A couple of anniversaries to note. This year my TC is 70 years old, built in January 1946 and registered in Carlisle three weeks later. I wonder who drove it to the MG agent there, 300 miles in January with no heater on poor roads at the end of the war. How long did that take and was it really run in at 30 mph, I doubt it. The new owner chose a fine car which continues in that great tradition and has just celebrated its 70th birthday with a thrash and splash on this year’s splendid Kimber Classic Trial.
The second anniversary is 80 years of the South West Centre. The minutes of the inaugural meeting show that it was held in Bath and attended by the great man himself Mr Cecil Kimber. He presented the new centre with a bronze trophy which continues to be awarded annually. Neil Lock is collating the early history and will be organising a commemorative run towards the end of the year.
MGs on Grass 1 Saturday May 7
The day will include a pub lunch and our genial hosts Peter and Victoria Jones are “happy to declare that they are breathing a social angle on this particularly entertaining and endearing mode of entry level motorsport for the astonishingly modest £15 entry fee”
Wye Valley Social Run Sunday May 15
The run starts at Symmonds Yat with a leisurely signing on in the tea rooms. Directions for the days route will be supplied which includes a picnic lunch stop and more food and drink at the finish. This is my personal favourite for its friendship, lovely quiet roads and usually great weather. For those travelling across the Old Severn Bridge, meet up with Chairman Jim Lott for an 08:30 depart following the River Severn to the start.
MGLive! Silverstone June 5-6
Lots about this weekend, the main clubs flagship event, is written elsewhere in the magazine. Your very own centre are running the California Cup Autotests on Saturday morning and we have opportunities to marshal and become part of the weekend.
Mid Summer Social Run Sunday July 10
This event returns to Somerset with a visit to the National Trust property Barrington Court, near Illminster. We will be parking in front of this grade one listed Elizabethan building, cafe and restaurant facilities nearby. This was the setting for much of the BBC historical drama chronicling the rise of Oliver Cromwell.
Now I must get back to cleaning the mud off the car after the recent Kimber Trial. 40 cars, 80 miles of muddy lanes and 12 sections. Find out how we got on next month.
Dave Coppock
