We set off in the pouring rain to our meeting point at Gordano Services where Garry & Carolyn were waiting for us. They gave out their impressive route details with any danger spots or easy-to-miss turnings highlighted in red. The sun then even came out to send us on our way. I didn’t realise the significance of Carolyn remarking how clean everyone’s cars were until we were en route along some very dirty and rough roads with grass growing along the middle and mud splattering everywhere!!. Perhaps she was going to offer to clean them again when we reached our destination!!

We travelled across Backwell Common and up Backwell Hill –even members who live quite close had not been down some of these lanes before. We meandered round lanes through Lulsgate Bottom and into Chew Stoke. Perhaps we should have driven through the ford on the side of the road to clean our wheels! The sun was now shining brightly and the views of the Chew Valley were delightful. We carried on through East Harptree and on into Temple Cloud with me having no idea how we managed to get there – I get easily disorientated when I am navigating. I almost sent Ian the wrong way in Temple Cloud as there were two instructions ‘continue under bridge’ and I managed to read them as one. We then came into more familiar territory (for us anyway) through Paulton, Timsbury and Farmborough and finally along The Shallows at Saltford to the Riverside Inn for a very enjoyable Sunday lunch carvery or (in our case) the ever dependable ham, egg and chips. All in all an excellent run at very short notice – well done Garry & Carolyn.

Val Scott

On arrival we were given our route and after a quick discussion we set off with Janet and Tim leading. We headed off in a northerly(ish) direction touring through lots of lovely Welsh villages with unpronounceable names like Bryngwyn, Ewyas Harold, etc. The further we travelled the hotter it got and we eventually arrived at Hay on Wye more that ready for refreshments as some people hadn’t eaten breakfast. We found a suitable hostelry that allowed dogs and where we could sit outside (Val & Ian had brought their two pooches along for the ride).

We then spent a pleasurable hour or so eating lunch and then wandering around Hay looking at one bookshop, then another, then another………

We reset our trip clocks as directed and headed off to skirt the English/Welsh border known as the Black Mountains. We travelled for about 12 miles with spectacular views all around down to Llanthony Priory and from there wound our way back for another 40-odd miles towards Tredegar House where afternoon tea and stickies were on offer.

It was a very pleasant day but it hadn’t finished yet. After tea those of us who were staying overnight found our way to our accommodation which, in true Sue Gainey fashion, was great. After a quick shower we all adjourned to the pub next door for yet more food and, as nobody was driving, lots of drink.

It was a shame that the event on the Sunday had been cancelled as the weather was superb but it did not deter us. Some headed back home and some of us went boating up the River Avon.

All in all a great weekend. Thank you all for your company!

Sue Talintyre

A good turnout for Sue and Mike Wright’s first Sunday Lunch Run with several welcome new faces. We met up at Gordano Services on time at 10.30 and everyone stood and chatted as usual so we didn’t get away until around 11am.

The weather did not look too promising but optimism being part of membership of our Club, several cars were ‘topless’.

Our route took us up to Failand and then through Barrow Gurney and Winford. There was some confusion just after that but things straightened themselves out and we headed towards Chew Valley Lake. Apparently the area at the far end of the lake was flooded on the previous Thursday but luckily there were no problems as we swept by.

As we headed up onto the Mendips I realised I had forgotten to bring any Hereford Cup Forms so spent some time on the phone to Sue Gainey who managed, with help from The Talintyres, to download a copy from the website and print them out ready to join us at the pub at lunchtime. Thanks must go to them for their efforts. It’s surprising that when you’re up really high on the Mendips there’s no mobile phone signal – you’d think that the area would be really ideal!

The route took us along a road even I didn’t recognise - through Priddy and down Cheddar Gorge which is always a winner in my opinion. Then we were through Shipham and down to the pub at The Star where a really LARGE lunch was consumed!

So, thanks to Mike and Sue Wright (and Adam) for a great first Sunday Lunch Run.

