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DickMorbey
United Kingdom
3672 Posts |
 Posted - 05/09/2020 : 18:16:08
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Today marks a pivotal moment in the history of the MG Car Club
On this date, 5th September, 90 years ago, a letter was published in the quaint sounding "The Light Car and Cyclecar" magazine from a Roy Marsh pictured above. It was to be the letter that put the wheels into motion to form the MG Car Club in 1930.
The letter read:
Being a very interested reader of The Light Car and Cyclecar, I notice that a number of one make clubs have been formed lately with very satisfactory results. Now Midget enthusiasts, what about an MG Car Club? There are hundreds of you and surely some very enjoyable social runs and trials could be arranged. Perhaps MG owners would let me have their opinions on the idea.
More letters of support accompanied a subsequent announcement in the same magazine, of an inaugural rally on October 12th 1930 at the Roebuck Hotel, Stevenage for the purpose of formally bringing the MG Car Club into being.
(The picture must have been taken well after 1930!)
This week's podcast - Episode 22 - covers :
How COVID-19 is affecting the classic car industry and a look at the letter that started it all for the MG Car Club way back in September 1930.
Plus a talk about MG X Power and dig out the original press release from the Kimber House archives, detailing the brand’s return to top-level motorsport way back in 2001.
We chat to member Tom McCooey about his emotional journey restoring the family Magnette in his fathers memory.
Plus news of new products for the club shop.
The podcast can be heard at https://www.mgpodcast.uk/allepisodes/10batrz6onom5szw679dzvbs1v4o15
Dick Morbey
PA-PB 0743
Frieth, Oxon, UK |
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DickMorbey
United Kingdom
3672 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2020 : 17:40:00
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Here is an important COVID-19 update from the MGCC:
This week, a new buzz-phrase was introduced into our vocabulary : the rule of six. Whilst it might sound like the title of a Sherlock Holmes novel or a technique for setting up valves in an engine, it actually turned out to be the Government's latest restrictions in the fight against COVID-19.
So, on advice from UK Government and relevant trade bodies, we are continuing to urge caution regarding events and gatherings. For those advertised by third-parties, you attend at your own risk. It has been made very clear that it is now against the law to gather socially in groups larger than six people, with hefty financial penalties or worse for those who ignore the law.
We had hoped by now, that it would have been possible to restart natters and meets with local centres. Indeed, we had made significant strides to put in place safety guidance for the resumption of club gatherings. But, the latest UK Government advice introducing the 'rule of six' plus new regional lockdowns where deemed necessary has made any relaxation impossible. We have also been made aware that most hospitality venues are wary of hosting gatherings.
So, at this time, we are advising that you attend any advertised events (which must be run by COVID secure professional events organisations) at your own risk. Certain hospitality venues, events companies and other premises have been granted certain permissions to hold organised gatherings. Those that are running events do so with significant burden of responsibility, risk assessments and COVID-safe infrastructure in place, such as track and trace, temperature testing on arrival and sanitising stations.
We will be putting all this infrastructure in place for our 90th anniversary celebratory weekend at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon with the help of the museum venue. So, you can book your weekend packages with confidence, knowing that your safety is our priority.
The latest Government restrictions do mean that our natters and other centre and register events, sadly cannot resume just yet. We believe the burden of responsibility on our volunteers is still too high, as is the risk to health from organising large scale events. Furthermore, Government this week advised us that the penalties for hosting gatherings that break the rules are to be increased both for organisers and attendees. Whilst these are mainly aimed at protests and illegal raves, we wouldn't want any of our volunteers falling foul of the law.
In the meantime, keep in touch via our Podcast, Social Media and your own local WhatsApp groups and Zoom calls. Some centres have managed to organise road runs in small groups (no more than 6) to exercise their MGs. These are a good way to offer your group some activity, but please ensure you organise the run in such a way as to avoid any congregations of people at the start, finish or any stop-over points. Avoid gatherings in car parks or other public spaces. Observe social distancing at all times and follow the law. Also be aware of any local lockdowns in your area.
Dick Morbey
PA-PB 0743
Frieth, Oxon, UK |
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DickMorbey
United Kingdom
3672 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2020 : 17:47:14
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And now this week's news from the MGCC which will strike a chord with any of you who have competed in the California Cup....
On this week's MG Car Club Podcast, we speak to Noel Lindford from the Tyne Tees centre about the art of Auto tests! Noel is Clerk of the Course for the California Cup at MG Live! so explains how he goes about setting the course, how the cup got its name and shares his top tips for Auto test beginners.
Adam and Wayne explore the Kimber House archives and discover the original internal launch documents, briefing the marketing team on the MG RV8. Plus, they discuss the latest leaked model shots from MG Motor - could there be a facelift HS on the way?
Also, news of new products for the club shop.
You can hear the podcast at https://www.mgpodcast.uk/allepisodes/zlwdm897gs780r3nooac1pm1x9a4g1
Dick Morbey
PA-PB 0743
Frieth, Oxon, UK |
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LewPalmer
USA
3208 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2020 : 19:44:20
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I still insist that it would be an excellent idea and a good money maker if the Club would digitize the archives and make them available, much like the A****n 7 club did.
Lew Palmer
PA1169, 2M1281 |
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Simon Johnston
United Kingdom
5984 Posts |
Posted - 12/09/2020 : 20:36:30
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Lew,
If the exercise of digitising the modest collection of photographs that the Register had is anything to go by it would take forever to do the entire chassis file archive!
Simon J
J3437 |
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LewPalmer
USA
3208 Posts |
Posted - 13/09/2020 : 16:32:23
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No, not the chassis files, although that would be good too. I mean all the historic documents, factory drawings, letters, photos, history stuff.
But re the chassis files, it certainly will take forever if no one starts the exercise. What good are the other materials sitting in a vault not accessible to anyone?
Lew Palmer
PA1169, 2M1281 |
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DickMorbey
United Kingdom
3672 Posts |
Posted - 13/09/2020 : 19:44:10
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Lew/all
I have sympathy for Lew's suggestion and frustration. We do know that the MGCC has a pilot project to scan and save all the Factory chassis/service files. The project was scoped pre-Covid-19 and a start was being made on the Vintage Register Factory files when the virus hit. The Triple-M files were next to be dealt with but only after analysis of the experience gained with the Vintage guys.
There is unbdoubtedly a wealth of other material as Lew indicates. Some of it was scanned to microfiche decades ago - not a readily aceessible format and not searcable by modern meand, alas.
The Register has consistently flagged the importance of safeguarding these materials and we will be redoubling our efforts to reinforce that message.
Dick Morbey
PA-PB 0743
Frieth, Oxon, UK |
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