Editorial

Our heading photograph for this edition looks back to 26th June 1998, when the Atlantic Coast Express Run finished at The Commodore Hotel, Instow, overlooking the River Torridge. Have you booked your place on this year’s Atlantic Coast Express Run, which takes place on Sunday June 11th? For further details of the Run, see News about the Centre. Many of our members took part in the FBHVC “Drive It Day” run on Sunday 23rd April, St George’s Day. There is a report and photographs in the STOP PRESS section. I found an interesting piece of information in Classic Car Weekly for the 5th April regarding MOTs for Classic Cars. It is in regard to an EU directive which it appears has to be introduced while we are still in the EU, regardless of the fact that article 50 has been triggered. I quote – “Vehicles made more than 40 years ago will not need an MOT. This would lead to a further 331,000 cars registered between 1960 and 1977 being exempt from annual testing”. The FBHVC is monitoring the situation. One can only await developments. For my part I feel regardless of the age of a car, submitting it for an MOT with an organisation familiar with the particular make of car is getting a second opinion on the car being safe to be on the road. Because of familiarity with the car we own, it is possible sometimes without realising to overlook something vital. There is some very important information that our Chairperson, Wendy Keeling has received regarding using the internet to send information to our members, which is explained by Wendy on page 2. With summer fast approaching you will read that there are a range of outdoor events planned for in the coming months. What better way to arrive at these events wearing MGCC Devon & Cornwall clothing; Barrie Smith has the full range available on page 10. I would like to thank you all for the excellent response for information and articles that I have received for this edition. Some feature articles have had to be held over until the Autumn Edition. But just keep sending them. Publication Dates for D&C News:- Spring 1st February. Summer 1st May. Autumn 1st August. Winter 1st November. All items for inclusion in the Autumn Edition should reach me by 21st July 2017 Editorial Team Editor:- E.W. (Ted) Lawrence, Phone: - 01752-793105. Email: ew.lawrence@btinternet.com 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 constraints. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Devon & Cornwall Centre Officials & Committee as Elected at the AGM

OFFICIALS Chairperson:- Wendy Keeling – Phone 01237-474823 Email:- keeling320@btinternet.com Vice-Chairman:- Bernard Curren Phone: 01752-771681 Email:- Bernard.curren@plymouth.ac.uk Secretary:- Bob Slatter – Phone: 01752-558085 Email:- bobslatter@hotmail.com Treasurer:- Barry Smith – Phone: 01752-336454 Email: bjsmith30@hotmail.com Competition Secretary:- Victor Share – Phone: 01752-350161 Email: victor.share@yahoo.co.uk Continued on page 2

(2) COMMITTEE MEMBERS Colin Bird. Terry Bolt. Ian Cameron. Peter Cook. Peter Heath. Ron Henderson. Ryan Lewis. Peter Opie. Paul Turner. Angus Wakeham D&C CENTRE COMMITTEE MEETINGS It has been decided to increase the number of Committee Meetings from 6 to 8 per year and to hold meetings a week earlier i.e. the third Monday of the Month, to ensure information for the Newsletter and Safety Fast is in plenty of time. Meetings will be held in January, February, April, May, July, September, October and November. If there is anything 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. IMPORTANT INFORMATION that Wendy Keeling has received regarding the use of members’ Email addresses. This applies to anyone who is sending out an Email on behalf of the MG Car Club to more than one member Emails – what has to be included & how addresses are added. • All the email addresses must be added to the “BCC” box (also known as Blind Carbon Copy). This must be done so the members email addresses cannot be seen or used by the other recipients of a bulk email send. This also applies to bulk emails sent to members by any committee member. • An explanation as to why the member is receiving the email, with details of how they can opt out from receiving further emails from the local meet host/committee member, must be included at the end of every email sent by Centres, Registers and Branches (C.R.B.s) to any member. IF ANY MEMBER ORGANISING EVENTS USING Email REQUIRES FURTHER ADVICE ON THIS, PLEASE CONTACT WENDY KEELING OR BOB SLATTER. SAFETY FAST CORRESPONDENT Sue Heath (aka Granny Janner) has indicated that she wishes to stand down as Safety Fast Correspondent in the next twelve months. Is there a member out there who would work with the Committee and take on this task? Contact Bob Slatter to register your interest. A Message from our new Competition Secretary Victor Share During the role of Comp Sec my main function will be to apply for permits from the MSA (Motor Sport Association) to enable us to compete in various forms of our sport. I will try to keep the committee informed of the latest developments in the world of motorsport and also the natters and committee informed of what is going on in our area. To enable me to carry out this function I ask that everyone informs me of what’s happening within our centre and what events the natters are organising so that I can ensure all relevant information is passed on and any permits etc. can be organised well before the event date (I will need at least 2.5 months’ notice for permits) The newsletter editor will be informed of relevant information regards events within our area which will be supplied to members via our newsletter, so hopefully we will all be abreast of the latest news and information. Safe and enjoyable MG motoring

Index Page News of Members 2 News about the Centre 3 Photographic Competition results 2016. 3 Devon & Cornwall Spring Weekend report 4 Centre Events 4 News of Meetings/Natters 6 Prestigious Event Acclaims MG is top marque 9 MG C.C. D&C Centre Regalia 10 STOP PRESS 10

News of Members

A Welcome to New Members in the Centre Mr & Mrs Robert Breese Kingsbridge Mr & Mrs Andrew Howard Exeter David Docherty Okehampton Thornton Mustard Okehampton Nigel Edwards Teignmouth Andrew Savage Ottery St Mary Mr & Mrs Tony Creed Exeter Robert Loveridge Truro Mr & Mrs Jonathan Dean Truro Thomas Rogers Seaton, Devon Barry Dye Torpoint Transfers In Ian Mitchell Redruth ………………………………………………………………………………… Continued on page 3

(3) News about the Centre

A Message of thanks from Bob Slatter regarding the M.C.C. Lands End Trial Bob and the M.C.C. would like to thank all of those who helped marshal at the start of the Lands End Trial at Plusha and some of the sections that the MG C.C. were responsible for at Easter. Your efforts were greatly appreciated. An appeal from our Treasurer, Barry Smith Having assembled all of the available trophies, I have now seen or can account for all of our trophies that have real value. This includes all the solid silver or silver plated items. This leaves two lesser value awards unaccounted for. These are: California Plaque – a square wooden plaque carrying an engraved plate showing an outline map of UK within an octagon frame. Usually awarded to the best D & C performer in the California Cup autotests at Silverstone. Trials Shield – Octagonal wooden plaque carrying the MG logo in copper lettering on a brass background. Awarded to overall winner of annual Spring production car trial. If anybody has knowledge of the whereabouts of these two trophies would they please contact Barry. Contact details in Officials’ Listing on page 1 Healey Drivers’ Club 2016 Exmoor Rut For those members who took part in the Exmoor Rut I am advised that a Donation of £500 was made from the proceeds to the WESC Foundation -The Specialist Centre for Visual Impairment, based at Topsham Road, Countess Weir, Exeter. This organisation originated in 1838 as the Blind Institute on St. David’s Hill, Exeter. Colin Groom’s Funeral Collection We have heard from Leslie Williams, Colin Groom's business partner, who has said that - On behalf of Colin Groom's family, she would like to pass on belated thanks for all who attended Colin’s funeral and for donating so generously . The sum of £370-24 was sent to Childrens Hospice South West and £255-24 was sent to the Stroke Association. For those of you that have used Colin Groom’s facilities, it was hoped that the business would be able to continue, but this has not proved possible and an auction was held to dispose of the assets of the business on 11th March. Photographic Competition Results 2016

It is the intention to run the competition again with the following categories:-

1. MG People. 2. MG(s) On the Move.

Members can interpret these as they wish. More about entry details in the next newsletter, but please take the opportunity to get out there to the many summer events with your cameras. Wendy Keeling. Continued on page 4

Last year the competition produced some excellent photographs that not only showed off members’ pride and joys but the fun people have in their MG’s. Trophies were awarded at the Centre AGM in March. 1st - Brian Galbraith with his entry for MG Pride. A photograph taken in the Highlands with a very proud lady and smart J2. Runner Up- Peter Taylor with MG Fun. This was a photograph taken at the Devon and Cornwall International Day in 1981. It oozes speed, noise, mud and laughter.

(4) DEVON & CORNWALL SPRING WEEKEND a report from Sheila Ballard We joined the Devon and Cornwall Spring weekend at the Dorset Golf Hotel and enjoyed a fantastic weekend. Meeting at Exeter services, we left to take a leisurely drive along the coast stopping at Seaton for lunch. Friday evening started with drinks in the bar before the evening meal in the restaurant. After breakfast on Saturday morning we headed off for a trip on the Swanage steam railway and spent time in Swanage before catching the train back as far as Corfe Castle where we spent time climbing to the top of the castle before visiting the Model Village. Some people returned to their cars a little earlier than we did, and when we got back to the park and ride on the last train of the day, we found that there were only 2 MGs left there. Back at the hotel, we again enjoyed drinks in the bar before another enjoyable evening meal. After dinner the plan was to play bowls, but unfortunately we were later finishing than expected so everyone just had a bit of fun bowling practice bowls down the rink and trying to get somewhere close to the jack! Sunday morning saw most of us checking out ready to return home, although a few stayed on for a further night (or two?). We headed northwards towards Shaftesbury, where we had lunch at Ye Olde Two Brewers, before taking a walk around the town. We walked back down Gold Hill, made famous in the Hovis adverts before saying our goodbyes and heading home. Thanks to Sue and Pete Heath for organising what we hope may be the first of many Spring weekends.

On the left is a view looking down on Corfe Railway Station from Corfe Castle. View on the right on the climb to Corfe Castle ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Centre Events May 4th – 7th , The London Motor Show, Battersea Evolution, SW8 4NW The organisers of the show are offering members of the MG Car Club (Devon & Cornwall) a special 10% discount on tickets. A special food and beverage area for club members will also be on hand as a good meeting point with the added benefit of reduced rates on catering. To use this exclusive special rate, members just need to add the promo code MGCARCLUBDEVON when buying tickets online from www.thelondonmotorshow.co.uk.

June 17th /18th MG Car Club Live at Silverstone June 24th/25th Goodwood Festival of Speed Continued on page 5

June 11th ATLANTIC COAST EXPRESS RUN

Starting from Okehampton Railway Station and finishing at Petroc College, Tiverton. Entry Fee is £25 per car which includes cream tea for two at the finish of the run. Closing date for entries is the 15th May. For Entry Form either obtain one from the Centre Web Site or from Bob Slatter:- Phone:- 01752-558085 Email:- bobslatter@hotmail.com

(5) July 8th/9th Crash Box Club, Powderham Castle Classic Car Show.

July 23rd Torbay Old Wheels Club Show, Paignton Green.- See Torbay Meeting Notes for further important information regarding this event. August 6th D & C Centre, ‘Devon Day’ Further details awaited as we go to press August 12th & 13th , Ex-RAF Harrowbeer Airfield, Yelverton, 1940s Weekend. The RAF BBMF Spitfire will do a Flypast on Saturday (12th). Vintage & Classic Cars welcome. Full information on www.rafharrowbeer1940.co.uk September 9th MG Car Club Wiscombe Park Hill Climb

September 16th/17th BTCC Silverstone October 7th MCC Edinburgh Trial October 22nd Tamar Trial Continued on page 6

Bob Slatter is co-ordinating the Club stand at Powderham. We have 20 passes for each day. The Main Club Stand is being brought down from Kimber House with at least Adam Sloman (General Manager) attending with the Club Gazebo and regalia etc. Bob would love to have a complete range of MG's on the stand from old to the newest as Adam is going to bring his MG GS and Bob will bring the MG6. Bob is looking for volunteers and vehicles to make a really good display on the stand for either or both days. Several members have already offered a car for the weekend and will bring whichever car we need from their collections. To book your place on the Club Stand, contact Bob Slatter on:- Phone:- 01752-558085 Email:- bobslatter@hotmail.com Camping with showers is available at Powderham for Friday/Saturday nights at a cost of £20.00 per pitch to be booked directly with the Crash Box Club. Further information on this is available on the Crash Box Club Website. For those camping overnight there will be entertainment and food and drink available. We are indebted to Peter Heath for the vintage Powderham Castle advert

September 10th CORNISH RIVIERA RUN This year's run will take a different format. Following comments from Cornish members about the early start for them to get to the Plymouth, this year there will be two starts, the earlier one in Plymouth and the later one from Bodmin Airfield, Cardinham. Signing on at the Science Park will open at 8.30am and cars can leave in their own time to be away at the latest 9.30am. There will be no judging or flagging off at Plymouth. Signing on at Bodmin will open at 10am and be joined by Plymouth starters for judging. Bacon baps and drinks can be pre-ordered. Flagging off from 11am, all to be away by 11.30am. Pre-booked lunch at the Blue Anchor in Fraddon from 1pm to depart again by 2pm. Cream teas at Cornish Gold, Tolgas Tin, Nr. Redruth from 3pm. Prizes will be given at tea. The route comprises three roughly 30 miles sections for a total of about 90 miles. Entry forms will be available in early May when arrangements have been finalised. Watch out for an invitation e-mail or check the web site. For further information contact either Sue or Peter Heath on Phone:- 01752-775708 Email:- allegropeter@aol.com

(6) November 11th/12th Classic Car Show at the NEC ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

2017 Grand Tour Cape to Cap

News of the Meetings/Natters South Hams Monthly Meetings Meeting Leader: - Graeme Harris, Phone No: - 01548-856674. Email: graeme_mo@yahoo.co.uk Monthly Meetings at ‘The Hunting Lodge’, Cadleigh Park (just off of the A38), near Ivybridge All monthly meetings are held on the 1st 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

South Hams Programme for 2017 May 3rd Evening natter run to The Ship Inn Noss Mayo No meeting this evening at the Hunting Lodge May 21st Full day Queen’s 65th Succession/Colin Groom Memorial Run - Run leaving from Ipplepen with a scenic route to Thytherleigh north of Axminster where Sunday lunch will at the Tytherleigh Arms then a run back to Colin's local The Pig & Whistle for tea & cakes. Contact Graeme to book your place and further details June 7th Midsummer Madness for The Mumford Cup Choose the car you would most like to drive home in that evening. The Mumford Cup and a bottle of Bubbly for the MG with most marks and a bottle of Bubbly for the other make of classic with most marks. June 28th/29th Two day trip with overnight stay, to visit the BMIH Motor Museum, Gaydon – Graeme has provisionally booked 15 double rooms at the Best Western Falstaff Hotel, Leamington Spa for Dinner B&B, the approximate cost for B&B per room £90. Hel ill hopefully be able to arrange a return game of Aunt Sally against Abingdon Works Centre. Should demand be greater than 15 rooms they have extra but of course the nearer it gets to the date the less availability. Contact Graeme to book your place on this trip. Continued on page 7

Terry Bolt and Jeff Hearn have been fortunate to gain entry to the above event again competing in the mountains of Northern Spain. The main objective being to raise more money than anyone else for Macmillan Cancer Support. This year’s event will commence at Cabo Machichaco in Spain with 40 vehicles contesting. They will be competing in Terry’s 1950 MG TD, that has been so successful on previous Cape to Cape events. and as a result in both the 2012 and 2013 events amassing a total of £17,000 , thus twice winning the Tricia Greenslade Trophy. They have covered all of the expenses involved in the event themselves, so that every penny raised through donations and fundraising, will benefit Macmillan (Cornwall).

