august 2016 - South Leicester MG Club

TORQUE NEWS
AUGUST 2016
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

MG’s on Tour

Evening Run

News Board

Marley Goes Loco

Trip to Gaydon

Club Info

“A Grand Day Out”

The Twins go to Wells

Events

MG’s in the Park

Iris home at last…..
MG’s on Tour
2
This is the fourth year Angela and I have arranged a club holiday to France, to be fair Angela does the lions share
of the work. We took 8 cars this year, 3 x A’s crewed by Nicky and Graham, Kath and Rich and Roger. 3 x B’s
crewed by Melv and Jim, Mary and Robin, Angela and I. 2x MGTF’s crewed by Carol and Colin, Bob and
Marian. We all covered around 840 miles in the 10 days and while the weather wasn’t as good as previous years
there was still plenty of top down driving. Some stayed for two weeks and got the better of the weather.
This years French trip was to La Trinite-sur-Mer, a delightful town on an estuary in southern Brittany, close to
Carnac and the Gulf du Morbihan.
Dominated by its Marina with lots of
Bars, Restaurants, Café’s and Shops. At
the far end of the town is a small beach
and on its pier is a lively fish market. All
within walking distance of our boutique
hotel Le lodge Kerisper.
The hotel was the best to date, lovely
spacious rooms, a bar area for those
all-important evening debates! Plenty of
parking, A nice conservatory where we
had a scrumptious breakfast each
morning, well kept gardens with ample
chairs and loungers and a small
swimming pool!
We travelled from Leicester to
Portsmouth, had a picnic and did some
shopping at Gun Wharf Keys then took
the overnight ferry to St Malo, in the morning with a stop at Josselin we headed on to Trinite-sur-Mer.
villages the odd one or two would have
been called mountains in the UK.
Some of the highlights were Josselin with
its medieval castle on the cliff overlooking
the river L’Ouest. The U Boat penns at
Lorient, Carnac with its standing stones
and beach, Queberon with its fishing port
and great Atlantic drive, Bono, Lamor
Badden and Arradon, all pretty towns on
the Gulf du Morbihan. St Cado with its
famous cottage on a small island Rochefort
en Terre and La Roche-Bernard towns in
Southern Brittany with artisan shops and
Café’s. Auray with its massive market that
takes over the town.
If you have never taken your classic to France you
should. If you avoid motorways and dual
carriageways where possible the roads are empty,
smooth surfaced, quiet and devoid of sharp bends,
the speed limit is 55mph and it is very hard to keep
to the limit. The main part of our trip was on the
D793 from Dinan to Josselin then the D126 from
Josselin to Vannes, in around 90 miles we saw two
sets of traffic lights and were slowed down for a
few miles by two slower cars. It was heaven. The
only downside were some of the humps in the
To name but a few.
3
We had a great time and didn’t let the odd shower get us down, we had some great laughs and as I am sure you can
imagine there were some embarrassing moments. We ate some great seafood, the mussels were local and to die for
and as is usual in all of France the patisserie’s were out of this world, the apricot tart being especially nice. We had
the usual fun with the language although we are all getting better and several people used translate apps on their
phones, (not all pensioners are technology phobic).
It maybe wasn’t a good idea to go to France the week after the Brexit vote and thanks to the 52% that voted to
leave it cost us all over £100 more than the week before. We will keep an eye on the exchange rates for next year
and if it stays the same we may arrange a holiday in the UK. With luck the pound will bounce back and we will
be off to France again!
The cars were all well behaved with no overheating issues, even Robin’s bonnet didn’t open every day! He did
have an issue with his timing chain rattling. Roger had a noisy thrust bearing (when we got back and removed his
engine it had disintegrated altogether). We
had some weak rear springs (when loaded
with all of Angela’s goods and chattels)
Thanks to all who took part for the laughter,
fun and companionship. We were presented
with a lovely card and a bottle of fizz in
thanks for arranging the trip, it is nice to feel
appreciated. It has been a difficult time at
home and you all helped immensely taking
my mind off the issues.
Take care All and happy MGing Michael
Kv
4
Marley goes loco!
Pailton House is not very
far from our house, but
a couple of problems had
to be resolved before we
could set off. Marley is
willing as ever to help if
he can, so with his input
the first
set
back,
which was a punctured
carburettor float, was
soon solved (or should
that be soldered). Then
with the float heights readjusted, and
everything put back together, plus a short
trial run around the block and a check for
leakage that problem was no more.
Jean Dalby
The second problem was the mass of dark
cloud building up as the eleventh hour
approached. Magical as Marley is, he
couldn’t spirit the clouds away. His advice
