We had to make a choice. We were going to visit Chris’s Uncle and maybe take him out to lunch. We also had to go to Argos to get a birthday present for Chris’s grandson. This sounded like a job for the Golf with its four seats and a boot.

However, turned out that Uncle Peter couldn’t make lunch. This meant we only needed two seats so another choice had to be made. My Mazda MX5 was the easiest to get out of the garage but I suddenly thought that, since we weren’t going out for lunch, we might pop into the North Somerset Show and the Mazda is so low-slung that it’s not good in wet field car parks so maybe we should take the MGC?

To get the MGC out meant moving both the Transit and the Mazda. Then I thought of the TD Special – that would make short work of any muddy field. Anyway, Uncle Peter likes unusual cars so might like to see it.

So, in the van to the workshop to pick up the TD. It was a fine May day but a chilly one so I had on the silly fur hat, a scarf and sheepskin boots – looked like an Eskimo going seal hunting. We were on our way but Chris wasn’t happy with the way the car was running and we nearly went back again. However, it seemed to pick up so we went on – after all we were only going to Portishead.

Uncle Peter was suitably interested in the car and he and Chris disappeared for a run round the block in it. They were gone for some time and returned with stories of carburettor adjustment en-route. So, after coffee and biscuits we left and headed for Argos, spotting another TD on the way.

Working out the power to weight ratio concerned with loading the new Argos catalogue into the car had me scratching my head. It’s as big as War and Peace – perhaps we should have taken the van instead? Getting a large, plastic machine gun toy in the back of the car was a bit of a struggle too but we managed to conceal it under the folded tonneau so that the grandson didn’t spot it when we popped in to see him (not his birthday quite yet). He also had a run around the block in the car much to the worry of his Mum who insisted on no main roads (the TD has no safety features whatsoever!).

By the time we left it was obvious that the car was actually leaking petrol. We chugged back as far as Weston in Gordano and pulled into the forecourt of a garage which was closed for the Bank Holiday. It was found that the float in the carburettor had a hole in it and had sunk. As luck would have it the garage owner turned up at that point and he and Chris abandoned me outside to watch the swallows and disappeared into the workshop. I asked what I should do if it rained as the sky looked very threatening and was told to put the tonneau on……… I wasn’t sure it would fit me but got the general idea. Moments later it started to hail so, like the dutiful partner that I am, I put the tonneau on before heading for cover.

The float was duly repaired and we made it to Clevedon to top up with petrol (having lost rather a lot). By this time I was freezing, even with the fur hat, and needed the loo (the bumpy roads didn’t help). We finally got home some four hours after leaving for a ‘quick run out’ and never did make it to the North Somerset Show.

Pauline

This was a new run for Tim and I. We have tried over the last couple of years to do new runs each year. This one was excellent! We were blessed with good weather and had the hood down the whole of the three days. Because of the distance we decided to make a long weekend with Tim taking the Monday off work… for you retired folk no problems! It really was like a mini holiday.

We hadn’t realised that anyone else from the club had booked but it was great to see “The Swinneys” and “The Riglers” and also “The Mayos” from Exeter.

Following a good welcome with coffee and biscuits we were given a good set of very clear instructions, with loads of added information to help us on our way.

It was the best run we have done in the 13 years of MGing! (Apart from Brunels of course!!!!) until now the Pendine dash held the trophy. There was an excellent mix of roads up over hills and mountains, through valleys, around lakes and dams, alongside rivers, through forests and over moorland… ( don’t even think about it Gerry… no clutch garage in sight!!)

There was a good halfway stop for lunch, with plenty of interest. We had passed so many view points and stopped for photos and coffee (thermos always useful) we only stopped about 45 minutes for lunch but plenty of time was allowed.

The finish was at the narrow gauge railway at Llanfair Caereinion. Arriving there at 3.45 we found that the last round trip to Welshpool, up through the valley on the little puffer left at 3.55. So to end a great day we got 2 tickets and had a ride on the train…very nostalgic with the smells and smut all over faces!! The sight of the bluebell woods, the river and the welsh lambs was a fitting end to the run. Our return journey was a lot slower as there was a lamb on the rails running in front of the train. He managed about a mile before scampering up through the hedge into a field .. guess a lonely night lay ahead for him!

Monday was a bonus day… even sunnier and warmer. As we travelled back we visited Offa’s Dyke centre and Raglan Castle. Neither had been part of any previous exploits so two new places to tick off. All in all a highly recommended run if you can spare a long weekend.

Make the most of your MG, nationwide runs can be found in “Enjoying MG” or there are lots of runs and days out on our own website events section.

Tim and I were given great reports on the “Great Black Pudding Run”.. so might make that our new run next year!

Happy MGing
Janet PJ

First some background on the car.
About 8 or 9 years ago when I still had my workshop in Clevedon, Pete Shepstone worked for me. His whole family are MG fanatics and are all very knowledgeable on the subject. Sadly Pete’s Dad Charlie passed away and the usual horrible job of sorting out, selling up etc. had to be done. Pete asked if we could collect his Dad’s home-built MG TD Special and MOT and service it as it had been left to Debbie, his sister. This we did then Debbie said she couldn’t have it back until it had done 120 miles and proved its reliability so I volunteered to do the Brunel Run in it with Pauline (this is a whole other story).