South Hams Autumn Run 16th October 2016 The start was at Buckfastleigh Railway Station where the cars are shown here on display in front of the booking office. Most were able to enjoy a ‘breakfast’ or something to sustain them until lunch time in the station café. The Run took a route across Dartmoor to Two Bridges then on to Mortonhampstead, Bovey Tracey, around Newton Abbott to arrive at the Pig & Whistle Inn near Totnes for lunch. Photo Peter Taylor

(7) July 15th Tiverton Canal Boat Trip August 12/13th South Hams Vintage Machinery Club Rally. Sorley Cross, Kingsbridge. August 28th Aveton Gifford Classic Car Show. September Day trip to Westonzoyland Pumping Museum, Bridgewater We may be able to fit in a trip to a local vineyard as well. Some dates are provisional and Graeme is asking South Hams members to give some thought to a possible 3/4 day trip to Brittany next year, possibly in conjunction with other D & C meetings/natters. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Torbay Monthly Meetings Meeting Leader Alan Turner. Phone:- 01803-557543. Email: - mgcc@talktalk.net Monthly Meetings at The Churston Court Hotel Meetings are held on the third Wednesday each month at The Churston Court Hotel, Churston Ferrers, Brixham TQ5 OJE where a range of bar meals is available. Following the success of a trial in 2016 Alan is continuing to hold every 3rd monthly meeting during the day, as a Lunch Time Event. So the meetings in June, September and December in 2017 will again be lunch time meetings. Time of meetings:- Evening meeting are from 7:30 onwards

Lunch time meetings are from 12:30 onwards. We meet in the bar, so if it is your first visit please ask for the MG Car Club people July 23rd The English Riviera Car Show Alan is once again organising the MG C.C. stand at this event. There will be what is now the annual bring and share tea party on the club stand mid-afternoon. To book your place and further information contact Alan Turner. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………,,,,,,,,, Exeter & East Devon Monthly Meetings Meeting Leader:- Tony Short. Phone:- 01392-832665. Email:- anthony.short7@tesco.net Monthly Meetings at The New Inn, near Broadclyst Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday each month and are an informal gathering in which members and their partners or friends discuss a multitude of subjects, not all motoring related, over a pint of beer or two. Bar meals are available.at the monthly meetings. Members who are not eating usually arrive from 8 p.m. onwards. Thursday May 4th Exeter Cathedral Tony has organized a roof and tower tour in Exeter Cathedral. Meet at main entrance at 11 a.m. cost £ 10. Numbers are limited so anyone interested must phone Tony on 01392 832665 to book your place May 7th Vintage Sports Car Club Wiscombe Hill Climb May 14th Killerton House Classic Car Show 10-00 a.m. till 5-00 p.m. Near Broadclyste on B3181 May 28th Pecorama Classic Car Show September 9th MG C.C. Wiscombe Hill Climb ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… North Devon Monthly Meeting Meeting Leader:- Paul Turner. Phone:- 01237-474736 Mobile 079894-74736 Email:- ruf50r@hotmail.co.uk For Details of Events in North Devon contact: Sheila Ballard, Phone: 01237 478821 Mobile: 07896 003360 E-mail: sheilaballard54@btinternet.com Monthly meetings at The Hunters Inn, Newton Tracey - the Natter is held on the 2nd Thursday each month. Members arrive at about 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. For Satnav the Postcode is EX31 3PL. A traditional country pub with a large car park, excellent reasonably priced food and a good atmosphere. Food is served until 8-45 p.m. If you are planning to eat it is advisable to book a table. Phone number for The Hunters Inn 01271-858339 or contact Paul by phone and he can let the pub know. Please come and join us and ask for the MG Car Club Members when you arrive, you will be made most welcome.