Pauline

We had originally intended to go in small British sports cars, however, the cost of cross channel ferries has not diminished much, especially when the operators realise there is an event on in France that the Brits like to support. The question was what do we travel in, that did not involve hiring a people carrier? Solution – Chris Leverett’s transit van! Chris already had a side window fitted in the vehicle, he ‘borrowed’ a couple of coach seats which he bolted into the back behind the cab, fitted seatbelts and hey!
Actually it was very comfortable, one rear passenger had a side window and the other seat was placed to enable the passenger to look straight ahead through the windscreen – sorted!

Having been washed away at Powderham castle the week before Le Mans, we were very nervous about the weather, which varied (depending on various weather websites) from monsoon to near tropical weather for le Mans. Clearly, we could not manage with wet clothes, the very large space at the rear of the van was soon filled with a varied assortment of wet weather gear, boots, waterproof jackets, over trousers, wellies, ski jackets etc. Steve and I decided to take our large tent with enough space for us all to sit comfortably sheltering from the downpours. Pauline and I as usual were steadfast in our opinion that weather will not daunt us from the experience – we made up for the two men, who both look at camping regardless of weather with some (lots) of trepidation!

Actually the signs did not bode well on our journey to catch the night ferry from Poole, the rain was lashing down, and Poole Quay looked like a scene from one of Dickens more dramatic novels, we were expecting a waif or at least the ghost of Jacob Marley to appear at any time, in fact it was so wet even the men did not want to walk back to the pub once we were lined up at the terminal! Actually we felt very sorry for the Morgan three wheelers parked up at Poole, all of their camping gear strapped to the sides and with no protection from the weather, very wet drivers.

As always the Barfleur was comfortable and clean, the cabins were a good idea, as usual I slept like a log regardless of waves, rain etc! The next morning we emerged from the ferry expecting at least a dry sky, but sadly still raining! As we travelled through France the weather improved and by the time we reached the campsite at Arnage it was looking great. I should mention at this juncture a huge vote of thanks to Colin Murrell for arranging the camping, although we had booked our tickets some months earlier, the ACO sites were already full, and we did not want to stay a distance away and have to drive in. The site was deep in a forested area right in the middle of the circuit, a few minutes walk from Indianapolis corner, a part of the track that is usually ‘off limits’ to spectators. What we did not expect were the ‘class’ of cars camping at the site, at one time there were four Ferraris, Aston Martin, Bentley, various Porsche, Mercedes, Singer Gazelle, E-Type Jaguar, an American thingy, some very nice Triumphs, MG’s and a startlingly white TRANSIT VAN! We were not surprised when we were asked to park in the corner! The only downside to the forested site were mosquitoes, and of course they picked on Steve and Chris most, in spite of various repellents – once at the circuit of course among the excitement and wonderful cars, this discomfort was soon forgotten (fortunately for Pauline and I).

Chris had mentioned that a good friend of his was the team mechanic / manager for a pair of Aston Martins and a Jaguar competing in the race, he rang Mike to catch up with him and promptly found he was required as a pair of hands for the team ‘in the Pit Lane’.
The temptation was too great to resist, so off went Chris on his bike complete with overalls to – The Pit Lane! We would like to mention at this stage that if anyone can remember Uncle in Only Fools and Horses, who always started a sentence ‘During the War’, beware the mechanic who starts his with ‘When I was in the Pit Lane at Le Mans…………’ Pauline was lumbered with us, and the small question of the short walk to the circuit, our host Bertrand was managing a shuttle service down to the circuit as no vehicles were allowed to come up the lane unless they had a residents permit, however, when one is out and about with Steve, there is no possibility of riding when you can walk! Pauline was very game about this, and will be receiving a certificate for her efforts in due course!

