Editorial You will notice in this issue that all contact Email addresses have been changed. With the implementation of the new Data Protection Act 2018 which came in to force on 23rd May it was felt that personal Email addresses should be replaced by an MG Car Club D&C address, but linked to the individual s personal Email address. Our heading photograph was captured on the MGCC Devon & Cornwall Centre Stand at the Crash Box Club, Powderham Castle Rally on 7 th July. It features Andrew Beach s MG TA. In this edition we have a number of reports of events in the area, with members enjoying open top motoring at its best, during this balmy summer weather we are experiencing. With Totnes now declaring its independence from the UK as an independent city state and with its own passports I am a little concerned as to how it affects the eligibility of our Totnes members to be able to continue in the Devon & Cornwall Centre. As an independent city state I am guessing our members fall outside of the D&C Centre catchment area. Obviously this is something that our committee will have to consider and probably refer to the MGCC Board of Directors for a ruling, as I would imagine that it is outside of their legal remit.. Publication Dates for D&C News:- Spring 1 st February. Summer 1 st May. Autumn 1 st August. Winter 1 st November. All items for inclusion in the Autumn Edition should reach me by 21 st October 2018 Editorial Team Editor:- E.W. (Ted) Lawrence, Phone: - 01752-793105. Email: newsletter@mgccdc.org Proof Reader and type checking:- Clare Lawrence Archives & Roving Reports: - Alan Davis The Editor reserves the right to abbreviate and adjust any material submitted for publication where limits of space and suitability for an MG Car Club publication are considered to be constraints. Devon & Cornwall Centre Officials & Committee OFFICIALS Chairman:- Bernard Curren Phone Phone: 01752-771681 Email:- chairman@mgccdc.org Vice-Chairman:- TBA Secretary:- Bob Slatter Phone: 01752-558085 Email:- secretary@mgccdc.org Treasurer:- Barry Smith Phone: 01752-336454 Email: treasurer@mgccdc.org Competition Secretary:- Victor Share Phone: 01752-350161 Email: competition.secretary@mgccdc.org Continued on page 2
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Colin Bird. Terry Bolt. Ian Cameron. Peter Cook. Peter Heath. Wendy Keeling, Peter Opie. (2) AN APPEAL FOR A TREASURER TO TAKE ON THE ROLE FROM 2019 Barry Smith our Treasurer has undertaken this role for very many years and at the 2019 AGM Barry intends to stand down. We need to find a member who is prepared to work alongside Barry over the next few months to learn the requirements of the role. Ideally it could be a member who has a background in banking or accountancy, but this is not essential. Any member who is prepared to consider taking on this role should contact Barry for further information. Phone: 01752-336454 Email: treasurer@mgccdc.org D&C CENTRE COMMITTEE MEETINGS Meetings are held on the third Monday of the month in January, February, April, May, July, September, October and November. If there are any matters that members wish to raise with the Committee, please send to Bob Slatter well in advance of the meeting date so it can be included on the Agenda. SAFETY FAST CORRESPONDENT Bob Slatter our Centre Secretary is our Safety Fast correspondent. Any information you wish to have included in the Centre Notes, please forward to Bob.. A Welcome to New Members in the Centre News of Members Nigel Barnett Bodmin Roger Perry Teignmouth Kenneth Dutson Redruth Kenneth Shaw Tiverton Kevin Frost Totnes Robert Simmonds Kingsbridge Alec Hoare Newton Abbot Edward Wilkins Newton Abbot Richard Boulter Kingsbridge Mr & Mrs Nigel Colston St Austell Transfer In: Robert Burgess Saltash - Transferred from Anglia Centre,. Future Centre Events 11 th -12 th August RAF Harrowbeer, Yelverton, 1940s Weekend - The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight have offered a Spitfire Flypast for both days of the event. The invitation is open to all vehicles which can truly be classed as 'vintage' or 'classic' and although this is a '1940s event' vehicles from the 20s, 30s, 50s and 60s are equally welcome. For further information Email: info@rafharrowbeer1940s.co.uk or contact RAF Harrowbeer 1940s Weekend, 30 Modyford Walk, Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton, PL20 7NQ 12 th August (Sunday) MGCC Devon Day Run A short scenic run with a difference To co-ordinate with the Jazz Picnic in aid of MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT For this year we will incorporate a few simple tests selected for entertainment value rather than stress. These may not even require you to be in your car! It will enable us to resurrect our historic Devon Rally trophy, although we will be entirely within Cornwall this year. Assemble at the Engine House Cafe, Compton Park, Callington, PL17 8EA at 0930, where refreshments will be available. Finish is at the Sterts Theatre, Upton Cross, Liskeard, in time to enjoy the Jazz Picnic being organised separately by Terry Bolt, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Contact Barry Smith (01752 336454) or Email: treasurer@mgccdc.org to register interest and book an entry. An entry fee of 5 will be required to cover Permit fees etc. Tea or coffee ( 1.20) and bacon butties ( 4.25) at the start should be booked at the same time. There will be no lunch stop so bring a picnic, which may be taken into the Jazz Picnic, if going on to that. Contact Terry Bolt on 01579 383497 or Email: terry@terrybolt.plus.com for the Jazz Picnic details... 26 th August Classic Car & Motor Show at the Port Eliot Estate Entry fee is 5 if booked before 13 th August. Late entries and on the day 7. For further information see website www.classicmotorshow.org or Email:- Richard.giesens.itus@hotmail.com or Phone:- 0845 4674969. When submitting an Entry Form for this event please mention you are with the MG Car Club. Continued on page 3
A Message from Terry Bolt. This is the Venue and Event that the Devon Day Run will finish at. (3) Our intrepid duo of Terry Bolt and Jeff Hearn have been accepted for their 4 th Cape to Cape Grand Tour in April 2019 in Terry s very well-travelled MG TD. The event will be known as THE VICTORY, with the Tour commencing at Cabo Trafalgar and finishing at Cape Cornwall via Portsmouth and Falmouth, with the obvious links to Nelson s brilliant achievement. As always these events are planned to raise lots of money for MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT, (currently over 800,000 in 13 runs), with each competitor attempting to outdo the others; so we have started our campaign in the hope that we might claim the overall trophy for the 3 rd time, having been victorious in 2012/13 and 3 rd last year. Following the huge success of my 80 th Birthday celebrations at Sterts, which realised 2,000 for starters, we have decided to return to that venue for an afternoon of JAZZ IN THE PARK. The date will be SUNDAY AUGUST 12 TH 2018, the place will be Sterts picnic area (in the Amphitheatre if inclement), the time will be 2-6pm, THE PRICE will be 10 per head. The venue and 2 bands have been booked and whilst party-goers will be encouraged to bring their own food and tipple, folding chairs /rugs, there will be a beer tent on site. For further information or to sponsor Terry and Jeff, see adjoining poster. Terry can be contacted on:- Phone:- 01579 383497 Email:- terry.bolt@mgccdc.org.. Continued on page 4
(4) A New Club Event on Sunday 2 nd September - The Tamar Old Bridges Run.. 8 th September (Saturday) MGCC Wiscombe Hill Climb, Wiscombe Park, south of Honiton 15 th September (Saturday) Sidmouth Classic Car Show At the Sidmouth Cricket Club from 11-00 a.m. onwards. For further information contact Mike Lavers on Phone:- 01395 516292 after 7-00 p.m. or for Entry Form see:- www.sidmouthclassiccarshow.co.uk 6 th October (Saturday) Castle Combe Autumn Classic Information and Entry details from clubs@castlecombecircuit.co.uk The event is now fully booked with 55 cars taking part. Starting at Bradworthy Square near Holsworthy, entrants to sign in at the Bradworthy Inn at least 30 minutes before start time, where route cards and plaques will be issued. The route will follow the River Tamar from its source, crossing all of the old bridges to Gunnislake Bridge, a total of 20 crossings. There will be a lunch time halt at Lifton Farm Shop and Restaurant, with a finish at Harrowbarrow Village Hall. The total mileage of the route is approximately 85 miles MGCC Devon and Cornwall Centre Spring Break 3rd May 2019 Arrangements have already been made for next year s Spring Break with Majestic Self Drive Holidays, see poster. It is for 3 nights from Friday until Bank Holiday Monday, Dinner Bed and Breakfast for a bargain price of 129.99 at the Shillingford Bridge Hotel on the banks of the Thames. It has good on-site parking and is for example approx. 