Dates for the monthly meetings are:- Thursday 11th May. Thursday 8th June. Thursday 13th July. Thursday 10th August. Thursday 14th September. Thursday 12th October. Thursday 9th November. Thursday 14th December. We are hoping to organise a few runs this year following the success of the October run last year and will also be joining some of the local and national MG Car Club events. Continued on page 8

(8) Borders Monthly Meeting Meeting Leader:- Ian Cameron Phone:- e01566 774426. Email:- cameronj-i4644@hotmail.co.uk Monthly Meetings at The Royal, Horsebridge Why not join us on the third Wednesday in the month Those who dine generally arrive at about 7-30 p.m. and those who are not dining usually 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 and mention you are with the MG Car Club, which will usually ensure the Club members are sitting together. Just ask for the MG Car Club group when you arrive. Borders Natter - Suggestions for 2017 17th May 2017 Bring your MG out to play. Prize for the car with the most interesting history. 19th July 2017 Bar-B-Que at Landue mill. Could be weekend if preferred 20th September 2017 Informal speaker evening 15th November 2017. Photo competition of events of the year. (Bob will be handicapped) 18th June Fathers’ Classic Car Day Morwellham Quay An invitation to MG Car Club members who will not be at Silverstone. Event is open from 10am to 5:30pm. Cars need to be over 25 years old, although we will allow newer cars if you are coming as part of a car club. Cars will be parked all around the quay side, if you belong to a club who wish to attend, please let us know so we can place you all together. It is free entry for the driver and one passenger. You would need to arrive between 9am and 11am and stay to at least 4:30pm. For more information or to book a place, please contact Amelia on 01822 832766 or events@morwellham-quay.org …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… North Cornwall Monthly Meeting Meeting Leader:- Rob Constant. Phone Mobile:- 07855-821006. Email:- rob@littleabingdon.co.uk 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). Sunday 2nd April – Brian Williams Run.

Some of the cars taking part at the start of the Run at Trethorne Golf Club, near Launceston. From the left Colin and Carolyn Bird in their supercharged MG J2, Steve and Karen Lovegrove in their MG TA, Bob and Barbara Slatter in their MG TF.

Photos Alan Davis …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. West Cornwall Monthly Meeting Meeting Leader:- Ron Henderson. Mobile Phone:- 07526 720291 Email: Hendersontr3@btinternet.com Monthly Meetings at The Norway Inn, north side A39, Perranworthal Meetings are held on the first Thursday in the month in the bar at 8-00 p.m. onwards. This is a meeting that is going from strength to strength with as many as 20 members attending since Ron took over as Meeting Leader. Please note there is a new Email address for Ron. During the evening there is some light hearted entertainment with a short quiz in aid of a local charity. Mid-month there is usually a car run organised of about 50 miles finishing at a country pub for lunch. If it is your first visit please ask for Ron Henderson who will make you most welcome. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………. MGF Register Devon & Cornwall Meeting Leader:- Peter Opie. Phone: 01752 249792 Email: pete.opie@mgfregister.org or via www.facebook.com/groups/MGFDandC/ Bi-monthly Meetings at the Dartbridge Inn, Totnes Road, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0JR Meetings are usually held on the last Thursday in the months of January, March, May, July, September and November. Members meet in the car park at 7-00 p.m. (weather permitting) before going into the pub for a meal. There is normally a Sunday Lunch Run in the other months of the year. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Continued on page 9

(9) Prestigious Event Acclaims MG is top marque - By Terry Bolt

This is an article which Terry submitted in early 2016 but it is only now we have been able to include it