was to wait for it to pass over, which it did
but not before releasing some of its rain.
However, at this point the MGA was still
sheltering in the garage safe and dry.
Soon after 11.00 a.m. all was well and we
set off on the short trip to Pailton House and
joined in with the cavalcade of MG cars
arriving simultaneously, driving into a steam
enthusiast’s dream of a “garden” and
parking in a long row at the top of the grassy rise.
We were quickly on the first steam engine ride,
whilst others in the group were soon opening up
their picnics, ours could wait.
There were plenty of distractions, a steam boat on
the lake, MG and motoring books for sale, locally
made ice cream, a family of ducks (mum and seven
fluff ball ducklings), and electric blue damsel flies.
For the more
mechanically
minded
there
were engine sheds
and work shops
too.
Succumbing to hunger we eventually devoured our own picnic and sampled the
ice cream, which was quite delicious plus the bonus of the blue spatula (spoon)
which I have been advised is a useful tool for spreading filler into those
awkward nooks and crannies. I suspect that Marley already knew about these
things.
There were three engines running, (two steam engines and one electric) and rides
were also available on the steam boat. We, all three of us took another ride on
the second steam train and then on the steam boat up and down the large lake.
The sun was out by now; the trips lasted quite a while and were thoroughly
enjoyed by all. What a surprising place Pailton House turned out to be!
Pat, Dave and Marley
5
“A Grand Day Out”
We arrived 11am at Peter Stevenson’s house in
Pailton where Alan Heeley a very friendly
SLMGC member was waiting to direct us in.
When we went into the garden it was so
unbelievable. There was a large lake with a
steam boat, plus an extensive miniature railway
for which all club members loved to ride on
especially the one with MG on the front as seen
on the photo. We all took a picnic. Peter made available a gas barbeque, plus hot tea and coffee making
facilities and a fridge full of ice creams plus an honesty box. The weather was a little dull when we arrived but
the sun came out later and a lovely time was had by
all thanks to Peter. The entrance charge was free
but there was a couple of collection boxes in aid of
the Air Ambulance for which a contribution was
given by all.
Mary and John Cotterell
6
MGs in the Park 2016
This year we decided to meet up with a few folk from the MG Car Club’s ‘F Register’ section. We met at a pub
car park en route where a few other cars joined us.
After inspecting each other’s mean machines, we headed to Stowe on the Wold to meet some other cars who were
joining us at the park.
The chap who knew the way was to lead the pack to Stowe. However soon after setting off, the leader of pack put
his foot down, leaving us all to ‘floor it’ after him. We didn’t know the way so had to keep up. We didn’t break
the speed limit....much. Me and Steve had a nice time zipping through the Cotswolds countryside with yours truly
at the wheel. When we reached Stowe we were asked if our car was a VVC – ‘nope’, we said, just the standard
1.8. I was quite proud of Oscar, as he must still have some poke even though he’s 18 years old this year!
Joining us was an ‘F’ who goes by the name of Zip. Zip is an interesting car. Spending most of its life on the race
track in the MGF Trophy in the late 1990s. Unusually it has also done sprints, hill climbs as well as on the circuit.
It has now been lovingly restored by its new owners, in its original livery of purple and yep, you guessed it, a zip!
As the morning drew on lots of lovely MGs soon spread over the park. There was also Pride of Ownership
competition where our Mr Chairman entered his MGA. Unfortunately a rival MGA in the class beat him. Bad
luck Graham, get polishing in time for next year!
Weather remained dry until the latter part of the day when me and Steve had a walk to look at the animals, by then
the brollies went up Then it was time to say bye bye to the animals, birds and the MGs that were still on the park
and to head home. A lovely day was had by all.
Bev
7
John and Glen’s Evening Run
What a beautiful week of summer we were having, with loads of sunshine and everything and everybody wilting
in the unusually high temperatures.
John and I arrived at the Countryman Inn, Sharnford, just before 7pm to find several cars waiting, ready for the
off. The sunshine had disappeared and although it was still warm, the first few drops of rain started to fall and it
was “hoods up” for the rest of the evening.
Nine cars assembled and the navigators were busy studying the route, with no knowledge of where they might end
up, when the landlady of the Countryman came across the road to speak to John, so they sussed we’d be finishing
where we started.
All credit to the pub. After we’d booked, they stopped serving evening meals in the week, but honoured the
commitment they’d made and opened the kitchen just for us. The route was 26.6 miles long, and the cars arrived
back in time for traditional pub grub.
John and Penny Carr won the quiz, which was based on signs and suchlike that the cars had passed on the way.
There was a great deal of discussion with the quiz-master, me, as to my definitions as to which were the right and
which were the wrong answers. John had already warned them that I was always right - no, what he actually said
was, “The answers in the hands of the quiz-master are deemed to be the correct ones, even if they’re not”. It
amounted to the same thing!
We think everyone enjoyed the evening. The rain certainly didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s enthusiasm.
Glen and John
Dave H
8
Trip to the revamped Gaydon Museum …….
It’s that very long title again – “The Enthusiasts of British Motor Vehicles Built Before 1985. In early
July we attended a meeting of the group at Gaydon now known as The British Motor Museum. Alternatively the
group should call its meetings “home made cake festivals” but more of that later.
The EBMV is a very friendly and as the name suggests very enthusiastic facebook group. This meeting and show
was the first one of four to be held this year. Crich as the northern area meet, Gaydon and Cosford later for the
Midlands area and Bressingham Gardens for the South and East.
Alongside the Enthusiasts meeting, Gaydon were also hosting the MGCC’s MG Saloon day and a significant
anniversary event for the Institute of Advanced Motorists. This promised to be a very busy day with lots to see.
As usual meteorological issues came into play again, (“there he goes again, weather, rain, rain and more rain”).
With the car loaded with chairs and picnic etc
guess what it started raining yet again. Within
thirty minutes the weather resembled a South East
Asian Monsoon with rain so torrential it was
impossible to see through. As the earliest time
for arrival at Gaydon was post 10.30 settling
down with another cuppa and the TV seemed like
a good idea until what was supposed to be a light
shower passed over. Contrary to the met office
prediction the light shower continued and if
anything heavier. At this point we thought
abandoning the trip was on the cards and a
decision had to be made, do we brave the weather
for at least the first ten to fifteen miles of the
journey as it had not rained at Gaydon or stay at
home.
9
and guess what speed your doing!
We decided to brave the elements and on
getting in the car I discovered that the driver’s
window had been left slightly open, wet bum
time as the rain had forced its way onto the
seat. This was a great start to the journey.
Once we had left our local petrol station the
weather somewhat miraculously turned and we
headed into comparative bright weather.
There is a very unhealthy obsession with
homemade cake in this jolly little group. On
arrival at Gaydon we were greeted with a table
overloaded with cakes donated by the
members, this stash naturally disappeared very
quickly during the day.
We spent the rest of the day taking a stroll around the new look museum and collections centre, not to mention
having a stroll over to take a look at the MG saloon day gathering. I must admit after seeing the wide variety of
old and old-ish vehicles on display with the enthusiasts and the
IAM meeting the sight of lots of MG ZT’s was less than
inspiring. I did get the opportunity to take a close look at the
new MG GS crossover thingy, it didn’t look like a bad motor
and was probably equal to its Renault and Nissan rivals in
terms of quality. I suppose the question remains, would you
like to take the big depreciation hit on a twenty grand car that
will no doubt be worth less than two thirds of its value at two
years old.
On the way back up the M40 heading for home the
speedometer decided that it was no longer going to work and
the strip readout dropped suddenly from 70MPH to 0MPH. No
doubt it’s the cable or angle drive behind the binnacle that has failed. This did cause a few problems as you have
absolutely no idea what speed you are doing and this is made worse by the fact that in a P6 you always appear to
be travelling slower than you really are and the variable speed limits on the M42 are quite rigorously enforced by
sneaky beaky cameras.
Oh well it looks like another bonnet up session.
Dave H
10
The Twins go to Wells
Cheers Kevan
The forecast for Sunday the 24th favoured the East Coast and the Twins had not had a run out since France, it
sounds like a plan, Wells next the sea it is.
We nearly didn't get to the starting line, Robin has been having some fun with his engine missing but thanks to
some magic by Stan and Melv performance and confidence were restored.
We met up early 06:30 to avoid the traffic and ensure we got our choice of parking at our destination, we had
a good sunny but cool run there with a McDonald's coffee stop. Robin's car had been missing again and on
investigation one of the HT leads was loose this was easily rectified and we had no other issues.
We parked at the beach car park at Wells in bright sunshine and had breakfast at the beach cafe prior to a nice