200 miles from Plymouth by Motorway. As well as the places mentioned in the leaflet it is close by to Didcot Railway Museum and MG Abingdon. The hotel is currently being refurbished to be finished before we arrive so not too much notice should be taken of remarks on Trip Advisor. Eleven of the twelve rooms for up to twenty four people originally reserved in the name of the MGCC D&C are taken. However three more rooms are now reserved for us until 26 Sep 2018. These will be allocated on a first come first served basis directly with Majestic group booking department, contact Eiron Jones. A deposit of 70 per person will be required on booking with the balance 6 weeks before departure. So book soon if you want a guarantee of a room! As last year no trips or routes will be organised, you will be free to do what you want but meeting up with the others for breakfast and dinner. Or Email:- pete.heath@mgccdc.org Continued on page 5
(5) NEWS ABOUT THE CENTRE Saltram Rotary Classic Car Show 3rd June Report from Peter & Sue Heath This was a new event for this year organised by the Rotary Club at Lyneham House, Yealmpton. It was the first time they had organised this kind of event, which was free for classic cars and driver, but passengers had to pay 2 towards the charity appeal. There were nearly 200 very interesting and some rare vehicles of all makes. With so many events to choose from, it was a good turn-out and the organisers are to be congratulated on putting on an excellent day out. There was a big contingent from the Torbay MGOC. We had the easy up canopy and the MGCC D&C banner waving. We met an interesting chap from the Chudleigh area who has built his own hatchback body on a Midget base and was very interested in joining the Centre. If the event runs next year we hope the Centre can give it full support with a club stand. Summer Picnic at Jonathan and Annette Bye s home at Brixham on 26 th June Report from Peter & Sue Heath The South Hams meeting were invited to an evening, bring your own picnic, on the lawns at Annette and Jonathan Bye s home. About 14 classic cars were parked in a lovely big garden, all in the hot sun. Modern cars had to park in the road! A lively crowd all chatting away and people brought chairs and picnic baskets and proceeded to have their food and drink. Tea or coffee was supplied by Annette and as the sun went down it was time to leave. A lovely time and evening catching up on events and what others were taking part in during the summer. Thanks are due to Annette and Jonathan for putting on this enjoyable event. With the sun so low in the sky the journey home was interesting, even with sunglasses. When you came round a bend in the road caution had to be observed as you were completely blinded by the sun, hoping no one was coming in the opposite direction... 7 th - 8 th July - Crash Box Club Powderham Castle Historical Vehicle Gathering The club had a very successful stand at the event with 18 cars on the stand for both days, covering a wide variety of types. The event was blessed with very hot and dry weather which made the new club Gazebo Canopy very popular to give some shade from the heat. Club recruitment information was of interest to a number of those visiting the stand and some positive responses were forthcoming for membership. A range of club regalia was available for sale with caps being the most popular for some relief from the sun. Bob Slatter who organised the stand would like to thank all who brought their cars for display on the stand, which together with the new club banners gave the club a noticeable presence. Report continued on page 6
