: : February 2007 I seem to have been in a daze for the first meeting of 2007 at the Blandings. Preoccupied largely with how I was going to change my wheels I think? But I did pick up that for the first time in many a year Joy Pendle would not be able to attend the AGM. This would be a blow for someone, you see Joy has always undertaken the task of minutes secretary, so would it fall to another to undertake this task? I was interested to learn the reason for Joy’s absence, it would seem she is not only a “fast lady” in the motoring sense, but also on the “Piste”! Leaving her task to someone else, Joy was going off to enjoy some skiing somewhere in Europe... but it could backfire slightly, could we volunteer her for something in her absence at said AGM? Robin Plumley told me about his plans for the group's visit to his new ship the “James Cook” in Southampton docks. Robin explained that the group where being used as guinea pigs to test the route into the docks that would be used for the official visit of HRH Princess Anne, but I understand that Her Royal Highness will not be travelling in such a stylish carriage as the many MG’s that our members arrived in. It was at this meeting that the member of the year for 2006 shield was to be awarded. As I sat there scribbling on my pad - “The member of the year is....” - and I heard my name called out. Crickey! I thought, how embarrassing is this, but I have to say I am extremely honoured and somewhat humbled to receive this from you, my peers. So a big thank you to all who nominated me, I know there were other contenders, well at least one, the one I voted for! Seriously though I don’t feel I deserve it, I’ve only been here a year and there are other people who have worked tirelessly for a number of years, so my personal thanks go to all who helped in anyway during the last year. The beautiful wine goblets have found an honoured place on a display case and will be a lasting memento of doing very little hard work, but having so much fun with such lovely people. John Lyons told me that his stunning solar red MGF is still for sale. The car has some upgrade features, 28k+ miles it comes with full Brown & Gammons service history and personal MG registration. It has 12 months MOT and tax and I think you could tempt it from John’s hands for an offer in excess of the £5k region. Interested? Ring John on 07786 981438. The mid-month meeting was, of course, the AGM at the Blandings and saw some 25+ members attend. The minutes from this meeting will be with next month's newsletter. Bits, Bobs and the odd Spare Part Now I must admit it has not been a good month in terms of news for this section. I just don’t seem to have picked up on anything of interest. It is also true to say I’ve been preoccupied with other matters, not your fault I know, you just want to read something interesting. So you will have to bear with me this month, I promise I will try to pull my socks up from next month on, also I have to say I do get some mental blockages sometimes and I really don’t have a clue what to write. Couple of dates for your diaries perhaps though - you will recall last month I wrote about my daughter, Kayleigh’s, experience at MGs on Track's activity fun day at North Weald. Well we are having another one there on the 30th of March and, if that wetted your appetite, why not give it a go? First you need to register with the club, this is easy, costs you nothing and is the ONLY way you can join in. To register go to www.mgs-on-track.com , click on the 'Register Here!' link on the menu bar and follow the instructions. Once you are registered you can then book a place and pay for it online. The cost is £30 for the day if you are an MG Car Club member or £35 if you are not, you don’t need helmets or anything else and anybody who takes part on the day will get a discount voucher towards their first proper track day. For the £30/£35 you can have two drivers and it is not that taxing on the car, but it is huge fun. The only thing is, you need to allow a couple of hours to get there, because you have to go round the M25 - I usually leave about 06.30. If you want to know more then get hold of me. The second date for your diaries is Sunday April the 29th. On this day we have been invited by the Watercress Line to display our cars at Ropley Station, I think, but Tania will confirm. I understand they will be celebrating their 25th year of running the railway so this should promise to be a fun packed day for anyone interested in railways or, more particularly, steam trains. I believe though that there will be an age limit on the cars we can display, possibly pre-1978? Mind you, I don’t think that will stop me going and parking with the great masses. If you are interested, make yourself known to Tania, she can then notify individuals when she has more details. Another firm favorite of mine is the Regency Run from Brooklands to Brighton, organized jointly by the MGOC and MGCC. This year the run is on Sunday 13th May. It is a very leisurely day out with, of course, masses of MGs to see at the start and finish and lovely scenery along the way. I will be going and, if you fancy a run up in convoy, along the route and back home let me know and I’ll organize something. < Return to previous page