chairman`s news - MGCC-CT
Transcription
chairman`s news - MGCC-CT
MG Car Club, Cape Town Centre, Suite 276, Private Bag x16 Constantia 7848 www.mgcc-ct.co.za Issue 2012/01 JANUARY 2012 CHAIRMAN’S NEWS January brings us into the new year of 2012 and we must again look to the club‘s organisation and committee. The calendar for next year is nearly complete, but we are still looking for activities that you the club members are interested in. The Club Committee is a different matter, as virtually the whole committee has completed their terms of office and are looking for replacements with new committee members. In years gone by I have chaired many committees and have always found the same situations exist. Firstly, the role assumed by a new committee member is not nearly as onerous as it appears; secondly, as one gets into the swing of things it is really quite enjoyable and invigorating. Prior to my joining the committee I personally found myself falling into a complacency rut where I was slowly withdrawing from a more active life and was quite happy to fall into a steady routine of a quiet life. Joining the committee did me a lot of good. It shook the cobwebs off and put new meaning into my everyday routine. Plus, I really had fun getting involved with the many activities that the club has to offer. Everybody has something to offer and whilst it may not be the same as the views of others there is always a benefit in the contribution. I ask you all to give a thought to joining next year‘s committee, and consider the option of participating for at least one year. I think that you will find it rewarding. With prize giving coming up in March I also ask that the trophy holders return their trophies. Finally, it is the Timour Hall Show day in January. This is a very important charity event and our participation adds a lot of meaning to others less fortunate. I know that the regulations are a bit frustrating, but give consideration to your participation and the value that it adds to the community as a whole. Keep motoring and Happy New Year Pat 1 HOW TO CONTACT US: THE PACK CLUB OFFICIALS - 2011-12 ___________________________________________________ President Joan Parker 021 671 8379 [email protected] __________________________________________________ Vice-Presidents Charles Batham & Ralph Clarke Trustees Ralph Clarke & Garth Green __________________________________________________ Chairman Patrick Masterson 083 279 2550 [email protected] __________________________________________________ Honorary Secretary Kevin Turner 021 433 2860 [email protected] __________________________________________________ Social Secretary VACANT __________________________________________________ Honorary Treasurer Mervyn Corbishley [email protected] __________________________________________________ Competitions Secretary James Ballantyne 073 079 4436 [email protected] __________________________________________________ Editor Rosalie Plows 021 7624748 [email protected] BIRTHDAYS : ———————————————————————————-Layout Carol-Ann Koonin [email protected] __________________________________________________ Register Secretary Peter Flowers 021 975 4475 [email protected] __________________________________________________ Veteran’s Secretary Jo Hitchcock 021 939 3803 082 446 1092 __________________________________________________ EX OFFICIO - 2011-12 __________________________________________________ Club PRO: Robin Rich 021 903 3426 [email protected] __________________________________________________ Membership Sec: Hildegarde Rich 021 903 3426 [email protected] __________________________________________________ Clubhouse Manager: Margie von Zeil 072 686 0549 __________________________________________________ Spares: Stewart Woodcock 084 702 7785 [email protected] __________________________________________________ Regalia: Jo Hitchcock 021 939 3803 __________________________________________________ Club Historian/ Brian Hogg CHC Liaison 021 712 9426 [email protected] __________________________________________________ REGISTER CAPTAINS - 2011 __________________________________________________ MMM and T – types Joan Parker 021 671 8379 [email protected] __________________________________________________ MGA Mike Oscroft 021 8516430 [email protected] __________________________________________________ MGB Roger Manton 021 554 5949 [email protected] ________________________________________________ Moderns Ken Smith 021 552 2596 JANUARY: 2- Doulene Markus, Ruth Knight, Andrew Hood 4- Johann van Heerden 5- Kevin Turner 11- Jenny Mockford, Brian Armstrong 12 - Carol-Ann Koonin 17- Meyer Budow, Justin Moore, Issabel Coetzee, Brian Aslett 19- Andrew Blake 22- Pat Tudsbury, Katherine Tudsbury 24- Anne Ribbans 28- Derek Hitchcock 29- Niel Bolton 30- Gloria Andrews 31- Jane Beck. Happy Birthday to all of you.!! NEW MEMBERSHIP: # 1275 Eric Detering, Pioneerspark, Windhoek. Email: [email protected] Tel: +264 61 242 117 Cell: +264 81 124 3993 1967 MGB Roadster CONGRATULATIONS Golden Anniversary. Bill and Lucille ten Oever are celebrating their 50th Wedding Annuiversary on Friday, 30th December 2011. We wish them luck for the next 50!! CONDOLENCES The Cape Town Centre send out their condolences to Derrick, Malcolm, Fay, Lyn and family on hearing the sad news of Roy Smith‘s death. Roy was a Kwa-Zulu Natal member and a keen restorer. Hi everyone It is with great sadness that I am mailing to let you all know that Dad passed away last night (Boxing Day). He suffered a heart attack while having dinner with the whole family at Lynn's house. The ambulance call centre guided my brother-in-law, Mark, and I in performing CPR until the ambulance arrived and they then tried to resuscitate him for about 35 minutes, but weren't able to. Mom is of course still in a great deal of shock, but otherwise seems to be handling it ok so far. Love and regards, Derrick Smith (on behalf of Fay and Lynn as well) from New Zealand 2 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR THE CHINA LETTER —Pat Coyne The local SAIC had a combined MG - Rover presentation in the car park at a local shopping centre last week. They had three MG's & three Rovers on display, which for me was a good cross section of product. MG3 [ the yellow car] There are two engine sizes, a 1.3 [1346cc] and a 1.5 [1498cc], both available in 5 speed manual or automatic. Performance is fantastic for such small engines with the 1.3 and 1.5 achieving top speeds of 175 kph and 182kph, respectively. The model is available in 8 solid colours only, with no metallic colours at present. The 1.3 is on 14" tyres & the 1.5 is on 15"tyres. They come equipped with a great sound system & all the electronic bell & whistles as can be seen by all the steering wheel controls. Prices are competitive with the manual 1.3 cars at RMB 69,700 - and the 1.5 at RMB 83,700. There is also a MG3Xross at RMB 91,700. Details will be provided at a later date. MG5 [the white car] The MG5 is the same body and engine as the Rover, with plenty of MG badges and a slightly revised front & back. There is only one engine option, a 1.5 (1498cc) in manual & automatic. Power is the same 80kw @ 6000rpm as the MG3, but as the body is a little heavier performance will be a bit down. Again eight colours but toned down, white replacing yellow & maroon replacing red. Prices will be confirmed during January 2012. The car that I originally saw was a dealer demo, which is why the driver was vague on details. 3 MG 6 There are two versions, fast-back. Back at RMB128,800 and the Saloon at RMB 127,800 both with only the 1.8 engine. The Dual Variable Valve giving 98kw at 6000rpm and a top speed of 188kph on 16' tyres with the Turbo upping the performance to 205kph from 118kw at 5500rpm on 17" tyres . The turbo costing a extra RMB 18,000. MG7 This is a MG badged Rover 75 or in China it is a 750. Cost RMB 168,800. MGTF 500 Up rated improved MG TF at a hefty, for China, RMB249,600. I do not have the RMB to Rand exchange rate but it is about 1:1 I will bring some leaflets with me, to the February general meeting, for those interested. 4 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (Cont) 5 VETERAN’S NEWS - Jo Hitchcock. It was so great to read the reports on the Cape Centres Gathering at Graaf Reinett in October. Thank you, Hildegarde for organising this and for the daily reporters who were willing to do this. It was wonderful to relive the week-end in this way. Thanks to Port Elizabeth – it could not have been better! It was tops!! Doug and Myrna Peiser hosted us in the garden of their small holding for the end-of –year picnic. They were excellent hosts and went out of their way to make us feel welcome. Sixty one members and some friends from Cape Town and Overberg arrived in thirty one cars – not all MGs! People arrived carrying picnic baskets, chairs, blankets, etc. Chairs were not really necessary as there were enough tables and chairs all over the lawn underneath the trees. Read more about this in Len Victor‘s report in this Breed. Mike and Frances Johnson arrived in their pale blue TD which came out on its first MG-run. Mike bought this MG new forty eight years ago. This was the car in which he and Frances went on Honeymoon. He just completed a rebuild after the car stood covered up for forty years. It was leading the convoy to Onrus, very slowly, as it was still running in. We want to thank Carole Engledow for inviting all who attended the run on the 17th November to a Bring-and-Braai at her house on the following Thursday. What a super idea that was and so enjoyed by everybody. About twenty plus of us arrived to enjoy Carole‘s beautiful garden. The laughter and chatting were proof of the relaxed atmosphere. Bill ten Oever struggled with the wind to get the fire going. It was the men‘s turn to do the cooking. Carole treated us to scrumptious salads and a selection of breads. This was followed by ―something sweet‖ and coffee. Thank you for a lovely relaxing day, Carole. What a splendid way in which to end off our 2011 Veterans‘ year. Brian Armstrong‘s report on the November run was not published in the December Breed. Hope to see it in the February issue. Thank you, Brian for your contribution. The first run of 2012 will take place on the 26th of January to Babylonstoren. Full details appears in this Breed. All the schedules for our 2012 runs have now been handed out, except for George Toop, Dieter Reck and Dave Hendry, which I have posted on 18.12.11. We are looking forward to scenic drives and experiencing interesting places. REPORT BACK FROM OVERBERG XMAS EVENT — Len Victor Early morning rain and partly overcast skies did not deter members who wished to attend the picnic at the home of Doug and Myrna Peiser in Onrus. Those of us who preferred to travel in convoy met at the N2 Engen One Stop near Somerset West (arranged by Jo Hitchcock) We departed from there at 10.30am intending to arrive in good time, little knowing that a motor accident would cause us to be diverted from the N2 to the Gordons Bay Road - this detour a mere 3 km took the best part of an hour. By then the sun was pretty warm in an open car. Six cars chose to continue along the coast route , the rest doubling back along Firlands Road to the N2 and over Sir Lowry's Pass. No prizes for correctly guessing who arrived first, but then they missed the scenic drive, which after all is part of the enjoyment of the day. On arrival we parked our cars on the grass at right angles to the long driveway, each car seemed to have its own shade tree. Nice touch! and with the classics from the Overberg group looked very impressive Walking down to the picnic area we were met by Myrna who made us feel most welcome. Tables were all set out with gazebo's and umbrellas for additional shade. The braai fires were burning well and everyone appeared to be having a jolly time chatting to old friends. A total of 61 members attended including those from the Overberg group. There were approximately 30 cars which included: 2 x TD's (1 a powder blue just rebuilt and still running in belonging to Mike Johnson) 1 x 1954 TF Midget (recently rebuilt by Ian Opperman) 10 x B Tourers 3 x B GT's 5 x F and TF Moderns Plus a mixture of other marques belonging to the Overberg members, including an E Type Jaguar and the impressive 1937 Jensen dual cowl phaeton of Charles De Villiers. One of 3 in the world. 6 A new MG 6 demonstration vehicle belonging to Morris Garages - Tygervalley. In which some of us, who wished to, were able to "test drive" . The overall driving impression of the car is best left to the outspoken comments of Jeremy Clarkson, but suffice to say my test drive buddy Bill Ten Oever's most positive comment was that it had sufficient leg and head room in the rear seats to accommodate his tall frame. And so after a lovely relaxed day in beautiful surroundings we reluctantly started off on our individual chosen routes home. Once again "Many Thanks" to Doug and Myrna for the use of their lovely venue and Best Wishes to all for the Festive Season. Photographs supplied by Brian Crawford ----- Original Message ----From: David Marklew To: Frank & Moira Peché Cc: Caroline Martin Sent: Sunday, December 11, 2011 4:40 PM Subject: Re: MG picnic/braai in Hermanus Dear Frank and Moira Thank you so much for the hospitality and friendship extended to Caroline and I today. It was an unexpected pleasure to be driven to the event by Roy and Martin in their MGs. Please pass on our thanks to all the members and, should any of you find yourselves in the south of England, I would be pleased to welcome you. You can contact me at [email protected] or through our club website www.winchestermgoc.co.uk Best wishes for Christmas and New Year David and Caroline 1 Woodlea Close Winchester SO22 6DW UK 7 XMAS OUTING TO PEISER’S HOME AT ONRUS - Duncan & Cerina Hardie Wow!! What a turnout. Firstly, a very big thanks to Doug & Myrna for hosting the invasion. They (and I suspect with Piet & Annatjie) went to a lot of trouble...eish..wrong word...made a huge effort (that sounds better) with gazebos, umbrellas, chairs and tables and no less than three large braai fires to welcome pilgrims from near and far. Sorry about the incident on the mountain causing a BEEEG detour. Don't know how many people were there but at a guess around eighty. [Jo Hitchcock mentioned 61 people in 31 cars] Thank you all for coming...I know you all enjoyed your day. The weather was perfect so many of the cars arrived topless. Sadly, some were not able to do so. As the club name would suggest, most were MGB's along with TD‘s, a TF, a Triumph, a Morris Minor convertible, an E-Type, a Jensen (very beautiful & very long), a Jag XKR, a Wolseley and a few polystyrene's (I hate the word Plastics...it sounds so?? Plastic?) If I forgot any special other makes, I prostrate (or is that prostate?) myself in misery and beg forgiveness. Here special mention should be made at the popularity of the gents loo. Not sure if the liquid intake was to blame or maybe it had something to do with the Calendar on the wall. One could say that it was WURTH it. Nice one Doug! Rumour has it that motorists passing by were so intrigued by the display that they turned off the main road to come and look, asking what the charge was to come and see the display! It was well into the afternoon by the time the first trickle of pilgrims started the long trek home (at least they had nice cars to travel in.) Thanks to Maureen & Peter for the arrangements and to Doug (hope your twisted arm heals soon). Just a couple of pic‘s courtesy of Maureen. Written under duress on this 12th day of Christmas...sorry.. December in the year 2011 at 06.30am Cheers to all and a safe & Happy Festive season McLellan’s Automotive History Original Literature . . . No re-prints! Email: Contact @tact@McLellans Automotive.com.com 8 WANTED I am looking for a nice MGB or MGC Roadster. Please contact Christian : [email protected] ________________________________________________________________________________________ FOR SALE MGB "Deluxe" Vinyl top for sale. Almost new. R2200.00. Contact Ian Opperman @ 028 316 2299. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ MG "B" Hard top - Black - R 5000.00. Contact 0825333136 __________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ 76 B roadster. Good interior, almost new tyres, hood in good condition. New rings, big end bearings and valve guides. No smoking. Runs very well. Coachwork needs a little TLC. Inexpensive way to get into opentop MG motoring. R50.000. 4 digit number plate optional. Reason for CALENDAR JANUARY DATE DAY EVENT 9 Mon 6:30pm Committee Meeting 10 Tues 8pm General Meeting 22 Sun TIMOUR HALL SHOW 26 Thurs 26 Thurs OVERBERG Group outing: Venue: Danger Point Lighthouse & Die Kelders for lunch Organisers: Jamie & Jenny Hart VETERAN‘S RUN Venue: Babylonstoren (organic gardens) on R45 next to Backsberg www.babylonstoren.com R10 donation per person for the tour of the gardens Details: Meet at the N1 ENGEN, 9:30 for a 10am departure. Lunch: The Duck Pond Restaurant at Welmoed Winery - R75 including service charge Menu: Choose from: A. Chicken & mushroom pie, chips & veg B. Potjie of the day, Basmati rice & veg C. Fresh line fish, chips & salad More info: Peter or Barbara Flowers on 021 - 975 4475 or 078 649 0151 To book: Jo Hitchcock on 021 - 939 3803 or 082 446 1092 Full details will be repeated in the January Breed 9 FEBRUARY DATE DAY EVENT 8 Committee Meeting 19 23 Wed 6:30pm Tues 8pm Sun Thurs 23 Thurs 14 General Meeting – (N.B. this is Valentine's Day) Auction - TBC - Pat & Frank Peche Gymkhana @ Wingfield