June 2010 - Another new Natter in the Abingdon Work Centre region - well, not so new, the Natter at The Chequers, Well near Odiham, Hampshire. RG29 1TLT was started in 2008. They meet from 7.00pm onwards on the first Thursday of every month. There is a large selection of food at the pub and plenty of parking space. There Is also plenty of seating both inside and ouside with a garden area. Why not come along or call Trevor and Diane Hall on 01252 811676.

The best job in the world... well, Steventon, actually!
Wanted: part time mechanic to service and repair MG Midgets. Suit retired engineer/mechanic.
Flexible hours. Phone Mike Authers Classics, Abingdon, 01235 834664

Free 2010 AWC calendars - click here
As usual, we have designed a new set of 2009 Abingdon Works Centre A4-sized calendars that you can print, all featuring MGs of course. Click here to download calendars.

August 2009 - New Natter is a resounding success. The MGCC's newest Natter, at the Dolphin Inn at Hursley, met for the first time on Tuesday 28th July at 7.30pm. Click here for photos and a note from Natter leader David Askew.

The car park was full to overflowing with MGs and their owners and passengers thoroughly enjoyed the occasion, with good food and drink, and of course plenty of MG chat. If you're interested in dropping in on the last Tuesday of the month, you'll find all the details on our Natters page, or you can contact David Askew on 01962 890108.

June 2009 - New Natter in the Abingdon Work Centre region - Dolphin Inn, Hursley. Following the closure of the Bear & Ragged Staff Natter near Romsey there was an obvious need for a replacement Natter in the southern half of Hampshire. This fact didn't escape Abingdon Works Centre member David Askew's attention and at the beginning of April he started to look around for a suitable venue. By the beginning of June, he'd settled on the Dolphin Inn at Hursley, and the date for the first Natter night is now set for Tuesday 28th July starting at 7.30pm.

The Dolphin Inn is known for its excellent beer and extensive menu of reasonably priced food. There is a spacious bar area, tables in the garden for summer evenings, and a large car park. The landlady will also provide plates of sandwiches and basket meals if required. Contact David Askew on 01962 890108.

Free 2009 AWC calendars - click here
As usual, we have designed a new set of 2009 Abingdon Works Centre A4-sized calendars that you can print, all featuring MGs of course. Click here to download calendars.

New for 2008! Friday 13th June - Road Run at MGCC Silverstone International. The first-ever Tour de Silverstone is a circular run of approximately 85 miles starting and finishing at Silverstone circuit with a half way stop planned at the World famous Heritage Motor Museum at Gaydon, Warwickshire. The Run is open to all participants but is strictly limited to 100 cars. The cost of the run for a car and two people is just £20 and includes free admission to the Heritage Museum (worth £18 for two people), rally plate and Tulip style route book. Extra passengers will cost £8 (includes museum admission). Contact Colin Grant at Kimber House on +44 1235 555552 or click here for an entry form. Full information on the main MGCC website.

Saturday 17th May to Sunday 31st August 2008 - 'MG at Speed' at the Abingdon County Hall Museum, Abingdon. Opens at 5.30pm on Saturday 17th May with parking for MGs in the Abingdon Market Square from 3.30pm. The 'MG at Speed' exhibition, organised by AWC's own Brian Moylan, promises to be Abingdon's most significant MG heritage event for many years. This major exhibition is designed to highlight the success of the MG marque at all levels of motor sport, from the muddy trials hills, through to racing on the historic Brooklands track and the circuit at Le Mans for the gruelling 24 hour race. FREE ADMISSION. Abingdon County Hall Museum, Market Place, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 3HG, open daily from 10.30am-4.00pm, please phone 01235 523703 before travelling. Click here for a map. Sorry, due to the unique nature of this historic building, there is no wheelchair access.

Would you like to become a Motor Sports Association (MSA) accredited marshal in 2008?
The MSA are running four free training sessions in the new year to be held at the following locations: Saturday 23rd February at Rodbaston College, Staffordshire  by the AWMMC, Sunday 24th February at Derby University, Mackworth Road organised by the ANEMC, Saturday 15th March at Lackham College, Chippenham, Wiltshire organised by the ACSSMC, Sunday 16th March at Oxford and Cherwell College Bicester run by the EMAMC. All these events are free and run by MSA Marshals accredited Instructors. The only costs involved are your fuel and lunch if you don't take your own sandwiches.  So if you are interested, contact your local MSA centre, phone Derek Machin on 01625 869720 or go on line at www.msauk.org to book a place.

