Safety Fast! Notes for September 2004

I attended my first MG Silverstone last weekend and had a great time. I will definitely go again, but the experience reinforced my belief that the MGCC is all about small, friendly events where members can use their cars amongst friends old and new. Many of you take part in SW Centre events, but the vast majority of you do not. Why not come along to an event and give it a whirl? I can guarantee a warm welcome and, who knows, you might even enjoy it!

Read on for event reports, news of forthcoming events, 'surfer of the month' competition and the latest on the SW Centre Driver's Championship.

The sun shone brightly on the Oaksey Gymkhana and Flying Day. The brainchild of Tony Blake, the event combined classic cars and classic aircraft. A special gymkhana course meant MG drivers had unlimited attempts at the course and could take passengers who wanted to try the experience. The local flying clubs were invited to "fly-in", which they did with an array of aeroplanes as diverse as the cars. Spectators were treated to a formation flying display and aerobatics; apparently, some of the flying was low enough to enter for the gymkhana! In all, a thousand pounds was raised for local village charities and the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Appeal. Well done, Tony!

The Pucklechurch Gymkhana had a bumper entry of 19 cars ranging in age from Dave Motherdill's TA special to a gaggle of MGF's. Jon Pittard reports that he had lots of early entries and was therefore able to organise sunny weather! Overall winner was Russell Morgan in his Midget.

Just a guess, but I suppose that Safety Fast! Is chock full of Silverstone stuff, so I'll leave the report on the California Cup Autotests until next month.

September 11th is the date for Wiscombe Hillclimb. You may still be able to get an entry if you call Bruce Weston on 01963 440941. As always, marshals are required - please call Jon Pittard 01275 879632 to offer your services. We offer free entry to spectators on production of an MGCC membership card (preferably your own…!). There are some very good vantage points and plenty of space to enjoy a picnic or simply soak up the atmosphere.

Don't forget the Bristol Sunday Lunch Run on Sunday 19th September. The run will consist of a 40 mile (ish) drive on minor and unclassified roads finishing at a pub for lunch. Give me a ring for an entry form or grab one from the web.

This year's Patchway Autotests are on Sunday 25th September. As usual, John Delafield is the organiser - call him on 01453 544497 or visit the website. Older cars and Midgets are generally well represented, but we could do with a few more MGF's and MGB's to make the classes more competitive. See you there?

The final event of the year is the Kimber Production Car Trial on Sunday 24th October, organised by Bruce Weston.

Talking of the website, how many of you are regular surfers? John Thomas is our 'web-master', and a jolly good job he does too! He has recently re-launched the site and it is definitely worth a visit to see what is going on or to pick up entry forms for forthcoming events. While you are there, why not register for the 'surfer of the month' competition? There's apparently a prize, but I don't know what it is. I suspect that John is not expecting too many entries - why not call his bluff? I am aware that not all of you have internet access, and that's why I'm always pleased to provide whatever help I can over the telephone. I rarely know the answer to your queries, but I am very happy to redirect you to someone that does.

Time is running out if you want to challenge the leaders in the SW Centre Driver's Championship. As well as the overall champion, there are classes for the various types of MG, plus awards for the Best Lady driver and Best Novice. The current top ten includes an 18/80, two MGB GTs (one a V8), three TC's, a Midget and three MGF's. Championship leader is Clive Williams with his 18/80 and Midget, but there's still everything to play for.

See you soon,

Neil Lock
neil@port-z.fsnet.co.uk
01275 817915 (before 9pm please)
SW Centre website: www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccsw