on about ten Welsh Rallyes in it. It's low gearing and positive steering makes it ideal for those Welsh hills. However, 1950s drum brakes are less rewarding on long descents!! We have grown to love this car over the years and it is hard to imagine ever letting it go while I'm still able to drive it.

I bought an NG TD in 2001 which was standing unloved behind some stables not having ran for a few years. These were sold as kits since the 1980s to transplant mechanics from your rotten MGB into. This one was actually built at the factory by NG in 1985 based on a 1965 MGB roadster. My son Tom and I have campaigned it in MGCC trials ever since as well as road use when the weather permits (with no doors and feeble weather equipment it can only be described "not for the faint hearted" on anything other than a glorious hot sunny day). I once remarked on the way home from an Autumn trial at Burton Dassett, with aching hips and bruised elbows that I wouldn't be doing this for ever (we double enter; so it involves swapping drivers at each hill-some 30 times a day as well as bouncing!) Tom said "you wouldn't sell the car without giving me first option would you Dad?" I rashly replied that if he achieved a first class degree I would give it to him-the rest is history and it now resides with Tom in Milton Keynes! But to date I still manage to trial with him although he nearly always beats me these days which didn't used to be the case.

My most recent venture has been to restore an MG 1300 Mk2 which I purchased from an MGCC friend mid 2015 in a bit of a sorry state and off the road for about 8 years. I just fancied something a little different to fiddle with and this car was very straight (if a bit rusty) with good glass and trim-so worth a go. Boy has it brought back memories! Having last worked on an ADO 16 about 40 years ago I had forgotten how inaccessible everything is, particularly behind the transverse engine-lots of skinned knuckles!! Still I have finished it and it passed the MOT without advisories and I am now using it, rekindling memories of that "magic carpet ride" that BMC referred to in their adverts. By coincidence this particular car was owned 20 odd years ago by our then club events secretary John Horne. Those of you with teeth as long as mine may remember it. It has a full history file and has covered only 55000 miles from new.

So that covers the highlights to date. What next? I have no idea but have little doubt something will tempt me to get my hands dirty again before too long.

Happy MGing,

Paul

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Newsletter August 2017

Hi All,

There was lots to report at the last meeting, starting with the Joint Natter. There was a good sized group of us leaving the Golden Cross and I led the way to avoid detours but we still managed to get one junction wrong and I blamed my navigator (Lech's grandson) who's first language is Danish, however my instructions were not totally accurate!!! We arrived at The Rose & Crown to be greeted with sunshine and a very nice array of MGs of all ages.

Next was the Badsey Flower Show and this year the weather forecast put a lot of people off (and it was right), so we only had 4 cars in the display. David sent me this short report: "A quick outline on Badsey Flower Show. There were 4 from the club that braved the wet afternoon. We arrived at 11.30 in sunshine, by 12.30 the hood was up, sat in the car with quite heavy rain. 1.00 sun out and we had 2 hours of good weather, but 3.30 the rain came again so we departed. Could have been worse but could have been better". Thanks for the report David.

Finally was the Quiz on Wheelz and despite the dull evening 14 cars turned up at the Golden Cross to look for the fiendish clues set by Mike & Jane. They all managed to find their way to the Wheatsheaf in Badsey where Steve & Gaynor had arranged a very tasty meal, most had the Chinese Taster Menu and those that didn't wished they had!!! This is Steve's local and he arranged for us to use the overhead projector. This allowed Graham to put his skills to good use and use all those pictures and videos taken over many years to produce an hour long video/photo montage that was run in the background. Thanks to all but it gets better - Graham has added music to the montage and has given me the file, so if anyone would like a copy please let me have a memory stick (at least 8 GB) and I can copy it for you, it is well worth a look, you may even be on there.

Future Events:

Monday 28^th August - Pershore Plum Festival. See you there if you are booked for the Club display area.

Midweek, End of September - Unveiling of the Memorial Retreat at Gloucester Warwickshire Railway, Toddington. Some of you may know that we made a donation earlier in the year, from the Heritage Run Funds, to sponsor the building of a Memorial Retreat at GWR Toddington. The idea of the retreat is for people to be able to purchase and place a memorial plate in the retreat as there is no longer space at the station for more memorial benches. We provided the funds to build the retreat which is now almost finished and we have the chance to attend the official unveiling. The date of this is not yet confirmed but will be towards the end of September and will be on a day when there is a steam train running, so we will also have the opportunity to ride on the train (the more people that attend the better the deal will be for the train ride). We should have a confirmed date by the Sept club night. Please let me know if you would like to attend and if you would be bringing your MG.

Tuesday 10^th October - Visit to British Motor Heritage, Witney.Richard Avery is arranging this and at the last count he was fully booked but it may be possible to arrange another visit, let Richard or me know if you would like to be included. The plan is to arrive at 10am for a 10.30am tour. For anyone who is not aware BMH are the company who manufacture the Heritage Body Shells (MGB, Midget, TR6, Mini etc) and you will be able to see the full manufacturing process in operation, well worth a visit if you have not been. Richard is also looking for a local hostelry for lunch after the visit.

Friday 27^th October - Skittles Evening. Nigel has arranged another skittles evening to take place at the Butchers Arms in Mickelton. Start time is 7pm and the cost is £7.50 per person to include supper. I think he is nearly fully booked but check with Nigel.

Friday 8^th June 2018 to Mon 11^th June 2018 (3 nights) - St Audries Bay. Nigel has provisionally booked us back to St Audries for a return visit next year, if you would like to reserve one of the last Chalets remaining let Nigel know. He will be collecting deposits in November (£20 per person).

Other MG Events:

Sunday 3^rd September - Charity Road Run. Gawsworth Hall. Potteries & South Cheshire MGOC. bobandmaggs@ntlworld.com

Sunday 24^th September - Autumn Trial. Burton Dassett. MGCC Mid Centre. Due to the Council declining to issue permits in the future this will be the last trial at Burton Dassett. Come along and spectate, it's good fun to watch or they are always looking for marshals, why not volunteer!!

Other Events of Interest:

Sunday 10^th September - Dorridge Round Table Day. In Dorriage Park for cars 25 years and older. They would like entrants to register. Details: mike@liddington.com .

Other Matters:

It may not be obvious but if you look carefully at the Club Shield and Strap Line at the top of the Newsletter it looks much better. Norman Large has kindly re-made the files, so they are much 'cleaner' and we will have some high resolution versions any future uses, many thanks to Norman.

What Have You Done in Your MG This Month:

No one has sent me a photo of what they have done this month in their MG, so you will have to have another one of my car which took me and Caroline all the way over to Pembroke for a few days stay. As you can see in the photo taken overlooking Clee Hills we were joined by our good friends Liz & Chris. A great place to visit and can recommend a tour around the Castle in Pembroke.

My MG: Fred Bury

As Fred's story is a long (and interesting one) I will again spread it over 2 Newsletters, here is the first instalment, enjoy. Many thanks Fred a great story.

Like most of us I couldn't wait to start driving. I grew up on a farm and so drove tractors from a very early age passing my tractor test to drive on the road at 16years old. Not a very testing test (if you know what I mean)! But it was a good feeling to drive on the road without L plates even on a Fordson Major.

I got my provisional licence for a car as soon as I was 17, took half a dozen lessons and passed my test on April Fool's day 1968!

As a young lad I helped an engineer in my village to earn a bob or two for beer and fags whilst I stayed on at school to take A levels. He had a workshop near to our farm and did all sorts of mechanical work and also resprays. In those days of course it was cellulose paint or even "Valspar" oil paint (nick named knacker lacquer). Whilst I have done lots of restorations and repairs over the years I never did progress beyond cellulose paint and still use it now. I learned a lot from Frank between about 15 and 23 years of age when I moved out of home to share a flat with some mates in Shipston on Stour. I was working by then and, with other distractions, spent a bit less time in the workshop!

During those early years I had a succession of old bangers, most of which I kept for a short time and sold on for profit following "improvement". This helped supplement my meagre apprenticeship wages. There were a succession of Morris Minors (saloons, travellers and convertibles), Minis including a Cooper and Cooper S, 1100s, Rovers, Hillmans and a Vauxhall or two.

It was 1975, when running an Austin 1300 GT, that I bought my first MG - A 1967 BGT in mineral blue which I kept for nearly a year before buying a beautiful 1972 flame red MGB Roadster which had just been imported from Jersey with only one owner and 26000 miles on the clock. I bought it in spring 1976 and drove through that glorious long hot summer with the roof off and the Eagles greatest hits blaring out from the eight track (remember those?) - "Arrived or what"!! Best motoring days of my life. I honestly don't think I put the roof up until October.

I kept that car for over three years which, for me, was an eternity in those days. During that time I met Jane, planned to marry and sold the B to contribute to a deposit on our first house.

I then bought a Hillman Hunter estate (ghastly but practical when restoring a property) and when I could stand it no longer moved to a Mk4 Cortina estate. But I had been well and truly bitten by the MG bug and soon bought a basket case of a roadster and botched it up to run around in until it failed the MOT in a big way (the only one I ever scrapped I think). I then landed on a black roadster which had been rolled and written off. I straightened that out and ran it for a couple of years before selling it for a profit to use renovating our second house. That was the car we went on honeymoon in. So that was the start of running one vehicle for practical purposes and having an MG for fun.

Having renovated our second house we had a rare opportunity to buy a site with a derelict shack on it in open country where we still live now 35 years later. We demolished and rebuilt while living in a mobile home on site. Gradually (as we were doing the building ourselves) we migrated into the house as various parts became habitable. I had the Cortina estate then and (having been without a B for six months or so) got withdrawal symptoms and bought a bronze yellow GT from a bloke in Stratford and restored it on a rolling basis during the house building period.

In 1985 (still building!) I found a 1973 blaze MGB roadster FWK 46 L with engine problems in Kenilworth (the registration may sound familiar to some?). I sorted that out and used it for nearly 20 years apart from a few months in 1988 when a professional restoration was done by Richard Sprigg at Bickmarsh. I was earning well at the time having by now established my own business and decided to lash out! I never regretted it - he did a brilliant job! I sold the car to Dave and Dianne Rayner in 2004 (told you you would recognize it) and to this day it still looks wonderful in the same coat of paint!!

Having seen what a great job Richard could do I bought an MGB from Selly Oak in 1990 which had been completely stripped and partly restored. The owner had abandoned the rebuild. I bought a new heritage body shell and, when Richard had painted it, I slowly built a concours car. We had to make quite a few adjustments (those early heritage shells were not great in terms of fit). Though I say it myself the result was beautiful but I soon became disillusioned with concourse and sold it in 1993 before using it enough to ruin the wonderfully painted underside. The purchaser contacted me nearly twenty years later asking for confirmation that it was a wide tunnel shell capable of taking a five speed gearbox. He reported that it had covered 100 000 miles since he bought it!

Happy MGing

Paul

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July 2017 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

It was a very busy night at the last Club Meeting, which was of course the 'Show Night'. I hope everyone enjoyed the evening, we had 40 cars filling the Orchard Car Park and the 'Girls' had a busy time collating all the voting slips and the results with a full report is on the website. I was also able to report on a very successful Heritage Run with 150 MGs signing in for the run over to Stanway House. A full report will eventually be on the website but I will repeat the information I emailed to everyone to ensure you know how to obtain the photos that were taken at various places on the route:

We also hope that you have received your emailed copy of the photo taken as you arrived at Stanway House, if not please let me know.

You may have noticed that there were also 2 other photographers on the route, the first was outside 'The Slaughters' hotel' in Lower Slaughter and the second as you went through the first ford. I'm please to say that the volunteers who took these photos are happy to let you have a copy of the photo of your car. For the photos taken at Lower Slaughter please go to http://normanlarge.com/HeritageRun/ scroll through the photos until you find your own car. Norman has said "once you have clicked on the thumbnail and enlarged the image you may copy it to your computer. If you require a high resolution image please email norman.large@btinternet.com stating the photo reference number(s)."

For the photos taken at the first ford, Graham is happy to email the photo to you, he may also have a short video clip of your passage through the ford. If you would like a copy of your photo and/or video please send your request to Graham by email to info@dtline.co.uk stating your registration number and if you would like to receive the photo, video or both (it will be necessary to use a file sharing service to receive the video, most clips are around 19mb).

Future Events:

Saturday 22^nd July: Badsey Flower Show. This has grown into a popular show for the club with a good number of cars in attendance last year. Steve will again arrange an area for us to display our cars and maybe another Spitfire from the BBMF will be passing and give us a short flying display again. Steve would like to know numbers, so send him an email (enty7@btinternet.com ).

Starting from the Golden Cross, collect your quiz sheet from 6.00pm but before 6.45pm at the latest. The run will conclude at the Wheatsheaf In in Badsey where dinner will be available. Mike and Jane need to know your choices for the meal and need payment in advance please. If you have not already booked at the July club night please let me know if you want to join the fun, along with your choice of meal (if required). Mike and Jane can accept payment on the Night.

Menu for the Wheatsheaf:

3 Course Chinese Taster Menu £11.00

Fish & Chips £11.00

Gammon & Chips £11.00

Please let us know any special dietary requirements.

Sunday 6^th August: Chairman's Picnic.

This will be the same format as previous years, starting from the Golden Cross for bacon rolls (£2.50) and tea or coffee (£1.00), although at the earlier time of 10.30am, ready to leave around 11.00/11.15am. The scenic run will take us to Batsford Falconry Centre, where an area will be set aside for us to set up our shelters, tables and picnic tables & chairs. In order to have a shared picnic everyone brings a plate of food to share and to avoid duplication select something from the list which is on the website and updated as new bookings are received, then let me know your choice. There will be a charge for the Falconry of £6.75 per person but that also gets you access into the centre to see the bids and we can watch the afternoon flying display at 3pm. I would like to collect the money in advance so please book with me with your payment as soon as you like.

Saturday 12^th August: Brailes Show. This is a regular and enjoyable show for us, there is no charge to join the club display all they ask is to be in place by 12.30 in time for the show to open at 1pm. Again they would like to know numbers so please book with me and I will add you to the list.

Monday 28^th August: Pershore Plum Festival.

This needs to be booked with the organiser and Alan has received our tickets. It may still be possible to join us but you will need to book directly with the organiser ( Details: http://www.pershoreplumfestival.org.uk ) and be sure to tell him you are with the Arden MG Club, so that we are allocated sufficient space. In past years we have had a convoy run from the Golden Cross but this gets us there too late to reserve 'our spot', so just make your way there and we should be on the right hand side of the MG field by the bank with the Abbey in the background.

Friday 27th October: Skittles night. Nigel is organising this at The Butchers Arms, Mickleton. 7pm. Limit is 30 people (14 booked already) Hot meal @ £7.50 per head. Payable in Advance.

Please book and pay with Nigel. The Menu is:

Homemade Lasagne

Cottage Pie

Ham and Leek Pie

Chicken and Mushroom Pie

All with Chips,Peas and Salad.

Friday 8^th to Sunday 10^th June 2018: Week-end Away to St Audries Bay.

Nigel has booked us into St Audries again for next year and he has asked me to advise the following:

"5 slots still left at St.Audries Bay for next year (with sea views) and Ali would like deposit for Nov.

but not crucial, £20 per head. (32 booked in so far) Total £162.25 for the three nights, B&B plus evening meal. Fri 2 course. Sat 3 course Gala Night. Sun 2 course.

Touring Pitch is again available. Ballroom dance on Saturday cost is £10 PP."

Other MG Events:

Sunday 23^rd July - MGCC Midland Centre at Classic Nostalgia, Shelsley Walsh. 20% discount with advance booking code - Andy Robson, ajcarobson@blueyonder.co.uk

Sunday 6^th August - MGCC Mid Centre Sprint at Curborough

Sunday 13^th August - MG Day at Middleton Hall. Fran Bragger, 01827 54692, frances.bragger@sky.com

Sunday 3^rd September - Charity Road Run. Gawsworth Hall. Potteries & South Cheshire MGOC. bobandmaggs@ntlworld.com

Sunday 24^th September - Autumn Trial. Burton Dassett. MGCC Mid Centre

Other Events of Interest:

Sunday 27^th August - Classic Car Show. Webbs of Wychbold.

Sunday 10^th September - Dorridge Round Table Day. Details: mike@liddington.com .

What Have You Done in Your MG This Month:

Surely you do things in your MG other than on Club Events, let me have a photo and a few words to add into next months Newsletter.

My MG:

David Harrison - MG1100 1963 4 door. Dark Green (Goodwood Green?)

We took this brand new car to West Germany, as a Purchase Tax free personal export, in September 1963.

At the time I was serving with BAOR (British Army of the Rhine) in a small town called Menden on the edge of the Sauerland (picture) in the hills about 25 miles from Dortmund, and 20 miles downstream from the Moehne Dam!

It turned out to be a cracking little car which amazed everyone by its great handling and roominess. However its instrumentation was limited to a strip speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge and a few warning lights, so I transferred the auxiliary gauges (oil pressure and ammeter) from my former Mini-Minor.

We took the MG all over Germany...down to Bavaria, to Holland and several times on leave back to the UK. For almost two years it hummed along the Autobahns at an apparently easy and comfortable 80mph or more and was used for some mild (that's what I told Jane) local motor rallies, without any problems up to about 12000 miles. Just as well as BMC dealers were rare and awful, our nearest was 30 miles away and based in a truck depot!

We were shortly to be posted back to the UK and I noticed that the oil pressure was not what it had been. Previously a firm 55-60 pounds it was now 45-50 and oh dear - there was a slight "knock, knock" when accelerating. I said nothing, but made sure Jane and baby Claire flew home rather than coming with me. I said something about it being easier and I could use the space in the car for carrying "stuff" back. If there was to be a problem I wanted to be back in UK and without passengers!

Came the Friday for me to drive back and the car was so full it would have been impossible to get a passenger in! I had arranged to drive in convoy with another car returning to UK the same day. This was a rather "well used" 1952 Bentley Continental and it was mechanically a bit fragile as well, so happy to go slowly. We set off at about 10am. Our route was mostly Autobahn to the German border at Aachen (about 120 miles) then dual carriageway through Belgium, except through Liege and Bruxelles, and then on to Ostend (another 200plus miles). My oil pressure was dropping all the time, and the knocking becoming more insistent every time I pressed the accelerator. However by cruising at 40-50 mph on a really light throttle I could keep the oil pressure up and the noise down, at least on the dual carriageways! Going through the towns was a different matter. By the time we cleared Bruxelles the oil pressure would just about get to 20...would I make UK? By then the Bentley had to press on ahead, they had a ferry to catch at Calais, so I was on my own.

Well I made it to Ostend by about 9pm and there was a ferry due to leave at 3am, so a quick "kip" in the car and (fingers crossed) all I had to do was get on (and off) the ferry and I was back in the land of BMC! The ferry docked at about 6am and the MG started up, but sounded TERRIBLE. There was still some oil pressure (about 10 pounds, so ever the optimist) I set off. It quickly became clear that I would not make the 200 miles home to Birmingham. The narrow hilly roads of Kent were not what I needed! I did reach Canterbury, and at 7.30am was at a traffic lights and when I put pressure on the accelerator the revs went up, but the oil pressure stayed firmly on zero. I looked to my left and saw "Caffyns, Main BMC Agent, South East England". Thank you God!

I turned into their entrance and waited for them to open the doors at 8.

Post script. The mechanics had the car apart in no time and it was clear that where there should have been a centre crankshaft bearing, there was nothing! No remains of bearing shells. Nothing! The crankshaft looked very second hand, but had not broken (very tough those A series engines). We agreed on an exchange "Gold Seal" engine (although mine was strictly speaking, scrap) and I hired a Morris Minor from them (less than half my "stuff" went into it compared to the 1100) and I was home for Saturday afternoon tea.

I picked up the repaired MG a week later and fitted an oil cooler. The oil pressure never dropped below 60 after that. It was sold when it was three years old (any earlier and purchase tax would have been payable) in exchange for a Cortina GT... .

Great story David, thanks. I still need lots more of your stories and as you see they are even better with a few photos.

Drive Safely

Paul

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June 2017 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

The Dunster's at Dunster!!

What a busy month we have had but starting at the end was the St Audries Bay Weekend Away, which can only be described as a great success (Nigel has already booked us in for next year), I have put a report up on the website, so will not dwell any further except to say a big thank you for all the 36 others who attended and repeat the comment from one happy 'camper' "there is nothing you would change". Well done Nigel.

Whilst we are saying our thank you's to Nigel we must also mention the Stratford Races Day Out, which was also a fantastic success although I went home with less cash than I arrived with!!! We all enjoyed Nigel's explanations of the different 'jumps' on the course, the girls especially liked to trip through the changing rooms and one or two were brave enough to jump onto the scales in the weighing room. All round a good fun day out and the sun was shining!!!

In between those two events we attended the Gaydon Festival of Transport at the British Motor Museum. Another sunny day with 11 cars in our own display area in front of the main door and the new Collections Centre. I'm not sure everyone enjoyed the gun demonstrations, the noise of the large field gun was impressive though. The demonstration of removing an injured person from a 'crashed' vehicle was a bit longer than planned it took over an hour to remove the roof from a Land Rover Discovery Sport (strong things these modern cars!!!). A good day out none the less.

Almost forgotten now was the Chilly Willy WARMER Run, which was indeed warmer, well after the showers had passed by. Some of those assembled sampled the breakfast at Willowbrook Garden Centre before setting off on the previously trodden route over to the Golden Cross where Matt and his team laid on a fine lunch. I think it was worth running the 'run' again.

Future Events:

Tuesday 4^th July: Show Night. Please note this is earlier in the year than previously and as it is American Independence Day I will try and think up an American theme. In the mean time make sure your cars are cleaned and polished and let's make sure we more than fill the Orchard car park at the Cross.

Saturday 22^nd July: Badsey Flower Show. This has grown into a popular show for the club with a good number of cars in attendance last year. Steve will again arrange an area for us to display our cars and maybe another Spitfire from the BBMF will be passing and give us a short flying display again. Steve would like to know numbers, so there will be a booking sheet at the Club Night or drop me an email.

Wednesday 26^th July: Quiz on Wheelz. Mike is 'on the case' now and will have some more details of where we will be starting from soon, so keep the evening free. Booking info next time.

Sunday 6^th August: Chairman's Picnic. This will be the same format as previous years, starting from the Golden Cross for bacon rolls (£2.50) and tea or coffee (£1.00), although at the earlier time of 10.30am, ready to leave around 11.00/11.15am. The scenic run will take us to Batsford Falconry Centre, where an area will be set aside for us to set up our shelters, tables and picnic tables & chairs. In order to have a shared picnic everyone brings a plate of food to share and to avoid duplication select something from the list which is attached with the newsletter and let me know your choice. There will be a charge for the Falconry of £6.75 per person but that also gets you access into the centre to see the bids and we can watch the afternoon flying display at 3pm. I would like to collect the money in advance so please book with me with your payment as soon as you like.

Saturday 12^th August: Brailes Show. This is a regular and enjoyable show for us, there is no charge to join the club display all they ask is to be in place by 12.30 in time for the show to open at 1pm. Again they would like to know numbers so please book with me and I will add you to the list.

Monday 28^th August: Pershore Plum Festival. This needs to be booked with the organiser and Alan has started a list but he will need the payment in advance (£4 I think). Please let me know (if you are not already on Alan's list) if you want a ticket and I will keep Alan up-dated.

Other MG Events:

Sunday 25^th June - Cotswold Caper - Cirencester. www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper

Wed 12th July (to be confirmed) - MGCC Mid Centre Joint Natter.

Sunday 23^rd July - MGCC Midland Centre at Classic Nostalgia, Shelsley Walsh. 20% discount with advance booking code - Andy Robson, ajcarobson@blueyonder.co.uk

Sunday 6^th August - MGCC Mid Centre Sprint at Curborough

Sunday 13^th August - MG Day at Middleton Hall. Fran Bragger, 01827 54692, frances.bragger@sky.com

Sunday 3^rd September - Charity Road Run. Gawsworth Hall. Potteries & South Cheshire MGOC. bobandmaggs@ntlworld.com

Sunday 24^th September - Autumn Trial. Burton Dassett. MGCC Mid Centre

Other Events of Interest:

We have been sent an invitation to the Hampton-in-Arden Festival and Car Show will take place on Saturday 1^st July 2017 between 11am and 3:00pm at the Hampton-in-Arden Recreation Ground (Sports Club), Shadowbrook Lane, B92 0DQ.

For those of you who have not yet been to the Hampton-in-Arden Festival and the Car Show, this a village festival with food, drinks, stalls, displays, competitions and activities for the family.

Some more details about the show and photographs from previous years can be found on the website: http://hamptoninardenfestival.weebly.com/

They would like to know numbers, so if anyone is interested in going (I can't attend) please let me know and I will advise them.

Sunday 2^nd July - BMC & Leyland Show. British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

Sunday 27^th August - Classic Car Show. Webbs of Wychbold.

Other Matters:

Club Clothing - The supplier we used for the last batch of clothing is no longer available to us but I still have the samples (with sewn Club Logo) and I can now offer these for sale at reduced cost as follows:

Ladies Polo Shirt: Size: Medium Colour: Pink Cost: £7.50

Sweatshirt: Size: Medium Colour: Pale Grey Cost: £10.00

I will bring them to the Club Nights but if you are interested please let me know before, 'First Come First Served'.

What Have You Done in Your MG This Month:

Saturday 10^th June was the 25^th anniversary of purchasing my MGB and despite it being the day before the Heritage Run, I just had to take her out for a drive to celebrate. Just as well that I did, after pushing her out of the garage I noticed a pool on the garage floor by the near side rear wheel, of course I dipped my finger in it. Not oil therefore must be brake fluid. After removing the brake drum I could see the wheel cylinder was leaking!!! Where do I get one of those on a Saturday morning? A long shot I thought, I phoned the local Leamoco Motor Factor, "yes sir we have 3 on the shelf, £10 each". I'll be there in 10 minutes I replied, so we had our drive later in the day and no problem on the Heritage Run.

My MG:

MG's MGs (Part Two)

We left Mike's story half way through last month, so I have repeated car No 4 for continuity:

A brand new No4 arrives, M11 BRG ( Boy Racer Green )

In 2004, the Vitesse ( my 3rd and all in British Racing Green ) was due for change and we had just bought an end of the line Discovery TD5. With the adverse personal tax changes on Company Cars, we were now buying our own - there were just no rules. With MG Rover struggling for sales, anyone knowing anyone whom worked for MG Rover, seemed to qualify for an employee discount. Enter a new silver 4/5 door ZR 160 for £13,000. I owned it for some 5 years - it was fun and some 7 seconds to 60mph. I had the 160 badges removed to lure other boy racers, albeit the front brake callipers and exhaust were give-aways to the enthusiasts.

Number 5 bought in haste - our worst car ever! M77 BRG / M555 BRG

In May 2008 we sold out our core Accountancy Business. I was 56 and rightly or wrongly, I set aside £50k for a car - a treat to myself I thought, for the 38 years, some fairly risky and more often than not, hard graft. Through a contact at Jaguar I managed to get an 8k mileage silver XK AND £8k under budget!

Now to number 5 - enter a 2005 MGTF 160 for £7k - if only I knew then the misery that lay ahead! It was one of the very last made pre Liquidation and I'm convinced it must have been bodged together with some rejected components. In the 8 years I owned it, it cost much more in repairs than the XK. That said, the TF was the reason we joined the Arden MG club - one of our best moves ever and easily worth the £7k for the fun and friendship.

I sold the ZR to a mate a year or so after I bought the TF.

Over the next year, I'll write a series of articles, or maybe even a book, about the TF repairs saga.

At this stage it is worth mentioning that at a MG Magnette event near Harrogate in 2014, I bumped into Mark Stacey whilst he was remapping a TF. Mark runs a business tuning TF's and the like, under the then name "Z&R Tuning" at Compton Verney. He was the lead guy on such at the Factory until 2005 and a whizz on the subject - he also raced TFs for the "Factory" team. Basically he unlocks the engine's electronic retardation stuff and reckoned to give my TF another 12 -15 bhp, combined with a better torque curve - all with his computer programme and without a single spanner. I genuinely noticed the change and by him lifting the limiter from 7050rpm to 7450rpm, the TF would freely rev in 2nd gear into the red - a great feeling (and quicker than my new V8). During Mark's pre-tune diagnostics, he went a little pale when a reading of 9013rpm came up. 9013 rpm was the highest archived engine speed. Such reckless action certainly wasn't my doing - this was intriguing as the factory default setting is 7050rpm. Mark explained that the only way 9013rpm could have been achieved, would have been on the overrun - say by the previous owner changing down to 2nd at some 75mph! In fact at 10000rpm Mark reckoned the engine would have popped. In its first 3 years with the original owner and only 15k miles, I'm thinking this TF had been abused. As they say a fool and his money are soon parted.

An unexpected first meeting with No 6 HUU 500K

They also say every cloud has a silver lining. The most spectacular repair to the TF arose when, through the apparent over torquing of the offside engine mountings following a precautionary cambelt change, the second and remaining bolt sheared. As a result of the engine dropping somewhat onto the subframe via the air con pump, the engine stalled, the cambelt jumped and smashed all 16 valves etc. Rebuilding a VVC head etc is not cheap. This was the last straw for me and once repaired this "Bag of Bolts" was going; we had in fact just bought a Mercedes CLK 320 from a friend as a run around - there was certainly no comparison in the Merc's engineering to the TF.

No 6 done deal with Fred

At the Malvern Autumn show in 2011 and with the TF in bits and waiting for parts, we went in the Jag. I had previously and regularly cried on Paul D, our Chairman's, shoulder about the TF and I concluded it was now the time to get back to my routes and get a "B". Enter Fred Bury in his V8 B - it was parked at the Malvern Show when we arrived. I didn't know Fred had the V8 as he was usually in his Magnette. What I did know was - that's the car for me and I managed to lure it from him for a tidy sum in the following Spring. Unfortunately I was then having a fairly trouble free period with the TF and with B best driven topless, there was some weird sense in clinging on to the TF, given that it wasn't worth much compared to the B. For the record, BL never put the V8 in the Roadster, just the GT. It's apparently no mean task with lots of adaptation needed to create a V8 Roadster. In 1988 and well before Fred's ownership, the then owner had apparently paid over £10k to a conversion specialist in Bath to transform his base model B to a V8. I recall that some 400 conversions were registered with DVLA when I last checked, plus many more unregistered examples for racing.

Well the V8 is amazing and feels more responsive than my '73 Factory V8 - output 137BHP. Other than a single V8 badge and big exhaust, it looks just like a nicely finished B. Fred had done his stuff too with the engine and its breathing etc - what was noticeable was the somewhat unsociable (but awesome) backfiring on the overrun. Enter Aldon Engineering in Brierley Hill and a hook up to their Dyno.

Aldon - Alan Goodwin is well known to the MG fraternity - he's probably now 70, still races and had the first Dyno in the region many years ago. He built the Ford Kent engine in our Westfield back in '86 and re-tuned it back from track to road use, when we bought it in 2004. Incidentally and somewhat a deviation, the Westy pushes out 116BHP and weighs about 500kg - chassis No 84 - an early Kent development car and one of the 131 Pre Litigation models - raw and simple but an absolutely sensational driving experience.

Back to the story, Aldon fitted their electronic ignition to the V8 and tuned it to 165BHP - Alan himself gave it his special road test and commented what a thrill it was to drive - thanks and congratulations to Fred.

Lucky No 7 - a barn find M2G TF

Bringing matters more up to date- I've tried to sell the TF once or twice, but never that hard and particularly less so, following Mark's £240 remap. I still need to work somewhat to fund the fleet of toys and last spring I started a project with a guy I've known for years. He's in the Automotive sector and loves cars - like us he has too many including a DB4. I stored the V8 in his factory earlier in the year - he wants one just the same. Knowing my love of MG's, he sent me the advert link to our latest investment, a 14 year old red TF 160 - M2G TF and consequent sale of the green TF. M2G TF was apparently purchased by a Director associated with MG Rover for his wife and is fairly fully loaded. Sadly she died soon thereafter and the car was effectively lovingly stored for years by the family. I bought it from a Collector, where it was stored in his garage, alongside his Ferrari 430 drop head. With a warrantied mileage of merely 3k, I paid £9k, including the plate and matching hardtop, and with the intention of selling the plate for a tidy sum. Jane suggested we keep the plate, as clearly it will be worth more than the car, rather sooner than later - little faith.

I sought guidance from Mark Stacey before I bought the car and he's since run a diagnostic (all clear) and remapped it. His colleague Chris Flanagan - Lifestyle Retro near Halifax, has serviced it, changed all fluids, hoses and replaced the cooling pipes etc. Chris is an MG man all the way - he has put the V6 unit in his TF, runs a Mustang powered ZT and is converting another Mustang ZT to a 2 door etc etc - an absolute MG nut.

I'm hopeful of keeping the TF for a while - we've done 5k in the last 7 months and intend to use it whilst we can - it's currently stored up for the winter ready for next season. My New Year resolution is to use the V8 more and given that I'm still doing well over 25k pa, I've really no excuse.

When asked what's your favourite MG - I say each and every one - in their time they were all so special - even the rogue green TF - it rekindled my love affair with MG's.

That just about concludes my 6 and a third - lucky 7, MG story. I feel sort of privileged for the experience - that said they were all effectively funded from our own "hard earned, tax paid cash" as Arthur Daley would say.

PS Jane too feels so fortunate to have had this MG experience and the friendships it's created - long may it continue. I'm a Brummie at heart and proud of it - the Westy, TF, Discovery and Jag were all built locally. The V8 hails from Oxford - I did a 3 day residential Accountancy course at Oxford University in 1973 - in the very month the V8 was created just a few miles away in Abingdon - I was there for its birth.

As I reflect, I realise I'm a frustrated racing driver, I guess most of us MG folk all think so. I intend to do more track days this year, having taken the V8 on a couple of laps at Donington and driven a few laps of Goodwood in a replica D Type Jaguar, both during last year. I've been given a Morgan driving experience by my daughter and son in law, as a thank you for funding a big chunk of their wedding and hopefully I will be out in the Spring somewhere. Does anyone know of any circuits offering 2 for 1 deals for the over 65's?

How time flies when you are having fun (and wasting the kids inheritance )

Mike & Jane Green 21.12.2016

Thanks Mike, keep enjoying those MGs. That was a great story and I hope you agree was worth spreading over 2 months.

Happy MGing

Paul

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May 2017 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

At the April Club Night I reported on a successful 'Drive it Day' run. The sun was shining when we met at Bonds Antique Centre, I'm told the queue to get coffee was rather long. Was this a good venue to use? With Lech's help we had a good scenic run through the lanes to arrive at Wroxall Abbey and Alan had arranged a great day for us. First, well after we had all managed to squeeze into the courtyard, was the beer tasting, with several different brews of the local bottled ale and very nice too! This was followed by a delicious steak & ale pie (with a good helping of seconds). After the coffee we sprinted over to the church where Grant gave us an interesting talk about the history of the Abbey, the church and the business he now runs.

Future Events:

Sunday 28^th May: Gaydon Festival of Transport. At the British Motor Museum, Gaydon. A bit late now to join the display but still possible to go to the event and pay on the gate.

Friday 2^nd June to Monday 5^th June: Week-end Away to St Audries Bay. Everything is in place for a great week-end, I hope Nigel has also ordered some fine weather for us. Dinner will be at 7pm on the Friday and Nigel will brief us on the Saturday Run at breakfast. The local MGOC have been invited for the Sunday evening.

Sunday 11the June: Heritage Run (The Last). The Rally Plates have been sent out to those booked for the run but there is still time to join us if you have not yet sent in your entry. To date we have over 150 MGs booked, so it will be a great day out.

Tuesday 4^th July: Show Night. Please note this is earlier in the year than previously and as it is American Independence Day I will try and think up an American theme. In the mean time make sure your cars are cleaned and polished and let's make sure we more than fill the Orchard car park at the Cross.

Saturday 22^nd July: Badsey Flower Show. This has grown into a popular show for the club with a good number of cars in attendance last year. Steve will again arrange an area for us to display our cars and maybe another Spitfire from the BBMF will be passing and give us a short flying display again. Steve would like to know numbers, so there will be a booking sheet at the Club Nights or drop me an email.

Wednesday 26^th July: Quiz on Wheelz. Mike is 'on the case' now and will have some more details of where we will be starting from soon, so keep the evening free. Booking info next time.

Sunday 6^th August: Chairman's Picnic. This will be the same format as previous years, starting from the Golden Cross for bacon rolls (£2.50) and tea or coffee (£1.00), although at the earlier time of 10.30am, ready to leave around 11.00/11.15am. The scenic run will take us to Batsford Falconry Centre, where an area will be set aside for us to set up our shelters, tables and picnic tables & chairs. In order to have a shared picnic everyone brings a plate of food to share and to avoid duplication select something from the list which is attached with the newsletter and let me know your choice. There will be a charge for the Falconry of £6.75 per person but that also gets you access into the centre to see the bids and we can watch the afternoon flying display at 3pm. I would like to collect the money in advance so please book with me with your payment as soon as you like.

Saturday 12^th August: Brailes Show. This is a regular and enjoyable show for us, there is no charge to join the club display all they ask is to be in place by 12.30 in time for the show to open at 1pm. Again they would like to know numbers so please book with me and I will add you to the list.

Monday 28^th August: Pershore Plum Festival. This needs to be booked with the organiser and Alan has started a list but he will need the payment in advance (£4 I think). Please let me know (if you are not already on Alan's list) if you want a ticket and I will keep Alan up-dated.

Other MG Events:

Sunday 4^th June: MGs in the Park. We have been invited by the Oxfordshire MGOC to this event, however it clashes with our week-end away at St Audries Bay but if you are not coming to St Audries the details are as follows:

The Cotswold Wildlife Park, which is just off the A361 Burford to Lechlade road, two miles south of the A40 Burford roundabout in Oxfordshire. For SATNAV route, use OX18 4JP.
The event starts at 10am and normally goes through until around 4.30pm.
This is Oxfordshire MGOC's 19th annual event and the largest gathering of MGs in the county. We hope to see as many MG owners as possible at this event.
Entrance to the MG Show, the Wildlife Park and all its attractions is free for the MG driver, with any passengers paying Cotswold Wildlife Park's group discount price for entry. Oxfordshire MGOC itself does not charge for entry into the 'MGs in the Park' event, so all in all, it promises to be a 'Grand Day Out'.
Last year, the event attracted over five hundred and eighty MGs ranging from TAs, MGAs, Midgets and MGB/Cs through to the MGF/TF convertibles, the modern range of ZR/ZS/ZT saloons and even a couple of the Chinese MG6s, along with the new MG3s, were on show.

Sunday 4^th June - Shropshire Lad Run. Oswestry to Shifnal. Roy Crosier, Shropshire MG Club. www.shropshiremgs.co.uk

Sat 17^th to Sun 18^th June - MG Live, Silverstone. MG Car Club.

Sunday 25^th June - Cotswold Caper - Cirencester. www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper

Wed 12th July (to be confirmed) - MGCC Mid Centre Joint Natter.

Sunday 23^rd July - MGCC Midland Centre at Classic Nostalgia, Shelsley Walsh. 20% discount with advance booking code - Andy Robson, ajcarobson@blueyonder.co.uk

Sunday 6^th August - MGCC Mid Centre Sprint at Curborough

Sunday 13^th August - MG Day at Middleton Hall. Fran Bragger, 01827 54692, frances.bragger@sky.com

Sunday 3^rd September - Charity Road Run. Gawsworth Hall. Potteries & South Cheshire MGOC. bobandmaggs@ntlworld.com

Sunday 24^th September - Autumn Trial. Burton Dassett. MGCC Mid Centre

Other Events of Interest:

We have been sent an invitation to the Hampton-in-Arden Festival and Car Show will take place on Saturday 1^st July 2017 between 11am and 3:00pm at the Hampton-in-Arden Recreation Ground (Sports Club), Shadowbrook Lane, B92 0DQ.

For those of you who have not yet been to the Hampton-in-Arden Festival and the Car Show, this a village festival with food, drinks, stalls, displays, competitions and activities for the family.

Some more details about the show and photographs from previous years can be found on the website: http://hamptoninardenfestival.weebly.com/

They would like to know numbers, so if anyone is interested in going (I can't attend) please let me know and I will advise them.

Sun 28^th & Mon 29^th May - Classic Car & Transport Show, Ragley Hall.

Sunday 28^th May - Gaydon Festival of Motoring. British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

Monday 29^th May - Bidford Wings & Wheels. Bidford Gliding Club.

Sunday ?? June - Wellesbourne Wings & Wheels. CANCELLED

Sunday 2^nd July - BMC & Leyland Show. British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

Sunday 27^th August - Classic Car Show. Webbs of Wychbold.

Other Matters:

Club Clothing - The supplier we used for the last batch of clothing is no longer available to us but I still have the samples (with sewn Club Logo) and I can now offer these for sale at reduced cost as follows:

Ladies Polo Shirt: Size: Medium Colour: Pink Cost: £7.50

Sweatshirt: Size: Medium Colour: Pale Grey Cost: £10.00

I will bring them to the Club Nights but if you are interested please let me know before, 'First Come First Served'.

My MG:

MG's MGs (Part One)

With my 65th birthday just behind me and as the proud owner of a masterpiece MGB V8 from Fred Bury's stable and more recently an MG TF 160, both in "Ferrari" red, I reflect below on just how my life long love and ownership of MGs developed over the last 40 years. I've had just 6 and a third interest in another - let's just say my lucky 7. When I say I, I really mean we, because Jane and I will have been married 40 years later this year

Number 1

With my initials being MG, owning No 1 happened in 1975 when I was 23 - a 1973 Teal Blue MGB GT NAM 77M, with chrome rostyle wheels shod with Pirelli Cinturato tyres. Like so many at the time, I loved its iconic exhaust sound, a sound like no other. We enjoyed some 3/4 years together, but I was becoming increasingly frustrated by being outrun, by cars such as a 2000 GT Capri etc. I owned No 1 when Jane and I married in July 1977 - she always had a fine choice in cars, whereas her choice in men, was some say, suspect.

Thanks Mike. Mike's story was so good it stretched to 4 pages without the photos, so I have decided to spread it over two months, you will have to wait until the June Newsletter for the final instalment. I still need more stories, so if you would like to be featured in the newsletter just let me know your MG story. You don't have to be a great author, we can help you to put the story together.

Happy MGing

Paul

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April 2017 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

Well I did manage to get to the March Club Night, Ryanair didn't let us down (I was in Spain 6 hours before the meeting started!!). The main event to report was the APRIL Foolery Run, organised by Alan and the 'Crew'. Unfortunately I was not able to make the Run but I'm told it all went well and everyone enjoyed a good lunch at the Malt Shovel in Gaydon. Several people then went on to visit the Museum or the National Herb Centre. Well done Alan, thanks from everyone.

The following week-end a happy band filled a 'Club Display' at the Malvern Festival of Transport and this proved to be a successful event for the club in the car awards section. Not only did Nigel win his group but Steve was runner up in the modern group, with his MGF and then Nigel having been entered into the 'Final' won the 'Best Car of the Show'. Well done to Steve and Nigel.

Future Events:

Sunday 30^th April & Monday 1^st May: Stratford Festival of Motoring. This is not a club event but I will be running in the 'B' on Sunday and on the British Motor Museum stand on the Monday, if you are passing say hello. It should be a good event with Jaguar as the favoured marque, the Museum display will include an XJ220, which will be impressive.

Sunday 14^th May: Chilly Willy WARMER Run. As you know this will be a re-run of the New Year's Day Run but hopefully in warmer weather, so the scenery will be even better. There is still time to book with me but if you would like to have lunch at the Golden Cross please let me know your choices from below (pay on the day). The plan is to assemble at the Willowbrook Garden Centre from 10.30 (so in time for the value breakfast offer) and be ready to leave around 11.00/11.15 for the scenic drive to the Golden Cross. Fingers crossed for a warm sunny day.

14th May Lunch Menu 2 courses for £11

STARTERS

Homemade Soup of the Day & Crusty Bread

Chicken Liver Pate with Homemade Chutney & Melba Toast

Battered Calamari with a Dressed salad & Garlic Mayonnaise

Creamy Garlic Mushrooms on Toast (V)

MAINS

Roast Sirloin of Beef with Yorkshire Pudding & Red Wine Gravy

Roast Belly Pork with Apple Sauce & Sage Gravy

Roast Crown of Turkey with Stuffing & Sage Gravy

Mixed Bean & Cheddar Nut Roast with Tomato Compote (V)

Fish and Chips, cod fillet with mushy or garden peas

Vegetable Lasagne served with salad and garlic toast(V)

Chicken Curry served with rice and prawn crackers

Pie of the day served with a choice of potatoes and vegetable medley

DESSERTS

Sticky Toffee Pudding served with Vanilla Ice Cream

Chocolate Brownie drizzled with chocolate topped with Vanilla Ice Cream

Treacle Sponge with custard

Ice Cream, choose from Vanilla, Strawberry & Chocolate

Sunday 21^st May: Stratford Race Day. Nigel has arranged a special day for us at the 'Races'. We will get early access to the course where we will put on a club display and hopefully impress the Stratford Herald to run a piece about the day. Nigel has jumped through all the hoops with the Jockey Club to allow us access onto the course to see the 'Jumps' at close quarters. He will then take us behind the scenes in the weighing room to get the true flavour of what goes on during a normal race day. Before the races begin we will have a talk abut placing bets (for those like me this will be a first), so maybe we won't lose all our money when watching the races themselves and all this for a discount price of £10 per person. If you haven't booked already and would like to join us the closing day for bookings is the May Club Night.

Sunday 28^th May: Gaydon Festival of Transport. This is being held at the British Motor Museum and I have arranged for a Club Display, which means we will all get free entry to the event and this includes access to the Museum and the Collections Centre for the day. Again if you have not booked and would like to be in the display please let me know and I will add you to the list.

Friday 2^nd June to Monday 5^th June: Week-end Away to St Audries Bay. For those booked on the week-end, Nigel has asked me to let you know that we now need to make the final payment to St Audries Bay (£290.00 per couple in chalets). Closing date for this final payment is the May Club Night (2^nd May) if paying by cheque please make payable to Arden MG Club. They have reserved 18 chalets most of which have sea views.

Sunday 11the June: Heritage Run (The Last). I hope you have all booked by now for this our last 'big' run, if not please get your booking form with payment to Allen Smith as soon as you can, so you can join with the 138 who are already booked. This will not be our largest ever entry but with a few more it will be our largest in recent years, it will be a great day, so encourage anyone you know with an MG to book. Just in case you missed the details the run will be starting at The Valley (Evesham Country Park) and after the 50 plus mile scenic drive will finish at Stanway House, where we will have exclusive access to the house and grounds. Everyone will receive a digital photo of their car arriving at the house (by email only) and the famous fountain will be run twice during the afternoon.

As you all know the event is run by volunteers and this is where we need your help on the day. In order to direct cars on arrival and for parking we need marshals, which is not an onerous task and you get to wear one of the Club's branded hi-vis jackets. Fred is organising the 'shifts' for the marshals and the more people who volunteer the shorter the shifts will need to be, so please let me know if you would like to help on the day for short time to ensure everything runs smoothly for all the entrants. If you are going to the club night in May, Fred will have a list to add your name to or drop me an email and I will let Fred know to add you to his list.

Phew, after a very busy May & June we now have a bit of a rest (time for our next holiday!!) before the next round of events.

Tuesday 4^th July: Show Night. Please note this is earlier in the year than previously and as it is American Independence Day I will try and think up an American theme. In the mean time make sure your cars are cleaned and polished and let's make sure we more than fill the Orchard car park at the Cross.

Saturday 22^nd July: Badsey Flower Show. This has grown into a popular show for the club, no doubt helped by the provision of bacon rolls by Alan & Julia (which I'm sure will be on the menu again this year). Steve will again arrange for an area for us to display our cars and maybe another Spitfire from the BBMF will be passing and give us a short flying display again. Steve would like to know numbers, so there will be a booking sheet at the Club Nights or drop me an email.

Wednesday 26^th July: Quiz on Wheelz. Mike is struggling for time at the present but I'm sure he will come up with a cunning plan in time for the night but put the date on your calendars and more details next time.

Sunday 6^th August: Chairman's Picnic. This will be the same format as previous years, starting from the Golden Cross for bacon rolls (£2.50) and tea or coffee (£1.00), although at the earlier time of 10.30am, ready to leave around 11.00/11.15am. The scenic run will take us to Batsford Falconry Centre, where an area will be set aside for us to set up or shelters, tables and picnic tables & chairs. In order to have a shared picnic everyone brings a plate of food to share and to avoid duplication select something from the list (available soon) and let me know your choice. There will be a charge for the Falconry of £6.75 per person but that also gets you access into the centre to see the bids and we can watch the afternoon flying display at 3pm. I would like to collect the money in advance so book with me with your payment as soon as you would like.

Saturday 12^th August: Brailes Show. This is a regular and enjoyable show for us, there is no charge to join the club display all they ask is to be in place by 12.30 in time for the show to open at 1pm. Again they would like to know numbers so please book with me and I will add you to the list.

Monday 28^th August: Pershore Plum Festival. This needs to be booked with the organiser and we should have some details soon. In order to secure our space in the MG area it is better for everyone to make their own way to the festival but join us on the club display.

Other MG Events:

Sunday 4^th June: MGs in the Park. We have been invited by the Oxfordshire MGOC to this event, however it clashes with our week-end away at St Audries Bay but if you are not coming to St Audries the details are as follows:

at the Cotswold Wildlife Park, which is just off the A361 Burford to Lechlade road, two miles south of the A40 Burford roundabout in Oxfordshire. For SATNAV route, use OX18 4JP.
The event starts at 10am and normally goes through until around 4.30pm.
This is Oxfordshire MGOC's 19th annual event and the largest gathering of MGs in the county. We hope to see as many MG owners as possible at this event.
Entrance to the MG Show, the Wildlife Park and all its attractions is free for the MG driver, with any passengers paying Cotswold Wildlife Park's group discount price for entry. Oxfordshire MGOC itself does not charge for entry into the 'MGs in the Park' event, so all in all, it promises to be a 'Grand Day Out'.
Last year, the event attracted over five hundred and eighty MGs ranging from TAs, MGAs, Midgets and MGB/Cs through to the MGF/TF convertibles, the modern range of ZR/ZS/ZT saloons and even a couple of the Chinese MG6s, along with the new MG3s, were on show.

Fri 5^th to Sun 7^th May - Jersey Weekender, St Helier, Jersey. Contact geoffedge@aol.com

Sunday 7^th May - Charnwood Caper. Quorn & Woodhouse Station to Elvaston Castle. North Leics MG Club. Colin Readwin 07583 231 393, info@northleicester-mg.org.uk

Fri 19^th to Sun 21^st May - Welsh Rallye. MGCC Mid Centre. Llandrindod Wells. Andy Robson 0121 453, ajcarobson@blueyonda.co.uk

Sunday 4^th June - Shropshire Lad Run. Oswestry to Shifnal. Roy Crosier, Shropshire MG Club. www.shropshiremgs.co.uk

Sat 17^th to Sun 18^th June - MG Live, Silverstone. MG Car Club.

Sunday 25^th June - Cotswold Caper - Cirencester. www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper

Wed 12th July (to be confirmed) - MGCC Mid Centre Joint Natter.

Sunday 23^rd July - MGCC Midland Centre at Classic Nostalgia, Shelsley Walsh. 20% discount with advance booking code - Andy Robson, ajcarobson@blueyonder.co.uk

Sunday 6^th August - MGCC Mid Centre Sprint at Curborough

Sunday 13^th August - MG Day at Middleton Hall. Fran Bragger, 01827 54692, frances.bragger@sky.com

Sunday 3^rd September - Charity Road Run. Gawsworth Hall. Potteries & South Cheshire MGOC. bobandmaggs@ntlworld.com

Sunday 24^th September - Autumn Trial. Burton Dassett. MGCC Mid Centre

Other Events of Interest:

Sun 30^th April & Mon 1^st May - Stratford Festival of Motoring.

Sun 14^th May - Cheshire Candle Charity Run. www.candlerun.org

Sun 28^th & Mon 29^th May - Classic Car & Transport Show, Ragley Hall.

Sunday 28^th May - Gaydon Festival of Motoring. British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

Monday 29^th May - Bidford Wings & Wheels. Bidford Gliding Club.

Sunday ?? June - Wellesbourne Wings & Wheels. Wellesbourne Airfield.

Sunday 2^nd July - BMC & Leyland Show. British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

Sunday 27^th August - Classic Car Show. Webbs of Wychbold.

Other Matters:

Club Clothing - The supplier we used for the last batch of clothing is no longer available to us but I still have the samples (with sewn Club Logo) and I can now offer these for sale at reduced cost as follows:

Ladies Polo Shirt: Size: Medium Colour: Pink Cost: £7.50

Sweatshirt: Size: Medium Colour: Pale Grey Cost: £10.00

I will bring them to the Club Nights but if you are interested please let me know before, 'First Come First Served'.

What Have You Done With Your MG This Month?

Andy Bourne has got his excuses in early for not being able to attend the events so far. As you can see in the photo he has been rebuilding the engine on his Midget and while he had the engine out thought he would repaint the engine bay but it is all taking longer than expected (as it always does!!). I hope you soon recover from the chest infection Andy. Thanks for the photo. What have you been doing with your MG, send me a photo.

My MG: Graham & Fiona Robson, MG Midget

"Our MG"

It's definitely "our MG" . . . if Fiona hadn't encouraged me, it would never have happened.

It was my Dad's fault, really. Always interested in cars; he had a V8 Buick during the war, and narrowly missed buying a Cord off his spiv next-door neighbour. But Bentleys were the cars for him, and he owned a succession of them . . . . until they caught up with him, really.

"They" were his peers in the world of Midland Car Component Manufacturing who pointed out that he really ought to be buying a British Leyland vehicle, seeing as they were our main customers.

Despite Bentleys, what he'd always wanted, but never had, was a Porsche. [Nothing if not ambitious, my Dad]. A 356 saloon or coupe. To this end, over the years, he bought magazines by the dozen, and smirked triumphantly every time the pundits reported an improvement in a new version. He claimed this was his reason for waiting.

As he was nearing the end of his long life I reflected on this and thought "I'm not going to make the same mistake". It was at this point that Fiona chipped in with agreement . . . and I settled, not on a Porsche [there are still days, though . . . . ] but a seriously yellow 1978 MG Midget. Now . . . . I was THERE in 1978, knee deep in the ghastly days of strikes, industrial discontent and poor management, so I was not going into this with my eyes closed.

We bought the car off Bill and Gill Belcher - they were graduating to Chrome Bumper Status - and we have never, ever regretted buying "Bumble". [Bright yellow, black bumpers . . . it's not hard.]

Even though . . . .

We [at about this point it becomes "I", because it was my daft idea] elected to have replacement and definitely LEATHER seats in the car. You're ahead of me already, aren't you? Pedantic man at local garage [to whom I'd innocently said "could you install these seats, and give it an MOT while you're at it?] was patently the wrong choice. He signally failed to enter into the spirit of the thing, finding fault with the fact there was nothing left to screw the seats to and one of the seat belt anchors was, in fact, only attached to the carpet.

