: : July 2007 Bits, Bobs and the odd Spare Part The week end of the 23rd / 24th June was a significant one for MG, for at the Silverstone MG International event NAC MG launched the public debut of the Longbridge assembled MG TF. It is to be seen whether this much awaited re-launch will be a success, I have heard several mutterings about waste of time, giving us an outdated 10 year old rehash. On top of this event comes the news that NAC has signed an agreement with the Healey family to collaborate over developing the Healey and Austin-Healey brands. Of course the Healey name last appeared on a car with the ill fated Jenson-Healey of the late 70s, it being some time since the heady days of the Healey name being associated with Austin and the famous 100, 3000 and Sprite models, that captured many competition successes and the sales to many a sporting owner. At this moment in time there are no plans to put the name on any particular model, it is thought that a consultation period will be undergone with a view to developing a completely new model? Interesting times in China…………lets hope so.  Wow! What a stunner, no I do not refer to any of the mouth watering cars that took part in this year’s New Forest Run. I refer to the event itself, it was in my view the best yet, but I’ve only done four and this was the ninth. I know from the reaction I’ve received from the two charities that they both thoroughly enjoyed the day, they raised their profiles and received superb support, both financial and possible new volunteers. But it was the MG owners as they left to make their way home as well, I lost count of the number who said, “Great day and I will be back next year”.  So to all of you, I raise my hat and say “WELL DONE”, you can be proud of your club and your achievement. You gave 200+ MG owners a day to remember and helped two local charities to carry on their work. I look forward to next year and the 10th run.  The Anniversary Midget! Roy Sneddon writes "From time to time I look back through old copies of Enjoying MG (sad b……d I hear you say) and I came across an article about a certain MG Midget. It had been almost completely dismantled and left in bits about the house for several years. Does anyone recognise the car in question? I’m talking about our very own Linda Taylor’s MG Midget…… BRIDGET, serious help was needed." So in the summer of 1997 a concentrated period of club activity saw Linda’s beloved Midget back on the road again. To cut a long story short, club members rallied round with offers of help. Bill Schofield removed the engine and took it away for examination. It was returned fully rebuilt and ready for refitting. Malcolm Rumsey and Roy Sneddon helped reassemble the front cross member, suspension and brakes.  But the most credit must go to Linda herself. She meticulously rubbed down, painted, oiled, greased and replaced every little nut and bolt. Every part was reassembled, again mostly by Linda who was left with instructions as to what was required and where and how it was to be fitted, buying new only when absolutely necessary. The house began to look more like a home and the Midget more like a complete car. It was a combined effort but it worked, and Bridget was reborn and looking wonderful. Actually the car was in excellent condition and very little work was carried out on the body and paint work. Linda should look back on that period with a lot of pride. She was now able to attend MG events in an MG and not a little white Nova! Linda has continued to look after her MG Midget and this July sees the 10th  anniversary of its restoration - Bridget looks as good as ever and becomes the inaugural winner of  “Car of the month”. This is a new feature that our Secretary Roy would like to introduce. Could it be your car next month? < Return to previous page