MTO 68, the ex ROBBIE COLTRANE owned TD, took pride of place at the head of the St.Saturnin Cavalcade before completing a lap of Le Mans. The 1950 classic, owned by Terry Bolt and featured in “Me and my MG” in this publication’s December 2012 issue, was invited to take part in the highly acclaimed “Classic British Welcome”, annually staged at St.Saturnin on the outskirts of Le Mans. Until about 15 years ago, before a new motorway was built, hundreds of British enthusiasts would pass through the village en route to the 24 hour endurance race, delighting the locals with the vast array of models. So an organising committee was set up, to make the village once more the place to be on the Friday before the main event, recognised and encouraged by Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) and headed by Vice President John Curtis an expat who sadly passed away in February 2015. John’s colleague and successor David Williams is currently the main man who, together with a hard working committee, staged the 2015 extravaganza which Terry and his co-driver/navigator/mechanic Jeff Hearn, were highly honoured to be a part of. Between 1,000 and 1,200 machines of every conceivable Make, Model and Year, continuously arrived from 0830 to 1430, to be allocated a prearranged lot at the Val de Vray sports complex. The reason TB/JH/TD were in attendance was because 2015 was especially dedicated to the MG marque, celebrating 10 years since RML MG Lola EX 265C won LMP2, 60 years since the launch of MGA, and remarkably, 80 years since MG sent 3 works PA Midgets to compete at Le Mans. Under the direction of Capt. George Eyston, the cars were all piloted by young ladies who came 1st 2nd and 3rd, and became known as George’s Dancing Daughters. The Classic British Welcome is entirely FREE, both to exhibit and view with plenty of food and drink outlets, a strolling jazz band, trade stands and a cinema showing past races at the world famous track. From 0900 hours it is full on noise, colour and mouth-watering sights, culminating in the St.Saturnin Cavalcade of 50 selected cars travelling in convoy with Harley Davidson outriders, along an 8 mile route to the heart of old town Le Mans. As MG was the featured manufacturer this year, MTO 68 and 4 MGA’s, proudly headed the convoy followed by a selection of other marques, arriving at la place des Jacobins, a large square which was the assembly point for all participants of la Grande Parade des Pilotes. This annual event is designed to show off the 150 odd drivers who very soon will be hurtling around the Circuit de la Sarthe at 200+ mph. These heroes are displayed on vintage machines, interspersed with all manner of walkers and floats akin to Notting Hill carnival and the Mardi Gras, not to mention many modern and classic cars of which a certain Brooklands Green TD was one. Watched by 160,000 adoring petrol-heads was an experience never to be forgotten, and the atmosphere can be captured by visiting the website of la Grande Parade des Pilotes 2015 “full version” by Khenat. The video runs for 55 mins and MTO 68 appears at approx.50 mins. This was the icing on the cake, having led the Cavalcade, and earlier collected a special award at the Motor Show in memory of John Curtis, which took the form of a framed picture of his renowned Triumph Spitfire. Having learnt of their previous exploits in MTO 68, twice winners of the Grand Tour Cape to Cape, from starting points Cape Wrath and Cabo da Roca ( Portugal ) by raising £18,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, arriving home at Cape Cornwall, the selectors felt that these credentials best suited the ‘spirit of John Curtis’. By the way Terry and Jeff also enjoyed the sights and sounds of the 24 hour race, but nothing could top the fantastic experience that is “Classic British Welcome”, and would encourage every MG lover to go if you get the chance, and it’s FREE. ....................................................................................................................................................................

FOR SALE AND WANTED

Continued on page 10

MG TC 1945

A VERY EARLY TC FROM DECEMBER 1945, CHASSIS NO TC 0351, MAKES IT No 100. BOUGHT AS A STALLED PROJECT IN 1967, THE CAR WAS COMPLETED AND BACK ON THE ROAD IN 1971 AND THEN USED EXTENSIVELY FOR MG EVENTS BOTH LOCAL AND NATIONAL. ENGINE WAS REBUILT TO 1350 cc, CAR RESPRAYED RED, NEW WEATHER EQUIPMENT FITTED, WITH FURTHER UPDATES TO ENHANCE USABILITY. HAVING LED AN ACTIVE SPORTING LIFE SHE IS NOW READY FOR A GENTLER RETIREMENT. THE FOLLOWING UPDATES HAVE BEEN MADE :- 1) BRAKES NOW SERVO ASSISTED. 2) ELECTRIC FAN FITTED (Quieter and much more efficient) 3)”ROGER FURNEAU REAR AXLE FITTED (stronger half shafts; better ratio 4.675/1; eliminates oil soaked rear brakes, Cruise at 70 mph. 4) MODERN VW STEERING BOX FITTED. PLEASE CONTACT KEN COX 01752 894934 OR mgken@uwclub.net OFFERS ON £24 k (South Devon Area)