(6) A line of members cars with Peter Foreman s blue MGBGT leading the line up. The very nicely restored MG YB of Tony Milton leads this row of a variety of MGs In this line up of a another range of MGs, it was very good to see a well presented MG Metro on show that belonged to one of our youngest members, Mat Haines. You don t have to own an MG to be a member of the MG Car Club and that is exactly what the plaque on the window screen of Clare s Rover Mini says. Lurking behind the Mini is Steve Briers MGC, which was originally on the MG stand at the Motor Show when it was launched and then by coincidence resided at Powderham Castle for a number of years. News of the Meetings/Natters South Hams Monthly Meetings Meeting Leader Graeme Harris. Phone No: - 01548 856674. Email: south.hams@mgccdc.org Monthly Meetings at The Hunting Lodge, Cadleigh Park (just off of the A38), near Ivybridge All monthly meetings are held on the 1 st Wednesday of the month, unless otherwise stated. Meet in the restaurant/bar from 7-00 p.m. onwards. At 8-00 p.m. we adjourn to the function room, which is adjacent to the main restaurant/bar for the feature for the evening. For those using SATNAV the Post Code is - PL21 9JN July 4 th Midsummer Madness for the Mumford Cup Choose the car you would most like to drive home in that evening. There was excellent support for this event with 14 cars on parade in the car park on a balmy summer evening. It was fortunate that an area in the car park was vacant, that could be coned off, so all the cars entered were together. The MG with the highest score was Peter Taylor s immaculate MGB GT and rightly he was presented with the Mumford Cup and a bottle of bubbly. The non MG with the highest score was Martin Moore s Alfa Romeo 2000 from the 1960s and Martin was presented with a bottle of bubbly. Peter Heath representing the D&C Committee did the honour of presenting the awards in the Function Room during the evening. Report continued on page 7
(7) Peter Taylor s immaculate red MGB GT can be seen on the left and was awarded the Mumford Cup for the highest scoring MG. Photo:- Colin G.L. Jones Martin Moore s rare Alfa Romeo 2000 that had the highest score for the non MG class, receives some admiring looks from Jeff Lockyer and Steve Hooper. Photo:- Colin G.L. Jones July 15 th Sunday - Colin Groom Memorial Run Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances it had to be cancelled at short notice. Future Programme August 1 st Social Evening in the Function Room September 5 th Motoring Theme Film Show October 3 rd Making Musical Instruments, A presentation of talk and film by Keith Mason who worked for Boosey & Hawkes, Musical Instrument Makers. November 7 th December 5 th Subject for the evening to be confirmed Christmas Quiz Night December 16 th Christmas Dinner at Furzeleigh Mill Hotel, Old Ashburton Road, Dartbridge, Buckfast. Meet at 7-00p.m. for 7-30 p.m. Rooms are available for overnight accommodation. Contact Graeme to book your meal. To book accommodation contact Ann or Bob on 01364 643476 IMPORTANT - Message to Supporters of the South Hams Meeting. Graeme will be standing down as Meeting Leader at the end of the year as he will be out of the country from the end of December until the middle of May 2019. So he asks that the supporters of the South Hams Meeting consider who is prepared to take over the role of Meeting Leader and chair the January 2019 Forum Meeting. Torbay Monthly Meetings Meeting Leader Alan Turner. Phone:- 01803-557543. Email: - torbay@mgccdc.org Monthly Meetings at The Churston Manor Hotel Churston Ferrers, Brixham TQ5 OJE Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at Lunch time from 12:30 onwards, when a range of bar meals are available. We meet in the bar, so if it is your first visit please ask for the MG Car Club people. 22 nd July -The English Riviera Classic Car Show, organised by Torbay Old Wheels Club Report from Alan Turner - This year Steve and Cynthia Hooper had kindly agreed to coordinate the club stand as Barbara and I were unable to continue to be on the Green all day. However my involvement still starts much earlier in the year as I produce the 400 coasters that are given out by Torbay Old Wheels Club to all entrants at the show. When Barbara and I arrived on the Club stand in the afternoon the event was in full swing with a lot of people taking shelter from the 27C heat under the new club Gazebo Canopy. While Steve looked after the layout of the stand, Cynthia and her helpers were preparing for the bring and share tea party. There were 16 cars on the club stand, 2 more than planned for, and representing the MG marque from T type to MG3 & 6. Report continued on page 8