So it was a big job, in the end.

But, to be honest, about the only really big job, to its credit. A 1978 car, with a list of about fourteen owners, one of whom did a really well-documented strip down and preparation, and then apparently ran out of paint two-thirds of the way along the back wings.

Looking back I recall having had an MG Maestro [1600]. Not a bad car; the dashboard spoke to you and the car did funny things if you accelerated out of a corner. Also the gear-change linkage was so convoluted [we'd tried to get that business] that the resultant lost motion was up there with posting a second class letter.

I graduated then to an MG Montego. Which was, at least, bigger. Oh - and with a more comprehensive dashboard repertoire. Until, one fateful when it got a gin and tonic spilt on it. Somehow you never felt you could trust it after that.

After leaving mainstream industry over twenty years ago I had a "comfort purchase": a 1978 Rover 2000. You'd have thought I'd have learned, wouldn't you? Loved it. Almost nothing on it ever worked "quite right".

Nowadays the cars have lost all that element of risk. So we buy a Classic, so that we can re-live those "man versus the machine" days of the great pioneers.

Then we put the Classic BACK in the garage and use the safe, warm dependable modern vehicle.

But at least, on the way, we get to meet great people at our MG Clubs.

Thanks Graham, I still need more stories, so if you would like to be featured in the newsletter just let me know your MG story. You don't have to be a great author, we can help you to put the story together.

Happy MGing

Paul

March 2017 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

If you were not at the last Club Night (53 of you were there) you missed a treat, as expected Stuart Turner was an entertaining speaker and I hope everyone enjoyed the talk, I understand it was a bit difficult to hear at the back of the room, I'm sorry if that included you. Stuart gave us a review of his life starting with how he became involved with motorsport as a navigator when his sister was having trouble reading the maps, he just picked them up and ended up being in the navigators seat when winning the RAC Rally. He was invited to manage the 'Comps' department by John Thornley and was lucky enough to be there just as the Minis came into winning ways (I'm sure he had a hand in their success though), of course he introduced the 'Finns' to British Rallying. He told the tale of Timo Makinen who would not have pace notes read out to him "as it disturbed my concentration" and after seeing scientific proof of this Stuart will now not use a Sat Nav to get around!! His second time lucky was joining the Ford Rally Team just as the Escorts came into winning ways and had a successful career with Ford leading to the development of the Mighty Cosworth's and the RS200 Group B Rally Car. He has also spent many years involved with the MSA Motor Sport Safety Fund and consequently the money collected on the night and the proceeds from the raffle (a total of £151.75 - well done everyone) will be given to this charity.

Before the Club Night we had our Skittles Evening and 34 of us enjoyed a long evening of skittling at the Binton Social Club. As ever the boys triumphed over the girls with a combined score of 221 against 212, come ladies you must do better next time!!! There were clear winners for the prizes with Roger Phipp (21 points) and David Rayner (18 points) for the men's and Pam Zak (16 points), however we needed a playoff between Caroline, Julia Cleobury & Alison Smith for the runner up for the Ladies prizes. It was Julia who held her nerve to take the honours. No one wanted to take the wooden spoon home with 5 players on 9 points, so it was decided that the wooden spoon would be awarded to the first player to leave the game of 'Killer', I was obviously not concentrating and the spoon is proudly displayed in my Study!! Caroline Phipp finally won a hard fought game of Killer to join husband Roger in taking a prize home.

Sunday 2nd April - April Foolery, Sunday Lunch Run. Starting from the Stratford Garden Centre (located on the B4632 road to Mickleton out of Stratford), where the cafe will be open to start the day. The run will generally follow the route used on the first Heritage Run taking us to Gaydon and lunch at the Malt Shovel. For those interested after lunch a visit to the Motor Museum or the local Herb Centre can be arranged, please let us know which if any you would be interested in. Alan can still accept entries for this run but will need your menu choices and payment (if you want lunch) as soon as you can. Details for the meal are:

2 Courses £15pp 3 Courses £20pp

Starters

Leek and Potato Soup served with bread

Chicken and Wild Mushroom Pate served with red onion marmalade

Tempura Battered Prawns served with sweet chilli dip

Mains

Roast Loin of Pork served with traditional trimmings

Chicken Hotpot with Shallots, Mushrooms and White Wine

served with potatoes and vegetables

Fish Pie with Salmon, Haddock and Prawns topped with mashed potatoes and parsnips

served with vegetables

Goats Cheese and Pesto Cannelloni served with salad and garlic bread

Desserts

Bread and Butter Pudding served with cream, custard or ice cream

Lemon Cheesecake served with cream or ice cream

Sticky Toffee Pudding served with cream, custard or ice cream

Tea or Coffee

Alan Cleobury - 124 Earlswood Common, Earlswood, Solihull, B94 5SH. Mob Tel: 07815 522894

Sunday 9^th April - Malvern Classic Car Show. Alan has booked a club stand at this event and has sent off the form, however if you would still like to be on the club display you can book directly with the organiser, letting them know you are with the Arden MG Club. Make sure you then let Alan know if you want one the famous bacon or sausage rolls.

Sunday 23^rd April - Drive it Day.

We now have some details for this year's run with a new starting venue of 'Bonds' café and Antique Centre CV37 9ST (located on the A435 between Stratford and Welford on Avon), arrive from 10.30 to be ready to leave at 11.00/11.15 for the usual scenic run to Wroxall Abbey. We have visited Wroxall before but they are having an open day that day and have extended it to be a 'Drive-it-Day' venue. Lunch will be available, buffet style Beef & Ale pie (vegetarian available on request, please let me know) with tea or coffee afterwards for £11.95, we may even have a beer tasting session of Wroxall Ales. I do need firm numbers to let the venues know, so please let me know if you would like to join the fun and if you would like to have lunch, for which I will need payment in advance.

Sunday 14^th May - Chilly Willy 'WARMER' Run.

This is now confirmed and will be a re-run of the Chilly Willy Run from New Year's Day. This time, meeting from 10.45 and ready to leave around 11.30 for the run to The Golden Cross, where Matt has extended the lunch menu to include a Sunday roast but the cost is still only £11.00 for 2 courses. As ever Matt needs to know numbers and lunch choices (payment on the day), so please let me know if you would like to do the run and your meal choice if you want to have lunch. As the name suggests let's hope the day is WARMER than New Year's Day!! See website or attached for the menu on the day.

Sunday 21^st May - Stratford Races Day Out.

Nigel has used his contacts within the horse racing fraternity to organise us an exclusive visit to the Stratford Races. The plan is to arrive before 11.00am where we will have a dedicated parking area to display our cars. Nigel will guide us out onto the course to inspect the fences before taking us through the weighing rooms and 'backstage' area. The racecourse are also trying to get the Stratford Herald to do a feature on our visit, so we may be in a photo as well. For those like me who have never placed a bet before there will be a talk on 'how to do it' in time for the races during the afternoon. Sounds great, I'm looking forward to it already, if you would like to join the fun please let me know and I will add you to the booking list. Nigel has also negotiated a discount entry price of £10 per person.

Sunday 28^th May - Gaydon Festival of Transport.

I am going to book a display area for this show which is at the British Motor Museum and my connections have allowed me to obtain free entry tickets, which get you into the show and into the Museum. I need to book with the organiser so please let me know if you would like to attend with your MG (other classics are OK as well).

Friday to Monday - 2^nd to 5^th June 2017 - St Audries Bay Weekend Away.

Everything is progressing well for this weekend away and we now have 19 couples signed up. Nigel is keeping in touch with the venue and is planning the route for the Saturday drive out. This photo is the view from the site taken as the sun is setting, let's hope for the same when we are there.

Sunday 11^th June 2017 - 25^th and Last Heritage Run:

Starting from 'The Valley' formerly Evesham Country Park. Roger is working hard on a scenic route through the Cotswolds countryside and is determined to include at least 1 Ford!!! This will take us to Stanway House, which will be open for our exclusive use. They will run the famous fountain twice during the afternoon and we can enjoy our picnics in the grounds. The near by water mill will also be open during the day (additional charge applies). Both Carole Nash Insurance & The MG Owners Club have confirmed attendance and will have displays in the parking area. As of the club night we had 111 cars booked and paid for the run, so we should have a good turnout but I would like to end the Heritage Runs with a great success so tell anyone you know with an MG to send their booking in soon, it will be a great day out.

Tuesday 4^th July - Show Night. A month earlier than last year, hopefully for a better & longer evening.

Saturday 22^nd July - Badsey Flower Show.

Sunday 6^th August - Chairman's Picnic.

This is now confirmed for Batsford Falconry Centre and will be the same idea as last year where everyone brings a plate of food to share and tea & coffee will be provided. In the near future we will have the booking form available to choose what food you would like to bring to the picnic. The timings will be such that we will be able to attend the 3pm Falconry demonstration and see some of the birds in action.

Saturday 12^th August - Brailes Show.

Monday 28^th August - Pershore Plum Festival.

Other MG Events:

Sunday 2^nd April - MGCC Mid Centre Sprint at Curborough

Sunday 9^th April - MGB Register Spring Run from Hatton Country World to Woburn Abbey

Fri 5^th to Sun 7^th May - Jersey Weekender, St Helier, Jersey. Contact geoffedge@aol.com

Sunday 7^th May - Charnwood Caper. Quorn & Woodhouse Station to Elvaston Castle. North Leics MG Club. Colin Readwin 07583 231 393, info@northleicester-mg.org.uk

Fri 19^th to Sun 21^st May - Welsh Rallye. MGCC Mid Centre. Llandrindod Wells. Andy Robson 0121 453, ajcarobson@blueyonda.co.uk

Sunday 4^th June - Shropshire Lad Run. Oswestry to Shifnal. Roy Crosier, Shropshire MG Club. www.shropshiremgs.co.uk

Sat 17^th to Sun 18^th June - MG Live, Silverstone. MG Car Club.

Sunday 25^th June - Cotswold Caper - Cirencester. www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper

Wed 12th July (to be confirmed) - MGCC Mid Centre Joint Natter.

Sunday 23^rd July - MGCC Midland Centre at Classic Nostalgia, Shelsley Walsh. 20% discount with advance booking code - Andy Robson, ajcarobson@blueyonder.co.uk

Sunday 6^th August - MGCC Mid Centre Sprint at Curborough

Sunday 13^th August - MG Day at Middleton Hall. Fran Bragger, 01827 54692, frances.bragger@sky.com

Sunday 3^rd September - Charity Road Run. Gawsworth Hall. Potteries & South Cheshire MGOC. bobandmaggs@ntlworld.com

Sunday 24^th September - Autumn Trial. Burton Dassett. MGCC Mid Centre

Other Events of Interest:

Sunday 9^th April - Malvern Festival of Transport.

Saturday 15^th April - Pride of Longbridge, Cofton Park. www.prideoflongbridge.co.uk

Sun 30^th April & Mon 1^st May - Stratford Festival of Motoring.

Sun 14^th May - Cheshire Candle Charity Run. www.candlerun.org

Sun 28^th & Mon 29^th May - Classic Car & Transport Show, Ragley Hall.

Sunday 28^th May - Gaydon Festival of Motoring. British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

Monday 29^th May - Bidford Wings & Wheels. Bidford Gliding Club.

Sunday ?? June - Wellesbourne Wings & Wheels. Wellesbourne Airfield.

Sunday 2^nd July - BMC & Leyland Show. British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

Sunday 27^th August - Classic Car Show. Webbs of Wychbold.

Other Matters:

Club Clothing - The supplier we used for the last batch of clothing is no longer available to us but I still have the samples (with sewn Club Logo) and I can now offer these for sale at reduced cost as follows:

Polo Shirt: Size: Medium Colour: Royal Blue Cost: £6.00

Polo Shirt: Size: XL Colour: Green Cost: £6.00

Ladies Polo Shirt: Size: Medium Colour: Pink Cost: £7.50

Sweatshirt: Size: Medium Colour: Pale Grey Cost: £10.00

I will bring them to the April Club Night but if you are interested please let me know before, 'First Come First Served'.

MGCC Midland Centre Taster Trial.

On 30-04-17 at East Lodge Farm near Bromsgrove the Midland Centre will run a single venue Taster Trial on private land. The objective is to involve youngsters, minimum age 14 and adults who might have heard about trials but haven't taken it any further yet. The MSA acknowledges that clubs need to be able to attract new faces and on a one off annual basis will issue a permit that allows non club members, that is members of the public, to take part in a taster event whilst being covered by the MSA public liability insurance. It will be a production car event which means that standard road cars are both eligible and suitable. We typically see Rover25, MG F and Citroen Saxo among other small cars competing at the Autumn Trial, all are competent handy vehicles. The course will be grass and mud, essentially non-damaging.

The format will include an explanation of the different types of trial, the classes, how to prepare a vehicle, completing paperwork, driving instruction, driving practice and some good takeaways as a reminder of the event, and having enjoyed the experience we hope you'll join a club and compete.

If you know anyone who may be interested in trying a starter competition event, this may be just the thing for them, if so please get them to contact the Midland Centre. Further information is available from me or can be seen on the Midland Centre Website.

My MG: Alan & Julia Cleobury "MAGGIE" - 1957 MG Magnette ZBv TXF 336

Why MGs and Why a Magnette?

Growing up in a Non driver / No car family in the early 50's I was interested in cars from an early age and nothing was more exciting that being given a lift in a friends Dad's car ( Morris Oxfords / Humber Snipes/ Ford Popular - to name just a few).

Before I was 17 and with some of his redundancy money (My Dad was a Carpenter & in the building trade) bought me my first car - a 1956 ZB Magnette for £40.00 TFD915 - Where are you now?? Eventually passing my test the car came into regular use BUT always (Stupid things now) seemed to go wrong (remember I was not mechanically minded, even then & not a lot has changed!) Anyway Kennings the local BMC Dealer in Walsall were too tempting with an MG 1100, much more modern and only 4 years old- CRF161A- Where are you now? Although I can guess - and that's another story!

After various Manufacturer / Model changes- Marriage / Children etc I had strayed from the MG fold. As birthdays / Christmases came & went - "What do you want"? I would always say a "Magnette"! I had allsorts of MG presents over the years - "Thank you".

Nearing my big 50 I realised that some Magnettes were still around! Leading up to my big day I convinced Julia that all I was doing was reinvesting our money! Before I managed this one of my Managers had a BCA Classic auction catalogue and in there was a picture a very nice blue Magnette (I said nothing) but kept a copy).

I went to MG Stoneleigh in Feb 2001, as I was told there would be a Magnette for sale - It wasn't there! But just before leaving Jason (Son) spotted a "flyer" apologizing that said Magnette wasn't there but giving a contact number. I did and made arrangements to go down to Devon to view and eventually buy. Ironically this was the same car from that earlier BCA Catalogue - Destiny or What? "

Maggie (who was born the same year as Julia) had been totally rebuilt and her body looked good - Not being mechanically minded (and I didn't know all the excellent / expert MG people that I now do) was told her engine had also been rebuilt. However in just a few months it was clear all was not well and she was sent for a proper engine rebuild (More investment!) and within three years all her doors looked "iffy" and those had to be redone properly.

After about 14 years "gentle" use and at just 16500 miles (from rebuild) one of her Big Ends went! but she managed, very noisily to get us all the way home from Banbury! I had a spare engine so that has been put in and her gearbox was rebuilt at the same time - So far so good (fingers crossed) - Even more investment!

She has been featured in two Classic Car magazines - Classics for Sale / Nov 07 and Classic Car Mart / April 08.Maggie was also on the MG Car Club stand at the NEC, when they were showing their new MG6 Magnette.

Maggie has been with us for 16 years now and we are still investing in her (How did / do I get way with that?) In the meantime she has acquired a Garage / Stable mate in the shape of a modern MGTF (Tiffany), whose roof can be (in better weather) more easily taken off than Maggie's .Tiffany was bought in 2013 and we have been "investing" in her as well - new S/Steel Pipes the ultimate Head Gasket failure/ replacement again all seems Ok at present

Above all else the MG's and especially the Arden MG Club has given / gives us lots and lots of Fun and a very good Social life - PLUS Many good friends.

LONG LIVE MG's and LONG LIVE ARDEN CLUB

Cheers

Alan & Julia

I still need lots more stories, if you would like you and your MGs to be featured in the Newsletter please let me know.

February 2017 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

A good turnout at the Club Night, for the winter months, with well into the 30s of you there. There was nothing to report for events this month, a quiet time of the year.

David has been updating the Club database and he spoke to most people at the Club night to catch up on any changes. If anything of your information (address, phone number, email, type of MG etc) has changed in recent times please let David or myself know so we can ensure the information we keep about you is accurate. These details are only seen by 4 officials of the Club and are not given to any other parties. If you would like to check what we hold, to see if it is correct please let me or David know.

I did canvass views on the night about the good causes we should donate the excess club funds to and there was a clear favourite with Shakespeare Hospice, however the second recipient was only marginally clear but the recipient will be Alcester Day Care. We will contact them both to arrange a presentation.

Future Events:

Tuesday 7^th March - Club Night - Guest Speaker. I've been keeping you all in the dark about who our guest speaker will be for this club night but I did announce at the Club Night that it is Stuart Turner. For those of you who do not know the name, Stuart was one of the 3 legendary managers of the BMC Competitions Department (affectionately known as 'Comps') and he was in-charge when the Mini Coopers won the famous Monte Carlo Rally in the mid 1960s. He then moved onto manage the competition programme at Ford to achieve great success with the Escorts etc. At the end of the Newsletter is a synopsis of his career written by one of the Motor Clubs he gave a talk to.

Sunday 2nd April - April Foolery, Sunday Lunch Run. Starting from the Stratford Garden Centre (located on the B4632 road to Mickleton out of Stratford), where the cafe will be open to start the day. The run will generally follow the route used on the first Heritage Run taking us to Gaydon and lunch at the Malt Shovel. For those interested after lunch a visit to the Motor Museum or the local Herb Centre can be arranged, please let us know which if any you would be interested in.

We need to provide the venue with lunch choices, so please fill in the booking form (available on the club website) and give/send to Alan Cleobury with your payment before or at the March Club Night (7th March).

Sunday 9^th April - Malvern Classic Car Show. Alan has booked a club stand at this event and is collecting bookings. If you would like to be on the club display please let him know as soon as possible and make sure you let him know if you want one the famous bacon or sausage rolls.

Sunday 23^rd April - Drive it Day. We now have some details for this year's run with a new starting venue of 'Bonds' café and Antique Centre CV37 9ST (located on the A435 between Stratford and Welford on Avon), arrive from 10.30 to be ready to leave at 11.00/11.15 for the usual scenic run to Wroxall Abbey. We have visited Wroxall before but they are having an open day that day and have extended it to be a 'Drive-it-Day' venue. Lunch will be available, buffet style Beef & Ale pie with tea or coffee afterwards for £11.95. I do need firm numbers to let the venues know, so please let me know if you would like to join the fun and if you would like to have lunch.

Sunday 14^th May - Chilly Willy 'WARMER' Run. This is now confirmed and will be a re-run of the Chilly Willy Run from New Year's Day. This time, meeting from 10.45 and ready to leave around 11.30 for the run to The Golden Cross. For lunch Matt has extended the menu to include a Sunday roast but the cost is still only £11.00 for 2 courses. As ever Matt needs to know numbers and lunch choices (payment on the day), so please let me know if you would like to do the run and your meal choice if you want to have lunch. As you can see the winner of the prize for the name is Norman Large's original suggestion using the play on the original title. Several people offered a play on the May theme but I still preferred to simple change, thanks for you suggestions. A bottle of beer will be presented at the next club night.

Sunday 28^th May - Gaydon Festival of Transport. I am going to book a display area for this show which is at the British Motor Museum and my connections have allowed me to obtain free entry tickets, which get you into the show and into the Museum. I need to book with the organiser so please let me know if you would like to attend with your MG (other classics are OK as well).

Friday to Monday - 2^nd to 5^th June 2017 - St Audries Bay Week-end Away. 18 couples are now booked for the week-end and the deposits have been paid to St Audries Bay. Nigel is looking at the route for the Saturday drive-out, we just need the sun to shine.

Sunday 11^th June 2017 - 25^th and Last Heritage Run: Starting from 'The Valley' formerly Evesham Country Park. Roger is working hard on a scenic route through the Cotswolds countryside and is determined to include at least 1 Ford!!! This will take us to Stanway House, which will be open for our exclusive use. They will run the famous fountain twice during the afternoon and we can enjoy our picnics in the grounds. The near by water mill will also be open during the day (additional charge applies). Both Carole Nash Insurance & The MG Owners Club have confirmed attendance and will have displays in the parking area. It will be a great day, please tell everyone you know with an MG to book we really want to finish the event with a big success.

Tuesday 4^th July - Show Night. A month earlier than last year, hopefully for a better & longer evening.

Saturday 22^nd July - Badsey Flower Show.

Sunday ?? August - Chairman's Picnic. Date and venue to be confirmed.

Saturday 12^th August - Brailes Show.

Monday 28^th August - Pershore Plum Festival.

Other MG Events:

Sunday 19^th February - MG & Triumph Spares Day NAC.

Sunday 2^nd April - MGCC Mid Centre Sprint at Curborough

Sunday 9^th April - MGB Register Spring Run from Hatton Country World to Woburn Abbey

Fri 5^th to Sun 7^th May - Jersey Weekender, St Helier, Jersey. Contact geoffedge@aol.com

Sunday 7^th May - Charnwood Caper. Quorn & Woodhouse Station to Elvaston Castle. North Leics MG Club. Colin Readwin 07583 231 393, info@northleicester-mg.org.uk

Fri 19^th to Sun 21^st May - Welsh Rallye. MGCC Mid Centre. Llandrindod Wells. Andy Robson 0121 453, ajcarobson@blueyonda.co.uk

Sunday 4^th June - Shropshire Lad Run. Oswestry to Shifnal. Roy Crosier, Shropshire MG Club. www.shropshiremgs.co.uk

Sat 17^th to Sun 18^th June - MG Live, Silverstone. MG Car Club.

Sunday 25^th June - Cotswold Caper - Cirencester. www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper

Wed 12th July (to be confirmed) - MGCC Mid Centre Joint Natter.

Sunday 6^th August - MGCC Mid Centre Sprint at Curborough

Sunday 3^rd September - Charity Road Run. Gawsworth Hall. Potteries & South Cheshire MGOC. bobandmaggs@ntlworld.com

Sunday 24^th September - Autumn Trial. Burton Dassett. MGCC Mid Centre

Other Events of Interest:

Sunday 9^th April - Malvern Festival of Transport.

Saturday 15^th April - Pride of Longbridge, Cofton Park. www.prideoflongbridge.co.uk

Sun 30^th April & Mon 1^st May - Stratford Festival of Motoring.

Sun 14^th May - Cheshire Candle Charity Run. www.candlerun.org

Sun 28^th & Mon 29^th May - Classic Car & Transport Show, Ragley Hall.

Sunday 28^th May - Gaydon Festival of Motoring. British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

Monday 29^th May - Bidford Wings & Wheels. Bidford Gliding Club.

Sunday ?? June - Wellesbourne Wings & Wheels. Wellesbourne Airfield.

Sunday 2^nd July - BMC & Leyland Show. British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

Sunday 27^th August - Classic Car Show. Webbs of Wychbold.

Other Matters:

MGCC Midland Centre Taster Trial.

On 30-04-17 at East Lodge Farm near Bromsgrove the Midland Centre will run a single venue Taster Trial on private land. The objective is to involve youngsters, minimum age 14 and adults who might have heard about trials but haven't taken it any further yet. The MSA acknowledges that clubs need to be able to attract new faces and on a one off annual basis will issue a permit that allows non club members, that is members of the public, to take part in a taster event whilst being covered by the MSA public liability insurance. It will be a production car event which means that standard road cars are both eligible and suitable. We typically see Rover25, MG F and Citroen Saxo among other small cars competing at the Autumn Trial, all are competent handy vehicles. The course will be grass and mud, essentially non-damaging.

The format will include an explanation of the different types of trial, the classes, how to prepare a vehicle, completing paperwork, driving instruction, driving practice and some good takeaways as a reminder of the event, and having enjoyed the experience we hope you'll join a club and compete.

If you know anyone who may be interested in trying a starter competition event, this may be just the thing for them, if so please get them to contact the Midland Centre. Further information is available from me or can be seen on the Midland Centre Website.

My MG: Nigel & Stephanie Hook

My first Car was a 1960 Morris Minor 1000 which I inherited from My Father. In 1962 I sold this and purchased through a friend in Daventry a 1961 Triumph Herald. As my Father was then Senior Staff of Standard Triumph and through my cousin who worked in the competitions department I was able to purchase an ex Le Mans Spitfire engine which I had dropped into the Herald, I had the car sprayed in Glacier White

with a Blood Red Stripe running from Headlamp surround to Tailfin. Except for inverting the First and Third spring on the Transverse leaves on the rear giving superb road holding it very much looked like an ordinary Car. I remember the shocked looks of other motorists and would be boy racers when I pulled away from traffic lights (etc) leaving them standing, it was what you might call a very quick car!

In 1965 I purchased my first new car an MG Midget in Red, I had enormous fun with this going all over the country. My Brother and Cousin plus three friends worked for Donald Healey in Warwick and kept saying why don't you progress to a real mans car!! So in late 1966 I bought a 1963 Healey 3000 Mk.2 in Red of course.

What a car - I wish I still had it now!!! I had a lot of works extras fitted from the Timo Makinen Tulip Rally 3000 and had a lot of fun doing a few clubman's meetings at various venues including Mallory Park raceway. A good friend made me an offer I could not refuse for it so in 1967/8 I sold it and bought a 1964 Iris Blue MGB

Roadster, which I did many miles in. I found a 1965 MG Midget that was in Mint condition with only 15,000 miles on the clock so the MGB went. I sold it in 1970 when Stephanie came along. Before children came we had an Austin Healy Sprite Mk 2 in Red. Over the next few years Stephanie had a Red MGB, a Red Triumph Spitfire and a Maroon Frogeye Sprite. As well as a Dolomite Sprint, an Avenger, XR3, XR3i, Toyota MR2, BMW and quite a few more!

We moved to Devon in 1982 when we purchased our first Hotel and I set up in a secondary business. A debt was owed to me of which the person concerned could not pay, he offered me a 1971 Old English White MGB Roadster although it needed a lot of tlc I took it and proceeded to do a nut and bolt restoration on it, had it resprayed in Glacier White with complete new upholstery. It was absolutely superb and was almost concourse. In 1989 we bought our first pub in Berkshire and reluctantly had to let this one go, I have regretted it ever since and cannot find what happened to her. That was it until we moved back to the Midlands in 2000. I then spotted a Blue MG midget 1977 in the local paper and bought it for Stephanie and we joined the Arden MG Club. In 2011 I had an accident and shattered my legs and was looking for a project whilst recuperating, so when Stephanie was in Canada visiting her Father I bought another MG Midget I had seen advertised. The body work on this one was in fairly good condition just a few touch ups on the paint then a complete inside refurbishment it really looked a picture.

When on holiday visiting friends in Devon Stephanie spotted an Old English White 1963 MGB Roadster, of course we bought it and had it shipped back home. I advertised the Midget and it sold within the week strangely going down to Devon a mile up the road from where we had just purchased the MGB!

The people that bought it still have it and love it. The Lady loves to take it out in the Summer months along the front in Teignmouth.

In 2015 on a visit to old school friends in Montacute near Yeovil in Somerset, I went to a local show with the husband's of Stephanie's school friends and in the conversation we had the one chap told me he had a 1972 MGB Roadster he was thinking of selling. We arrived back at his house and he wheeled it out of the garage and as soon as I saw it I said that is MINE ! It was a Red one !!! He had had a complete nut and bolt restoration done on it and was Mint. He told me he had toured Germany and Italy in it and had now done 50,000 miles.

from new. All the paperwork was there. Once again I told Stephanie I had bought her another car. I don't think at first she believed me but a week later we went back down and I drove it back and that is the car you see us in now. Meanwhile I had put the White MGB on Gumtree and it sold within 2hrs and is now in London somewhere.

HAVOK (as we call her, Reg No. HVK 33K) We are still very pleased with her and try to get to as many Rallies with the Arden MG Club as we can.

Thanks for a great story Nigel, if anyone else would like to let me have there story for a future Newsletter, please let me know.

Stuart Turner: A Misspent Life in Motorsport

Stuart co-drove in factory cars for Austin Healey, Auto Union, Alfa Romeo, MG , Mercedes, Saab and Triumph and competed on major events like the Mille Miglia and the Monte Carlo, Alpine, Liege and Tulip rallies. He was champion navigator for the first two years of the British Rally Championship and won the 1960 RAC Rally with Erik Carlsson in a Saab.

He became Sports Editor of 'Motoring News', where he created the MN Rally Championship, then Competitions Manager at BMC during the glory days of the Mini Coopers on Monte Carlo Rallies.

He spent two years as Publicity Manager at Castrol where he began the motor club support programme of quizzes etc. and was on the organising committee member and a travelling marshal on the London to Sydney Marathon.

He then became Competitions Manager at Ford of Britain when the Escort was supreme and he also ran the Advanced Vehicle Operations factory making Escort Mexicos and RS2000s.

After a spell as Director of Public Affairs at Ford of Britain, he moved back into the sport as Director of Motorsport for Ford of Europe where he initiated the Sierra Cosworth, RS200 and Escort Cosworth before retiring.

Stuart was awarded an Autosport Award in 1990 and the Prince Michael Award of Merit in 2009, both for services to motorsport.

He is the author of over 20 books on motorsport, business and public speaking, including a biography of Pat Moss Carlsson, Harnessing Horsepower . He has also written a Haynes Manual. No, not on Minis or Escorts but on retirement, although he shows little signs of doing so himself as he is heavily involved with the Motorsport Safety Fund, a charity producing films and publications to help keep the sport safe.

He is the winner of a Benedictine After Dinner Speaker of the Year Award

January 2017 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

Thanks to everyone who turned up for the AGM, I'm sorry it was a bit longer than normal at 17 minutes but we needed to discuss what we do with the surplus funds we have in the club account, more of this later. After a quick review of the year, we went to the election of the officers for the club and the status quo has been maintained with no changes. Roger reported that even though we had made some major purchases last year (2 storm shelters) we still have over £1,000 in the club account. We like to keep some funds to cover any future expenditure (the website will need to be renewed in March for example) but feel ~£300 is sufficient for this, so we can make charitable donations of £700, possibly as £350 to each of 2 good causes. In AOB we discussed several possibilities and I have listed these with a short synopsis of them at the end of the Newsletter. Please let me know which 2 of these causes you think we should support, I will close the vote after the February Club Night.

A couple of days before was of course the start of the year with the traditional Chilly Willy Run and despite the pouring rain there were no last minute cancellations and 29 cars waited at The Willowbrook Garden Centre ready for the 26 mile run through the lanes to arrive at The Golden Cross ready for lunch. It was suggested to me that as this was such wet day with poor visibility we should hold the run again in the warmer months, see the future events for further info.

Future Events:

Friday 17^th February - Skittles Evening. As you can see I have now confirmed the date and the venue will be Binton Social Club. The cost is £7.00 per person and will include a basket meal selected from the following list:

Scampi & Chips

Sausage & Chips

Steak Pie & Chips

Chicken Pie & Chips

I'm going to limit the evening to 34 people, so if would like to join us please let me know as soon as possible with your meal selection and then let me have your payment, at the time of writing there are only 10 places left.

Tuesday 7^th March - Club Night - Guest Speaker. I'm not going to give any details at this stage as I think this speaker will be very popular and I want to keep the evening open for club members but if you have any interest in the MG Comps department and motorsport this will be one night not to miss.

Sunday 2nd April - April Foolery, Sunday Lunch Run. This is still work in progress for Alan and the team but I'm sure it will be as good as previous years, so make a note of the date. They have moved out of March to avoid the usual last week-end as this is Mothering Sunday this year.

Sunday 23^rd April - Drive it Day. I have not made any arrangements for this year's run, so would anyone like to have a try at doing some or all of the organising, we can give all the help you may need?

Sunday 14^th May - Chilly Willy 'Warmer' Run. As mentioned earlier I plan to do the Chilly Willy Run again but this time in warmer/drier weather. Similar format to New Year's Day, more info soon. In the mean time we need a name for the run, there is a prize of a bottle of beer for the best name on an email to me before the Feb Club Night. If you want to join the run let me know.

Friday to Monday - 2^nd to 5^th June 2017 - St Audries Bay Week-end Away. To date Nigel has 14 couples booked in for the week-end, so it promises to be a good week-end. There is still plenty of time to book, however he will be sending the deposit money to the venue after the February Club Night, so make sure you have your deposit money with you then to make your booking.

Sunday 11^th June 2017 - 25^th and Last Heritage Run: As no one has come forward to take over the running of the Heritage Run this will be the last, so let's make it a good one with lots of MGs touring through the Cotswold Countryside. We will be returning to Evesham Country Park (now called The Valley) for the start and the final venue of Stanway House, further details on the club website.

Tuesday 4^th July - Show Night. Brought forward from last year, hopefully for a better & longer evening.

Saturday 22nd July - Badsey Flower Show.

Sunday ?? August - Chairman's Picnic. Date and venue to be confirmed.

Saturday 12^th August - Brailes Show.

Monday 28^th August - Pershore Plum Festival.

Other MG Events:

Sunday 19^th February - MG & Triumph Spares Day NAC.

Sunday 2^nd April - MGCC Mid Centre Sprint at Curborough

Sunday 9^th April - MGB Register Spring Run from Hatton Country World to Woburn Abbey

Fri 5^th to Sun 7^th May - Jersey Weekender, St Helier, Jersey. Contact geoffedge@aol.com

Sunday 7^th May - Charnwood Caper. Quorn & Woodhouse Station to Elvaston Castle. North Leics MG Club. Colin Readwin 07583 231 393, info@northleicester-mg.org.uk

Fri 19^th to Sun 21^st May - Welsh Rallye. MGCC Mid Centre. Llandrindod Wells. Andy Robson 0121 453, ajcarobson@blueyonder.co.uk

Sunday 4^th June - Shropshire Lad Run. Oswestry to Shifnal. Roy Crosier, Shropshire MG Club. www.shropshiremgs.co.uk

Sat 17^th to Sun 18^th June - MG Live, Silverstone. MG Car Club.

Sunday 25^th June - Cotswold Caper - Cirencester. www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper

Wed 12th July (to be confirmed) - MGCC Mid Centre Joint Natter.

Sunday 6^th August - MGCC Mid Centre Sprint at Curborough

Sunday 3^rd September - Charity Road Run. Gawsworth Hall. Potteries & South Cheshire MGOC. bobandmaggs@ntlworld.com

Sunday 24^th September - Autumn Trial. Burton Dassett. MGCC Mid Centre

Other Events of Interest:

Sunday 9^th April - Malvern Festival of Transport.

Saturday 15^th April - Pride of Longbridge, Cofton Park. www.prideoflongbridge.co.uk

Sun 30^th April & Mon 1^st May - Stratford Festival of Motoring.

Sun 28^th & Mon 29^th May - Classic Car & Transport Show, Ragley Hall.

Sunday 28^th May - Gaydon Festival of Motoring. British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

Monday 29^th May - Bidford Wings & Wheels. Bidford Gliding Club.

Sunday ?? June - Wellesbourne Wings & Wheels. Wellesbourne Airfield.

Sunday 2^nd July - BMC & Leyland Show. British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

Sunday 27^th August - Classic Car Show. Webbs of Wychbold.

Other Matters:

Donations to Charity

Riding for the Disabled

National organisation based on local groups.

Aims to provide therapy, achievement and enjoyment to people with disabilities all over the country.

SonA Hospital

Very local, previous donation from Heritage Run funds.

Our aim is to use charitable funds to create a homely and less institutionalised environment for the people that use our services.

Shakespeare Hospice

Very local, previous donation from Heritage Run funds.

It's difficult to sumerise as they do so much but they provide care and support' with it's physiotherapy, complementary and occupational therapy. Their 'Young People's Hub' was established to support young people with life limiting conditions during the transitional period between children's and adult's hospices

Alcester Day Care

Local, previous donation from Heritage Run funds to Alcester Café.

Alcester Day Care is a day centre to support people with dementia, their carers, family and friends. It is the follow on from Alcester Cafe which supports people with dementia and their carers together.

Molly Olly's Wishes

Local (Hatton Park, Warwick)

Molly Olly's Wishes supports children with terminal or life threatening illnesses and their families to help with their emotional wellbeing. We grant individual wishes and donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

My MG:

There will be a slight delay for the next My MG Story but if you would like your car(s) included in this feature please let me know. Either write your story down or let's have a talk about it.

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December 2016 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

This will be the last Newsletter of the year and I want to introduce a new section at the end, where we can share the stories behind our MGs but more on this later. The last club night of the year was well attended and the new landlord is continuing to look after us well and we got our usual bowls of chips (I have asked Matt to send them round a bit earlier in future).

The following week was the Xmas Meal and again Matt looked after us very well with a very good meal and good service. I think everyone enjoyed the evening, although several people cancelled at the last minute due to illness which is always a problem this time of year, however Matt was very understanding and refunds will be made (please see me). This year's quiz was very easy!!!!! With only 1 question, to name as many British Gold Medal Winners at this years Rio Olympic Games as possible (I will add the full list to the website), there are 59 possible answers. Philipa (with some help from her team) had the best memory and won the chocolates. I decided to make an award for the best dressed table again, which was very difficult and was eventually persuaded by Graham's nodding Santa Hat along with the Christmas Jumpers of his fellow table members (although he did share the mints with the runner up table).

Future Events:

Sunday 1^st January 2017 - Chilly Willy Run. This year's run as you now know is starting from Willowbrook Garden Centre in Catshill near Bromsgrove, with a 26 mile scenic drive to finish at the Golden Cross. The run has been very popular and we have more bookings for lunch than seats in the restaurant, so I will do a seating plan similar to the Xmas meal but request those who have not already booked for lunch not to take a seat in the restaurant. I have already given Matt the list of meal choices but we could probably add some more if you want to join us (sitting in the bar area), however if you are going to join us (even for just the run) please let me know as I will only print the required number of route sheets. If for any reason you find you can no longer attend please let me know so I can cancel your food order.

Tuesday 3^rd January 2017 - Club Night - AGM. Our first meeting of the year will be the Club AGM, so as ever your chance to have a say in what goes on with the club, if anyone wants to have a more active role in the organisation please talk to me before the day. As usual I will try and keep it short so as not to spoil the rest of your evening.

Friday Mid February - Skittles Evening. Date and venue to be confirmed.

Tuesday 7^th March - Club Night - Guest Speaker. I'm not going to give any details at this stage as I think this speaker will be very popular and I want to keep the evening open for club members but if you have any interest in the MG Comps department and motorsport this will be one night not to miss.

Sunday 2nd April - April Foolery, Sunday Lunch Run. As the last Sunday of March is Mothering Sunday, the March Madness Run has transformed into the April Foolery Run. Alan and his team will again be organising this and more details will be available soon.

Friday to Monday - 2^nd to 5^th June 2017 - St Audries Bay Week-end Away.

Nigel has now made a provisional booking for this week-end away and an information sheet is included with this newsletter. Nigel has stated that he would prefer everyone to attend in their MGs but will understand if you want to travel in your modern car.

Sunday 11^th June 2017 - 25^th and Last Heritage Run:

As no one has come forward to take over the running of the Heritage Run this will be the last, so let's make it a good one with lots of MGs touring through the Cotswold Countryside. We will be returning to Evesham Country Park (now called The Valley) for the start and the final venue of Stanway House, further details on the club website.

Other Matters:

Club 2017 Calendar I have only one 2017 calendar left, so if you would like to claim it (£5.00) please let me know, it will go to the first claimant (I can bring it to the Jan club night).

My MG: As mentioned at the start a new section for the newsletter. I was asked a while ago if we could do something where everyone could tell us about the MG they own and their past MG history and share their stories with the club. We all tend to know each other by the MG we drive, so here is the chance to introduce yourself to the other people in the club. I will start the ball rolling with my MG story but let's have some more for future newsletters. Don't worry about the writing if you just want to give me the details we can write the story together or I'm happy to add your own words, don't forget to add some photos.

My MG Story:

My story goes back to when I was a child at home in the 1960's and seeing an advert for an MGB GT when they were new and saying I'm going to have a new one of those. This was reinforced by the Primrose Yellow BGT parked in the next street to where I lived. Well I never got the 'New' MG but I did start with my first car being a 10 year old Austin Healey Sprite (almost an MG - built in Abingdon). Having seen an MG TF Midget in the Donnington Park Museum, I liked the look of them but could not afford one in those days but saw a replica kit car. After lots of work, moving house slowed down the build and I eventually decided to sell the 'Gentry', so had a little money to spare. By this time the children have arrived, so a family friendly classic would be required, but dropping some kids off at a parents house there was an MGC Roadster sat on the drive. This of course had to be looked at and the first thing I noticed was the amount of space behind the seats and a nice shelf to sit on, this must be suitable for carrying children. The C belonged to Alan Torbett who took me along to the Arden MG Club and introduced me to John Saunders who knew of an MGB for sale. Job done, I have owned the car for 24 years now, more than half its life.

It hasn't stopped there though, when Lech decided that his MG J2 project was not as interesting as his renewed love of gliding, I became the owner of 16 boxes of vintage MG, this story is ongoing….

I will end by wishing you all a Very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year

Happy MG-ing

Paul

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November 2016 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

At long last I'm able to send a Newsletter early, this is because I would like to let you all know that I have spoken to the new landlord (Matthew) at the Golden Cross and am pleased to report that he is very keen to continue the relationship with the club and will offer the same facilities as Debbie has been doing. I know some of you were concerned about the Xmas Meal, again to let you all know the Menu we are using was set by the new landlord, so there are no issues from the change in landlord.

The club night was a sad occasion for us to be saying goodbye to Debbie after 10 years of looking after us. We could not let this go without a token of our thanks, so on behalf of the club I presented Debbie with an inscribed vase (and a bunch of flowers to put in it) to remind her of the Club at The Golden Cross. The evening was not all sadness though as we had been entertained and educated by Nigel who talked about his life as a horse racing jockey and valet. He started by giving us his 'alphabet' of racing, followed by explaining and showing some of the equipment and clothes worn by the jockeys, including the thin saddles and boots to make up for a jockey carrying too much weight!! The finale was a series of anecdotes and funny tales from the racing world and people. A great talk enjoyed by everyone, many thanks to Nigel.

The previous week a small group of us visited the Shakespeare Hospice to present a donation cheque, this donation was from the proceeds from this year's Heritage Run. As I'm sure you all know by now we try to make some donations each year with any surplus from the run and we like these to be either motoring related or local causes. As you can see in the photo we had 4 MGs lined up at the Hospice for the presentation and I hope they will be able to use the photo for further publicity. Thanks to Graham Robson for taking the photos (he didn't want to be included in it and even managed to get his car hidden as well!!).

Future Events:

6^th December - Club Night. The last natter of the year, especially for those not attending the Xmas meal the following week.

13^th December - Xmas Meal. This will be the last event of the year and so far I have 51 people booked and paid. This means that we will be overflowing the restaurant, so if you have not booked yet and are thinking of attending you will not be on your own outside the restaurant and you will be included in the fun of the evening. To book send you meal choices and payment to me, full details are on the club website, follow this link: http://www.ardenmgclub.co.uk/page5.htm

As usual there will be a quiz (only 1 question this year) and a prize draw where every couple gets a prize.

Sunday 1^st January 2017 - Chilly Willy Run. There will be a run this year, which will include the Golden Cross and I'm still working on the other venue, I will let you all know but keep the date free.

Tuesday 3^rd January 2017 - Club Night - AGM. Our first meeting of the year will be the Club AGM, so as ever your chance to have a say in what goes on with the club, if anyone wants to have a more active role in the organisation please talk to me before the day. As usual I will try and keep it short so as not to spoil the rest of your evening.

St Audries Bay Week-end Away - 2^nd to 5^th June 2017. Looking further ahead here is the plan from Nigel:

St Audries Bay, 2017. I have been in touch with James the owner for Arden MG club to visit next year, he has pencilled in June 2/3/4. Suggestions are - Arrive Fri Eve. (meet up and have drinks in the Bar) Sat trip to Dunster Castle or scenic drive through Exmoor with lunch stop at Dulverton. Sat Eve. informal Dinner Dance. Sun South West coast path walk or free time Sun Eve. Noggin and Natter with Taunton MG club at St Audries. Mon return home.

2017 Heritage Run: The date for next year's run has been set for Sunday 11^th June and the final destination will be Stanway House in the Cotswolds, which will be opened for our exclusive use. More details next time, however I have to let you all know that the organising committee have decided that after 25 years (2017 will be the 25^th run) it is time to step down. The run has been more successful than ever envisaged and everyone would like to finish before the numbers start to drop. It is also getting more and more difficult to find new venues to finish at. Now for the appeal, if anyone would like to form a new committee in order to keep the run going we will give you all the support we can and there is the contingency fund which will be available, but if no one comes forward then we will be marketing the 2017 run as the 25^th and LAST! Either way let's make 2017 a big one, so put the date in your new calendar/diary now!!

Saturday 8^th July 2017. I have received and booked places for 7 couples for the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire's 'Cheltenham Fryer' steam special. They will be joining the other MGCC natters for the evening and have filled a carriage. More places could be available but would be in a separate carriage, however these trains get fully booked early, so it will be subject to availability. Let me know if you are interested in joining in for the fish & chip supper on the train and I will give you the details of the organiser.

Drive safely

Paul

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August 2016 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all enjoyed the Show Night, it was not as well attended as last year but considering the weather forecast it was still a good turnout (although I'm thinking about moving it forward to July next year, what do you all think?). Despite the lower turnout I still handed out over 50 voting slips, so the 'Girls' had a big task to count the votes and collate the results (thanks to Caroline & Pam for their hard work again), which were:

Best Car: Paul Adams MG TC

Best Open Car: Mike Storey MGA

Best Open Car Runner-up: Helen Lobb-Jones MG TC

Best Closed Car: Alan Cleobury MG Magnette

Best Closed Car Runner-up: Doug Freeman MGB GT

Best MG Interior: Roger Phipp MGB

Best MG Interior Runner-up: Alan Ferguson MGF

Thanks for all the votes, it wouldn't work without them.

Before then we attended the MGCC Joint Natter over in Severn Stoke in the lea of the Malvern hills and 4 cars tried to journey there in convoy, however a couple of missed turnings split us into two groups but everyone got there in the end, for a pleasant evening. Although I was struggling with the rain shower on the way but no time to stop to put the hood up!!

The following week a hardy band braved the rain for the Quiz on Wheelz. After picking up the question sheets at the Golden Cross and some tricky questions we finished at the Neville Arms for a well earned drink and sustenance. This year Caroline and I just missed out on the top prize but we had another presentation to make of a birthday cake to Julia Cleobury before the winner's prize was awarded to Mike & Jane Green, well done and they have agreed to set the quiz next year. Many thanks to David & John for an enjoyable (if wet) evening.

Then on the next Saturday we gave the new 'Storm Shelter' an airing at the Badsey Flower Show and it was needed to provide shade from that big yellow thing in the sky. We had a good line-up of cars but the best thing was the bacon butties cooked by Alan & Julia, a great idea. The show was good too, especially the flypast by a Spitfire from the British Memorial Flight.

Future Events:

Pershore Plum Festival - 29^th August. You need to book directly with the organisers for this show and this year we will try meeting at the show without a convoy run, so we can arrive earlier and ensure we have a suitable display area. It can't rain again can it?? but this year we will be prepared with the new Storm Shelters we have bought.

Guest Speaker - 1^st November. Nigel Hook has offered to give us a talk entitled: 'My Life in Racing' (facts and stories) and he will bring along some kits the Jockeys use to illustrate the day to day running of events.

Xmas Meal - 13^th December. As ever I'm sure this will be the first talk of Xmas for everyone but we need to make the booking at the Golden Cross, so the same as last year it will be the 2^nd Tuesday of the month meaning there will be the usual club night on the 6^th Dec. I will let you know when I have the menu for selections but please make a note on your calendars.

St Audries Bay Week-end Away - 2^nd to 5^th June 2017. Looking further ahead here is the plan from Nigel:

St Audries Bay, 2017. I have been in touch with James the owner for Arden MG club to visit next year, he has pencilled in June 2/3/4. Suggestions are - Arrive Fri Eve. (meet up and have drinks in the Bar) Sat trip to Dunster Castle or scenic drive through Exmoor with lunch stop at Dulverton. Sat Eve. informal Dinner Dance. Sun South West coast path walk or free time Sun Eve. Noggin and Natter with Taunton MG club at St Audries. Mon return home.

Other Matters:

For those members who have joined us recently, you may have noticed in other members cars windscreens the Arden MG Club Shield Badge. I still have a good stock of these at £1 each, so if anyone would like one just ask.

MG Events Calendar:

Sun 4^th Sept Charity Road Run. Gawsworth Hall. www.mgpotsches.org.uk .

Sun 18^th Sept Dales Trial. Yorkshire Dales MGOC. www.ydccc.co.uk or djkates@tiscali.co.uk

Sun 25^th Sept MGCC Autumn Trial at Burton Dassett

Other Events:

Sat 27^th Aug Sherbourne Summer Fete. 12 noon to 4pm and will be held at the bottom of Church Road close to the church. Contact Tony Reece - reecetony3@googlemail.com, 01926 624608

Sun 18^th Sept Solihull Fun in the Park. Tudor Grange Park, be in place by 10.15 and stay all day. roalanc@gmail.com or Rosemary on 01564 773 302.

Drive safely

Paul

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July 2016 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

I know this is nearly the end of July but I'm still trying to catch up with myself, so hopefully better late than never, maybe normal service will be resumed next month!!!

Of course the event to report on at the July Club Night was the Heritage Run and despite the difficulties with a clashing event and the limit we put on entry numbers I think it was another resounding success, so well done to all concerned. Next year will be the 25^th run, so we are looking to make it special, if you have any ideas please let me know.

Future Events:

The next event on the list is the August Club Night which will be our annual Show Night (2^nd August). This is your chance to give your MG an extra 'spit & polish' and put it on show, as usual there will be prizes for the most popular as voted for by you. Get there early as last year the Orchard Carpark was overflowing and make the most of the long evenings.

Brailes Show - 13^th August. We have again been invited to display our cars at this very pleasant country show. Last year we had a good turnout to enjoy the sunshine and all the exhibits, well worth getting the car out. The show opens at 1.00pm so they ask us to be on site by 12.30, no charge just drive in. Please let me know if you are going to join us.

Chairman's Picnic - 14^th August. I sent an email out a few days ago to explain the running of this event, however this is the general gist and I have been informed that the parking space we have been allocated is right in front of the house. This year's Picnic will be at Croome Park which is a National Trust property (so bring your membership card with you) with extensive gardens and we have arranged permission to set-up our shelters in the grounds. The event will run the same as last year with everyone bringing a plate of food to share and to ensure we don't duplicate items, booking for the event will be by selecting the plate of food you will bring. The booking information is on the website page, please let me know what you would like to bring to co-ordinate the food and I will need £5 for each car entered to cover the cost of the parking area at Croome Park. We will of course have a social run from the Golden Cross with the usual bacon rolls & coffee (or tea) from 11am ready to leave around 11.30/45.

Pershore Plum Festival - 29^th August. You need to book directly with the organisers for this show and this year we will try meeting at the show without a convoy run, so we can arrive earlier and ensure we have a suitable display area. It can't rain again can it?? but this year we will be prepared with the new Storm Shelters we have bought.

Guest Speaker - 1^st November. Nigel Hook has offered to give us a talk entitled: 'My Life in Racing' (facts and stories) and he will bring along some kits the Jockeys use to illustrate the day to day running of events.

St Audries Bay Week-end Away - 2^nd to 5^th June 2017. Looking further ahead here is the plan from Nigel:

St Audries Bay, 2017. I have been in touch with James the owner for Arden MG club to visit next year, he has pencilled in June 2/3/4. Suggestions are - Arrive Fri Eve. (meet up and have drinks in the Bar) Sat trip to Dunster Castle or scenic drive through Exmoor with lunch stop at Dulverton. Sat Eve. informal Dinner Dance. Sun South West coast path walk or free time Sun Eve. Noggin and Natter with Taunton MG club at St Audries. Mon return home. I can't tell you the cost yet until we have some Idea of interest from club members, but I can get a good deal I am sure.

Now over to you, in order to progress with this event Nigel needs to have some idea of interest and at this stage you are not committing yourself to go but if it is something you would like to take part in please let me know. I'm sure Nigel would be happy to talk to anyone about his ideas for the week-end. This will be the first time the club has organised a week-end event, so we need to know if people are interested to take part. I have not had much response for this, you don't need to commit yourselves at present but might you be interested in joining the week-end?

Other Matters:

For those members who have joined us recently, you may have noticed in other members cars windscreens the Arden MG Club Shield Badge. I still have a good stock of these at £1 each, so if anyone would like one just ask.

MG Events Calendar:

Sun 4^th Sept Charity Road Run. Gawsworth Hall. www.mgpotsches.org.uk .

Sun 18^th Sept Dales Trial. Yorkshire Dales MGOC. www.ydccc.co.uk or djkates@tiscali.co.uk

Other Events:

Sun 18^th Sept Solihull Fun in the Park. Tudor Grange Park, be in place by 10.15 and stay all day. roalanc@gmail.com or Rosemary on 01564 773 302.

Drive safely

Paul

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June 2016 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

A short (but sweet) Newsletter this month, we reported on the Churchill Show at the last Club Night (that was well attended with well over 40 signing the register) which was another great day out, although dull to start with the sun finally appeared at Churchill for a wonderful afternoon. The show was packed with a fantastic selection of all sorts of different classic cars and this year extended into the adjacent field. I forgot on the night to thank Fred for leading the convoy run down to Churchill, so thanks Fred it worked well.

In the interim we have enjoyed the Heritage Run but more on that next month, although I have posted photos on the website along with a photo montage from Graham Robson via a link to 'Youtube' on the club Facebook page.

Future Events:

Joint Natter - 13^th July. This organised with the MGCC Midland Centre where we join some of the other local natters and meet up at a pub in the foothills of the Malverns. This year's venue will be the same as last year and we will run the same route as last year for our convoy run, leaving the Golden Cross at 6.30pm, as ever please let me know if you would like to join the run.

Quiz on Wheelz - 21^st July. David and John have now finalised the details for the evening and the start will be from the Golden Cross, arrive anytime between 6.00pm and 6.45pm. The run is approx 17 miles and food will be available at the final destination provided you are there to order before 8.45pm. To book please see David Rayner at the club night or email me as soon as you would like.

Badsey Flower Show - 23^rd July. Steve Entwistle is arranging our display at this now popular village show. Please let Steve know if you would like to join the fun on 01386 832 339 or enty7@btinternet.com.

I believe bacon rolls will be available at the club shelter but you need to pre-order with Steve or Alan. Another good reason to attend this year.

