Summer’s here!! By now your MG should have been out and about making the most of the spring and anticipating better things in the summer. During the ‘closed season’ you should have enjoyed various natters, film shows and our annual dinner, but now your thoughts should be turning to more active things, and as usual the South West calendar is packed with activities to keep you amused. You are probably aware that the Bristol Classic Car Show was postponed in February due to snow, and is now being held over the Bank Holiday weekend of 2nd-4th May. The Centre has its usual stand, this year with a themed display of Racing MGs and should be worth a visit. Unfortunately this revised date clashes with the Wessex Sprint on the 4th May, doubly unfortunate because some of the cars we had booked for the show in February are not available because they are competing in the sprint. They have been replaced, so there’s your choice for the weekend; either the static show in Shepton Mallet or marshal on the sprint and see the cars in action at Colerne. If you are able to give something back to the centre then why not offer to help with these two events? The two Bruces are in the organising chairs, Bruce Weston for the car show (01963 440941), and Bruce Morgan for the sprint (01275 790855)
If you are after an enjoyable day in fabulous countryside with outstanding scenery, visiting a National Trust property and with plenty of opportunity for good food, drink and good company, the Wye Valley Social run is just the thing for you. Held on 17th May and ably organised by Terry Davies (01989 562366) this is one not to miss. The start is at the Maze Car Park in Symonds Yat West. Bring your NT membership card and your MG for a relaxing day out. More information is on the centre web site, or phone Terry direct.
The next competitive event is the Bath Gymkhana on 31st May. This is really entry level motorsport with the emphasis on fun rather than competition. Follow courses laid out with cones against a stopwatch, with judgement tests thrown in for good measure. Suitable for all MGs old and new with all tests designed to be non damaging. This is an afternoon event, ably organised by Peter Jones (01225 837545) which starts just off the A46 north of Bath at about 1pm. Phone Peter for more details and you will be so overwhelmed by his enthusiasm for the event you will have to enter!
A quick plug for two of our bigger events coming up in July, don’t forget Silverstone on the 10th-12th. We are hoping to have a centre camping area so if you want to join us speak to any committee member so that we know how much room we need. Before that is our now famous Auto Aero day on the 5th. We are due some good weather for once this year, which should enable the promised collection of elderly aeroplanes to fly in to mix with our elderly cars. Tony Blake will have all the info on 0117 9790108.
Don’t forget that you can keep up to date with all centre events, gossip and happenings on the centre website www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgccsw. You can also download entry forms and read reviews of past events. This is becoming our main means of communicating so make sure you log on soon. Photo is of Competition secretary John Delafield competing in last years Bath Gymkhana, just proving that his Midget works again!
David Mothersdill