Run done, reliability proved, the car was duly returned to Debbie with an offer to purchase it turned down (sod it!). Then, weeks later, a phone call suggesting that I become the custodian – service, maintain, drive it and compete in it. Wow! Sounds good all round and so far an arrangement that is working well for both of us. Charlie was well known on the MG Trials scene and when I turned up to do small local events with the MGCC, the car was recognised, the p**ss was taken, then I was finally accepted. I did OK in local events, with both my friend Mike and with Garry Bishop, for a few years then Mike and I decided to do a weekend away to do the Kimber Trial just like Charlie did.

We arrived on Friday afternoon, booked into the hotel, had a couple of beers and quizzed drivers that had done Kimber before. They called us “Kimber Virgins” and essentially we gleaned that we were facing 80 miles or so navigation on roads with forays up lanes to stages on rock and mud, in rivers and in fields. There were also crafty little things to catch us out like remembering to stop by the marshal on a steep, rough, boulder-strewn lane while he counted to three – hmmm – not what we did when passing him flat out in second gear with the red mist down! We lost (or should I say “I lost”) a few sections by not paying attention – just like my school reports!

It was supposed to be what they call ‘non-damaging’ but there were some places that no modern car could possibly go. It was amazing fun at the Allan Splash – a river/ford where we thought we would have no trouble. We’d worked out our strategy on how to drive this against the clock – enter gently then accelerate smoothly through. Well, the bow-wave came over the bonnet, into the engine bay and unbelievably the car ran out of sparks half way across, accompanied by my cursing and much laughter from Mike, my navigator/bouncer and all the folks watching on the banks. We were pushed out so avoided getting wet feet thank goodness.

Saturday night was a casual dinner with a speaker. We were pleasantly surprised at how good he was – not boring at all – and the company that evening was varied and very enjoyable.

On Sunday we were near Glastonbury for an MG gymkhana. These are great fun – just obstacles and tests against the clock in a field. We came first in a class of two but second overall which was a satisfying result. Won’t tell you the result of Kimber – somewhere in the bottom half so lots to learn for next year.

Chris

Left home in nasty rain with the top up…..got to Aust services to find sunshine and a welcome from the organisers. Six cars altogether. Seems there were lots of other happenings that morning but we made a merry band as we gossiped in the chilly but welcome dry weather. Colin handed out the menus ( most important!) and the route sheets. He particularly pointed out a place where we might be fooled into wrong slotting and we all listened carefully.

We aimed for Old Sodbury by a devious route with good views and lots of bluebells in the verges to brighten our way. A note warned us about cattle on Sodbury Common and sure enough there they were looking very unconcerned about our passing.( Did we order beef for lunch?)

Got to Marshfield in brilliant sunshine and met a couple who shall be nameless but were driving a white car, coming towards us. The shock was a good excuse for us also missing a tricky left turn.
Carried on slightly worried by the fact that our mileage was going negative. Was this a cunning plot or had we gone wrong?

A panoramic view which we had been told about was unfortunately spoilt by mist, but still spectacular, and confirmed us on the correct route. A little knowledge of the area is obviously a dangerous thing and we duly ‘dropped down’ a lane towards Bathampton as instructed. What a delightful route we said, down through the trees and carpets of wild garlic everywhere. We decided to stop and take photos for the magazine because it was so lovely. Some time later we began to get confused. Did the instructions say anything about St Catherines? Where was the roundabout in Bathampton? We worked out where the route went and got to the pub to find the others well settled in.

You’ve got it, we fell for the mistake we had been warned about but it was a lovely valley and perhaps it ought to be on the proper route sometime.

Good lunch and ‘interesting’ run
Jeanne and Alan

“Would you come on a Sunday Lunch Run with the MG Club?” asked Pauline about three weeks ago. As usual, with no thought for my personal safety, I agreed.

Then, thinking afterwards (as I am apt to do) I asked myself, “Does this ‘run’ involve racing straps and helmets?” and “God forbid – have I got to map read?”. (I, who once got totally lost orienteering on a disused airfield? Blimey, had I ever even told Pauline that story? Obviously not!)

This particular Sunday morning dawned with bright Spring sunshine; crystal clear sky, not an aeroplane in sight (this was during the Icelandic volcanic ash period) and the birds singing – perfect.

Pauline and I set off for the meeting point the other side of Kingswood (yep, I’m lost already) at Toghill Picnic Area. (Special loos – worth a visit, especially after dark I hear!)

Ooh! Lots of pretty MG cars. Colour does it for me – what’s under the bonnet shall forever be a mystery to me that I have no wish to solve.

We were given a sheet which, to my relief, was clearly detailed, and we were soon off on our adventure. Absolutely no problem; recognised the former home of Jane Seymour (thanks to Points West News – never thought much of her myself – probably jealousy).

Then we proceeded with our lefts, rights, straight ons, over the speed bumps etc through some breathtaking countryside. So beautiful, on our doorstep and probably unseen and unknown to the larger population of Bristol.

We did have a moments hesitation as we passed the White Hart in Lane End before we entered the ‘No Entry to Vehicles over 6’6” wide’. Pauline and I did a quick calculation of our combined hip measurements and thought we might just get away with it - and did – phew!

The only turning we missed was the one for Tytherington/Marston; the signpost had been turned around – now, who was in front of us? To think that the honourable members of the MG Club would turn a signpost to make us miss our dinner was a little disturbing.

But we arrived at the White Hart in Trudoxhill with little trouble after a splendidly scenic journey and a lot of laughing to enjoy a meal with the friendly people who make up the Bristol MG Club so well done Val and Ian – nice one!

Pauline and I also enjoyed our trip home along an equally scenic route thanks to the SatNav fellow. We’re not sure he actually knew where he was taking us but of course, being a man, he wouldn’t stop and ask.

Ali – Novice Navigator