Luddington Village Fete - 24^th July. We have been invited to this local Fete to join in with other classic cars on the green in village. I've no idea what it will be like but I think we should support local events and would like to get a gathering of cars there for them. Any money they make on the day will be going to the New Stratford Hospital Appeal (which we have supported in the past), so a good cause to support.

Show Night - 2^nd August. This is the normal club night but with a chance to show your car off and maybe win a prize. Every year we are getting more cars, so can we overflow the orchard again this year??

Brailes Show - 13^th August. We have again been invited to display our cars at this very pleasant country show. Last year we had a good turnout to enjoy the sunshine and all the exhibits, well worth getting the car out. The show opens at 1.00pm so they ask us to be on site by 12.30, no charge just drive in. Please let me know if you are going to join us.

Chairman's Picnic - 14^th August. This year's Picnic will be at Croome Park which is a National Trust property (so bring your membership card with you) with extensive gardens and we have arranged permission to set-up our shelters in the grounds. The event will run the same as last year with everyone bringing a plate of food to share and to ensure we don't duplicate items booking for the event will be by selecting the plate of food you will bring. The booking information is on the website page, please let me know what you would like to bring to co-ordinate the food and I will need £5 for each car entered to cover the cost of the parking area at Croome Park. We will of course have a social run from the Golden Cross with the usual bacon rolls & coffee (or tea) from 11am ready to leave around 11.30/45.

Pershore Plum Festival - 29^th August. As usual this will be on Bank Holiday Monday, more information soon.

Guest Speaker - 1^st November. Nigel Hook has offered to give us a talk entitled: 'My Life in Racing' (facts and stories) and he will bring along some kits the Jockeys use to illustrate the day to day running of events.

St Audries Bay Week-end Away - 2^nd to 5^th June 2017. Looking further ahead here is the plan from Nigel:

St Audries Bay, 2017. I have been in touch with James the owner for Arden MG club to visit next year, he has pencilled in June 2/3/4. Suggestions are - Arrive Fri Eve. (meet up and have drinks in the Bar) Sat trip to Dunster Castle or scenic drive through Exmoor with lunch stop at Dulverton. Sat Eve. informal Dinner Dance. Sun South West coast path walk or free time Sun Eve. Noggin and Natter with Taunton MG club at St Audries. Mon return home. I can't tell you the cost yet until we have some Idea of interest from club members, but I can get a good deal I am sure.

Now over to you, in order to progress with this event Nigel needs to have some idea of interest and at this stage you are not committing yourself to go but if it is something you would like to take part in please let me know. I'm sure Nigel would be happy to talk to anyone about his ideas for the week-end. This will be the first time the club has organised a week-end event, so we need to know if people are interested to take part. I have not had much response for this, you don't need to commit yourselves at present but might you be interested in joining the week-end?

Other Matters:

For those members who have joined us recently, you may have noticed in other members cars windscreens the Arden MG Club Shield Badge. I still have a good stock of these at £1 each, so if anyone would like one just ask.

I have received the following message from Helen Lobb-Jones (the lady who takes money off you for the raffle) as follows:

I have a brand new MG ultra padded bodywarmer for sale that I purchased just before I lost all my weight and it now swamps me! It is XL in red with the MG logo in black and was wondering if you could mention it in the newsletter. I paid £25.00 for it and it still has all the original labels attached and I would like to sell it for £15.00 if anyone is interested.

If anyone is interested I will pass the message on to Helen.

I'm told there is a Classic Car Meeting at Wootton Park (not the hall!!!) just south of Wootton Wawen on the 1^st July post code is: B95 6HH.

MG Events Calendar:

2^nd&3^rd July MGC Register Weekend at Wroxall Abbey and Mallory Park. ginnycartmell@btinternet.com

Sun 3^rd July Cotswold Caper. www.glosmgoc.co.uk .

Sun 10^th July National Brewery Centre Day, Burton-on-Trent. www.mgpotsches.org.uk .

Sun 4^th Sept Charity Road Run. Gawsworth Hall. www.mgpotsches.org.uk .

Sun 18^th Sept Dales Trial. Yorkshire Dales MGOC. www.ydccc.co.uk or djkates@tiscali.co.uk

Other Events:

22^nd-24^th July Kineton S&SC Classic Gathering Week-end. A new event following on from the monthly evening car meets at the Sport & Social Club in Kineton.

Sun 18^th Sept Solihull Fun in the Park. Tudor Grange Park, be in place by 10.15 and stay all day. roalanc@gmail.com or Rosemary on 01564 773 302.

Drive safely

Paul

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May 2016 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

I'm sorry this month's Newsletter is a little later than usual and that I was not at the last meeting but we were away enjoying our latest adventure on a road trip exploring the Southern States of America. We had a great time flying into Austin (Texas) before going onto San Antonio to see the 'Alamo'. We then headed East through Louisiana and Mississippi to New Orleans before heading North along the Mississippi river to Natchez & Vicksburg to start our education on the American Civil War. The run across Alabama brought us to Selma & Montgomery and the hot bed of the 'Civil Rights Movement', followed by Savannah on the East coast and a paddle in the Atlantic. Moving up the coast next was Beaufort and Charleston before our last stop in an 'Antebellum' (before the civil war) Mansion and a visit to the birth place & grave of Martin Luther King Jr in Atlanta. A great adventure.

Fred kindly hosted the meeting in my absence and I understand there was another good attendance. He was able to report on the 'Drive-it-Day' Run in which 18 cars assembled at the Golden Cross for the usual breakfast before setting off for the Blue Lias in Stockton, where we had our own room and it didn't take too long for it to get warm. The run over was cool but in the dry, however it didn't take long for the rain to fall!! Everyone enjoyed and excellent meal, Richard & Fiona did a fantastic job of organising in difficult circumstances, so a big thank you to them. There were a few who took a wrong turn on the way but the route instructions were very clear.

Future Events:

Bidford Wings & Wheels - 30^th May. Bank Holiday Monday. At the Bidford airfield just south of the river. This is getting ever more popular with a good number of all types of classic cars parked up to enjoy the flying display. No need to book just turn up, doors open from 10.00am and its free to go in (although they do ask for a donation).

Churchill Vintage & Classic Car Show - 5^th June. Fred is going to lead a convoy run down to Churchill, so if you have booked for the show and would like to join the run please let me know (so we know who to wait for) and be at the Golden Cross ready to leave at 10am.

Mike Green has booked for the show but now cannot attend so if anyone wants an entry let me know, first one gets it.

Heritage Run - 19^th June. For this year's run we have had a problem with the MSA Route Liaison, in as much that we are clashing with another event taking place over the same roads, consequently they have asked us to put some restrictions on our event. The earliest time to leave the start will be 10.15 and all cars must be away by 11.30. We have therefore restricted the number of entries and the Run is now FULLY BOOKED.

The start venue is Wyevale Garden Centre on the Warwick Road outside Stratford (CV37 0QW) and the run will be travelling through the Leicestershire lanes to arrive at the Ashby Magna Vintage Festival, so it should be a good day out.

Long Marston Fete - 25^th June. John Rathbone has invited us to join in this village fete which will be held in the fields to the South of the village behind the church. No need to book just turn up around 1pm.

Joint Natter - 13^th July. This organised with the MGCC Midland Centre where we join some of the other local natters and meet up at a pub in the foothills of the Malverns. This year's venue is still to be announced but we will have our usual convoy run starting from the Golden Cross, leaving at 6.30pm, as ever please let me know if you would like to join the run.

Quiz on Wheelz - 21^st July. David and John have now finalised the details for the evening and the start will be from the Golden Cross, arrive anytime between 6.00pm and 6.45pm. The run is approx 17 miles and food will be available at the final destination provided you are there to order before 8.45pm. To book please see David Rayner at the club night or email me as soon as you would like.

Badsey Flower Show - 23^rd July. Steve Entwistle is arranging our display at this now popular village show. Please let Steve know if you would like to join the fun on 01386 832 339 or enty7@btinternet.com.

Luddington Village Fete - 24^th July. We have been invited to this local Fete to join in with other classic cars on the green in village. I've no idea what it will be like but I think we should support local events and would like to get a gathering of cars there for them. Any money they make on the day will be going to the New Stratford Hospital Appeal (which we have supported in the past), so a good cause to support.

Show Night - 2^nd August. This is the normal club night but with a chance to show your car off and maybe win a prize. Every year we are getting more cars, so can we overflow the orchard again this year??

Brailes Show - 13^th August. We have again been invited to display our cars at this very pleasant country show. Last year we had a good turnout to enjoy the sunshine and all the exhibits, well worth getting the car out. The show opens at 1.00pm so they ask us to be on site by 12.30, no charge just drive in. Please let me know if you are going to join us.

Chairman's Picnic - 14^th August. This year's Picnic will be at Croome Park which is a National Trust property (so bring your membership card with you) with extensive gardens and we have arranged permission to set-up our shelter (2 Coleman Storm Shelters have now been purchased, see below) in the grounds. The event will run the same as last year with everyone bringing a plate of food to share and to ensure we don't duplicate items booking for the event will be by selecting the plate of food you will bring. The booking form will be on the website page to download. We will of course have a social run from the Golden Cross.

Pershore Plum Festival - 29^th August. As usual this will be on Bank Holiday Monday, more information soon.

Guest Speaker - 1^st November. Nigel Hook has offered to give us a talk entitled: 'My Life in Racing' (facts and stories) and he will bring along some kits the Jockeys use to illustrate the day to day running of events.

St Audries Bay Week-end Away - 2^nd to 5^th June 2017. Looking further ahead here is the plan from Nigel:

St Audries Bay, 2017. I have been in touch with James the owner for Arden MG club to visit next year, he has pencilled in June 2/3/4. Suggestions are - Arrive Fri Eve. (meet up and have drinks in the Bar) Sat trip to Dunster Castle or scenic drive through Exmoor with lunch stop at Dulverton. Sat Eve. informal Dinner Dance. Sun South West coast path walk or free time Sun Eve. Noggin and Natter with Taunton MG club at St Audries. Mon return home. I can't tell you the cost yet until we have some Idea of interest from club members, but I can get a good deal I am sure.

Now over to you, in order to progress with this event Nigel needs to have some idea of interest and at this stage you are not committing yourself to go but if it is something you would like to take part in please let me know. I'm sure Nigel would be happy to talk to anyone about his ideas for the week-end. This will be the first time the club has organised a week-end event, so we need to know if people are interested to take part. I have not had much response for this, you don't need to commit yourselves at present but might you be interested in joining the week-end?

Other Matters:

For those members who have joined us recently, you may have noticed in other members cars windscreens the Arden MG Club Shield Badge. I still have a good stock of these at £1 each, so if anyone would like one just ask.

FBHVC Survey. - This survey is being conducted on behalf of the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs and aims to generate important insights on the sector. The answers you give will help to shape the future for historic vehicles in the UK. Please take part in this survey the more we can demonstrate to the 'powers-that-be' how important the classic vehicle industry is to the UK economy, the better prepared we may be to fend off any onerous legislation. There may not be much time left, so please do this soon. Follow this link:

https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=145771757465

MG Events Calendar:

Sun 12^th June Cwm to Coast Run.Brecon Mountain Railway Centre to Grove Golf Club, Porthcawl. mgguy62@hotmail.com

Sun 12^th June Ratae Run. White Horse, Broughton Astley to Belvoir Castle

www.mgleicester.org .

2^nd&3^rd July MGC Register Weekend at Wroxall Abbey and Mallory Park. ginnycartmell@btinternet.com

Sun 3^rd July Cotswold Caper. www.glosmgoc.co.uk .

Sun 10^th July National Brewery Centre Day, Burton-on-Trent. www.mgpotsches.org.uk .

Sun 4^th Sept Charity Road Run. Gawsworth Hall. www.mgpotsches.org.uk .

Sun 18^th Sept Dales Trial. Yorkshire Dales MGOC. www.ydccc.co.uk or djkates@tiscali.co.uk

Other Events:

22^nd-24^th July Kineton S&SC Classic Gathering Week-end. A new event following on from the monthly evening car meets at the Sport & Social Club in Kineton.

Sun 18^th Sept Solihull Fun in the Park. Tudor Grange Park, be in place by 10.15 and stay all day. roalanc@gmail.com or Rosemary on 01564 773 302.

Drive safely

Paul

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April 2016 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

Well done to the team for the March Madness Run, another good day out. The run from the Golden Cross was along some interesting lanes not often used by us, with a twist of part of the route being repeated but in the opposite direction and the sun was shining. After lunch at the Limes Country Lodge we had an extra special treat as John Stephens arranged for to visit his father's workshop and what a surprise, with a tremendous collection of fine cars for us to view, his hospitality was remarkable and enjoyed by all, including the ladies. Many thanks to John and his father for allowing us to visit.

The Club Night had one of the best attendances we have had outside the 'Show Night' with approx 50 people signed in and 3 new members (welcome to you all, I hope you enjoyed the evening).

Future Events:

Drive-it-Day Run - Sunday 24^th April. Too late now to book for this but a reminder to anyone attending to bring their Rally Plates from last year and I have a few left if anyone would like to purchase one at £5, undated so can be used every year. Richard and Fiona have set the run starting at the Golden Cross and finishing for lunch at the Blue Lias in Stockton.

Hook Norton Brewery Visit - 7^th May. Bookings have now closed for this event, we have plenty of people to fill 2 guided tours, so it will be a good morning out.

The visit will be a tour of the brewery where the guides will explain the whole process of brewing beer and how it is done at Hook Norton. After the tour you meet in the cellar to taste the beers produced in the brewery (there is also a shop to take home some souvenirs). The tours will start at 10.30

Bidford Wings & Wheels - 30^th May. Bank Holiday Monday. At the Bidford airfield just south of the river. This is getting ever more popular with a good number of all types of classic cars parked up to enjoy the flying display. No need to book just turn up, doors open from 10.00am and its free to go in (although they do ask for a donation).

Churchill Vintage & Classic Car Show - 5^th June. Booking forms can be downloaded from the club website to book with the organiser, note the cost of £7.50 per car, please state you are with the Arden MG Club and they will allocate us a suitable space. Fred has offered to lead a convoy run from the Golden Cross, so please let me know if you would like to join him on the run down to Churchill.

Heritage Run - 19^th June. This is our BIG one and everyone who has been on the run over the last 3 years should now have received an entry form, please don't delay in returning this to Allen. If you have not received a form but want to go on the run it can be downloaded from the club website, or contact Allen Smith: 01789 488 280 or let me know and I will email it to you.

This year we have a new start venue of Wyevale Garden Centre on the Warwick Road outside Stratford (CV37 0QW) and will be travelling through the Leicestershire lanes to arrive at the Ashby Magna Vintage Festival, so it should be a good day out.

Joint Natter - 13^th July. This organised with the MGCC Midland Centre where we join some of the other local natters and meet up at a pub in the foothills of the Malverns. This year's venue is still to be announced but we will have our usual convoy run starting from the Golden Cross, leaving at 6.30pm, as ever please let me know if you would like to join the run.

Quiz on Wheelz - 21^st July. David Rayner and John Hale have taken pity on me and offered to organise this year's Quiz. More details nearer the day but put this Thursday on your calendar.

Badsey Flower Show - 23^rd July. Steve Entwistle is arranging our display at this now popular village show. Please let Steve know if you would like to join the fun on 01386 832 339 or enty7@btinternet.com.

Luddington Village Fete - 24^th July. We have been invited to this local Fete to join in with other classic cars on the green in village. I've no idea what it will be like but I think we should support local events and would like to get a gathering of cars there for them. Any money they make on the day will be going to the New Stratford Hospital Appeal (which we have supported in the past), so a good cause to support.

Show Night - 2^nd August. This is the normal club night but with a chance to show your car off and maybe win a prize. Every year we are getting more cars, so can we overflow the orchard again this year??

Brailes Show - 13^th August. We have again been invited to display our cars at this very pleasant country show. Last year we had a good turnout to enjoy the sunshine and all the exhibits, well worth getting the car out. The show opens at 1.00pm so they ask us to be on site by 12.30, no charge just drive in.

Chairman's Picnic - 14^th August. This year's Picnic will be at Croome Park which is a National Trust property (so bring your membership card with you) with extensive gardens and we have arranged permission to set-up our shelter (2 Coleman Storm Shelters have now been purchased, see below) in the grounds. We will run the event in a similar way to last year, so everyone can bring a plate of food and I will have a list of requirements that you can add your name to, available soon.

Pershore Plum Festival - 29^th August. As usual this will be on Bank Holiday Monday, more information soon.

St Audries Bay Week-end Away - 2^nd to 5^th June 2017. Looking further ahead here is the plan from Nigel:

St Audries Bay, 2017. I have been in touch with James the owner for Arden MG club to visit next year, he has pencilled in June 2/3/4. Suggestions are - Arrive Fri Eve. (meet up and have drinks in the Bar) Sat trip to Dunster Castle or scenic drive through Exmoor with lunch stop at Dulverton. Sat Eve. informal Dinner Dance. Sun South West coast path walk or free time Sun Eve. Noggin and Natter with Taunton MG club at St Audries. Mon return home. I cant tell you the cost yet until we have some Idea of interest from club members, but I can get a good deal I am sure.

Now over to you, in order to progress with this event Nigel needs to have some idea of interest and at this stage you are not committing yourself to go but if it is something you would like to take part in please let me know. I'm sure Nigel would be happy to talk to anyone about his ideas for the week-end. This will be the first time the club has organised a week-end event, so we need to know if people are interested to take part.

Other Matters:

Coleman Storm Shelter. We have now invested some of the club funds in 2 shelters ready for the summer season. They can be used singly or together. Here is a flavour of one erected in my garden to check it.

For those members who have joined us recently, you may have noticed in other members cars windscreens the Arden MG Club Shield Badge. I still have a good stock of these at £1 each, so if anyone would like one just ask.

MG Events Calendar:

Sun 8^th May Charnwood Caper. Quorn & Woodhouse GCR Station to Staunton Harold Estate, Ashby-de-la-Zouch. www.northleicester-mg.org.uk .

Sun 12^th June Cwm to Coast Run.Brecon Mountain Railway Centre to Grove Golf Club, Porthcawl. mgguy62@hotmail.com

Sun 12^th June Ratae Run. White Horse, Broughton Astley to Belvoir Castle

www.mgleicester.org .

Sun 3^rd July Cotswold Caper. www.glosmgoc.co.uk .

Sun 10^th July National Brewery Centre Day, Burton-on-Trent. www.mgpotsches.org.uk .

Sun 4^th Sept Charity Road Run. Gawsworth Hall. www.mgpotsches.org.uk .

Sun 18^th Sept Dales Trial. Yorkshire Dales MGOC. www.ydccc.co.uk or djkates@tiscali.co.uk

Other Events:

Sun 1^st & Mon 2^nd May Stratford Festival of Motoring. www.stratfordfestivalofmotoring.co.uk

Sat 14^th May Hereford Vintage & Classic Car Show. http://www.herefordroundtable.co.uk/2016-motor-show/

Sat 14^th May 10^th Worcester Motor Festival. http://www.worcesterbid.com/motorfestival

22^nd-24^th July Kineton S&SC Classic Gathering Week-end. A new event following on from the monthly evening car meets at the Sport & Social Club in Kineton.

Sun 18^th Sept Solihull Fun in the Park. Tudor Grange Park, be in place by 10.15 and stay all day. roalanc@gmail.com or Rosemary on 01564 773 302.

Drive safely

Paul

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March 2016 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

Two events to report on before we got to the main event of the evening. The first was the run to the British Motor Museum to help them celebrate their re-opening and re-naming after the winter refurbishment. We were blessed with a fine day but despite the eventual sunshine Caroline & I were the only car with the roof down but Caroline was wrapped up in a duvet!! Over 30 MGs set of from the Cross to find the sunshine. The new museum layout is looking good.

The next week-end we had our skittles night, this time at the Masons Arms in Pebworth. We were well over subscribed for the event with 34 of us battling for the usual prizes of Man with the highest score (Nigel Hook, who knocked the lot down with his first ball to score a total of 26), Lady with the highest score (Julia Cleobury, just a few behind Nigel with 23) and Killer (Lex was easily the last person standing with 2 lives still left when everyone else had fallen by the wayside). In the battle of the teams the Boys were yet again the victors. Should we run another skittle night in the Autumn as well?

On to the main event of the club night Roy Clarke (Midland's Regional Organiser for the MGOC)
had brought along Roger Parker, the technical guru for the MGOC. Both gave a short presentation to start us off, part of which was Roger painting a not very rosy picture of the future for MG as sports cars. He went on to answer the pre-prepared questions followed by an open forum. Everyone agreed all the answers made a lot of sense and hopefully we are all motivated to get back into the garage to have all our cars ready for the season ahead.

Future Events:

Hook Norton Brewery Visit - 7th May. There are still plenty of spaces for this visit, we have enough for about one and a half tours, so could do with a few more. I'm still awaiting payment for some people, so please bring the cash to the April Club night which is the closing day for bookings. Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to join the visit, with payment on the club night. The visit will be a tour of the brewery where the guides will explain the whole process of brewing beer and how it is done at Hook Norton. After the tour you meet in the cellar to taste the beers produced in the brewery (there is also a shop to take home some souvenirs), so bring a driver to take you home, it might be worth trying to car share to avoid drinking & driving after sampling the beers. The tours will start at 10.30 and the cost is £10 per person. This is a booking only event and Nigel needs to pay in advance, so please book with me and let me have your payment either by cheque (payable to Arden MG Club) or cash.

Bidford Wings & Wheels - 30th May. Bank holiday Monday. At the Bidford airfield justsouth of the river.

Quiz on Wheelz - 21st July. David Rayner and John Hale have taken pity on me and offered to organise this year's Quiz. More details nearer the day but put this Thursday on your calendar.

Badsey Flower Show - 23rd July. Steve Entwistle is arranging our display at this now popular village show. Please let Steve know if you would like to join the fun on 01386 832 339 or enty7@btinternet.com.

Luddington Village Fete - 24th July. We have been invited to this local Fete to join in with other classic cars on the green in village. I've no idea what it will be like but I think we should support local events and would like to get a gathering of cars there for them. Any money they make on the day will be going to the New Stratford Hospital Appeal (which we have supported in the past), so a good cause to support.

Brailes Show - Date to be announced.

Chairman's Picnic - 14th August. As you can see we have now set a date for this year's Picnic and the venue will be Croome Park. Croome Park is a National Trust property (so bring your membership card with you) with extensive gardens and we have arranged permission to set-up our shelter in the grounds. We will run the event in a similar way to last year, so everyone can bring a plate of food and I will have a list of requirements that you can add your name to, available soon.

Pershore Plum Festival - 29th August. As usual this will be on Bank Holiday Monday, more information soon.

Other Matters:
For those members who have joined us recently, you may have noticed in other members cars
windscreens the Arden MG Club Shield Badge. I still have a good stock of these at £1 each, so if anyone would like one just ask.

MG Events Calendar:
Sun 3rd
Apr MGCC Midland Centre
Spring Sprint at Curborough
Sun 8th May Charnwood Caper. Quorn &
Woodhouse GCR Station to Staunton Harold Estate, Ashby-de-la-Zouch. www.northleicester-mg.org.uk .
Sun 12th June Cwm to Coast Run.Brecon Mountain
Railway Centre to Grove Golf Club, Porthcawl. mgguy62@hotmail.com
Sun 12th
June Ratae Run. White Horse,
Broughton Astley to Belvoir Castle
www.mgleicester.org .
Sun 3rd
July Cotswold Caper. www.glosmgoc.co.uk .
Sun 10th
July National
Brewery Centre Day, Burton-on-Trent. www.mgpotsches.org.uk .
Sun 4th
Sept Charity Road Run.
Gawsworth Hall. www.mgpotsches.org.uk .
Other Events:
Sun 1st
& Mon 2nd May Stratford
Festival of Motoring. www.stratfordfestivalofmotoring.co.uk
Sat 14th May Hereford Vintage & Classic Car
Show. http://www.herefordroundtable.co.uk/2016-motor-show/
Drive safely
Paul

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February 2016 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

Sorry I was not at the Club Night but as you all know by now getting the holidays in is important and on the Tuesday we were at sea between St Lucia & Curacao, we had a great time! Fred, I hope looked after you all, I'm told the meeting was well attended with 45 folks signed on. There were no events to report on but I understand Nigel floated the idea of a week-end away which was well received, so he is putting a proposal together, more info soon.

Future Events:

Club Night - 1^st March Roger Parker from the MGOC is joining us tonight to answer all those technical questions you have always wanted to ask. Drop your questions on an email to me and I will pass them on ready for the evening. We will start around 8.15/8.30pm.

Spring Sunday Lunch Run - Sunday 13^th March. Alan & Julia have arranged another fine country house venue for this year's run, which will start as normal from the Golden Cross and bacon rolls and coffee will be available (£2.50 & £1.00) from 11.00am. We will leave the Cross around 11.30/45 for a Social Run through the countryside to arrive at the Limes Country Lodge in Earlswood for lunch. We need to pre-book the lunch choices, so booking is essential with Alan and the booking form is downloadable from the club website and I attach with the newsletter for your convenience. Closing date for bookings is the next club night, 1^st March.

Drive-it-Day Run - Sunday 24^th April. Richard and Fiona are working away on the venue and route for this run. The start will be at the Golden Cross for bacon rolls & coffee as usual, followed by a social run ready for lunch.

Hook Norton Brewery Visit - 7^th May. I have not received many bookings for the tour, so please let me know if you are interested so we know if the event will be viable. The visit will be a tour of the brewery where the guides will explain the whole process of brewing beer and how it is done at Hook Norton. After the tour you meet in the cellar to taste the beers produced in the brewery (there is also a shop to take home some souvenirs), so bring a driver to take you home, it might be worth trying to car share to avoid drinking & driving after sampling the beers. The tours will start at 10.30 and the cost is £10 per person. This is a booking only event and Nigel needs to pay in advance, so please book with me and let me have your payment either by cheque (payable to Arden MG Club) or cash. The closing date will be 5^th April which is our club night. We need to have at least 12 people to allow the event to go ahead and Nigel has pre-booked 24 places, however we could have more if we know far enough in advance, please let me know by email as soon as possible if you are interested in going.

Churchill Vintage & Classic Car Show - 5^th June. Booking forms are now available and I will put a link to it on our website.. This is a very popular show, so we will need to book early but it is well worth it, please make a note on your entry form that you are with the Arden MG Club. We may arrange another convoy run from the Golden Cross if anyone is interested, please let me know.

Heritage Run - 19^th June. The entry forms have been sent out to everyone who has been on the run in the last 3 years, if you have not received one it can be downloaded from the club website, or from Allen Smith: 01789 488 280 or let me know and I will email it to you.

This year we have a new start venue of Wyevale Garden Centre on the Warwick Road outside Stratford (CV37 0QW) and will be travelling through the Leicestershire lanes to arrive at the Ashby Magna Vintage Festival, so it should be a good day out, get your booking in now.

Chairman's Picnic Will return in 2016 by popular demand. Date and venue are being finalised but most likely a Sunday mid August.

Other Matters:

For those members who have joined us recently, you may have noticed in other members cars windscreens the Arden MG Club Shield Badge. I still have a good stock of these at £1 each, so if anyone would like one just ask.

MG Events Calendar:

Sun 3^rd Apr MGCC Midland Centre Spring Sprint at Curborough

Sun 8^th May Charnwood Caper. Quorn & Woodhouse GCR Station to Staunton Harold Estate, Ashby-de-la-Zouch. www.northleicester-mg.org.uk .

Sun 12^th June Cwm to Coast Run.Brecon Mountain Railway Centre to Grove Golf Club, Porthcawl. mgguy62@hotmail.com

Sun 12^th June Ratae Run. White Horse, Broughton Astley to Belvoir Castle

www.mgleicester.org .

Sun 3^rd July Cotswold Caper. www.glosmgoc.co.uk .

Sun 10^th July National Brewery Centre Day, Burton-on-Trent. www.mgpotsches.org.uk .

Sun 4^th Sept Charity Road Run. Gawsworth Hall. www.mgpotsches.org.uk .

Other Events:

Sun 1^st & Mon 2^nd May Stratford Festival of Motoring. www.stratfordfestivalofmotoring.co.uk

Sat 14^th May Hereford Vintage & Classic Car Show. http://www.herefordroundtable.co.uk/2016-motor-show/

January 2016 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

Thank you all of you who turned up for the AGM at the last meeting (David tells me over 40 signed the register), as promised I managed to keep it to just less than 15 minutes. The minutes have been posted on the website but the 2 main things to come out of the meeting is that the officers have remained the same (so we must be doing something right) and the club has a substantial fund in the bank. We should give some thought to using some of this money either as a benefit for the members (like the 'Storm Shelter' that will be purchased for the coming season) or as a charitable donation, please let me have your suggestions.

Just before the AGM we had our Chilly Willy Run from the Golden Cross to the Fish & Anchor in Offenham. This must be the best attended New Year's Day Run we have had with approx 34 cars of which 29 were MGs, which was great but presented some problems getting everyone seated for lunch, the pub was full. However this was not the least of the problems when a 100amp fuse blew in the kitchen but the staff eventually coped and I think everyone got their meals in the end. Lots of people have remarked afterwards how much they enjoyed the route to Offenham, so I hope an enjoyable day for everyone, thanks to Lech for producing the route and the route sheets.

For the January meeting we were going to present our Heritage Run cheque to the Stratford Hospital appeal but Ali was not available to attend, so I went to the new hospital and made the presentation there, with the help of David Rayner. They were going to try and get this published in the Stratford Herald, so if you see it let me know.

Future Events:

Club night 2^nd February I will not be there but Fred will host the meeting.

Run to the British Motor Museum, Gaydon - Sunday 14^th February .

As you all (I hope ) know by now the Heritage Motor Centre is changing it's name to the British Motor Museum and after a major refurbishment (£1.1 million) will re-open on 13^th February. I have therefore arranged to visit the Museum on the 2^nd day after re-opening to reflect the first Heritage Run which finished at the Museum on the 2^nd day of opening back in 1993. In recognition of this we have been offered a special entry for the day for Arden MG Club members who come on the run in their MGs of Free of Charge. The Social Run will start at the Golden Cross, arrive 9.15am to be ready to leave at 9.30 and cover a distance of approx 30 miles to arrive at the Museum in time to order bacon butties in the Junction 12 Café, before they change to the lunch menu. Other clubs attending on the day will have a special price of £9.00 per person (provided we can get more than 12 cars), however you can always pay the full price and with 'Gift Aid' you will receive 12 months free re-entry. Please book with Paul by email at ardenmgclub@talktalk.net.

Skittles Evening - Friday 19^th February . This event is now fully booked.

Club Night - 1^st March I have arranged a guest speaker and Roger Parker the technical expert from the MGOC will be joining us. He will be happy to answer all your technical questions but it would be helpful to have some of them in advance, so please email them to me as soon as you would like.

Spring Sunday Lunch Run - Sunday 13^th March.

Alan & Julia have arranged another fine country house venue for this year's run, which will start as normal from the Golden Cross and bacon rolls and coffee will be available (£2.50 & £1.00) from 11.00am. We will leave the Cross around 11.30/45 for a Social Run through the countryside to arrive at the Limes Country Lodge in Earlswood for lunch. We need to pre-book the lunch choices, so booking is essential with Alan and the booking form is downloadable from the club website and I attach with the newsletter for your convenience. Closing date for bookings is 1^st March and Alan is happy to receive your bookings and payment at the club nights.

Drive-it-Day Run - Sunday 24^th April. A change to the previously advertised activity as Richard is not able to put the event together, however Richard & Fiona Avery have kindly stepped forward to select a venue and devise a route, more information soon.

Hook Norton Brewery Visit - 7^th May. Nigel Hook has kindly arranged a visit to the Hook Norton brewery, which is in Hook Norton of all places. The visit will be a tour of the brewery where the guides will explain the whole process of brewing beer and how it is done at Hook Norton. After the tour you meet in the cellar to taste the beers produced in the brewery (there is also a shop to take home some souvenirs), so bring a driver to take you home, it might be worth trying to car share to avoid drinking & driving after sampling the beers. The tours will start at 10.30 and the cost is £10 per person. This is a booking only event and Nigel needs to pay in advance, so please book with me and let me have your payment either by cheque (payable to Arden MG Club) or cash. The closing date will be 5^th April which is our club night. We need to have at least 12 people to allow the event to go ahead and Nigel has pre-booked 24 places, however we could have more if we know far enough in advance, please let me know by email as soon as possible if you are interested to going.

Churchill Vintage & Classic Car Show - 5^th June. Booking forms will be available from the organisers at the end of January. This is a very popular show, so we will need to book early but it is well worth it. We may arrange another convoy run from the Golden Cross if anyone is interested. I will let you know when the forms are available.

Heritage Run - 19^th June. This is our big one and this year will have a new start point of Wyevale Garden Centre, Warwick Rd, Stratford. The venue chosen this year is the Ashby Magna Vintage Show which will give us the chance to take the run into Leicestershire and try some different roads. Booking forms are available for download from the club website along with further information. If you have been on the run in the last 3 years you will automatically receive the form in the post.

Other Matters:

I have a volunteer to produce the Club Calendar for the end of this year, so please get your photos of your MGs and of our events to me through the year ready for John to put the calendar together.

MG Events Calendar:

Sun 3^rd Apr MGCC Midland Centre Spring Sprint at Curborough

Sun 8^th May Charnwood Caper. Quorn & Woodhouse GCR Station to Staunton Harold Estate, Ashby-de-la-Zouch. www.northleicester-mg.org.uk .

Sun 12^th June Cwm to Coast Run.Brecon Mountain Railway Centre to Grove Golf Club, Porthcawl. mgguy62@hotmail.com

Sun 12^th June Ratae Run. White Horse, Broughton Astley to Belvoir Castle

www.mgleicester.org .

Sun 3^rd July Cotswold Caper. www.glosmgoc.co.uk .

Sun 10^th July National Brewery Centre Day, Burton-on-Trent. www.mgpotsches.org.uk .

Sun 4^th Sept Charity Road Run. Gawsworth Hall. www.mgpotsches.org.uk .

Other Events:

Sun 1^st & Mon 2^nd May Stratford Festival of Motoring. www.stratfordfestivalofmotoring.co.uk

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December 2015 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

There was a good turnout for the cheque presentation to Carole from Alcester Day Care at the last club night. The cheque we presented was from the surplus generated by the Heritage Run earlier this year. We set the budget for the run based on a low-ish estimate of the number of cars that will attend to ensure we don't incur a loss but this means most years we make a profit, after so many years of holding the run we have built up sufficient reserves to cover possible eventualities such that we have surplus funds. Consequently this year we are able to make some donations to charities and we try to support local and motoring related causes. This year it was decided to make 3 donations and selected The West Midlands Air Ambulance, Stratford Hospital Appeal and Alcester Day Care. For this club night we were able to hear a short presentation from Carole of the Alcester Day Care who was very passionate in the work that is done by the organisation to support people with dementia and their carers. Carole has personal experience of the difficulties this condition presents, especially to the loved ones of sufferers and Alcester Day Care has been set up to help give some respite. We were very pleased that Carole was able to accept our donation and I'm sure it will be put to good use.

The following week we all enjoyed our Xmas Meal and Debbie and her team at the Golden Cross did us proud and a very enjoyable evening was had by one and all. There was the usual Xmas Quiz with some Christmas related questions but most people had difficulties with the Arden Club 2015 event questions, what short memories we all have!! Most of the answers would have been found in the 2016 Club calendar. An extra prize this year was for the 'Best Dressed Table' and although Alan and the crew would have won in previous years with their dinner suites and posh frocks they opted to go for the party style, so it had to be the 'Wellesbourne Table' that had the prize. A big thank you to Caroline, who managed to provide us all with a raffle (sorry Prize Draw) prize and not even using all the budget that Roger set for us, well done. I hope you all liked the prizes you took home.

While we are on thank you's, well done to Graham Robson for second place in the MGOC video competition, it was as much about why we like our MG Club as much as 'Why we like our MG' but never mind. All the winners can be viewed on the MGOC website by going to News→News Archive→Why I Love My MG or follow: http://www.mgownersclub.co.uk/news/why-i-love-my-mg .

Future Events:

New Year's Day 1^st January is the Chilly Willy Run as you all know by now we are going to the Fish & Anchor for the run. It is the usual plan - meet at the Golden Cross from 11.00am for optional Bacon Rolls (£2.50) and Tea or Coffee (£1.00). I have now put the menu on the club website (http://www.ardenmgclub.co.uk/page5.htm ). The deadline for letting me have your menu choices is Sunday 20^th December, so please let me know straight away if you would like to join us and book for lunch. We have planned a pleasant scenic run of 23 miles to get us there with the option of a route using gritted roads if weather is icy.

Tuesday 5^th January - Club Night and AGM. This our annual formal event but don't worry I will try and keep it to less than a quarter of an hour, however this is your chance to voice any opinions about the running of the club or even volunteer to get more involved, if you want to discuss anything beforehand please just give me a call or drop me an email. During the evening we will also be joined by Ali Gray from the Stratford Hospital Appeal Fund so that we can make a presentation of the donation cheque from the Heritage Run.

Sunday 14^th February - Run to the British Motor Museum, Gaydon. The Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon has now closed for a major refurbishment and will re-open in mid February 2016. As part of the re-opening they will be changing their name and will become the British Motor Museum, showcasing the largest collection of British Cars which have been accorded status at a collection of National significance by Arts Council England. For the re-opening I have booked us in to visit on the 2^nd day of opening which will reflect the original Heritage Run of 1993 when we finished there on the 2^nd day the original museum was opened. I have not made final arrangements for the run but it would be good to have a line of classic MGs outside the new entrance to the museum to celebrate with them, so put the date on your calendar. The new Collections Centre building will also be open for guided tours. More information next time.

February - Skittles Evening. Date and venue have now been set as Friday 18^th at the Masons Arms in Pebworth. It will be usual format of arrive from 7pm ready to start skittling at 7.30. The cost will be £7.50 per person including hot buffet. Please let me have your bookings and payment (email to book and payment at January club night would be good).

Club Night 1^st March I have arranged a guest speaker and Roger Parker the technical expert from the MGOC will be joining us. He will be happy to answer all your technical questions but it would be helpful to have some of them in advance, so please email them to me as soon as you would like.

Sunday 13^th March - Spring Sunday Lunch Run. The venue is still to be announced but will be worth the wait, more information next time.

Sunday 24^th April - Drive-it-Day Run. This is another annual run and this year Richard is proposing that we should attend the Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble Day. He is looking into what will be involved in booking us into the event, hopefully as a club, more details later.

Other Matters:

The Club calendars have all sold, thanks for your support. Please let me know what you think of them, should we do them again next year? Would you like your photos included?

Club funds have built up to a healthy level and we will purchase a Coleman Storm Shelter ready for next year's event season but is there anything else that we should have as a club? Should we make another donation to charity?

I have received an email from Matt Slater who lives in Alcester. He has lost the use of a rental garage and his MGB GT is having to live on the drive, so has anyone got or know of covered storage or garage to rent in the Alcester area, if so please contact Matt on 01789 765238 or email to matthew.slater1@googlemail.com .

That just leaves me to say I hope you have all enjoyed being part of the Club through the last year and to wish you all A Very Happy Christmas and A Peaceful New Year

Drive safely

Paul

 

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November 2015 Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

A big thank you to Nigel for the 'Motors' Quiz at the October Club Night (there was no mention of Shakespeare at all!!!!), I think everyone enjoyed it with a good balance between questions that everyone could answer but with a few more difficult ones to find a winner, however there were 3 teams tied with 48 points. The tie-breaker was easily won by the team of Lech, Graham Smith, Richard & Fiona Avery, well done.

Future Events:

1^st December will be a normal Club Night, however we will have a presentation of our donation cheques from the Heritage Run to the 'Alcester Café' and the 'Stratford Hospital Appeal'.

8^th December: Xmas Meal. There is still space in the bar for the Xmas Meal, the more people out there the better. I have 8/10 booked into the bar, so you will still be part of the event. If you would like to join us for the fun just make your selections from the menu below and let me know, I can accept payments at the December club night on the 1^st. The cost is £16 for 2 courses or £20 for 3 courses and everyone gets a prize from the Xmas Prize Draw. I will also do the usual seasonal quiz with a prize for the winner.

Booking forms can also be downloaded from the website.

STARTERS

*Tiger Prawns and Asparagus with Chorizo in Garlic and lemon Butter.

*Chicken Liver and Cranberry Parfait, served with Toast

& Mulled Wine Apple Chutney.

*Pulled Pork salad with Sweet Chilli Sauce and Sesame Seeds

*Lightly Curried Parsnip, Almond and Honey Soup served with breads.

MAINS

*Roast Warwickshire Turkey, served with Pig in Blanket, Parsley and Thyme Stuffing, Roast Potatoes and Parsnips, accompanied with Bread Sauce.

*Braised Blade of Beef in a sauce of Baby Onions, Bacon, Red Wine and Button Mushrooms, on baby Roast Potatoes.

*Nut Mixed Bean and Cheddar Roast served with a Tomato and Herb Coulie with Buttered New Potatoes.

All the above main courses served with a medley of seasonal vegetables.

*Smoked haddock and Spring Onion Risotto topped with Vegetable Crisps and Parmesan.

PUDDING

*Christmas Plum Pudding served with Brandy Butter.

*Rum Soaked Bread & Butter Pudding with Chocolate Custard.

*Winter Berry Cheesecake with Raspberry Coulie or

*Cave Aged Cheddar Cheese, with Biscuits, Chutney and Celery.

To FINISH

Coffee and Mince Pie Petit Fois.

£20 per guest for 3 courses (or £16 for 2 courses)

inclusive of Christmas Cracker, Party Hat and Novelty Gift.

Sunday 13^th December we have been invited to join the KSSC Classic Gathering pre Christmas morning Meet (KSSC is the Kineton Sports & Social Club). Come along to the club from 10.15 am, there will be bacon and sausage baps, tea, coffee along with mulled wine and mince pies available. The bar will be open selling soft drinks and (subject to licencing times) alcoholic ones as well. Please feel free to stay as long as you like on Sunday. If you are thinking of going let me know and if you would like to join a convoy run from the Stratford area I'm happy to arrange that, again just let me know.

New Year's Day 1^st January is the Chilly Willy Run and as usual we will start from the Golden Cross meeting from 11.00 for optional Bacon Rolls (£2.50) and Tea or Coffee (£1.00). The end venue will be the Fish & Anchor in Offenham, I'm still waiting for details of the menu on offer for the lunch but hope to have that in the next week. It's not too early to let me know that you want to join the run, just drop me an email.

Tuesday 5^th January - Club Night and AGM. This is your chance to offer your services to the club or make your views known. As ever I will try and keep it very brief but if anyone would like to be more involved in the running of the club or make any comments please let me know and we can include it in the agenda. I hope no one will be put off attending the club night because of the AGM, it is the only formal thing we do all year and will not last very long, so will not affect your evening.

February - Skittles Evening. Still in the planning stage and looking at possible venues but considering a Friday evening in mid to late February. Further details at the next meeting.

Sunday 14^th February - Run to the British Motor Museum, Gaydon. Some of you may know by now that the Heritage Motor Centre is in the process of changing their name to The British Motor Museum, also that their new building is now open for previews and that the Museum will close at the end of this month for a major refurbishment. It will open as the British Motor Museum on the 13^th February and as the Club's first Heritage Run finished at the Heritage Motor Centre (hence the name) on the second day of opening, so I thought it would be a good idea to arrange a visit there on the Sunday as this will be the second day of the re-opening. It would be good to get a long line of MGs displayed outside the Museum to celebrate the re-opening with some Classic British Cars. I will talk to them and see what we can do as a club event and let you know but put the date on your calendar if you might be interested.

Sunday 13^th March - Spring Sunday Lunch Run. Alan and the team have agreed to organise the run again this year, no details yet but again make a note on your calendar.

Sunday 24^th April - Drive-it-Day Run. This is another annual run and this year Richard is proposing that we should attend the Bicester Heritage Sunday Scramble Day. He is looking into what will be involved in booking us into the event, hopefully as a club, more details later.

Other Matters:

Arden MG Club 2016 Calendar, I discussed this and showed a mock-up at the club night and received a good response, however there has been a further development as Caroline has found an excellent special offer through Groupon. This offer means that I can now offer the calendars for £5.00 each, many thanks to Caroline, although it did mean I had to do all the artwork again on the print company website. I have completed the order for 20 and will have the finished item at the December club night. The first 12 will go to those people who expressed an interest in November, which leaves 8 for anyone else who would like one. If we can sell them all it will mean a small profit for club funds. If you are not able to attend the club night or Xmas Meal but would like one of the calendars let me know and I will reserve it for you, first come first served.

Drive safely

Paul

 

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October 2015 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

Thanks to Fred for hosting the last meeting, sorry I was not there but we were sunning ourselves in Spain, got to fit the holidays in when we can!!!

There were no events to report on so onto:

Future Events:

3^rd November Club Night will be a Quiz Night being set again by Nigel and this time will be titled 'Motors'.

1^st December will be a normal Club Night

8^th December: Xmas Meal. I have had a very good response and the restaurant is fully booked, however I have bookings that will overflow into the bar area, so please don't feel you cannot attend the more we have in the bar the better it will be and you will still be part of the evening and involved in the whole event. We have had the whole pub filled in the past and it worked well, so send in your booking and join the fun. There will be the usual free raffle with everyone getting a prize.

The menu for the meal is shown below and to book fill in the attached booking form or download from the club website and get it to me either at the November club night or to my address. I will not cash any cheques until 2 weeks before the night.

There is now the offer of 2 courses for £16.00 (if anyone wants to change their booking just let me know)

STARTERS

*Tiger Prawns and Asparagus with Chorizo in Garlic and lemon Butter.

*Chicken Liver and Cranberry Parfait, served with Toast

& Mulled Wine Apple Chutney.

*Pulled Pork salad with Sweet Chilli Sauce and Sesame Seeds

*Lightly Curried Parsnip, Almond and Honey Soup served with breads.

MAINS

*Roast Warwickshire Turkey, served with Pig in Blanket, Parsley and Thyme Stuffing, Roast Potatoes and Parsnips, accompanied with Bread Sauce.

*Braised Blade of Beef in a sauce of Baby Onions, Bacon, Red Wine and Button Mushrooms, on baby Roast Potatoes.

*Nut Mixed Bean and Cheddar Roast served with a Tomato and Herb Coulie with Buttered New Potatoes.

All the above main courses served with a medley of seasonal vegetables.

*Smoked haddock and Spring Onion Risotto topped with Vegetable Crisps and Parmesan.

PUDDING

*Christmas Plum Pudding served with Brandy Butter.

*Rum Soaked Bread & Butter Pudding with Chocolate Custard.

*Winter Berry Cheesecake with Raspberry Coulie or

*Cave Aged Cheddar Cheese, with Biscuits, Chutney and Celery.

To FINISH

Coffee and Mince Pie Petit Fois.

£20 per guest for 3 courses (or £16 for 2 courses)

inclusive of Christmas Cracker, Party Hat and Novelty Gift.

1^st January is the Chilly Willy Run and I'm just looking at possible venues but will start at the Golden Cross as usual with a scenic run ready for lunch, more info at the club night.

Other Matters:

Back in the January Newsletter I suggested having a club calendar using photos from club members and I have been sent a few photos from the events through the year, so I will put together a 2016 calendar. I think it will be A4 size with a month to view and will have half the page for photo(s) and the lower half for a calendar box. I expect the cost to be £10 each and I'm going to get 20 printed and will bring them to the next club night, however if anyone wants to pre-order drop me an email and if I get enough interest I will increase the number printed.

Lastly I have had a call from Christine Kenny who joined us earlier in the year including the Drive it Day run but now needs to sell her MG TF as health issues make it difficult to drive it. She has advertised it on Autotrader. It is a special edition 'Cool Blue' 1.8 135 TF, year 2003 with 63,000 miles. If anyone is interested in a TF at £1,495 give Christine a call on 01789 765 857. I will put some details in the MGs for sale section of the website.

Drive safely

Paul

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September 2015 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

Another busy month to report on. After the well-attended 'Show Night', reported on last month our next event was the Brailes Show, where we were blessed, for once, with fine sunny weather and there was a good turnout for the display. Our normal spot at the end of the field was filled with MGs basking in the sunshine. There was also a good selection of interesting Classic Cars on show including some unusual and probably rare tractors.

This was followed 2 weeks later by the 'Chairman's Picnic' but this was not blessed with fine weather. The rain held off for us until we had all parked up at Compton Verney but during our picnic it poured in torrents. Fortunately we were able to use an inside room which worked extremely well, with a table laid in the middle of the room, full of all sorts of food.

The 'Catering Girls' were kept busy dispensing hot drinks, although most of us started with something more refreshing. After the picnic lunch everyone wandered around the collections in the house which are vast and varied. There was still plenty of food left for us all to have afternoon tea before clearing-up and setting off for home, by which time the rain had gone leaving clearer skies. All the feedback was a great day out, so do we repeat it next year? If so where would you like to go? Of course it would not have been possible without the organisation of Jane and the assistance of Julia & Gaynor, so many thanks to you from all of us, well done.

Next up the following week-end (well bank Holiday Monday) was the Pershore Plum Festival, unfortunately the day dawned dull and wet, even so half a dozen of us set off from the Golden Cross to take up our usual position in front of the Abbey in Pershore. It was a good thing that Steve brought along his Gazebo for us to shelter under, although it did take all of us to erect it. We decided it was time the Club had its own shelter to use at car shows. The display field was somewhat depleted of cars and as the rain got heavier lots of them started to leave, however the fun in the town was as good as ever with stalls selling all types of food not to mention the plums and the High Street was as purple as normal for the event week. Let's hope for better weather next year.

Future Events:

I will not be at the next Club Night, so Fred has volunteered to host the evening on my behalf but I will see you again in November when Nigel has again agreed to run a quiz for us and this time it will be based on Motors.

As we draw to the end of the year it is time to book for the Xmas Meal which this year will not be held on the normal Club Night (as it is the 1^st of December and very early in the month) but the week after on Tuesday 8^th December. This means we will be able to have an extra meeting on the first Tuesday.

Booking for the Xmas Meal will be the same as last few years and the first 45 places booked will be seated in the main restaurant and if we exceed the number we will overflow into the main pub. The booking form is available to download from here:

http://www.ardenmgclub.co.uk/PDF Files/Booking Form_Xmas Meal 2015.pdf

STARTERS

*Tiger Prawns and Asparagus with Chorizo in Garlic and lemon Butter.

*Chicken Liver and Cranberry Parfait, served with Toast

& Mulled Wine Apple Chutney.

*Pulled Pork salad with Sweet Chilli Sauce and Sesame Seeds

*Lightly Curried Parsnip, Almond and Honey Soup served with breads.

MAINS

*Roast Warwickshire Turkey, served with Pig in Blanket, Parsley and Thyme Stuffing, Roast Potatoes and Parsnips, accompanied with Bread Sauce.

*Braised Blade of Beef in a sauce of Baby Onions, Bacon, Red Wine and Button Mushrooms, on baby Roast Potatoes.

*Nut Mixed Bean and Cheddar Roast served with a Tomato and Herb Coulie with Buttered New Potatoes.

All the above main courses served with a medley of seasonal vegetables.

*Smoked haddock and Spring Onion Risotto topped with Vegetable Crisps and Parmesan.

PUDDING

*Christmas Plum Pudding served with Brandy Butter.

*Rum Soaked Bread & Butter Pudding with Chocolate Custard.

*Winter Berry Cheesecake with Raspberry Coulie or

*Cave Aged Cheddar Cheese, with Biscuits, Chutney and Celery.

To FINISH

Coffee and Mince Pie Petit Fois.

£20 per guest inclusive of Christmas Cracker, Party Hat and Novelty Gift.

Other Local Events:

Prescott Breakfast Club:

25^th Oct Prescott 9.30 to 12.30

Details and registration to Barrie - barrie.murray_upton@me.com , 0780 388 7811

South Midlands Classic Car Meet:

Sunday 27^th September From 11am to 3pm Stratford Armouries

Kineton Sports and Social Club Classic Car Meet:

Cheap drinks and a reasonably priced BBQ, 1^st Thursday of the month

Thursday 1^st October

Other Matters:

Those of you who are members of the MG Owners Club may have seen a piece in the September Enjoying MG Magazine titled: "VIDEO COMPETITION "Why I Love my MG"" and thought that would be good to do but didn't know how or lacked the video equipment, well I have a solution for you. As the article states that the deadline has been extended until 31^st October due to a lack of entries, I thought we could do this as a group. I have enlisted the help of Graham Robson who has the video equipment and the skills to produce the videos, thanks to his experience in the amateur dramatics (don't forget his production of the Titfield Thunderbolt taking place at the Stratford Arts House this week-end, first show on Friday night. Tickets from the Arts House.). The plan is, those who want to enter the competition assemble at a place to be decided (possibly the Golden Cross) one afternoon/evening in October with your script and Graham will make the video, simple as that. If you are interested in having a go let me know and will get the 'photoshoot' set up. For details of what is required for the competition please see the article on page 4 of the September Enjoying MG, in essence you just need to talk about your MG into the camera for a maximum of 3 minutes, why not have a go, if there are a few of us it should be good fun.

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August 2015 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

Lots to report on this month, starting with the 'Show Night' which was the best attended meeting we have had with 47 MGs parked in the Orchard and over 70 people attending (I handed out 72 voting slips). Voting was brisk all evening and the 'Girls' collated the slips to arrive at the winners as follows:

Best Open MG: Runner up Norman Large MGB Roadster

Winner Steve Johnson MGA Roadster

Best Closed MG: Runner up Fred Bury MG Magnette ZB

Winner Digby Bond MGC GT

Best Early MG: Helen Lobb-Jones MG TC

Best Wheels: Runner up John Hale MG RV8

Winner Terry Stokes MGB

Best MG Overall: Mike Brown MG YT

We were joined by Simon from MG Motors Sales Centre who brought along a facelift MG6 which attracted a lot of interest and Simon was busy all evening showing off the car. He also brought with him some gifts to add into the monthly raffle and also an MG6 Model to be used as the award for the Best Closed MG category but not satisfied with that he had an offer for any new or used MG purchased from the sales centre before the end of August. If you are interested in the offer you need the letter Simon left with us and I have a few copies left, so please contact me.

Thanks to everyone for coming along with such a fine selection of MGs and for taking the trouble to make your voting selections.

Before then, July had been very busy starting with the 'Quiz on Wheelz', based around the Golden Cross and followed the places mentioned in the Shakespeare Rhyme. This presented a bit of a problem for most teams but 3 of them knew at least a few of the places mentioned to arrive at a tie, however with the prospect of having to set next year's quiz no one wanted to take the prize! Having withdrawn the obligation Graham & Fiona finally came up with a correct answer to the tie-breaker (Nigel awarded the bottle of wine at the club night). We now need a volunteer for next year's Quiz on Wheelz, it's easy to do and good fun, so if you would like to have a go please talk to me. Many thanks to Nigel & Stephanie for giving us all a good evening. If you are still wondering what the Shakespeare Rhyme is, it goes like this:

Piping Pebworth, Dancing Marston.

