MGCC South West Centre

The regs and entry form are now online – see you there?

As promised – Regalia! Well, you either love it or you hate it, apparently… When I brought up the subject as ‘any other business’ at a recent committee meeting, it was met with enthusiasm and revulsion in equal measure. Some of the negativity was based on past difficulties with managing orders, stock and returns but it was decided that – subject to addressing those issues, we ought to dabble in the world of regalia once more…

The committee has agreed to fund the production of artwork (ie the MGCC SW Centre logo). Work and holiday commitments mean that there is nothing to show you as I write, but by the time you get to read this there will be something to look at on the website. There’s been no attempt to create something fancy, we’ve gone for a straightforward design featuring the MGCC logo with “South West Centre” above and www.mgccsw.com below.

Rather than stocking a limited range of clothing – usually in the wrong colour, or size, or both – I’ve identified a local supplier who will make your item to order in the style, size and colour of your choice. The downside of this approach is that there can be no returns (unless faulty of course) but the advantages are manifold. Firstly, the range of items is huge. Secondly, it is possible to personalise your regalia at extra cost with, for instance, your initials, registration number, natter or even the name of an event. Thirdly, there’s no waiting for the next natter or event so that you can place your order with the ‘regalia secretary’ (indeed, there’s no need for a ‘regalia secretary’ at all, so that’s another plus point) – you can buy what you want, whenever you want. And finally, the arrangement keeps the taxman (and Centre Treasurer) happy as the sale is between you and the supplier so no money passes through the Centre accounts. Following on from the last point, sales of regalia provide no financial benefit to the Centre so the price is keen; in fact, our supplier has offered to provide single items at the price usually quoted for bulk buys.

To choose your item, visit www.propeaks.co.uk (there’s no need to memorise the URL as there is a link from the Centre website) and follow the link to the on-line catalogue. Choose your item(s) then call Peaks to get a price and place your order. Delivery is extra, but as the cost is ‘per delivery’ rather than ‘per item’ you can get together with friends or your local natter to make up a bulk delivery.

I apologise to those of you without internet access at home, but your committee considered that regalia had potential to become a full-time job and hence the need for an arms-length approach. To get round the difficulty, each natter leader will be provided with a hard-copy brochure.

The range of stuff available from Peaks is absolutely huge as I said, and includes items from well-known brands such as Fruit of the Loom, Helly Hansen, and Regatta. You can choose from clothing, outerwear (including zip-together fleeces and rain jackets), hi-viz, overalls caps and hats, bags and accessories. There’s even a selection of underpants! Man sizes range from small (chest 34”) to 2XL (chest 50”) with some items available in sizes up to 5XL. There are clothing ranges for women (sizes 8 through 22) and children of all ages. Most items are available in a variety of colours, with up to 20 choices in some ranges! There are tens of thousands of combinations, so you ought to be able to find something to suit…

The number of options can seem a bit daunting, so I’ve identified a ‘core’ range to get you started. Please note that this is simply the stuff that I like the look of; it’s most definitely not the cheapest, so you shouldn’t be put off by the prices – there’s something in the catalogue for everyone with plenty of items at less than a tenner. To see what I’ve chosen, please go to the website or give me a call.

I’m guessing that you’ll get this issue of Safety Fast! after MGLive! but, if not, please don’t forget to support your SW colleagues at the California Cup – if not with actual help, then with kind words or smiles! A great deal of effort goes into organising and running the club’s premier autotest competition, with many people giving up part of their Silverstone weekend for the good of the event.

Surprisingly, there are no other ‘official’ SW Centre events in June – but we do have an invite from the Bristol Pegasus Motor Club to an Autosolo at Chepstow Racecourse on the 19^th. Details are available on the website or via John Delafield on 01453 544 497. Our only event in July is the MG Auto Aero Day on the 4^th. I’ve not had any ‘blurb’ from Tony Blake – but expect the usual format. If you’ve not been before and want to find out more then give Tony a call on 01179 790 108. You’ll have to wait until the 1^st of August for your next dose of SW Centre fun; more about the Chew Valley Gymkhana next month!

