Summary; Bristol South lunchtime Natter, MGFest Brands Hatch, Upcoming August September Events, 90thAnniversary Year, Centre Facebook Page, Wiscombe Hill Climb 2027, Ian Benningfield’s Donation Page, Jon Pittard Donation Page.
The next Bristol South Lunchtime Natter will be held this Thursday 20 August 2026 starting at 12:00. Venue: The Star Inn, Bristol Road, Star, Near Winscombe, North Somerset, BS25 1QE
The Star Inn is a country inn with a large paved car park situated off the A38 about 8 miles south West of Bristol Airport and set within the Mendip Hills ANOB. It serves a good selection of freshly-prepared food ranging from traditional pub fayre to more sophisticated menu choices.
We try to be a friendly and inclusive group brought together by an interest in MGs but realise some wives / partners may be put off by this. We therefore have a separate table for those whose interest is perhaps not as ‘highly developed’ – which is always well-patronised!
There is no need to book – just turn up on the day. We aim to try to be seated by 12:30 for a lunchtime which is very flexible and informal. Feel free to drop in for a drink and a chat if you prefer. Remember, this is a SW Centre 90-for-90 location so don’t forget your birthday card!
Natter Lead: Richard Stibbs.
E-mail: mailto:rstibbs@gmail.com.
WhatsApp or Text: 07710 521597
MGFest Brands Hatch Report
Simon and I had a brilliant day at Brands Hatch on Sunday, attending MGFest. It was warm but not too hot and the racing was excellent, especially the Metros and the Cockshoot Cup. We could hear the tyres squeal of the California Cup Autotest, but unfortunately we didn’t get to see any of it. It was great to see so many MGs of all types parked around the circuit in their various registers and centres.
The highlight of the day was being part of the “Unofficial World Record attempt for the most MG cars of all ages gathered on a race circuit.” Having completed 2 laps behind the Course car in my MGF, the count was made, and 223 MGs were on the track all together. We got to appreciate just how steep Paddock Hill Bend is, from the outside it doesn’t look too bad, but when driving it, it is frightening!
My 28year old MGF behaved impeccably the whole weekend covering 328 miles mostly motorway including the M25!
The MGF has one small problem, in that the interior lights are staying on sometimes. Having spoken to one or two experts it would appear to be the switch in the passenger door lock, which sounds like a machine gun at times. Another one is on order.
Upcoming August/September Events
We have a full calendar of events taking place in August and September
- Saturday 22nd August 2026 – Cars and Coffee at the Rowdey Cow.
We return to the Rowdey Cow once again as this is a popular breakfast meet venue. Full details at this link to the website Cars and Coffee at the Rowdey Cow - Thursday 10th September – Meet with a group of MG drivers from the MG Club of France.
Nine members of the MG Club of France are spending a few days travelling around Wales. On 10th September they are travelling to Wells and Bath before crossing the Severn into Wales. They are planning a stop at the Severn View Services at around 16:00 and would be pleased to meet any member of the South West Centre in their MGs for a coffee and a chat. You may remember I asked for a list of potential spares/repair workshops on their route some time ago. I was very pleased with the response and the information you supplied has now been included in their travel book. If you are interested in meeting some of our French counterparts, I have created an event on the website at this linkAuto Tour by MG Club of France - Saturday 12th September – The MGCC, Ian Beningfield Memorial Hillclimb at Wiscombe Park Our annual meet at Wiscombe takes place on September 12th this year and has been renamed in honour of Ian Beningfield who was assistant Clerk of Course at this event for the last couple of years. Entries opened on Tuesday last week and up to Monday 17th August we have 131 entries with the maximum number at 135. Wiscombe are offering a ‘Club Package’ including a dedicated parking area and discounted tickets for MG car Club Members to attend as spectators at this wonderful venue. Details on how to take advantage of the ‘Club Package’ are on the website at this link Wiscombe Hill Climb.
- Saturday 12th September 2026 – MGCC Midland Centre 12 Car Regularity Rally. Bob Blackstock is running a Regularity Rally for the Midland Centre starting from Westons Cider Mill, Much Marcle, Ledbury, and has invited members from the South West Centre to enter. Full details are on the website at this link Midland Centre 12 Car Rally
- Sunday 20th September – Dave Coppock Memorial Autotest on Grass
As a tribute to another MGCC stalwart who passed away 2 years ago, we have renamed the 2nd autotest on grass The Dave Coppock Memorial Autotest. This event was organised by Dave for several years and is held with permission of the Farmer George Atwell, who was a good friend of Dave’s. Full details including the SRs and Entry form are available at this link to the website,The Dave Coppock Memorial Autotest
90th Anniversary Year 2026 – 90 for the 90
We now have a total of 121 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 23 entries. Keep your entries coming, final date for entries is the 20th September.
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.
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.
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.
Jon Pittard’s Donation Page
Following Jon’s celebration of life service last week, his family are suggesting that donations be made in memory of Jon to St Peters Hospice, who did an excellent job of caring for Jon in the last days of his life. Donations can be made vis Jon’s Tribute Page https://www.stpetershospice.org/tribute-funds/jon-pittard/.
Jim Lott
Chairman, MGCC SW Centre
jim.lott@hotmail.co.uk
Mobile: 07773491953
