Summary; Jon Pittard, Wiscombe Hill Climb 2027, Upcoming July Events, 90th Anniversary Year, Centre Facebook Page, Ian Benningfield’s Donation Page
Jon Pittard
Again, we have lost one of our South West Centre stalwarts. Jon Pittard died last Tuesday after a long illness battling cancer for a second time. His family was with him when he passed.
I first met Jon as a work colleague at BAC (Airbus) Filton in 2002 just after I purchased my first MG. Jon persuaded me to join the MG Car Club and start to attend events. Jon organised the Pucklechurch Gymkhana for several years and this event was one of my first competitive events. Unfortunately, we lost the venue around 10 years ago and Jon then joined Bruce Weston in organising the Wiscombe Hill Climb where Jon was chief marshal and persuaded me and my step son to become marshals for the day and camp in the top paddock, which we did for several years. We had great times sat around Jon’s makeshift portable log burner (made from an old Calor gas bottle) eating Chinese takeaways and drinking wine and beer. Jon eventually became assistant clerk of the course, taking over from Bruce at times, running the event. Jon also organised all the trophies for our annual awards dinner at Limpley Stoke Hotel which we held every year up to the 2020 lockdown. Jon will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and the Centre sends condolences to Fiona and Philip.
I will post the funeral arrangements when I have them. RIP Jon
Wiscombe Hill Climb 2027 Event Organiser Required
As a consequence of Ian Benningfield’s passing, we have managed to sort this year’s event with a lot of assistance from Woolbridge Motor Club, Torbay Motor Club and Wiscombe Park. The current committee do not have the relevant experience to carry out the administrative functions of organising such a prestigious event and are therefore seeking a volunteer to become the ‘Wiscombe Hill Climb Event Organiser ‘ it would be the sole task of this person, because planning for 2027 starts when this years event finishes on 12th September 2026. If you think you the time and expertise and could carry out this important role, please contact me by email at jim.lott@hotmail.co.uk.
Upcoming July Events
We have a full calendar of events taking place in July,
- Tuesday 7th July – the MGCC SVW register are having their annual meet in Dorset, and SW Centre members have been invited to join the meet on Tuesday 7th July starting at 17:00 at the Bridge House Hotel, 2, Ringwood Road, Ferndown, Dorset BH22 9AN for a drink and a chat. Full details on the SW Centre website at this link SVW Annual Meet
- Saturday 11th July – Wallop Wheels and Wings – it is too late to book a display place at this event, but why not go along to view the cars and planes at the army Flying Museum, Middle Wallop, near Stockbridge SO20 8FB
- Saturday 18th July – Breakfast Meet, Bobbie’s Coffee & Garage Diner. Martyn has organised an extra breakfast meet at a new venue, Bobbie’s Coffee & Garage Diner, Kingston Farm Court, Holt Road, Bradford On Avon. BA15 1TS. Details on the website at the following link Bobbie’s Coffee & Garage Diner
- Sunday 19th July – MGCC SW Centre 90th Anniversary Summer Picnic. This is one of the highlights of the Centre’s 90th Anniversary events. It is being held with kind Permission of Dave Mothersdill in the paddock at the side of his house, 2, Moor Lane, Tockington, BS32 4LT. We would like to see as many cars as possible attending this event. We are organising a ‘Pride Of Ownership competition’ with prizes for the best turned out cars, bring your own food and cook it on the provided gas barbecue, we have live music from ‘The Falcons’, a local 60s Rock band, and a girls Choir, ‘In Accord’ for your entertainment. If you intending to attend the Summer Picnic and I hope that you are, can you let me know by email please jim.lott@hotmail.co.uk. Full details on the website at this link Summer Picnic
- Saturday 25th July – a second visit to the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum in Calne, Wiltshire. Full details on the website at this link Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum
- Sunday 26th July – Minehead Motor Club Ellicombe Autotest on Grass. Once again we have an invitation to join the Minehead Motor Club for a fun day of driving around cones on a flat grass field (Rugby training pitch). Full details and SRs on the website at this link Minehead Motor Club Autotest
90th Anniversary Year 2026 – 90 for the 90
We now have a total of 100 photos posted to the website. The oldest car is an MG 18/80 and the newest is a 2023 MG Motors HS, with one member having 19 entries following our ‘90 for the 90’social run day last Sunday.
As the weather is improving, don’t forget to take your birthday card with you when you are out and about in your MG (I keep mine in the glove box of the MGF). The ’90 for the 90’ challenge is easy, just select a destination from the list in the birthday card, take a digital photograph of you, your car, your birthday card and the location as evidence of your visit and submit a claim and photograph using the claim form accessed here. We are not expecting you to visit all the 90 places, but there could be a prize for the MG car that visits the most different venues.
All items in the Clothing Store are now available with either the normal South West Centre Logo or the new 90th Anniversary logo. Select the item you require, T-shirt, Polo shirt, Sweat Shirt, Premium Cap, Beanie, Hoodie, Fleece Jacket, Softshell Jacket, Shell Gilet, Soft Padded jacket, soft padded gilet or long sleeved shirt, then select the colour and size and then you have the option to select which of the two logos you require. It couldn’t be simpler. Very suitable attire to carry out the ‘90 For The 90’ challenge.
Centre Facebook Page
Another way to keep up to date with what is going on in the Centre is to visit the SW Centre Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/MGCCSW regular updates are posted there. Also, we have a SW Centre WhatsApp group, message me on my mobile 07773491953 to be included in the group.
Ian Beningfield’s Donation Page
Following the untimely death of Ian Beningfield, The Meningitis Research Foundation have set up an official donation page in memory of Ian at https://ianbeningfield.muchloved.com/ and all proceeds go to the Foundation.
Jim Lott
Chairman, MGCC SW Centre
