Hot from a very lively AGM these notes might well serve to illustrate the problem of combining a magazine which is published by an organisation with only commercial advantage in mind and which includes a news letter masquerading as a Club magazine for MGCC members.
MGE appears every month but not on the same day or even week. Reminding members of events which are imminent may be foiled by publication dates and the postal distribution of the magazine spread over 2 or 3 days. MGE apparently appears on the news stand before members receive it in the post, this gives purchasers an advantage over members in the classified adds section. The Club bit ( Safety Fast ) is treated as an addendum to the main issue therefore leaving members with a second rate service.
The content of MGE is not really an issue as it does try to include something for everyone but its not a 'Club' magazine.
We are told that this situation is being addressed and it is hoped that consideration of the 'Club' will be put hirer up in importance than the commercial needs of the publishers, if not then the various sections within the MGCC will further fragment to the detriment of the membership.
Back to the point of having a Club magazine. If this arrives in time, you
may just get a late entry for the Kimber Classic Trial on Saturday April
21st. A really interesting route through west Dorset and south Somerset. This trial is believed to be the
longest running event in the club - started back in 1936 with some of the original sections still included.
The route has had to be softened a little to take account of the more modern MG but still provides a
challenge for all. If you don't want to enter why not spectate at one of the 10 or so sections. Alham Splash
is one of the best for entertainment value - but wear some boots.
For those with purely social tendencies a BBQ and Gymkhana on Sunday 22nd at Barry Fosters concludes the
week end entertainment so give Andrew Owst a ring on 01761 221893 for details.
The Wessex Sprint on Bank Holiday Monday May 7th always welcomes competitors and marshal's (the public are not admitted ). So if you want to get close to the action why not volunteer to marshal., great spectator value with a lunch voucher thrown in. Contact Bruce Morgan on 01275-790855 for details.
On Sunday May 13th the Devon and Cornwall Centre will be holding there annual 'ACE' run from Oakhampton to Honiton over the lanes and byways of Devon linking places which used to be frequented by the Southern Railway 'Atlantic Coast Express'. Contact Colin Lennox Jones on 01752-892434.
For those of you who like some vintage speed there is the VSCC Wiscombe Hillclimb on the same day and if rumours are correct you will see more than 9ERA's in a special class. Details on the Wiscombe Park and VSCC web sites.
The Wye Valley Social Run on May 20th is recommended for those who have a
taste for 1950's motoring in glorious countryside with excellent lunch and tea stops. The route is pre
planned and easy to follow even if you are on your own, so don't miss out - ring Terry Davies on
01989 562366 for details.
Make a note of the Bath Gymkhana on June 3rd run by Peter Jones - A laid back afternoon event is great company - 01225 837545 should find him.
This months photo is of our web master John Thomas proving that a left hand drive car is no problem when passing through Alham Splash. On the Kimber Classic. You have to get the bow wave correct or …….
Bruce Weston
01963 440 941
SW Centre website: www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccsw