the magazine of the midget and sprite club · the who, the what & the where of the midget &...
TRANSCRIPT
MASCOTTHE MAGAZINE OF THE MIDGET AND SPRITE CLUB
ISSUE NO. 265 APRIL 2006
MASCOT
www.mgcars.org.uk/midgetspriteclub
Philippe Milloux’s perfect wedding Frogeye in Beaujolais complete with ribbons(see letters)
THE WHO, THE WHAT & THE WHERE of THE MIDGET & SPRITE CLUB
COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSON Bill Mohan, Tel: 0121 353 7211 or mobile 0798 461 6371email: [email protected]
GENERAL SECRETARY Terry Horler, 63 Littledean, Yate, Bristol, BS37 8UQ. Tel: 01454 881770TREASURER Pauline Walters, 18 Lodway Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 2NR. Tel: 0117 971 3092DEPUTY TREASURER Brendan Joyce, 18 Lodway Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 2NR. Tel: 0117 971 3092MEMBERSHIP Nigel Williams, 7 Kings Ave., Hanham, Bristol, BS15 3JN. Tel: 0117 961 2175
email: [email protected] EDITOR Mike North, 123 Devonshire Road, London, NW7 1EA. Tel: 07889 971486
email: [email protected] MEMBER Anita Lachowicz, 5 Park Grove, Knaresborough, Yorks. HG5 9ET
Tel: 01423 862738 or mobile: 07720 725429email: [email protected]
GENERAL MEMBER Alan Lo, 23 Charnell Road, Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 5NE. Tel: 01179 572 617email: [email protected]
OFFICERS
CLUB ARCHIVIST Terry Horler, 63 Littledean, Yate, Bristol, BS37 8UQ. Tel: 01454 881770TECHNICAL ADVISER VacantWEBMASTER Chris Nevard, Tel: 01932 847933, Mobile 07798 743922 email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.mgcars.org.uk/midgetspriteclubEVENTS CO-ORDINATOR Alan Barton, 10 Wrens Park Avenue, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B76 8LP.
Tel: 0121 351 2513MEMBERS ADVERTISING Bill Mohan, Tel: 0121 353 7211 or mobile: 0798 461 6371 email: [email protected] ASSISTANCE David C. Hill, Penrallt-Y-Cordde, Glynarthen, Llandysul, Dyfed. SA44 6PE.CO-ORDINATOR Tel: 01239 811423 email: [email protected] HANDLING Dave Symes, email: [email protected] ADVERTISING Ian Rider, Tel: 01793 695351. Email: [email protected]
Trade Advertising Rates Full page one issue £30. Half page one issue £15.Full page whole year £300. Half page whole year £150.
AREA REPRESENTATIVES
BRISTOL Alan Lo, Tel: 0117 9572617 Mob: 0775 3867806 email: [email protected] David Dixon, Tel: 01733 222810 email: [email protected] VacantDORSET Pete Downton, Tel: 01202 515544 email: [email protected]
Ian Swinden, Tel: 01202 623002 email: [email protected] Terry Langridge, Tel: 01252 626063HOME COUNTIES Chris Jackson, Tel: 01707 261567 [email protected]
NORTH WEST or Mark Hall, Tel: 01296 660103 [email protected] Alan Anstead, Tel: 01322 384050 email: [email protected] Gary Lazarus, Tel: 020 7700 5696 email: [email protected] STAFFS & Bill Mohan, Tel: 0121 353 7211 or mobile: 0798 461 6371 email: [email protected] BIRMINGHAMCENTRAL SCOTLAND Carson Thomson, Tel: 0141 245 6327 day or 013606 22334 evening
email: [email protected] WEST Les & Diane Robinson, Tel: 01772 432138 email: [email protected] IRELAND Barry Stanage, Tel: 02890 401726 or mobile 07769 705497 or email [email protected] Dave Bearne, Tel: 01823 412004 email: [email protected] David Wright, Tel: 0208 642 4789 email: [email protected] Alan Couch, Tel: 01564 773302
Chris Yates, Tel: 01608 665066 email: [email protected] Ian Rider, Tel: 01793 695351 email: [email protected] Anita Lachowicz, Tel: 01423 862738 or mobile: 07720 725429 email: [email protected]
Also see the Club Nights section on page 3 for new areas and contacts.
Compiled by David Hill. Please advise me of any changes, errors etc.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL: IF YOU EXPERIENCE ‘MASCOT’ PROBLEMS UPON RENEWAL, PLEASE CONTACTTHE MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY OR THE TREASURER STRAIGHT AWAY. The Committee
© Midget & Sprite Club
Printed by Quorum Print Services Ltd, Unit 3, Lansdown Industrial Estate, Cheltenham, Glos GL51 8PL. Tel: 01242 584984 Fax: 01242 527634
E-mail: [email protected]
Editorial
Mascot on time … April Fool! Now, now, titter you not. The editorial team are makingreal strides to sort the problems of the last few months out and get the old girl (Mascot)back on track. Quorum has a new and knowledgeable owner, Chairman Bill has learnt
to run ‘Market Place’ on his own and even send in his own copy, thanks Bill. David ‘Mad’ Hill isalways on time and most of your area reps are now posting on time. Yes, we do occasionallyhold Mascot over for a late report! The committee has even agreed to try and find our faithfuland overworked membership secretary, Nigel Williams, some help with the monthly treadmillthat is compiling the Mascot mailing list. ‘Easy’, it isn’t!! With all that in place it only leavesyours truly to be brought into line to complete the picture (no chance at all then really �)Lots of talk around the water cooler (what?) about changes to Mascot. Lots of suggestionsranging from scrapping it, replacing it with an E-Version and make the membership buycomputers to … increasing the subscriptions to £200 pa to fund a full time editor and a 64page full colour A4 publication. OK, the last one was mine, but you get the idea, nothing is outof bounds. Even changing the club logo and the cover design. More about that in ChairmanBill’s ramble so I won’t steal his thunder.As a result of democracy in action and Surrey changing their Natters night to the 3rd Tuesday Iam now free to go to either the Brooklands Club night quiz or the Ace Café tomorrow night. Ithink I will opt for Brooklands and save the Ace for a slightly warmer evening as Michael Fish’ssuccessor says the South East is due for snow tomorrow … and four days later I am hosting mymob to a CCC weekend (Classic Cars and Curry) at the Ally Pally followed by Bengal Berties inNorth Finchley. I hope your social calendar is as classic this month.Smooth link from CCC to EEC as Mascot forms the Club’s international arm hosting a visit froma French Frog, see front cover, a 2nd Dutch report and an invites from Germany and Hollandfor the rest of you. Truly an international affair! We also have the 2nd part of the story ofSebring 410EAO, a rubber to chrome conversion, more details of Silverstone and a MIDGETSBUYING GUIDE, ideal if you are under three foot … er sorry, that appears to have been a typoand should have read MIDGET sports car � BIG thank you to our friends at “Classic Cars” forpermission to reproduce this article.Exit stage left, enjoy and don’t forget to write.
Mike Ed NorthEditor at Large
PS: We came 2nd in the Brooklands quiz!!
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All articles and photographs for the magazine must be received by the first of themonth preceding publication. Articles submitted for publication should be e-mailed tothe editor if possible or on disc accompanied by hard copy. Members should beadvised that pictures will be returned the month after inclusion in Mascot. Photos willonly be returned if supplied with a SAE.
The statements and opinions expressed in each and every issue of the Mascot are notnecessarily the considered views of the Midget and Sprite Club. The views expressedby the editorial contributors, letter writers and advertisers are their own and do notnecessarily reflect the view of the Club. The Midget and Sprite Club accepts noresponsibility for the results of following contributor’s advice, nor does it necessarilyendorse the services or products offered by advertisers.
Club Nights1st Monday London Area (Congestion Zone) – Meet at The Mulberry Bush Pub,
Southwark (200 metres or so East of the London Eye) 7:30pm. Alsogenerally meet at the Ace Café on 2nd Tuesday together with the ClassicCars Magazine night. Details: Gary Lazarus on 020 7700 [email protected]
1st Wednesday Wiltshire – Meet at The Forresters, Leigh, near Cricklade.1st Wednesday South Staffs & Birmingham – Meet at the The Green Man, Middleton
Village, 8.30-8.45pm1st Thursday Lincolnshire Area – Meet at The White Hart, Lissington, nr. Wragby.
8pm. Contact Brian Sumner on 01507 328128 [email protected] Thursday Notts/Derby border Area (note change of day) at the Sitwell Arms
near Horsley Woodhouse from approx. 8.30. Just a mile north-west of theA608/A609 crossroads. Ian Cooke 0115 938 3838 [email protected]
1st Thursday Yorkshire Area – April 6th in The Wharfedale, Arthington Lane,Arthington, Otley, LS21 1NL. Meetings from 7.30 pm onwards, foodavailable. Details, contact Anita on 01423 862738 or 07720 725429email [email protected]
2nd Wednesday Warwickshire – Meet at The Green Dragon, The Green, Sambourne,Reddich, B96 6NU, at 8.30pm as usual.
2nd Wednesday North West Area meet at The Kilton, turn off M6 at Jct 20 onto A50towards Macclesfield. Pub 4 miles on left. Please note new venue.
2nd Wednesday Bristol Area will meet at The Star, Pucklechurch at 8pm. All Bristol,Bath and surrounding areas members welcome. Contact Alan Lo on01179 572617 email: [email protected]
2nd Thursday Cambridgeshire – Meet at The Mad Cat pub in Pidley Village, midwaybetween Huntingdon & Chatteris, 8pm
3rd Monday Dorset – Meet at St. Peter’s Finger, Lytchett Minster, Poole 7.30pm3rd Tuesday Central Scotland Meet at The Garfield Hotel, Stepps, East
Dunbartonshire. 7:30pm in the Lounge. Check first with Carson on0141-245-6327 day or 013606-22334 evening.
3rd Tuesday Surrey – Meet at The Waren, Croydon Road, Hayes, BR2 7AL, 7.00pmonwards. David Wright, Tel: 0208 642 4789 or email:[email protected] NOTE CHANGE OF MEETING VENUE
3rd Thursday Northern Ireland – Venue to be decided. Please contact Barry Stanage on02890 401726 or mobile 07769 705497 or [email protected]
4th Thursday Hampshire – Meet at The Poacher, South Warnborough. Note Changeof Venue. Please ring Terry or Harriet Langridge on 01252 626063 fordetails.
Last Thursday Somerset – Meet at The Lord Nelson, Norton-sub-Hamdon. 8.00pmOccasional Meetings New! Home Counties North West for members in Herts,Bucks, Berks,
N.London or anyone interested! Please contact Chris Jackson Tel:01707 261567 or Mark Hall, Tel: 01296 660103
Occasional Meetings New! Kent Area. Next meeting on Sunday April 23rd at The Hook &Hatchet, Church Road, Hucking, Kent at 1200hrs. Contact Alan Anstead,Tel: 01322 384050.
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Club WebsiteMembers Only pages for April,
User name: spridget Password: heaven
EventsFrom David Hill and Webmaster Chris Nevard
Events organised so far for 2006
AprilSunday 9th Dorset Area are going to the Arundle Castle MG Gathering. Details from Ian
Swinden, Tel: 01202 623002 or email: [email protected] 17th Guildford Lions Shalford Show. Classic Car show with car boot sale. arena
activities etc. Details from David Wright, Tel: 0208 642 4789 or email:[email protected]
Saturday 22nd Warwickshire’s White Horse Run through the Cotswolds to Wiltshire with& Sunday 23rd an overnight stop. Details from Chris and Sheila Yates, Tel: 01608 665066Saturday 29th Yorkshire Area’s Roses Run taking in the little-known rugged landscapes& Sunday 30th of central Lancashire and the picturesque and varied Yorkshire Dales.
Staying Fri/Sat nights in Skipton. Details: Anita on 01423 862738 or07720 725429 email [email protected]
MaySunday 7th Ludlow Fesitval of Transport. Warwickshire Area will be there. Details from
Roy Cole, Tel: 01562 885766.Saturday 13th Dorset Area are taking part in the Prescott Hill Climb Open Classic Car& Sunday 14th Event. The weekend comprises a 50 mile road run on the Saturday and
the Hill Climb on the Sunday. Details from Ian Swinden, Tel:01202 623002 or email: [email protected]. Warwicks Area will also bethere. Details from Dave Parker, Tel: 01564 784766 or John Platt, Tel:01789 488321.
Saturday 13th Beaulieu Autojumble. Surrey Area are planning to be there. Details from& Sunday 14th David Wright, Tel: 0208 642 4789 or email:
[email protected] orwww.beaulieu.co.uk/motormuseum/events.cfm
Saturday 13th Cambridgeshire Area’s Comberton Cool School Run. Arrive at about 10amfor village show and classic car day. Details from David Dixon, Tel:01733 222810 or email: [email protected]
Friday 26th to Warwickshire’s Trip to Ireland. Details from Alan Couch,Wednesday 31st Tel: 01564 773302Saturday 27th to Surrey Area are touring the Oxford Area. Contact Laura Peaple or ChrisTuesday 30th Banton.Sunday 28th MGs at Kingston Lacy. Dorset are making their 5th visit to this popular
event. Details from Ian Swinden, Tel: 01202 623002 or email:[email protected]
Sunday 28th North West Area are attending the Capesthorne Classic Car show. Detailsfrom Les Robinson, 01772 434 2138
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JuneSunday 4th North West Area’s Lancashire Run. Details from Les Robinson,
01772 434 2138Sunday 4th Cambridgeshire’s Chip Shop Challenge Treasure Hunt. Meet at Swaffham
Safeway’s car park 10am. Details from David Dixon, Tel: 01733 222810or email: [email protected]
Sunday 11th Warwickshire Area’s Jolly Roger Run. Details from Roger Orgill, Tel:01684 833379
Tuesday 13th Surrey Area are the guests of Brooklands Museum. 7pm onwards. Detailsfrom David Wright, Tel: 0208 642 4789 or email:[email protected]
Thursday 15th Battlefield Tour 2006. Join Alan Anstead, John Larrington and Friends into Sunday 18th Spridgets and Spitfires Travel by speedferries– Dover /Boulogne. Stay at
Campanile – Lille, Senlin Salient guided tour Friday. Visit to Ypres museumand Menem Gate. Roam freely on Saturday. [email protected]
Saturday 17th Classic Car Action Day at Castle Combe Circuit, Nr. Chippenham, Wilts.Club stand and a chance to drive on the circuit. Free admission forpre-booked club members. Details contact Terry Horler, tel: 01454881770 evenings
Sunday 18th Classics at the Castle. Sherborne Castle that is! Dorset Area will beattending. Details from Ian Swinden, Tel: 01202 623002 or email:[email protected]
Sunday 18th Yorkshire Area at Harewood Classic Car Rally, Harewood, Leeds Details:Anita on 01423 862738 or 07720 725429 email:[email protected]
Friday 23rd Spridget Treffen! The first pure Spridget meeting in the Westerwald,to Sunday 25th Germany. Hosted by the newly formed German Spridget Register. Info from
Marcus, Tel: 0049 5251 878 1929 or email: [email protected] 25th Warwickshire Area’s Worcestershire and Shropshire Run. Details from
Stuart Watson, Tel: 01562 883076 or Roy Cole, Tel: 01562 885766Sunday 25th Bromley Pageant. World’s largest one day classic event. Surrey Area will be
there, details from David Wright, Tel: 0208 642 4789 or email:[email protected] or visit, www.bromleypageant.co.uk
JulySaturday 8th Surrey Area will be attending the Ardingly County Show and Classic Car& Sunday 9th show with the Club Stand. Details from David Wright, Tel: 0208
642 4789 or email: [email protected] 11th Cambridgeshire are going to the Ace Café. Turn up at 8pm or Details from
David Dixon, Tel: 01733 222810 or email: [email protected] 14th Warwickshire Area’s trip to Peak District, Yorkshire and the Tramwayto Sunday 16th Museum. Details from Dave Parket, Tel: 01564 784766.Saturday 15th Great Western Rally, Bowood House, Nr. Chippenham, Wilts. Saturday& Sunday 16th Road Run (pre-booking essential) Sunday, full programme of events in
front of Bowood House. Details contact Terry Horler, tel: 01454 881770evenings.
Sunday 16th Dorset Area are going to the Motoring Extravaganza presented by PooleBay Classics at Braemore House, near Fordingbridge. Details from IanSwinden, Tel: 01202 623002 or email: [email protected]
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Sunday 16th North West Area are attending the Hoghton Tower Classic Car Show.Details from Les Robinson, 01772 434 2138
Sunday 23rd Surrey Area Barbeque. Chez Laura and Chris. Details from David Wright,Tel: 0208 642 4789 or email: [email protected]
Friday 28th Silverstone Classic Event. Dedicated parking under M&SC banner. Hugeto Sunday 30th range of events, stands and activities. Watch this space for more details
but looks like this event will become THE event to go to in 2006!Warwickshire Area members please co-ordinate with Chris Yates,Tel: 01608 665066. Surrey Area members with David Wright,Tel: 0208 642 4789
AugustSunday 6th Dorset Area are attending the MGOC 1020 Picnic at Athlehampton. WWII
theme. Details from Ian Swinden, Tel: 01202 623002 or email:[email protected]
Sunday 6th Yorkshire Area Track Day at Croft Circuit with MGs On Track. One 15-cargroup reserved for MASC. Details: Anita on 01423 862738 or 07720725429 email [email protected]
Sunday 6th BMC Rally at Ferry Meadows near Peterborough. This is the main MASCEast Anglia event for 2006. 600 classic cars, 30 autojumble stalls,guaranteed sunshine and a designated MASC area for about 30 Sprigets.Just turn up on the day or contact David Dixon, Tel: 01733 222810 oremail: [email protected] for discounted tickets and limited editioncommemorative brass plaque.
Sunday 13th Warwickshire Area’s “John’s Mystery Tour”. Details from John Platt, Tel:01789 488321.
Sunday 13th Surrey Area are attending the annual Furzewood Autojumble and Frolic.Details from David Wright, Tel: 0208 642 4789 or email:[email protected]
Saturday 19th Warwickshire Area’s Barbecue at Jim and Rosemary’s. Details from Jimand Rosemary Willis, Tel: 01572 402804.
Tuesday 22nd Ace Café MG and Rover Revue. Details from Ace Café on 020 8961 1000or www.ace-café-london.com
Thursday 24th Ian from the Dorset Area is going to the 9th International MG Meetingto Sunday 27th in Berlin. Can anyone join him? Maybe passenger spaces available (the
Midget will be on a trailer). Call Ian on 01202 623002 or email:[email protected]
Saturday 27th Hampshire Pageant of Motoring at Broadlands, Romsey. Dorset Area willto Monday 29th be there. Details from Ian Swinden, Tel: 01202 623002 or email:
[email protected] 27th Cambridgeshire Area are going to Little Gransden Flying Day, classic cars
and aircraft. Don’t miss this one! Meet at Caxton Gibbet Services at09:30am. Contact David Dixon asap for limited free tickets and details,Tel: 01733 222810 or email: [email protected]. Must be booked inadvance.
SeptemberFriday 1st Goodwood Revival Meeting, Sussex. Warwickshire Area Members please& Saturday 2nd liase with Chris Yates, Tel: 01608 665066. Surrey Area members please
contact David Wright, Tel: 0208 642 4789 or email:[email protected]
Sunday 3rd Coventry Festival Run. Warwickshire Area are attending. Details from JohnPlatt, Tel: 01789 488321.
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Sunday 17th Annual Vintage and Classic day at Turweston Airfield, Northants. Aninformal gathering of people fascinated by things mechanical! Details. Ifenough interest we could have our own stand.www.vintageaircraftclub.org.uk
OctoberFriday 27th Classic Motor Show at the NEC. Warwickshire Area will be there. Detailsto Sunday 29th from John Platt, Tel: 01789 488321.
DecemberWednesday 13th Warwickshire Area’s Christmas Dinner at The Green Dragon. details from
Chris and Sheila Yates, Tel: 01608 665066.Tuesday 19th Surrey Area’s Christmas Dinner. Details from David Wright, Tel: 0208 642
4789 or email: [email protected]
Area Reps please let David Hill (email: [email protected])have confirmed dates for new events asap.
Remember there are Club Night Natters throughout the year andthat area events are also open to members from other areas!
Please also note that the above lists only M&SC events or events where we have apresence or an interest. General classic events are listed in the classic press.
Ramblings from the Chair
Hello everyone, I see Spring is in the airagain! Snow, sleet and rain at allpoints north, south, east and west but
I am not complaining! No I have had thego-ahead to drive again after my kneere-build, so here comes Summer!
At this point I’d expect to be adding a fewlines of welcome to new members but I don’tyet have the list. If you are new, well,welcome. If there’s anything you want to tellus about yourself and or your car, family,even your dog write it down and send it in toMike, the Magazine editor. Or to me. We lovepictures for the magazine too. This club isexclusively for the members and we like to getto know each other, either through the mag oreven better still through club supported eventsand area meetings. One such event this yearwill be the Silverstone three day gathering,28th to 30th July. We have a parking areaset aside for the MASC with up to 30 spacesfor each day of the event. Let your area repknow which days you would like to attendand Chris Jackson will sort it out for us. Seethe events diary for dates and costs!
I recently polled the reps and areas for ideasto let us decide new directions for Mascot,
half way through the new decade and we stillhave the 20th century feel to it, this we wantto change. Ideas and thoughts came in fromall over the country and we are looking forcommon ground and ways to go ahead now.I understand that some wish to change thefront page and a few even disliked the clublogo. I don’t, however. The logo ideally putsthe two cars we share a love of together, withelements of the Sprite badge and the MGoctagon. It is unique. For my part I hope itnever goes away. I am however thinking ofslight cosmetic changes, thicker lines andshadowing etc. Photoshop here we come!
By the time you read this edition there willhave been a committee meeting at which wewill be sorting out the situation with Clubowned “Show Stand” equipment, club liabilityinsurance and other business. I will keep youall advised as things are sorted out. I havebeen “Chairbloke” for six months, do youwant to tell me how you think we andespecially I am doing? Write to me or email,I can even answer the phone too. It is veryimportant to me that we get this right.
Bill Mohan
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Classic And Sportscar Action DayCastle Combe Circuit – Sat 17 June
Castle Combe Circuit, near Chippenham, Wiltshire
I now have our invitation to this annual event and need to know if you will be takingadvantage of a free entry to the paddock display area. In addition, if you wish to drive thecircuit in your Spridgley thing, you need to make your intention known in order to obtain a
sizeable discount on the £30 Track pass. (On the day cost)Members of the Club can obtain a free entry to this event simply by contacting me (see below)as soon as possible. We can have up to 15 Spridgley things on our stand but I must pre-bookthis as soon as possible. The usual on the day Track pass fee of £30 may be reduced to £15 ifwe have six members wanting to drive the circuit before 11.00am or after 4.00pm. AdditionalTrack passes (limited to 200) are available at £20 per session.A bit confusing I know but compare the above with the costs for non club members:Admission (in advance) £8 (on the day) £10 Pre-booked club freeTrack pass (in advance) £25 (on the day) £30 Pre-booked club £15
(before 11.00am, after 4.00pm)In short, a good deal for club members, but you must pre-book in order to take advantage ofthis. This is a highly popular event so a quick response will be essential for us to make the clubbooking. For members wishing to drive on the circuit, then crash helmets, sensible clothing andseat belts are mandatory. There will be a drivers briefing before venturing onto the circuit. YourSpridgley thing will also be noise checked (100d(b)a at a static 4500rpm.There should also be a free ’Classic cruise’ of the circuit whereupon all owners attending maytake the opportunity of a couple of laps, albeit, on a rather full circuit!This is a great event to be at just to soak up the machinery and the atmosphere, I can highlyrecommend it.For more details and to pre book your Paddock pass or Track pass contact:Terry Horler, 63 Littldean, Yate, Bristol BS37 8UQ. Tel: 01454-881770 after 6.00pm
WebmonsterAuto site of the monthNext in the 2006 series of featured sitesthat help members link to the world ofmotorcars, motorsport and motorenjoyment! This month is ...http://www.1950sspecials.com/home.htmEd says: Have a look at this. Who wouldhave thought that this many specialsexisted back in the fifties. Some barelymore than a cover for the mechanicalswhilst others are full blow sports tourersin the style of a Jaguar XK and wonderhow the side-valves had the power to pullthem ... Enjoy � (Thanks to MASC ownParts meister, Ashley Hilton, for this gem)
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Mutual Assistance Directory
Well, I was wrong about Marchhopefully seeing some springweather! I have my fingers crossed
for April now...The MAD scheme has been going for quitesome years now and as a result, I am afraidthat there are some people included in it whoare no longer members! I am trying to sortthis out and hopefully by next month I willhave a more accurate list. However, even ifsomeone is no longer a member, I am surethat as an ex member, they will still beinclined to help out in an emergency.Does anyone in the club regularly take theirdog out in their Spridget? Well we do. I fitteda strong point behind the seats and ourborder collie's harness clips on to that. Shereally enjoys the open air but does not stick
her nose out into the wind, thank goodness.We only go out in dry weather as the thoughtof a wet dog in such close proximity does notappeal! I am thinking of adding a note to allMAD entries to say if dogs are welcome! Onlyjoking.Don't forget, if you don't carry your copy of theMutual Assistance Directory and you wouldlike a copy you can download it from themembers only section of our website.However, if you do not have access to theweb or don't know someone who does, I willprint off a copy and send it to you. Pleaseremember that it is constantly updated so tobe up to date, download it at least everymonth.
David Hill
Silverstone Classic 2006 July 28–30
Last year a few of us enjoyed a great dayout at Silverstone. This year I hope thatwe will make a grand display of
Spridgets, under our MASC banner, at thismost worthwhile event. For a very small feeyou can spend a whole day being unashamedpetrolheads and, hopefully, meet up with oldfriends from all over. A full racing programme,acres of displays and sales stands and lotsand lots of interesting four wheeled creationsto ogle. Plus an opportunity to wander in thepits and meet the perpetrators of thisentertainment. For all this, as members of thishonoured club you can get in at half price.The cost is only £7.50 per person perday for a minimum of two in a car (i.e.one motor costs £15 min)There is also the possibility of a track day onMonday the 31st. If you are interested pleaseindicate and I will let you know when I havedetails. Tickets can only be purchasedthrough me – either in bulk, by Area Reps., or
individually. If you are in contact with a localgroup please book through them if possible.I would require:A cheque, made out to Silverstone CircuitsLtd. for the above sums.Your MASC membership number.A stamped addressed envelope, about 9" x 6",for ticket and car sticker.Phone number and/or e-mail address.Please make bookings as soon after you readthis as possible. Camping facilities areavailable next door to Silverstone atWhittlebury Park (Tel. 01327 850000)My address is: Chris Jackson, 2, EdgellCottages, Holwell, Hatfield, Herts., AL9 5RFTel. 01707 261567e-mail: [email protected] needs to be done speedily. There are 30places booked for each day. More could beavailable if we book early.
Chris Jackson
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Invite to Germany Opposite is an invitation from our German brothers/sisters for a big spridgetmeeting in Germany. Would be great if it can be published in Mascot. It’s a non-club relatedevent so its open to every body with a spridget who wants to come. It’s I believe one week afterclassic Le Mans and unfortunately at the same weekend as MG-Silverstone. I ’m going for sureand there was already interest from some of the bbs-ers as well(making it into a holliday trip –first Le Mans and then Germany) I’m hoping to meet a lot of Masc members there! [email protected] Ed says: Sounds like a busy month, but maybe worth trying to fit it in?
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North West Home Counties
Date: 12 March. Weather: Flippin’freezing. That means it must be timefor the North West Home Counties first
road run of 2006. Early morning calls to Chrisand Pat confirmed the weather was not goingto stop us firing up the cars for a trip aroundrural Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
We met at the Hatfield Tesco store, which isbecoming the traditional start point for ourroad runs, and by 10.30 there were five carsassembled, brimmed with Tesco’s finest highoctane fuel and ready to go. Joining theregulars (Chris and Pat, MkIII Sprite, Lilianand Vic, MkII Sprite, Steve and Tracey MkIIIMidget and Me and Jen in the Frogeye) werefirst timers Brian and Claire in their MkIVMidget. Mick was also there to wave us off,but because “there was still salt on the roads”Pearl the Frogeye had to stay at home! Steveand Tracey still don’t believe that Pearl exists.
We followed an expertly designed route thatChris and Pat had meticulously planned withinstructions that included some veryinteresting local knowledge notes pluswarnings about the locations of the worstpotholes. We made a couple of stops, whichon a warmer day would have been all aboutenjoying the views, but this time were moreabout breaking open the flasks and gettingthe circulation going again. Only Jen and I
weren’t brave (silly?)enough to spend the wholetrip with the hood downdespite the freezing wind,but we were the only oneswho could still feel ourfaces when we stopped forlunch.
By 1 o’clock we weresafely ensconced in theLilley Arms in Lilley, wherewe had reserved the backroom for lunch. Duringlunch Chris recalled thatwhen he had popped in tothe pub to make thebooking some staff whereconcerned how they wouldfind enough small tables
and chairs to accommodate the Midget andSprite club! Mick, still minus Pearl and Ianand Louise Hooper with their daughter Sally,joined us for lunch. Thanks to Ian’s laptop wewere able to look at photos of our previousoutings and also of Ian’s Midget during it’svarious stages of restoration whilst enjoying acake that Lilian had bought with her. Thecake was decorated with an icing sugar printof all our cars setting out on a previous roadrun! Delicious, thanks Lilian.
In April our monthly get together is plannedfor Sunday the 9th and we are also planninga visit to the Bedford Classic Car Show onSunday 30th April at Shuttleworth Collection,Old Warden, Nr Biggleswade. The show is onover the Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday,but at the moment we are planning to attendon the Sunday as, weather permitting, someof the museum’s vintage aircraft may beflying. Hopefully, as in previous years, otherplanes may also been flying and performingbreathtaking aerobatics.
If you interested in joining us for the monthlyget together and/or the trip to Biggleswadeplease contact Chris or me, details in the areareps section.
Mark
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It’s mid March as I sit in the morningsunshine and write this (I won’t bore youby saying how quickly it has come around)
and early April as you read it and event oneonly four weeks away, splendid!Not a bad turnout at the Mad Cat onThursday night and it was especially good tomeet a couple of new recruits Graham andSara, I think (I am terrible with names) whojoined up at the NEC and have a very nice oldEnglish white frog. Nigel and Diane turned upin their very smart yellow non-Sprite (too coldand wet for frogs) which I misdiagnosed thebreed of in my previous ramblings andsuggested the colour might be appropriate toits make however (having consulted theOxford English dictionary) I have discovered itis actually named after a part of the humananatomy, ah well! As long as he didn’t get abum deal. All this is of course envy since I amcurrently driving around in a rather elderlyand slightly corrugated (don’t mention airconditioning units falling from the sky) Volvoestate for which that new car smell is just adistant memory.All the 2006 Cambridgeshire events havenow been finalised, with firm dates and timesand should be displayed on the events page.It should be noted that we are not hosting aclub stand at the Kimbolton castle event thisyear (just too many other good things on themenu) however if anyone would like a ticketto attend this excellent event individuallyplease contact me and I will get you one. Onthe subject of tickets, the ones for theSilverstone event must be purchased through
Chris Jackson in order to obtain the 50% clubdiscount.With the discount the cost works out at£7-50 per person per day (minimum of twoin a car). Chris will need a cheque to coverthe full price of the tickets you require, madeout to SILVERSTONE CLASSIC 2006 withyour membership number attached and a 9” x6” stamped addressed envelope for the returnof your tickets and car sticker. I would hopeby the time you read this I have alreadycontacted those I know are interested in thisexcellent event and provided you with thisinformation, this is just for anyone I may havemissed or who didn’t make it to the Mad Catlast time.Getting back to the Mad Cat a few of usarrived a bit early and took advantage of thepub grub (which seems to be quite popularwith the locals). I would say the Mad Catserves fairly normal pub food, not spectacularbut nicely cooked, tasty and at veryreasonable prices served promptly by friendlystaff. The conversation at the meeting properwas diverse as always (some even aboutcars) and included references to pottery,jewellery, sailing, fireflies, models, toys andclub events. Hubie even brought along hislatest Sprite, a Dinky toy red MK II which hehad recently bought. I had almost forgottenabout those dinky toys and what I suspectwere rip off brands of Corgi and Matchboxwhich I believe were even smaller, that Iplayed with as a small boy although I think Ihad grown out of them by the time Spridgetscame along. Funny thing is I don’t ever
13
Cambridgeshire Report
remember having seen a Dinky model Spritewhen they were current. These small castmodels were never very detailed and allseemed to have more or less the same floorpan and wheels, but somehow seem tocapture the essence of the vehicle theyrepresent in a minimalist sort of way whichmakes them instantly recognisable. I think Ishall have to look out for some Dinky toySprites, I wonder if they ever did a MK III.Still on the subject of models, Dave Hawksbrought along a surplus Frogeye model, Ithink it was one of those Airfix (or similar)plastic self assembly jobbies, you rememberjust like that plastic Spitfire you had danglingon a string from your bedroom ceiling whenyou were a lad. This unbuilt Sprite wasdestined to be added to Nigel’s amazingcollection of Frogeye models, I think if he soldhis models he could almost fund anotherSprite although he might have problemsgetting it into the spare room. The model itselfcame in a very large box considering the sizeof the main body parts, it’s a bit like the realthing the dismantled parts take up a hugeamount of space compared with the fullyassembled car. The great thing about thesemodels is that they are big enough to be verydetailed indeed. I think Nigel is considering
producing another article about Sprite modelsand his collection for Mascot in the nearfuture so watch out for it and be prepared tobe amazed at how many companies haveseen fit to produce models of our little carsover the years.
