It started on Saturday night with an informal gathering in the function room of the Empress of Blanding. All those who attended enjoyed a relaxed night of entertainment that included a quiz, a treasure hunt, feely boxes and dingbats. I am pleased to say 1009 made a clean sweep of the prizes - John and Linda Anderson won the £10 M&S voucher while Linda and Derek, Jon and Pauline were the other winners.

With so much to transport to the start on Sunday, the Volvo was loaded with every thing but the kitchen sink – no driving my MG again - the sacrifices you have to make! I wanted to be at Sammy Millers early that morning as I had all the route books that Tania and Bryan had prepared earlier in the week. It was no surprise though to find most of the team already there and preparations well under way. The trays of sandwiches were put on display ready for collection. The registration table was set out and well manned. All the marshals were visible in their yellow vests and keen to direct the cars to the allotted area. It was all running like clockwork - anyone would think we had done it before.

The cars started arriving and it wasn’t long before the car parks were full. Rally plaques were quickly fitted and then they were off. It was great to see all these MGs ready to start the 85 mile run that would eventually take them to Exbury Gardens. Sammy Miller himself flagged away the first cars. The route would follow the northern boundaries of the New Forest National Park before heading south via Cadnam, Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst and Beaulieu. En route were our very own roving photographers Martin and Malcolm poised ready to snap that all action exclusive. With all the cars gone there was still someone prepared to stay behind just in case there were any late arrivals, those from 1009 who wanted to complete the run duly departed, the rest headed directly for Exbury. Again there was no need to worry - Andy, Harry and Co. were already on site busy arranging the parking plan for the cars when they arrived at Exbury. Our two charities had also arrived (Hampshire Air Ambulance and The Children’s Friendship League) and were busy setting up their stands for the afternoon. Raffle tickets were on sale throughout Saturday and at the start for all those who felt lucky. I know some 1009 members did really well but I won’t mention names. Thanks John and Linda for organising a very successful raffle.

Cars arrived continually throughout the afternoon and were marshalled expertly into a superb display which totally filled the car park. Drivers and passengers were glad to stretch their legs (after 3 hours in an MG) before exploring the wonderful gardens and amenities available. Judging of the various categories - Best MGA, MGB etc. - took place mid afternoon and was entrusted to our charity representatives Maggie and Debbie who were absolutely delighted to be offered this task and made an excellent choice of winners. Martin (abandoning his camera for a microphone) announced the names of the winners and the trophies - donated by Bourne Engraving - were presented by Maggie and Debbie to some delighted owners. Our new MC (that’s Master of Ceremonies and not a renewed Martin Charles or, as I now wish to be known, "The Muppet with the Microphone", Ed.) complete with mobile PA system announced that a grand total of £2500 (give or take) had been raised by the run - that formula must still be right. And that was just about it!

With no stipulated time for leaving the site everyone left for home as and when they liked. For the 1009 team a 3 course meal had been arranged with our hosts at Exbury in their Mr Eddy’s restaurant. This proved to be quite a success and something to remember for future events. It was a lovely meal, we all enjoyed the food and the chance to finally relax after such a long hot day.

So yes, it is a bonus having beautiful weather and beautiful scenery, but what you MUST HAVE is a committed, organised, hard working team and I think 1009 proved that again this year... Brilliant!!!

There follows a selection of the emails I received after this year's run;

Just a note to let you know how much Margaret and I enjoyed the NF Run this year. Once again blessed with superb weather, stunning scenery, and a host of like-minded entrants made for a great day. Oh yes the car didn’t break down this year! Hopefully we will be taking part next year as well, and we would like to thank everyone in 1009 for their planning and hard work in making the event such a success. Well done.
Rob & Margaret Stebbing

May I offer our congratulations regarding the NF Run last sunday. My wife and I enjoyed it very much. The whole production was excellent in every way and all credit must be given to those involved in the organisation of the day. Look forward to next year. Kind regards
Campbell & Carol Sims

May I thank you and all the team for an excellent run - I think the best run out of the last three years that we have been on it – and you managed the weather so well too. Thank you and all the team again - I know that to get something to run so well takes a lot of effort and it is much appreciated.
Tim & Bobby Smith

We just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and the rest of the Southampton and New Forest MGOC 1009 team for all your obvious hard work and preparation that made the whole day a FANTASTIC experience!! Although we have owned our MGF and been members of the MGOC for quite some years now, we have never seemed to find time to participate in any of the many runs or rally events... oh what we have missed!!. We really did enjoy the day, the company all in such a wonderful part of the country and whatever you did to provide such great weather... keep it going! Kind regards.
Brian & Daphne




< Return to previous page