Weather for the Kimber Classic Trial was fantastic – at least for the officials and spectators. The sun shone all day, and tee-shirts were in order. I wasn’t able to get to all of the hills on account of official duties, but those I did see were reasonably dry if somewhat bumpy! My moment of the day was stopping alongside a couple of gentlemen in a MMM car of some sort to see if they needed any assistance… the car was up on jacks, the hubs were off and a differential was being ‘sourced’ from behind the seats. I wonder how long that had been there, “just in case”? Their cheery response was to the effect that they were going to make it to Alham Splash (the next test) and would I tell the marshal to keep it open for thirty minutes… true MG spirit! On that subject, I’ve been forwarded a letter of thanks from Steve Dear on behalf of the ‘Help for Heroes’ charity in respect of the donations received during the event itself, the evening dinner and the informal gymkhana the following day. I cannot reproduce it all here, but suffice to say that Steve, and the charity, are most grateful for the contributions of MGCC members and friends.

I’ve not seen a report for the Wessex Sprint, so I’ll seek out some details and fill you in next month. In the meantime, Jim Lott has (as ever) put his photos on the web (accessible via a link on the SW Centre website). My favourite is entitled ‘Frank Ashley on a convoy run’ – see if you like it too!

PHOTO

I’ll finish by reminding you to change your ‘bookmarks’ for the SW Centre website to www.mgccsw.com and to visit regularly for updated information on all of our events. I do understand that not everyone has access to the internet, or even the inclination, so remain happy to provide any information by telephone – my number is available from Club Office.

Neil

Although the Annual Dinner held in February and the AGM in early March are now distant memories, the low number of members who attended both were very noticeable. The dinner of course involved cost which these days is a big factor in everyone’s budget. Although numbers were down the evening was a great success with an excellent meal followed by after dinner recollections of our past chairman Steve Dear who had the assembly laughing from the start.

The AGM on the other hand is always held on a natter night which is usually well attended. Well this year the numbers dropped to 22 and 7 of those were on the committee. With a centre membership of over 1100 this was and has been in the past very disappointing. I wonder if other Centre’s have a similar problem?. The AGM is the one time of the year when the local membership can air their views and get things onto an agenda for change. I can only assume
1. the events listed are considered suitable and varied enough for the active membership.
2. interest is only in Register events and 3. Safety Fast is attractive enough to maintain an armchair interest in the marque. How different all those years ago when I and most of the committee were invited to join and organise competitive events which attracted full entries and a good turn out of marshal’s. If the social side of the club is what matters to most of the membership why do they not speak up and come and organise their type of event via the committee? financing centre events is seldom a problem but getting anyone interested in organising or even helping on the day is being left to a dwindling number of dedicated members who are not getting any younger. Food for thought

Now on the brighter side of life you should all have time to enter or marshal this years Kimber Classic Trial on April 17th. The event really is possible in the average MG although it can be muddy and may get the carpets wet if the ford is a bit higher than normal!. The idea is to give a ‘taste’ of the pre war type of trial without damaging the car. I can get up most sections in my Astra Estate when setting up the trial on the previous day so don’t be put off come and spectate or better still enter or marshal. Entries on the Centre web site www.mgccsw.com or contact Andrew Owst on 01761 221893. Help with marshalling please to Bruce Weston on 01963 440941 .The social side follows in the evening with an informal dinner at the Sherborne Hotel followed by a Gymkhana on Sunday 18th at the home of Barry Foster at Butliegh near Glastonbury.

The Bristol Classic Car Show on May 1st and 2nd is held at the Bath & West Showground near Shepton Mallet and the SW Centre has always been well represented since the first show back in 1978. Autojumble and trade stands together with a wide range of classic’s makes this a very good day out so why not come and see us on Stand 56A.

If its speed you want then the Wessex Sprint on Bank Holiday May 3rd at Colerne North of Bath will get you up close and give you an exiting days motorsport but only if you enter or volunteer as a marshal as spectators are not admitted due to safety considerations. Details are on the web site but further information can be obtained from Bruce Morgan on 01275 790855.

Going into May two events for the diary are

1. The Wye Valley Social Run on Sunday May 16th, organised by Terry Davies on 01989 562366. This event is always a delight being held in and around the County of Hereford on country lanes which really do give a feeling of driving in the 1950/60s.