airport – TBC – James Ballantyne OVERBERG Group outing: Venue: American Classic Cars at Bonnievale Organisers: Keith & Erica Johnstone VETERAN‘S RUN Venue: Visit 3GS Agriculture Laboratory which is housed on the old AECI factory site in Somerset West. Details: Meet at N2 ENGEN One-Stop at 10h00 to leave at 10h30 Lunch: At ‗Bens on the Beach‘, Beach Road, Strand Menu: Choice of menu to follow in next Breed More info: Roy and Helen van Litsenborgh: 021 - 856 4179 or 083 377 4121 To Book: Jo Hitchcock on 021 - 939 3803 or 082 446 1092 Full details will be repeated in January Breed MARCH DATE DAY EVENT 7 Committee Meeting 18 Wed 6:30pm Tues 8pm Sun 29 Thurs 29 Thurs 13 AGM ―Bring your other car‖ event Organiser: Peter Flowers OVERBERG Group outing: Organiser: Nic & Denise Joubert VETERAN‘S RUN Jo Hitchcock CLASSICALLY BRITISH CAR PARTS AND ACCESSORIES SPECIALISING IN MG, TRIUMPH, CLASSIC MINI & MORRIS MINOR SPARES WE NOW SUPPLY PARTS FOR LAND ROVER, DISCOVERY, RANGE ROVER AND FREE LANDER Contact Peter Flowers 021 9754475 or 078 639 0151 [email protected] / www.classically-british.com ROBINSON SERVICE CENTRE STEWART’S CLOX Watch, Clock and Jewellery Specialists SPECIALIZING IN SERVICING & REPAIRS TO MODERN MG & ROVER VEHICLES Contact Stewart Woodcock Email: [email protected] Michael: 082 557 1010 Johan: 082 810 3973 Website: http://servicecentres.co.za +27 (0)84 7027785 / +27 (0)21 5548118 10 THE MIDGET PARTY OR THE AFRICAN ODYSSEY IN CAPE TOWN - Brian Hogg For some time now we have all been made aware of the challenging expedition embarked upon by Roy Locock in his MG Midget ―Bridget the Midget‖ and initially several other MG Midgets, some of which pulled out before the start and the remainder en route, with only Roy making it all the way from Abingdon to Cape Town. Roy or more precisely Bridget did have a few problems but nothing stopped Roy and Bridget from making it to Cape Town. All the details of the trip are available on Roy‘s web site so will not be repeated here, but I will report on Roy and Bridget‘s welcome by the Cape Town Centre of the MG Car Club and their accompaniment from Namibia. Several members of the South African MG Fraternity traveled to Grunau in Namibia to meet Roy, these were Bruce Henderson (Midget) and Ricky Cooper (Midget) from the Southern Cape Centre, Kevin & Jenny Loader (MGF), Stewart & Thelma Cunninghame (MGB GT V8), Rob & Theresa Mercer Tod (MGB GT) and Alan Uzzell & Tony Watson (MGB GT V8) all from the Johannesburg Centre. Nigel Stokes (Midget) from the Cape Town Centre and Barry Fletcher (Austin Healey Frog-Eye Sprite) from Franschhoek joined Roy and the convoy in Clanwilliam. Alan & Tony returned to Johannesburg from Clanwilliam. Nigel had driven his Midget from UK to South Africa in the late 1960s so was very interested in Roy‘s 2011 experiences some forty years later. The Route Roy‘s arrival in Cape Town had always been planned for Monday, December the 5th which he did achieve. It was, however, the knowledge on the afternoon of Monday of the impending arrival by air on Tuesday afternoon (6 th) of Norman Ewing (Chairman of the MG Car Club Combined Southern African Centres) to meet Roy and Bridget that alerted our President Joan Parker and I that Roy and his convoy would be in Cape Town on Monday 5 th and Tuesday 6th. It was ascertained with Chairman Pat that no arrangements had been made for a reception for Roy et al so it was decided to put something together at the 11th hour. 11 It was fortuitous that there was a Committee meeting of the Crankhandle Club on the Monday evening which Joan attended as a member of that Committee and I attended briefly as the MG CC representative, so it was established that the MG Club could hire the CHC clubhouse for the following evening then a call to Hildegarde resulted in the members being informed of the last minute arrangements. Joan went to Kalk Bay early the following morning to meet up with Roy and the others of the convoy who were setting out on a trip to Cape Point and they were delighted to receive the invitation to the reception that evening. Joan then made arrangements for snacks, drinks, etc. for the evening. Norman was staying with Roger Lewis who, as a working lad, could not spare too much time but requested that I look after Norman for a while on Tuesday afternoon which I was delighted to do as I had not seen Norman for years so there would be a bit of time