Regarding this year’s events, over the lastcouple of years I have tried to make one ofour events a regional event and encouragedMASC members from all over the region toattend. These events have been a brilliantsuccess with maybe three times the turnoutwe get for a local event (but we could still domuch better) and this year I want to make theBMC Rally at ferry meadows nearPeterborough our regional event. This isalways a smashing event with 600 classiccars and auto jumble stalls all set in a leisurepark among lakes with its own steam railwayand just a stone’s throw from the nation’s firsthighway (the A1) so easy access andcamping available for those coming from afar.There is actually enough room at this venuefor a national MASC gathering on a similarscale to the first Brooklands event, food forthought maybe.
Dave Dixon
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Somerset Area Report
The first Somerset group outing for 2006was held on Sunday 7th March and waswell attended despite bitterly cold
weather conditions. With morning coffeeprovided at the area contact’s home. that’sme!! we then began our tour from Tauntonacross the levels and peat moor to the coastat Brean Down. The levels roads arerenowned for subsidence and so all spridgetand MG suspensions were well tested.
After the usual roast lunch at Burnham onSea we took a short drive along the coast toBrean and Berrow beach. Parking on the
beach we enjoyed a very bracing walkavoiding the manic sand yachts.
Delighted to see Malcolm and ElaineDenman, John and Shirley Mansell and RayDarch with guest Mike and I hope all carshave now been cleaned to remove the sandfrom Brean beach
Our monthly meetings continue at The LordNelson Norton sub Hampden on the lastThursday and you are all welcome
David Bearne
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18
Warwickshire’s March Report
The MG Show took place at Stoneleigh0n the 19th February, it was smallerthan in previous years and did not
extend beyond the two main halls. Manythanks are due to the owners of the cars onour stand and, as expected, Stuart’s car was abig attraction, especially as he had fabricatedsome stands to support the car so that thewheels could be taken off on one side,allowing the extensively reworked undersideto be viewed. Andy and Barrie’s cars wereboth well presented and admired by many.Interest on the stand was very high with allthe available Club Membership Applicationforms being taken away; with luck they willalso return!The continual flow of interested onlookersturned into an invasion at approximately1.00pm, when everyone at the show whowas connected with the club arrived. It was
good to see our Chairman Bill looking so welland we hope he will not be needing hiscrutches for much longer. Mike Grout, who ismaking valiant efforts to market the clubregalia, told us that £105 worth of items weresold! Our thanks also go to John and Alan fororganising the stand and of course to Stuart,Barrie, and Andy for showing their cars and toall those of you who turned up and made itthe place to be.
Our next event is the Evesham Steam Rally atEaster and the White Horse Run on the 22ndApril. However, a number of us hope to visitthe Classic Car Show at Alexandra Palace andthe Restoration Show at Stoneleigh.
The organisation for the White Horse Run iswell under way and we have some new facesjoining us from as far away as Essex. We arevery pleased to be offered the opportunity to
19
Wiltshire (and others) Go Body Building
At a previous meeting I wondered if itwould be possible to visit the BritishMotor Heritage factory to see Midget
and other bodies being built. The othermembers were interested so I wrote toB.M.H. to see if it was possible. I had apositive reply in mid February indicating thatthe next Midget build would take place at theend of March/Beginning of April and that upto 20 visitors could be accommodated Thiswas too late to put in Mascot so I contactedas many area reps as I could to invite theirmembers. I asked for a £5 contribution toclub funds as I had just read in Mascot thatwe were ‘running on low’. I received a lot ofemails and some phone calls and as a resultabout 18 of us will visit the factory on
4th April. Obviously the April Magazine willbe too late to add members to the visit andfor this I’m sorry but it can’t be helped. I’msure there’ll be a report in May’s Magazine.However, if there is sufficient demand Iwould be prepared to try and arrange anothervisit later on the same terms. The visit has tobe on a week day as that’s when they buildbodies and they only build Midget bodieswhen there’s enough demand so I’m unableto say when that might be but if you contactme using the details in the mag, I’ll make alist and see where we go next.
Hoping this reaches anyone interested.
Ian Rider
meet up with some of the Bristol andWiltshire Area Members while we are in thearea, thanks to Alan Lo who contacted us andis organising Sunday Lunch at the Vine TreeInn (Norton).
At our last meeting there were discussionsabout the Silverstone Classic Festival withSaturday 29th July being the most likely for aday out. Track days also seem to arouseinterest but not necessarily utilising Midgets
and Sprites!! We intend to contact the Surreygroup with the hope that we might be able tomake contact with them when they come toOxfordshire. With a gathering of the clans atthe shows and greater contact betweensections, we are, hopefully, entering a newstage of development for MASC, which is tobe welcomed.
Chris and Sheila
Dutch Report
April, on the Midget and Sprite calendar itshows a very familiar Midget in theHigh Lands of Scotland (where else?)
Unfortunately that’s all I have of my car at themoment. Last month I wrote that I would pickit up on the 25th of February but due tounfortunately circumstances it was not readyyet. Too bad but a fantastic excuse to doanother visit to the UK soon. How long will ittake before the people of Sea France call meby my first name? We did however go to theHistoric Race and Rally event at Stoneleighwhich was very great. All these shineygadgets which create better performance onyour car or just would look good on it. Howdifficult to resist especially withPromotion-girls with very short dresses atsome stands. I have no clue anymore of whatthey were trying to sell me but the onlythought, uuuugh second thought, is what ifMASC was presented like that at car shows?Within a year we would be bigger andyounger then the MGOC! Hmm maybe MASCshoudn’t become that big and its better tostay like this group of friends like it is now.Because that’s how I feel MASC is. Throughthe Midget and Sprite bbs some of us meteach other at 13.00 hours at the FISC stand,the Dutch/Anglo spridget race competition.(See picture with a smart looking Gun MetallGrey spridget-racingcar) Mark and Anita, Alanand John and of course Andrew who raceswith FISC. Plans were made to visit thespridget races at Zandvoort on the weekend ofthe 9th 0f September in Holland. More onthis later! New pick up date for my midget isthe 18th of March and I’ll try to persuade TimFenna of Frontline and MD of HFI (new Healycomp.) to tell me more on the rumours of
maybe a new SPRITE?! MORE HOT NEWS:The 4th All Sprite Run is on again this year!!!It’s organized on the 21-05-2006 by theDutch AHsprite club (www.ahsprite.nl) andits also open for midgets. I’ve done the runlast year and it was great so I’m there againthis year. If you want to join me on this let meknow at [email protected]. If you do, thefirst beer is on me (that’s better then mewearing a short dress), cheers! ArieEd says: NICE car!!