2. The Bath Gymkhana on Sunday May 23rd, held in the afternoon and consisting of a light hearted romp around various obstacles placed about a disused airfield just to the North of Bath on the A46. Full details on the web site or from Peter Jones on 01225 837545.

To give a bit of encouragement to all those thinking of entering this years Kimber Classic a photo of Val and Tony Blake ‘meandering’ up ‘Hell Ladder Lane’ on last year Kimber.

Neil Lock

neil@mgccsw.com

SW Centre website: www.mgccsw.com

The more observant amongst you will have spotted that I’m back again as SW scribe – by popular demand! And even the least observant amongst you will have spotted the poetic licence exercised in that last sentence… We’ve engaged in a great deal of committee discussion as to how we might encourage a few more of you along to SW events in 2010; so I decided to ‘put my laptop where my mouth is’ and take up the mantle of communications.

Have you ever been to a ‘Natter’? There are eleven Natters covering the SW area so there is sure to be one near you. On the first Tuesday of the month there are Natters at the Ring O’Bells in Compton Martin near Bristol, the Plough and Harrow at Llangyfelach near Swansea and the Fighting Cocks at Arreton on the Isle of Wight. On the second Monday of the month there’s a Natter at The Old Court Hotel in Symonds Yat near Ross-On-Wye. On the second Tuesday of the month you’ll find Natters at Three Horse Shoes in Langley Marsh near Wiveliscombe, at The Bell in Laycock and the Nantyffin Motel, Llandissilio, Clynderwen in West Wales. On the second Thursday there’s a Natter at the Lime Kiln Inn in Long Sutton near Langport and on the third Tuesday you’ll find Natters at Queen’s Head, Broadchalke near Salisbury, the BBC Social Club in Cardiff and the Bridge Inn at Preston near Weymouth. Contact details are on the website or available from Kimber House.

If you went to the SW Centre Annual Dinner then you’ll know that the winner of the 2009 SW Driver’s Championship was Jim Lott (pictured below with his MG Metro) for the second year running. I’ve checked the archives (www.mgccsw.com) and ascertained that Jim came second in 2007, and third in both 2006 and 2005. Jim’s a very nice chap and I wouldn’t actually begrudge him a hat-trick; but I’m worried that the Jules Rimet rule will apply and we’ll have to give him the trophy to keep! So in the interests of Centre finances, I’ve resolved to give him a run for his money this year – anybody care to join me?

I mentioned SW Centre regalia in the Notes last month. I’m hoping that the editor will be able to find space in next month’s Safety Fast! for a look at what is available and how you can get hold of it.

There’s just enough space to remind you that our first ‘competitive’ event of the year is the Kimber Classic Trial on 17^th April and, as always, help with marshalling would be very much appreciated by the organisers. If you want to enter, marshal or spectate then please contact Andrew Owst on 01761 221893 or send me an e-mail and I’ll pass it on. Finally, please get your entries in early for the Wessex Sprint on Monday 3^rd May – the event is very popular and normally sells out well in advance of the closing date.

Neil Lock

neil@mgccsw.com

SW Centre website: www.mgccsw.com

Unfortunately, I have to start this month’s Notes with an apology for the dates I gave you last month… The SW Centre Annual Dinner is actually on Saturday 20^th February, and the SW Centre AGM is on Tuesday 2^nd March. The Annual Dinner is at the Limpley Stoke Hotel, near Bath and, at the time of writing, John Bird is still able to take your bookings for the Dinner, so why not give him a call on 0117 956 0175? The AGM is, as usual, at the Ring O’ Bells in Compton Martin, on the A386 between Bristol and Bath.

The SW hard-copy calendar is a ‘work in progress’ which I hope will arrive on your doorsteps with the March issue of Safety Fast! Full details should be on the website – www.mgccsw.com – by the time you read this, but for those of you without web access who cannot wait for next month I summarise as follows:

17^th April – Kimber Classic Trial

1^st/2^nd May – Bristol Classic Car Show

3^rd May – Wessex Sprint

16^th May – Wye Valley Social Run

23^rd May – Bath Gymkhana

5^th June – California Cup Autotests

4^th July – MG Auto/Aero Day

18^th July – Shelsey Walsh Run

1^st August – Chew Valley Gymkhana

22^nd August – Mendip Classic Trial

11^th September – Wiscombe Hillclimb

3^rd October – Treasure Hunt

17^th October – Kimber Classic Trial

24^th October – National Trust Visit

The date for the Dorset Day Out is as yet unconfirmed.

