Hi Fellow MGers

On a cold, dark Saturday night what better way to spend it than on a ghost tour of the old Adelaide Gaol. A small band of brave Club members were given a most excellent ghost tour by Club Member, Sue Polkinghorne, ably assisted by her husband Roger “Igor” who was Keeper of the Keys. Sue has been guiding in the Gaol for over 10 years and her knowledge of past events set the scene for a very scary torch light tour. Having the tour conducted by torch light certainly added to the atmosphere – the dark shadows created by the high walls made our imagination go into overdrive – was that someone or something moving in the shadows – get the picture? Thanks Sue, you will be pleased to know that my nightmares have now subsided!!!

The Friday night before the Ghost Tour, a very successful Wine Tasting was held at the Clubrooms. Empire Liquor conducting the tasting and it proved to be quite profitable for them as over $2,000 in orders were taken. My thanks go to all the Club members who attended with special thanks to Peter Both and his daughter for organising the event and Cheryl Neild for organising the cheese and fruit platters which complimented the wines perfectly.

Overseas Publicity

In the May issue of Safety Fast and in the June issues of both the MG Enthusiast and Safety Fast our Club has been featured. In the May edition of Safety Fast there is a great article sent in by Barry Bahnisch with photos by Fay Underwood, on our involvement in the All British Day.

Paul Plummer, MG Car Club Overseas Director, has written about his experiences at our National Meeting in the Safety Fast Magazine.

Paul obviously enjoyed his visit to Australia and New Zealand.

The MG Enthusiast Magazine, the world’s best selling MG Magazine, has given our Club a fantastic feature article. According to Curly it is one of the few and the best single car club coverage he has ever read in all the years he has been subscribing to the Magazine. The article and photos were submitted by our very own Richard Mixture with some minor photographic assistance by Ian Hobbs. The piece is five full pages of writing and photos and is titled “All British in Adelaide” and covers our Club being the feature marque of the 2010 All British Day. So it is a very big thankyou to Richard and Ian.

News From Your Committee

At the June Committee Meeting it was agreed that a working party be set up to look into an upgrade to our Bar and kitchen area. Over the past six months greater use has been made of Club facilities particularly in providing food at various social activities. The need for more preparation space together with food heating and more appropriate glass cleaning that complies with food preparation guidelines has become more apparent. It is felt that better use of the space to include an oven and a dish washer is overdue.

Discussions with Club members have already resulted in possible solutions to provide greater bench and cupboard space. We hope that any upgrade will be done cost effectively by using in-house expertise and assistance. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to contact a Committee Member and let them know.

Now that winter has finally arrived don’t forget that MG’s love running in all type of weather.

Cheers

Wayne 

Fellow MGers

Autumn is such a lovely time of the year to be touring through our beautiful Adelaide Hills area. Thanks to the organisational efforts of Di and David the May lunch run was held in perfect weather. The run took us from Crafers through to Tea Tree Gully via Woodside and Lenswood and seeing the leaves on the trees turning all shades of yellow, red and gold before winter sets in was wonderful.

Ambassador Buckley

Long time Club member and Past President Ian Buckley has left on an extended overseas trip. During his visit to the UK he is staying for part of the time with Paul Plummer, MG Car Club Overseas Director. Paul stayed with Ian when visiting for our National Meeting.

Ian has been given a prestigious invitation to the special opening of the John Thornley Suite at Kimber House on 11 June 2010. Attending the ceremony will be Peter Thornley, John’s son as well as surviving personalities from the heady MG days and the BMC Competitions Department. Ian will be an excellent representative of our Club at the Opening.

A Very Special Kimber Run

On the weekend of 16th and 17th of October this year a special world wide MG Car Club event is to be staged to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the MG Car Club in the UK.  

Paul Plummer, Overseas Director, MG Car Club’s is seeking the cooperation of all MG Car Clubs. He is hoping that they can stage an event on either of those dates and forward a digital movie or photographs to the UK so that we can all participate in a virtual party. It is intended to start in clubs from New Zealand then to Australia and so on around the globe to America.

Mike Greenwood has very kindly offered to run a Very Special Kimber Run as our contribution to the event. So pencil in the 17th of October 2010 on your calendar as a date and run not to be missed. We need as many MG’s as possible. We are planning to have the run down to the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The Young Ones

It is great to see some of our youngest members participating in car related activities. It must have been such a thrill for Cara Pearson when she read the article on her fabulous FE Holden in the May edition of Australian Classic Car. The multi page colour spread on her school project to restore the Holden is an excellent read and I urge to all to go out and buy, beg, borrow or pinch a copy of the magazine. I’m sure the proud parents/grand parents will have multiple copies.

The other young member who has impressed me is Scott Stephenson. With the support and encouragement of mum Karen and dad Murray this 14 year old is learning car skills the best way possible, on the track. By the time Scott is eligible for a road license he will be a very accomplished driver. Full marks to Karen and Murray.

News From Your Committee

We have finally had Council approval to carry out the alterations to the back wall of the Clubrooms. The builder is keen to get started and the first part of the process will be a stud wall, built on the inside of the room, this provides security until the doors are built and installed. After the doors are in place the Outback Veranda will be constructed. Things will be a little messy for a while so please be patient.