Haunted Hilboro, Hungry Grafton,

Dodging Exhall, Papist Wixford,

Beggerly Broom and Drunken Bidford.

The following evening 6 cars left the Golden Cross for the MGCC Joint Natter. We had a pleasant run through the lanes on our way to The Rose & Crown in Severn Stoke, despite finding one of the roads closed but a new route was soon found. We were blessed with a fine evening and a good showing of MG cars in the field.

Last but not least was the 'Badsey Flower Show' and 11 cars arrived to enjoy the show, especially the bacon rolls. Thanks to Steve for arranging the display for us.

Future Events:

Pershore Plum Festival is on Bank Holiday Monday 31^st August and for those who have booked we are going to meet at the Golden Cross for a convoy run over to Pershore, if you are going to join us for the run please meet at the Cross at 8.45 ready to leave at 9am.

We are now into the quiet part of the year but we have arranged for Nigel give us one of his Quiz's at the November Club Night.

Other MG Events:

6^th Sept MG Midget Register Run from Eastnor Castle to Eastnor Castle

18^th to 21^st Sept MG Cricket St Thomas.

Other Local Events:

Solihull Fun in the Park Sunday 20^th September, Tudor Grange Park, Solihull, B91 3LU.

There will be a classic car show as part of SOLIHULL FUN IN THE PARK - a family day out with a variety of stalls, an arena with entertainment from local performers throughout the day, food outlets and lots of fun activities for children.

You should arrive at the Monkspath hall Road entrance to Tudor Grange Park B91 3LU between 9.00am and 10.15 am and be prepared to leave your car on site all day.

This a charity event to raise funds for local charities.

If you would like more information please contact;

Clive Hampson at clivehampson@yahoo.co.uk , tel: 07831 510542

or Rosemary Couch at roalan@talktalk.net , tel: 01564773302

Prescott Breakfast Club:

20^th Sept Prescott 9.30 to 12.30

25^th Oct Prescott 9.30 to 12.30

Details and registration to Barrie - barrie.murray_upton@me.com , 0780 388 7811

South Midlands Classic Car Meet:

The Stratford Armouries Museum, Gospel Oak Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0JA

Thursday 27^th August From 7pm

Sunday 27^th September From 11am to 3pm

Kineton Sports and Social Club Classic Car Meet:

Cheap drinks and a reasonably priced BBQ, 1^st Thursday of the month

Thursday 3^rd September

Drive safely

Paul

 

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July 2015 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

Here we go again, I have not seen any of the photos that Dave took during the evening at the last club night but we were sent a photo taken by a new member who had his camera with him. There was a good selection of cars in the Orchard to offer as subject material, with 37 people signing the register.

Thanks for the photo John. The only event to report on in June was the Heritage Run which I covered last month and there is a report & selection of photos on the website and I hope to be able to add some more from Graham Robson soon.

Future Events:

The weather forecast is looking good for Saturday (25^th July), so the Badsey Flower Show will be a good day out and Steve Entwistle has yet again arranged for us to have a display area. If you would like to join Steve and the others on the display (Alan & Julia will be making bacon butties I'm told) just let me know and I can pass the message on.

The 'Show Night' on the August Club Night is now not far away (4^th August) but you still have a little time to get your car washed, polished and waxed, so it is looking it's best ready for the evening. Debbie has promised to rope off the Orchard for our use, so please turn up early and let's make sure we fill it. There will be the usual self voting with prizes and awards for the best cars on the night, with another 'special' category. I'm also expecting MG Motors to bring a new shape MG6 and an MG3 for us all to drool over.

The following Saturday the 8^th August is the annual Brailes Village Show and we have again arranged to have a display area. This is a very popular and interesting show with lots of marques filled with village competitions from photographic to flowers to vegetables to cakes, there is also horse riding events at the end of the field. It is a case of just turn up on the day but please be there before 12.30 don't go to the car park but the entrance nearest the main road and tell them you are with the Arden MG Club, however please let me know if you plan to attend.

Next in August (Sunday 23^rd) is the 'Chairman's Picnic' which is a new event for us this year. The idea is we meet at the Golden Cross for bacon rolls and coffee (£2.50 & £1.00) as we have done for other runs from 11am, to leave around 11.30/11.45 for a scenic run through the countryside along the lanes of Warwickshire. The end of the run will be Compton Verney which is an award winning art gallery housed in a Grade I listed Georgian mansion and set in 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland. It is home to six collections of works of art from around the world including Naples 1600-1800, Germanic art 1450-1650, British portraits, an exceptional collection of Chinese bronzes, the UKs largest collection of British Folk Art and the Marx-Lambert collection. On arrival at Compton Verney I hope we will be able to park along the driveway and then picnic down by the lake. To make the catering easier and enjoyable we are asking everyone to bring a plate of food to share, there is a list of possible items for you to select, however if you have an idea of your own, no problem. Select the item from the list and let me know, so I can reserve it for you. Teas and coffee will be provided along with plates, cutlery and serviettes, however if you would like any other liquid refreshment please bring your own with you. The only cost involved will be the entry fee for Compton Verney which is £6.00 per person (which I need in advance please) and covers entry to the grounds and collections, however if you are a member at Compton Verney your ticket can be used. Whilst we are there we can try and find the tree that the Club adopted in 2008 with funds from the Heritage Run (see our website for the certificate).

At the end of August we will be attending the Pershore Plum Festival which is on the Bank Holiday Monday 31^st . This needs to be booked with the organiser and the booking form is downloadable from the club website, please state you are with the Arden MG Club and let me know you have booked. Please note the last day for entries is the 31^st July, so send it off today. We will have a convoy run from the Golden Cross leaving early, again let me know if you would like to join the run. The festival is a great event that has got bigger every year and must have over 400 cars displayed on the grounds outside the Abbey, which is a fantastic setting. The streets and shops are decorated in the plum purple and the whole town gets involved along with the street market selling food and of course plums.

Other MG Events:

1^st Aug MGF 20 at HMC Gaydon

2^nd Aug MGCC Midland Centre Summer Sprint at Curborough

8^th & 9^th Aug MG Magnette Register Week-end with Harrogate MG at Pateley Bridge.

16^th Aug MG Day at Middleton Hall. Fran Bragger on 01827 54692 or email frances.bragger@sky.com

16^th Aug MGB GT 50^th at Shelsley Walsh

6^th Sept MG Midget Register Run from Eastnor Castle to Eastnor Castle

18^th to 21^st Sept MG Cricket St Thomas.

Other Local Events:

Wythall Carnival Classic Car Show Sunday 16^th August at Wythall Park, Silver St, Wythall, B47 6LZ. Details from Andrew 07976 327 975

Solihull Fun in the Park Sunday 20^th September, Tudor Grange Park, Solihull, B91 3LU.

There will be a classic car show as part of SOLIHULL FUN IN THE PARK - a family day out with a variety of stalls, an arena with entertainment from local performers throughout the day, food outlets and lots of fun activities for children.

You should arrive at the Monkspath hall Road entrance to Tudor Grange Park B91 3LU between 9.00am and 10.15 am and be prepared to leave your car on site all day.

This a charity event to raise funds for local charities.

If you would like more information please contact;

Clive Hampson at clivehampson@yahoo.co.uk , tel: 07831 510542

or Rosemary Couch at roalan@talktalk.net , tel: 01564773302

Prescott Breakfast Club:

20^th Sept Prescott 9.30 to 12.30

25^th Oct Prescott 9.30 to 12.30

Details and registration to Barrie - barrie.murray_upton@me.com , 0780 388 7811

South Midlands Classic Car Meet:

The Stratford Armouries Museum, Gospel Oak Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0JA

Thursday 30^th July From 7pm

Thursday 27^th August From 7pm

Sunday 27^th September From 11am to 3pm

Kineton Sports and Social Club Classic Car Meet:

Cheap drinks and a reasonably priced BBQ, 1^st Thursday of the month

Thursday 6^th August

Thursday 3^rd September

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June 2015 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

Yet again it was another good turnout with over 40 filling the Restaurant at the Golden Cross for the club night and a few MGs in the car park, even if it was a bit cold to be outside viewing them. There were no events to report at the meeting, however I must mention the great success that was the Heritage Run. The weather had finally improved and we were treated to a fine day with lots of sunshine, enjoyed by over 120 MGs. It was great to see the car park at Eastnor Castle with MGs lined up and everyone relaxing and enjoying picnics. A great day and thanks must go as always to the committee and the band of volunteers who marshalled the car parks at Evesham and Eastnor. I have uploaded a selection of photos to the Club Facebook page and will add them to the website as soon as I can, here is a taster of the car park at Eastnor Castle:

On a rather sad note I have to report the passing of one of our recent members who was becoming a regular attendee at our runs and events. Brian Lintern passed away just before the Club Night and Margaret had contacted Allen to let him know they would not be on the run. We have since found out it was an incredible story, Brian went into hospital for a minor eye op and had an allergic reaction to the dye they put into his eye!! Obviously there has had to be an inquest. The funeral is on Thursday 25^th June at 1.30pm at Robin Hood Cemetery if anyone would like to attend.

Future Events:

We have been invited to display our cars at Long Marston Summer Fete on Saturday 21^st June. The show is in the field behind the village church at the far end of Long Marston, no booking required but please be on site by 1pm. Further information from John Rathbone.

Next up is the Quiz on Wheelz on Tuesday 14^th July. The start and finish will be the Golden Cross and Debbie is putting a special menu on for us so we don't need to pre-order, as follows:

8oz beef burger with tomato relish, rocket and red onion salad and hand cut chips (add cheddar, stiltion or bacon for an extra £1 each)

Garlic mushroom lasagne with missed leaf side salad

Mild chicken curry with rice and naan

Sweet chilli pork salad

Roasted hake with garlic butter, herb crushed new potatoes, shallots and cherry tomatoes

All at £8.85

There will be a staggered start, so please arrive between 6.15 and 7.00pm. If you would like to join us for the Quiz on Wheelz please book with me (email or phone), please note order and pay for food on the night.

The next evening, Wednesday 15^th July is the Joint Natter which is being held this year at the Rose and Crown in Severn Stoke (WR8 9JQ), which is a nice black and white village pub just by the church in Severn Stoke. The turn off the main road, A38, is narrow and easy to miss so take care. The food is good, reasonably priced pub grub. The parking is in two areas in front of the pub and the landlord is going to allow parking in the grassed play area behind the larger car park if the weather is dry. This event is organised by the Malvern MG group from the MGCC Midland Centre. As in previous years we will arrange a convoy run from the Golden Cross, start time to be advised. Please let me know if you would like to join the run to Severn Stoke.

Badsey Flower Show will be on the 25^th July this year and Steve Entwistle will be arranging a display area for the club, again more details next time.

The Club night in August will again be our 'Show Night', a good chance to give your cars a good clean and polish ready for the fun competition.

Brailes Village Show is always on the second Saturday of August, so this year will be the 8^th . Fred has arranged for us to have a display area for this very popular and interesting show. Please let me know if you would like to attend, however it is just turn up on the day (before 12.30pm).

Our new event for this year is the 'Chairman's Picnic' and the date is set for Sunday 23^rd August. The Picnic will be at Compton Verney where I hope we will be able to park our MGs along the driveway to the house and enjoy our picnic by the lake. The start will be from the Golden Cross and as always the bacon rolls and coffee will be available (rolls £2.50 & Coffee £1.00) before we set off on the scenic run to Compton Verney. Some years ago the club sponsored the planting of a tree in the grounds with the surplus from the Heritage Run, there will be a prize for the first person to find the tree in the grounds. To make the Picnic run smoothly, Jane and the Girls have created the attached booking form, if you would like to join the fun please bring a plate of food to share, choose an item from the list and let me know your choice, I will then update the list on the website. There is a charge of £6 per person for the Grounds and Collections at Compton Verney (however CV ticket holders can use their entry ticket as normal) and I would like this money in advance please, as usual cheques payable to Arden MG Club or cash to me on a club night.

Pershore Plum Festival on Bank Holiday Monday 31^st August needs to be booked with the organiser, booking form is downloadable form the club website, please state you are with the Arden MG Club and let me know you have booked. We will have a convoy run from the Golden Cross leaving early, again let me know if you would like to join the run.

Other MG Events:

21^st&22^nd June MG Live Silverstone. www.mgcc.co.uk

5^th July Gloucestershire MGOC Cotswold Caper. http://www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper.htm

1^st Aug MGF 20 at HMC Gaydon

8^th & 9^th Aug MG Magnette Register Week-end with Harrogate MG at Pateley Bridge.

16^th Aug MG Day at Middleton Hall. Fran Bragger on 01827 54692 or email frances.bragger@sky.com

18^th to 21^st Sept MG Cricket St Thomas.

Other Local Events:

Wellesbourne Wings & Wheels on Father's Day 21^st June at Wellesbourne airfield. Booking essential for displaying your car, however you can pay as a visitor on the day. Well worth a visit the Vulcan Bomber will be taxiing at 11am and will do a high speed run at 2pm.

Classic Car Parade set to Smash Two Guinness World Records in Coventry

• Special event to take place in Coventry on Sunday 14^th June 2015
• Aims to break Guinness World Records for the Largest Parade of Classic Cars, and the Largest Parade of Jaguar Cars
• Attempt organised by Coventry Transport Museum and Footman James, as part of Coventry Transport Museum re-launch
• 2000 classic cars needed to take part

· Classic car owners who would like to take part in the Guinness World Record attempts on Sunday 14^th June are asked to register their interest by no later than 30^th April, by visiting www.footmanjames.co.uk and completing the online Expression of Interest form. Further details and confirmation of entry will be sent out after this date.

Long Marston Summer Fete on Saturday 27^th June, open to any Classic Car or interesting Vehicle. Arrive before 1pm to be included in the Arena display.

Wythall Carnival Classic Car Show Sunday 16^th August at Wythall Park, Silver St, Wythall, B47 6LZ. Details from Andrew 07976 327 975

Solihull Fun in the Park Sunday 20^th September, Tudor Grange Park, Solihull, B91 3LU.

There will be a classic car show as part of SOLIHULL FUN IN THE PARK - a family day out with a variety of stalls, an arena with entertainment from local performers throughout the day, food outlets and lots of fun activities for children.

You should arrive at the Monkspath hall Road entrance to Tudor Grange Park B91 3LU between 9.00am and 10.15 am and be prepared to leave your car on site all day.

This a charity event to raise funds for local charities.

If you would like more information please contact;

Clive Hampson at clivehampson@yahoo.co.uk , tel: 07831 510542

or Rosemary Couch at roalan@talktalk.net , tel: 01564773302

Prescott Breakfast Club:

5^th July Prescott 9.30 - Optional visit to PCGB HQ in Moreton in Marsh to watch British GP.

20^th Sept Prescott 9.30 to 12.30

25^th Oct Prescott 9.30 to 12.30

Details and registration to Barrie - barrie.murray_upton@me.com , 0780 388 7811

South Midlands Classic Car Meet:

The Stratford Armouries Museum, Gospel Oak Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0JA

Thursday 25^th June From 7pm

Thursday 30^th July From 7pm

Thursday 27^th August From 7pm

Sunday 27^th September From 11am to 3pm

Kineton Sports and Social Club Classic Car Meet:

Cheap drinks and a reasonably priced BBQ, 1^st Thursday of the month

Thursday 2^nd July

Thursday 6^th August

Thursday 3^rd September

 

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May 2015 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

It was good to see the restaurant almost full again for the last meeting and David tells me 42 people signed the register.

I reported on 2 events, firstly the MG Factory Tour at Longbridge, we were a group of 10 and we managed to line 6 cars outside the 'Sales Office' for a photo, 4 of which had arrived together after a short run through the lanes to get there, sorry about the dirty car John (the road was quite narrow and mucky, David should have warned you about our scenic routes!)!!! We were given an interesting talk about the site and the history of MG before seeing Lord Austin's office. There was a short film showing the assembly process in the early days before we toured around the current assembly hall and then going into the small museum they have on site. The guide gave us lots of info about the exhibits and the site as he had worked there for over 30 years.

Secondly was our 'Drive it Day Run' and 26 cars parked up, outside the front of the Heritage Motor Centre ready for the 30 miles scenic run for an enjoyable lunch at the Golden Cross. There was a large gathering of classic cars building up at the Centre, however I didn't have time to walk around them before handing out the route sheets. We set off with our new 'Drive it Day' rally plates fitted, thanks to Graham Robson for the design work, for the route set by Richard Workman, which again was filled with interesting facts for the places passed on route, many thanks Richard.

Those taking part will have noticed Graham taking photos at places on the route, these photos have been added to the report page on the club website and Graham can print any of the photos in A3 size for a nominal cost of £3. If you would like to order a photo of your car just drop me an email and I will forward the request to Graham.

Not one of the club's events but I spotted a lot of our regulars at the Stratford Festival of Motoring that took place over the Bank Holiday week-end, this event is becoming very popular and looks set to become a regular fixture on the calendar, so worth noting for next year.

Future Events:

You are probably fed up with me reminding you about the Heritage Run but this is our main event of the year and we want everyone to attend, so please get your booking to Allen as soon as you can. In case you have forgotten the date is Sunday 7^th June, with the start at Evesham Country Park and the run finishing at Eastnor Castle. If you need an entry form it can be downloaded from the club website at www.ardenmgclub.co.uk or contact Allen on 01789 488 280 as per the adjacent advert.

The Quiz on Wheelz date is now fixed as Tuesday 14^th July, please note this is changed from what was originally stated. The start and finish will be the Golden Cross, and I'm sure Nigel will produce an interesting quiz. Starting time will be between 18.15 and 19.00 and at the finish Debbie is putting a special menu on for us so we don't need to pre-order, as follows:

8oz beef burger with tomato relish, rocket and red onion salad and hand cut chips (add cheddar, stiltion or bacon for an extra £1 each)

Garlic mushroom lasagne with missed leaf side salad

Mild chicken curry with rice and naan

Sweet chilli pork salad

Roasted hake with garlic butter, herb crushed new potatoes, shallots and cherry tomatoes

All at £8.85

If you would like to join us for the Quiz on Wheelz please book with me (email or phone).

Badsey Flower Show will be on the 25^th July this year and Steve Entwistle will be arranging a display area for the club, again more details next time.

The Club night in August will again be our 'Show Night', a good chance to give your cars a good clean and polish ready for the fun competition.

Brailes Village Show is always on the second Saturday of August, so this year will be the 8^th . Fred is going to arrange for us to have a display area for this very popular and interesting show. Please let me know if you would like to attend, however it is just turn up on the day (before 1pm).

The 'Chairman's Picnic' has now been confirmed and will be on Sunday 23^rd August. We will have our usual start at the Golden Cross with Bacon Rolls and Coffee (or Tea) available and will have a scenic run driving to Compton Verney for our picnic by the lake. I hope we will be able to park our cars along the main drive to the house and we can try and find the tree the Club sponsored some years ago, let's hope it is still alive!!

To make the Picnic run smoothly, Jane and the Girls have created a booking form (which can be viewed and downloaded from the Chairman's Picnic page), if you would like to join the fun please choose an item to bring and let me know your choice. I will also need the payment of £6 per person which is the entry fee for the Grounds and Collections at Compton Verney, as usual cheques payable to Arden MG Club or cash to me on a club night.

Pershore Plum Festival on Bank Holiday Monday 31^st August needs to be booked with the organiser, booking form is downloadable form the club website, please state you are with the Arden MG Club and let me know you have booked. We will have a convoy run from the Golden Cross leaving early, again let me know if you would like to join the run.

Other MG Events:

24^th May Gaydon Classic Car Show, Heritage Motor Centre.

24^th May Exeter Area MGOC 'Moor2Sea' Run. email: moor2sea@outlook.com

14^th June Bridgend MGOC Cwm to Coast Run. email: mgguy62@hotmail.com

21^st&22^nd June MG Live Silverstone. www.mgcc.co.uk

5^th July Gloucestershire MGOC Cotswold Caper. http://www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper.htm

1^st Aug MGF 20 at HMC Gaydon

8^th & 9^th Aug MG Magnette Register Week-end with Harrogate MG at Pateley Bridge.

16^th Aug MG Day at Middleton Hall. Fran Bragger on 01827 54692 or email frances.bragger@sky.com

18^th to 21^st Sept MG Cricket St Thomas.

Other Local Events:

Gaydon Classic Car Show at Heritage Motor Centre, Sunday 24^th May, book via their website.

Bidford Wings & Wheels at Bidford Gliding Club on May Bank Holiday the 25^th. No need to book, lots of aircraft flying in and some aerobatic displays. Last year had a good collection of cars on display. Donation to charity requested.

Wellesbourne Wings & Wheels on Father's Day 21^st June at Wellesbourne airfield. Booking essential for displaying your car, however you can pay as a visitor on the day. Well worth a visit the Vulcan Bomber will be taxiing at 11am and will do a high speed run at 2pm.

Classic Car Parade set to Smash Two Guinness World Records in Coventry

• Special event to take place in Coventry on Sunday 14^th June 2015
• Aims to break Guinness World Records for the Largest Parade of Classic Cars, and the Largest Parade of Jaguar Cars
• Attempt organised by Coventry Transport Museum and Footman James, as part of Coventry Transport Museum re-launch
• 2000 classic cars needed to take part

· Classic car owners who would like to take part in the Guinness World Record attempts on Sunday 14^th June are asked to register their interest by no later than 30^th April, by visiting www.footmanjames.co.uk and completing the online Expression of Interest form. Further details and confirmation of entry will be sent out after this date.

Long Marston Summer Fete on Saturday 27^th June, open to any Classic Car or interesting Vehicle. Arrive before 1pm to be included in the Arena display.

Wythall Carnival Classic Car Show Sunday 16^th August at Wythall Park, Silver St, Wythall, B47 6LZ. Details from Andrew 07976 327 975

Solihull Fun in the Park Sunday 20^th September, Tudor Grange Park, Solihull, B91 3LU.

There will be a classic car show as part of SOLIHULL FUN IN THE PARK - a family day out with a variety of stalls, an arena with entertainment from local performers throughout the day, food outlets and lots of fun activities for children.

You should arrive at the Monkspath hall Road entrance to Tudor Grange Park B91 3LU between 9.00am and 10.15 am and be prepared to leave your car on site all day.

This a charity event to raise funds for local charities.

If you would like more information please contact;

Clive Hampson at clivehampson@yahoo.co.uk , tel: 07831 510542

or Rosemary Couch at roalan@talktalk.net , tel: 01564773302

Prescott Breakfast Club:

14^th June GWR Toddington 8.30 onwards

5^th July Prescott 9.30 - Optional visit to PCGB HQ in Moreton in Marsh to watch British GP.

20^th Sept Prescott 9.30 to 12.30

25^th Oct Prescott 9.30 to 12.30

Details and registration to Barrie - barrie.murray_upton@me.com , 0780 388 7811

South Midlands Classic Car Meet:

The Stratford Armouries Museum, Gospel Oak Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0JA

Thursday 28^th May From 7pm

Thursday 25^th June From 7pm

Thursday 30^th July From 7pm

Thursday 27^th August From 7pm

Sunday 27^th September From 11am to 3pm

Kineton Sports and Social Club Classic Car Meet:

Cheap drinks and a reasonably priced BBQ, 1^st Thursday of the month

Thursday 4^th June

Thursday 2^nd July

Thursday 6^th August

Thursday 3^rd September

Drive safely

Paul

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Hello Everyone,

A great night on the last First Tuesday Meeting, David tells me there were 52 on the register.

Just one event to report on this month, the 'Spring Sunday Lunch Run' organised by Alan Cleobury. I was not able to attend (we are now back in the holiday season!!) but I'm reliably informed that despite the weather conditions (cold with showers) a good time was had by all. The special prize went to Doug who was the only driver to have his roof down for the whole day (he looks well wrapped up in the photos). This report came from Graham Robson (he has also sent an enlarged version for inclusion in Enjoying MG):

On March 29^th Alan and Julia Cleobury, with the help of friends Steve, Gaynor, Jane and Mike, put together another of their excellent Spring Lunchtime runs.

The weather was distinctly threatening. Those with modern MGs were happy to turn out in them, but others came in ordinary cars. Except for Doug!! What a hero. He steadfastly refused to put the roof up on his B roadster, despite some really heavy rain.

There was an enjoyable run through three counties put together by the team, followed by a good lunch at the Honiley Court Hotel. Instead of a quiz, the team had come up with a great game where you had to guess the contents of several sealed bags. There was something of an automotive theme, and there was speculation that Alan was going to need to put all the bits back on his car to get it roadworthy again.

The prize for this game was won by Dave and Alison Smith, and, because of the weather, there was a prize for the "dirtiest car after the run" . . . but there was unanimous approval for this to go to Doug for having the "wettest interior after the run".

A really great day - good fun and good friends.

Thanks for the report Graham and to Alan for organising.

Future Events:

The Drive it Day Run is now fully booked for the lunch (unless you are prepared to dine in the bar area), however we can still accept entries for the run. We are assembling at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon at 11am in time to leave around 11.15. We have a reserved parking area at HMC (follow instructions from the HMC marshals). The Café will be open at HMC from 9am for breakfast and the Museum will be open from 10am (however it is not essential to go into the Museum, unless you want to, there will be plenty of cars in the car park.

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) 'Drive it Day' is a nationwide event which

commemorates 64 cars that left London on the first day of the Thousand Mile UK Trial that took place

in April 1900 and this year is being held on Sunday 26^th April. As part of this day we will be holding a 'Drive it Day' Run starting from the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon (where other cars and clubs will be visiting for DiD, so lots of cars will be in the car park and no need to pay for entry into the Museum, however if you would like to enter the museum please use the 'Gift Aid' facility which gives you 12 months free re-entry or let me know and I will be able to arrange a discount entry price), going to The Golden Cross. This year's route is again being set by Richard, so I'm sure it will be interesting and full of facts along the way. Please book with me. On the day we will have the above Rally Plates available to purchase (first come first served we have only ordered 25), thanks to Graham Robson for the design work.

Although not an 'Arden MG Club' event but very local is the Stratford Festival of Motoring on the May Bank Holiday (3^rd & 4^th May) with a Tulip Run one day and a Treasure Hunt another day and lots of cars displayed all around the town an event worth considering (I'm booked for the Monday Run). Full details from their website www.stratforward.co.uk/events/stratford-festival-of-motoring. For those not taking part in the runs, I have been asked by Tony Merrygold (a club member) if anyone would be available to assist with marshalling the event on either day. Details of what is required is shown at: http://www.stratforward.co.uk/events/stratford-festival-of-motoring/volunteers but basically it is helping out with parking and answering random questions as they will have paid stewards on the road barriers.

Allen Smith reports that entries for the Heritage Run are arriving steadily, so if you have not sent yours off do so soon. If you need an entry form it can be downloaded from the club website at www.ardenmgclub.co.uk or contact Allen on 01789 488 280 as per the adjacent advert. The run of course will be starting at Evesham Country Park and finishing at Eastnor Castle. The date for your diary is Sunday 7^th June. After the scenic run to Eastnor and parking in our own designated parking area it is only a short 5 minute walk to the entrance of the Castle grounds with lots of paths for walks including around the lake as well as the Maze and Café. Not to be missed.

Please note the date for the Quiz on Wheelz has been changed to: Tuesday 14^th July, please make sure you have the correct date noted down. The start and finish will be the Golden Cross, however as we have a new organiser for the evening I'm sure it will be a change from previous years. More info and booking details next time.

Badsey Flower Show will be on the 25^th July this year and Steve Entwistle will be arranging a display area for the club, again more details next time.

The Club night in August will again be our 'Show Night', a good chance to give your cars a good clean and polish ready for the fun competition.

The 'The Chairman's Picnic' has now been confirmed and will be on Sunday 23^rd August. We will have our usual start at the Golden Cross with Bacon Rolls and Coffee (or Tea) available and will have a scenic run driving to Compton Verney for our picnic by the lake. I hope we will be able to park our cars along the main drive to the house and we can try and find the tree the Club sponsored some years ago, let's hope it is still alive!! At the next meeting we will be asking for an idea of who might be interested in joining the Picnic, so we can plan the logistics. Please register an interest now with me or put your hand up at the Tuesday meeting.

August Bank Holiday Monday 31^st Aug) is again the Pershore Plum Festival and we are planning for better weather this year.

Other MG Events:

3^rd&4^th May Stratford Festival of Motoring, register at www.stratforward.co.uk/events/stratford-festival-of-motoring. There are runs on both days.

10^th May North Leicester MG Group 'Charnwood Caper' to Middleton Hall. www.northleicester-mg.org.uk

24^th May Gaydon Classic Car Show, Heritage Motor Centre.

24^th May Exeter Area MGOC 'Moor2Sea' Run. email: moor2sea@outlook.com

14^th June Bridgend MGOC Cwm to Coast Run. email: mgguy62@hotmail.com

21^st&22^nd June MG Live Silverstone. www.mgcc.co.uk

5^th July Gloucestershire MGOC Cotswold Caper. http://www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper.htm

1^st Aug MGF 20 at HMC Gaydon

8^th & 9^th Aug MG Magnette Register Week-end with Harrogate MG at Pateley Bridge.

16^th Aug MG Day at Middleton Hall. Fran Bragger on 01827 54692 or email frances.bragger@sky.com

18^th to 21^st Sept MG Cricket St Thomas.

Other Local Events:

Classic Car Parade set to Smash Two Guinness World Records in Coventry

• Special event to take place in Coventry on Sunday 14^th June 2015
• Aims to break Guinness World Records for the Largest Parade of Classic Cars, and the Largest Parade of Jaguar Cars
• Attempt organised by Coventry Transport Museum and Footman James, as part of Coventry Transport Museum re-launch
• 2000 classic cars needed to take part

· Classic car owners who would like to take part in the Guinness World Record attempts on Sunday 14^th June are asked to register their interest by no later than 30^th April, by visiting www.footmanjames.co.uk and completing the online Expression of Interest form. Further details and confirmation of entry will be sent out after this date.

Prescott Breakfast Club:

14^th June GWR Toddington 8.30 onwards

5^th July Prescott 9.30 - Optional visit to PCGB HQ in Moreton in Marsh to watch British GP.

20^th Sept Prescott 9.30 to 12.30

25^th Oct Prescott 9.30 to 12.30

Details and registration to Barrie - barrie.murray_upton@me.com , 0780 388 7811

Drive safely

Paul  

 

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March 2015 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

There are two events to report on this month, firstly the Skittles Evening at Mickleton went very well with 32 of us enjoying the bowling (I'm told this is the biggest group the pub has had in the 'alley'). We managed 3 rounds, with a very good and plentiful hot supper in between, followed by the traditional game of 'Killer'. Yet again the winners of the 'Boys v Girls' competition were the Boys and the prizes for the highest scores went to Graham Smith for the men (with the overall highest score of 26), however the Ladies couldn't decide who should win and a long playoff ensued, with Emilia as the winner. Also traditional is to award the 'Wooden Spoon' for the lowest score of the evening and the clear winner was David Harrison. Many thanks to all who attended and to the Butchers Arms for a warm welcome.

Secondly was the Guest Speaker at the Club Night. The restaurant was packed and our speaker Adrian Davis from Warwickshire Police, having introduced himself was bombarded with questions, all of which were answered in a cool clear way fully explaining his position and in many cases agreeing with the questioner. The topics ranged far and wide, I noted down 13 topics of discussion ranging from Collision Investigation through Speed Awareness Workshops, Cyclists, Car Cruising to Drink Driving Limits. I had difficulty in stopping the questions, so it was clear there was a great deal of interest in what was being said. I have sent a note of thanks from the Club to Adrian.

Future Events:

There is still time to book for the Spring Sunday Lunch Run, which is on Sunday March 29^th . The starting point will be the Golden Cross with the scenic run ending at the Honiley Court Hotel, Meer End Lane, Honiley CV8 1NP, for Lunch. Alan has arranged a special price of £13.95 for 3 courses and tea or coffee and we will have the use of the Warwick Suite at the Hotel. Alan needs payment in advance and to follow is a SAMPLE MENU:

Starters

Homemade leek and potato soup

Fan of melon with a fruit coulis

Sautee strips of chicken, pepper & onions with fajita seasoning on a bed of leaves

Tomato and mozzarella salad with pesto dressing
Prawn cocktail
Mains

Roast topside of beef with Yorkshire pudding

Roast loin of pork with apple sauce

Breast of chicken with pan gravy

Baked salmon with a parsley cream sauce

Penne pasta with a creamy tomato sauce and parmesan cheese

Desserts

New York style cheesecake

Lemon tart with a fruit coulis

Black forest gateau

Coffee and mandarin gateau

Fresh fruit salad

Bookings to Alan Cleobury, 124 Earlswood Common, Earlswood, Solihull, B94 5SH, email: a.j.cleobury@btinternet.com, phone: 01564 702 300, cheques payable to; Arden MG Club

The factory Tour of MG Motors at Longbridge on 9^th April is now fully booked, if anyone wants to be on a reserve list please let me know.

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) 'Drive it Day' is a nationwide event which

commemorates 64 cars that left London on the first day of the Thousand Mile UK Trial that took place

in April 1900 and this year is being held on Sunday 26^th April. As part of this day we will be holding a 'Drive it Day' Run starting from the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon (where other cars and clubs will be visiting for DiD, so lots of cars will be in the car park and no need to pay for entry into the Museum, however if you would like to enter the museum please use the 'Gift Aid' facility which gives you 12 months free re-entry or let me know and I will be able to arrange a discount entry price), going to The Golden Cross. Lunch will be available at the Golden Cross (I wanted to give Debbie the chance to provide us with more than the bacon rolls), if you would like to book for lunch please let me have your choices from the menu below (pay on the day), however if you find you can't make lunch please let me know so I can cancel the booking. This year's route is again being set by Richard, so I'm sure it will be interesting and full of facts along the way. Please book with me.

The menu that day will be:

Starters

Homemade Soup of the Day & Crusty Bread

Chicken Liver Pate, Homemade Chutney & Warm Toast

Battered Calamari Rings with a Dressed Leaf Salad & Garlic Mayonnaise

Creamy Garlic Mushrooms on Granary Toast (v)

Mains

Roast Topside of Beef, Yorkshire Pudding & Red Wine Gravy

Roast Loin of Pork, Apple Sauce & Sage Gravy

Roast Breast of Chicken with Sage & Onion Gravy

Goats Cheese Filo Parcel with a Warm Mediterranean

Vegetable Salad and a Tomato & Olive Salsa (v)

Desserts

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream & Toffee Sauce

Lemon Posset

Baileys Cheesecake

Vanilla Ice Cream

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One Course £9.95

Two Courses £12.95

Three Courses £14.95

Although not an 'Arden MG Club' event but very local is the Stratford Festival of Motoring on the May Bank Holiday (3^rd & 4^th May) with a Tulip Run one day and a Treasure Hunt another day and lots of cars displayed all around the town an event worth considering (I'm booked for the Monday Run). Full details from their website www.stratforward.co.uk/events/stratford-festival-of-motoring.

You will all know by now that the Heritage Run will be on the 7^th June going to Eastnor Castle and starting from Evesham Country Park. Please send your entries to Allen Smith, if you need a booking form Allen will be able to send one out or you can download from the website (www.ardenmgclub.co.uk click on Heritage Run 2015 on the right hand side). Eastnor looks to be a great venue with large grounds and walks around the lake, a Maze and Café.

The date for the Quiz on Wheelz has now been set for Thursday 16^th July, put this date on your calendars further details soon.

The Club night in August will again be our 'Show Night', a good chance to give your cars a good clean and polish ready for the fun competition.

I am going to put a new event on the calendar to be called 'The Chairman's Picnic' and this will be on Sunday 23^rd August. The event is still in the planning stage but we will be going to Compton Verney for our picnic, where we sponsored a tree some years ago, let's hope it is still alive!!

August Bank Holiday Monday 31^st Aug) is again the Pershore Plum Festival and we are planning for better weather this year.

Other MG Events:

12^th April MGB Register Spring Run. Starting at Hatton Country World and finishing at Sudley Castle & Gardens. Online booking at www.mgb-register.org or I can email details/booking form, just let me know.

12^th April Chesterfield MG Group 'Shakedown Run'. www.chesterfield-mg-group.co.uk

3^rd&4^th May Stratford Festival of Motoring, register at www.stratforward.co.uk/events/stratford-festival-of-motoring. There are runs on both days.

10^th May North Leicester MG Group 'Charnwood Caper' to Middleton Hall. www.northleicester-mg.org.uk

24^th May Gaydon Classic Car Show, Heritage Motor Centre.

24^th May Exeter Area MGOC 'Moor2Sea' Run. email: moor2sea@outlook.com

14^th June Bridgend MGOC Cwm to Coast Run. email: mgguy62@hotmail.com

21^st&22^nd June MG Live Silverstone. www.mgcc.co.uk

5^th July Gloucestershire MGOC Cotswold Caper. http://www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper.htm

1^st Aug MGF 20 at HMC Gaydon

8^th & 9^th Aug MG Magnette Register Week-end with Harrogate MG at Pateley Bridge.

16^th Aug MG Day at Middleton Hall. Fran Bragger on 01827 54692 or email frances.bragger@sky.com

18^th to 21^st Sept MG Cricket St Thomas.

Other Local Events:

29^th March Armouries Classic Car Meet

A new event that may be of interest to some is: Great Escape Cars is organising the first ever Cars & Coffee event at its Redditch site in Dunlop Rd (B97 5XP) on Sunday 19th April 2015 from 10am to 1pm. Classic car owners can bring along their cars free of charge and Great Escape will donate £1 to Acorns Childrens Hospice for every one. The company is also sponsoring the event with free coffee and bacon butties for classic car owners.

Prescott Breakfast Club:

19^th April Prescott 9.30 to 12.30

14^th June GWR Toddington 8.30 onwards

5^th July Prescott 9.30 - Optional visit to PCGB HQ in Moreton in Marsh to watch British GP.

20^th Sept Prescott 9.30 to 12.30

25^th Oct Prescott 9.30 to 12.30

Details and registration to Barrie - barrie.murray_upton@me.com , 0780 388 7811

Drive safely

Paul

 

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February 2015 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

We had another good turnout of 30 people on a wintery February night, so well done. I hope you all enjoyed the impromptu 'Sweeties Quiz' brought along by new (returning) member Nigel Hook, thanks Nigel, all the comments I heard were good. No other events to report on but the new season is getting into full swing.

Future Events:

Skittles Evening on the 27^th February at the Butcher's Arms in Mickleton is now fully booked. We will start from 7pm with skittling from 7.30. Supper of either Steak & Ale Pie or Lasagne (with chips & peas) will be served in the interval. The main activity of the night will be the usual Boys vs Girls rounds and Killer to end with.

March Club Night - Guest Speaker Adrian Davis will give us a talk titled "the relationship between the Police and the Motorist". Adrian has sent me a brief about himself as follows:

Hi, my name is Adrian Davis and I am a Police Inspector with 21yrs service currently based at Stratford. The first 10yrs of my career were spent in the West Midlands Police and in 2003 I transferred into Warwickshire as a Sgt within the Roads Policing Unit. Apart from a recent move to Stratford the vast majority of my time in Warwickshire has been spent with the Roads Policing Team as both a Traffic Sgt & Inspector.

I am a Grade One Advanced Police Driver & Motorcyclist.............& Police Pedal Cyclist (if that counts too)

I have been involved in the management of Serious Collision Investigation for several years on all Warwickshire Roads including our Motorway Network... and am trained to formally review collisions so as to assist and support other Senior Investigating Officers.

I am part of a National Steering Group that reviews Police Pursuits across the UK

I take a great interest in Road Safety and enjoy working with our various partners across Warwickshire & West Mercia to make our roads safer. I am absolutely convinced that my interest in this area is a direct result of wanting to prevent some of the horrific and sad situations that I have seen over the years.

Associated with Road Safety comes prosecution and education.....and both have their place! I have managed various operations and events over the years where the use of both prosecution and education have been equally successful.

The art is getting it right, not harassing the motorist that we constantly hear from some but to win the support of other road users and interested parties when engaged in such activity.

Thank you for the invitation to come and speak with you, I look to meeting you all next month........I did say when I briefly met with Paul that if you have any long or potentially complicated questions concerning Road Traffic Legislation or similar scenarios, then please ask now as I may be able to carry out some research in preparation for the evening.

Sunday March 29^th is the date for this year's Spring Sunday Lunch Run, starting from the Golden Cross, with lunch at the Honiley Court Hotel, Meer End Lane, Honiley CV8 1NP. Alan has arranged a special price of £13.95 for 3 courses and tea or coffee and we will have the use of the Warwick Suite at the Hotel. Alan needs payment in advance and to follow is a SAMPLE MENU:

Starters

Homemade leek and potato soup

Fan of melon with a fruit coulis

Sautee strips of chicken, pepper & onions with fajita seasoning on a bed of leaves

Tomato and mozzarella salad with pesto dressing
Prawn cocktail

Mains

Roast topside of beef with Yorkshire pudding

Roast loin of pork with apple sauce

Breast of chicken with pan gravy

Baked salmon with a parsley cream sauce

Penne pasta with a creamy tomato sauce and parmesan cheese

Desserts

New York style cheesecake

Lemon tart with a fruit coulis

Black forest gateau

Coffee and mandarin gateau

Fresh fruit salad

Bookings to Alan Cleobury, 124 Earlswood Common, Earlswood, Solihull, B94 5SH, email: a.j.cleobury@btinternet.com, phone: 01564 702 300, cheques payable to; Arden MG Club

I have been in touch with MG Motors UK Ltd with a view to booking a 'Factory Tour', however they are stopping the regular tours and have only limited availability at present. I have therefore booked a tour for Thursday 9^th April, however there are only 10 places, so if you want to join me for the tour, let me know soon, as the places will be offered on a 'First Come' basis.

I can now confirm the start and finish for our social run on the national 'Drive it Day' Sunday 26^th April, as the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon (where other cars and clubs will be visiting for DiD), going to The Golden Cross. We wanted to give Debbie the chance to provide us with lunch instead of just the bacon rolls, however bacon butties will be available at HMC. The museum will be open on DiD and a discount entry price is available (let me know if you would like to visit the museum), however I think there will be plenty going on outside without entering the museum, gift aid tickets will also be valid.

Please let me know if you would like to join the run, we will aim to leave HMC around 11.30 for the drive through Warwickshire lanes to the Golden Cross. For those wishing to have lunch Debbie has asked for us to pre-order our food (book with me), so we can be served around the same time. The menu that day will be:

Starters

Homemade Soup of the Day & Crusty Bread

Chicken Liver Pate, Homemade Chutney & Warm Toast

Battered Calamari Rings with a Dressed Leaf Salad & Garlic Mayonnaise

Creamy Garlic Mushrooms on Granary Toast (v)

Mains

Roast Topside of Beef, Yorkshire Pudding & Red Wine Gravy

Roast Loin of Pork, Apple Sauce & Sage Gravy

Roast Breast of Chicken with Sage & Onion Gravy

Goats Cheese Filo Parcel with a Warm Mediterranean

Vegetable Salad and a Tomato & Olive Salsa (v)

Desserts

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream & Toffee Sauce

Lemon Posset

Baileys Cheesecake

Vanilla Ice Cream

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One Course £9.95

Two Courses £12.95

Three Courses £14.95

Please see me at club night to make a booking or send me an email or give me a call. Richard has agreed to set the route again, so I'm sure we will find some interesting facts along the way.

The next big one is of course the Heritage Run, which you should all know by now is on Sunday 7^th June, Evesham Country Park to Eastnor Castle. Booking forms are now available to download from the club website, from Allen Smith but will also be mailed to everyone who has attended the run on one of the last three years. Eastnor looks to be a great venue with large grounds and walks around the lake, a Maze and Café.

July Quiz on Wheelz - Date to be confirmed

4^th Aug Club 'Show Night'

31^st Aug Pershore Plum Festival

Other MG Events:

12^th April MGB Register Spring Run. Starting at Hatton Country World and finishing at Sudley Castle & Gardens. Online booking at www.mgb-register.org or I can email details/booking form, just let me know.

12^th April Chesterfield MG Group 'Shakedown Run'. www.chesterfield-mg-group.co.uk

10^th May North Leicester MG Group 'Charnwood Caper' to Middleton Hall. www.northleicester-mg.org.uk

24^th May Exeter Area MGOC 'Moor2Sea' Run. email: moor2sea@outlook.com

14^th June Bridgend MGOC Cwm to Coast Run. email: mgguy62@hotmail.com

21^st&22^nd June MG Live Silverstone. www.mgcc.co.uk

5^th July Gloucestershire MGOC Cotswold Caper. http://www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper.htm

1^st Aug MGF 20 at HMC Gaydon

8^th & 9^th Aug MG Magnette Register Week-end with Harrogate MG at Pateley Bridge.

16^th Aug MG Day at Middleton Hall. Fran Bragger on 01827 54692 or email frances.bragger@sky.com

18^th to 21^st Sept MG Cricket St Thomas.

Other Local Events:

25^th Jan Armouries Classic Car Meet

22^nd Feb Armouries Classic Car Meet

29^th March Armouries Classic Car Meet

A new event that may be of interest to some is: Great Escape Cars is organising the first ever Cars & Coffee event in Worcestershire at its Redditch (Dunlop Rd) site on Sunday 19th April 2015 from 10am to 1pm. Classic car owners can bring along their cars free of charge and Great Escape will donate £1 to Acorns Childrens Hospice for every one. The company is also sponsoring the event with free coffee and bacon butties for classic car owners.

Lastly another event of interest that Alan has unearthed is the Webbs Motor Show, which this year celebrates its 20^th event and is being held this year on the 30^th Aug (day before Pershore Plum Festival). Booking is direct with the organiser, however the deadline is 1^st March. This is a very popular show, so if you want to attend get your completed form in quickly. Let Alan or myself know if you would like a form emailing to you.

Drive safely

Paul

 

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January 2015 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

I hope the New Year has started well for you all, for those who saw Caroline on the Chilly Willy Run a progress report that the operation to reset her broken wrist was successful, the cast is now off and she is slowly progressing with getting use back.

Our first event of the year went very well with 31 cars attending the Golden Cross for the Social Run across to the Country Girl, where the landlord has set aside the whole pub for our use. Mind you I'm not sure I would have wanted to be in the side room with the sofa preventing access to the corner where a car (not one of us) had crashed into the pub and pushed the wall in!! The food was a little bit slow coming out but that meant it was all fresh and hot and all the comments I received were favourable. Most of the comments about the day was how everyone enjoyed the vintage lorry/tractor run that crossed our path and was well worth the hold-up waiting for them all to pass by.

The January club night was of course the AGM which resulted in no change to the operation of the club, so I hope you are all satisfied with what goes on. As promised I managed to keep the meeting to just less than 15 minutes, so didn't disturb the evening chattering too much. A few statistics from the meeting are we had 20 events/activities during 2014 (details in the attached 'Review of the Year 2014'), we have 115 people on our data base (of which 9 were new in 2014), 72 of whom were active during the year (attended an event or club night). The highest attended events were the 'Show Night' with 38 MGs and 61 people and the Xmas meal with 48 diners. At the end of the evening we were treated to the local players giving us their last rendition of the festive period of a traditional Mummers Play, which had it's moments of amusement, however the 'Captain' got a bit carried away with the audience participation but it was their last one so were probably getting a little tired!!

Future Events:

Armouries Classic Car Meet is a new event I've recently come across and through the winter is held on the last Sunday of the month at Stratford Armouries, Bearley. I'm thinking of going up there on the 25^th Jan at 11.00, is anybody interested in joining me there?

Skittles Evening will be on the 27^th February and we are booked into the Butcher's Arms in Mickleton. There will be a hot supper of either Steak & Ale Pie or Lasagne (with chips & peas) to bring an interval to the main activity of the night with the usual Boys vs Girls rounds and Killer to end with (unless anyone has another suggestion for the competitive elements?). Please assemble from 7pm ready to start the bowling at 7.30, the cost will be £7.50 per person. Booking essential with me, either by post 24 Emmerson Ave, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9DX (cheques payable to Arden MG Club) or email and payment at club night or see me at club night. We need a minimum number so please book early, I will always try and refund monies if you can't make it on the night.

I can now confirm that the March club night will be a Guest Speaker to talk about the relationship between the Police and the Motorist. Our speaker is a serving officer and he will be happy to answer any additional queries if given notice before the evening (I can forward questions to him).

The end of March (the 29^th to be precise) is the day for the March Madness Sunday Lunch Run and this will start at the Golden Cross with a Social Run to Honiley Court Hotel, Meer End Lane, Honiley CV8 1NP. We have arranged a special price of 3 Course Lunch + tea or coffee @ £13.95 per person, which includes the use of our "own" room (The Warwick Suite). The venue require money upfront - so we will need payment with your bookings (Cheques payable to Arden MG). A "Sample Menu" will be available on the Notice Board at the next meeting.

Drive it Day is Sunday the 26^th April and there will be another 'Social Run', more details soon.

The Heritage Run is now fixed for 7^th June, starting at Evesham Country Park and finishing at Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury. Richard and the team are busy sorting the details and the booking form will be available soon but make a note in the diary now.

I know this is a long way in the future but looking at the first Tuesday in December it is the 1^st, so I'm going to make a change and have the Xmas Meal on the second Tuesday (8^th December 2015) and the usual club night on the 1^st.

I've had a few responses to my request for ideas and will try and incorporate them into future events, however one idea was to have a photo competition and much as I enjoy taking photos I don't feel qualified to be judging them. Would anyone be interested in taking this on? As an extension to this idea what about doing a calendar for next year? We could collect photos through the year and choose the best to make up a calendar for sale at the end of the year, so all you need to do is send me your photos.

Other Events:

25^th Jan Armouries Classic Car Meet

22^nd Feb Armouries Classic Car Meet

29^th March Armouries Classic Car Meet

12^th April MGB Register Spring Run. Starting at Hatton Country World and finishing at Sudley Castle & Gardens. Online booking at www.mgb-register.org or I can email details/booking form, just let me know.

1^st Aug MGF 20 at HMC Gaydon

8^th & 9^th Aug MG Magnette Register Week-end with Harrogate MG at Pateley Bridge.

18^th to 21^st Sept MG Cricket St Thomas.

Drive safely

Paul

 

 

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December 2014 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

The Xmas Meal, on the usual December Club Night, went down well, the final number was 48 after a couple of last minute cancellations (which we will be able to refund) due to health problems. Roger, ably assisted by Helen & Mike did us proud with the raffle, everyone got a prize, so a big thank you to them for the hard work for the meal and all through the year (it's the monthly raffle that puts some funds into the Club, allowing us to finance any expenditure). As always Debbie provided us all with an excellent meal (I did not receive any adverse comments from anyone) and we had some very well dressed diners.

Future Events:

There is still time to book for the 'Chilly Willy Run' (on New Year's Day 1^st January 2015). The start will be The Golden Cross, where bacon rolls & coffee will be available (£2.50 & £1.00) from 11.00am. We will aim to depart around 11.30/11.45 for a 20+ mile scenic run to the Country Girl Pub near Hanbury, Worcs. Lunch will be available at the Country Girl but to ensure all the choices are available the landlord has asked us to pre-book food orders (pay on the day) and we can choose from the normal lunch menu which is 2 mains for £10 (or £5.99 each) and the choice is:

Battered Cod, served with Hand Cut Chips & Peas
Cumberland Sausages, Creamy Mash Potato with Caramelised Onion Gravy
Homemade Chicken Curry, served with Rice
Homemade Faggots, Creamy Mash Potato and Caramelised Gravy
Breaded Whole Tail Scampi, served with Hand Cut Chips & Peas
Homemade Chilli Con Carne, served with Rice
Homemade Vegetable Cheese Bake, served with Hand Cut Chips
Honey Roast Ham, Free Range Eggs & Hand Cut Chips
8oz Gammon Steak, Free Range Egg or Pineapple with Hand Cut Chips
Homemade Lasagne, Garlic Bread with Salad

So far I have I have over 40 people booked in for the run and not all wish to have lunch which is fine but if you would like to pre-order lunch I need to know your selections before 17^th December. If you want to join us just for the run please let me know (then we have sufficient run sheets and we can advise the venues of expected numbers) and remember I would prefer to know you are planning to come but if you find you are then not able to attend just let me know by phone or email. For this run we would like to see you in your MG but modern cars are also very welcome.

Next into the New Year is the AGM on the first club night of the year, as I say each year this is your chance to offer yourself to assist with the running of the club or make any comments about what we do during the next 12 months. Please come along on the night and if there are no controversies the formal bit will be over within 15 minutes.

I have started the plan for next years activities and what we have so far is:

February or March Club Night will be a talk from a serving officer from Warwickshire Police about the relationship between the Police and the motorist.

Friday 27^th February is our Skittles Evening, this year at the Butchers Arms in Mickleton, further details will be on the club website in the next few weeks.

The end of March (Sunday 29^th) will be the now annual 'March Madness Run'.

April of course means the 'Drive it Day Run' this year is Sunday 26^th April.

The main event for your diaries/calendars must be the 'Heritage Run' and the date has been set as Sunday 7^th June. Arrangements are still be made but the destination will be Eastnor Castle which looks to be a very interesting location with wonderful grounds to walk round. Full details and booking forms will be available in the New Year, keep an eye on the website.

Other favourites will be a 'Quiz on Wheelz', 'Show Night', 'Joint Natter Run', with The Classic Car Shows like Malvern, Brailes, Badsey, Pershore.

Alan has suggested The Webbs Garden Centre Show in August and the 20^th Anniversary of the MGF (as there are a good number in the Club now) which is being held at the Heritage Motor Centre in August. I'm thinking about another run in the summer and a visit to MG Motors in Longbridge (this would need to be mid-week, probably Thursday, please let me know if you are interested in any of these events to know if we should continue with the arranging.

I'm always interested to know of new ideas of things to do for the club, you will not be committed to organising them by offering the ideas, just let me know.

Other Events:

12^th April MGB Register Spring Run. Starting at Hatton Country World and finishing at Sudley Castle & Gardens. Online booking at www.mgb-register.org or I can email details/booking form, just let me know.

8^th & 9^th Aug MG Magnette Register Week-end with Harrogate MG at Pateley Bridge.

18^th to 21^st Sept MG Cricket St Thomas.

Can I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Safe MG New Year.

Paul

 

 

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November 2014 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

What an informative and entertaining talk we had at the last Club Night, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. To give you a flavour of the event here are a few of the anecdotes that I noted down:

Roger Clarke was on the rally and when offered the army rations (David was a member of the Royal Artillery) he opted for Steak & Kidney Pie for every day for the run to Bombay, which took 6 days! They would be eaten cold as his Cortina was not fitted with a heater!

David was overtaken by Rosemary Smith on a special stage after about 20 minutes, from 3 places behind (6 minutes gap). He tried but just could not keep up with her!

Later in the rally Rosemary had a problem with the engine in her Cortina, so David had to stop and tow her car all the way across Afghanistan to the next service point, without anyone reporting them, as assistance was not allowed.