This bi-annual event is worthy of all motoring superlatives, and has obviously grown in size since it’s inception in 2004. We noticed a huge increase in attendance along with a very full field of competitors in each of the classes. The cars are grouped into years of manufacture from 1923 to 1979, and they race in blocks of 1.5 hours each over the 24-hour period. In 2006 there were some grandstands that were a free for all but now you must book in advance – something to remember for next time! Nevertheless, there are a lot of places to watch the racing, and we were very fortunate that we were able to watch the night racing at Indianapolis corner, armed with chairs and falling down water, Pauline, Steve and I had a great view, ever mindful of Chris – down in the Pit Lane all night!
Apart from the racing the whole circuit and paddocks are open to all and it is the mingling alongside these magnificent cars, drivers and mechanics that gives the Classic a special appeal. The car club displays represented almost all known marques, and there was a huge representation of Porsche’s, almost as many Morgan’s too, which seemed to be driving around in procession all weekend, maybe they could not find the club stand!

There are plenty of places to buy reasonable eats, we had remembered the terrific poulet and frites from before – and were not disappointed! We did quite well for grub, as Chris had bought along his gas-powered fridge, where we kept our purchases from the supermarché nice and chilled, which was a necessity, as the weather was glorious.

The organisers of the Classic asked if attendees would dress ‘appropriately’ for classic racing, and they had discouraged the wearing of summer wear in favour of long pants, jackets and cravats! As the only place you see cravats these days are in black and white movies, the warm weather and the fact that 95% are camping, having arrived in sports cars with little luggage space – they were really not on to a winner! We encouraged Steve and Chris to don long pants as we arrived at the circuit, for them to be replaced by shorts about 5 minutes later! There were a few ‘dressed to kill’, they were the ones suffering from heat exhaustion after about two hours – what looks classy at the Goodwood Revival is one thing, it does not look good on a hot, dusty track in the middle of France!

The excitement of the race came to an end all too quickly, and we watched as the masses launched themselves in a bid to get to various channel ports for the Sunday night sailings, while we leisurely strolled back to camp, had a few beers and some nice eats. Our sailing was on Monday evening from Cherbourg, after decamping and saying our goodbyes, and thanks to Colin we headed off on a leisurely drive back on the French A roads, as this is more interesting than the motorways. Monday was Bastille Day in France, so a public holiday, and being France it looked like everyone had hibernated, we did, however, find a terrific village with a traditional square open for business as was evident by the amount of British cars. We enjoyed a very laid back lunch in the sun in good company, and proceeded to the port, where we arrived at just the right time. The sail back was calm and relaxing, just like the trip!

A huge vote of thanks must go to Chris – for the loan of his Transit GT, Steve for the majority of the overseas driving, but most of all to Pauline, who at very short notice found herself navigator – and what a superb job she did too – if it were my responsibility we may still be there!

Helene

Postscript: We had need of the following potion whilst in France - it’s ingredient name is TRICHLOROPHENYLMETHYLIODOSALICYL – what is it?

We arrived at the Powderham Castle grounds by about 9.30 on Saturday morning, the journey from Bristol having been mainly dry and sunny but with a couple of showers; a precursor of what was to follow….
Reaching the camping area we met the rest of the BAMGOC group (most of whom had arrived on the Friday), and erected our tent. Then we all congregated at our gazebo, from where we all took turns travelling the showground site taking in the sights, and sometimes sounds, of some classic machinery including cars, motorbikes, traction engines and lorries….great stuff!!

As the day progressed, so did the rain and by mid afternoon we were all huddled in the gazebo which, thankfully, had complete sides, unlike the Exeter group’s one which was for hot, sunny days only! Owing to the weather, we dismantled the gazebo and banner and headed back to our campsite where we had a very welcome cuppa thanks to Pauline and her caravan hob!

A table had been reserved at the ‘Dolphin Inn’ in nearby Kenton and we travelled in convoy there to enjoy good food and drink as well as dryness and warmth!! Di tried the shark steak which brought the expected comment: ‘it has a lovely bite to it’, but she FINished it all OK!!

Returning to camp, the disco in the beer tent was in full swing – Paul said the music should have been ‘Country and Wetter’ – but we opted for our own party at Chez Leverett which made for a good, enjoyable evening continuing well after midnight.