walk along the beach, we then walked back through the pine forest. The tide was in and the available beach was
crowded with holiday makers.
We had a wander down the causeway to the town watching the boats and the sights heading for the beach. Lunch
was at the Golden Fleece 3 roast pork and a roast beef, eaten in the beer garden, it was superb and we would all
recommend it. There was a bit of shopping then the walk back down the causeway to the car park, Robins ankle
held up very well.
The journey back was fine, we stopped at the Ffolkes Arms Hillington for afternoon tea and a pit stop and we
started to hit queueing traffic as we got to Peterborough. There must have been an accident, Angela found a detour
along some of the fen roads. They really do need to pay their rates around Peterborough, some of the roads were
that uneven the ride was more like a roller coaster than a sports car.
We made it home about 18:00hrs and the tops had been down all day, thanks to Robin and Mary for a great day!
11
Iris home at last……..
Monday 7th March 2016
Finely we are back on the road with our first trip out to Upton
House, and what a sensation. It seemed ages and we have
missed out on so many trips this year, so now is about making
up for lost time. It has been quite a journey and a lot of
apologising ! It even got to the point I was saying to Gill that
that’s enough, I am selling her! But your forget and once out
on the road again you remember how it makes you feel. We
had glorious weather and a grand day out, followed by a run
out to the Langton's on the Wednesday evening. So now with
half a new car, Gills half! She saying she can enter “Concurs
de Elegance” but I will have to park my side up against the wall!! Cheeky madam. It won’t last long, not when she
realises how many layers of polish it takes. Looking forward to joining some club runs again, and also to the
Snowdon Run next month.
Sunday 17th July 2016
Michael
News Board
12
Join the Mary Ann Evans Hospice for the Classic Transport Festival, taking place on Sunday
August 7th. Open to Cars, Motorcycles and Commercial vehicles.
The rally will begin at the Mary Ann Evans Hospice on Eliot Way with refreshments and will then
take a scenic route down to Nuneaton Town Centre.
If you'd prefer to not take part in the rally, you can join our Nuneaton Town Centre Static display,
where there will be entertainment and food available for a great family day out.
Ticket price: Rally £15 per vehicle, Static Display £5 per vehicle
WHEN
Sunday, 7 August 2016 from 10:00 to 17:00 (BST)
WHERE
Nuneaton Town Centre - CV11 5JL
CLUB INFORMATION
Chairman
Secretary
Treasurer
Membership Secretary
Graham Dorman
Bev Wright
John Carr
Kevan Varley
01455 289383
01455 845894
01455 209340
07921 257143
Committee Member
Committee Member
Michael Ricketts
Colin Kingsbeer
01455 553868
01455 273161
Events Coordinator
Bob Driver
01162 368643
13
Events Co-ordinator
Martin Wright
0116 2715517
[email protected]
TORQUE Editor: Gillian Ricketts
Web Editor: Angela Varley
9 Juniper Close, Lutterworth, Leicestershire,
Email: [email protected]
LE17 4US.
Web Site: www.mgleicester.org
Tel: 01455 553868
Email: [email protected]
South Leicester Monthly Meetings
Membership open to all, so why not come along
and meet like-minded people and enjoy the
magic of the marque.
We meet on the first Tuesday of each month at
the White Horse Inn, Station Road, Broughton
Astley, Leicestershire. Family membership is
£5.00 p/a, payable in January. For further
details contact the Secretary.
Meetings are held from 7.30pm with members
forum 8.30pm.
North Leicester Monthly Meetings
The North Leicester MG Club meets at The
Lingdale Golf Club, Joe Moors Lane, between
Crptston, Woodhouse Eves and Newton Linford. at
8pm on the third Wednesday of the month.
Contact Chris Tideswell
Tel: 01509 829478
14
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2016
August
Tuesday 2nd
Saturday 6th
Sunday 7th
Sunday 14th
Sunday 14th
Sunday 14th
Sunday 21st
Monthly Meeting—The White Horse Broughton Astley
On Your Marks, Bruntingthorpe [Club stand]
Nuneaton Classic Transport Festival
MGA Day, Charlecote Park
MG Day, Middleton Hall
Oadby Classic and Sports Car show, 10:00am – 2:00pm on the Parade
Snowdon Run (Llandudno MGOC) – several of our members will be going
September
Tuesday 6th
Sat/Sun 3rd-4th
Fri 9th-Sun 11th
Sat/Sun 24th-25th
Monthly Meeting—The White Horse Broughton Astley
Shackerstone Family Festival [Club stand]
Goodwood Revival
Pistons & Props, Sywell Aerodrome [Club stand]
October
Tuesday 4th
Monthly Meeting—The White Horse Broughton Astley
November
Tuesday 1st
Fri-Sun 11th-13th
Monthly Meeting—The White Horse Broughton Astley
NEC Classic Motor Show
December
Tuesday 6th
tbc
Monthly Meeting—The White Horse Broughton Astley
Christmas Party!
There will be a MGC 50th Anniversary Event at Chateau Impney on 7-12 June 2017 – details are in July’s
Safety Fast! and on the MGCC website.
Deadline for next Torque is 26th August 2016
Send your articles to Gillian - [email protected]