Despite a serious 'off into a ditch' which required the axle to be pulled back into place with a tractor David went on to finish the event as the 2^nd Ford works car (out of 6 starters) and 30^th overall. Well done.

Many thanks to David for gathering his photos and information together for us all to enjoy. Now he also did the Marathon in 1977 and again in 1993, who would be interested in the next instalment?

We also reported on the Malvern Autumn Classic Car Show that was enjoyed by a hardy band, I'm told the bacon butties and Old Speckled Hen were especially good.

Future Events:

The restaurant is now full for the Xmas Meal on Tuesday 2^nd December, however we have extended out into the main pub, so there is still time to book if you would like to join us. I would need to have your choices by Sunday 23^rd Nov.

We now have a destination for the traditional 'Chilly Willy Run' (on New Year's Day 1^st January 2015) which is the Country Girl Pub near Hanbury, Worcs. As usual we will start from the Golden Cross with Bacon Rolls & Coffee from 11.00am to leave around 11.30/11.45.

The Lunch menu is 2 mains for £10 (or £5.99 each) and the choice is:

Battered Cod, served with Hand Cut Chips & Peas
Cumberland Sausages, Creamy Mash Potato with Caramelised Onion Gravy
Homemade Chicken Curry, served with Rice
Homemade Faggots, Creamy Mash Potato and Caramelised Gravy
Breaded Whole Tail Scampi, served with Hand Cut Chips & Peas
Homemade Chilli Con Carne, served with Rice
Homemade Vegetable Cheese Bake, served with Hand Cut Chips
Honey Roast Ham, Free Range Eggs & Hand Cut Chips
8oz Gammon Steak, Free Range Egg or Pineapple with Hand Cut Chips
Homemade Lasagne, Garlic Bread with Salad

As it will be difficult for the landlord to guarantee that all items will be available on the day I have agreed to take advance bookings, so if you would like to book lunch then please let me know your selections before 15^th December. Lunch is not obligatory, so if you would like to join the run without booking food that is no problem but please let me know. Remember I would prefer to know you are planning to come but if you find you are then not able to attend just let me know by phone or email. For this run we would like to see you in your MG but modern cars are also very welcome.

I'm still waiting for some suggestions for runs and activities for next year, remember you don't have to organise it (unless you want to). I would like to have a volunteer to set the 'Quiz on Wheelz', it's not very difficult but good fun, so if you fancy having a go just get in touch.

Other Events:

12^th April MGB Register Spring Run. Starting at Hatton Country World and finishing at Sudley Castle & Gardens. Online booking at www.mgb-register.org or I can email details/booking form, just let me know.

18^th to 21^st Sept MG Cricket St Thomas.

Drive safely

Paul 

 

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October 2014 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

Sorry this newsletter is a bit later than normal. I wanted to say a big thank you to Doug for the quiz at the club night, I think everyone enjoyed it!!! There were lots of comments and banter flying around the room, so it must have been good. There were no other club events to report on, so what has the future got to hold for us?

Future Events:

Don't forget for the November Club Night (4^th) we have a guest speaker with a talk I'm looking forward to, about the exploits of a team taking part in the 1968 London to Sydney Marathon, so the title is: "10,000 miles in 10 days (on four wheels) in 1968".

The December Club Night will of course be our Xmas Meal and the menu and booking form are on the website. Bookings are coming in well, so we will fill the restaurant and maybe overflow into the pub area. As last year the bookings received first will get priority to sit in the restaurant. Send your booking through the post, by email (with monies at November club night) or see me at the club night.

I have started planning for next year which kicks off with the 'Chilly Willy Run' on New Year's Day 1^st January. The destination is yet to be finalised but we will start from the Golden Cross with Bacon Rolls & Coffee from 11.00am to leave around 11.30/11.45, please let me know if you would like to join the run (for this one your MG is very welcome but modern cars are also OK). Here is a photo from this year I'm sure next year will be better weather!!!

Now I need your help, I have ideas for destinations for the runs we now do each year but need some suggestions for the places you would like to go or other events you would like us to organise. It is not necessary for you to organise the event but don't let that stop you. If anyone would like to have a go at setting the 'Quiz on Wheelz' please let me know, it is better to have different people involved to get another style and there are lots of folk who can help with the 'How do we do that?'.

I have been sent some details about a charity run on 2nd Nov, details via this link:
https://www.facebook.com/roverp6parts/photos/gm.1470339053255519/940850192596684/?type=1&relevant_count=1. Also that there is 'The Middleton Motors Monthly' meetings which start again on April 4th and each following first Sunday of the month.

We have received the following invitation from the Southern Region of the MGOC:" After a short break I'm really pleased to say that MG Cricket St Thomas will be back on next year from Friday 18th to Monday 21st September 2015.
The long weekend will follow previous successful formats at the stunning "To The Manor Born" hotel in Somerset and will include MG welcome packs on arrival, first night drinks reception, comfortable en suite accommodation, full English or continental style buffet breakfasts, 3 course evening dinner (Friday & Saturday), 'Black Tie' Gala Dinner (Sunday), prize raffles, music, live band, Showtime & disco 'til late plus road runs.

Although 11 months away the reason for this early "heads up" is that we have negotiated some special upgrades. Upgrading to a room between the Main Reception and Manor House, as well as any room with a patio, usually incurs additional supplement(s).
These rooms are highly sought after, so I am pleased to announce these are available with NO SUPPLEMENT on all bookings where deposits are paid by 31st December 2014. ". If anyone is interested let me know and I will email the details/booking form.

Other Events:

2^nd Nov Charity Run: https://www.facebook.com/roverp6parts/photos/gm.1470339053255519/940850192596684/?type=1&relevant_count=1

12^th April MGB Register Spring Run. Starting at Hatton Country World and finishing at Sudley Castle & Gardens. Online booking at www.mgb-register.org or I can email details/booking form, just let me know.

18^th to 21^st Sept MG Cricket St Thomas.

Other Matters:

The Club Facebook page is now up to 25 'Likes'. If you want to be included search for 'ArdenMGClub' and click the 'Like' button. Club windscreen stickers (£1 each) are still available at club nights.

Drive safely

Paul

 

 

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September 2014 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

My apologies again for not being at the meeting but I have to fit the holidays in sometime, this one was a three week adventure driving across the USA. We started in Chicago on the 'Old Route 66' through St Louis to Lebanon before turning West through Kansas and Colorado to Colorado Springs and up 'Pikes Peak' (14,110ft). We drove down the 'Million Dollar Highway' before standing in 4 States (Colorado, Utah, Arizona & New Mexico) at Four Corners, the only point in the USA where 4 States meet. After passing through Monument Valley, we visited some of the amazing National Parks in Utah. We felt obliged to stop in Las Vegas and it is so different from when we visited in 1979. This was the route to go through 'Death Valley' where we stood at 282 feet below sea level and 120deg F! Our last National Park was Yosemite before the flight back from San Francisco.

There are a couple of events to report on, firstly a few cars attended the annual Brailes Show and Tony Wright has kindly sent a photo of the line-up, it looks like you had a good day. At the end of August we had our convoy run from the Cross to the Pershore Plum Festival and met David & Diane who had saved a space for us by setting up the 'Flag'. It was not the best weather we have had for this show with most of the cars having their roofs up and Alan's gazebo was very useful to keep the torrential rain off for our picnics.

Future Events:

A new item I have just been informed about for you Aircraft enthusiasts, the last flying Vulcan is doing a tour of Cold War Airfields on Thursday 25^th September and will be doing a 'Fly Past' Gaydon at approx 3.00pm. The Heritage Motor Centre have arranged a viewing area to see the Vulcan and in conjunction have a discounted entry to the museum (although not essential to pay the museum entry to view the aircraft). This is the last flying 'V' Bomber left and may not fly for much longer, so this could be your last chance to see one of the magnificent aeroplanes flying. Be at the Centre in good time for 3.00pm and head up to the 'Plateau'.

The next 2 club nights have activities with the Quiz in October and guest speaker for November with a talk "10,000 miles in 10 days (on four wheels) in 1968" which will be an interesting insight into life on the road during a long distance car race, going from London to Sydney!

Alan is organising the display at Malvern Autumn Classic Car Show on the 12^th October, however please book direct with Andrew Greenwood (http://classicshows.org/classic-shows-events-list/23rd-malvern-autumn-classic-car-show-a-aj-featuring-heavy-a-light-classic-commercials ) before 3rd October.

For the October club night I will have details for the Xmas Meal in December and will be ready to take bookings, this year will be £20 per person for 3 courses including coffee or tea.

Other Events:

21^st Sept Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

21^st Sept Sudley Castle Vintage Car Rally (kim.gibbon@sudeley.org.uk )

21^st Sept Yorkshire Dales CC & MGOC Annual Dales Trial (www.ydccc.co.uk ).

21^st Sept Fun in the Park 2014, Tudor Grange Park, Solihull 11am til 5pm (info@funinthepark.co.uk ).

27/28^th Sept Sywell Classic, Piston & Props (www.sywellclassic.com ).

28^th Sept Autumn Trial at Burton Dassett Country Park (http://www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre/ )

12^th Oct Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

12^th Oct 23^rd Malvern Autumn Classic Car Show at Three Counties Showground (www.classicshows.org )

Other Matters:

A worrying email recently about the theft of an MGB:

"I am hoping you can help us look out for the car that was stolen from us yesterday (Thursday 28th August 2014), it has been reported to the police as stolen and all the following information is with the police.

A chap (who told us his name was George) and his mechanic came to view the car.

He was 60+ with a broad yorkshire accent and told us he lived in North Yorkshire, made out he was computer illiterate at his age and not that savvy with all this modern technology (we now believe this was a con to make us think he was a nice old man!)

The phone number we had contact with him on is 07955 935 315 (we are attaching this so that all your members can save this number as a potential thief and contact the police if he contacts them to purchase anything they have for sale)

He was around 5ft 9", quite plump, grey hair slightly over his ears in length (not short back and sides)

The mechanic was mid to late 40's, 5ft 10" medium build, slightly tanned / olive skinned with dark, quiff like hair.

The mechanic was driving the car around the yard whilst 'George' looked at the paperwork - he said he wanted to get his glasses out of his car and 2 minutes later they were both gone.

The car:

MGB LE Roadster, Bronze with black roof and interior. Reg: MPR 10W VIN: GVADJ1AG522722

Details: Bright car, no rust, not concourse but a good example

After a few calls to 'George' he then called back to say his name was Mr Knowles and it was a repossession of his own car which he had had stolen in March, however it is HPI clear and the police have no record of this, so we suspect this is part of a con / delaying tactic, giving them time to get away / change the plates etc.

We have no V5, just had the green slip which is not uncommon in the car trade - which they now have.

Please if you have any information about the car or Mr Knowles could you contact us or the police. A crime reference number can be given should you need verification."

Beware but let me know if you have any information about this car.

Don't forget the Club Facebook page, just search for 'ArdenMGClub' and click the 'Like' button and the Club windscreen stickers (£1 each) will be available at club nights.

Drive safely

Paul

 

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August 2014 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

We had a fantastic turn-out for the 'Show Night', thanks to everyone who attended and voted but a special thanks (which I forgot on the night) to the 'Girls' Pam & Caroline for collecting the voting slips and recording the votes to establish our winners and to Graham Robson for taking the photos. I hope you all saw the selection of prizes which included a new award for the 'Best Car' and an award for the best 'Closed' car which was kindly donated by MG Motors, although they were not able to attend this year. The prize for the 'Best Car' was a meal for 2 at the Golden Cross thanks to the generosity of Debbie.

And the winners were:

Best Car:

Graham Smith - MG TF Midget (Twin Cam)

Receiving the award and a meal for 2 at the Golden Cross.

Best Car - Runner-up:

Kevin Carroll - MGA Twin Cam Roadster

Best Car - 2^nd Runner-up:

Alan Cleobury - MG ZB Magnette

Best Open Car:

Roger Brookes - MGB Roadster

Here receiving the MGB Model award and bottle of wine.

Best Closed Car:

Fred Bury - MG ZB Magnette

Receiving the MG Motors MG Badges through the ages award.

Best Early Car:

Helen Jones - MG TC

Best Coloured MG Car:

Andy Bourne - MGF in Wedgewood Blue

Other events to report on were the 'Quiz on Wheelz' which was won by Caroline and myself (but if someone would like to come forward to set the run for next year that would be good!!) and 8 or so teams enjoyed the run which ended at the Kings Arms in Mickleton, so a big thank you to Graham & Fiona for organising.

Next was the MGCC joint natter and 4 cars set off from the 'Cross' for the drive over to Malvern where they were entertained by a Folk Band. The Badsey Flower Show at the end of July attracted a line-up of 6 cars under the Arden MG Club flag.

Future Events:

We will be at the Pershore Plum Festival on Bank Holiday Monday and will have our usual convoy run down there, if you are planning on joining me just let me know to be sure I print off enough route sheets. We will meet at the Golden Cross at 8.45 to be ready to leave at 9am.

The following Saturday 30^th August is a new event Classics @ the Swan which is in Chaddesley Corbett and it is being organised by a group of classic car owners in the village, starting from 12.00 midday on the field behind the Swan Inn. They would like to have a good turn-out of classic cars, so may be worth a trip out.

In September I have been advised of Solihull Fun in the Park which is to be held on Sunday 21st September in Tudor Grange Park Solihull. There is a fun filled day planned to entertain the family and raise money for local charities. If you require any information please email Rosemary Couch (roalan@talktalk.net) or phone 01546773302.

A reminder about the talk being given by Stuart Turner titled 'A Misspent Life in Motor Sport', however it is being held in Yarnfield, near Stone in Staffordshire at 7pm on Thursday 18^th September, with tickets costing only £4. If you would like more details let me know and I will forward the booking form to you.

For the October club night there will be a 'Quiz', being organised by Doug Freeman, which lighten up the darker nights. Into November, for the club night we have a talk titled "10,000 miles in 10 days (on four wheels) in 1968" and is about participating in the London to Sydney Marathon which was probably the longest Trans-continental Rally since the 1907 Peking to Paris! There were 100 starters, over half made it, covering between 600 and 1500 miles a day. This should be a fascinating story.

Other Events:

24^th Aug Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

24^th Aug Blenheim Palace Classic Car Show (www.classicshows.org )

21^st Sept Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

21^st Sept Sudley Castle Vintage Car Rally (kim.gibbon@sudeley.org.uk )

21^st Sept Yorkshire Dales CC & MGOC Annual Dales Trial (www.ydccc.co.uk ).

21^st Sept Fun in the Park 2014, Tudor Grange Park, Solihull 11am til 5pm (info@funinthepark.co.uk ).

27/28^th Sept Sywell Classic, Piston & Props (www.sywellclassic.com ).

28^th Sept Autumn Trial at Burton Dassett Country Park (http://www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre/ )

12^th Oct Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

23^rd Oct 23^rd Malvern Classics at Three Counties Showground (www.classicshows.org )

Other Matters:

Several people have now liked the Club Facebook page, so if you are on this social media group be sure to look up our page (just search for 'ArdenMGClub' and click the 'Like' button).

I will also bring the Club windscreen stickers (£1 each) to the next club night.

Drive safely

Paul 

 

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July 2014 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

I'm sorry this month's News Letter is a little later than normal but it's a real job trying to fit in all the holidays and other activities but here goes. There was only one event to report on in June when 7 cars journeyed down to the Churchill Show and enjoyed a pleasant day in the sunshine (you can view a selection of photos on the website).

Future Events:

I think there is time to attend the Badsey Flower Show on Saturday 26^th July between 1 & 5pm and there is no charge for Classic Cars for the display, however the cost for visitors to go in is £3. Further details at www.badseyflowershow.co.uk or from Steve Entwistle.

It may be too late to enter the 'The Dipstick Derby Classic Car Run' on Sunday 27^th July but it is for a good cause (Shipston Home Nursing), so why not have a run out to Broadway Tower and watch the start. For further details contact: jennifersheard@aol.com.

Now for our annual big event the August meeting 'Show Night'. I'm planning to have a few more awards and some different categories. Remember that Steve Johnson will not be there, so there will be a new winner of the best car. You have just got time for that extra wash and polish. Debbie is going to try and rope off the Orchard for our sole use, so get there early and let's try and fill it, also make sure you get a voting slip from me or the 'Girls'.

Brailes Show is on Saturday 9^th August and Fred is arranging for us to have a space to display our cars as part of the show. Let me know if you are planning to attend.

August Bank Holiday Monday 25^th will be the Pershore Plum Festival which we have attended the last few years and is now very popular, I hope Alan is collating entries for this event, however he has asked if we can make our entries directly with the organiser, entry forms from Alan or contact briansclassics@yahoo.co.uk . We can have our usual convoy run down there if anyone is interested, please let me or Alan know.

The following Saturday 30^th August is a new event Classics @ the Swan which is in Chaddesley Corbett and it is being organised by a group of classic car owners in the village. They would like to have a good turn-out of classic cars, so may be worth a trip out.

I did mention a talk being given by Stuart Turner titled 'A Misspent Life in Motor Sport', however it is being held in Yarnfield, near Stone in Staffordshire at 7pm on Thursday 18^th September, with tickets costing only £4. If you would like more details let me know and I will forward the booking form to you.

For the October club night there will be a 'Quiz', being organised by Doug Freeman, which lighten up the darker nights and for the November meeting we have a guest speaker, so make a note in your diaries.

Other Events:

27^th July Dipstick Derby Classic Car Run Mystery Cotswold Tour. In aid of Shipston Home Nursing. (Contact: jennifersheard@aol.com )

27^th July Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

27^th July Marcham Road Charity Run, Chesterfield (www.chesterfield-mg-group.co.uk ).

3^rd Aug Higham Ferrers/Chichele Classic Car Show (highamclassic@btinternet.com)

3^rd Aug Summer Sprint at Curborough organised by MGCC Midland Centre

9^th Aug Brailes Show in Lower Brailes, be there before 12.30

17^th Aug MG Day at Middleton Hall

24^th Aug Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

24^th Aug Blenheim Palace Classic Car Show (www.classicshows.org )

21^st Sept Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

21^st Sept Sudley Castle Vintage Car Rally (kim.gibbon@sudeley.org.uk )

21^st Sept Yorkshire Dales CC & MGOC Annual Dales Trial (www.ydccc.co.uk ).

21^st Sept Fun in the Park 2014, Tudor Grange Park, Solihull 11am til 5pm (info@funinthepark.co.uk ).

27/28^th Sept Sywell Classic, Piston & Props (www.sywellclassic.com ).

28^th Sept Autumn Trial at Burton Dassett Country Park (http://www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccmidlandcentre/ )

12^th Oct Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

23^rd Oct 23^rd Malvern Classics at Three Counties Showground (www.classicshows.org )

Other Matters:

Several people have now liked the Club Facebook page, so if you are on this social media group be sure to look up our page (just search for 'ArdenMGClub' and click the 'Like' button).

I will also bring the Club windscreen stickers (£1 each) to the next club night.

 

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June 2014 News Letter

The June club night was dominated (after raiding the bar for more, then still more chairs) by sharing experiences of the Heritage Run that took place on the preceding Sunday, all the comments were good, so well done to the committee for another well organised run, helped by the sunshine. It was good to take the 'Run' in a different direction along roads we have not used before and I think it surprised some people how close to Coventry we were but still in beautiful countryside. I hope everyone noticed the memorial in Meriden signifying the Centre of the Country. On arrival at the National Memorial Arboretum we had a vast area to park-up and spread out for picnics. I had my first go at erecting the modified Club Flag, which looked good but did take 3 of us!!! At the allotted hour the convoy formed ready to drive into the Arboretum where we parked among the trees on one of the Avenues, which was much appreciated by visitors to the Arboretum.

During the meeting Richard (the HR Chairman) gave a potted history of the Run and is worth repeating again here:

"The idea for the Heritage Run was formed 23 years ago. We thought it would be a good idea to plan a run to the Heritage Motor Centre. That first run on 2^nd May 1993 saw 200 cars leave from the MayBird Centre in Stratford, causing a terrific traffic jam along the Birmingham road!!! This was the first club run to the Museum after the official opening (hence the name 'Heritage Run') and was initially a 'One Off', we have now had 22 'One Offs'!!!

The success of any event is good detailed planning, with a good start point, bacon butties and an interesting destination. To succeed you need a good organising committee/team, this I'm sure you will all agree we have, most of whom were in at the start (gluttons for punishment). Having chosen a destination we will visit there at least twice to discuss the finer points (their personnel, financial, parking and what to see being the main issues).

We do like to have our destination sorted by November/December, so get thinking everyone [suggestions to Richard]. The run is covered by an MSA 'Certificate of Exemption' for a touring assembly. The route is the responsibility of Roger & Lech, it is checked twice before we print the route [arranged by Richard at 'cost price' as a charitable activity] and then again 2or 3 days before the event. The route is forwarded, by Lech, to all the Police Authorities & MSA liason officers whose areas the run travels through. Allen is still responsible for all the admin work (sending out entry forms, ~400, receiving entries, banking cheques, posting out rally plates and collating & binding the route books) and has been for a large number of years, he does a fantastic job. Fred has been 'IC' parking right from the beginning, many thanks to his loyal band of 'Parking Attendant'!!! Roger is in charge of finances and this year along with Paul were the link with HMC & NMA representatives and the club. David, a relatively new addition to our committee, has worked wonders with sponsorship, which helps greatly in keeping the entry fee low and also with our Charity Donations. In recent years we have tried to make both the Rally Plate and Route Book Front Cover both attractive, professional and MG oriented, thanks to Paul for the improvement over the last 10 years. Although thanks this year are also due to Graham Robson [yes him of the caption competitions], another 'new boy', who took & modified the photo used in Plate & Cover. Finally, lastly the 'Signing On Ladies' Pam & Judy, in at the beginning and because of that the people most entrants associate with the run, many thanks Ladies.

As I said at the beginning a successful event must have a good organising committee, I hope you all agree with me 'we have'."

What Richard fails to mention in the above is that he has stepped into the breach to return as the Chairman of the committee and co-ordinate all the activities and ensure it all comes together on the day. Thanks Richard.

There was another event to report on during May, as several cars joined in the Bidford Wings & Wheels day on the Bank Holiday Monday. I had to leave at midday but there was a great selection of Classic Cars on show and I understand the air displays were worth watching. It was just starting to rain as I left, I hope it didn't stay for long.

Future Events:

To book for the 'Quiz on Wheels' which (will be on Wednesday 2^nd July) please contact Graham & Fiona Robson directly on 01789 720450 / 720408 or info@dtline.co.uk. The start is from the Green at Lower Quinton (outside the College Arms) between 6 and 6:45. The run will take around an hour and a quarter to complete ending at another local pub who have asked for pre-orders for meals, choices are as follows:

£10.00 choices are:

· Chargrilled gammon steak - egg - hand cut chips and salad garnish

· Spaghetti pesto with Parmesan cheese, mixed salad and garlic bread

£12.00 choices are:

· Steak'n'ale pie with seasonal veg and hand cut chips

· Fish pie [sea trout / cod / smoked haddock] - topped with mash and served with seasonal veg.

There will be puddings available also.

Please let Graham know your choices, see you there.

John Rathbone has asked me to mention the Long Marston Fete on 12^th July. Just turn up from 1.0pm and join the other Classic Cars.

The Joint Natter is on Wednesday 16^th July and will be held at The Plough and Harrow, Rhydd Road, Guarlford, near Malvern, WR13 6NY. There is a large car park behind the pub and adjoining the large beer garden. We should have sole use of this car park as there is another smaller parking area in front of the pub for everyone else. Last year was a pleasant evening with lots of cars in the car park, so we will hope for the same this year. Lech will sort out an interesting route to drive there in convoy. We will meet at The Golden Cross at 18.45 to be ready to leave at 19.00 sharp. If you want to join the run please let me know, those wishing to dine please make your own arrangements with the pub (01684 310453).

Saturday 26^th July is the Badsey Flower Show between 1 & 5pm and cost £3 to get in. Further details at www.badseyflowershow.co.uk or from Steve Entwistle.

Helen Jones has asked me to promote a new event being run in aid of Shipston Home Nursing (who she has had some experience with) which is titled 'The Dipstick Derby Classic Car Run' and being held on Sunday 27^th July. The run will start from Broadway Tower and end locally 'somewhere interesting' for a picnic lunch. Just for fun why not dress in the period of your car. There will be a fun quiz during the run and at the end an optional 'auto test' to test the skill of the driver and the patience of the co-driver. For further details contact: jennifersheard@aol.com.

August club night will be the 'Show Night', Steve Johnson has let me know he won't be able to attend, so the field is open for a new 'car of the night'. You have plenty of time to get those cars cleaned and polished.

Brailes Show is on Saturday 9^th August and Fred is arranging for us to have a space to display our cars as part of the show. Let me know if you are planning to attend.

August Bank Holiday Monday 25^th will be the Pershore Plum Festival that we have attended the last few years and is now very well attended, I hope Alan is collating entries for this event. We can have our usual convoy run down there if anyone is interested, let me or Alan know.

The following Saturday 30^th August is a new event Classics @ the Swan as advised by the MGCC Midland Centre and may be worth a trip out. More details soon.

Other Events:

22^nd June Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

5^th/6^th July Weaver Wander, Nantwich. More info from their website: www.weaverwander.com

6^th July Gloucester MGOC Cotswold Caper (www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper)

27^th July Dipstick Derby Classic Car Run Mystery Cotswold Tour. In aid of Shipston Home Nursing. (Contact: jennifersheard@aol.com )

27^th July Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

27^th July Marcham Road Charity Run, Chesterfield (www.chesterfield-mg-group.co.uk ).

3^rd Aug Higham Ferrers/Chichele Classic Car Show (highamclassic@btinternet.com)

17^th Aug MG Day at Middleton Hall

24^th Aug Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

21^st Sept Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

21^st Sept Yorkshire Dales CC & MGOC Annual Dales Trial (www.ydccc.co.uk ).

21^st Sept Fun in the Park 2014, Tudor Grange Park, Solihull 11am til 5pm (info@funinthepark.co.uk ).

27/28^th Sept Sywell Classic, Piston & Props (www.sywellclassic.com ).

12^th Oct Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

Other Matters:

The orders for club clothing should be completed by the July meeting and I hope to have them with me on the night.

Several people have now liked the Club Facebook page, so if you are on this social media group be sure to look up our page (just search for 'ArdenMGClub' and click the 'Like' button).

I will also bring the Club windscreen stickers (£1 each) to the next club night.

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May 2014 News Letter,

I'm told there was a good attendance of 46 at the May club night, sorry I was not there but holidays have to be taken sometime! For those who are interested, we had a great time with good sunny weather but not too hot, very restful.

Back to matters with the club only one event to report about, which was the 'Drive it Day' run and the 20+ cars enjoyed a very scenic run, many thanks to Richard Workman for setting the route and supplying the informative comments about things along the journey. There was a slight problem at the Gate Hangs High with insufficient tables available for those that wanted to have lunch. My apologies for this but I did advise the landlord of the expected numbers and he made no comment that he would be short of space and booking would be advisable. I will arrange things differently for the next run. I hope it didn't spoil the day for anyone.

Future Events:

As stated last month the Bidford Wings & Wheels event will be on 26^th May (Bank Holiday Monday), it was decided at the club night that a club display would not be feasible but you can still attend. Just turn up from 10am, I'm planning on going for a couple of hours, so hope to see you there.

This will be the very last call for this year's Heritage Run as the run is on 1^st June. I'm not sure when Allen will stop taking entries, so if you want to attend and have not yet booked, please contact Allen Smith (01789 488 280) without delay. I'm sure you all know by now that the start is the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon (the Café will be open from 9am by special arrangement for us, and those all-important bacon rolls will be available to purchase), there is a special entrance price for participants of the Heritage Run into the Museum, however please remember it is not open until 10am. The run will finish at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas.

I'm told entries for the Churchill Show (Sunday 8^th June) are now closed. If you have booked for the show and would like to join a convoy run down to Churchill let me know and I will try and arrange this (I'm not booked for the event but I'm sure a 'Leader' can be organised).

I now have the details for the 'Quiz on Wheels' which will be on Wednesday 2^nd July. The run starts from between 6 and 6:45 from the Green at Lower Quinton (outside the College Arms) and will take around an hour and a quarter to complete. The end venue pub has asked for pre-orders for meals, choices are as follows:

£10.00 choices are:

· Chargrilled gammon steak - egg - hand cut chips and salad garnish

· Spaghetti pesto with Parmesan cheese, mixed salad and garlic bread

£12.00 choices are:

· Steak'n'ale pie with seasonal veg and hand cut chips

· Fish pie [sea trout / cod / smoked haddock] - topped with mash and served with seasonal veg.

There will be puddings available also.

To book please contact Graham & Fiona Robson directly on 01789 720450 / 720408 or info@dtline.co.uk

The Joint Natter is on Wednesday 16^th July and will be held at The Plough and Harrow, Rhydd Road, Guarlford, near Malvern, WR13 6NY. There is a large car park behind the pub and adjoining the large beer garden. We should have sole use of this car park as there is another smaller parking area in front of the pub for everyone else. Last year was a pleasant evening with lots of cars in the car park, so we will hope for the same this year. Lech will sort out an interesting route to drive there in convoy. We will meet at The Golden Cross at 18.45 to be ready to leave at 19.00 sharp. If you want to join the run please let me know, those wishing to dine please make your own arrangements with the pub (01684 310453).

August club night will be the 'Show Night', Steve Johnson has let me know he won't be able to attend, so the field is open for a new 'car of the night'. You have plenty of time to get those cars cleaned and polished.

Helen Jones has asked me to promote a new event being run in aid of Shipston Home Nursing (who she has had some experience with) which is titled 'The Dipstick Derby Classic Car Run' and being held on Sunday 27^th July. The run will start from Broadway Tower and end locally 'somewhere interesting' for a picnic lunch. Just for fun why not dress in the period of your car. There will be a fun quiz during the run and at the end an optional 'auto test' to test the skill of the driver and the patience of the co-driver. For further details contact: jennifersheard@aol.com.

Other Events:

25^th/26^th May Ragley Hall Transport Show

25^th May Moor2Sea. Exeter MGOC. Full details of the trip can be found on their website: http://exetermgoc.co.uk/?page_id=25

26^th May Bidford Classic Wings & Wheels Event.

7^th June Banbury Classic Car & Bike Show, Drayton Leisure Centre.

8^th June The Ratae Run. Broughton Astley to Burghley House (mgricketts@btinternet.com)

15^th June Bridgend MGOC Cwm to Coast Run (www.bridgend-mgoc.co.uk)

19^th June Carole Nash Classic Car Pub Meet at 'The Coopers Arms' Derby, DE72 2BJ from 7pm onwards.

21^st/22^nd June MG90 Silverstone

22^nd June Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

5^th/6^th July Weaver Wander, Nantwich. More info from their website: www.weaverwander.com

6^th July Gloucester MGOC Cotswold Caper (www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper)

27^th July Dipstick Derby Classic Car Run Mystery Cotswold Tour. In aid of Shipston Home Nursing. (Contact: jennifersheard@aol.com )

27^th July Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

27^th July Marcham Road Charity Run, Chesterfield (www.chesterfield-mg-group.co.uk ).

3^rd Aug Higham Ferrers/Chichele Classic Car Show (highamclassic@btinternet.com)

24^th Aug Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

21^st Sept Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

21^st Sept Yorkshire Dales CC & MGOC Annual Dales Trial (www.ydccc.co.uk ).

21^st Sept Fun in the Park 2014, Tudor Grange Park, Solihull 11am til 5pm (info@funinthepark.co.uk ).

27/28^th Sept Sywell Classic, Piston & Props (www.sywellclassic.com ).

12^th Oct Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

Other Matters:

I have had an order for a polo shirt with the club logo on, if anyone would like to order some club logo clothing I will collate the orders to see if we can avoid paying the postage cost (orders above £100). I will bring the samples to the June club night, so please see me if you would like to order any items (details of the clothing are on the website).

Several people have now liked the Club Facebook page, so if you are on this social media group be sure to look up our page (just search for 'ArdenMGClub' and click the 'Like' button).

I will also bring the Club windscreen stickers (£1 each) to the next club night.

Drive safely

Paul

 

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April 2014 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

Another good turnout for the April club night with 45 on the register, I hope this means that you are all happy with the club and the things we do (if not please let me know). Also, if there are any events or activities you think would be right for the club I would be interested to hear from you. I can't achieve every suggestion but will try, however even better why not have a go yourself, although this is not necessary. The monthly raffle is going well with good support in both buying tickets and donating prizes. Mike & Helen would like to say a big thank you for all those donated prizes and are happy to receive lots more. Please note all the profits from the raffle go into club funds and this is the only source of income for the club, however at some stage in the future we will possibly make a donation to a charity with any excess monies.

Three good events to report on for the last month starting with the visit to British Motor Heritage in Witney, 15 of us eventually arrived at the factory most of us having difficulties finding the factory as the address is not quite where they are situated! After coffee and biscuits we were given a short talk about the history of BMH, how they were formed by BL Heritage along with BMIHT Gaydon but were sold off when under the ownership of BMW to a private consortium and is now under the leadership of John Yea. We were then guided into the factory and allowed to roam and talk to the guys on the shop floor, the visit had been planned to coincide with the production of MGB bodyshells but we were also able to see an almost finished E-Type Jaguar bonnet.

Later that week was the skittles night and 30 of us assembled at the Masons Arms in Long Marston all set for the competition. The now traditional game of 'Boys' against the 'Girls' was followed by the hot supper. We ran out of rice but the landlord soon provided us with a giant bowl of piping hot chips. After supper it was back to skittling, rounding off the evening with a game of Killer. This resulted in a fine tussle between David & Alison Smith, with Alison holding her nerve to take the bottle of wine (I hear it was very quiet in the car going home!!!). Again the 'Boys' took the honours with an average score of 22.7 points against the 'Girls' 22.5. The best Lady prize went to Jill Workman with 28 points, the highest scoring men was myself, also with 28 points. Diane Rayner was very keen to pass the wooden spoon on to someone else and Leslie Gunde was this year's recipient (I'm glad to see he has hung the fluffy dice onto his rear-view mirror in the MGF).

Two days later it was time for the 'Spring Madness Lunch Run' starting as usual from the Golden Cross but it was an inspired decision to bring the date forward by a week as the weather was fantastic with the sun shining all day. When everyone (well almost everyone) had gathered their cars into the Courtyard at Wroxall Abbey we had a photo shoot and this group photo will be the background for this year's Heritage Run Rally Plate and route book Front Cover. The scenic route was set by Mike & Jane Green (and a great job they did too), however Mike was somewhat disappointed that the weather had dried up as much as it did and was not able to award the prize for the Dirtiest car to arrive at Wroxall Abbey after the state his cars got into checking out the roads beforehand!

Future Events:

We have now set a venue for our 'Drive-it-Day' run on 27^th April, which will be The Gate Hangs High, in Sibford near Hook Norton. The start will be The Golden Cross for the now standard bacon rolls (£2.50) and coffee (£1.00), assemble from 11.00am to leave around 11.30/11.45. The Gate Hangs High has a good menu available on Sundays (see website) and serves Hook Norton beer. Richard Workman is setting a scenic route and I'm sure will add some of his 'Points of Interest' along the way. We can finish the afternoon with a visit to the nearby Rollright Stones, for anyone who is interested or as last year the Heritage Motor Centre will have a large gathering of classic cars.

On Bank Holiday Monday 26th May there is the Bidford Classic Wings & Wheels Event, which several people attended last year with good reports. The event is in support of Acorns Children's Hospice and sounds like a good day out. If anyone is interested in going I will investigate if we can have a dedicated parking/display area, so please let me know if you would like to attend.

I think you will all know by now that this Year's Heritage Run will be on 1^st June, going from the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon to the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas. Bookings are going well but there is still time to get an application form and send it to Allen Smith 01789 488 280. All the organisation for the run is by volunteers and everyone can make a contribution, Fred has started an appeal for marshals to help on the day. They will be required at the Arboretum for directing the arriving cars to the parking area, as the area is vast we don't expect this to be an arduous task and if we have lots of volunteers their services will only be required for a short time. If you are prepared to help please let Fred know at the next meeting or drop me an email and Fred can draw up a rota.

The Churchill Show is on Sunday 8^th June and we will have a club display area but you need to book directly with the organiser stating that you will be with the Arden MG Club. For those interested there will be a convoy run from the Golden Cross down to the show.

This year's 'Quiz on Wheels' will be on Wednesday 2^nd July and is being set by Graham & Fiona Robson. Please let me know if you are interested in joining the fun.

The annual 'Joint Natter' will be on Wednesday 16^th July, venue to be decided but will be in the Malvern/Upton on Severn area. Last year we had a good convoy run over there, starting from the Golden Cross. More details nearer the time.

Helen Jones has asked me to promote a new event being run in aid of Shipston Home Nursing (who she has had some experience with) which is titled 'The Dipstick Derby Classic Car Run' and being held on Sunday 27^th July. The run will start from Broadway Tower and end locally 'somewhere interesting' for a picnic lunch. Just for fun why not dress in the period of your car. There will be a fun quiz during the run and at the end an optional 'auto test' to test the skill of the driver and the patience of the co-driver. For further details contact: jennifersheard@aol.com

Other Events:

4^th May Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

10^th/11^th May Midland Centre Welsh Rallye, to Llandrindod Wells. (Andy 0121 453 1595)

18^th May Charnwood Caper. Quorn &Woodhouse to Ruddington GCR Stn (Chris 07806 791 636)

25^th/26^th May Ragley Hall Transport Show

25^th May Moor2Sea. Exeter MGOC. Full details of the trip can be found on their website: http://exetermgoc.co.uk/?page_id=25

26^th May Bidford Classic Wings & Wheels Event

8^th June The Ratae Run. Broughton Astley to Burghley House (mgricketts@btinternet.com)

15^th June Bridgend MGOC Cwm to Coast Run (www.bridgend-mgoc.co.uk)

21^st/22^nd June MG90 Silverstone

22^nd June Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

5^th/6^th July Weaver Wander, Nantwich. More info from their website: www.weaverwander.com

6^th July Gloucester MGOC Cotswold Caper (www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper)

27^th July Dipstick Derby Classic Car Run Mystery Cotswold Tour. In aid of Shipston Home Nursing. (Contact: jennifersheard@aol.com )

27^th July Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

3^rd Aug Higham Ferrers/Chichele Classic Car Show (highamclassic@btinternet.com)

24^th Aug Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

21^st Sept Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

12^th Oct Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

Other Matters:

Don't forget the club Facebook page, which is getting lots of updates/photos. When you have found the club page be sure to click the 'Like' button and you will see all the up-dates.

I will bring the Club Windscreen stickers to club nights and events, so see me with your £1 if you want to add one to your car.

Drive safely

Paul

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March 2014 News Letter

Hello Everyone,   

The restaurant in the Golden Cross was full for our guest speaker at the February meeting. The talk was by Ron Ball, a retired British Airways Captain who regaled us with tales about life as a pilot and I hope no one was disturbed by the discussion of crashes. Everyone looked to have enjoyed the evening.

Future Events:

We have now set a venue for our 'Drive-it-Day' run on 27^th April, which will be The Gate Hangs High, in Sibford near Hook Norton. The start will be The Golden Cross for the now standard bacon rolls (£2.50) and coffee (£1.00), assemble from 11.00am to leave around 11.30/11.45. The Gate Hangs High has a good menu available on Sundays (see website) and serves Hook Norton beer. Richard Workman is setting a scenic route and I'm sure will add some of his 'Points of Interest' along the way. We can finish the afternoon with a visit to the nearby Rollright Stones, for anyone who is interested or as last year the Heritage Motor Centre will have a large gathering of classic cars.

      

Don't forget the Stratford Festival of Motoring on Sunday 4^th & Monday 5^th May, Tony Merrygold has passed on the following:

"Depending on how long members wish to volunteer for, if they don't want to do the whole day, then I suggest we divide the day into 4 hour 'shifts'  from about 10:00 to 14:00 and then from about 12:00 to 18:00 so that we an overlap at lunchtimes.

Duties will be mainly manning the barriers so that only Festival cars get through and directing parking.   Last year we arranged for the marshals to have a lunch voucher valid for £10 to be used at a number of local shops so they didn't have to worry about lunch."

Please let me know if you are prepared to help out during the Festival, so far no one has come forward.

Plans for this year's Heritage Run are now fully in place and at the time of writing we have over 80 cars entered. I'm sure you all know by now the date is Sunday 1^st June, the start will be from The Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon and the final destination is the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas. Both venues have anniversaries with the Arboretum remembering the centenary of the start of the First World War and The Motor Centre celebrating their 21^st Birthday (it opened on 1^st May 1993). The run may be slightly longer than usual at around 60 miles but it does mean we will be travelling along roads not used before on the Heritage Run. If you haven't sent your entry of yet please do so soon, application forms downloadable from the website or from Allen Smith 01789 488 280.

 

Further in to June is the Bi-annual Churchill Show on Sunday the 8^th. You need to book directly with the organiser but state you want to be part of the Arden MG Club display. We will have a convoy run down to Churchill for those interested, which will keep usall together. The last show was a good event, so you need to book early. Let me or Alan know if you need a booking form.

Wednesday 2^nd July is the date for this year's 'Quiz on Wheels' and as Graham & Fiona Robson are setting the clues I'm sure it will be good fun.  Put the date on your calendar.

 The annual 'Joint Natter' will be on Wednesday 16^th July, venue to be decided but will be in the Malvern/Upton on Severn area. Last year we had a good convoy run over there, starting from the Golden Cross. More details nearer the time.

 

Other Events:

22^nd March    MGCC T Register Rebuild Day at Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon. More info from the T-Register web site (www.treg.org).

6^th April          MGCC Midland Centre are running the first of their Curborough Sprints, marshals are needed or go along and spectate

6^th April          MGB Register Spring Run starting at Hatton Country World, finishing at Waddesdon Manor.

13^th April        Malvern Classic Car Show

13^th April        Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club.  Oxfordshire MGOC have arranged for this to be an MG day

4^th May           Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

10^th/11^th May             Midland Centre Welsh Rallye, to Llandrindod Wells. (Andy 0121 453 1595)

18^th May         Charnwood Caper. Quorn &Woodhouse to Ruddington GCR Stn (Chris 07806 791 636)

25^th/26^th May             Ragley Hall Transport Show

25^th May         Moor2Sea. Exeter MGOC. Full details of the trip can be found on their  website: http://exetermgoc.co.uk/?page_id=25

8^th June         The Ratae Run. Broughton Astley to Burghley House (mgricketts@btinternet.com)

15^th June       Bridgend MGOC Cwm to Coast Run (www.bridgend-mgoc.co.uk)

21^st/22^nd June           MG90 Silverstone

22^nd June      Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

5^th/6^th July      Weaver Wander, Nantwich. More info from their website: www.weaverwander.com

6^th July           Gloucester MGOC Cotswold Caper (www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper)

27^th July         Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

3^rd Aug           Higham Ferrers/Chichele Classic Car Show (highamclassic@btinternet.com)

24^th Aug         Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

21^st Sept        Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

12^th Oct          Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

Other Matters:

I have a Haynes Workshop Manual and a Parts List for MG Midget which can be yours for a donation to club funds, if you are interested please let me know.

I will bring the Club Windscreen stickers to club nights and events, so see me with your £1 if you want to add one to your car.

I'm adding photos and reminders to the Arden MG Club Facebook page, just click the 'Like' button on the front page to keep up to date with what is going on. Comments and 'likes' on the photos etc are always welcome. Search for Arden MG Club (or try https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arden-MG-Club/768947966455690).

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February 2014 News Letter

   

 Hello Everyone,

30 people gather at the Golden Cross to enjoy the 'Quiz' at the February Club Night. The quiz was all pictures, the first half being car manufacturers logos and the second half photos of 'celebs' and motoring people. All the celebs were taken from the Xmas TV Guides, so were current, although the motoring people caused the most trouble!! After marking there were 3 teams tied with 46 points but Allen Smith finally came up with one of the other names of Colin Chapman (Anthony Colin Bruce Chapman). David Rayner was keen to offload the wooden spoon to someone but it was difficult to award a team, so you will have to wait until the Skittles Night (14^th March)!  The feedback I got was that everyone enjoyed it, so we may try another one later in the year.

Future Events:

The next club night we have a guest speaker who will give us a short talk titled '40 years and never quite got the hang of it' which are some of his memoirs of a career as a pilot with British Airways. He started out on Tridents and finished his flying career as a Captain aboard the latest Boeing 747-800

 

The date for the visit to British Motor Heritage in Witney has now been finalised as 11^th March. This date should allow us to see MGB bodyshells in production. I now have a full complement of 15 people booked in for the visit, if you would like to be on the reserve list let me know. If the visit is successful and there is sufficient interest we could arrange another date later in the year. This is going to be a busy week as the Skittles Night is on the Friday (14^th March), so far I have 18 people booked in and could do with a few more. There will be usual competitions with prizes, a hot supper (Chilli & rice or Beef hotpot with bread & butter) and hopefully this year the skittle boy will turn up on time!! If you would like to join us please let me know (no menu choices required, cheques payable to 'Arden MG Club' or cash at March club night), I would like to have all payments (£10 per person) before the night. As previously stated the venue is the Masons Arms in Long Marston, 7pm for a 7.30 start.

The following Sunday the 16^th will be the 'March Madness' Sunday Lunch Run starting at the Golden Cross (for a prompt departure at 10.15am)  for Lunch at Wroxall Abbey (mid way between Knowle & Warwick). If the progress reports I have been getting from Mike Green are anything to go by the run will be good going over roads we don't normally travel along.

The next run will be 'Drive-it-Day' (27^th April) the FBHVC now annual day to get out and drive your classic car to show how these vehicles have been preserved and are still used. We will start from the Golden Cross for Bacon Rolls & Coffee, meeting from 11.am to be ready to depart around 11.30/11.45. The final destination is still to be decided but hopefully will be an interesting pub on the edge of the Cotswolds.

I now have a few more details about the requirements for the Stratford Festival of Motoring on Sunday 4^th & Monday 5^th May, Tony Merrygold has passed on the following:

"Depending on how long members wish to volunteer for, if they don't want to do the whole day, then I suggest we divide the day into 4 hour 'shifts'  from about 10:00 to 14:00 and then from about 12:00 to 18:00 so that we an overlap at lunchtimes.

Duties will be mainly manning the barriers so that only Festival cars get through and directing parking.   Last year we arranged for the marshals to have a lunch voucher valid for £10 to be used at a number of local shops so they didn't have to worry about lunch."

Please let me know if you are prepared to help out during the Festival.

 

Into June we have our Heritage Run (Sunday 1^st June), this year going to the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, in this year remembering the centenary of the start of the First World War. The start will be from The Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon who this year are celebrating their 21^st Birthday (it opened on 1^st May 1993). The run may be slightly longer than usual at around 60 miles but it does mean we will be travelling along roads not used before on the Heritage Run. If you haven't sent your entry of yet please do so soon, application forms downloadable from the website or from Allen Smith 01789 488 280

Next in June is the Bi-annual Churchill Show on Sunday the 8^th. You need to book directly with the organiser but state you want to be part of the Arden MG Club display. We will have a convoy run down to Churchill for those interested, which will keep us all together. The last show was a good event, so you need to book early. Let me or Alan know if you need a booking form.

This years 'Quiz on Wheels' has been arrange for Wednesday 2^nd July, more details later but put the date on your calendar.

Other Events:

16^th March     MGCC Spring Trial at Lintridge Farm. If you don't fancy the 'Lunch Run' what about marshalling, competing or just watching, further details from the MGCC Midland Centre website.

22^nd March    MGCC T Register Rebuild Day at Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon. More info from the T-Register web site (www.treg.org).

6^th April          MGCC Midland Centre are running the first of their Curborough Sprints, marshals are needed or go along and spectate

6^th April          MGB Register Spring Run starting at Hatton Country World, finishing at Waddesdon Manor.

13^th April        Malvern Classic Car Show

13^th April        Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club.  Oxfordshire MGOC have arranged for this to be an MG day

4^th May           Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

25^th/26^th May             Ragley Hall Transport Show

25^th May         Moor2Sea. Exeter MGOC. Full details of the trip can be found on their  website: http://exetermgoc.co.uk/?page_id=25

15^th June       Bridgend MGOC Cwm to Coast Run (www.bridgend-mgoc.co.uk)

22^nd June      Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

5^th/6^th July      Weaver Wander, Nantwich. More info from their website: www.weaverwander.com

6^th July           Gloucester MGOC Cotswold Caper (www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper)

27^th July         Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

3^rd Aug           Higham Ferrers/Chichele Classic Car Show (highamclassic@btinternet.com)

24^th Aug         Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

21^st Sept        Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

12^th Oct          Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

Other Matters:

Club Windscreen stickers are now available priced as before at £1 each. If you would like one please see me at a club night or club event.

Don't forget to 'like' the  Arden MG Club page on Facebook. Search for the club (or try https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arden-MG-Club/768947966455690 ) and press the like button to keep up to date and I will try to add info on a regular basis.

Drive safely

Paul

 

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January 2014 News Letter

Hello Everyone,   

Happy New Year to you all, however it was a mixed start to the year with very wet weather for our first event; The Chilly Willy Run. Despite the poor conditions we had 17 cars assemble at the Golden Cross and 8 of those were MGs, including an MG Maestro, 2 MGB GTs, an MG Midget and an MG TF Midget. Most of the route was OK but there were a few 'puddles' after passing Broadway Tower. When we arrived at Batsford Arboretum it was so wet entry to the Arboretum itself was closed but we all enjoyed the refreshments in the café, which we had to ourselves.

 

Thanks to everyone who attended the AGM meeting, we managed to conclude the business in approx 13 minutes and most of that was the review of last year, which proved to be a very busy one.

The Minutes of the meeting are now on the website, so I won't repeat them here but to say the only change is in the running of the monthly raffle (which is our main source of income to finance the club), which has been taken up by Mike & Helen Jones, please help them by supporting the raffle each month. I would like to say a big thank you to Roger who has done a sterling job for many years bringing prizes every month and cajoling everyone to contribute.

Future Events:

Next month's meeting I will have a short fun picture quiz (not all car related), with a prize for the team with the highest score.

I'm trying to arrange a date for a visit to British Motor Heritage in Witney, which is the company that manufactures the 'Heritage Body Shells' but the day is not yet fixed. I was going for 8^th April but they have a batch of MGB bodies in Feb/March, so I may bring the date forward to either 25^th Feb or 11^th March. I will send an email and note on the website when this has been finalised.

 

The March meeting will be a talk by an ex-BA Captain titled '40 years and never got the hang of it', which should be very interesting or alarming depending on how much flying you do!

Later in March will be the annual Skittles Night to be held on Friday 14^th March at The Masons Arms in Long Marston. It will be the usual format, with a supper of either 'Chilli with Rice' or 'Beef Hotpot with Bread' & Butter, assemble from 7pm for a prompt start at 7.30. Cost will be £10 per person, however you need to book with me and pay in advance (no menu choices required), as soon as possible (cheques payable to 'Arden MG Club' or cash at club night).

This will be followed on the Sunday (16^th) by the Sunday Lunch Run, starting from the Golden Cross and finishing at Wroxall Abbey via a 40/45 mile scenic run along roads we don't normally travel on. Please book this through Alan Cleobury, a booking form is downloadable from the website.

Also on Sunday 16^th March is the MGCC Spring Trial at Lintridge Farm. If you don't fancy the 'Lunch Run' what about marshalling, competing or just watching, further details from the MGCC Midland Centre website.

Into April the MGCC Midland Centre are running the first of their Curborough Sprints on their usual first week-end of April, again marshals are needed or go along and spectate but remember it is also the date of the MGB Register Spring Run starting at Hatton Country World, finishing at Waddesdon Manor.

At the end of April (on the 27^th to be precise) is the FBHVC 'Drive it Day' and we will again be having a scenic run starting from the Golden Cross to a destination as yet to be decided.

The first week-end in May, will see the Stratford Festival of Motoring taking place again and the club have been asked if we would like to be involved and provide marshals, who will have some inducement. I will not be available that week-end but if anyone is willing to help out please let me know as soon as possible so I can let the organiser (who is on the club database) know.

 

I hope you all know by now that this year's Heritage Run will be on Sunday 1^st June, visiting the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, having started from the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon. There are 2 significant anniversaries this year with the centenary of the start of WW1 (hence the National Memorial Arboretum) and the 21^st birthday of the Heritage Motor Centre (1^st May). Booking forms are now available from the website.

The following week-end is the Churchill Show, which is Bi-annual, on the 8^th June and we will have a display area again. Booking forms are available and you need to send your booking directly to the organiser stating you wish to be part of the Arden MG Club display. If you want to attend this one I would advise you to book soon as the show is limited to 400 cars and is very popular.

Other Events:

13^th April        Malvern Classic Car Show

13^th April        Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

4^th May           Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

25^th/26^th May             Ragley Hall Transport Show

15^th June       Bridgend MGOC Cwm to Coast Run (www.bridgend-mgoc.co.uk)

22^nd June      Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

6^th July           Gloucester MGOC Cotswold Caper (www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper)

27^th July         Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

3^rd Aug           Higham Ferrers/Chichele Classic Car Show (highamclassic@btinternet.com)

24^th Aug         Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

21^st Sept        Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

12^th Oct          Bugatti Owners Club, Prescott Breakfast Club

Other Matters:

I have been asked to publicise the plight of the 'Brighton Speed Trials' and there is an e-petition that can be signed and can be found via http://savebrightonspeedtrials.com/ but please note the petition ends on 23^rd Jan, so please view this quickly.

I have now arranged for another batch of the 'Club Windscreen' stickers to be produced and these should be available from the February club night, priced as before at £1 each.

For those of you who are up with the 'Social Media' I have now opened an Arden MG Club page on Facebook. Search for the club (or try https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arden-MG-Club/768947966455690 ) and press the like button to keep up to date and I will try to add info on a regular basis.

Lastly the MG Owners Club give an inducement to us if we sign up new members to the National Club, so if you are not a member of the MGOC and are thinking of joining then please quote our area number (0511) when you do so.

Drive safely

Paul

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December 2013 News Letter

Hello Everyone,   

I think we had a great evening for the Xmas Meal at the Golden Cross (if you didn't think so please let me know). We had 48 people to completely fill the restaurant, the food was excellent and great service from Debbie and her team. Everyone received a prize in the raffle and the fun quiz was won by Doug, with a little help from his team.

We will soon be into next year and it all starts with the 'Chilly Willy' Run on 1^st January. Gather at the Golden Cross from 11.00am for the traditional bacon rolls & coffee (or tea), the same price as last year (£2.50 for bacon rolls & £1.00 for coffee or tea). We will then depart around 11.30/11.45 for a 25 mile drive through the countryside to arrive at Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre, where the Garden Terrace Café will be open for hot meals (12 till 2) or refreshments (please see www.batsarb.co.uk for further info). At the Arboretum we will have a dedicated parking area and a special MG Club discount of entry for 2 into the Arboretum itself for £7. Please let me know if you are planning on joining us, so we can advise the venues and print sufficient route sheets. If for some reason you then find you can't attend then just let me know. Please note your MG is welcome but not essential on this run and that the route uses mainly gritted roads, however if conditions require it, we will have an alternative route using only gritted roads.