More Dutch Stuff
THE 4th ALL SPRITE RUN in HOLLAND Onthe 21-05-2006 the Anual All sprite Run isbeing organized by the Dutch AH-sprite club.This run will take you on a very nice routethrough the Great Rivers area in Utrecht(inthe centre of Holland). Arrival at 10.00 withcoffee and cake. First equipe starts at 11.00hrs. Lunch at 13.00 hrs. Finish at 16.00 hrs.You can take a recreational route or do thesportrally route. It’s open for all Sprites andMidgets. Price is 28 euro/car which incl. rallyplate, coffee, cake and lunch. Contact:Elisabeth Le Belle at [email protected] says 2: Nice excuse for a ferry trip �
20
For a Change, I thought this month ratherthan a monthly report, I’d try to findsomething else to write about. So I’m
going to do some odds and sods.Firstly thank you to the Mk1 Sprite ownerswho replied to my request for informationabout their Frogeyes for the 2008 (50thanniversary) Mk1 Sprite register. It was adelight to speak to and email with Frogeyeowners who I’ve never met (but hope to in thefuture). I know there must be more of you outthere, so please contact me (my details are inthe front of Mascot), with any informationthat you have about your cars, so that wemight be able to ascertain approximately howmany of the original 49000 or so, still exist.I recently bought two books, The AustinHealey Yearbook 1978 and the Austin HealeyYearbook 1979-80, both compiled by PaulSkilleter. Unfortunately only these two yearswere produced, but they do contain a lot ofperiod photos of Sprites. I was thinking, ifI compiled a list of the registration numbers of
the various cars photographed in the books,I could publish them here so that anyone whonow owns one of the featured numbers couldcontact me for a copy of a period photo oftheir car. This month I am providing theregistration numbers of Frogeyes and nextmonth I will compile a list of the squarebodied Sprites.Mk1 Sprite period photo Registration List:1163 SR, 1558 EL, 278 AXY, 478 LHA,555 GPA, 7848 ME, 9364 BP, 9365 UE,948 PNM, SJA 627, TAW 36, UKY 345,VHD 635, WLU 976, WRD 877, XHJ 292,YKT 712B, YNP 794, YWD 394,So if you own a car with the registrationmatching any of the ones in the above list,I should be able to supply you with a periodphotograph of it. It’s a small chance, I know,but it would be fun to reunite an owner with abit of their car’s history.Finally, with Le Mans looming fast, I washoping to organise a small get together forthose Spridget owners in attendance at thisyear’s race (June 17th and 18th). A few of usfrom London will be camping at Houx Annexalong with our Chairman, Bill. It would belovely if we could arrange to meet up and itwon’t matter if you have your Spridgety thingthere or not. Again please contact me via mydetails in the front of Mascot. I bet we couldget 15 to 20 of us together.
Gary Lazarus
Bristol Area Report
In last month’s report, I remarked that weseem to be a branch of very elderlySpridgley things. Our March meeting
seemed to endorse this when we addedtogether the membership numbers of three ofthe members attending, to come up with agrand total of just 33. This appertaining to –John Ruderman (membership No 0001),Nigel Williams (membership No 0015) andTerry Horler (membership number No 0017).As you can see, the Bristol area meetings gofar beyond counting the number of clicks thehandbrake lever moves through! OK, whosaid “what a bunch of old farts”?Countering this, we had the innocent youth ofPhil Sellen, Alan Lo and innocenti youth of
Volker Herzog, all far younger than theSpridgley/ inno things they drive. FollowingAlan’s mishap with a Thomas the TankEngine tooth brush in his Midget’s intimateinnards, duly reported in the March output,he is now to be known as Alananon Lo,cause he failed to put his name to his writtenconfession. Fortunately, the weather has beentoo cold for Alan to get his Fisher-Price toolkitout this month so no more bloopers from him.Volker is keen to track down the worldallocation of Innocentis and is about to launchan appeal for information. We already knowthat Yorkshire is packed full of both Spiderand Coupe versions but where all the rest?Volker will probably launch his appeal
21
London Report
through our web pages before returning toGermany to live, this, sadly being his lastBristol branch meeting.
We are looking forward to the Warwickshiregroup (and friends) visit to our region and areplanning a joint gathering of Warwickshire(and friends), Wiltshire and Bristol branchesat the Vine Tree, Norton on Sunday the 23rdof April. This is also National “Use your Classicvehicle day” so the highways and bywayscould be rather interesting on that day.
We shall soon recommence our evening runsand getting out and about at weekends soplease keep in touch with Alan to find outwhat is going on. Our monthly meetings onthe second Wednesday of the Month at theStar at Pucklechurch will continue but please
check beforehand in case we suddenlyembark upon an evening run. Pleaseremember, you do not have to arrive in aSpridgley thing to be made welcome, youmay be looking to buy, up to your neck in arestoration, or just “failed to start”. Whatever,just so long as you are interested in theSpridgley scene, you are very welcome. Onlyat the Star can you meet members withincredibly low membership numbers, burnttoothbrush handles, extremely loud whiteMk11 Sprites, and we promise not to talkabout handbrakes notches either. (If that isthe key to a successful branch). If that isn’tenough, Alananon may even demonstratehow to spill a drink all over the table –suitable clothing advised!
Terry Horler (Official branch scribe)
Scotland Report – Viva Fuengerola!
As a small boy I used to wait for Xmaswith an unusual anticipation. Not justbecause I new a shiny Dinky or two
would be added to the little blue Dinkybriefcase I had, with its plastic compartmentsfull of treasures. No, my eagerness was becausethat most magnificent of Tony Curtis movies –Monte Carlo or Bust – was always shown.Improbable cars driven by unlikely teams -and that was the theme of our last natter,where the intrepid (well you have to be to livewith John!) Betty nonchalantly laid out hertrip in an aged and wheezy midget toFuengerola with busts, for she was to beaccompanied by Aileen … she of theperennially overheating pus coloured rubberbumber. The mission was to drive Euan andAnne’s wee red Midge to their new home inthe southernmost edge of Spain from thedepths of Lanarkshire. This meant a trip toBirmingham to take in the Crufts mutt of theyear show and then on to the ferry fromPlymouth to the Basque region and thendown to Malaga. Simple eh!!Sometimes ignorance of the potential fordisaster is a blessing. Carson would havetaken 6 years to plan such a trip and wouldhave had another engine fitted to the back ofHulot just in case the first hiccupped. Betty’sapproach was to fill up with petrol and seehow many pairs of shoes she could fit in theboot! Such folk are the discoverers ofcontinents and the forgers of empire.
Enthused by the upbeatness of the last natterand the heady plans for the year ahead, Iknew that spring must be coming when I hadto undertake the annual ritual of suckingthrough the petrol to my midget’s carbs fromits bone dry fuel pipes. The taste of old petrolis surpassed only by a parma violet scentedkiss from your hairy chinned granny in termsof unpleasantness. It wasn’t helped by thefact that I had a cataclysmic hangover fromScotland’s indomitable victory over the musclebound Angles at Murrayfield!! It was worth itthough as, after a few chugs and splutters mytrusty old midge trembled unevenly into lifeand then gradually settled down to a moreeven beat as the engine warmed up. Howevera growing puddle of petrol under the frontwheel was evidence of a perished pipe to thecarb. Nothing is ever easy when you own oneof these pesky little cars!So as I arrived home tonight and saw atrembling set of round headlights poking outfrom a tarpaulin that had 9 inches of snowbowing it down, that first run of the yearseemed further off than Pink Floyd’s shipsmoke on the horizon. Good to know thenthat by the time this is read most cars will beout of hibernation and the sound of shammyon paintwork will be squeeking the deathknell of winter. Wish someone would invent apetrol sucker-througher though …
Bob Miller
22
Yorkshire ReportMarch Natter
For the March meeting we chose the JohnBull Inn at Thorne to give those of us livingfurther east a chance to join us for a change.Unfortunately, only one was able to make it.You missed an excellent carvery and equallygood company, all 23 of us!
