Our first competitive event of the year was the Cheddar Valley Navigational Scatter. The entry of 13 cars comprised a J2, MGA, three MGBs, three Midgets, two MGFs, two ZSs and a big Healey. In traditional manner, organiser Dave Coppock boldy asserted that nobody would be able to visit all of the locations. And in traditional manner, the MGF of Richard Lucking and the MGB GT of your scribe proved him wrong. Modesty prevents me from reporting the overall winner, but suffice to say that fuel injection and satellite navigation turned out to be non-essentials. Mike Hawke was in a class of his own, literally; I'm always in awe of the J2 - seventy years plus and still going strong.
I've not received a report from the Kimber Classic Trial, although I'm sure a write-up will appear elsewhere in Safety Fast in due course.
The Wessex Sprint did not attract many MG's, but the event was nonetheless oversubscribed. I haven't seen the results yet, but I think it is fair to say that the fastest MG was the Midget of Russell Morgan. The range of entries was amazing, including a Lotus 23B, a two-litre turbocharged Morris Minor, and a Noble alongside the massed ranks of Mitsubishi Evos, Caterham (et al) Sevens, MG Midgets and single-seaters. SW Centre members provided four MGBs, including three GTs. Bruce Morgan's GT V8 was the fastest of the bunch, although Rob Orford's four-pot was not so far behind. The SW Centre also provided many of the organisers and marshals - thanks to everyone, especially Bruce and Carole Morgan for their work behind the scenes.
As I told you last month, the Bath Gymkhana is on Sunday 5th June and organised by Peter Jones. I believe that the successful 'afternoon format' trialled last year was considered enough of a success to make it a permanent arrangement. Please contact Peter on 01225 837545 for an entry form.
The Charity Gymkhana and Flying Day on Sunday 26th June has been renamed the 'Auto and Aero Charity Day'. The Gymkhana is no more, but members will be able to use their MGs to raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance and other local charities by taking paying members of the public on a scenic run around the local area. Other attractions include an Air Ambulance fly-past (providing that the crew do not have any more pressing engagements…) and the chance to win a flight in a classic aircraft (hopefully they are a 'bit' more reliable than the average MG…). Refreshments, including a barbecue or a pre-booked 'Farmer's Lunch', will be available. As I said last time, the event really promises to be a feast of fun if you like old cars and classic aircraft. Please visit the website or call Tony Blake on 0117 979 0108 for more details.
The Dorset Social Run is on Sunday 10th July. The run starts from Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth and finishes at Portland Bill Lighthouse for cream teas. Entry forms and further details are available from Alan on 01935 863673, by e-mail at agsquarecrackers@ukf.net or from the SW website.
The Pucklechurch Gymkhana is on Sunday 17th July. Jon Pittard usually arranges hot and sunny weather (which makes me wonder why he always wears his wellies), a flat field and a variety of entertaining driving tests. I've sold it so well, I think I might go myself! Give Jon a call on 01275 879632 for an entry form.
The California Cup autotests at Silverstone on Saturday 22nd July are the MGCC's "premier" autotests, attracting entries from around the country. Organised by Clive Holloway, the event is on the Saturday morning of MGCC Silverstone. To enter, either use the form in the Silverstone supplement or call Clive on 0117 985 7309.
August is chock-a-block with events: the Chew Valley Gymkhana on the 7th (organiser Dave Coppock on 01934 834429), the Mendip PCT on Sunday 14th (check the location with organiser Bruce Weston on 01963 440941 as the usual field has been put into 'stewardship' by the EU) and the second annual run to the Shelsley Walsh Festival on the 21st (organiser Phil Archer on 01454 633209). Surely there must be something there to whet you appetite???
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