It was still raining on Sunday morning but within 10 minutes or so of a tannoy announcement informing everyone that the show was being cancelled, the rain stopped, the clouds dispersed and the sun came out!
We all packed away our tents and left the grounds vowing, despite the weather, to do it all again next year!

Paul and Dinah

Seems a while ago now, but easily remembered! Floods wrought havoc last year and this year it was the gales….bringing down a tree which prevented us from finishing the run true to route!! But hey we are British so whoever considered letting the weather affect our fun?

Well…one member AKA “Gerry Spinner” had second thoughts about actually going to Cannock Chase, at least we all thought he did! Five cars were heading to Cannock and had successfully reached Wolverhampton. We were negotiating a number of roundabouts to circum-navigate the town itself. The five of us reached one fair sized roundabout and 2 cars went safely on their way. Gerry followed. Tim and I waited our turn and carol and Brian sat patiently behind us….Off went Gerry around the roundabout Suddenly cars all round the roundabout were jamming brakes on and tooting.. Then we saw it…Low and behold Gerry in his primrose sprite is doing a full rendition of swan lake ballet, spinning around and around and…..(I know you love looking at me Ger.. but you didn’t have to turn in the middle of the road like that).Scary or what! But jokes aside, after auditioning for the “Austin Wheelie club” at least Gerry was unhurt and dare I say seemingly unflustered. He completed his spins, ended up the right way and proceeded to carry on.

Compared to that the rest of the weekend was a good fun weekend with a stay in a hotel to make a weekend of it.

We managed the “wind in your hair” feel all the way round on the run, and with all five being roadsters it was a good sight. We stopped for morning coffee in an old railway station redone to look like the ‘40’s, with old luggage stacked up and ‘40’s music playing and homemade cakes etc for sale(an improvement on average BR sandwich).

There were 2 runs as they had so many entrants. Anew run for us oldies or those who missed last year had a chance to do the Ironbridge run Certainly a weekend to consider for next year..3rd time lucky with the weather surely!

Spare a moment and go back through your monthly mags and read up on all the fun people have had at the huge number of events(plus our Sunday Runs) that the club now attends or advertises. Talk to other members at club nights to find out more about the great time they have and the new friends they make. If you haven’t been able to join in weekends, runs. Or events this year start thinking about 2009..no it’s not too early!!! You might even know of an event that would interest other members, just let Sue know so she can put it on the board!!

Look forward to sharing time and fun with lots more members ……happy motoring
Janet PJ your jolly old fundraiser!!

…..in an Austin Healey Sprite with Gerry, to be precise!

The safety of the country came first and Steve had to work on this very nice sunny Sunday (8th June), so Gerry manfully stepped forward and off we went on the Cotswold Caper. Bombing up the motorway to get to the start, Gerry almost left Chris and his V8 trailing.

Gloucester MGOC have such great countryside over which to organise great runs and they always make full use of their unique environment. Setting off from their club venue at the Gala Club in Gloucester (and no, it is not the Bingo hall!), having been refreshed by complimentary coffee and a great bacon buttie, out into the Cotswold countryside.

Fiona Fullerton (former Bond Girl) waved the first cars away, needless to say by the time we got to the start ‘she’ had been replaced by a ‘he’ who probably was NOT in a Bond film!

Gerry did not want to reset his trip as he was monitoring his fuel consumption, so the first hazard of the run was – my maths. In just a few miles we were out onto wonderful country lanes, passing the Prescott Hill Climb venue, which is home to the Buggati Owners Club – no Buggatis about however. After a few winding miles we arrived at Sudeley Castle, built in the 10th century, some years ago when there was a surge of Bristol cars entering this run, we stopped at Sudeley and had a look around, it is very interesting, maybe we could organise a run and a trip there next Spring (have I just volunteered for something?)

We headed in the direction of Chipping Norton – home of that well known petrol head – Jeremy Clarkson, whom I love dearly but he does so dislike MG’s, had he seen 120 passing through his ‘manor’ he would either have had apoplexy or found a way of blowing us all up, like he does with caravans!