The 7^th January will be the first club night of 2014 and will be our AGM but do not fear I hope to keep this down to no more than 15 minutes, the agenda is on the website.

To help with the winter blues I'm thinking of holding a short fun quiz on the February Club Night. Then for the March night I have invited a guest speaker to give a talk titled '40 years and never quite got the hang of it' and is the memories of a British Airways Captain who finished his career flying the latest Boeing 747-800 Jumbo Jet.

The date for the 'Sunday Lunch Run' has been brought forward a week and will now be on

March 16^th and lunch has been arranged at Wroxall Abbey, further details to follow.

Some other events to look forward to are:

 'Drive it Day' 27^th April

 Visit to British Motor Heritage (makers of the Heritage Bodies) which will be day time mid-week

'Quiz on Wheels' around June time.

 Our main event of the year, the Heritage Run has now been finalised and will be on  June 1st starting at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon and finishing at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas. Put this date in your diary now, the booking form will be available soon.

Other things of note are the MGCC Midland Centre AGM, Monday 20^th January. If anyone is interested in attending please let me know and we can share transport to Halesowen. It is held in the Somers Sports & Social Club which has a terrific selection of hand pulled beers on tap.

The MGCC are in the process of re-launching the FWD (Front Wheel Drive) Register and Adam Sloman  is looking for owners of 1100s, 1300s, Montego's, Maestro's and Metro's.  If you or someone you know owns one please get in touch with Adam at fwd@mgcc.com.

Don't forget the MG Show and Spares Day on Sunday 2^nd March at Stoneleigh Park, it is now being run in conjunction with the Triumph Spares Day as well.

 

Can I wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year

Drive safely

Paul.

 

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November 2013 News Letter

Hello Everyone,   

 

What an interesting talk with Peter McIleveney from Carole Nash Insurance, who explained how classic car insurance policies are set-up and answered lots of questions. I hope you all enjoyed the evening.

 

Our previous event was the Classic Car Show in Malvern at the Three Counties Showground, where a small band (5 of the originally booked 9 cars) braved the elements and enjoyed a good day no doubt helped along by the bacon rolls cooked under the awning. The report was it didn't rain all day, just most of it, so lots of the time was spent searching in the autojumble!

 

You will just have time to book for the Xmas Meal, so long as it is in the next few days, last year was good fun, with our traditional raffle (everyone gets a prize), short quiz and great food. I'm sure Debbie will have the Xmas decorations in the restaurant by the time we arrive.

 

Into January will be the 'Chilly Willy Run'. Let's again start the year as we mean to carry on with a scenic run on New Year's Day. With the same later start as last year, meeting at the Golden Cross from 11.00 o'clock for Bacon Rolls and Coffee (still only £2.50 & £1.00). Then around 11.30/11.45 we will set-off on a scenic run of approx 25 miles to finish at the Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre. If you have never been to the Arboretum before it is well worth the trip but if you have visited previously they have recently revamped the whole place with a new centre for the shop & café and the new plant centre laid out below. We will have our own dedicated parking area (where picnics are allowed) and the café will be open and serving hot meals until 2pm, for those still in need of sustenance. As an MG Club we will receive a special price of £7 per car for entry into the Arboretum (Garden Centre & Café are free to enter) which has a couple of miles of pathways to explore all the variety of trees that have been planted.

 

Further details about Batsford Arboretum & Garden Centre can be found at:

http://www.batsarb.co.uk/

and about the Garden Terrace Cafe at:

http://www.batsarb.co.uk/shop-eat/cafe.asp

Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to join the run, so I can let the venues know of the possible numbers. This is not a commitment to attend, however if you find out later you cannot make it, then just let me know.

The meeting in January will of course be our AGM but don't despair I will keep it as short as I can (I think last year's was about 15 minutes!!).  However this is your chance to volunteer to be more involved with the club but please let me know in advance if you would like to volunteer.

I'm putting together a list of events for next year, repeating all the favourites and adding some new ones, if anyone has any new ideas, please let me know, you don't have to organise it (unless you want to of course) but all suggestions will be welcome.

For the March meeting I have another guest speaker, the talk will be titled '40 years and never quite got the hang of it' and is the memories of a British Airways Captain who finished his career flying the latest Boeing 747-800 Jumbo Jet.

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Review of the Year 2012

Again it has been another good year for the club with many events organised, more of which later but more importantly the monthly club nights continue to be well supported, no doubt everyone is encouraged by the bowls of chips provided by Debbie around 8.30pm.

What have we done during the year:

 

The year started as always with the Chilly Willy Run, which changed from previous years with a later start at The Golden Cross and the prospect of Bacon Rolls and Coffee. We were joined by a contingent from The Swan Natter who boosted the number of cars to over 25. We were also blessed with a fine day to enjoy the drive to The Castle Inn on the top of Edge Hill.

 

The March meeting was different to usual with a guest speaker and Roy Locock gave us a description of his exploits driving to Cape Town in his MG, 'Bridget the Midget'. A very entertaining evening.

March also saw our annual Skittles Night, organised this year by Richard & Lucy Shepherd at the Lenches Club in Ab Lench. The 26 players enjoyed 3 rounds, with the 'Boys' being this year's winners (possibly the extra 2 players helped). Individual winner's prizes went to Diane Rayner, with myself and Doug Freeman the 'Killer' champion, although we must also mention the wooden spoon that was taken home by Mike Green.

 

At the end of March we had Alan and Julia's Sunday Lunch Run, another new addition to the calendar. The usual start at 'The Golden Cross' was followed by a coffee stop at the Cotswold Farm Park and lunch at the College Arms in Lower Quinton, again we were blessed with a sunny day.

April was the annual FBHVC Drive-it-Day run and we started again at The Cross for bacon rolls and coffee before the 30 mile scenic run to The Fox in Great Barrington for lunch. A mixed day weather wise but a good turnout of 26 cars, including a contingent from the Swan Natter.

  

Our Heritage Run was again in May and 133 cars enjoyed the rare (for 2012) day of sunshine to drive from Evesham Country Park to Ragley Hall to take part in the Transport Show there. This was another great run even though we had to fight for road space with cyclists taking part in a charity run!

 

The bi-annual Churchill Show was in 2012 and we had a spirited run to get there before the deadline time from the Cross. The rain managed to hold off until the journey home, a very enjoyable show.

 

July was a busy month with 11 teams taking part in the Treasure Hunt. We attended the Badsey Flower Show and a group of assembled near Shelsley Walsh for the MGCC Midland Centre Chairman's Picnic, with some fine weather to enjoy the competition on the hill (I even managed to get to the top of the hill in my 'B' during the lunch time convoy run). 3 cars even braved the elements to drive out to the Joint Natter in Welland.

 

Our now annual Show Night started August and the orchard car park at The Cross was full of classic cars, making the selection of winners very difficult. MG Motors brought along 2 MG6s and spent all evening discussing them before presenting the prizes for us.

 

 The end of August closed with the Pershore Plum Festival, again a group of us (7 cars) met at The Cross for the run to the Abbey grounds in Pershore.

 

A new venture in September was the 'Open Day' at Alscott Park Garage where over 20 cars gathered outside the garage for a view of the facilities before lining up in front of the house for a photo shoot, that was used in the Stratford Herald.

 

The November meeting was graced with a talk by an ex-MG employee Brian Moylan who went through the history of MG Cars from the start in Oxford to the end in Abingdon.

 

As always the year finished with the Xmas Meal at The Cross and despite being at the start of December the restaurant was full of revellers enjoying the festivities and a good meal.

 

I would like to give a big thanks to Roger who organises the raffle every month which pays for any expenditure we need to make and he keeps the accounts up to date. Can I also thank all the officials; David for keeping the database and all this year has kept a register of attendants at events, Alan for adding new events and keeping tabs on events and their entrants, Lech for keeping us up to date with goings on at the Car Club and Allen for his continued Chairmanship of the Heritage Run Committee.

 

Paul Dunster

Chairman

Arden MG Club

January 2012

 

Minutes of AGM 5^th February 2013

           

The meeting opened at 20.45

 

1.        Apologies for absence, received from Simon Bannister, Bill Belcher, Graham Robson

2.        Chairman's Report, a summary of the last year was presented, which stated that the year had been good for the club with good attendance on club nights and over 14 events were held over the year.

3.        Treasurer's Report, a set of accounts were circulated showing the club net funds had increased from £322.56 to £380.12 over the year.

4.        Events Secretary Report, events for the year are now shown on the board at each meeting, please have a look during each club meeting night.

5.        Database Report, we have 123 entries on our database, 55 of which attended at least one club night/event during the year. Best attendance was for the Show Night with 48 people followed by the Xmas meal with 47 people.

6.        Election of Officers: all officers are willing to stand for another year, Gerald Blackburn proposed, seconded by Colin Drummings, voting on block. The proposal was carried unanimously the officers therefore are:

                                    Chairman:                             Paul Dunster                                   

                                    Treasurer:                              Roger Jackson                                

                                    Events Secretary:                 Alan Cleobury                                 

                                    Database Secretary:            David Rayner                                  

                                    MGCC Liaison Officer:        Lech                          

                                    MGOC Liaison Officer:        Paul Dunster

7.        Any Other Business: None

The meeting closed at 20.56.

 

Paul Dunster

            11^th February 2013  

 

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October 2013 News Letter

Hello Everyone,   

            This month's newsletter is a little bit later than usual, so I will try and keep it brief. The last meeting was well attended, however our speaker postponed his talk and will now be coming to the November meeting, so you will still have a chance to come along and ask all those classic car insurance questions.

 

 

 

 

 

Bookings for the Xmas meal are going well, however at the time of writing I still have 6 places left in the dining room, so if you would like to join us for the meal please let me know as soon as possible. There will be the usual free raffle and short quiz, in addition to a good meal & chat.

           Planning has started for the Chilly Willy Run on New Year's Day and I hope to have some further details for the next meeting.

            Into the New Year the meeting on the 7^th January will of course be the AGM, which is your opportunity to raise any concerns about the club, or even become one of the officers. If you would like to be more involved in the running of the club please talk to me.

            I hope everyone who collected their Club logo clothing at the last meeting is pleased with it. If anyone else would like to have any of the items let me know and I will try and get another bulk order put together. In the meantime I have not forgotten the windscreen stickers and hope to get this set-up in the next few weeks.

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September 2013 News Letter

Hello Everyone,   

 

            I'm sitting on our balcony here in Spain writing this month's newsletter after the 25 degree heat, a dip in the pool this afternoon and the BBQ for dinner, so I hope you are all keeping well despite the onset of Autumn in the UK.

            It was great to see so many of you again at the last club night, I hope you all enjoyed seeing Bill Leech's photos from the 'Henley Run'. If you missed the night or would like to see them again you can view the 'Henley News' website by following this link: http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/45605172/Henley_News/Henley_Life/Henley_Life/MG_Meet_2013.html

 

The event I think was a big success and I hope everyone on the run enjoyed the day (Bill wants to do something again next year but bigger). The sun shone for us, the run was reported in the Stratford Herald and Observer and 'The Air Ambulance Service' collected £650 on the day (including our cheque for £250). I did send out photos to all the participants of us leaving Alscot Park (thanks to Steve Johnson for taking these and leaving last) but here are a few, the full collection can be viewed on the club website ('Henley Run Report' page).

 

 

 

            The week-end before the run was the Pershore Plum Festival on the Bank Holiday Monday and 8 cars set off from the Golden Cross for the run to Pershore and despite a wrong turn early on we all arrived to assemble in front of the Abbey again, although Matt had a problem in the queue with his BGT but got it resolved to be able to join us (thanks to Lech for the route sheets). This year the show was bigger than ever, although that did mean a long queue to get in but well worth it with an excellent selection of cars on show and again the sun shone on us!

I'm not sure how the Brailes Show went, at the last minute I was not able to attend but the reports I have received were not very favourable, let's hope they are better organised next year, they must still be suffering from having to cancel last years show.

I have had lots of orders for club logo clothing, so hope this will cover the set-up costs. The order has been placed with the supplier and should be delivered in good time for the club night for me to hand out. It is not too late to place an order as the supplier will produce single items at no extra cost (other than postage, although orders over £100 are carriage free), however if there is sufficient demand I will collate another bulk order to save the postage costs. Let me know if you want to buy any of the items, I will bring the samples to the club nights, sizes and prices are on the website.

Several people have asked for the windscreen stickers but the stock of these went a long time ago, so I will investigate a new batch and report back on club night, please let me know if you would like to buy one.

 

Future Events:

The October Club night will be a short talk, with Q&A session by Peter McIlvenny of Carole Nash Insurance Services (sponsors of this year's Heritage Run) about classic car insurance. This is your chance to ask all those awkward questions about insuring your pride and joy.

            Malvern show is on Sunday 13^th October at Three Counties Showground  (YELLOW GATE)  & looks like it should be good / busy as they've amalgamated it with the Mini Show & just on the one day.

We've got 10 cars booked & Alan has sent off for the tickets which should be available to hand out at the next meeting.  If anyone else is interested they can down load application form from www.classicshows.org (or Alan will try and bring a few spare application forms to the meeting).

            I know it is only September but we need to start planning the Xmas Meal and I hope to have the menu for the Golden Cross by the next meeting. Last year we just managed to squash into the restaurant but Debbie has booked the whole pub if we need it, so we can use all the tables in the pub, however I will take the bookings on a 'First Come' basis with the first 45 bookings being allocated places in the Restaurant.

 Other events we have been invited to are:

            22^nd September - Solihull Fun in the Park - Tudor Grange Park.

There will be a classic car show as part of FUN IN THE PARK day- a family day out with dog show, various stalls, arena with a variety of local performers, food outlets and lots more.

This is a charity event to raise funds for 3 local charities

You should be prepared to arrive at the Monkspath Hall Road entrance to Tudor Grange Park, B91 3LU between 9.00am and 10.15am and to leave your car on site for the day.

Contact: Rosemary Couch at roalan@talktalk.net  Tel: 01564 77330201564 773302 or Clive Hampson clive_hampson@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07831 51054207831 510542

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August 2013 News Letter

Hello Everyone,   

  

I think the 'Show Night' must now become an annual event, there were 40 MGs in the Orchard car park and David had over 60 people listed on the register. I hope you all had an enjoyable evening. We were lucky again with the weather, which stayed fine and sunny all evening allowing plenty of time to view the cars and cast those important votes. A special thanks to my wife Caroline and Pam for collecting all the voting slips and calculating the results, this task gets more difficult each year with the number of awards and the increasing number of voters. Simon from MG Motors joined us again for the evening but unfortunately their MG3 demonstrator has not arrived (it is due the end of August and promised for the Henley Run). He kindly offered to hand out the prizes and chose his favourite MG from the car park.

The winners were as follows:

1)    Favourite MG Overall:         Steve Johnson (again) with his beautiful MGA.

2)    Best MGB/Midget:                Matthew Slater, White MBG GT

3)    Best Modern MG:                 Alan Ferguson, MGF

4)    Best Old MG: Graham Smith with his recently acquired MG TF with Twin Cam Engine.

5)    Best Engine Bay:                 Roger Brookes, MGB Roadster

6)    Favourite of MG Motors:     Kevin Carroll, White MGA Twin Cam

 

 

During the meeting I was very pleased to see Allen Smith had joined us as it allowed me to thank him for all the years of service chairing the Heritage Run Committee and presented him on behalf of the club with an engraved tankard and a mug with a photo of MGs lined up outside The Golden Cross. Thanks Allen for all the good work and we are pleased you will still be on the committee to assist with future runs.

 

Before the Show Night I attended the funeral of James Witham (son of David Witham) who died tragically on a walking holiday in Norway. David was very appreciative of the £250 donation the club made from the Heritage Run proceeds to the charity 'Navigators UK' whom James was working with whilst away in Norway and he was on route to Latvia to set up a camp for children and teenagers.

 

8 cars departed from the Golden Cross for the drive to Birtsmorton to attend the MGCC Joint Natter. It was a lovely evening with lots of cars totally filling the car park at the Farmers Arms and some great cars on display from the other natters from the Midland Centre.

 

            The Badsey Flower Show was well attended by the club and we have the flowing report from Steve & Gaynor:

"Badsey Flower Show took place on 27th July and over 2000 people attended. Arden MG Club were well represented and the weather and bacon sandwiches were much appreciated! Entertainment included a flypast by a Dakota from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Sheepdog demonstration and the Shirley Pipe Band. There were over 50 stalls including a horse shoeing demonstration, handicrafts, plant sales and vintage cars. Everyone who attended seemed to enjoy themselves - and hopefully will attend next year's 112th Badsey Flower Show".

           

            Bookings for the 'Henley MG Meet' are doing well, however I have had a couple of cancellations so there are a few places still available. If you would like to join the run please let me know as soon as you can, as stated before it will be limited to 30 cars but I would like to have a full complement to make the most of the day for The Air Ambulance Service'. The run is to publicise The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance in their 10^th Anniversary year. There is no cost to participants and to remind everyone, we will start from Alscot Park Garage, leaving by the main gate to the house. The Garage will be open from 12.30 for tea, coffee & biscuits and to view the premises. Staff will be on hand to discuss the services they can offer to MG owners (a lot of us are already customers). After leaving Alscot Park we drive through Stratford where we will be waved past the Town Hall by the Mayor, followed by a scenic drive of approx 35 miles with a 'Tulip Diagram' type route book over some new and interesting roads. We will gather at Warwickshire College in preparation to process through Henley-in-Arden, where the High Bailiff will wave us past The Guild Hall and finish at the Memorial Hall where afternoon tea will be provided. The final procession will be on leaving the Hall and driving back down the High Street. The Air Ambulance Service will be making collections in both Stratford & Henley, so let's hope for a fine day with a successful outcome for them. If you have already made a booking but find you are no longer able to attend please let me know so I can offer the place to someone else.

            Peter McIlvenny will be attending the October club night with a short presentation about classic car insurance and will be happy to answer questions, so now is your chance to solve those nagging insurance queries.

            At the show night I had samples of the new Club Logo clothing, although the evening was too busy to be taking orders then I have put the details onto the website and will be ready to collate orders at the September meeting. Please note I will need payment with the order either by cash or cheques payable to Arden MG Club. I will of course bring the samples to the meeting.

 

Other events we have been invited to are:

1^st September - Charity Road Run - Potteries and South Cheshire MG Owners Club

Contact: Bob Nason 01782 51504901782 515049, bobandmaggs@ntlworld.com or Dave Lovatt 01782 72350301782 723503, davidl@uwclub.net or look at their website: www.mgpotsches.org.uk

            22^nd September - Solihull Fun in the Park - Tudor Grange Park.

There will be a classic car show as part of FUN IN THE PARK day- a family day out with dog show, various stalls, arena with a variety of local performers, food outlets and lots more.

This is a charity event to raise funds for 3 local charities

You should be prepared to arrive at the Monkspath Hall Road entrance to Tudor Grange Park, B91 3LU between 9.00am and 10.15am and to leave your car on site for the day.

Contact: Rosemary Couch at roalan@talktalk.net  Tel: 01564 77330201564 773302 or Clive Hampson clive_hampson@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07831 51054207831 510542

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July 2013 News Letter

Hello Everyone,   

            Now the sun has decided to shine I hope you are all out enjoying your MGs. There were not so many of us at the July meeting, possibly deterred by the poor weather forecast.

            I had a nice email from Andy Bourne who had won a prize on the Heritage Run, for a Tour of the Jaguar Factory in Castle Bromwich, he writes:

 "Kate and I had a really good time there on Wednesday 26th June. Jonathan Walls was our host and his colleague David gave us a most interesting (and at times amusing) tour of the F type and XJ production - just an astonishing process ,so clean and quiet, a far cry from my last visit in 1969 when BL were there! We also got to sit in the V8 F type (sadly not to drive it!) and see some film of it, in action, on screen in the Visitor Centre at Castle Bromwich. Regrettably I don't have the £87,730 to buy it! It's a truly stunning car and is claimed to be no heavier than a current production Mini ,due to the all Aluminium construction . Have attached a picture of Kate in the V8 Demonstrator". I think he might be passing a hat round at the next meeting!!!        

Not much news to report this month, so I'll go straight into what's happening in the next few months.  At the end of the month (Saturday 27^th July) we are attending the Badsey Flower Show, entry is free but you need to arrive before 12.30 and stay till arround 5pm. The show is located at Sandy Lane Badsey and is a Country Summer Show, with highlights of this year's show being; Sheepdog Skills Team, Dakota Fly Past, Exhibits, Licensed Bar and Band. Please let Steve & Gaynor Entwistle know if you want to join in the fun by email to enty7@gaynorheath.plus.com. 

            The August Club night (Tuesday 6^th) will again            be our 'Show Night', which will be self-judging and just for fun, although there is a trophy for the best car (please remember to bring it back Steve) and the usual prizes for the other categories. MG Motors have said they are coming and I hope they will bring the new MG3. I'm hoping the fine weather will hold out till then and we can again fill the orchard car park at the Cross, from 7.30 onwards.

            Saturday 10^th August is the Brailes Show and we are booked in for a display. There is no cost to enter, we just need to be there in good time (TBA) and it is an active village show with a marquee full of competions (fruit & veg, cakes, photos, etc) lots of stalls and horse jumping. Well worth a visit if you have not been before, please let me know if you want to be on the list.

            Alan has started a list for the Pershore Plum Festival and we will have our usual run to the Abbey grounds starting at the Cross. Please let Alan know if you want to attend, there is a small charge of £3 for this one.

            Sunday 1^st September is now confirmed for the 'Henley MG Meet' which is being organised in conjunction with the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, to celebrate their 10^th Anniversary. We will assemble at Alscot Park Garage, late morning and leave via the house through the main gate at 13.45. The route will take us through Stratford-upon-Avon where the Mayor will be waiting outside the Town Hall to wave us through, W&NAA will have a Gazebo on the opposite side of the road and will be making a collection. After leaving Stratford there will be a scenic run of approx 30-40 miles taking us to an assembly point just South of Henley-in-Arden and at 15.45 we will form a procession through Henley, turning into Station Road. Parking will be in the Memorial Hall car park (which will be a bit tight but we should all fit) and 'Afternoon Tea' will be provided in the Hall. The day will end with us leaving the Hall in procession again down the High St and heading for home. There will be no charge for the run (or the afternoon tea), although I'm sure any donations to W&NAA will be gratefully accepted, however there will be a maximum of 30 entries only and other clubs will be invited, so if you would like to join the run please let me know as soon as you can to be sure of getting a place. This I hope will be a great day for us and will achieve the objective of raising awareness of The Air Ambulance Service, which is a very worthwhile cause, so please let's get a full entry from the Arden MG Club.

            For the October club night I have invited Carole Nash Insurance to give us a short talk about classic car insurance and there will be a Q&A session.

            The new clothing range with the Arden MG Club logo has been finalised and the prices will be put on the website. I will have samples of the Polo Shirts and Fleece at the August club night and will start taking orders to get a batch made.

 

To close I have a cautionary tale, a friend of mine phoned a few days ago, having had a problem with his Rubber Bumper MGB. He went to go out in it but could not get the car to start, the fuel pump was ticking away, so he checked under the bonnet to find petrol all over the exhaust manifold. The source of the fuel leak was the feed pipe to the carbs which had split. He then checked the other fuel pipes which just disintegrated in his hands. We can only put this down to the new brews of fuel, he has replaced all the fuel pipes with new rubber tube which is suitable for all new types of petrol. Go and check your fuel pipes NOW.

 

Other events we have been invited to are:

      1^st September - Charity Road Run - Potteries and South Cheshire MG Owners Club

Contact: Bob Nason 01782 51504901782 515049, bobandmaggs@ntlworld.com or Dave Lovatt 01782 72350301782 723503, davidl@uwclub.net or look at their website: www.mgpotsches.org.uk

            22^nd September - Solihull Fun in the Park - Tudor Grange Park.

There will be a classic car show as part of FUN IN THE PARK day- a family day out with dog show, various stalls, arena with a variety of local performers, food outlets and lots more.

This is a charity event to raise funds for 3 local charities

You should be prepared to arrive at the Monkspath Hall Road entrance to Tudor Grange Park, B91 3LU between 9.00am and 10.15am and to leave your car on site for the day.

Contact: Rosemary Couch at roalan@talktalk.net  Tel: 01564 77330201564 773302 or Clive Hampson clive_hampson@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07831 51054207831 510542

Other events of MG interest:

28^th July - MGCC Midland Centre Chairman's Picnic - Weston Park. MG drivers & passengers will be charged at a group rate of £4.00 per adult or senior citizen, £3.00 per child for access to the Park and gardens. In addition, if any members wanted to go into the House then the group rate of £2.00 per person will apply. Payment will be made on arrival at our ticket cabin at Shrewsbury Gate for Park access and members would pay at the front door of the House for House admission. If any members wanted to go on the miniature railway then they would pay at the station in the Adventure Playground the fee of £2.00 per person.

Please note that the Shrewsbury Gate is before the main entrance if approaching from the west, and a few hundred yards after the main entrance if coming from the east. Keep an eye open for the Midland Centre banner. 

MGs will be parked on Temple Field, which is in close proximity to all our public attractions and facilities.

Opening Times - Park & Gardens from 10.30am until 6.00pm. House from 1.00pm until 5.00pm.

4^th August - MG Car Club Summer Sprint at Curborough

Drive safely

Paul.

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June 2013 News Letter

Hello Everyone,   

What a great turnout again for this month's Club night with 50 people on the register and lots of MGs in the car park. I'm hoping for a good attendance for the 'Show Night' at the August meeting (6^th). In the meantime I've not heard the details but I understand that Steve & Gaynor's Sunday Lunch Run went well with all enjoying the run and the lunch. Who would like to organise the next Sunday Lunch Run?

We have now had the Quiz on Wheelz and despite the forecast there was a good turnout for the quiz, which used some roads we don't normally get to and most of the 50+ clues were easy enough to find with just a few difficult ones to find a winner. The Dunster's competitive instincts got the better of us and we achieved the highest score, so it will be down to us to organise next year's quiz, unless someone would like to have a go?? I'm sure Alan & Hazel will tell you it is great fun to set these things up. The Motoring quiz was not quite so easy, with only 2 teams managing to get as many as 2 out of the 10 questions right (so no one used the internet!!). For the tie-breaker Doug Freeman was closest and won the prize.

I mentioned at the club night that I'm investigating clothing with the club name embroidered on. I have found a local company who will sell clothes on an individual basis, so the club no longer needs to bulk purchase in advance and the prices are right for good quality clothes. I hope to have more info for the next newsletter.          

For the MGCC Midland Centre 'Joint Natter' is on 17^th July, we will meet at the Golden Cross to leave at 7pm for a scenic drive over to The Farmers Arms, Birtsmorton (WR13 6AP), where the whole of the dining area has been reserved for the natter. Although a little on the small side, The Farmers Arms is a really lovely local pub with good beer and cheap, tasty food. 

               Steve & Gaynor Entwistle are again hosting our entry to the Badsey Flower Show. If you would like to attend please book with Steve Entwistle on club night or email enty7@gaynorheath.plus.com.  The show is on Sunday the 27^th July, there are no costs involved, however cars need to arrive before 12.30 and not leave till around 5.00pm. The show is located at Sandy Lane Badsey and is a Country Summer Show, with highlights of this year's show being; Sheepdog Skills Team, Dakota Fly Past, Exhibits, Licensed Bar and Band.

            As mentioned earlier the August club night will be our now annual 'Show Night, this will be similar to last year with self-judging but with some different categories, now is the time to get those cars cleaned and polished. MG Motors have said they will attend again and might bring along one of the new MG3s for us to see

           

We are planning to have a club display again at the Brailes Show, which is on Saturday 10^th August and The Pershore Plum Festival on Bank Holiday Monday 26^th August and hope to have more details at the July Club Night.

The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) have asked us to work with them for an event set for Sunday 1^st September, the planning is at an early stage but we are looking to start at Alscot Park Garage (parking outside the house) with a scenic run to Henley-in-Arden, where we will have a dedicated parking area at the Memorial Hall, where afternoon tea will be served. The idea of the event is to raise awareness or the Air Ambulance Service in South Warwickshire, which is celebrating it's 10^th anniversary this year.

 

Other events we have been invited to are:

23^rd June - Cwm to Coast Run - Bridgend MG Owners Club

Contact: Diane on tel:  01656 77179001656 771790 or email: diane.bullock@hotmail.com

30^th June - Cotswold Caper - Gloucestershire MG Owners Club

Details at: http://www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper.htm

7^th July - MG Car Show at the National Brewery Centre in Burton on Trent - P and S C MG Owners Club

13^th-14^th July - 40^th Birthday Party at MGOC HQ Swavesey. MG displays will be held in the arena and big top marquee along with gymkhana and driving test events. The showground has ample parking and room for camping on Saturday night so why not bring your tent or camper van and stay for the weekend or stay locally in an hotel or B&B.

1^st September - Charity Road Run - Potteries and South Cheshire MG Owners Club

Contact: Bob Nason 01782 51504901782 515049, bobandmaggs@ntlworld.com or Dave Lovatt 01782 72350301782 723503, davidl@uwclub.net or look at their website: www.mgpotsches.org.uk

 

Other events of MG interest:

28^th July - MGCC Midland Centre Chairman's Picnic - Weston Park. There are special rates for entry for MG Drivers & Passengers. MGs will be parked on Temple Field, which is in close proximity to all our public attractions and facilities.

4^th August - MG Car Club Summer Sprint at Curborough

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May 2013 News Letter

Hello Everyone,   

This newsletter is a bit later than normal due to my holiday and the Heritage Run, anyone who went on the run should have by now received an email with the photo taken on the startline. If you were there and have not received the email please let me know, I sent out 140 emails and 24 were returned 'undeliverable', so the email address must have been entered incorrectly or there were 17 entrants who did not provide an email address.

I understand the May club night was again well attended with 45 people again signing in, which is great, all we need now is some fine evenings to enjoy our cars in the car park. The Heritage Run has been deemed a big success, we have received a large number of

emails of thanks/congratulations and I even received one from someone who lived on the route and enjoyed seeing the cars passing by!! The success of the run was no doubt helped by the fine weather, there was even sunshine for most of the day, many thanks to whoever  organised that. Talking of organisers we need to thank Allen Smith once again for his excellent handling of the event but there are a host of other people involved; Roger Jackson looks after the money but set the very scenic route. Lech checked the route, obtained the MSA Certificate of exemption and arranged the Police approvals. Fred Bury was again our Chief Marshall organising a band of volunteers to guide cars into Evesham Country Park, Shelsley Walsh and the car parking, also many thanks to that happy band of volunteers (the more there are the less they have to do). Richard Workman arranges the printing of all the documents (at a discounted cost) and sat all day on the startline taking photographs of every car. David Rayner persuaded all those people to donate things for the Free Prize Draw and made sure everyone had the chance to collect them on the day, he also acquired our major sponsor Carole Nash. Simon Bannister for his help in committee. Finally I guess I should mention myself for conducting the negotiations with Shelsley Walsh, designing the Route Book Front cover & Rally Plate, producing the hill run tickets and arranging the other sponsors. Phew, a lot of people and a lot of work, thanks to one and all.

As an added extra for our 21st run there was also a Free prize draw of 24 prizes. The following winners collected their prizes on the day: M Adams - Oxford, M Green - Solihull, S&J Weston - Bewdley, H Barber - Solihull, M Walker - West Midlands, H Easthil - Warks, P Dunn - Birmingham, S Johnson - Warks, A Bourne - Warks, B&H Motors - Birmingham, R Cook - Oxon, J Inness - Oxon, T Jackson - Birmingham, N Jones - Glous, P Griffs - Birmingham.

There are 4 un-claimed prizes, so if you have one of the following tickets; 34, 52, 109 or 169 please get in touch with us as soon as possible to claim your prize. Any un-claimed prizes after 19th June will be given to the Arden MG Club for use in future draws.

 

Re-run of the first Heritage Run, from Stratford-upon-Avon to Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon.

Before the actual Heritage Run we held our re-run of the first event, on the same date as the original Heritage Run, using the original route. 10 cars assembled at The MayBird Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon where we created a lot of interest lined up facing Greggs, many partook of the coffee and sausage rolls. It was a 38 miles run to The Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon where we were allowed to park on the grass in front of the museum and the sun shone for our picnics, another great day out.

Looking to the future we have a number of events planned for June starting with the postponed March Madness Run (now called Steve & Gaynor's Sunday Lunch Run) which is scheduled for 9^th June. This will be a 'Country Run' followed by Sunday Lunch. Starting at Golden Cross 9.30 - 9.45 - coffee stop (National Trust Property) and then two course Sunday Lunch with Tea/Coffee £12.95 per person. Approx 50 mile run through lovely scenery! Book at club night on Tuesday 4th June or email Steve Entwistle on enty7@gaynorheath.plus.com.

Next is the Quiz on Wheelz (sorry about the change in name but in order to obtain insurance from the MGOC there needs to be no suspicion of timing of the event and the old name is a potential problem) on Wednesday 12^th June. Starting from Rybrook MINI Stratford, Birmingham Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 0RN. This will be our traditional format of a route to follow and find the answer to clues on your run.  The answers to the clues will be visible on the road, however there may be a twist!  The finish will be at a pub 'somewhere near Stratford' where meals will be available.  The venue would like us to pre-order food, however they will accept payment on the night.  To book please contact Paul with your meals choices as required, on ardenmgclub@talktalk.net or 01789 261 81501789 261 815.

               On Wednesday 17^th July will be the MGCC Midland Centre 'Joint Natter' which will be held at The Farmers Arms, Birtsmorton (WR13 6AP). The landlady Julie has reserved the whole of the dining area for our use, and we should be able to use the field behind the pub (left at the fork towards Castlemorton) for additional parking if needed to avoid parking in the lane. The car park by the side of the pub has also recently been made bigger, so there should be no problems. Although a little on the small side, The Farmers Arms is a really lovely local pub with good beer and cheap, tasty food. We will meet at the Golden Cross to drive in convoy to the Birtsmorton Arms.

               Also in July is the Badsey Flower Show (Sands Lane, Badsey) which is a Country Summer Show, with highlights of this year show being; Sheepdog Skills Team, Dakota Fly Past, Exhibits, Licensed Bar and Band.  There are no costs involved, however cars need to arrive before 12.30 and leave around 5.00pm, please book with Steve Entwistle on club night or email enty7@gaynorheath.plus.com.

            In August we will have our now annual 'Show Night' on normal club night of 6^th August, this will be similar to last year with self-judging but with some different categories, watch this space and get those cars cleaned and polished.

The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) have asked us to work with them for an event set for 1^st September, the planning is at an early stage but we are looking to start at Alscot Park Garage (parking outside the house) with a scenic run to Henley-in-Arden, where we will have a dedicated parking area and an event in Henley. Again watch this space for more information next month but put the date in your diaries/calendars.

 

Other events we have been invited to are:

8^th June - Woodford Halse Classic vehicle rally and Country Fair in South Northants, including family fun, trade stalls, live music, BBQ, Real ale and bands PLUS a fly past of the RAF Memorial flight. Pre book for free admission, www.facebook.com/woodfordhalsecountryfair or email countryfair@talktalk.net

9^th June - Mountains & Valleys Run - Herefordshire MG Owners Club

Contact: Jo Slayman, Tel: 01544 318 61101544 318 611 E-mail: jemns@hotmail.com

23^rd June - Cwm to Coast Run - Bridgend MG Owners Club

Contact: Diane on tel:  01656 77179001656 771790 or email: diane.bullock@hotmail.com

30^th June - Cotswold Caper - Gloucestershire MG Owners Club

Details at: http://www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper.htm

7^th July - MG Car Show at the National Brewery Centre in Burton on Trent - P and S C MG Owners Club

13^th-14^th July - 40^th Birthday Party at MGOC HQ Swavesey. MG displays will be held in the arena and big top marquee along with gymkhana and driving test events. The showground has ample parking and room for camping on Saturday night so why not bring your tent or camper van and stay for the weekend or stay locally in an hotel or B&B.

1^st September - Charity Road Run - Potteries and South Cheshire MG Owners Club

Contact: Bob Nason 01782 51504901782 515049, bobandmaggs@ntlworld.com or Dave Lovatt 01782 72350301782 723503, davidl@uwclub.net or look at their website: www.mgpotsches.org.uk

Other events of MG interest:

15^th-16^th June - MG Live at Silverstone

28^th July - MGCC Midland Centre Chairman's Picnic - Weston Park. There are special rates for entry for MG Drivers & Passengers. MGs will be parked on Temple Field, which is in close proximity to all our public attractions and facilities.

4^th August - MG Car Club Summer Sprint at Curborough

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April 2013 News Letter

Hello Everyone,   

We had an excellent turnout for the April club night with 45 people signing in, it was good to see you all and hope that we get some nice evenings for future meetings when we can be outside looking at the cars as well. The March Madness Run had to be postponed due to the snow in the preceding days and a forecast of temperatures below zero, not conducive to taking any cars let alone MGs on to small country lanes. Steve & Gaynor did phone everyone on the Saturday to ask if they wanted to meet for the lunch and it was enjoyed by all who went. They have re-scheduled the run for Sunday 9^th June, so book this in your diary and if you were not able to go in March but would like to join in in June then let Steve& Gaynor or me know. 

There is still time to book for the Drive-it-Day run on 21^st April, as stated before we will assemble at the Golden Cross from 11.00am (for bacon rolls £2.50 & coffee £1.00). Richard Workman has again set an interesting route of approx 35 miles through the local country lanes (some of which I've not been down before!!) and his instructions contain lots of interesting facts about some of the places we pass on the run. The destination is the National Herb Centre in Warmington, near Banbury, where we will have a dedicated parking area and refreshments and lunch will be available to purchase in the Bistro Restaurant/Café. In addition to the extensive range of herb plants, trees, shrubs and roses they have nature trails and gardens which are free to explore. Guides for the trail are available to loan from the shop. On your return from the Herb Centre why not call in at the Heritage Motor Centre just down the B4100 in Gaydon where the FBHVC are staging a gathering for Classic Cars. Entry to the special parking area is free and there is a reduced museum entry price of £5/person for those arriving in a historic vehicle (over 20 years old). Please let me know if you are going to join us, so we can advise the venues of expected numbers.

On 2^nd May I will be doing a re-run of the 1^st Heritage Run, which will be on its 20^th anniversary. We will use the original route of 38 miles starting from the Maybird Centre in Stratford (assemble near to Greggs & The Big Fish Shop at 10.00am). The route takes us to the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, which is why our run is so named, as we visited there on the second day that it was open. I have reserved the grass area in front of the museum for us to park (which should be a good photo opportunity) and we will have the 'Club Rate' for entry of £8, however the toilets and café are available without charge for those not wishing to visit the museum. It might be worth considering paying the full entry price and Gift Aiding your entry which will give you free re-entry to the museum for the following 12 months. Again if you would like to join in please let me know so I can print sufficient route sheets.

I make no apology for reminding you of the 21^st Heritage Run on 19^th May and as this is a big anniversary for the run (it was originally thought it would only happen for maybe 10 years) we are putting extra effort into making it a special day. Any enthusiast should be eager to drive up the famous Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb, following in the footsteps of drivers like Raymond Mays & Sterling Moss, if that is not enough we have a free prize draw with some great prizes ranging from an MG6 for a week-end to meal vouchers for the Golden Cross & Evesham Country Park. There are over 20 prizes, see the full list on the website. The watermill will be open, as will the MAC archive and you can check the Arden MG Clubs 'Squares of Tarmac' purchased in 2004 when the lease for the site was due for renewal and the MAC were fund raising to keep the site intact. We have 3 Sponsors who will all be present on the day, Carole Nash Insurance will be offering quotations for your MG, MG Motor UK will be displaying their latest cars and Alscot Park Garage will have some interesting cars to view. The restaurant will also be open for refreshments and meals. An event not to be missed - if you have not sent your entry in yet, please do so as soon as you can. Application forms are available to download from the club website: (http://www.ardenmgclub.co.uk/PDF%20Files/Heritage_Run_2013_Application.pdf) or from Allen Smith, 01789 488 28001789 488 280.

12^th June will be the Treasure Hunt and details will be available soon but will start close to Stratford from 6.30 and food will be available at the finish.

I have been asked to sigh an e-petition to raise a discussion in Parliment to save Mallory Park Race Circuit from developers.  They need to achieve 100,000 signitures to trigger the debate.  Please add your name at:

https://submissions.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/46739

Other events we have been invited to are:

5^th & 6^th May - Stratford Festival of Motoring. We have been offered a display area for up to 12 cars in Town Square in exchange for ~6 volunteers each day to marshal the event from 11.00am to 4.00pm. They are also offering a refreshment voucher to each marshal. I need to know as soon as possible if anyone is interested in marshalling, so I can make a booking with the organisers.

9^th June - Mountains & Valleys Run - Herefordshire MG Owners Club

Contact: Jo Slayman, Tel: 01544 318 61101544 318 611 E-mail: jemns@hotmail.com

23^rd June - Cwm to Coast Run - Bridgend MG Owners Club

Contact: Diane on tel:  01656 77179001656 771790 or email: diane.bullock@hotmail.com

30^th June - Cotswold Caper - Gloucestershire MG Owners Club

Details at: http://www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper.htm

7^th July - MG Car Show at the National Brewery Centre in Burton on Trent - P and S C MG Owners Club

28^th July - MGCC Midland Centre Chairman's Picnic - Weston Park

1^st September - Charity Road Run - Potteries and South Cheshire MG Owners Club

Contact: Bob Nason 01782 51504901782 515049, bobandmaggs@ntlworld.com or Dave Lovatt 01782 72350301782 723503, davidl@uwclub.net or look at their website: www.mgpotsches.org.uk

Other events of MG interest:

7^th April - MG Car Club Spring Sprint at Curborough

13^th April - Pride of Longbridge Rally

10^th-12^th May - MGCC Midland Centre 80^th Anniversary Rally to Buxton

15^th-16^th June - MG Live at Silverstone

13^th -14^th July - MGOC 40^th Birthday Party - MGOC HQ Swavesey

4^th August - MG Car Club Summer Sprint at Curborough

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March 2013 News Letter

Hello Everyone,    

Sorry for this news letter being a little later than normal but I have to try and fit my holidays in sometime! The first thing to say is about the change to the club website domain name, which will now be www.ardenmgclub.co.uk please change any 'bookmarks' or 'favourites' that you have saved to this address. This change has resulted in the photos not being visible on the site and the pdfs not being downloadable, however this has now been resolved and normal service resumed, thanks to those people who advised me of the problem.

The Skittles Night went well despite the 'skittle boy/girl' being ill, fortunately we had two young players who stepped in and helped all evening, thanks to Emily & Amailly. I hope everyone enjoyed the lasagne. It would be remiss of me not to post the results, starting with the 'Boys' v 'Girls' where the Boys won by a clear margin. We had a clear winner for the Men with Alan Cleobury scoring 23 points but the ladies needed a 'play-off', with both Judy Smith & Phillipa Godfrey tying on 18 points, Phillipa emerging the winner of the 'play-off'. The final game was 'Killer' which was won by Caroline (no favouritism there!). This year there was a fight for the 'Wooden Spoon' with three players on 5 points but it was awarded to Diane Rayner, having fallen from grace as last year's champion.

Club night in March was a very enjoyable talk from Bill Leech about the Air Ambulance Service, who had become a fund raiser after needing their services. The statistics are amazing, averaging 6 missions a day through the year and they only run in daylight. They would much prefer to operate as a charity without Government interference, so keep making those donations. We raised £56 with the raffle which was given to Bill on the night.

Into April don't forget the MGCC Midland Centre Sprint at Curborough on the 7^th April, good to spectate or you could always get involved and help marshalling, let me know if you are interested.

Later in April is the FBHVC National 'Drive-it-Day' on the 21^st, which is a great chance to get the car out and show these cars are cherished and used. We will stick to the tried and tested format of Bacon Rolls & Coffee at The Golden Cross at 11.00am followed with a scenic run, this year finishing at The National Herb Centre near Warmington, Banbury, where refreshments will be available for purchase. There are a number of set walks that can be done in the grounds of the centre, along with the vast selection of herbs to view and buy, stock your gardens ready for the summer. Please let me know if you are going to join us, so we can advise the venues of expected numbers.

I have had a few people register to join me on my re-run of the 1^st Heritage Run, starting in Stratford-upon-Avon and finishing at the Heritage Motor Centre, which will have been open for 20 years on the 1^st May. The first Heritage Run took place on the second day the Museum was open, hence the name. Please let me know if you would also like to join me, so that I can produce the required number of route books, the route will be that of the first run.

The 21^st Heritage Run will be on the 19^th May, starting at Evesham Country Park, where the restaurant will be open early for bacon butties. After the 50 miles scenic run we will finish with a drive up the famous Shelsley Walsh Speed Hill Climb (included in the price of the run). Other attractions at Shelsley Walsh along with the Water Mill will be car displays from MG Motors and Alscott Park Garage. Carol Nash Insurance will be attending and offering insurance quotations for your Classic MG.

Application forms are now available to download from the club website (http://www.ardenmgclub.co.uk/PDF%20Files/Heritage_Run_2013_Application.pdf) or from Allen Smith, 01789 488 28001789 488 280.  

Looking further ahead we have a date for the Treasure Hunt which will be the 12^th June, a booking form will be available soon.

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February 2013 News Letter

Hello Everyone,    

The February Club Night was our AGM and the minutes for the meeting can be seen on the club website, so I won't repeat them here except to say that we managed to get through all the business in 11 minutes and there is no change in the club officials. Thanks to all who attended.

Our next event will be the Skittles Night to be held at The Snitterfield Sports Club (on the Wolverton Road, CV37 0HB) on Friday 1^st March. Doors are open from 19.00 and we will start skittling at 19.30 sharp. The cost is £9 per person which includes a hot supper (Lasgne, garlic bread & jacket potatoes and dessert), there are still places left if you would like to join in, send your booking to me with a cheque made payable to Arden MG Club.

There will be another Spring Lunch Run, titled; 'March Motoring Fun Day' on Sunday 24^th March, starting from The Golden Cross at 10.00am. The run will be approx 60 miles but will have a coffee stop part way (bring your National Trust card) to end with a lovely Sunday Lunch. This is being organised by Steve & Gaynor Entwhistle and bookings can be made with them or via Alan Cleobury. There is an entry fee of £2 (to cover the cost of car parking at the coffee stop) and they would like a £5 per car deposit per car for the lunch. The destinations are to be a surprise (but only to you, Steve & Gaynor do know where they are going!).

Also on Sunday 24^th is the MGCC Spring Trial at Lintridge Farm, if you would prefer a day of 'motor sport' this could be for you. You can participate (it is a non-damaging Production Car Trial), spectate or marshal, for further information contact Lech or Brian Osborn (0121 445 48890121 445 4889 ).

Into April we have the MGCC Spring Sprint on the 7^th, which is another chance for local motor sport. This is held at the Curborough Sprint Track just south of Lichfield, again spectators & marshalls are always welcome, participating is a little more difficult as a competition licence and equipment are required. More information from Lech or Brian.

Later in April is the FBHVC National 'Drive-it-Day' on the 21^st, which is a great chance to get the car out and show these cars are cherished and used. We will stick to the tried and tested format of Bacon Rolls & Coffee at The Golden Cross at 11.00am followed with a scenic run, this year finishing at The National Herb Centre near Warmington, Banbury, where refreshments will be available for purchase. There are a number of set walks that can be done in the grounds of the centre, along with the vast selection of herbs to view and buy, stock your gardens ready for the summer. Please let me know if you are going to join us, so we can advise the venues of expected numbers.

The 21^st Heritage Run will be on the 19^th May, starting at the Evesham Country Park, where the restaurant will be open early for bacon butties. After the 50 miles scenic run we will finish with a drive up the famous Shelsley Walsh Speed Hill Climb (included in the price of the run). Other attractions at Shelsley Walsh along with the Water Mill will be car displays from MG Motors and Alscott Park Garage. Carol Nash Insurance will be attending and offering insurance quotations for your Classic MG.

Application forms are now available to download from the club website (http://www.ardenmgclub.co.uk/PDF%20Files/Heritage_Run_2013_Application.pdf) or from Allen Smith, 01789 488 28001789 488 280.  

To celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the opening of the Heritage Motor Centre I'm planning to re-run the 1^st Heritage run which started in Stratford and finished at the museum, hence the name of Heritage Run. This will be on 2^nd May which is 20 years to the day that the 1^st run was held and is the day after the museum celebrates it's 20^th birthday. If you would like to join me please let me know so I can produce sufficient route sheets, please note it is a Thursday.

Looking further ahead we have a date for the Treasure Hunt which will be the 12^th June, a booking form will be available soon.

I have been advised about lots of MG runs from other MG clubs as follows:

22^nd - 24^th February - Race Retro at Stoneleigh

23^rd February - Snowdrop Run - Cambridge & District MG Owners Club

Entry forms available at: http://www.cambsmgoc.co.uk/snowdroprun/index.asp

9^th June - Mountains & Valleys Run - Herefordshire MG Owners Club

Contact: Jo Slayman, JEMNS Cottage, DILWYN, Herefordshire HR4 8JW

Tel: 01544 318 61101544 318 611 E-mail: jemns@hotmail.com

23^rd June - Cwm to Coast Run - Bridgend MG Owners Club

Contact: Diane on tel:  01656 77179001656 771790 or email: diane.bullock@hotmail.com

30^th June - Cotswold Caper - Gloucestershire MG Owners Club

Details at: http://www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper.htm

7^th July - MG Car Show at the National Brewery Centre in Burton on Trent - Potteries and South Cheshire MG Owners Club

1^st September - Charity Road Run - Potteries and South Cheshire MG Owners Club

Contact: Bob Nason 01782 51504901782 515049, bobandmaggs@ntlworld.com or Dave Lovatt 01782 72350301782 723503, davidl@uwclub.net or look at their website: www.mgpotsches.org.uk

Other events of MG interest:

7^th April - MG Car Club Spring Sprint at Curborough

13^th April - Pride of Longbridge Rally

10^th-12^th May - MGCC Midland Centre 80^th Anniversary Rally to Buxton

15^th-16^th June - MG Live at Silverstone

4^th August - MG Car Club Summer Sprint at Curborough

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January 2013 News Letter

Hello Everyone,    

Can I wish you all a Very Happy and Healthy New Year. New Year's Day started well with lots of cars taking part in the Chilly Willy Run. Bacon rolls and coffee were enjoyed at the Cross before the drive through the Worcestershire countryside to arrive at 'The Holt Fleet' in good time for lunch. With the additional cars that joined us at the Holt Fleet there were over 20 cars involved, approx three quarters were MGs. I hope everyone had a good day enjoying the sunshine, as we were blessed with a very fine day.

As the January meeting was New Year's Day, the AGM has been delayed until the February meeting but don't worry it will be short enough not to disturb the evenings chatting. If anyone would like to volunteer for a club post or have any item to discuss please let me know before the meeting.

There are no club events planned for February but into March I have booked a 'Skittles Night' on 1^st March at the Snitterfield Sports Club on the Wolverton Road in Snitterfield. We will start skittling at 7.30pm but the club is open from 7 and the cost will be £9.00 to include a hot supper. Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to attend as we need at least 15 people to ensure the event goes ahead. Confirm bookings to me, cheques payable to 'Arden MG Club' or see me at the February club night.

I hope you have all noted 'Drive it Day' in your diaries as Sunday 21^st April, there will be a club run starting at 'The Golden Cross' to a new destination, which I hope will be finalised by the next meeting.

May brings us to the Club's annual 'Heritage Run' and as I have already mentioned (and will do many times yet) this will be the 21^st run and will be on the 19^th May finishing at the Shelsley Walsh Speed Hillclimb, don't miss the chance to drive up this famous motorsport venue. We are planning other attractions for the day with a free raffle and I have just been advised that MG Motors will have a presence, watch this space for further details. Application forms are now available to download from the club website (http://www.ardenmgownersclub.com/PDF%20Files/Heritage_Run_2013_Application.pdf) or from Allen Smith, 01789 488 28001789 488 280.  As this is the 21^st Heritage Run it means that the Heritage Motor Centre opened 20 years ago this year (it opened on the 1^st May 1993) therefore to celebrate the 1^st Heritage Run I'm planning to re-run it on the 20^th birthday (2^nd May) using the original route book, if anyone would like to join me on the drive (remember it is a Thursday) please let me know.

Looking further ahead we have a date for the Treasure Hunt which will be the 12^th June, a booking form will be available soon.

I have been advised about lots of MG runs from other MG clubs as follows:

17^th February - MG Show and Spares Day at Stoneleigh

22^nd - 24^th February - Race Retro at Stoneleigh

23^rd February - Snowdrop Run - Cambridge & District MG Owners Club

Entry forms available at: http://www.cambsmgoc.co.uk/snowdroprun/index.asp

9^th June - Mountains & Valleys Run - Herefordshire MG Owners Club

Contact: Jo Slayman, JEMNS Cottage, DILWYN, Herefordshire HR4 8JW

Tel: 01544 318 61101544 318 611 E-mail: jemns@hotmail.com

23^rd June - Cwm to Coast Run - Bridgend MG Owners Club

Contact: Diane on tel:  01656 77179001656 771790 or email: diane.bullock@hotmail.com

30^th June - Cotswold Caper - Gloucestershire MG Owners Club

Details at: http://www.glosmgoc.co.uk/caper.htm

7^th July - MG Car Show at the National Brewery Centre in Burton on Trent - Potteries and South Cheshire MG Owners Club

1^st September - Charity Road Run - Potteries and South Cheshire MG Owners Club

Contact: Bob Nason 01782 51504901782 515049, bobandmaggs@ntlworld.com or Dave Lovatt 01782 72350301782 723503, davidl@uwclub.net or look at their website: www.mgpotsches.org.uk

Other events of MG interest:

7^th April - MG Car Club Spring Sprint at Curborough

13^th April - Pride of Longbridge Rally

10^th-12^th May - MGCC Midland Centre 80^th Anniversary Rally to Buxton

15^th-16^th June - MG Live at Silverstone

4^th August - MG Car Club Summer Sprint at Curborough

Please remember to check the 'For Sale' area on the website, I have added several new items recently. I am also still looking for volunteers to be 'Profiled' for inclusion in future newsletters, if you are interested in being included please talk to me at a club night, it is very easy you don't need to be an author. We have still got the MGB Manual in SpineLess Classic form to use and suggestions would still be welcome.

Lastly I have been asked to promote a charity rebuild of an MGB Roadster in aid of help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion details on their website: www.charitybuild.co.uk .

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December 2012 News Letter

Hello Everyone,    

Yet again we had a great evening for the annual Xmas Meal at the Golden Cross and Debbie did us proud with the decoration of the restaurant and a fine meal. Our thanks must go to Roger Jackson for organising the raffle in which everyone received a prize, well done Roger, thanks very much. There was also the Xmas quiz that was shorter and easier this year with only 20 questions, featuring Christmas, General Knowledge and Cars. Most tables did well but there was a tie for the top spot with David Rayner's table and Doug Freeman's table, both with 19 points, however Doug was closest on the tie breaker, so won the After Eight Mints. Doug's table would have won the prize for the best dressed (if we had one)!