to catch up on the ―vanished‖ years. We all arrived at the CHC Club house and were delighted at the response from our Club with members coming from Somerset West and the Northern Suburbs as well as more local residents. Bridget the Midget had pride of place in the clubhouse proudly displaying the map of the route through Africa on the bonnet. Roy was persuaded to give a short account of the expedition and took many questions from the enthralled MG enthusiasts present. He was an extremely laid back character who, on a whim, had bought Bridget (knowing nothing about MGs or the MG Car Club) and then decided to drive around the world which he did a few years ago. Some time after his arrival back in UK he was asked ―what next‖ so without thinking he announced that he would put together an expedition to drive through Africa from Abingdon to Cape Town. He did confide in us that he does prefer traveling on his own rather than being responsible for a group and being subject to the whims and fancies of other members of a touring party. On leaving Cape Town, Roy and the other travellers, now including Norman, set off for Knynsa and then Port Elizabeth where Bridget was boxed up for return to UK and Roy took the easy way home by catching a ‗plane. It is regretted that the notice was so late which must have meant that many members did not make it to the event who would have loved to have been in attendance. "There was a detour en-route to the end of year picnic" 12 Club: MGCC, Cape Town Date: — 13th December 2011 — CHC Wynberg 1 Welcome: Robin welcomed visitors, John Haresnape of CHC , & Stewart & Thelma Cunningham of Jhb 2 Apologies: Stewart Leach, Ralph Clarke, Joan Parker, Pat Masterson, Len Victor, Carina Beyers Attendance: 42 members; 3 in MGs 3 Membership: New members ratified: new Namibian member, Eric Detering, Windhoek. MGB Roadster Resignations: Irvin Ridler, sold his car 4 Minutes: Approved 5 Chairman: Peter Flowers in the chair 6 Treasurer: Nothing new to report 7 Secretary: Nothing new to report 8 Registers: A Reg: Mike appealed for members to please update their contact details with him B Reg: Roger gave an update of 50th Anniversary plans, set for 20 May 2012. It is open to ALL members and MG drivers, and will be a lunch at Elgin Country Club. Moderns: Ken reported that events will be published in The Breed 9 Events & Competitions: (see Calendar for details) The Committee has unanimously decided that if members book for an event, but fail to arrive and have not tendered apologies, any costs incurred at the hosting venue/restaurant shall be for the cost of those members. Timour Hall – Peter collected names for registration, and explained how some of the preparation for such events requires that car owners make a commitment for a full day, and make bookings in advance. Gymkhana – Feb 19th – James is still looking for a venue – please help. Veterans' – Jo reported back on recent events in Graaff-Reinet, Parow & Onrus, & thanked Hildegarde & Len Victor for writing for The Breed. A list for the next outing to Babylonstoren was circulated. Ideas for future events: More suggestions requested 10 Regalia: Jo reported a shortage of space in the cabinet. There are some remaining items from previous orders – badgers, caps, stickers. 11 Spares: see The Breed 12 The Breed: Rosalie was not present. Stories & photos to be sent to Carol. 13 Cup of the Month: awarded to Joan Parker for organising the last minute Midget reception; in Joan's absence this was accepted by Brian, who reported back on the event. Peter extended apologies from the committee that the organisation had fallen onto others to do at the last minute, and congratulated Joan, Brian and all those who attended on representing the club & welcoming the visitors. Kevin emphasised the need for volunteers to step up and participate to make these things happen more efficiently, as clearly all those who had attended and commented said they had enjoyed that meeting. Many hands make light work. 14 General: Peter reported back from the committee and encouraged us as a club to support various charitable events. Kevin, Joan & Ray plus some CHC members had volunteered to drive cars to a childen's Christmas event for the Home from Home Trust, which Kevin was involved with the following day. Bill ten Oever spoke about using the My School card. 15 Guest Speaker: none Next Meeting: Tues 8th Jan, 8pm 13