We passed through all of the Wolfords, Great and Little – where the four shire stone shows the meeting of the counties of Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Oxford and Worcestershire. Since the interfering Boundary Commission mucked all of our counties up a few years ago, Worcestershire has apparently moved North!

We passed through numerous Cotswold villages with lovely old fashioned names, took deep breath passing through Snowshill where the lavender fields are, even though not yet in bloom the aroma was fantastic. We passed a field where the Dovers Hill Games are held, they were started in 1612 by Robert Dover, it was called the Cotswold ‘Olimpick’, events included, shin kicking, tug-of-war, single stick and cross country, some of these events are still held in June – subject to ‘elf and safety!

Our destination was the Batsford Arboretum and Falconry Centre, and very nice it was too, great cakes in the café! Another fantastic run by Gloucester, who deserve every accolade, there were only 5 cars out of 130 starters from BAMGOC – why?
Watch out for next year’s details and get that booking form in!

Many thanks to Gerry, who made no comment when I made not one but three errors on the route –‘twas not the instructions – just me taking too long to look at the scenery!’

Helene

In previous years, Silverstone has seen a group of BAMGOC members in attendance, camping in the ‘basic’ conditions which are offered. Last year the generous abundance of the rain was what persuaded us to give up the tent and buy a caravan. However, this year the ‘usual crew’ were, for various reasons, unable to make the weekend.

Chris had been in contact with ‘Craig in Ohio’ about the yellow Midget he had for sale. Craig’s friend, Tom, was going to be at Silverstone on the Sunday and was going to assess the car in person. So, awake at 5.30 and on our way before 7am.

All went well until we were near Cirencester when the car stalled at a junction and I had to push start it. Luckily, it’s a very light car and on my second attempt, a kindly Morgan driver stopped and offered assistance. In Chipping Norton we stopped for the loo and made sure we were on the downhill slope of the car park where we entertained passers-by to a textbook push start again.

On finally reaching Silverstone Chris reluctantly turned off the engine, knowing we’d possibly have to push start the thing on the grass when we left. Tom duly appeared and decided the car was a good solid one but had no authority to actually progress the sale! (Naturally, Chris told him about the problems we’d had).

It was diagnosed as a ‘no charging’ situation so the Silverstone auto jumble was plundered for a dynamo and a regulator (don’t ask me what that’s for ‘cos I don’t know). There were no batteries to be found in the auto jumble which has reduced in size a lot in the last couple of years – probably due to the increased charges for stall-holders.

Tools were borrowed and the two items were changed whilst a small but helpful audience of enthusiasts looked on. I did quietly mention that we were members of the AA but no-one appeared to be listening. The Midget would still not start so jump leads were used and it roared into life.

We made a graceful exit from the field of Midgets, thanking all those who had helped and I intended waving until we got out of sight but we only got as far as the exit road when the car died once and for all. This time I mentioned the AA more forcefully and they arrived within an hour. The young AA man was extremely helpful but he couldn’t work out the charging problem and his spare battery was too big – after all, it wasn’t his average call-out.

He towed us about 15 miles to Banbury where Halfords was still open and Chris bought a battery (I think ‘bucket of sparks’ was the technical term he used). So the Midget finally got us home around 6.30pm.

With the petrol for the trip, entrance fees, a bottle of orange and a sandwich each, the (possibly unnecessary) parts, a battery, a tip for the AA man and two ice creams, the day cost well over £100! Craig from Ohio has still not bought the car and all we managed to see was the diminished auto jumble – no racing – no time to wander around the serried ranks of beautiful MGs. I may not be so keen to go to Silverstone next year……. but who knows?

Pauline

PS: Don’t let my story put you off Silverstone International. I’ve always considered it to be a good value weekend. The camping is cheap as are pre-booked weekend tickets, the company is always good and there’s lots to see. As for the diminished auto jumble – it’s just an opportunity to BRING LESS HOME!!

A huge thank you to Tracey and James for a brilliant run, which was enjoyed by 24 MGers.

The weather was kind,giving blue skies and blue fingers(bit nippy for some!!). However, where possible all tops were off...the cars that is!.