Our next event to start the New Year off will be the Chilly Willy Run on New Year's Day. We will meet at The Golden Cross at 11.00 (where bacon rolls £2.50 and coffee £1.00 will be available), aiming to leave around 11.30/11.45 for a scenic run through the lanes with great views of the Malverns, weather permitting, however there will be an alternative route available using gritted roads if required. The run will finish at the Holt Fleet in Holt Heath, near Ombersley, overlooking the River Severn. Lunch will be available at The Holt Fleet , they have a 'Lite Bites' menu with everything under £10 and a Table D'hote menu (1 course £8, 2 courses £11 and 3 courses £13) and if we have sufficient numbers they will reserve an area of the lounge with great views over the Severn. If you are interested in coming on the run, please let me know as soon as possible, so I can let the two venues know the possible numbers to cater for (we appreciate last minute changes will mean some people will not be able to make it but I would like to have an idea of numbers). Also remember that your MG is most welcome but this time of year is not essential.

The evening of New Year's Day will be our first club night of the year, I will be at the Cross as usual but as it is the last day of the festive holiday I don't expect a large crowd, so I have postponed the AGM till the February meeting (5^th). I will keep the AGM as short as possible but if anyone would like to offer themselves for a post or raise any other matter please let me know.

Looking forward to next year I hope you have all noted the date for the 21^st Heritage Run, 19^th May. We are planning to make this a special event and have booked Shelsley Walsh Speed Hill Climb as the final venue and every entrant will get a drive up the hill. We also hope to have some other attractions on the day, I will keep you informed as the planning progresses. For the start venue we are using the ever popular Evesham Country Park.  Application forms are now available to download from the club website (www.ardenmgclub.co.uk) or from Allen Smith, 01789 488 28001789 488 280.

Other events for 2013 are being planned but don't forget we will be organising a run for FBHVC 'Drive It Day', which will be 21^st April.

Suggestions for the 'SpineLess Classics' MGB Haynes Manual and volunteers for the 'Member Profiles' are still welcome

Can I wish one and all of you a Very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you and your MG next year.

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November 2012 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

I hope the 39 people who attended the last meeting enjoyed the short illustrated talk given by Brian Moylan, covering the history of MG cars and what it was like to work in the Abingdon factory. He started with the early days in Oxford, the move to Abingdon, activities during the war years, the competitions department and finishing with the 50^th anniversary celebrations after which the closure was announced. There were lots of interesting old photos showing all aspects of MGs and the Abingdon factory.

The December meeting will be our annual Xmas Meal and I have now received 47 bookings which means the restaurant is now full. For those attending we will assemble from 7pm ready to sit down at 7.30.

Before the January meeting we have the 'Chilly Willy Run' on 1^st January to start the year off. It will start at the Golden Cross for coffee (£1) and Bacon Butties (£2.50) leaving around 11.30/11.45 for a scenic run of approx 25 miles to finishing at The Holt Fleet in Holt Heath near Ombersley. This is a wonderful riverside pub overlooking the Severn and meals will be available to those who wish to dine, they have a 'Lite Bites' menu with everything under £10 and a Table D'hote menu (1 course £8, 2 courses £11 and 3 courses £13). It would be a good opportunity to get your MG out for the start of the year but MGs are not obligatory. Please let me know if you are planning to join us so I can advise the venues for catering.

The evening of the 1^st is also our club night. I will be at the Cross as usual if anyone wants to join me, however I don't expect a large turnout so I have postponed the AGM until the February meeting.

The Heritage Run in 2013 will be our 21^st and so we are planning to make it special to celebrate this anniversary, therefore for the first time we are going to repeat a venue and are going back to Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb. The entry cost will include a non-competitive run up the Hill and subject to numbers extra runs can be purchased on the day. The run will be on 19^th May 2013, so put this on the calendar now.

Other dates for this month:

Sunday 16^th December 'Holly Run' organised by the Morgan Three Wheeler Club but we are invited via the MG Car Club Midland Centre. Starts at 10.00 am at the Cookley Arms in Cookley (just outside Kidderminster - DY10 3RX) and is usually a treasure hunt around the lanes returning back to the Cookley Arms for lunch (please book a table) or just a drink. No entry fee but no prizes.

Friday 28^th Midday gathering and walk on Kinver Edge with the MGCC Midland Centre. This is usually a walk over the hills with stops for coffee and lunch (if required). I have done this the last few years and had a good day out, to walk off the Xmas excesses!

Another date to put on your calendar for next year is 21^st April, which is the FBHVC 'Drive it Day' and I'm sure we will organise a run on this day.

At the October meeting some of you may have seen the large poster which is the whole Haynes Manual for the MGB printed onto an A0 size (1189x841mm) poster. This has been donated to the club and we should use it to get the best result for the club.  We considered putting into a raffle but it is not the sort of thing everyone would be able to accommodate. Is anyone interested in having the poster and making a donation to the club funds or have any suggestions of how we could use it to best effect for the club. We have considered putting it on ebay but as it was a donation to the club we are reluctant do this.

I'm still looking for volunteers to be included on the Club profiles. You can write this yourself or fill in the questionnaire (either paper or electronic) and I can write the story, along with a photo of you and your car. It's great to read about what cars members have and how they come to be involved with MGs and the Arden MG Club, just contact me and I will send a copy of the questionnaire.

We have been donated a new unused hand brake cable for a 'Rubber Bumper' (1974 to 1980) MGB, if you are interested in this item, all we need is a donation to club funds. Please let me know.

I still have the parts Bill Belcher has offered for sale from his 'Garage Clearance' with all proceeds going to club funds, thanks Bill. He suggests we make a donation for any item that is of interest to you. There are a number of items left, so if you are interested in any of these items let me know and I will bring to the club night.

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October 2012 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

What a great day we had at Alscott Park Garage (and we even got a mention in the Stratford Herald). The sunny weather no doubt helped but there was a great display of over 22 cars (not all MGs, with invited customers & guests). Everyone got a chance to talk to the garage staff to raise issues for consideration and Alan even got them to look under his bonnet (did they solve the problem Alan?).

After the coffee and biscuits we paraded onto the drive of the house (collecting a 'GingerTom' branded mug) for the photo shoot which was very impressive.

I hope those who braved the weather for the MGB50 Party at Blenheim Palace managed to enjoy the day despite the rain! Can I pass my congratulations to Steve Johnson who continued his winning streak from our Show Night to be awarded a prize in the 'Non MGB' category of the 'Self-Judging Concourse' competition, well done.

Last month Lech and I managed to get to Nuffield Place (the former home of William Morris, the founder of Morris Motors and therefore MG) to present the donation from the Heritage Run. Each year any surplus money from the Heritage Run is donated to local charities or motoring related ones and this year we have supported the campaign to improve Nuffield Place, which is now under the guardianship of the National Trust. We were able to look around the house and although not grand, is very interesting, well worth a visit. It might be worth putting on the list for a club visit.

For next month's meeting we have confirmation that Brian Moylan will be with us to give a talk. Brian is an ex-MG employee having spent 22 years in the 'comps' department which prepared the rally winning Minis, Big Healeys, TR7s and others. Since then he has written 3 books and has been involved in the setting-up of the MG Museum in Abingdon. I'm looking forward to a very interesting evening.

The December Club Night will be our Xmas Meal, the booking form is now available on our website but if you have any problems accessing it please let me know. This year the cost is £19 for 2 courses & £22 for 3 courses, which includes coffee (or tea) and an entry into the raffle. We have booked the whole of the Golden Cross but seating in the restaurant will be for the first bookings received.

Planning has started for next year's Heritage Run, which will be the 21^st run, so we are looking to make it an even more special event and details will be released soon.

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September  2012 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

Again my apologies for not being at the September meeting, we headed for the sun although we were away from home for what appears to have been one of the best week-ends of the 'summer'.

I have already sent an e-mail regarding the proposed run to The MGB50 Party at Blenheim Palace but several people discussed this at the meeting and decided the logistics of getting to Blenheim at the prescribed time meant an organised run would not be practical, therefore there will not be a 'Club Run' down to Blenheim. I'm sorry if anyone was looking forward to a run but I hope you enjoy the 'Party' anyway.  

A further thought on MGB50 is this e-mail I received:

 "Most of you will not be aware that Peter Ebdon, Chairman of the MGCC Tyne-Tees Centre, was recently diagnosed with lung cancer, which came as a shock for various reasons, but mainly because he doesn't smoke! For those of you who don't know him, Peter was instrumental in setting up the new Club clothing purchase arrangements and has been involved with the MGB50 organisation - the MGB in the official logo is actually his MGC with the bonnet bulge removed!

As a result, he is hoping to raise money for the MacMillan Cancer Support charity at the MGB50 event at Blenheim Palace on September 23^rd.

If you are going to that event, and see anything relating to the charity, please be generous. Let's face it, none of us know when we might be glad of their help.

Alternatively, if you feel inclined to donate via the internet, there is a special website for the purpose. Go to -

http://www.justgiving.com/300milestoBlenheim". What more can I say.

The Pershore Plum Festival went well with 7 cars meeting at the Cross for the convoy to Pershore, we missed our 'normal' spot but parked with the Abbey as a backdrop. The weather was not looking favourable but on the day the rain held off until the end of the day (I was home before it started and put the roof down for the return journey). The space we were allocated has now been turned over to MG clubs only and they provided an impressive display.

Those of you who are members of the MG Owners Club will be able to read Graham Robson's amusing report on this year's Heritage Run, I especially like the captions to the photos, well done Graham.

Andy Robson (secretary of the MGCC Midland Centre) has sent me a link to an 'e petition' about the impending changes to MoT Testing, which is recommending that historic vehicles should be to the original factory specification (i.e. no modifications at all, even if safety related!). This petition is to prevent this recommendation being accepted and I urge everyone to log into the website and 'sign' this petition. Please follow this link:

http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgbbs&exiturl=http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/37784

We now have some further details for the club visit to Alscott Park Garage on Saturday 29^th Sept (10am till 1pm):

Location: 2 miles south of Stratford upon Avon on the Shipston Road; long wall surrounding the Estate on the right; ignore the first gate [which is permanently closed anyway] and take the second. As you go through it and across the cattle grid you will immediately see a cricket ground on your left. Proceed down the tarmac approach road to the metal gate; wait for it to open automatically - you don't have to activate it yourself.

Continue straight ahead for about 100 metres. The garage is the last unit on the right, in the 2 o'oclock position as you look at the yard. Please park where you can but to allow circulation of traffic. Beware horses!

What's on offer? Opportunity to see the facilities and meet the staff of this traditional garage which specialises in classic car restoration, repair and maintenance. Several MG owners are customers. You will also have a chance to get up close and personal with a full race Aston-Martin DB2, an MGB bodyshell in the process of being prepared to international classic race spec, a Porsche 928 racer, a concours standard Triumph TR5, an MG TC and TD (and our MGA of course). And then there's all the great MGs that the visitors bring.

Refreshments will be served throughout the morning and there's the chance to get the boys in the workshop or bodyshop to advise about any niggling problems that you have with your MG. If it's something simple, and there not too much of a queue, they might be able to fix it there and then. If not, at least you can get some guidance and a better idea of what's involved.

At some point we are hoping to do a group photo in front of the impressive Alscot Hall, which we will submit to both MG Club magazines. The Stratford Herald has expressed an interest in attending and I have offered to arrange owner interviews, so I'll be looking for volunteers!

I have the list started by Alan at the last meeting but if you would like to attend can you please let me know (either by e-mail ardenmgclub@talktalk.net or phone 01789 261 81501789 261 815), so they can arrange the correct catering. It promises to be a good event.

On the 30^th September is the MGCC Production Car Trial at Burton Dassett, which is a great location with views over the surrounding countryside. They usually start around 9.30 and run through the afternoon, it is worth a trip out to spectate or it is probably not too late to volunteer as a marshal (experience not  necessary).

For the November club night (6^th) I have arranged another talk and have invited Brian Moylan to come along. Brian joined MG after National Service, then moved on to the BMC Competitions Department where he would spend 22 years (from 1955 to 1979) preparing competition cars and travelling the world to provide service support during the great international rallies. During Brian's time with 'Comps' Big Healeys, Minis and TR7s were amongst the front runners on the world rally scene. He is now a leading light in the establishment of the MG Museum in Abingdon. His talk should be a very interesting one, don't miss it.

An early reminder that the December club night (4^th), will be our Xmas Meal and I will be taking bookings very soon.

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August 2012 News Letter

Hello Everyone,

What did you all think about the show night? I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and thought it went very well, even the rain stayed away until the journey home. There was an excellent turnout considering the weather, at 5pm it poured with rain in Stratford and I was thinking it would be good to get 20 cars in the orchard car park but to see the car park full again was great, well done everyone. There was also 4 new members, welcome to you and hope to see you again soon. MG Motors brought  2 MG6s and David & Simon spent all evening talking to everyone about the new cars, the BTCC replica looked good. You can keep up-to-date with MG Motors by clicking 'Like' on their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/#!/MGSalesCentre), you can scroll down to 8^th August and see the entry about the show night and add a comment.

The winners on the night were:

Steve Johnson 1^st MGA,
Roger Brookes 2^nd MGB,
Mike Brown 3^rd MG YT,

Drive it like you stole it: Simon Bannister - MG TF
Landlords Choice: Tony Wright - MG Metro Turbo
Best Modern MG: Alan Ferguson - MGF VVC

Three cars met and travelled over to Buckbury to The Hunters Inn for the MGCC Joint Natter, which I'm told was a good evening with only a little rain. Steve Entwhistle reported that the Badsey Show went well, thanks to those who took their cars. The MGCC Chairman's Picnic at the Shelsley Walsh Classic Nostalgia Week-end was well attended with 8 cars meeting in Martley to run into the car park where we were joined by a further 2 cars. It was a great day of racing up the hill with some impressive cars and some of us in MGBs were selected to do a convoy run up the hill during the lunch break (I even got to the top this time!!), great fun.

Our next event is the Pershore Plum Festival and for those booked in we will have our usual convoy run from The Golden Cross. Please be there at 9.15 so we can leave before 9.30.

It was decided that an early start was needed for the run down to Blenheim Palace for the MGB50 party, so please be at The Golden Cross in good time to depart at 9am.

The visit to Alscott Garage has now been confirmed for the 29^th September. The garage will be open house from 10am til 1pm, they hope to have a selection of interesting cars on display as well as an opportunity to view their premises and inspect a few cars up on the ramps. They will also provide light refreshments and it looks like the House will be open for us to view. Please let me know by e-mail or Alan Cleobury at the September meeting if you are planning to attend to ensure we have the correct catering.

The day after this visit is the MGCC PCT (Production Car Trial) at Burton Dassett, which is a great location. The PCT involves standard production cars driving up a grass hill side around obstacles to achieve the lowest score by getting higher up the hill. It is worth a trip to view these cars (Fred Bury will be there competing) or you could volunteer to help by marshalling, no previous experience is necessary as instructions will be given and it's a great day out in the countryside. I'm sure Lech will be looking for volunteers at the next meeting.

For the November club night (6^th) I have arranged another talk and have invited Brian Moylan to come along. Brian joined MG after National Service, then moved on to the BMC Competitions Department where he would spend 22 years (from 1955 to 1979) preparing competition cars and travelling the world to provide service support during the great international rallies. During Brian's time with 'Comps' Big Healeys, Minis and TR7s were amongst the front runners on the world rally scene. He is now a leading light in the establishment of the MG Museum in Abingdon. His talk should be a very interesting one, don't miss it.

I keep being advised of MG cars for sale, so I will add a page to our website to add future cars. I was advised of an MGTD (1953 version) and an MG Midget (S reg), if you would like further details check the website or contact me.

Talking of the website I will also add a page to include the certificates etc of donations the club has made from the Heritage Run Funds.

 

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July 2012 News Letter

The Treasure Hunt was enjoyed by 11 teams who braved the weather in what was actually a dry evening. After an 18 mile trundle through the lanes we finished at the Golden Cross where dinner was enjoyed. The scores this year were very good with everybody scoring more than 60% and the top three only being separated by 3 points. The highest score of 103 (out of 110) was by the team of Alan Carter, well done and Alan has kindly agreed to run the 'Hunt' next year, watch this space.

The next event is the MG Car Club Midland Centre Chairman's picnic which is being held in connection with the 'Classic Nostalgia' week-end at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb (further details of this are available at: http://www.shelsley-walsh.co.uk/events/content.asp?ms=21&ei=132 ). The MGCC will have their own dedicated parking area, however to ensure we can all park together I'm proposing to meet at Martley Memorial Hall at 10.30 to leave at 10.45 to drive in convoy into Shelsley Walsh. The Hall is on the B4197 just South of the village centre, see map below. Please let me know if you plan to meet me there. Remember the special offer with Sports and Classic Magazine to get entry for 2 for the price of 1 by showing the August edition at the gate.

Badsey Flower Show is on Saturday 21^st July and they have an added attraction that Linda Bellingham (of TV fame) will be opening the show and doing some cooking presentations. They would like to have some of our MGs on show. If you are interested in going please contact Steve & Gaynor Entwhistle on 01386 832 33901386 832 339, it should be a good day.

The August club night (7^th) will again be our 'Show Night', which went down very well last year and I'm hoping for the same weather again this year. It will be the same format as last year with self-judging in 2 categories: a) Your favourite Car of the night and b) The Car you would most like to steal (for a one night stand!). This year we have the addition of a Trophy (a very detailed model of an MGB) for the winner of category a), to go with the other prizes. Get polishing and see you then.

We will be attending the Brailes Show on Saturday 11^th August, please let Alan Cleobury know if you would like to join the Arden Club display. This is always a well-attended show with lots going on.

On August Bank Holiday Monday 27^th we will again be going to the Pershore Plum Festival to join in their classic car show.  Alan hopes to have the application forms by the next club night, so keep the day free in your diary.

We have had an invitation for an 'open day' at Alscott Garage, which is in Alscott Park. This would involve visiting the Garage where they will have a display of interesting cars but also offer the opportunity to put some members cars up on the ramps for all to have a good inspection with the garage engineer. They will also provide some light refreshments. The general concensus at the club night was that we should hold this on a Saturday morning and I'm trying to arrange a date for the end of September early October.

Some other events the club have been invited to are:

19^th August -  The MG Octagon Club are running the 'MG Day at Middleton Hall'. The event is run in conjunction with the Peel Society and there will be an exhibition about Sir Robert Peel who was twice Prime Minister and founder of the Police Force. There will be guided tours of the buildings, the Amington Brass Band will be playing and the RSPB Reserve will be open to walk round. If anyone is interested I can e-mail the application form, looks like an interesting event.

19th August - MGCC Lincolnshire Centre, Lincolnshire Poacher Concours Show 2012, to be held at the Bubble Car Museum, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE22 7AW.  Full details together with downloadable entry forms are available on the MG Car Club Lincolnshire Centre website www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk or contact Vicki and Geoff on 01205 87197301205 871973.

We have been donated a new unused hand brake cable for a 'Rubber Bumper' (1974 to 1980) MGB, if you are interested in this item, all we need is a donation to club funds. Please let me know.

I still have the parts Bill Belcher has offered for sale from his 'Garage Clearance' with all proceeds going to club funds, thanks Bill. He suggests we make a donation for any item that is of interest to you. There are a number of items left, so if you are interested in any of these items let me know and I will bring to the club night.

 June 2012 News Letter

We have now got our first overseas member. Julian & Veronica Stapley have recently visited Alcester, South Dakota, USA and met the Mayor who is the proud owner of a 1970's MGB. The Mayor of Alcester, Warwickshire, UK is keen to strengthen ties with the US Alcester and they have asked if Peter Larsen (the Mayor of Alcester, USA) can become an honorary member of the Arden MG Club, which we are pleased to do, welcome Peter and we hope you will be able to join us on a club night at the Golden Cross.

All those who came on the Heritage Run will know what a wonderful day we all had and the weather was finally kind to us with warm sunshine through the day. Allen has asked me to include the following in this month's newsletter:

Heritage Run 2012

I think this year's Heritage Run can be counted as a success. The weather helped and I hope I can find the person who arranged it for future consultation. 141 cars were entered for the Run and 133 cars were signed in. That meant there were 8 no-shows and 2 of those we knew about before the day. This must be a record low for no-shows.

To organise a successful Run like this takes quite a bit of effort and for that we have to thank the members of the Heritage Run committee: - Lech who planned the route; Richard for the photocopying and proving the route; Paul for the photography and organising the plaques and front cover to the route book; Fred for organising the final venue, Ragley Hall, and on the day zealously guarding the prime parking space that had been allocated to the Heritage Run; and Roger for looking after the money side. Thanks must also go to the marshals; Lech and John at the start; Simon, David and Diane helping Fred at the finish; and not forgetting the Rally Control ladies, Pam and Judi.

I have received many e-mails, phone calls and letters thanking us for the day and can they please come next year?

So any complaints? Only those a little tongue in cheek. Where did those cyclists come from? (National bike ride for Cancer Research,) Where did those maps at the back of the route book come from? (Lech was first issued with those when he started work stamped "War Department" As there are no airfields on the maps, it could be the Napoleonic Wars.)

Knowing other Runs this year are down on numbers, we budgeted for only 110 cars. As many more did, we have some money to distribute to charities. As usual we will be making a contribution to the Air Ambulance and other suggestions so far are "The drop in café in Alcester for dementia", "Renovation of William Morris House", "Renovation of the Brookland race track" and "The Stratford branch of Citizens Advice Bureau". Any other suggestions for local or transport related charities will be welcome.

So on to next year when it will be our 21^st Run, so hopefully we will make it a little bit special.

Allen

The one person Allen didn't mention in his thanks was of course himself, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank Allen on behalf of the club for the excellent job he did with the organisation of the Heritage Run, yet again. Many, many  thanks Allen.

I have had a communication from MG Motors, who are now based at Longbridge, Birmingham where they are designing and assembling MG Cars again. The MG TF has come to an end but has been replaced by the MG6 Saloon & Hatchback. MG Motors are very keen to get involved with the local community and businesses to spread the word that MG are back and they are offering co-operation with their facilities at Longbridge. Do you know they are offering free guided tours of the site? This includes a presentation about the history of the site and of MG Cars, followed by a viewing of Herbert Austin's office, the on site Museum and the Engineering Centre but unfortunately not the production facilities at this time. I did this tour recently and enjoyed it, well worth the journey out there. For those of you who are up-to-date with the technology and use Facebook go to: http://www.facebook.com/#!/MGSalesCentre

Log into your account and click the 'Like' button.

We have had an invitation for an 'open day' at Alscott Garage, which is in Alscott Park. This would involve visiting the Garage where they will have a display of interesting cars but also offer the opportunity to put some members cars up on the ramps for all to have a good inspection with the garage engineer. They will also provide some light refreshments. I'm thinking of doing this in late August/early September, if you are interested please let me know with a preference to holding the event in the early evening or the Saturday morning. Several people from the club (including myself) have used the services of Alscott Garage and been pleased with the results.

The Treasure Hunt will be on the 17^th July and will start from my house (24 Emmerson Ave, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9DX) please arrive anytime between 18.00 and 19.15 to allow sufficient time to arrive at the end point for a meal (if required). Alan Cleobury has started a booking form please let either Alan or myself know if you will be taking part in the 'Hunt'. Meals will be available at the finish and can be ordered on the day.

On Saturday the 28^th July we will be joining the MGCC Midland Centre Chairman's Picnic at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb. This event is part of the MAC's Classic Nostalgia week-end and on the Saturday they are celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the MGB and it is also a round of the Luffield MGCC Speed Championship.

Remember the August club night (7^th) will be our 'Show Night', which went down very well last year, so keep this date free.

Some other events the club have been invited to are:

19^th August -  The MG Octagon Club are running the 'MG Day at Middleton Hall'. The event is run in conjunction with the Peel Society and there will be an exhibition about Sir Robert Peel who was twice Prime Minister and founder of the Police Force. There will be guided tours of the buildings, the Amington Brass Band will be playing and the RSPB Reserve will be open to walk round. If anyone is interested I can e-mail the application form, looks like an interesting event.

19th August - MGCC Lincolnshire Centre, Lincolnshire Poacher Concours Show 2012, to be held at the Bubble Car Museum, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE22 7AW.  Full details together with downloadable entry forms are available on the MG Car Club Lincolnshire Centre website www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk or contact Vicki and Geoff on 01205 87197301205 871973.

I still have the parts Bill Belcher has offered for sale from his 'Garage Clearance' with all proceeds going to club funds, thanks Bill. He suggests we make a donation for any item that is of interest to us, the list of items is as follows:

-Bonnet telescopic stay (Midget)

-Radio cover plate inc MG badge (Midget)

-Bumper reinforcement panel - outer RH CZJ334 (Midget)

-Bumper reinforcement panel - inner RH CZJ336 (Midget)

-MGB front side light assembly

-MGB front side light lens set

-Pair of pliers

-Smiths Ammeter - panel mounting

-Toggle switches

-Sundry fuses

-Sundry bulbs

-Sundry small coil springs

If you are interested in any of the above items let me know and I will bring to the club night.

 

Profile - Tony Wright

 

Tony had worked in his own business in the music industry and retired after 50 years in 2010 at the grand age of 75 and lives in Wootten Wawen. From childhood he had always wanted a Red MG Sports car but eventually settled for a 'Hot Hatch'- well at least it was red and he has owned the 1989 MG Metro Turbo since 2004. He has also owned 3 MG Maestros, one of which was also a Turbo version, however he has always fancied an MGA. Westbrook Automotive in Henley in Arden have always looked after his cars, so no dirty hands for Tony.

In 2008 Tony realised an ambition to race his MG and used the MG Metro for 3 seasons of hill climbing, mainly at Prescott, until retiring in 2010 when the high costs became too much for him. The highlight was achieving a class win at Prescott.

 

The Arden MG Club has been a regular for Tony for at least 10 years and his car was used on the Heritage Run front cover in 2008.

I leave to last word to Tony: "When I won my race at Prescott in 2009, I was very proud of my achievement of a time of 69.4 seconds to cover the 1,127 yards of the hill for the first time and to receive a small trophy in the company of young professional racing drivers who achieved nearly half my time on every run, anyway thanks to a great little car I realized an ambition (shame about the MGA)."

 

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May 2012 Newsletter

Another good turnout for the last meeting with 39 of us signing in, please make sure you put your name on the list David Rayner keeps each month as this will help us keep the data base up-to-date. I would also be interested to know which, if any, MG Club you belong to, so add this to David's form, thanks (it is not obligatory to be a member of any of the MG Clubs to attend our meetings but we are associated with both the MG Car Club and the MG Owners Club).

A & J's Sunday Lunch Run went very well, helped by the nice sunny day but mainly because of the excellent run and good venues on route. The coffee stop was at the Cotswold Farm Park and we had a good row of MGs lined up, with lots of interest from Park visitors. The final destination was the College Arms in Lower Quinton where a good lunch was enjoyed. There was also a fun quiz to keep the brains active. Thanks to Alan & Julia for organising a great event. The consensus of the meeting was that we should hold another Lunch Run - lets hope A&J will organise it, unless you want to have a try.

Our FBHVC Drive it Day Run will be on 22^nd April. Starting at the Golden Cross, where Bacon butties (£2.50) and Coffee (£1.00) will be available from 11.00, the run is just over 30 miles through the Cotswolds ending at the Fox Inn in Great Barrington, please let me know if you are planning to join us.

The Heritage Run is getting close, so make sure you have sent your application form to Allen. A reminder that this years run will be on the 27^th May and will start at Evesham Country Park and after a 60 mile scenic drive will finish at the Ragley Hall Classic Car & Transport Show. There will be lots of interest for all at Ragley with a great selection of classic cars to view as well as the Hall to tour (there may be an additional small charge) and the vast gardens and lake. If you feel up to it you can also get yourself lost in the maze.

I have been advised that applications to the Churchill Show have now closed, so if you have already booked and want to join the Club display please let me know before the 27^th May so we can have a suitable sized area reserved for us.

As Caroline and I managed to win the Treasure Hunt last year it is down to us to organise the hunt for this year, unless you want to have a try at setting the route and questions!! I'm thinking that this year we might try something a little different by running the event as a 'scatter rally', which should be just as much fun. The date I have selected is Tuesday 17^th July. More details nearer the time but keep the date free.

On Saturday the 28^th July we will be joining the MGCC Midland Centre Chairman's Picnic at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb. This event is part of the MAC's Classic Nostalgia week-end and on the Saturday they are celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the MGB and it is also a round of the Luffield MGCC Speed Championship.

Remember the August club night (7^th) will be our 'Show Night', which went down very well last year, so keep this date free.

I will not be at the May meeting and Roger has offered to host the evening, I hope the showers will have abated by then and there will be a good display of cars in the car park.

Some other events the club have been invited to are:

7^th May & 4^th June (Bank Holidays) - is the A47 Auto-Jumble near Hinckley, with classic car display. For details see www.a47autojumble.co.uk

13^th May  - The Sandwell Historic Vehicle Show held in Sandwell Park Farm, West Bromwich. This year's event has the theme of "A Celebration of 50 years of the MGB", so could be worth a visit.

20^th May  - The MG Owners Club are holding the 'MG Motor Birmingham Works Day' at which there will be tours of the factory starting from Lord Austin's office through to the MG Design and Development Office. Booking is through the MGOC but the West Midlands regional secretary has asked for numbers of people who will attend from local groups.

9^th June - The Woodford Halse Country Fair are holding a Classic vehicle Rally as part of the fair. Woodford Halse is approx 10 miles from Daventry, Southam and Banbury. There will be free entry to cars registered in advance. More details at www.raisingtheroof.info/rally2012 or e-mail Ady Bolton at ady@theboltonsweb.co.uk.

19^th August -  The MG Octagon Club are running the 'MG Day at Middleton Hall'. The event is run in conjunction with the Peel Society and there will be an exhibition about Sir Robert Peel who was twice Prime Minister and founder of the Police Force. There will be guided tours of the buildings, the Amington Brass Band will be playing and the RSPB Reserve will be open to walk round. If anyone is interested I can e-mail the application form, looks like an interesting event.

19th August - MGCC Lincolnshire Centre, Lincolnshire Poacher Concours Show 2012, to be held at the Bubble Car Museum, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE22 7AW.  Full details together with downloadable entry forms are available on the MG Car Club Lincolnshire Centre website www.mgcclincolnshire.co.uk or contact Vicki and Geoff on 01205 87197301205 871973.

 

Profile - Nick Godfrey

Nick travels from Bromsgrove to join the club and has been attending for 10 years. He now has 2 MGs to choose from, a 1972 MGB Roadster, which he has owned for 24 years and a 1967 MGB V8 Roadster which has been with him for 4 years. MGs are not his only interest in classic cars as he also owns a MKII Cortina 1600E (owned 25 years) and a Lotus Elan 2+2S (owned about 10 years). The daily driver is a Skoda Octavia VRS and as we all know Skoda cars are no longer a joke since becoming part of the VW group.

For a living Nick own's and run's a 3D Scanning Company for reverse engineering and inspecting parts from 'teeth' to 'complete cars'.

The involvement with MGs was because he always liked them and originally purchased the B Roadster to have for a few years and then sell to fund the deposit for a flat. In the end, he got the flat and managed to keep the car. The main passengers are mainly the 2 children and of course his wife, Philippa. The MGs are used for runs and just out and about with the kids if the weather is good and taking them to school. The B has been to Classic Le Mans for the last 2 events and unlike the Triumph boys, the MG made it all the way there without overheating issues !!!!!!!!!! (although I did run out of fuel 5 miles from home 4 years ago having done the trip to France and back!). Nick does work on the car himself and with the assistance of friends - last year, the Triumph boys (Richard and Nigel) came to the rescue when he managed to snap a head bolt 24 hours before leaving for Le Mans!

Asked what MG he would like to own, Nick's response was an MGA Twincam or MGA with a V8.

Nick's final comment, "We have 2 children (Ella and Amelie) who are 8 and 4yrs old and hence time for the cars with running my business is limited at the moment, but I try to keep them in good condition as time permits".

 

 

 

March 2012 News Letter

 

Well I hope the 40 or so people who attended last month's meeting enjoyed the talk by Roy Locock, I certainly did. What a great adventure going overland from Abingdon to Cape Town via countries like Syria (by passing Homs)! We passed a pot around for donations after the talk and donated the full proceeds of the raffle (again with some donations from members, please keep bringing in raffle items). We gave Roy £145 to add to the money already raised for his chosen charity of CoCO. Thanks to Lech for bringing the LCD Projector.

 

The Saturday after the meeting was the Skittles night and 26 of us enjoyed 3 rounds (after we managed to find the Lenches Club!) but this year the 'Boys' had an advantage of 2 so were victorious over the 'Girls'. This was followed by a game of Killer with everyone starting with 2 lives and Doug Freeman held his nerve to be last person standing. The prizes for the best scores were tied after the 3 rounds so there was a 'play-off' for the Ladies between Diane Rayner, Ann Mattocks and Julia Cleobury. The eventual winner was Diane. There were only 2 boys with a score of 22 and I managed to edge ahead of David Rayner in the 'play-off'. As ever we had an award for the lowest score on the night and Mike Green was the winner of the 'Wooden Spoon'. A great evening and the food was good, many thanks to Richard Shepherd for organising it and donating so many raffle prizes. Well done!

 

Our next event will be A&J's Sunday Lunch Run on 25^th March. This is followed in April with the Drive it Day Run to The Fox Inn, Great Barrington. We will meet at the Golden Cross at 11.00am for (optional) coffee (£1) and Bacon Butties (£2.50) before setting off on an approx 30 mile scenic run through the Cotswolds. Can you please let me know if you plan to attend, so we have enough route sheets and to let Debbie at the Cross know how many to cater for (pay on day).

 

Application forms for the Heritage Run have been posted out and at the time of the meeting Allen had received 75 entries, if yours is not one of them please send it as soon as you can. Details are on the website but we will be starting at the Evesham Country Park with a 60 mile scenic run through the country lanes of the Cotswolds and finishing at Ragley Hall to attend the Classic Car & Transport Show there. Allen assures me he has booked sunny weather this year!!

 

You may still have time to send your applications to the Churchill Show (10^th June), please let me know if you want to join the Arden Club display (this will be a special day for me as it will be 20 years to the day that I purchased my MGB!). Hope to see you there.

 

Some other events the club have been invited to are:

13^th May  - The Sandwell Historic Vehicle Show held in Sandwell Park Farm, West Bromwich. This year's event has the theme of "A Celebration of 50 years of the MGB", so could be worth a visit.

20^th May  - The MG Owners Club are holding the 'MG Motor Birmingham Works Day' at which there will be tours of the factory starting from Lord Austin's office through to the MG Design and Development Office. Booking is through the MGOC but the West Midlands regional secretary has asked for numbers of people who will attend from local groups. Please let me know if you are thinking of attending this event, I will raise it again at the next club night.

19^th August -  The MG Octagon Club are running the 'MG Day at Middleton Hall'. The event is run in conjunction with the Peel Society and there will be an exhibition about Sir Robert Peel who was twice Prime Minister and founder of the Police Force. There will be guided tours of the buildings, the Amington Brass Band will be playing and the RSPB Reserve will be open to walk round. If anyone is interested I can e-mail the application form, looks like an interesting event.

 

Allen Smith has brought to my attention the following:

"There is a canal boat called "Centenary" which was presented to the young people of Stratford by M&S in their 100th year. Its purpose is to help develop teamwork and co-operation amongst the young. Run by a Trust, it is a non-profit making charity. 

Against the odds (3 to 1), it has been selected to take part in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant.

A few years ago, Arden MG Club, with profit form the Heritage Run, bought the life jackets for the boat.

So stretching the imagination a little bit, I suppose you could say that the Club will be represented in the Pageant."

  This month's profile is a little different this month as it is about our speaker from our last meeting, Roy Locock. However  I do still need more volunteers to be included in the 'Profiles', it is very simple you can either write your own piece or just fill in a short questionnaire and I will put the article together. After that all I need is a photo of you with your car. If you are prepared to be profiled then please let me know and I can send the form or let you have a paper copy at the meeting night. 

 

Profile - Roy Locock

Roy presenting his 'African Odyssey' at the Golden Cross

Roy lives in Chinnor , Oxfordshire and is retired from his field of expertise of Radio Communications. He had always wanted a British Sports car as a youth and his 1977 MG Midget 1500 (forever known as 'Bridget the Midget') was an impulse purchase after retirement when he saw the car in a showroom. This was in February 2006. The Midget is his only MG after a life of standard 'Fords, Vauxhalls & Citroens'. As anyone who has read his website (www.bridgetthemidget.co.uk) will know Roy's use of the car has been on endurance tours, particularly to warm climates and he does like to travel alone. Roy's parting comment is: "I have often said that if the car in the showroom had been a Triumph or a Sunbeam, I would not have become an MG enthusiast, however I have absolutely no regrets as the Midget is more fun than any other car I have driven and the support and friendship that the Marque attracts is second to none".

Here here, I say!

 

 

 

February 2012 News Letter

David has now started to keep a note of numbers attending on Club nights and at this month's meeting there were 23 of us, it was good to see you. I hope we will get more than this in March to see the talk by Roy Locock about his adventure driving from Abingdon to Cape Town in his faithful Midget (Bridget the Midget). This is the second trip that Roy has undertaken in 'Bridget', the first was all the way round the world. I missed the series of talks he gave about that adventure but by all accounts it was very interesting. 

Next up in March is the Skittles Night being organised by Richard Shepherd and taking place in the Lenches Club in Church Lench. The cost for the evening is £10 and includes a two course supper. Please send your booking to Richard (cheques payable to Arden MG Club), including menu choices as soon as possible but before 1^stMarch latest. Menu as follows:

-Large Fish & Chips with Mushy Peas
-Faggots Chips & Mushy Peas
-Scampi & Chips with Salad
-Locally Made Pies with Chips & Mushy Peas - Choice of:-
         -Steak & Stilton
         -Steak & Kidney
         -Beef & Red Wine
         -Beef & Guinness
         -Chicken & Mushroom
-Chicken & Chips with Mushy Peas
Then for pudding either Profiteroles or (Another choice to be confirmed)

March 25^this the date for our first 'Sunday Lunch Run Out' being organised by Alan & Julia Cleobury. This will be a 'Mystery' tour around the Cotswolds using text route instructions. There will be a coffee stop part way round and will finish at a fine local pub, for a 2 course lunch (£12.50 inc Tea/Coffee), total distance approx 45 miles. Alan needs a completed application form with £5 deposit by 6^thMarch (Club night).

Plans are progressing for the FBHVC (Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs) 'Drive it Day' run, which will start at the Golden Cross at 11.00 for Coffee and Bacon Rolls (same price as the Chilly Willy run at £1 for coffee & £2.50 for bacon roll). The run through the Cotswolds will be approx 30 miles and will finish at 'The Fox Inn' in Great Barrington where lunch will be available to order, please no picnics in the gardens. They also have a good selection of real ales. It is a great location with the stream running alongside the pub and it's gardens.

Application forms for the Heritage Run are now available and are being posted out to anyone who has entered in the last 3 years, or is downloadable from the website. For the start this year we will be back at the Evesham Country Park and after the usual scenic route will finish at the Ragley Hall Classic Car & Transport Show. Lets hope for a nice sunny day!

For the Churchill Show on Sunday 10^thJune we will have a Club display, if you would like to be part of the club display you need to book directly with the organisers stating that you are with the Arden MG Club and let me know. I will advise the organisers 2 weeks before the show the numbers and a display area will be reserved for us. We will arrange a run to Churchill to arrive in good time for the start, more details nearer the time.

I have got a supply of leaflets with booking forms for the MGB50 event at Blenheim Palace (23^rdSeptember) and we are considering doing a run to the event, more details later.

The club website will now be available atwww.ardenmgclub.co.ukand this will eventually become the web address to use, so please up-date your 'Favourites' and 'Bookmarks' to reflect this change.

Tony Wright was kind enough to send me some information about the new MoT changes. These will affect modern cars more than classics as the changes refer to the vehicle electric systems but be aware for your next test! He also sent an article from the Birmingham Post/Mail about MG's re-entry into racing with the new MG6 which will compete in the BTCC. I think this will be televised on ITV4, so we should be able to keep up with their progress. I would like to wish MG 'Good Luck' in this new venture.

Lastly Bill Belcher has donated some 'Garage Clearance' parts to the club for sale with proceeds going to club funds, thanks Bill. He suggests we make a donation for any item that is of interest to us, the list of items is as follows:

-Bonnet telescopic stay (Midget)

-Pair of Tonneau support sticks (Midget)

-Radio cover plate inc MG badge (Midget)

-Bumper reinforcement panel - outer RH CZJ334 (Midget)

-Bumper reinforcement panel - inner RH CZJ336 (Midget)

-MGB front side light assembly

-MGB front side light lens set

-Pair of pliers

-Halfords Green plastic 5 litre petrol can

-Smiths Ammeter - panel mounting

-Toggle switches

-Sundry fuses

-Sundry bulbs

-Sundry small coil springs

If you are interested in any of the above items let me know and I will bring to the club night.

Before we get to this month's profile, I still need more volunteers to be included in the 'Profiles', it is very simple you can either write your own piece or just fill in a short questionnaire and I will put the article together. After that all I need is a photo of you with your car. If you are prepared to be profiled then please let me know and I can send the form or let you have a paper copy at the meeting night.

Club Profile - Gerald Blackburn

 

My interest in motor racing started in 1940 when I acquired a book entitled 'Burst Tyres' a novel based around the pre-war circuits of Targa Florio, Mille Miglia etc.  I also became adept at changing the tyres on my Meccano built race cars!    After the war I 'almost' bought a 1931 M type MG (with boat tail) being sold by an American soldier returning to the States.

My first car was a 1933 Salmon bodied 1750cc Vauxhall Drop Head Tourer (with blow up seat cushions but no brakes) which cost me £39/0/0. This was followed by a 1951 P1 Allard 3.6L.  The first MG was a Mk 4 Magnette followed by a series of other makes until I realised that my Triumph 2.5 PI saloon was capable of going a bit too fast for my own good.  The solution was the 1975 R/B MGB GT (which I still have) that felt as though it was as fast but a lot more fun.  Eventually it became my second car and in it I have toured Europe (and been to many LeMans) in true GT style, camping with table cloth, serviette (and ring) fish knife & fork, marmalade spoon, brandy glass and warmer (Gaz lantern), cigars etc.  Happy Days!

During a MGB clutch change in the 1980's my then son-in-law persuaded me that I ought to get a MG Midget to restore for Pat, my wife.  I did, and eventually the Mk II was 'finished off' by our own Colin Frith in 2004 (by which time Pat had given up driving)!  As we were pleased with the Midget result Colin did the MGB.

Before we moved to the Lichfield area I attended the 0505 (Solihull MGOC) but then went to the 0501 (NBSS) meetings.  Since returning to Knowle in 2006 I have been attending the Arden Club but also have been to a number of local meets, often with Pat.

Having parted with my Discovery (and caravan) my shopping trolley (if its raining) is now a diesel S Jaguar although being in the MG's bring the biggest smiles to my face especially if I'm actually driving on the road.

I retired from being a structural engineer 20 years ago having been mixed up with Aston University, various Anglican churches, Scouts, Rotary, Probus and other clubs and societies which is probably why I received my MBE  a couple of years ago. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Minutes - AGM 3^rd January 2012

 

 

1.                  Apologies for absence received from Colin & Ann Marie Freeth

2.                  The Chairman gave a short Report

3.                  The Treasurer reported an increase in funds over the year from £106.48 to £322.56

4.                  The Events secretary reported that events attended over the year included: Midget 50, GP100 at Gaydon, MGCC trials & Sprints, Pershore Plum festival, Malvern show (Spring & Autumn), Brailes show & Badsey show

5.                  David reported that we have obtained new members at a greater rate than those leaving but asks to be advised any changes (e-mail, address, phone nos etc).

6.                  Election of Officers:

            The Chairman, Treasurer, Database Secretary & MGCC Liaison Officer are happy to continue and were proposed on block by David Witham, seconded by Richard Workman. No other nominations were received and with no objections were duly elected.

            Events Secretary Alan Cleobury was Proposed by Paul Dunster, Seconded by Doug Freeman. No other nominations were received and with no objections was duly elected.

            MGOC Liaison Officer    Paul Dunster was Proposed by Andy Bourne, Seconded by Steve Entwhistle. No other nominations were received and with no objections was duly elected.

7.                  Any Other Business

John Rathbone asked if there was any structure for someone who is not an officer of the club to be able to offer assistance, no but the offer is noted.

The meeting was closed after 15 minutes.

 

Paul Dunster

Chairman

 

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

January 2012 News Letter

The AGM has been and gone and I'm still the Chairman so here is this month's newsletter. There were only 2 other changes from the AGM in that Alan Cleobury has taken over from Fred as Events Secretary (thanks Fred for your efforts over the last few years ) and I will be the liaison with the MG Owners Club. At the AGM I gave a review of 2011, an amended copy of which is on the web site. Roger reported that the club has over £300 in the bank.

After the AGM I discussed the events proposed for the New Year and the following list is coming together:

6^thMarch                  Club Night talk by Roy Locock

10^thMarch               Skittles Evening

25^thMarch                Lunch Run Out

22^ndApril                  Drive it Day Run. 

27^thMay                    Heritage Run. From Evesham Country Park to Ragley Hall Classic Car Show

June                          Treasure Hunt

10^thJune                  Churchill Show

7^thAugust                 Show Night

Sept/Oct                    Quiz Night (not on club night)

23^rdSeptember        MGB50 Party. Run to Blenheim Palace

4^thDecember           Xmas Meal.

You will notice that following requests for speakers on Club Nights we will have a presentation by Roy Locock in March. Roy has already driven his MG Midget (Bridget the Midget) around the world but last year he drove from Abingdon to Cape Town, arriving there just before Christmas (more information can be seen on his web site -www.bridgetthemidget.co.uk). He will give us a presentation about this latest adventure but will also answer questions including his previous trips. The presentation will be approx

1 hour and not to be missed. Roy has collected money for his chosen charity of CoCO(Comrades of Children Overseas is a children's charity which aims to improve the lives of children living in poverty in the developing world through health and education initiatives. With your help we can give children access to the education they deserve and the promise of a brighter future). We will pass a bucket around after his presentation, please be generous.

Into April we will again have a club run on the FBHVC 'Drive it Day', which this year is on the 22^ndand will start at the Golden Cross with a run of approx 30 miles to finish at the Fox Inn, Great Barrington, more details next month.

Entry forms for this years Heritage Run will be available soon, keep the day free. We will again be starting at the Evesham Country Park and Roger is preparing another interesting run through the countryside to finish at the Ragley Hall Classic Car & Transport show.

I have arranged with the organisers of the Classic Car Show in Churchill for us to have a club area. The show is on the 10^thJune, I will put a link to the entry form on our web site. Entries need to clearly state you are with the Arden MG Club and I need to advise them of our final numbers 2 weeks before the event, so let me know if you are going to attend with the club. Please note they are limited to 400 entries, so you will need to send your entry off soon!

Club Profile - John Saunders

 

 John is a founder member of the Arden MG Club and has been it's Chairman in the past, so he has enjoyed attending since the very beginning. He has lived in the area for 25 years and is now settled with wife Julie in Mickleton. Asked what he does for a living John describes himself as 'a poor shopkeeper'. 

Over the years John has owned all types of MG sports cars from MGA to RV8. The current collection comprises an MGB Roadster 1972 vintage, a 1967 MGB GT V8 conversion and a restoration project of a rare 1969 Downton MGC GT. When not in the MGs the family cars are Land Rovers and SAABs.

The MG bug struck in 1970 when a friend was buying a new MGB GT and he has loved them ever since. He does as much work as possible on his cars, which is an integral part of the joy of ownership for him along with driving along 'B' roads with a big grin, as often as possible.

For MGs he would like to own an old MG TF, although Julie thinks he's lucky to with the set he's got but she would like another RV8.

I will let John have the last word "After 40 years of MGs it would be hard to imagine life without one! I'm hoping in the next few years to be able to use and restore the MGC (which is the future project), I intend to use the others as daily drivers, with more time to enjoy them. I wish the Club well and a Happy New Year with good MG motoring."

 

 

December 2011 News Letter

 

The Xmas meal was held at the last meeting and 43 people sat down to a good festive meal at 'The Cross', the restaurant looked wonderful with the decoration of the tables. There was a small quiz to entertain everyone but the result was a tie, which was won on the tie-break by Lech, well done (it might be a bit easier next year). There were raffle prizes for everyone, helped with the generosity of Debbie at 'The Cross' who donated a bottle of bubbly, bottles of fruit wine and Carling Tee-shirts. There was a donation of a bottle of wine from Tim Clayton, however Tim managed to win his own bottle of wine in the raffle!! I hope Debbie enjoyed the bunch of flowers presented by the club as a thank you for looking after us for the last 3 years.

 The 'Chilly Willy Run' will be on New Years Day starting from the Golden Cross with a scenic run to the Castle Inn at Edge Hill (food will be available - order an arrival. Snacks & Starters ~£3 to £5, Country Pub Classics & Homemade Specialities ~£7 to £9 and Light Lunches ~£5 to £7, see menu on our web site). On a show of hands it looks like we will have a good turnout, so Debbie has agreed to provide Bacon Butties (at £2.50) and tea or Coffee (at £1.00), thanks to those who replied letting me know they plan on coming. We will meet at the Cross around 11 am aiming to leave around 11.30 and as it is the middle of winter any car is acceptable, although MGs are very welcome but not essential. Lech has set a nice scenic route of 30 miles using roads that are on the Warwickshire CC gritting routes, so the roads will be clear. The Castle Inn is an interesting old country pub with great views over the site of the first battle of the English Civil War (23^rd October 1642) and note the octagonal tower which has a bar in its ground floor, well worth a trip out.

     The next club meeting (January 3^rd) will be the AGM, if anyone would like to get more involved in the running of the club, this is the time to volunteer. Roger, Lech, David and myself are happy to continue but If anyone would like to stand for any of the club positions please let me know, ideally before the 3^rd January 2012. Please come along on the night to have your say in the future of the club and I expect it to be a lot quicker than last year, who will bring a stop watch?

A couple of events for a brief mention over the festive period are the Classic Car Meeting at The Moathouse Inn in Alcester on Boxing Day 26^th December from 11am to 3pm and the MGCC Midland Centre are having their now traditional walk, this year over The Clent Hills on Wednesday 28^th December. Meet at The Vine Inn, Vine Lane (St Kenelm's Pass), Clent, N Worc's, DY9 9PH at 10.00hrs for 10.15 start. It will be a circular route  - clockwise from The Vine over Clent Hills to Nimmings Wood where there is a café for a coffee break. Then to St Kenelm's Church and the source of the River Stour where Kenelm, Prince of Mercia was murdered, up to and over Walton Hill and back to The Vine for lunch/refreshments at about 12.30. Not very far at just under 4 miles, but some ups and downs, proper footwear essential. If not up to tramping over the hills meet us at the pub for a Christmas pint.

 Looking forward to next year there are 2 events for your diaries, a Skittles Night is being planned for the middle/end of February (details available soon) and Alan Cleobury is planning a 'Mystery Sunday Run Out' to be held on 25^th March 2012. The starting point will be announced soon and the surprise destination is 'under negotiation', however lunch will be available, a good chance to get the car out for the new season.

 The full list of events for next year so far is:

Skittles Night (Feb), Run out for Lunch (25^th March), Drive it Day Run (22^nd April), Heritage Run (27thMay), Treasure Hunt (June/July), Show Night (7^th Aug) and a Quiz Night (Sept/Oct). 

I would still like to have comments on ideas for other events in 2012, is anyone interested in any of the following: a) MG Longbridge Factory Visit b) Visit to Bugatti Trust at Prescott (mid week) c) Curry night d) Walk, evening or week-end e) Run to 'Club Tree' at Compton Verney f) Brewery visit g) Run to MG Competition (Shelsley/Prescott/Curborough) h) Gliding Evening, Bearley? Please let me know.

It would be great to hear of any other ideas that anyone might have, you don't have to organise it unless you want to but let's have the ideas.

 We expect a new member in the New Year who happens to be the merchandise officer for the MGA Register and has offered to bring any purchased items to meeting nights thus saving on P&P. The regalia items can be viewed at: http://www.mgcc.co.uk/mgaregisterrgeliaclb.html contact Christine Clark at mgachris@talktalk.net or 07913 538 08507913 538 085.

 I have been asked to sign an e-partition to support a campaign to save the iconic Flight Shed on Low Lane Longbridge, you may be interested to support this petition at: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/19684

 There is no club profile this month, I have done all the club officials but if anyone would like to be featured please let me know. I have a short questionnaire to help write your own profile or fill in the blanks and I can do the write-up.

 Can I wish each and everyone of you and your families a Very Happy Christmas and a Safe New Year.

 

November 2011 News Letter

Hello Everyone

This will be the final reminder for the Xmas Meal, to be held on the December club night (6^th December) at the Golden Cross. It will be 3 courses with coffee (& raffle ticket) for £21, if you haven't already done so please send your booking to me, details on the attached booking form.

There is only 1 event left now this year, which is the 'Holly Run' on 11^th December organised by the Morgan Three Wheeler Club, who have extended an invitation to any entrant in an 'interesting' car. It starts from the Cookley Arms, Cookley on the A449 just north of Kidderminster and is in the form of a Treasure Hunt finishing back at the Cookley Arms (be sure to book if you want to have lunch there). There is no charge and cars are away at 10am.

We will be running a 'Chilly Willy Run' on New Years Day starting from the Golden Cross with a scenic run to the Castle Inn at Edge Hill (food will be available order an arrival). If there is sufficient interest we may be able to have coffee at the start or even bacon butties, so I need to know numbers of people who would like to join the run. We will meet at the Cross around 11 am aiming to leave around 11.30 and as it is the middle of winter any car is acceptable, although MGs are very welcome but not essential. Lech is planning a scenic route but with options to suit the prevailing weather conditions on the day. Please let me know if you are interested in going on the run, I don't need a commitment, just an idea to negotiate with the Golden Cross to open early for us and the costs.  The Castle is an interesting old country pub with great views over the first battle of the English Civil War (23^rd October 1642) and note the octagonal tower which has a bar in its ground floor, well worth a trip out.

 

I have started to put a list of events together for next year and so far we have:

Skittles Night (Feb), Drive it Day Run (22^nd April), Run out for Lunch (date to be arranged), Heritage Run (May), Treasure Hunt (June/July), Show Night (Aug) and a Quiz Night (Sept/Oct). 

I have some other ideas but would like to know the level of interest, please let me know if you would be interested in any of the following:

MG Longbridge Factory Visit, Visit to Bugatti Trust, Prescott (mid week), Curry night, Walk, evening or week-end, Run to 'Club Tree' at Compton Verney, Brewery visit, Run to MG Competition (Shelsley/Prescott/Curborough) and Gliding Evening, Bearley. It would be great to hear of any other ideas that anyone might have, you don't have to organise it unless you want to but let's have the ideas.