Tim and Sarah drove across from Lancashirebut not in Holly, who has gone off for somerepair work and a re-spray now that Tim hasfound a colour match. Ardent Red. Roger andCaroline, like many of us, haven’t had thechance to get the Sprite out yet. Every timethe rain washes the salt away we get anothercold snap. It is getting very frustrating. Geoffand Pauline told us that a few Spridgets havebooked to go on the MGCC Daffodil Run onEaster Sunday encouraging the organiser tocome in his Midget. Martin and Gail wereable to tell us that parts are arriving on a dailybasis and Martin is really cracking on with hisFrogeye restoration. Nick M drove the fewmiles from his home in his 1500. Sorry Nick,I didn’t get out in the cold car park to look.Arthur and brother Roy were there too. Nigeland Sue brought their daughter Jenny withthem this time. Jenny navigated for Nigel intheir (her) A40 on quite a few rallies. Ann isputting the pressure on Peter to get herMidget finished for Easter. Mike N is gettingready for his trip to Australia and will miss thenext meeting. Matt and Lizzie came in theMidget. Matt is still not totally happy with theclutch so dragged Mark outside to get anotheropinion. Jason and Michelle are lookingforward to the Roses Run and may havepersuaded Roger and Caroline to join us forthe Sunday route.
Simon and Nick C didn’t make the meeting asthey were fitting a new exhaust system toSimon’s Sprite in readiness for the WeardaleRally of the Moors night run.
Other
Mark and I spent two days looking round theInternational Historic Motorsport Show atStoneleigh meeting up with other MASCmembers and BBS users on the FSIC stand.
We made the 200 mile round trip to the NWArea March meeting at The Kilten to hear BobYarwood talk on SU carburettors. I made sureI got a good view of the carbs as Bobdescribed the various parts, functions andcommon problems. It was good to see Lesand Diane and Andrew again and to meetsome other Spridget folk.
We only have a couple of rooms left for theRoses Run at the end of April so phone menow if you want a place. Mark and I tried tofinish our route planning in the snow but onlymanaged another 20 miles of it.
Our M&SC session on the MGs on Track dayat Croft on Sunday 6th August already has 8of 15 places booked. Contact me if you areinterested in a place.
Next Meetings (7.30pm onwards)
Thursday 6th April – The Wharfedale,Arthington Lane, Arthington, Otley LS21 1NLThursday 4th May – Pub in Masham Area, tobe confirmed
Please contact Anita for details on01423 862738, mobile 07720 725429or email: [email protected]
Anita
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Ann’s Midget Ecuire Ecosse Frogeye FISC race car
Kent Area ReportKent Area Representative Although I setup our first meeting and am happy tocontinue I don’t want to force myself uponeveryone. Does anyone want to take on therole of Kent Area Representative or are you allhappy to leave it to me for the immediatefuture.Battlefield Tour Please see the noticebelow for a Battlefield tour in June fromThursday 15th June 2006 until Sunday 18thJune 2006. Please note that Speed ferriesincrease their fares as the ferry fills.Next Meeting I propose to hold the nextKent Area meeting, at / from 1200 hr, onSunday 23rd April 2006 at the Hook andHatchet Public House. Church Road,Hucking, Kent. ME171QT. This will coincidewith St Georges Day and National Old Car daywhen the FBHVC are asking ALL old carowner / drivers to use their cars as part of anongoing campaign to raise public awarenessof the historic vehicle movement.Contacts If by chance you have receivedthis sheet by way of postal delivery and youhave an e-mail address can you make contact
by e mail in order that subsequent news canbe forwarded without recourse to Royal Mail.Can you also let me have a contact telephonenumber?
Looking Ahead� Breakfast at Goodwood. It has been
suggested that we might like to meet on the2nd July 2006 at Goodwood Motor RacingCircuit for Breakfast. The café there is openfrom 0900 – 1300Hrs Anyone interestedplease contact me.
� Sunday 30th July 2006 is the SilverstoneClassic Event. Dedicated parking isavailable under the MASC banner. It hasbeen suggested that Surrey and Kent couldform up in convoy to travel to and fro.Anyone interested please contact me.
� Surrey Section will meet as usual at theBlue Ball Public House, Walton on the Hill,Surrey on Tuesday 21st March 2006. Allare welcome you don’t have to stay awayjust because you live in Kent.
Alan Anstead
Tel: 01322-384050 (answer phone)E-Mail to: [email protected].
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Battlefields Tour 2006Join Alan Anstead, John Larrington and Friends in Spridgets and Spitfires
Thursday 15th June – Sunday 18th June
Travel by speedferries – Dover / Boulogne.Stay at Campanile – Lille, Senlin. Salient guided tour Friday. Visit to Ypres museum andMenem Gate. Roam freely on [email protected]
This will be an easy run for anyone who has not driven in Europe before. I will carryspanners and overalls and be on hand for breakdowns as usual. Check your insurance rerecovery.Thursday we meet and board Speedferries at Dover, at 1040hr, for a 50min Channel Xingto Boulogne. (www.speedferries.com). We drive to, and stay at, the Campanile motelSenlin (tel: 0207-519-5045 or www.campanile.fr) (Euro 56 per room per night) just southof Lille. On Friday we drive a short route to Ypres to be taken onboard a ‘Salient Tours’battlefield tour (about 3hrs @ approx £20). Following the guided tour we will visit theYpres Great War Museum before taking an evening meal in the town followed by the LastPost Service of Remembrance at the Menem Gate. Saturday will be free to roam returningto war sites or exploring Lille. Sunday we return on the 1655hr Speed ferry.
What’s in My Garage
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I bought my Frog nearly eighteen months ago and looked forsomewhere to store it other than my daily use garage andworkshop, as it’s a labour of love not an everyday use car.I owned this lovely thatched end shed, so I enlarged theentrance enouth to get the car in.
NW Area Report
For March club night we had a brilliantturn out, 17 people turned up, includingAnita and Mark from the Yorkshire area.
The reason ? well we had our secondtechnical evening of the year. This time it wasa talk on rebuilding SU carbs, ably given byBob Yarwood. As well as giving an excellenttalk, Bob very kindly donated two brand newcarburettor repair kits which we raffled off.Once again thanks to Ian for organising this.
IMPORTANT – PLEASE NOTE: April will be anormal meeting at the Kilton, however forMay and June we are moving venue asfollows : May – we will be meeting on the 3rdWednesday of the month and not the 2nd, soit will be 17th May. The venue is the ValeRoyal at Standish near Wigan (home of thepie eaters !). To get there, leave the M6 atjunction 26, this is the M58 turn off. Don’t goonto the M58 but take the road sign posted
Up-Holland. At the top of a short hill turn leftat the lights. Turn right at the next lights. TheVale Royal is on your right after a couple ofmiles or so. June – we are meeting at thePlough Inn at Euxton near Chorley, sameplace we met at last June. This will be on2nd Wednesday as normal. I will givedirections in next months Mascot.
Forthcoming events:28th May - Capesthorne Classic car show4th June - ’Lancashire Run’. This will startnear Leyland and go up through the Forest ofBowland.16th July – Hoghton Tower Classic car show.Please let me know if you are interested inany of these.
That’s it for now, see you at the next clubnight.
Les
The best thingI’ve ever boughtto keep the caraway from thedreaded rust!
All I do is unzip it, hang one side on the wall and out shecomes. Remember the car? Shown in July edition 2005 of a“Frog in France”.
Glen Yarwood
Ed says: Thanks Glen, yes I remember the French Frog.PS: Nice garage!
26continued from last month
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Brake Fluid Alarm Kit
For some time now, Ihave been aware ofthe fact that driving a
Midget that has a singlebrake line circuit doesleave me open to potentialdisaster. At least with adual circuit system ifsomething untowardhappens to a brake line orflexible pipe, you onlyhave 50% of a majorproblem when it comes tostopping. “Hold on” someof you may say, “don’tforget you still have thehandbrake to tug at if youneed some extra stoppingpower”. “Oh you meanthat thing that struggles tostop the car rolling when itis parked on the flat, nevermind if you are on a hill”?)Enough said. And itdoesn’t just apply tosuffering from wornflexibles or knackeredbrake lines. If you use abrake servo, then if theseals go, the servo sucksyour reservoir dry. Great ifyou are about to perform afast reduction of speedfrom 70 mph (becauseyou never go faster thanthe permitted speed limit).
So it was with greatinterest that I came acrossTE Electronics Ltd(www.teelectronics.co.uk),who manufacture a lowBrake Fluid Alarm Kitspecifically for ClassicCars with LockheedBrakes. After a briefexchange of emails withBob Owen, the inventor ofthe kit, I established that although he had notsupplied one for a Midget before, the kit hehad made up for the MGB and MGB GT V8
would fit perfectly.Consequently I orderedthe kit, and upon receiptwas suitably impressedby the presentation. Itcame in a very smartbox, together with clearinstructions, and everyconceivable item youmay (or may not) needto install, including asmall screwdriver whichyou need to disconnecttwo of the wires so thatthey can be threadedthrough the bulkhead.