(8) The bring and share tea party was joined by Pete and Molly Taylor, Pat and Trevor Holbrough who were individual car entries and Jerry and Marie Handyside. Hugh Turner from Exeter finally made it to the event, after several failed attempts. To add to the food our congenial barman, Graeme Harris, had organised his Pimms Bar again, to help refresh the inner parts from the effects of the heat. The attraction of the tea party caused so much interest that a number of non MGCC participants offered money for some of the food, but it was politely explained that it was bring and share food amongst the members of the MGCC. A most successful day organised by Steve and Cynthia Hooper with a thank you to all, who not only brought their cars along but contributed food to make the tea party such a success. The Gate Receipts from the public for entry to the vehicle enclosure were in excess of 11,300, up 11% on last year which in itself was a record year. A range of photos showing some of the cars on the club stand, the new club Gazebo Canopy and preparations for the Bring & Share Tea Party. As at the Powderham Castle event it gave shade to the club members on the stand from the effects of 27C Photos:- Alan Turner... Exeter & East Devon Monthly Meetings Meeting Leader:- Tony Short. Phone:- 01392-832665. Email:- exeter-east.devon@mgccdc.org Monthly Meetings at The New Inn, near Broadclyst IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING MEETINGS Meetings are still held on the 4th Tuesday each month, but have now reverted back to an evening meeting during summer months until September. Bar meals are available. Members who are not eating usually arrive from 8-00 p.m. onwards Report from Tony Short Our natter continues to be well supported and in June we had 3 T types, 5 MGAs and 2 CGTs as well as James Mumford s beautiful 1935 Talbot 90 Tourer. Report continued on page 9
(9) Recently I have been trying to arrange runs to other natters. I myself was disappointed to find that my TD was the only MG in the Norway Inn car park at Perranworthal (West Cornwall Meeting) in May. Four of us ventured over the moor to Horsebridge in June and quadrupled the number of MGs there. We had a good meal and were made welcome, but had to leave early for the long return journey In July we visited Alan Turner s natter at the Churston Court Hotel. Myself, Ian Palmer and Bernie Jones battled around the coast in terrible traffic through Dawlish, Teignmouth and Torquay taking 1 hour 40 minutes to reach our destination. Apart from the traffic we had a slight problem when the exhaust fell off Bernie s B which was quickly fixed with some wire that all sensible T type owners like Ian carry with them!! We arrived rather late after most people were well into their lunches, but again were made very welcome. I plan to organize a run to the Moretonhampstead Motor museum in September and will try to come up with a date at our July natter. I will put this on the website for others who may wish to join us. En route in June to The Royal at Horsebridge natter. Taking a break in the journey at Moretonhampstead. Photo:- Ian Palmer North Devon Monthly Meeting Meeting Leader: Sheila Ballard, Phone: 01237 478821 Mobile: 07896 003360 E-mail: north.devon-events@mgccdc.org Monthly meetings at The Hunters Inn, Newton Tracey - Held on the 2nd Thursday each month. Arrive at 7.00p.m.-7.30 pm, especially if you are having a meal. The Hunters Inn is located on the B3232 approximately 7 miles S.W. of Barnstaple. A traditional country pub with a large car park. Food is served until 8-45 p.m. If you are planning to eat it is advisable to book a table. (The Hunters Inn 01271-858339). When you arrive ask for the MG Car Club Members, you will be made most welcome. Our meeting attendance fluctuates from month to month as most of our members have lots of other interests which sometimes have to take precedence. In August we are hoping to do something different and are planning to have a short run to a different pub, date to be confirmed, so members are advised to eat beforehand. We will meet at Homebase to leave promptly at 7.30 pm. Meetings from August onwards are as follows: Thursday 9 th August Natter at the Hunter s Inn Thursday 13th September Thursday 11th October Thursday 8th November Thursday 13th December A visit on 18 th July to Alan Turner s lunch time meeting at Churston Manor Hotel. L to R, Ian Palmer s TC, Tony s MGA and Bernie Jones s MGB Photo:- Tony Short We will also be arranging a Christmas dinner in early December, date and venue to be agreed later. Members have enjoyed taking part in a range of events through the early part of the summer. These included the ACE