1968 Austin Healey mark 4

British Racing Green owned and driven by me in dry conditions for last 45 years and always garaged. 115500 miles, mot till September 2017, no road tax payable. Totally original with all bills including new carpets, upholstery, unleaded head, electronic ignition and fuel pump- no external difference visible. Everything works, hood (hardly ever used) tonneau and fitted hood cover. Drives really well and everything including instruments are in good order. Oil pressure steady 65psi and temp 170C. All bills since owned and original log book. All mechanical parts are original to the car it is totally authentic. Price around £5000. It is absolutely usable daily as is, or would make a wonderful restoration project (we have resisted this to maintain originality) Engine is really a slightly de tuned Mini Cooper A series. Contact Graham Whittaker preferably by Email at graywhit510@gmail.com Phone:- 01566 783153.

(10) Free to a Good Home John Bower has had his 1954 TF cosseted in an Air Chamber in a barn for the last 9 years or so, but have now moved to Modbury to a house with a suitable garage for the car. Thus I have no need for the Air Chamber anymore and wondered if any members or supporters would like it. It comes complete with the two electric fans which keep the air circulating to keep it dry and free of dust. I have taken it to bits and folded it up but it is, and looks, 9 years old, but was functioning well when I took it down. Contact John Bower on Phone: 01548 830373 or Mobile 07711814718 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

STOP PRESS FBHVC “DRIVE IT DAY” in the Devon & Cornwall Centre

Continued on page 11

Photo Alan Davis North Devon Members at their start point at Bideford Quay Photo Sheila Ballard

An MGC belonging to Peter and Pauline Ferguson arrives to join the many MGs already on parade at Lifton Farm Photo Alan Davis

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A Report from Sheila Ballard of the Route the North Devon Group took From Bideford to Lifton Farm Shop The North Devon run started at Bideford where we welcomed Susan and Stephen in their Teal Blue MGB Roadster who were joining us for the first time. Once everyone had arrived we headed off along Bideford Quay in a convoy led by Sheila and Colin in their TF, followed by Teddy and Alan in their Midget, Wendy in her GP Mini, Gillian and Arthur in their MGB Roadster, and Susan and Stephen in their MGB Roadster. Our route diverted from the main road soon after we left Bideford and followed the Bradworthy road along the Yeo Valley until we reached Powler’s Piece where we turned off and headed across toward Stibb Cross. At Stibb Cross we re-joined the main A388, which we followed until we arrived at Holsworthy Beacon, where we once again diverted from the main road, travelling across country to Anvil Corner before once again joining the main road which we followed until we passed through Halwill Junction. We again headed away from the main roads travelling through lanes and passing by the old school at Ivyhouse Cross, and through Grinacombe Moor and across Roadford Lake dam. From there it was a fairly short drive on to Lifton and the farm shop. Meetings/Natters from across the region that had organised their own runs so there were a number groups arriving from different directions at Lifton. The lunch was excellent and everyone seemed to enjoy the amazing roast dinners that were on offer. After lunch everyone gathered outside as quite a few more cars had arrived while we were inside having lunch. Eventually everyone headed off for the drive home. Graeme Harris reported that in all over 70 cars took part from the D & C Meetings/Natters. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 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. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

Some of the members who took part in “Drive It Day” at the finish at Lifton Farm Shop. Photo Sheila Ballard