Bids have rolled in for the Pool Table and by the time you read this article it should be with the new owners. Refurbishment of the Brigid McGuire Room will then go ahead.

There has been a small cabinet reshuffle since last month and Ian Curwen-Walker has been appointed as the Official MG Car Club delegate on the CAMS State Council. Harry Dickson has taken over the role of Chief Librarian so if there are any motoring titles you think should be in the Library please talk to Harry. 

I hope everyone has found time in their busy life to enjoy some of the events which have either been held or are going to be held by the Club. Get out there and enjoy those beautiful MG’s.

Cheers

Wayne 

PRESIDENTS REPORT

For May 2010
From.. Wayne Hough.

Hi Fellow MGers

Newest Life Members

There is no greater honour, as a member of our great MG Club, than to be awarded Life Membership. At the AGM, two stalwarts of the club were given that honour. Arthur Ruediger and Mike Greenwood were rewarded for their years of outstanding service to the Club.

I was given the privilege of presenting both Arthur and Mike with their Life Membership badges. I consider this to be the great highlight of my period so far as President. Late last year I received submissions recommending that both Mike and Arthur be considered for Life Membership. Under the terms of the Club Constitution a Special Life Membership Committee was formed to consider both recommendations. I was delighted when the Committee agreed that both candidates were excellent recipients worthy of the honour of Life Membership.

Arthur and Mike join a very prestigious group of Life Members of our Club and on behalf of the Club I congratulate them on receiving this great honour.

The new 2010 Executive Committee

At the AGM the new Executive Committee for the coming year was installed. It was pleasing for me personally to have new members coming on to the Committee to help those of us who have been serving for a number of years. The new members, Mary Thomas, Alan Cardnell and Harry Dixon will be able to bring their own perspective and ideas to the Committee room.

As happens in the political sphere sometimes, a long serving member of the Committee lost out in a contest for the position of Secretary of Registers. Ian Curwen-Walker (Curly) was beaten by Tim Edmonds for the contested position. It is very difficult when two very worthy candidates nominate for the same position. Curly certainly will not be left without any tasks; he was recently re-elected as the T Register Secretary, is our current CAMS representative and is also one of our two Club Delegates for the National Meeting Delegates conference. I congratulate Tim on winning the position and I look forward to working with him again this coming year, as he develops the role of Secretary of Registers.

National Meeting 2010 – Adelaide.

By the time you all read my ramblings, the 2010 Annual National Meeting of MG Car Clubs of Australia will be done and dusted. Many of the hard working organising Committee and volunteers will probably need the next 3 months to recover.

Hosting an event of this magnitude has been a mammoth task over the last two years. It is a credit to the quality of our members that the Club has been able to bring such an event as this to a hugely successful conclusion. The whole event came in on budget with a full programme of both competition and social to satisfy all who attended.

As President of the host Club I was very proud of what Tim and his organising committee achieved.

Motorkhana – Moto Bene

Geraldine and I attended our first Motorkhana as competitors in the lead up to the National Meeting. The event was held in the carpark at the Big W distribution centre, Monarto. It turned out to be one of the best fun days you can have in an MG. We were sharing our MGF and it proved to be the ideal MG for us; it was light, nimble and quick enough for our very basic skill level.

Two of the tests were those that will be used at the National Meeting so it was good to get in some practice. By the time we started, light rain made the surface like a giant skidpan. Not a good time to put the right boot in as many of the young bloods found out. It reminded me of the old joke about the young Bull and the old Bull. Spins and near spins add a huge number of seconds to times. Those of us who took a more cautious approach had better times. The wet surface was however great fun and you could hang the rear out like Clarkson and company from Top Gear.

It’s a big thankyou to Cara Pearson who, when I asked her for the good oil on the “Atom” test, gave such a clear and precise explanation that it all made sense to an “old fart” like me. 

You will be pleased to know that our new Tag timing gear worked excellently. I would like to acknowledge the young lads who assisted with the timing. Their knowledge and the ease with which they used the computer based timing system was very much appreciated.

So folks remember to add participating in Motorkhanas to your “Bucket List”. Don’t leave it too late.

Let’s get out there and have fun.

Cheers   Wayne 

PRESIDENTS REPORT
From.. Wayne Hough.

Hi Fellow MGers

I cannot believe that almost a year has gone by of my two-year term as President. There is an old Chinese curse “May you always live in interesting times” and that  certainly applies to my first year. Of mistakes, there have been some clangers but like any old dog I hope to keep learning new tricks and not upsetting too many Members in the process.

The AGM is almost upon us and as is the rule, all Committee positions except President will be declared vacant. I am very pleased with the response shown by current Committee members and other Club members in nominating for the vacant positions. Some of the current Committee have nominated for a change in roles.

Fred Neild has nominated as the Motorsport Secretary. Fred has first hand experience in many Motorsport disciplines, which would stand him in good stead in the role.

