Secretary's Notes

Not a lot to write about this month.
We are now back into the show season and I desperately require cars for the May Classic and Sports Car Show at the NEC, Harrogate MG 97 at Ripley Castle and pre-war cars for the Footman James Retro Festival, again at the NEC. Dates for these events appear in What's On 97.

Please note that the Autumn International MG Show at Sandown Park, Esher is on the 12th October and not the 19th as previously published. Advanced tickets for this event and the National Restoration Show can be obtained by phoning the credit card hotline 0121 733 2123.

Had another good weekend at the Ally Pally Show, meeting many old and new members. This event was made more enjoyable by a number of members assisting on the stand, allowing everyone time to look around the show. Sadly Barry Fisher, one of our Essex stalwarts and ex natter organiser for the area has passed away. An obituary to follow.

Spring Beaulieu is being held on 10/11 May but we will again not be having a stand there. I have also just received an invitation for the Club to have a stand at the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust MG Marque Day at Gaydon on Sunday 10 August. Unfortunately, this clashes with the Retro Show, so unless I have volunteers to go and man a stand we will not be there. Please let me know if you are prepared to assist.

Whilst talking about volunteers, the AGM in November instructed me to advertise to try to obtain more committee members. Well, this is it. What is involved? The willingness to attend a committee meeting every six weeks, presently held at Stafford. Willingness to assist in running the Club and not just talking about what should be done. Rewards, financially none, but hopefully the satisfaction of helping to make MG Octagon Car Club, the CLUB FOR PRE-56 MGs. As I am expecting a rush for these positions, applications will be taken on a first come basis. In the first instance please drop me a line.

Vintage Tyre Supplies has informed us that it is introducing its own brand Waymaster 4.50-19 tyres, cost £65.00 plus VAT. For further information write to Vintage Tyre Supplies Ltd., National Motor Musuem, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Hants, SO42 7ZN.

Serck Marston has also informed us that it will give a 10& discount on production of your Club membership card. It has branches in many major towns. Unfortunately I have heard one or two bad rumours about its workmanship. Perhaps members having experience of any work may like to write to the Bulletin, relating to what they have found.

Brooklands Books, P O Box 146, Cobham, Surrey KT11 1LG has just produced a new 48 page colour catalogue. Copies of this may be obtained free of charge by writing to the above address.

For those with an interest in motorcycles, the new Sam Miller Museum has been opened. It is situated just off the A35 between Lyndhurst and Christchurch.

Have just received notification that the Grand Prix d' Europe 1997, is being held on 18-19 May in Luxembourg City. It is hoped that around 250 historic racing and sports cars will tackle a 3km track in the heart of Luxembourg. For further details tel: 00 352 29 89 29 or fax 00 352 29 89 30.

The 1997 Autoglym Classic Concours Championship is being held at four events this year. Entry forms for this championship are available from Retrocar Ltd, P O Box 3652, Bracknell, Berks RG12 9XJ tel/fax 01344 642482.

If you are a video buff, Duke Video (specialists in transport videos) is offering members a 20% discount on all its videos. A catalogue can be obtained by writing to Duke Marketing Ltd, P O Box 46 Milbourne House, St Georges Street, Douglas, I-O-M, IM99 1DD quoting your membership number and the code 4183. Loughborough College is holding a series of one week Summer School's on vehicle restoration and associated skills. Further information can be obtained by contacting John Ferrand, Loughborough College, Radmoor Road, Loughborough, Leics LE11 3BT tel: 01509 215831 fax: 01509 232310.

Finally, it would appear that some of the spares are out of date, due to a number of reasons. Hopefully this situation will change in the very near future as we have now finally finished the computerisation of the spares list. Also prices shown will not include VAT as it would appear that some members are getting mixed up when comparing Club prices with traders prices. Until it is updated please bide with the Club.

Happy MotorinG

Harry

P.S. Have you applied for your Wings Run form. These can be obtained from me by sending a self addressed, stamped envelope to the Club office.

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