A fluid sensor fitted to acap replaces your oldone (it contains a floatwhich constantly checksthe fluid level). There isa LED panel light, whichcomes fitted to amounting that you canfix under your dash, anda beeper. I opted not touse the mounting for theLED, and positioned itonto my radio console.As everything has beenconnected up when youreceive it, it is verydifficult to go wrong withthe installation. Aftertesting the system,which enables you toexperience the soundand light effects of whatto expect in the event,you can replace your oldcap with the new one.Thereafter, every timeyou switch the ignitionon, you will get areassuring beep from thebeeper and a flash fromthe LED. I shall drive
with more confidence from now on.
Geoff Mears
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LettersFrench Wedding Frogeyes
I send you pictures from the Beaujolais regionwhere I live (taken on my friend, François’ weddingday ... who got married in his blue 1959 Sprite...)Philippe Milloux
Ed says: Sprite limo’s at a French wedding, perfect! A big thank you to Philippe for sharing (alsosee cover).
Essex AreaAs the Spring gets nearer I would love to hear from anyone who will be interested in a regularmeet in the Essex area, I say the Spring as like many of you I am trying to get all my jobs on thecar done during these colder months. Once I know how many and where you live a centralmeet can be sorted.The first event for the year is a MASC area at the Battlesbridge classic car show on the 14 MAY(SUNDAY), I will give it a week or so after this issue of Mascot before I book our spaces withthe show organizers, if you wish to know more ring me on 07976-377702 or [email protected]. Another run out I will give details on nearer the time is a great little car showin Clacton-on-sea on Sunday 18 June (Fathers Day), there is always a good turn out and thenthere’s always fish and chips at the sea front before the drive home.Lee Reed
Ed says: Hot on the heals of Kent, here’s ESSEX. 3rd Mascot 2nd new area!!
So What’s in My Dream Garage?I had a parking space at the back of thePorsche dealers in Liverpool, walking pastthese brutes every day would turn megreen. A truly dream garage. So the firstfine day in August I took the Frog in. Itseems to fit there very well. In Septemberthey closed the dealership, nothing moredepressing than seeing an empty garage.But I got an unrepeatable photoopportunity. My garage? Work in progress -no roof! Any other dream garages out there?Thanks for a great magazine.
Mike Upton
Ed says: Thanks Mike, great photos, love the wide steel wheels. More than a match for theporkers!!
30
Rubber and ChromeYou may remember measking if any fellow membershad carried out the aboveconversion and having hadno response, I wonderedwhether I should tackle it!However, I decided to goahead, using as many 2ndhand parts as possible andstopping when it was time toreduce the length of theoriginal front bumpersupports and looking at theend result closely. If it wasnot going to look right, Icould reverse the process andchalk everything down toexperience. Having removedthe front bumper I could nowsee the problem regarding
sidelights. Now, I have seen pics of conversions, where owners have refitted the 1500 frontflasher units in the front wing apertures, but I wanted to use something more closely resemblingthe Mk2 layout. After browsing round a few autojumbles I came across MGB front light unitswhich closely followed the Midget wing contours, these, along with a Sprite grille and MK2Sprite bumpers completed the front end conversion.Now for the rear end. I believethis to be the area that hascaused the most head scratching.Removal of the rear bumperreveals two problems.1) the rear body panel has tworaised pressings to receive therubber bumper and support itaway from the body,2) the body immediately belowthe rear lamp clusters has beenmodified to accept the rubberbumpers, ie the rubber bumperruns directly underneath the lampclusters, whereas the chrome oneruns round them. Now is thetime to decide if you want a1500 Midget that sports chromebumpers or a MK2 Spridgetreplica, if it is the latter you prefer, then stop now! The rear bumper is again a MK2 fitted usingthe proper internal boot reinforcing panels. See photos.Bill [email protected] (anyone may contact me at my email address supplied)Ed says: Looks like a good conversion and I like the MGB lights. Also nice to see the bumpers,lots of people have none at all!!
31
Seen Abroad
Market Place – MarchAdverts to Bill Mohan 11 Moss Way, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield
B74 2BT 0121 353 7211 or [email protected]
FOR SALE
Former member wishes to dispose of hiscars due to ill health:1: Austin Sprite 1971 Tax exempt, BRG,Rebuilt using new Heritage shell. Zero milessince rebuild £4995.2: Midget 1972 tax exempt identity. Mainlyall there but needs new shell £700Please tel/faxGordon Stemp 01483-275808
Austin Healey Sprite Mk IV, 1971, Taxexempt, Dark Green, in very good conditionwith much money spent on this vehicle. MOTuntil August. Complete with hard top, soft topand tonneau cover, £3500.David Job, North Staffordshire,01782 661670Meadowside, Clayton Road,Newcastle-under-Lyme ST5 3ET
Midget 1500 bits. All parts came from a1977 Midget 1500 and are all priced at £5each yes £5 each - to help clear a very fullgarage! Parts include 1500 engine, 1500gearbox, windscreen and surround, rear axle,front suspension, 5 wheels, 2 x quarter lights,dash inc instruments, steering column, carbs,manifold, 2 doors, boot lid, steering rackMany other small parts - FOCCall Mike Barker on 01280 848532(North Bucks)
MK III Sprite for Sale. Complete car but hassuffered flood damage so needs restoring.1098 engine, steel wheels, main structurereasonable but needs new front wings.Desireable. No. plate MPK 111 D. Log book.May have some competition history as it hastelescopic front shocks. £750 ono.TelephoneChris Harding 01342 718860or 07957391003 Nr Gatwick, Sussex.
32
Another solo effort from one of onlyseven MASC members that owncameras!
Seen in Rome, Lancia enter the micromini market, either that or it’s a localwith a sense of humour.
Be recognised as a Midget & Sprite Club Member with any of ourexclusive designer range of regalia items.
Sweatshirts- (In Blue, Red, Bottle Green & Black With embroidered Club Logo) -Please state size and colour required. Each @ £17.00 + £1.75 p&p
T-Shirts- (In Blue, Black, Green, Red & White with screen printed Club Logo)Please state size and colour required. Each @ £10.50 + £1.25 p&p
Grille Badge- £20.00 inc p&p
Cloth Badge- £2.75 inc p&p
Windscreen sticker with Club Logo, in Black, Red & Silver. £1.00 inc p&p
Leather key fob with club logo, in Black, Red & White. £2.25 inc p&p
Midget & Sprite Club “Buyers Guide” £4.50 inc p&p
Sprite 40th Anniversary windscreen stickers. £1.25 inc p&p
Poloshirts (Red, Royal Blue, Bottle Green: Embossed Logo)Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL. Please state size and colour. Each @ £12.00 + £1.25 p&p
Fleece Jackets (Black and Bottle Green: Embossed Logo)Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL. Please state size and colour. Each @ £25.00 + £2.25 p&p
Baseball Style Caps (Black brushed cotton with a Red Suede Peak, Embossed Logo)Each @ £7.50 inc p&p
PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGECheques and Postal Orders should be made payable to the
Midget & Sprite Club
SEND YOUR ORDERS WITH CHEQUE OR POSTAL ORDER TO:-
MIDGET & SPRITE CLUB REGALIA
REGALIA OFFICERMike Grout
55 Park, SpixworthNorwich NR10 3PJ
Tel: 01603 890211 Email: [email protected]
Working with cars like these since the 60’sactively involved in Club Motorsport at all levels.
COMPLETE RANGE OF GEAR BOXES & DIFFERENTIAL UNITSFOR ALL SPRITE & MIDGETS FROM FROGEYE TO
RUBBER BUMPER HELD IN STOCK.EXCHANGE OR OVERHAUL YOUR UNIT.NEW AND USED PARTS FROM STOCK.
Visit our Website at: www.hardyengineering.comAsk for Bill or Neil, Club discount given
SPECIAL SERVICESCompetiton gearboxes built. Limited slip differential units.
Competition crownwheel & pinion3.7, 3.9, 4.22, 4.875
HARDY ENGINEERING, 268 Kingston Road,Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7QA
Tel: 01372 378927 Fax: 01372 376794
HARDY ENGINEERING