Graham Robson took a lot of photos during the Heritage Run back in June and he has uploaded them to 'YouTube', you can view them at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mfxHIpzCzg&feature=youtube_gdata

There is a good photo of my car going past Cannons Ashby.

Lastly can I remind you that the club meeting in January (3^rd) will be the AGM, if anyone would like to get more involved in the running of the club, this is the time to volunteer. Roger, Lech, David and myself are happy to continue but Fred would like to pass the job of events to someone else. If anyone would like to stand for any of the club positions please let me know, ideally before the 3^rd January 2012. 

 

Club Profile

David & Diane Rayner

Club Database

 

 David & Diane Rayner have lived in Haselor by Alcester for over 30 years. Diane still works part time as a Nursery Practitioner. Since David took early retirement he has more time to spend on their Blaze 1972 chrome bumper MGB. David likes to do as much work on the car as he can but also enjoys DIY, gardening, and is in charge of the kitchen on the days Diane works. David, in the mid sixties had an MG Midget, YRC 161, for a few years, but he doesn't think it is still on the road. But then life turns to family cars and the Midget had to go.

In 2003 when the family had grown up and were leaving home they made a decision to return to their youth and decided to buy a classic sports car and started looking for an MGB. Both David & Diane had frequented the Golden Cross and had know Roger Vardy-Smith for many years, Roger, as a friend, landlord and founding member of the Arden MG Club suggested they went along to one of the monthly meetings to join the club, that was in 2003. Whilst still looking for a MGB they were introduced to a club member who was selling his car, one that he had had restored in the 1990's . It had been completely stripped down and had had a bare metal re-spray with one or two upgrades, A deal was struck and they took possession of the car (now known to them as" Lady B") in February 2004.

Lady B is rather cosseted and is a fine weather car, sunny days and Sundays. 

They have been on all the Heritage runs since joining the club, except the June 2009, Webbs Garden Centre to Kidderminster Railway, this was a rather wet weekend to say the least and although they helped at Webbs marshalling and on the desk, Lady B stayed at home. The run was completed with another club member a few weeks later on a" dry day".

For their every day cars Diane drives a Vauxhall Corsa and David drives a Jaguar X Type. David said" if he had room he would like a late 30's VA or WA" but they are big cars and it would be wrong to have one and not be able to garage it properly. Diane says "she would like a MG RV8 (but not BRG) which is the colour she likes the least.

They go to many other club runs/events and say they are only limited by time.

Since Allen Smith resigned as chairman, David has been Membership Secretary. He feels it's important the club prospers so that MG cars, especially the classics can be preserved for future generations.

 

 

 

October 2011 News Letter

 Hello Everyone

 There is not much to report in this month's newsletter, however with the nights now finally drawing in, it is time to think about the club Christmas dinner. This will be held on the December club night

(6^thDecember) at the Golden Cross and full details & booking form are attached to this mail. It is only 2 months to the dinner so please send your bookings to me as soon as possible and we can try to arrange the tables to suit everyone's wishes. We have booked the whole pub but in previous years we have filled all the tables, so bookings will be taken in the order they are received. I look forward to seeing you there.

 Thinking of next year I'm looking to put together a program of events/activities and would be interested to hear from anyone of ideas that the club could partake in. You don't need to organise it, however that would be good. I'm happy to run the event or offer any assistance but really I'm just looking for ideas. I already have 2 offers for next year.

 Each New Years Day we have held our 'Chilly Willy Run' which used to visit a VSCC event but as these have become so popular the VSCC are no longer encouraging other clubs to join them. Last year we had a run down the Gloucestershire Classic Car Club's event but it is felt we should go somewhere different for 2012. Any ideas would be gratefully received. Would it be better to have a later start? Would anyone like to go for a walk, possibly ending at a pub for a drink or lunch?

 

Club Profile

Simon Bannister

Heritage Run Committee Member

 

 

 

Simon started life in Shipston-on-Stour but moved to Stratford when he was seven and has lived there ever since. To pay for his cars he works as a storeman for a local Engineering company. As you can see from the photograph his current MG is the 85^thAnniversary model TF, which he bought new 2 years ago after the talk given at the club by Ian Pogson of MG Motor, Longbridge. This car is used mainly for fun at week-ends and is often joined by his dad (who is also a regular helper marshalling on the Heritage Run) or Pat Williams, now she no longer has an MG. Simon must be a big fan of the MGF/TF as this is his 5^th, having had 2 MGFs and 2 MG TF 135s as well as a 1986 MG Metro. His everyday 'drive' is a Land Rover Freelander 2. Simon has been coming to the club since 1997 after buying his first MGF and said "when the MGF came out I knew I wanted one and I felt it was a good way to meet people and make new friends.

When it comes to working on his cars Simon feels that "apart from keeping it clean it is best left to the experts". The dream MG would be an SV, the MG supercar. Although he is single Simon has plenty of family, 2 older sisters, 2 nieces and 2 nephews who all like to 'travel with the top down'.

 

 

 

September 2011 News Letter

Hello Everyone

Can I welcome 3 new friends to the club who joined us on Tuesday, , I hope you enjoyed the evening. August was another busy month for the club, with a club presence at several events. Brailes show had a good turn out and the rain held off making a very pleasant afternoon, we even had a drive around the display-ring, photos are on the web site. Next up was the Pershore Plum festival, where 8 cars started on a scenic run from the Golden Cross, thanks must go toLechfor the route sheets and his quick thinking when one of the roads on the route was closed! 

There are still some events to come with the invitation we have received from Redditch & District Car Club to attend their 'Open Evening' on Monday 12^thSeptember at the Stag on Red Hill, it might be interesting especially if you are looking to do some motorsport. I will be marshalling at the MGCC Midland Centre Autumn Trial held at Burton Dassett on 25^thSeptember. If you are free on this Sunday why not come along to Burton Dassett Country Park and see what goes on or contact Brian Osborn (b.osborn.osborn@btinternet.com) if you would like to have a go at marshalling, they always need some more helpers (no experience necessary & not difficult but a good day out in the open air). Into October is the 'Autumn Classic Car Show' at Malvern and Fred has collected entries for a club display but you will still be able to book directly with Andrew Greenwood 01484 667 77601484 667 776. Thinking further ahead and I'm sorry if I'm the first to raise Christmas, but note in your diaries that our annual Xmas Dinner will be at the Golden Cross on 6^thDecember. I hope to have details by the next meeting. Also in December is the Holly Run which this year will be on 11^thDecember.

Simon brought along the 'thank you' letter from the Aylesford Unit who have received our 'Heritage Run' donation. They advise the money will be used to provide added benefit and comfort to patients as well as education opportunities for the nursing staff.

Can I also remind everyone to sign the e-partition to re-instate the rolling programme of making historic cars free of car tax. This can be found at:http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/183

 

Club Profile

Richard Workman

Heritage Run Treasurer

 

 Photo taken on the start line at Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb

 Richard lives on theLuddington RoadoutsideStratfordand is now busily retired. He is the proud owner of 2 MGs, an MG ZT-T for everyday use and owned from October 2007 along with an MGB Roadster purchased at the NEC Classic Car show in 1991. Another car of interest that he has owned is the 1965 Mk II Jaguar Saloon. Richard's travelling companion is his wife Jill, who is "an excellent navigator". These cars are looked after by a very old friend who has been a mechanic all his life, "what are friends for?". The ideal MG to own would be a K3 Magnette but "my Euro Lottery numbers have not come up yet".

 Richard's first wife regularly used to remind him that before she met him she was saving to buy herself a red sportscar. This was put paid to by getting married, therefore as a Silver Wedding Anniversary present Richard decide to buy her the Red Sportscar and so his associations with MGs began and he has been coming to the club since 1992. The Silver Wedding Anniversary was celebrated with a party for family and friends on a boat trip (similar to the Countess of Evesham). During the evening Richard gave his wife a plastic model of a Red MGB he had made to remind her of what she had given up to marry him, much to the amusement to all present. The icing on the cake was that when the boat docked at the end of the trip her Red Sportscar was waiting for her.

The sad postscript to this story was that Richard's wife succumbed to cancer and sadly passed away 3 months later.

 As Lech had stated in his profile Richard was also instrumental in putting the first Heritage Run together starting from the Maybird Shopping Centre and finishing at the Gaydon Heritage Motor Centre. This took place in 1993 and was the first car club run into Gaydon on the day after it originally opened. "Little did we realise then that it would become such a popular annual event, thanks must go to an enthusiastic organising committee led by Allen Smith, a true club stalwart".

August 2011 News Letter

Hello Everyone

We held our first 'Show Night' at the August meeting and was well attended, no doubt helped by the fine evening, with the sun slowly going down over 'The Cross'.  The orchard at the Golden Cross was taken over by the large selection of highly polished MGs (with a few Triumph TRs, who joined us for the evening).  We filled the orchard with 30+ cars attending.  It was a self judging competition with members choosing the 3 MGs they felt were the best presented and everyone commented that it was a very difficult task to make their selections.

We did manage to find an overall winner, which was Fred Bury with his ZB Magnette, well done Fred.  Second place was awarded to a Black Midget and third to Roger Brookes's Red MGB Roadster.

The Landlord's Choice as selected by Charlie was one of our visitors, a Triumph TR2.

I enjoyed the evening and hope you all did too, should we make this an annual event? Is anyone prepared to help with the organisation next year or even run the whole thing? Please let me know what you think.

There are still plenty of events in the next month and details are in the Events Diary on our website (www.ardenmgownersclub.com) but I have had an e-mail from Phil Daniels reminding us of the invitation from the Birmingham TR Register to their Summer Day Out as follows:

"You and your group are invited to the Somers club on Sunday 28^thAugust, to join with theBirminghamgroup, for a family day.

We have been asked to display our cars on the lawn area, and join in with the fun.

The Somers club will be hosting a hog roast, BBQ, Live music and lots of activities for us to enjoy, including the opportunity to sample their fine selection of real ales.

We have quite a large space, but I will need some idea of numbers.

If you are interested, let me know as soon as you can

Regards

Phil

TR RegisterBirmingham

07825141434

phil.daniels3@virgin.net

The Somers Sports and Social Club, 2 Grange Hill, Halesowen,West Midlands. B62 0JH

2 minutes from junction 3 M5"

I can't make it on that day but if anyone would like to attend please let Phil know.

I have put reports on past events (Heritage Run, Patrick Collection & the Show Night) and photos (in the Gallery) onto the website, so should be worth a look.

We still have a few Arden MG Club Polo Shirts left but only in limited sizes as follows:

Blue: Small & XXL.              White: XXL

These are on offer for £5 each.

To finish, here is this month's Member Profile:

MEMBER PROFILE

Fred Bury

Events Secretary

 

Photo taken at The Goodwood Revival September 2010

Name:	Fred Bury
Where abouts do you live:	Salford Priors (for 32 years), originally from Brailes.
What do you do for a living:	Architectural Technologist, self employed as architectural/Building Consultant.
What MG(s) do you own and for how long:	1958 Magnette ZB Varitone, since 2002, MGB V8 Roadster, since 2006 (which I restored) and an NG TD (used for trials) since 2001
What MGs have you owned:	Literally dozens of MGB/Cs. Many of which I have restored. I had a concourse MGB 20years ago but couldn't be doing with the fussing & preening!
Any other cars:	Sunbeam Rapier Series 2 1959 convertible (owned for 9 years).
Who travels with you:	Wife Jane & son Tom.
How and why did you get involved with MGs:	Always loved MGBs. It was 1975 when I could afford to buy my first (which was a 1967 BGT) and since then I have never been without.
How long have you been coming to the Arden Club:	1989
How do you like to use your MG:	Frequently in the summer months for work and pleasure. I enjoy restoring them and do my own painting. Tom & I regularly use the NG TD in MGCC trials, we have had great fun and enjoyed developing the car.
Do you work on the car yourself:	Always, the only thing I haven't done is welding - must try one day.
What MG would you like to own:	I would love an SA but they are not very practical and the garage is not really big enough
Anything else you would like to tell us:	I am a member of both the MGCC & MGOC and currently help out with events at the Arden Club. I have made lots of good friends in MG circles over the years and look forward to many more. I hope more young blood will get involved and ensure that we are not a dying breed.

 

July 2011 News Letter

 Hello Everyone

 I'm sorry I was not at the last meeting, so only a short newsletter this month. We have run two events recently, the visit to The Patrick Collection went very well with over 20 people attending to see the exhibits and listen to the interesting talk from Peter Harper. It is a shame the collection gets so few visitors as they are not meeting their financial requirements such that it is necessary to sell 2 cars to make ends meet. The Treasure Hunt was enjoyed by all who attended, especially Caroline and I, as we won, so looks like we will be setting the questions for next year (unless anyone would like to volunteer, please let me know)!

The next club night (August) will be our first 'Show Night'. For this event I plan for it to be light hearted self judged competition. There will be forms for everyone to select their 3 favourite cars of the evening (with a deadline of 9pm) and I will collate the results and award prizes for the overall 1^st, 2^nd& 3^rd, as well as a prize for the 'Landlords' choice. Please come along with your car looking it's best for the event, I have my fingers crossed for a fine night. See you then.

Drive safely

Paul

Sorry no Profile this month, I hope normal service will be resumed next month.

 

June 2011 News Letter

Hello Everyone

Firstly let me apologise for not producing a newsletter last month but I was away on holiday for most of May, driving to Spain through France and returning on the long ferry from Bilbao, which was an excellent trip.

The June meeting started with an unexpected visitor, an 'Aston Martin Cygnet', the latest offering from this manufacturer. Thanks to Carl, very interesting to see 'in the flesh', although at ~£30K I don't think I will be rushing to order one.

I had another pleasant surprise on the drive to the meeting, from Lech who advised me that the 'Arden Club' was awarded the California Plaque by the Midland Centre of the MG Car Club. The plaque is awarded each year to the most active 'natter' in the Centre in the previous year. Last year we ran the Heritage Run, attended several Car Shows and had a large gathering at the Pershore Plum festival, as well as marshalling at Centre events like the 2 production car trials, the 2 sprint meetings and the Lands End Trial.  Well done everyone.

 Future events are the visit to 'The Patrick Collection' (held successfully on 15^thJune) and the Treasure Hunt, which is on the 29^thJune (starting and finishing at the Golden Cross), entries to Graham & Fiona Robson (info@dtline.co.ukor 01789 72045001789 720450). I will not be at the July club night but at the August meeting we will be having the clubs first 'Show Night', so get cleaning and polishing those cars!! I plan to have a self judging competition (pick your favourite 3 cars) and the 'Landlords Favourite'. There will be prizes, don't miss out, see you there. The Midland Centre run their 'Joint Natter' on 13^thJuly - there will be a run from the Cross if there is sufficient interest. Fred is organising a Club presence at: Badsey Village show (23^rdJuly), Malvern Summer Classic (31^stJuly), Brailes Village Show (13^thAugust) and Pershore Plum Festival (Bank holiday Monday 29^thAugust). Book with Fred for these events.

 The 2011 Heritage Run is a thing of the past now but I hope all who attended enjoyed the day, many thanks to Allen Smith (who did a sterling job yet again) and the rest of the committee, especially Roger Jackson for another fantastic route. Plans for 2012 will be starting any time now, if anyone has any ideas for the venue or would like to get involved with the organisation please contact Allen. You may have noticed a photographer taking shots at the entry to the Gaydon Heritage Centre, if anyone would like a copy Allen has provided the details, which are attached or will also be on the website. Allen has also asked me to circulate the attached 'Thank you' letter. I will also put this on the website.

We have received an invitation from the MG Owners Club to join the celebrations for MGB50, which will be in 2012 and they will be holding a relay around the UK MG meetings taking a commemorative book to be signed. I have responded to the MGOC that our club would like to be involved.  I will let you know when we have more details.

The FBHVC are running a survey of classic car ownership (they do this every year) and we have been asked to promote this, please go to:www.fbhvc.co.uk/2011-surveyand fill in the survey (it took me 12 minutes) - it is in all our long term interests.

We have received an invitation from Dennis Deeley to attend theThe Hampton Ferry Classic Car, Bike & Machinery Show at Evesham, Worcestershire. WR11 4BP on the 3rd July Next:

 This will not be a 'Club Event' but you will be welcome to attend.

To finish, here is this month's Member Profile:

 

MEMBER PROFILE

LechZakrzewski

MG Car Club Liaison

 

Photo taken at The 'Lightning Preservation Group' Bruntingthorpe Airfield September 2010

 

Name:	LechZakrzewski
Where abouts do you live:	I live inStratford-upon-Avon; I've only managed to move 12 miles from where I was born.
What do you do for a living:	Until recently I managed the maintenance operations ofWarwickshireCounty's Highway Department. I now have a few projects to finish off before retiring in October this year.
What MG(s) do you own and for how long:	I presently own a 1970 Midget, which I bought for £20 in 2005; I completed its restoration in 2008. STOP PRESS: MG J2 added to collection 15thJune (in need of full restoration).
What MGs have you owned:	In chronological order;- 1938 TA;1935 PB s/c; 1967 1100; 1934 PA; 1987 Metro;1978 BGT; 1947 YA; Maestro 2 EFI; 1968 BGT; 1938 TA; 1936 VA; 2002 ZR; 1970 Midget. My son has owned, and also presently owns, 1972 Midgets; I maintain these cars so I should include these on my list.
Any other cars:	Many - 1937 SS; 1934 Austin 7 & 10;1930 Swallow, plus many motor cycles dating from 1919 to 1950 to name a few.
Who travels with you:	Pam - although "sleeps" would be more appropriate!
How and why did you get involved with MGs:	Always liked MG, pre-war MGs were common transport with fellow apprentices and students during the 1960's, a good friend ran a 1932 J2 and advised me to get a "T" type. I bought my first MG in 1969 (TA) and have pretty well owned one ever since.
How long have you been coming to the Arden Club:	I first started attending meetings in late 1989.
How do you like to use your MG:	I enjoy restoring, tuning and touring in my MGs, I enjoy driving rather that showing my cars and I try to take them abroad every year, ideally to European MG events.
Do you work on the car yourself:	Yes, apart from painting I undertake most aspects of restoration work,
What MG would you like to own:	L Type
Anything else you would like to tell us:	I was on the MG Car Club Midland Centre's Committee for 17 years, 2 years as a Natter representative (for theArdennatter), 13 years as Secretary and 2 years as Chairman. I intend to offer myself back onto the Committee on retirement.  Together with Richard Workman we organised the first Heritage Run (in 1993) and have been involved with all the subsequent Heritage Runs. I trialled in a Midget for over 10 years (bouncer) winning a number of awards. I'm presently looking for my next restoration project, another pre-war model (see STOP PRESS above).

 

Drive safely

Paul

 

 

April 2011 News Letter 

Hello Everyone 

We had some bad news to report at the last meeting, firstly that Ann Marie has stood down from the committee (although it is for a good reason, that she has been given a long awaited promotion which means she will be even busier than she is now!!). Thanks for your help over the last few months and we hope to still see you at club nights and events. Secondly Ken & Christine Bilborough are leaving the area (moving to the Isle of Wight) but they hope to still make the odd meeting when back visiting. 

The Skittles night went well and I think everyone enjoyed the evening. This time I split the teams into Girls against Boys and although the Girls scored a few more points they did have an extra player, so I think honours were even!! 

The FBHVC 'Drive it Day' was on the 17^th April and ~25 cars turned up at the Fleece Inn in Bretforton, most of which enjoyed one of the set routes (thanks to Fred & Lech for setting them) and the fine beer, food & sunshine at 'The Fleece'. A few cars continued the afternoon with a visit to the Tythe Barn at Middle Littleton. 

We now have a firm date for the Treasure Hunt, so please put the 29^th June into your diary/calendar. Further details for booking will be announced soon. 

Allen Smith brought along to the meeting the 'certificate of tree adoption' from Compton Verney that was issued for the donation from Heritage Run proceeds: a copy of the certificate and the site plan showing its location will be placed on the website. If there is enough interest I will look at holding a 'run' to Compton Verney and see if we can get a Club photo with the tree. Please let me know if you are interested (would an evening or a week-end be better?). 

Ann Marie has suggested we hold a 'Show Night', which received a good level of interest at the meeting, so I will organise this for the August meeting night, details nearer the time but get those MGs polished. 

Lastly we have a few Arden MG Club Polo Shirts left but only in limited sizes as follows:

Blue: Small & XXL.           White: XXL

These are on offer for £5 each. 

To finish, here is this month's Member Profile:

MEMBER PROFILE

Roger Jackson

Club Treasurer

 

Photo taken outside The Golden Cross on FBHVC 'Drive it Day' 2011

Roger has been the club treasurer since 1998 and organising the raffles for most of that time. He has been attending the club meetings for approximately 20 years and has been involved in the Heritage Run (most of the routes are from Roger's pen). He has owned 2 MGs, one of which he has had since 1966. This is a 1955 MG TF, an original Right Hand Drive model and he has an almost complete history. Initially it was used as daily transport, with occasional competitions at weekends. In 1982 she was restored - mostly by Ron Gammons - and for a short time entered in Concours events. Roger then joined the Lincolnshire Centre of the MGCC and spent many enjoyable years autotesting and weekend touring. More recently she has been used for continental touring, and regularly attends steam fairs and other shows. In all she has clocked up over 300,000 miles, 250,000 of these in Roger's ownership. Christine is his travelling companion, providing it is not freezing and he hasn't suggested having the hood down! Roger's interest in MGs goes back to his schooldays, when even then he wanted a TF: "I found the design very appealing and I was really sold on it when I first drove the 1500cc version. I joined the MG Car Club in 1961, which prompted even greater enthusiasm and over the years has provided a wide circle of friends". Much as he would like to work on the TF himself, he is now limited to the easier jobs, as arthritis now dictates that most work has to be done by a few trusted professionals or MG friends.

The other MG was a 1972 Chrome Bumper B GT, bought from new and driven as an everyday car for 5 years until the need for greater luggage space arose.

The present day 'everyday cars' include a Toyota Corolla and a Daihatsu Fourtrak for towing, not to mention the 1960 Massey Ferguson tractor!

As you can see from the last vehicle Roger has retired from a life in 'financial roles' to a smallholding with cattle, sheep and poultry in Alcester Heath.

Asked what MG he would like to own, Roger's reply was: "I'd love a 1930 18/80 MK II, but not only is a good one very rarely in the market, but the cost would probably be prohibitive. A VA Tourer might be a possibility - or perhaps a Bull-nosed Morris!" 

 

March 2011 News Letter

 

Hello Everyone

 

Firstly can I welcome a new member, Simon Haddrell, I hope you enjoyed the evening and we will see you again.

 

We are getting a good response to the Skittles Evening (25^th March at Snitterfield Sports and Social Club) and we now have 31 people booked.  I will close the entry around 36 to 40 to ensure everyone gets plenty of attempts at the skittles, so if you want to attend please let me know as soon as possible (closing date is still 18^th March).  Graham & Fiona have agreed to organise the Treasure Hunt on a date to be advised.

 

Allen advised us that the Heritage Run (29^th May from Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon to The Crick Boat Show & Festival) organisation is progressing well with over 80 entries already received.  If you haven't sent your application to Allen already, then now is the time as the entry will probably close at 150 cars.

 

On the events front, Fred is working on a run out on the FBHVC 'Drive It Day', which is scheduled for 17^th April.  The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs exists to promote the interests of owners/users of historic/classic vehicles and devised the 'Drive It Day' to promote the use of historic vehicles (http://fbhvc.co.uk/drive-it-day/).  Any ideas of what to do or where the club could go on this day would be gratefully received, please contact either Fred or myself.  I will post some further information when we have decided on the event for the day.  For confirmation please note that the Classic Car Show at Malvern is over the Easter Week-end, the club will not have an organised presence, however if you would like to display your car an entry can be made directly with Andrew Greenwood (phone 01484 66777601484 667776  fax 01484 666923  info@classicshows.org   www.classicshows.org ).  Andrew Greenwood is also running an event at Malvern on the 'Drive It Day' (17^th April) but this is for Classic Motor Bikes.

 

On behalf of the MG Car Club, Lech mentioned the next 2 events organised by the Midland Centre as; The Spring Trial at Lintridge Farm on Sunday 27^th March and the Spring Sprint at Curborough on 3^rd April.  Both these events are open to spectators with no charge but if you are prepared to help they are always looking for volunteers, especially for marshalling.  Let me know if you would like to help and I will put you in touch with the right people.

 

Not discussed at the meeting but worth mentioning is the change in insurance requirements for cars that are 'off the road'.  If you don't insure your car over the winter when it is not 'on the road' then it is now a legal requirement to declare SORN.  Further information can be seen at:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Motorinsurance/DG_186696 

Thanks to Derek Jackson for bringing this to my attention.

 

My car is slowly emerging from it's winter slumbers and I took advantage of the MG Spares day to source a new Stainless Steel Exhaust (the mild steel one was on the car when I bought it 18 years ago!), which has now been fitted.  I need to 'touch up' a bit of paintwork and give her the annual service ready for the MoT test.

 

 

 

February 2011 News Letter

 

Hello Everyone

 

Thanks for being 'gentle' with me on my first meeting as Chairman.  It was good see a large turnout at the February meeting and a big thank you to Ann Marie for organising the raffle.  We are still looking at how the proceeds from the raffle can be used for the benefit of the club but there is still the option to make a donation to a charity of the clubs choice.  If anyone has any ideas Ann Marie and I would be pleased to hear from you.  We would also be pleased to receive any donations of prizes, the more prizes we have the more fun it is and the proceeds will be put to good use.

 

I asked if there is a desire to have a Skittles night and a Treasure Hunt and the general consensus was yes.  I have therefore booked the Skittle Ally at Snitterfield Sports & Social Club for 25^th March (please put this date in your diary now) and we will start at 7.30pm, cost will be £9.00 which will include a hot supper and pudding.  We need a minimum of 15 to run the evening so please send your booking to me as soon as possible but no later than 18^th March, cheques made payable to Arden MG Club (I will be at the March meeting and will be happy to accept bookings then). My address is 24 Emmerson Ave, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9DX.

Graham & Fiona Robson have kindly agreed to organise the Treasure Hunt to be held during the summer and a date will be advised in the near future.

 

The organisation for the Heritage Run is progressing well and Allen reports he has received 40 entries already (one of which arrived the day after he sent out the application forms), however he is still looking for someone to arrange the sunny weather!!

 

Fred is collating events for this year and the list is now available to view on the website.  Sunday 17^th April is the FBHVC's 'Drive it Day' and it is also the week-end of the Malvern Classic Car show, so Fred is going to book a club stand for the Sunday.  The last date to book this with Fred will be the April meeting.

 

Advance notice from Lech is that the Midland Centre for the MG Car Club will be holding their Spring Production Car Trial at Lintridge Farm on Sunday 27^th March.  They are always looking for marshals, if you are interested in helping the club and taking in the fresh air of the hills of Ledbury, please let Lech know if you can spare the time to assist, unless you want to enter of course (Fred is a regular entrant if you want an idea of what goes on).

 

That's enough from me this month except for this month's club member profile:

 

PROFILE

Ann Marie Freeth

Vice-Chair Arden MG Club

 

Ann Marie and husband Colin have been members of the Arden Club for about 18 months. As most of you know she ran for chair against me and after a tight finish (actually it ended on a flip of the coin) she was happy to accept the new position of Vice-Chair of the club at the 2011 AGM. Ann Marie travels from Birmingham to attend the meetings at the Golden Cross The current MG is an MGB GT, however it is officially Colin's car and has been owned for two years.  Her own car is  Mini 1000  -  a proper one as she calls it - but her dream car would be a Morris Minor.

Ann Marie is happy to admit that the classic car bug came from husband Colin who has worked in the business  for many years and on the basis of "If you can't beat them, join them"  they are now very proud directors of their own company - M.R.S. Classics, in Drayton Bassett.  This is how they came to know of the club having worked on Geoff & Vicki's (our former Chair) award winning MGs.  When asked if she works on the cars herself the emphatic reply was "no, I have a man for that!!"

The day job is as a manager of a busy helpdesk for a property company  so the weekends are all about the cars.  Her main enjoyment of the car is to use it as much as possible in the summer going to car shows and an increasing enjoyment in runs especially when Matty the faithful  labrador is allowed to come along.

 

I'm not allowed to finish without mentioning her claim to fame in the classic car world -when she was working on the magazine 'Classic Car Mart'she wrote a review of 'MG Silverstone' some years ago which ended up in print..

 

  

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January 2011 News Letter

 

Hello Everyone

 

Can I start my first newsletter by wishing you all a very Happy & Prosperous New Year, also thanks for your confidence in voting me in as the new Chairman for the club, I hope I won't disappoint.

I would also like to give a big thank you to Geoff & Vicki for the hard work and enthusiasm they have put into the club over the last 2 years and I am sure I can speak for all the membership with this.

 

Well what can I say about the AGM, it has never been seen before but is an excellent sign for the club, I hope I can maintain the momentum.  The thirty members present split the vote equally between Anne-Marie and myself and it was decided to have both a Chair and a Vice-Chair, with me becoming the Chairman.

 

 

 

For the future of the club I would not want to make any changes to the way the club is run, as I feel the informality is the reason why it succeeds but I think Geoff & Vicki have done a great job with the website and would certainly want this to grow and I encourage everyone to view and participate regularly.  I enjoy using my MG and therefore would be prepared, to organise more drive out type visits like the Air Atlantique trip I did a couple of years ago, and to Motor related places such as the MG Factory at Longbridge, Jaguar Heritage Museum, etc (although these would have to be week-day events).  Please let me know what you think, what events are of interest and if there is enough interest I will start some preparation.

 

I thought it would be useful to introduce myself, as the new Chairman of the Arden MG Club and one of the things I would like to do in future newsletters is to profile members and their cars, so I will start with myself:

 

 

 I have been coming to the Arden club for the whole time I have owned my MGB Roadster, which will be 19 years this year.  The car is a 1968 Tartan Red MGB Roadster and is the only MG I have owned, although my first car was an Austin Healey Sprite, which is almost an MG!  During the ownership of my MG I have owned other classic cars (Lotus Elan +2 & Porsche 911 SC) but they have not outlived the MG.  The car resides in Stratford-upon-Avon with my wife Caroline and me, our 2 girls are no longer with us full time but they did enjoy their travels in the back of the MG before they grew too big to fit!!!

 

The maintenance of the car has all been down to me and she has undergone 2 periods of restoration, the first was to rebuild the near-side followed over the winter of 1999 & 2000 when I rebuilt the off-side and a full repaint in the current Tartan Red colour.  Most winters something is replaced or repaired, recent years have included new seats, new tonneau cover, rear axle and repainted wheels with new tyres.

 

I have attended many events, set routes for runs out, organised Treasure Hunts and for the last 7 years have been a member of the Heritage Run committee (designing both the front cover and the rally plates).  Indeed I have attended every Heritage Run (one year I even flew back from Germany to be in time for the run!).  I am a member of the MG Car Club and participate in Midland Centre events, like marshalling at the sprints & trials and going on the Welsh Rallye.

 

Drive carefully

 

Paul Dunster

 

 

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 December Newsletter

Merry Christmas everyone!!

We hope that those who attended the Christmas Meal at the Golden Cross on Tuesday 7^th December enjoyed themselves. Yet again Debbie and the team did us proud and I have sent a note of thanks to her. The food was excellent and the service impeccable. Thanks also to those who so enthusiastically took part in the Chairmans Christmas Challenge and congratulations to our knowledgeable winners!

We had a wide range of raffle prizes and those who won were hopefully pleased with what they got! A special thanks to members who donated additional prizes with a special mention for the superb MG print provided by Dave Rayner which featured as star prize. The lucky winner was Alan Ferguson who was thrilled to win something other than a bucket which he has previously won!

So that concludes the Arden MG year for 2010 and the next event will be the AGM in January. We would urge all members to attend if at all possible as we have received notification of an intention to stand for the post of Chair from two members. If both intentions are confirmed at the meeting then we will need to put it to a vote - that is also the case if there are any others who may wish to put themselves forward for this or any of the posts on the night. Of course we are, as in previous years, at the mercy of the weather and perhaps ourselves more than most! As we are a motoring club common sense should prevail and we need to take into consideration the prevailing weather. We will make this decision the night before the meeting and if we need to cancel there will be a note on the website and an email sent out to all members on that night (Monday). If you don't hear anything then the meeting will still be scheduled to go ahead.

Our very best wishes for a peaceful Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Regards

Geoff and Vicki

 

 

 

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October Newsletter

Dear Arden MG Club Member

Short and sweet this month as there is very little to report.

Our thanks to Roger who at last and after much hard work on his part has managed to sort out the Arden flag. It was anticipated that this would be a straightforward job but it was not to be and it has taken a disproportionate amount of negotiation and dialogue with the supplier to get it right. Therefore when you see the flag flying next year as it is put to use please spare a few moments thought as you look at it for the hassle it caused Roger to get it there!!

One last reminder that Vicki and I will not be at the November meeting (thanks to Roger for taking the reins) so if you still have your booking form for the Christmas meal you will need to post it to us. The closing date is 12 November and we will not be able to take any further bookings after that date as our order will go in to the Golden Cross. Alternatively if you are at the Classic Car Show at the NEC we will be there and can be contacted on the mobile number.

For those that are attending, we will send out an email nearer the date to let you know what time the meal will start.

Please do not forget that the AGM takes place in January and as we mentioned some time ago, we will be standing down as chair. We have not as yet been approached by anyone with a view to taking over although of course there may be someone out there who is waiting until the AGM to make their intentions known. Can we ask as many members as possible to attend the AGM (weather permitting of course - it has been known to cause postponement to February) as this is an important issue for the club to be sorted out.

Regards

Geoff and Vicki 

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September Newsletter

First of all thanks to Jude and Ivor for the Treasure Hunt on 2 September. The winners were Graham and Fiona so congratulations to them! If anyone who took part has any photos then please let us have them for the website.

The saga of the Club flag continues and despite the best efforts of Roger to get this sorted out whilst italicising the services of a local company, all has not gone well. The stipulation was for the flag to be double sided, however it appears that the company concerned did not appreciate that the flag needed to read Arden MG Club on both sides and not bluC GM nedrA on one. We hope for the sake of Rogers sanity that this can be resolved soon…..

The club visit to the Plum Festival was a big success and at the September meeting there was a vote of thanks to Simon for suggesting it. We are also very grateful to John who has kindly sent us this summary of the day:

"The meet at The Golden Cross at 9.30am started with a good turn out. Too many to drive in one convoy, so we separated into smaller groups to use a pretty, rural route to Pershore.

The short tour of local villages was in perfect sunny weather particularly for those with open cars.

On arrival at Pershore we parked in the allocated space in the Abbey   grounds, a beautiful setting near the centre of town.

I didn't count the number of cars but it was a good show possibly 150/200 classics. With two MG car clubs present the marque was approximately 25% of the total. Along with the MG's there was a several groups including Jowets, TR Triumphs, Stags, Austins plus lots of independent entries of Bentleys, Rolls Royce, 1930's American saloons etc. All in all an excellent show.

For those who don't share the extreme passion for classics and don't talk camshafts and big ends the Festival had its other attractions. There were craft stalls in an unused cemetery, farmers market in the square and music by the river in a pub garden. The Abbey Tower was open and in the afternoon children could have their Teddies (and cats and dogs etc.) sent down a Zip wire from the top and down into the grounds.

Perfect weather and an excellent festival atmosphere with lots of classics, a good day. "

Many thanks to all those club members who have sent through their booking forms for the Christmas meal which is taking place on place of the December natter. We have had a very enthusiastic response and it is likely that all places will be filled before the cut off date of Friday 12 November. If you have sent in your booking form you will have received an email in return to confirm it; if you have not booked yet then please do not leave it too late as you may be disappointed. Please bear in mind that if you were planning to bring along your booking form and cheque to the November natter, we will not be at this meeting and will not receive it in time. If you intend therefore to hand your booking to us personally it will need to be at the October natter. Unfortunately this year there will not be a raffle prize for every attendee but there will be a normal raffle which will have some special prizes and also there will be another Chairman's Prize Quiz. No doubt the Golden Cross will again make this a night to remember!

Regards

Geoff and Vicki

 

 

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Dear Arden MG Club Member

 

August Newsletter

We all remember Cassie, Squirrels old red roadster - it has been resold and will be rehomed in a museum in Germany. Pat will hopefully be making some enquiries to find out which museum and anyone who may be in Germany will be able to have a look at it. We understand however that it no longer has the original registration number.

Nice to see a good club turnout at MGFifteen at Gaydon Motor Heritage Centre - Simon (with his car!!!! although a Sunday roast called him away early), Colin and Anne-Marie and Alan, who had a go at showing his car for the first time. It was our third time at this event with Vicki's MGF. We enjoyed the overnight camping and catching up with old friends. On the Sunday we again entered the Pride of Ownership competition and came away with the Best MGF Trophy for the 3^rd year running and also the Sterling Automotive Visitors Trophy. Seems the Meguiars stuff we won last month does work!

The new raffle again seemed to be popular at the natter. Even the bucket holding the tickets was won and the lucky winner was more than pleased! After expenses the raffle raised £25.50 for club funds.

Jude and Ivor Machin have finalised the arrangements for the Treasure Hunt on Thursday 2 September. which starts from the Golden Cross at Bearley. For those of you who were not at the natter, there are entry forms and menu for the meal available on the website which you can download. Please can you get these back to Jude and Ivor as soon as possible so that they can finalise the arrangements.

There are at least 20 people signed up for the Plum Festival. Entry to the Festival site is from the Worcester/Defford side. Lech will be leaving the Golden Cross at 9.30am for a run there across country.

Finally (as we hear a big groan go up), an early reminder that the Arden Christmas meal is scheduled for 7 December. Yes, it's already time to start planning!!! Please make a note in your diaries for this. There will be a page on the website very soon where you can view the menu and download your booking form.

Regards

Geoff and Vicki

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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July Newsletter

Following the most recent meeting we would like to welcome 3 new members, John Langford who has an MG ZA and Richard and Lucy Shepherd who have an MGA.

Due to popular demand we reinstated the monthly raffle at the last meeting with a small administrative variation. The raffle now runs in this format. Once all tickets are sold they are drawn which gives the winner an opportunity to select a prize. This is done by that winner drawing a further ticket whose number is allocated to one of the prizes in the raffle. This means that all prizes have equal value and that the last ticket drawn has as much chance of winning the most popular prizes as the first drawn tickets. At the last meeting this meant that the beautifully decorated rubber gloves donated by Bill and Gill were the first prize to be won and the bottle of Grants donated by Colin and Anne Marie was one of the last.

Again many thanks to the above members for the donated prizes for the raffle. There will always be a selection of purchased prizes but any future donations to add variety to this will be gladly received!

Club member Tony Wright again took part in the Prescott Hill Climb but his day did not go entirely Wright. We understand that due to a mix up over equipment Tony had to rapidly make his way up the hill on foot rather than in his MG Metro Turbo to collect some missing kit, whilst clad in full fireproof racing garb, no mean feat indeed. Although we are still waiting to hear his recorded time for doing this, rumour has it that his car is getting a little bit worried about redundancy. We will keep our club members updated as to whether Tony will be participating in the 2012 Olympics.

Tony also informed us that he attended the MGM Saloon Day at Sandon Hall near Stafford which was very well attended by members and invited Clubs, including Rover 200/400 Club the Z Register and a few "Y" Types.

Again, a reminder, please drop us a note about any trips or days out that you have that would be of interest to other club members together with photographs if possible.

A note about a few items coming up. The latest calendar from Fred is below and is also on the calendar page of the website. There will be a club Treasure Hunt being arranged by Ivor Machin and this will take place on 2^nd September. More details about entry to this to follow. So far there are 15-16 cars for the Plum Festival on 30 August. Meeting for this is at the Golden Cross at 0930 for a leisurely run there. One missing from the calendar at the moment is 14 August which is the Brails Show - we need to be there after 1pm. Can those wishing to attend let Fred have numbers at the next meeting.

Many thanks to all those of you who sent their good wishes to Vicki after her recent second hip replacement. She is making very good progress and in fact is back to walking and cycling (slightly late for the Tour de France this year but who knows).

Finally, as you will all know, Vicki and I have for the last six months been living in Lincolnshire and travel monthly to as many of the Arden meetings as possible. You will see from news of our recent activities that we have become increasingly busy up here with MG events and have become members of three local clubs.

Due to these local commitments and the problems and cost associated with the     2 ½ hours drive each way for not only for monthly natters but also the occasional committee meetings between natters (on which I am unable to make the contribution I would wish of a Chair), I have decided that when we get to the AGM next year I will not be seeking re-election to the Chair. We will still remain members of the club and still attend as many meetings and events as possible. We are mentioning this well in advance so that any prospective candidates for the post of Chair can give this plenty of time to consider.

We are extremely happy about the way that the last 18 months have gone particularly with the numbers of new members, the website and the monthly articles in the MGOC magazine and we have been proud to continue with the hard work that Allen Smith put in over a number of years. We are sure that when the time comes whoever takes over from us will continue to take the club forwards and we will be happy to help in any way that we can!!

Regards

Geoff and Vicki

 

 

 

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Arden newsletter June 2010

Isn't it great that after the terrible winter we are actually now able to get the cars out on a regular basis!

We have further new members joining the club this month so a big welcome to Mark and Lisa Semens and to Doug Freeman. We hope that you soon settle into your club membership and enjoy what it has to offer.

We are pleased to report that Graham Robson has given us a full write up of this years Heritage Run and this is posted on the club website. Visit the Heritage Run page and click on the link to download a PDF document. Many thanks Graham, your article is excellent and reflects the quality of the event itself. We received a small write up in the Shipston Home Nursing News April 2010 regarding our donation to them from the proceeds of last years Run. We are also considering the Wellesbourne Vulcan to receive a donation from this year. Time does not stand still and would you believe Allen and the team are already beginning work for the 2011 Run.

Our illustrious club member Tony Wright is in action again this coming weekend and will be in his Metro at the Prescott Hill Climb. If you want to see him in action please note that the ties have changed and you will need to get there before 10am.

This month the Arden Club has had further success in outside events. The beginning of the month saw the highly anticipated MGLive Show at Silverstone. It was really nice to bump into a number of club members there enjoying the lovely weather. Vicki and I camped over the whole weekend and on the Sunday we entered our cars in the Concours event. We are really proud to report that Vicki's blue 1964 MGB won the 1^st in Class and the MGB Concours trophies. My 1958 MGA coupe also won 1^st in Class and Best MGA. On top of this the MGA also won the coveted Overall Show Winner award. Part of the prize was an invitation to take the car to the Classic Car Show at the NEC and put it on the Meguirs stand. I understand that it will also be entered into the Champion of Champions Competition - just as well part of the Silverstone prize was some Meguirs products as I need to get started on some really serious polishing. We have clocked up over 1000 miles in these two cars over the last month or so and they have had to lug all the camping gear as well so they are a testament to the resilience of MG's!

A number of club members also attended the Triumph Concours event at the Moat House, Kings Coughton. Thanks to Phil Daniels for extending the invitation to the Club and many congratulations to Dave and Diane Rayner whose car won Best Non-Triumph!

A few forthcoming events to mention - next weekend is the Princethorpe College event and Fred has full details and entry forms..

For those attending the Pershore Plum Festival the plan is to leave the Golden Cross at 0930. Any age of car is accepted for this event but entries need to be in by mid-July so please count the next natter meeting as the cut off point.

14^th August is the fabulous Brailes Show. We attended this last year and can highly recommend it.

On 1^st and 2^nd September there is a club Treasure Hunt being arranged. These are quite complex events to arrange so please give it your full support. Please let us know as soon as you an if you wish to attend so that we can start to compile numbers.

That's about it for this month. Enjoy getting out in the summer sunshine and if you go somewhere in your MG take a photograph and send it through to us so that we can share your exploits with the rest of the club!

Regards

Geoff and Vicki

 

 

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May Newsletter

Dear Arden MG Club member

Our apologies for the late posting of the May newsletter. As you know, we missed the Heritage Run as it coincided with the Jersey Rally. We obviously wanted to include details of the Run but had not heard from anyone of the finer details. However, many thanks to Colin Freeth yesterday for his summary of the day as below:

"Everybody met up at Evesham Country Park on a cloudy and fresh Sunday morning for the Heritage Run. The cafe was open so full advantage was taken of the hot food and drinks available and the chance to have a catch up with old and new friends John and Jean and Steve and Gaynor. We set off with John and Jean taking the lead in their MG TF followed by a Magnette, MGF and bringing up the rear was us in our BGT. We meandered our way through the "country lanes" and severely "potholed lanes" of the Cotswolds before we reached our final destination of the Abingdon Country Show. The turn out of MG's was surprisingly excellent considering how bitterly cold it was. The Abingdon Works Club arranged a great Air Display as part of the entertainment despite the strong winds that stayed with us all day and prevented them from using the main runway at the airfield. There was also a Sheep Dog display and a parade of MG's through the years in the paddock. There was also a Farmers Market showcasing local produce which also did a brisk trade. "

 

Colin and Ann Marie also have updated us about the Arden Club visit to the Malvern Show:

"Despite a small turn out (there were only 5 cars and 3 dogs ) we tootled off on our own run through the country lanes around Pershore to the Malvern Classic Car Show. When we arrived we parked up, unfurled our banner, had a chat and a cuppa and strolled off in different directions around the stalls and displays. A couple of the halls held a Lotus Display with some early examples of Coventry Climax cars on display. Finally clouds burned away from the overlooking Malvern Hills to produce a dry and sunny day so there was a great turnout of various classics in the field and we were able to sit around our cars and have a chat and a picnic at a leisurely pace. To coin the phrase it was "A Grand Day Out" ." .

The fortunes of the Arden Club were on an up at the Jersey Rally where Dave Stowe's YT (ironically the one we believe was shown on the front of the Heritage Run route book) won the top prize in the Prix d'Honneur class. On the way over to Jersey the car had a bit of an oil leak under the bonnet and it is credit to Dave that he managed to clean the car up again so well before it was shown. My MGA was in the same class but could not match Dave's standard!!

Vicki's MGB won the prize for best chrome bumper MGB and also the overall Premier Concours trophy.

An event to mention to our members is the Cricket St. Thomas weekend which we also went to just before Jersey. It takes place every other year and we have to say that we were very impressed. The event is extremely well organised and is a credit to the three area secretaries. We had an unexpected bonus when Vicki's car was selected by the organisers as the car of the weekend.

The only down side to the event was that an MGA coupe was stolen from the grounds of the hotel overnight despite the car park being monitored by CCTV. The cars owners were, understandably, broken hearted at its loss as they had owned it for 16 years. We have posted the details of the car on the club website forum as one to look out for. It is a bit of a stark warning to us all that even in apparently safe locations there are still people out there who use these types of gathering as a means to commit crime and worth bearing in mind as the years events really start to kick off.

Regards

Geoff and Vicki

 

 

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April Newsletter 

Many apologies for the lateness of the April newsletter (it is almost time for the May edition!) - we have had a very hectic few weeks.

You may or may not be aware that over the past few weeks there has been some discussion over the Arden Club finances. Briefly, for those who do not know the background, the Arden Club has to date not charged subscriptions from its members and has predominantly raised money through the monthly raffles. A couple of months ago Roger indicated that he would like someone else to take over the administration of the raffle and Christine Bilbrough indicated that she would help out as and when she could.

We were approached by a number of members as to whether the club should, in light of this, start charging subscription and if so whether that would mean that the club could organise more activities and events. We posted a thread on the club forum on the website where some club members entered their views on the subject and we also received a number of emails from others.

The overall consensus at the moment is that the club will continue in its current form with no subscription fee and that funds will be raised through raffles although these many not take place every month. In support of club funds, at the Christmas function we will do away with the practice of a raffle prize for every attendee (this is where most of the yearly income was spent). Without the Christmas raffle the club will have sufficient funds to finance itself through the year.

However, if there are members who still feel strongly on the subject, then they should raise it at the next AGM and, if necessary, an appropriate vote can be taken.

During the course of the various discussions there was also some suggestion made that the club was looking to split into two separate natters. This is not the case and we will continue in our current form.

There has been some sense of unease whilst all these issues have been on the table but we hope now to draw a line under the subject.

That our of the way, a warm welcome to two further new members, Geoff and Linda. We hope you enjoy your club membership!

A quick reminder about May 30^th for the Ragley Hall classic. Please contact Fred if you would like to attend this event.

A little further ahead is July 14 when there is a joint natter in the Wye Valley area - Lech has full details.

On 30 August there is the Pershore Plum Festival in the grounds of the abbey and they are happy to accommodate the club. Further details wail be available to the next meeting.

Now we are starting to see the better weather there is the anticipation, for most of us, of relaxed gentle MG drives through the countryside. For one of our club members his MG driving experience will be less than gentle or relaxed as the season starts on his participation in the Prescott Speed Hill Climb. Tony Wright put in a commendable performance last year with his MG Metro Turbo and we are looking forward to his achievements this year. The first event will have been on 25 April with the next being on 27 June and then two further events in September and October with four runs on each day. We will report on Tony's progress in Enjoying MG and on our club website where there are photographs of Tony in action and no doubt he will keep us fully posted with further pictures.

I have been contacted by one of our club members Phil Daniels in his official capacity to invite Arden MG's members to an evening gathering of the Birmingham group of the TR Register to their relaxed concourse evening at the Moat Inn, Kings Coughton.

Essentially they invite the members of the register to bring their vehicles along and display them. Attendees then vote on which car they feel should to win their respective category. They would like to invite Arden MG to attend to share a great evening over a beer , BBQ and a chat. The evening is on the 9^th of June and starts at approximately 7.30pm. This sounds like an excellent inter-club opportunity and I hope that club members will give it their support.

Vicki and I have to tender our apologies for the next meeting. Hopefully Roger will be available to take the reins - if not, just enjoy yourselves!

Finally let's all keep our fingers firmly crossed for the weather for the Heritage Run !!!!

Regards

Geoff and Vicki

 

 

 

 

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March Newsletter

Firstly this month we regret to inform you of the CANCELLATION of the club skittles night at Stratford Bowls Club on 19 March, organised by Ken and Christine.

This is due to the poor show of interest from members which did not even reach the minimum required number of 20.

On a more cheerful note, there was an excellent turn out to the March natter and a warm welcome to two new members, Maureen from Stratford and Derek from Lower Quinton. Both are very enthusiastic about their cars, a Midget (see photo gallery) and a non-standard B.

We were glad to see quite a number of you attending the Stoneleigh Show (despite the blizzard conditions again) and we understand that Colin and Carl on their respective stalls did quite well.

Further, a big thank you to Christine who has volunteered to assist with the monthly raffles. We received only 3 comments on the website forum on this subject which was a bit disappointing as we believe that members have various views on the subject of the raffle and associated finance. So the current format of natters with the monthly raffle will continue.

The club has just extended its website term for a further 12 months so please do use it!!

There are some new dates entered into the website calendar. On 18 April there is the Malvern Show which involves a cost of £3 per car. The intention is to travel in convoy from the Golden Cross and you will need to show your interest in taking part by the next club meeting.

The Prescott Hill climb is on 8/9 May with a cost of £18 to get into the paddock and the cavalcade up the hill. Contact Lech for further information.

Ragley Hall is on the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May and the general consensus of the meeting was to attend on the Sunday (30^th).

On 22 August there is a show at Arbury Hall, Nuneaton, organised by Transtar Promotions which is apparently a very good show. 

Our Heritage Run is now fully booked and we have 25 on the reserve list! If you have not booked it yet you will need to contact Allen to get on the reserve list.

That's all for this month - a short newsletter but hopefully as the weather now starts to get better we will receive some news from our members about their activities with the cars! Please don't forget to update us, other club members are interested in who is doing what and where.

Regards

Geoff and Vicki

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February Newsletter

 

Dear Arden MG Club Member 

Nice to see everyone at the AGM and a personal thanks from Vicki and I for voting us in as chair again. The other posts remain the same - Allen with the Heritage Run, Dave with Membership and Fred dealing with Events.

Roger is happy to carry on as Treasurer but, as mentioned at the meeting, to assist him with this and to free up some time for him he is looking for someone else to take over the task of managing the monthly raffles. The club Treasurer report that was circulated at the meeting shows that the income from the raffles over 2009 was £459.60 and is the main source of the clubs income. If anyone is prepared to take this on can you let us know. Clearly one of the issues is that if the task is taken on by one person alone it requires their attendance at every meeting which can cause a problem. Following the meeting several members approached us with possible solutions such as the job being shared between a number of people on a monthly or quarterly basis.

Another suggestion is that to replace the raffle as regular source of income we should have an annual membership subscription (possibly in the region of £1 a month each) and then hold a raffle on an ad hoc basis as a secondary source.

Another possible secondary source income is through club regalia. There is a small supply left of the existing regalia and we have put the details of this on the website. We are making enquiries with a local supplier about personalised and club logo-ed items such as shirts, polo shirts and sweat shirts.

We would really welcome your feedback on this issue as we do need to free up Rogers time and must therefore make a decision on the solution soon. We have therefore included a new entry on the club forum on the website so that you can post your comments. We thought this would be preferable to asking you to email as posting a reply on the forum means the overall opinion is viewable by all and also you can remain anonymous if you wish!

This month on the 21^st is the MG Show at Stoneleigh and we have two club members with stands there. Carl Daniels will be selling his nut and bolt packs and Colin Freeth will be displaying a car recently given a chrome bumper conversion and other body work/paint restoration. If you are the show please make a point of giving Carl and Colin your support!

In the last newsletter we mentioned the Skittles evening coming up in March. The date for this has now been confirmed as 19 March at Stratford Bowls Club. The evening includes a cold buffet and chips supper and the cost is around £6 to £7 per head depending on numbers. Please can you reply by email by the end of the month if you are attending this so that we can feed the numbers back to Ken and Christine. Last year this event was a great success and a thoroughly enjoyable evening so don't miss it!

The Heritage Run has had an excellent response so far with 116 applications received so far. At the moment the run is limited to 120 cars and Allen is starting a reserve list if numbers can be increased. If you want an application form and have not had one so far please contact Allen. All his contact details are in the MGOC magazine "Enjoying MG" - if you do not subscribe to this send us an email through the club website email and we will forward that on to Allen.

Not mentioned in the letter with the application form but very important - NO DOGS ALLOWED WITHIN THE AIRSHOW.

Finally club member John Mattocks is selling his MGA. It is a 1957 MGA Roadster - the first of the variants - in Old English White, its original colour with 1500 cc conventional cam engine. It was originally exported to USA, repatriated in approx 1988. He bought it as a project in 1989 and it was completely restored over about 2 years by Will Sparrow in Bidford. He had it converted to RHD, the wheels changed from steel to wire and replaced the 2 x 6 volt batteries with one of 12 volts.

He says it runs very well and has done only about 10000 miles since purchase. There is a file with all the receipts and details of the restoration and manuals etc. The bodywork has a few stone chips but no corrosion and the hood was custom made and is in excellent condition. There is a photograph of the car posted in the gallery on the website.

See you at Stoneleigh and if not, the March meeting.

Regards

Geoff and Vicki