The 2008 Committee, elected at the AGM on Thursday 25th October 2007, consists of the same hard working people back in their old positions with the exceptions of:

Phil Grinham who has passed the Competitions Secretary role over to Chris Callaghan while continuing as Vice Chairman.

The committee membership has expanded to include new arrivals Peter Bush and Les Hale.

Brian Bassett has stood down after years of service and our thanks go to him on behalf of all members, active or otherwise.

Please note the 2008 AGM will have to be earlier in the year to meet Kimber House demands. The approprate 30 days notice will be given.

	Click to enlarge

Jim Simpson on the mend - Jim Simpson, well known throughout the MG world particularly in the United States where he has been a frequent visitor, is the only surviving MG employee having joined the Company straight from school in 1930. He was a prominent member of the panel in the MG Forum in May of this year.

Last month Jim was struck by a tarmac lorry which shattered his elbow to the extent that the first diagnosis was that he would lose the complete arm. However the miracle workers at the John Radcliffe Hospital rebuilt the elbow and he has now regained the use of his arm and has been discharged from the JR and is recuperating in the cottage hospital in nearby Didcot. We are sure that MG members everywhere would join us in wishing Jim, a staunch Abingdon Works Centre member, a speedy recovery.

Deers Hut, Nr Liphook - MG owners in the area (or further afield) are made very welcome at this pub where there is a meeting on 3rd Thursday of the month. The landlord is very enthusiastic and even cones off the front car park. Other classics do attend and this is good given the seemingly dwindling numbers who want to take their cars out and use them. Contact Ron Neal on 01420 488019 or just turn up.

26th May 2007 - Abingdon's MG Museum Room opens - The MG Museum Room, in the form of an exhibition entitled "The Making of the Abingdon Years 1930 – 1980" was officially opened at 11.00am on Saturday 26th May by Bill Wallis, president of the MG Car Club .Click here for a full report.

Abingdon Works Centre Tour - an easy going tour of the natters within the Abingdon Works Centre will take place on the weekend of 18th/19th August. The route will begin in Abingdon and will take in as many of the natters for refreshments etc. as time permits..

From Abingdon we will follow simple route instructions to the Bear and Ragged Staff for coffee and then start on the Forest Trail, a delightful run through lesser known back roads, to the Ringwood Town and Country Experience. Here a designated room will be set aside for members requiring lunch or snacks after sampling the delights on display in the museum. After lunch the route will carry members to the Premier Travel Inn at Eastleigh for the night halt and informal get-together dinner.

On Sunday we start to head north and on to a lunch stop at Milestones Living History Museum. The finish of the event will be at Waddesdon with a Farewell Dinner.

Start where you like. Finish where you like. Entry fee including rally plate and route book is five pounds a day. Please state your intention to visit the museums (extra cost) so that we can take advantage of group booking rates. Otherwise all entry fees, meals and hotel are to be paid for independently.

Hotel contact: Premier Travel Inn, Leigh Road, Eastleigh. Telephone no. 08701 977090. Hotel adjacent to M3 southbound junction 13. Those wishing to take part should contact Brian Moylan 01235 531384. EARLY BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL!

Petition to extend road tax exemption for classics - there is a petition to the government to update and extend the road tax exemption for all vehicles over 25 years old. You may recall that this exemption was frozen nine years ago. To add your name to this petition go to http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/historiccartax. The closing date is the 31st May and the petition is limited to UK residents and ex-pats/servicemen.

2006

Another Super Boxing Day Run - thanks to the efforts of John Harris a huge number of MG and other car enthusiasts enjoyed a Christmas meet in Abingdon Market Square prior to taking to the lanes of Oxfordshire with hoods down where possible. Classics (like horses and some people), enjoy this chance to get a bit of winter air rather than being couped up in the garage with dehumidified air being pumped into plastic preservation chambers, or whatever the 'collectors' do with them while they themselves sit in front of the fire dreaming of the accrued value.
Click here for a full report.
Click here for photos.
Click here for a short history of the Boxing Day Run.

New Chairman for AWC Anniversary Year - Richard Martin who has been AWC Secretary for 3 years (and was previously Chairman of the MG F Register) was elected to the AWC Chair at the recent AGM when Greg Smith stood down after one year due to increasing business commitments. Most other committee roles retain the previous office holder and the committee is also slightly larger with the added support of many co-opted members to help put together the exciting programme for 2007. Members views and ideas are welcomed and should be sent in the first instance to sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk

The Ashley Green natter moved in September to The Rose and Crown at Hawridge Common, Nr Chesham. This is an excellent CAMRA pub with good food. It can be reached by approaching Chesham from Berkhamstead and at the bottom of Nashleigh Hill near the Total garage turn right into Vale Rd signed Hawridge and Cholesbury. The Rose and Crown is about 2.5 miles along on the right. Richard Colston would love to see you there on the usual natter night.

AWC AGM - Thursday 26th October at The Dog House, Frilford, Abingdon at 8.00PM

Kimber House - we receive a lot of requests from members who live outside Abingdon to know what is happening these days up Cemetery Road, ie with the Kimber House developments, so we have decided to add pictures of the project progress in the Gallery section. Remember the garages are the first stage specifically to provide storage when the main building is undergoing change later in the programme. Click here for photos.

Chairman's Run - coming up on Sunday 1st October with a lovely circular run, visiting the new Morris Motors Museum (and bus museum ) at Long Hanborough and the chance to lunch at Eynsham Hall.

Natter Changes - have come through via the bush telegraph. Tichborne Arms natter is discontinued (see Natters for alternative venues). The natter that met at the Three Horseshoes at Marlow Bottom has moved over the border to The Old Devil back at Knowl Hill on the A4 (see full details under Natters). Safety Fast will never keep up with all these changes!!

Old Speckled Hen - OK folks, you can go back to drinking Greene King ales because the company have agreed to support the Old Speckled Hen Run again for 2007 and tentatively for 2008. It seems they were relaunching the brand and suddenly realised that Mr Fox would need a real MG with which to have his photo taken for press material, so he had to come brush in hand to the AWC.

New Oxfordshire Natter - It is very pleasing to announce the addition of a new monthly meeting venue at The Dog House Hotel, Frilford Heath, Abingdon OX13 6QJ, that will take place on the final Thursday of each month starting in July 2006. The Dog House is on one of the old factory test routes and was used by the Factory for entertaining in the Abingdon years. Leader of this natter will be a well known MG man, Chris Callaghan.

Silverstone: late news - The John Thornley Trophy will be awarded to the bext placed Abingdon Works Centre member in the California Cup Autotest. Would any member entering this event please let us know their result!

25th Anniversary of AWC - 2007 marks 25years since the formation of the Centre and we are already planning a year full of events to celebrate. Even at this year's MG Silverstone we shall be selling Anniversary regalia on our AWC stand in the main marquee, so get ready for the big occasion.

If you have any stunning ideas for the celebration let me know on sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk

St Georges Day - Despite our fellow Britains praying for rain the day was a success, albeit with a distinct chill in the air. Over 50 cars started from the Market Square in Abingdon to follow a superb run of just under 30 miles to arrive at Millets Farm for lunch. The concensus was that we should repeat the run at least next time 23rd April is at the weekend. Of course Sagalouts at leisure could do it in the week next year!

Aylesbury Natter 20 years old - A birthday party was held at The Lion at Waddesdon on 3rd April to celebrate 20 years of the Aylesbury group known as the Aylesbury MG Club. The event was attended by many regular members, Roche Bentley from MGOC, Richard and Gill Martin and Simon Pedrazzini from MGCC Abingdon Works Centre. There was a super MG birthday cake and the event was supported by a photo slide record covering events and members over the many years since the inauguration in 1986.

Centre Dinner - There was a full house to enjoy this years Works Centre Dinner annd Prizegiving at Steventon House Hotel. After an excellent dinner Basil Wales provided guests with an insight into his entry into the world of Morris Motors the transfer to MG as the roving Sports Car Specialist and finally the development of Special Tuning Department as a commercial operation. Basil then awarded the prizes: the Ron Gibson Trophy to Peter Green, The John Thornley Tropy to Barry Graham and Richard Martin received the Charlton Award for AWC Member of 2005.