As you’ll know if you read your Safety Fast! from front to back, I am endeavouring to increase the number of addresses on our e-mail database. Your committee (well most of them, anyway!) has agreed that it is time to embrace the ‘electronic age’, and hence I can announce here that the website is going to be redecorated too! The present website has served us well for many years, thanks to the dedication of webmaster John Thomas. I think that it is unsurpassed in terms of content, but we have decided that it needs a lick of paint to reflect current trends – so please watch out for the changes and let us know what you think. Those of you who prefer the more ‘traditional’ approach to communication should not worry; we will still be using pens and paper and stamps and envelopes. But we hope to reach a wider audience through e-communications and thereby increase attendance at events. Numbers at events remain steady, but we would very much like to see some new faces. To that end, next month’s Safety Fast! will feature a longer article on the SW Centre calendar, so watch out for that!

Finally, I am please to advise that SW Centre regalia will soon be available once again. We have identified a local supplier able to supply a huge range of garments on a one-off basis at very reasonable prices. I’ll provide more details in Safety Fast! and via the website once the SW Centre logo is finalised.

I’ll finish up with a photo from the archive to remind us that Spring is only just around the corner. It was taken at the Pucklechurch Gymkhana way back in 2002 – a warm and sunny day as I recall!

Neil

I’ll kick off 2010 with warm wishes to you all for a happy and prosperous year. At the time of writing (early December), the South West Centre programme of events for the coming year has yet to be finalised. However, I do have two dates for your diaries; the Annual Dinner is at the Limpley Stoke Hotel (near Bath) on Saturday 12th of February (check the website or contact John Bird on 0117 956 0175 for details) and the Centre Annual General Meeting is at the Ring O’ Bells at Compton Martin (in the Chew valley, South of Bristol) on Tuesday the 12th of March.

As there’s not much else to report event-wise, I thought I’d fill you in on MG happenings in the Lock family. Having decided to get the GT out of the garage in February for it’s first blast of the year, I was surprised – no shocked – when it started first time! The happiness lasted only seconds, however, as I realised that the clutch had given up the ghost. On closer inspection, it turned out to be a leaking slave cylinder; so not a disaster, should be able to fix that in an hour or so I thought. Nine months later and I’ve got the day off work tomorrow to make a start… But the year hasn’t been a dead loss from an MG perspective as I decided that the time was right to invest (!) in an MG TF – the new kind, rather than the 50’s version. Having looked at several bangers (including several with mayonnaise for coolant and one in ‘immaculate condition’ notwithstanding the hand-painted repair on the rear quarter), I found a nice Solar Red TF160 with low mileage, Oxford Leather, hardtop and air conditioning. So what do I think of it? Well the ride is dreadful, the steering soggy and the seats about as supportive as, well, something not very supportive at all. And the water level drops over time; not lots, but enough for me to worry that it’s something more than ‘finding it’s own level’ and top it up again. So is it all bad? No, absolutely not! Far from it; in fact, the more I test it’s limits, the more I appreciate the finer points of the car. If you haven’t tried one, or have only had a test drive with the seller in the car, you’ll not realise the performance potential. The engine sings when that VVC mechanism kicks in and the handling is amazing now that I’ve put some decent tyres on it and had the tracking reset. We made our competitive debut (me and the car, as a team) at the Bristol Pegasus Chepstow Autosolo and I was shocked, no stunned, at the way the car can be chucked around. First time out, and being careful because I didn’t fancy telling Michèle that I dinged the car when we’d only had it a fortnight, I found myself only a second or two off the pace of John Delafield in his modified Midget. Result! Plans were hastily drawn up for a season of competition culminating – in winning the SW Centre Drivers Championship. Of course, family life intervened and we only managed another two events – plus the run up to MGLive! at Silverstone. Albeit on a non-competitive basis, the TF proved somewhat more nimble than the Midgets and MGB of the California Cup winning team from the Lincolnshire Centre who complained that I had set the demonstration autotest too tight!