run and Powderham, as well as a small group of us attending MG Live! in June. Mark Tossell not only came first in Pride of Ownership in the MGF class, but also took the prize for the overall best across all classes in Pride of Ownership. Several of us have entered the Tamar Bridges run in September, which we are all looking forward to as it's going to be something new for most of us.. Borders Monthly Meeting Meeting Leader:- Ian Cameron Phone:- 01566 774426. Email:- devon-cornwall.border@mgccdc.org Monthly Meetings at The Royal, Horsebridge Meetings are held on the third Wednesday in the month. Those who dine arrive at about 7-30 p.m. and those not dining arrive by about 9-00 p.m. If you plan to eat it is a good idea to phone the landlord, Paul Eaton on 01822-870214 to reserve a table. Mention you are with the MG Car Club. Just ask for the MG Car Club when you arrive. Report continued on page 10
(10) Borders Meeting/Natter Proposed Provisional Programme for the rest of 2018 AUGUST 15 TH BAR-B-QUE AT LANDUE MILL SEPTEMBER 19 TH NATTER NIGHT OCTOBER 17 TH SPEAKER EVENING. - Speaker John Wakeham, An evening of Steam NOVEMBER 21 ST NATTER NIGHT DECEMBER 19 TH CHRISTMAS BUFFET AT THE ROYAL North Cornwall Monthly Meeting Meeting Leader:- Rob Constant. Phone Mobile:- 07855-821006. Email:- north.cornwall@mgccdc.org Monthly Meetings at the Earl of St Vincent, Egloshayle, Wadebridge Meetings are held on the first Sunday in the month from 7-30 p.m. onwards. Those requiring an evening meal beforehand please do ring ahead and book a table. Phone:- 01208-814807. Anne will be very pleased to hear from you (Please mention you are with the MG Car Club). West Cornwall Monthly Meeting Meeting Leader:- John Harvey. Email: west.cornwall@mgccdc.org Monthly Meetings at The Norway Inn, north side A39, Perranworthal PLEASE NOTE! - Meetings are now held on the first Friday in the month in the bar at 8-00 p.m. onwards. Natter evenings are very informal evenings and are usually rounded off with a quiz for fun, any members that are based in Cornwall would be most welcome to join us. If it is your first visit please ask for John Harvey who will make you most welcome. Saturday, 25 August 2018 "100 years of the RAF in Cornwall" Stage.2 A run to Davidstow Airfield and Cornwall at War Museum near Camelford Saturday, 1 September 2018 M.G. Mania and Marine Watch-Ruan Minor Ruan Minor Village Hall on the Lizard. A gathering of M.G s and a parade through Cadgwith followed by a buffet lunch and a marine presentation. Sunday, 16 September 2018 The Castle to Castle Run A run from St Mawes Castle to Pendennis Castle Falmouth. The West Cornwall group also has a new facebook page, it can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/654963988186297/ Any MGCC members on holiday are most welcome to join us at our natters or come along on our runs, details can be found on the group facebook page or contact John at: west.cornwall@mgcc.org or post direct to John on the facebook page.... MGF Register Devon & Cornwall Meeting Leader:- Peter Opie. Phone: 01752 249792 Email: pete.opie@mgfregister.org or via www.facebook.com/groups/mgfdandc/ Monthly Meetings at the Dartmoor Lodge, Peartree Cross, Ashburton. Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of each month. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS - FOR SALE AND WANTED FOR SALE MGB - A pair of black seat belt guides for an MGB GT, in as new condition. They keep your shoulder straps properly over your shoulder and always at the ready for use. 20 the pair. Contact Peter Foreman for further details on 01752 847467 (Saltash area). WANTED Boot badge for a 1957 Austin A95 Westminster with the legend WESTMINSTER, for a barn find rescue major rebuild. Contact:- Ted Lawrence on Phone: - 01752-793105. or Email: newsletter@mgccdc.org Continued on page 11
(11) A BLAST FROM THE PAST When MG Sports Cars were Designed and Built in Abingdon, England An MG Advert for the TC from 1946 If you are receiving this MG C.C. Devon &Cornwall Centre News by Email it is because you are a member of the MG Car Club Ltd or a supporter of the Club and its activities. The News is produced quarterly to keep you informed of events in the area or elsewhere that may be of interest to you. If you d rather we didn t send it to you just reply to the Editor or Centre Secretary to stop it and you will be taken off the circulation list.