Council Meeting. At the meeting held at BMH Gaydon on 18th March there was a unanimous vote to revert to the 2001 approved planning application for extension to the existing Kimber House rather than build a new one (NKH). This was an affordable solution to satisfy short to medium term requirements without jeopardising Club financial liquidity. Poor results for 2005 caused primarily by a poorly supported Silverstone Sunday due to torrential rain and the immediate costs of the MG Enthusiast arrangements were contributory factors. If you want more information or wish to comment contact sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk

Days of Glory - dinner at Brookes Restaurant was enjoyed by MGCC and MGOC members alike along with other guests including the families of the five students who planned and managed the execution of this quality event. Apart from an excellent meal using local Oxfordshire produced food the event included an MG/local knowledge quiz and a talk by Simon Pedrazzini about the history of the MG brand from its Oxford beginnings. Click here for a full report and photographs.

Ride with St George - 23rd April is the day to celebrate our patron saint AND support the FBHVC call to get historic vehicles out and about on the highways and byways on that day. The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs fights for the recognition of our cars and our hobby against Government quangos who will try to destroy anything pertaining to be freedom. So join St George!

See Calendar for details

Alternative Kimber House - The special Council Sub-Committee set up to investigate an alternative to the NKH scheme put on hold at the October Council meeting have now issued their report to Centres and Registers. The report is very comprehensive and covers some key issues for the Club's future success. They are recommending either to repair and develop the current building or sell up and move elsewhere. What do you think? E-mail your committee.

The White Horse, Hermitage is the new venue for the Berkshire natter, from the first Wednesday in March. This new venue is in the next village south along the B4009 from Hampstead Norreys and is an excellent new venue serving fine food (and ales). So lets give it a good 'welcome' in March.

Friday 13th and it was the Phoenix Natter's 40th Anniversary Dinner with 45 attendees and more in the wings enjoying this memorable event. Amongst the gathering were three people who attended the first Phoenix Natter in January 1966. That event was a formal dinner too so this anniversary celebration was especially appropriate. Well done Phoenix and we all wish you another 40 years, at least!

Remember this is YOUR club so your views and ideas are always welcome. Please e-mail these to the appropriate committee member.

The 2006 AWC Desktop Calendar is available to buy for only £7.50 including postage and packing.
Click here for more information and to order online.

Happy New Year. Now's the time to get that calendar sorted and book up the events. Be sure to keep checking on this site and tell your friends who aren't so bold!

The recent Boxing Day Run was once again well attended. A load of cars including not only MGs, but Morris Minors, an Austin Healey and even a Jag packed Abingdon Market Square for the 'crack' prior to the start of yet another excellent John Harris inspired event. The man himself was still eating Christmas fish in Cornwall while we negotiated a circuit including the A34 and the Downs, but always keeping Didcot in sight. The event finished at Foxcombe Lodge where a buffet lunch was enjoyed.
Click here for photos.

"AWC joins fight for Old Gaol MG Museum"
Brian Moylan and Simon Pedrazzini have joined a local group to explore the possibility of reopening the Abingdon Old Gaol site for community use, including the provision of an MG museum. Establishing a museum has been an aim of many members for a long time and Brian Moylan has prepared two exhibitions at the Old County Hall in recent years which could be used as a basis for the displays. If this bid is succesful AWC will be looking to members all over the world to help develop this important initiative at the home of MG.

"Classic Car Club" on Discovery Real Time - November, December and January
The series "Classic Car Club" will be shown on Discovery's Real Time Channel every Tuesday night at 8.30pm (repeated at 1.00am) during November, December and January - The Abingdon Works Centre Car Show is featured in Episode 6. Click here for schedule.

Days of Glory - 2nd March 2006
We are supporting a venture by a group of very enthusiastic Oxford Brookes University Corporate Hospitality students who as part of their degree have chosen to create an event about MGs and their enthusiastic owners on 2nd March 2006. The event will include dinner in the Brookes Restaurant with its excellent standard of catering, so if you have an older car or would like to attend the dinner let me know - places are limited.

Annual Dinner and Prizegiving - April 1st 2006
We have booked the Steventon House Hotel, Milton Hill for this social event on April 1st 2006 where you can meet the committee and hear the musings of Basil Wales on his time in Abingdon with Competitions and Special Tuning Departments. Also we shall be awarding prizes including the Charlton Award for AWC Club Member of the Year. Book with Brian Moylan on 01235 531384.

November 2005