It was a run that made you fully appreciate how great it is to own an MG in this part of the country. Travellingthrough a well manicured part of England, within just over an hour and a half we were able to enjoy spectacular views of coastline,countryside, woodland, lakes and typical English villages nestling in valleys where we saw locals enjoying their Sunday with local events.

There were stunning "water colour" views of the estuary with its muddy waters,lush green of the country side,the scenes of Chew Valley Lake,and the typical farmyards. Every so often just as the road was right you caught the flash of colour as the MG's snaked their way through the lanes....all this a feast for the eyes to behold.

Ears and noses were not forgotten! Following the recent dampness, evocative country smells like wild garlic, musty earth and well...those farmyard aromas wafted up and birdsong all around.

Add to all this the wind in your hair and for a short while it was a sheer delight to be British, in Britain, doing a typical British activity, in a British car enjoying a part of Britain that is still good!!

All this with a good English pub with local beers and good food at the end of the run, and good friends to enjoy it with......

Here's to the MG! Let's make sure we keep the Sunday Lunch Runs going.....maybe your's will be the next one. Keep them coming.

Again many thanks to James and Tracey for a really great run

The weather could have been kinder, with low cloud making a grey depressing blanket over the hills, but the route across the rolling landscape of the Cotswolds along the Fosse Way was wonderful, ideal MG country, and it would have been marvellous if our own “B” had been ready. Hopefully Garry’s pride and joy will be getting an airing next time.

Many others had taken the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the Roman legions on this historic route and give their classic cars an airing and we followed a very old MG for quite a long way, only losing it at the turning to Bourton on the Water. There was even a convoy of “classic” lorries and trucks. I think some of our party were less than pleased at being stuck behind them, as the fumes caused some problems, but we were fortunate to pass them when they pulled in to a layby.

Our meal at the Duke of Wellington was good and being a small party on one large table made for a friendly and pleasant lunchtime.

There was also the added pleasure of a visit to the Motor Museum at Bourton on the Water, a treasure house of machines and memorabilia and a whole host of interesting exhibits too numerous to mention. Full marks to Martin and Pauline for planning a lovely run which included this fascinating museum.

Can’t wait for the May run - let’s hope it’s the MG next time.

Garry and Carolyn

This Sunday run was a first, for Carleton and I, and our MG cunningly disguised as a Renault Senic. We all met up in the car park in Thornbury, and the weather was a lovely spring day, good job it was the first day of British summer time, then.

Everybody arrived in their MG’s and those that could went topless, we like the walnut trim in the MGtf 160, some Mg chit chat, then off on the run, we went first in the Senic, but no one behind us, so obviously more MG chit chat went on.

The weather did its part to make the run, as the countryside unfolded before us, daffodils out, and blossom lining our route. St Arildas church is always worth a visit, especially for those in to photography, a great panorama picture to be had at the back of the church of the Severn estuary, not bad church either for photos.

The sunshine had the cyclists and joggers out in force, then came the town of Berkeley, and the route instructions mentioned to look out for the award winning toilets on the left, we did see them, but unfortunately, could not muster any bodily fluids at that moment, to say that we had conquered them.

We had a sense of dajavue (wrong spelling, but I know what I mean) when we saw the Lammastide inn, as we had passed it on the Tuesday, on our way to Purton to see the old shipwrecks there, in their muddy graveyard, makes you think of the past, stood amongst them. Good for photos though.

We passed two pubs, the Fox and Hounds and the Salutation, and Carleton started to go on about skittles matches play in these pubs with the Stag owners club, sorry about the bad language!

What a pretty and enjoyable run, lovely countryside and quaint villages, then we arrived at the pub, a welcome sight, we needed beer, lots of it. We also needed the loo. More MG chitchat was had in the garden, before filtering in for our food.

Well-done to the people who organised it (sorry, have not got to grips with all the names yet) and we look forward to the next one, it could be in the MG, if we can get it finished in time.

Thanks for a great run.

Anne and Carleton