Bev Waters has nominated for Assistant Motorsport Secretary and her vast knowledge of the Club and Motorsport in particular would ensure that the coming year is a good one for motorsport.
Mike Greenwood has nominated for the Assistant Secretary role and I am sure that he would put his legendary efforts into the role.

Alan Cardnell, a member for many years, has nominated for one of the three General Committee positions. It is great to see that there are general members willing to step up and have a go. Alan also has a rich history in Motorsport, at the sharp end. He campaigned an open wheeler race car at Mallala for many years.

Harry Dickson, a member since 2008, has also nominated for a General Committee position. Harry is in the local Constabulary so the Force would be with us. Harry is an active member of what I refer to as the “F Troop”, a great bunch who are very devoted to their modern MG’s. His perspective would be a valuable addition to the Committee.
One of our newest members, just this year, Mary Thomas, has bravely nominated for the role of Social Secretary. Even though Mary has only been with us a short time she has been on a number of social events so it is great that she thinks enough of us all to help out in this way. Mary only recently moved from the UK, via a short stay in Tasmania, to Adelaide. Mary’s daily driver is the lovely Austin Healey that some of you may have seen around the Club but we will forgive her this minor transgression, as at present she also owns a MGC GT.

Stepping down from the Committee this year are Laurie Foody, Don Walker and Tim Edmonds and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their contribution over the past year. Tim has been given the role of Eligibility Officer for the MGF racing series, which is a tribute to his expertise in the field of Motorsport management. In his “spare time” Tim is still the Chairman of the 2010 National Meeting.

TOOLTIME
Every now and then I come across a new tool that I am sure has been sent by the Gods.
I refer to my latest find (not on eBay), a vacuum brake bleeder.
Leyland George put me on to these devices after I sought his help because I had stuffed up replacing the clutch slave cylinder on our MGF. I allowed so much air into the main line, whilst looking for other size spanners, that it was impossible to bleed the system. Leyland warned me that the old method of pumping the pedal and going right to the floor can do a lot of damage to the internal rubber seals if you have not replaced or refurbished the cylinders. The excessive travel of the piston causes the corrosion to damage the seals.
Off I went to my local auto parts store. Because they could not supply one that day, the boss loaned me his to try. It was amazing; in less than 10 minutes the clutch was bled. No mess, no yelling at the apprentice (the only time I get away with talking back to “she who must be obeyed”) and no damage to the internal seals.

So as they used to say in the comedy show Tooltime, Leyland George “We salute you”.

That’s about all for now. The Magazine Editor is on my case to get this report to him before the closing date, so you see, even the President cannot hold up the Presses.

Cheers

Wayne

Hi Fellow MGers

The long weekend in October certainly saw our members spread far and wide over Australia in MG related activities. Beechworth attracted those of the Pre-war brigade, the Weekender saw members heading off to the Riverland and locally the Lobethal Grand Carnival was very well supported by the Club. It would have been a bit better for all if the weather had been kinder.

My long weekend was involved in Lobethal and the Historic Hillclimb at Collingrove. Before I go on any further I would like to give a big thankyou to that hardy band of MG Club track marshals who volunteered at Lobethal. Without their generous support, events such as this would not be possible. My highlight at Lobethal and Collingrove was meeting and speaking with Allan Tomlinson, who at the age of 93, related his AGP winning experience at Lobethal in 1939 with amazing detail. At Collingrove I had Allan sign my engine bonnet and he was highly amused when I told him I would mount it above the fireplace in our lounge. It was great to meet with a true Australian MG hero.

Gone in 60 Seconds

On the Monday of the long weekend the Sporting Car Club held its annual Vintage Hillclimb. This was my first competition event and it was a blast. Our TC performed like a real racer. On my first run I managed to get just under 60 seconds, which caused a problem for me as this was my target for the whole day. How was I going to better this time? To go up the hill any quicker meant trying to improve on the corners etc. but in a run of less than 60 seconds things happen very quickly. I tried my hardest to keep the boot in over the first crest but every time I could feel myself backing off. Then it is into the big dipper and around the sweeping right-hander. It was like being on a roller coaster. Must admit I braked before the sweeper. After that and near the top the bends come on you really fast. I never thought I would be driving the TC so fast that I had to brace my right leg against the bodywork in very fast left hand bends. Finally it is foot flat to the floor for the run to the finish line. Then, by the way, you remember that you haven’t taken a breath. What a rush. My fastest run was 56.93 seconds.   

No sooner does one event finish than another is heading our way. By the time you read this we will have celebrated the 60th birthday of MG TD’s and on Sunday 8th November our flagship event, the Annual Kimber Run will be held. The run attracts the greatest number of MG’s of any event and thanks to the efforts of Mike Greenwood and his band of willing helpers is always an excellent social day.

National Meeting News

The National Meeting organising committee is hard at work ensuring that a very successful event will result. On the fund raising side we have already received a large sponsorship donation from Shanons and a couple of our members have been very generous. A Club member, at his own expense, donated 50 MG belt buckles, with all sale proceeds going to the National meeting. With his contacts, Secretary Arthur has already raised over $800, which is a fantastic result.

I would like to remind you all that a raffle is currently running and tickets are on sale at our monthly general meeting, with all proceeds going to the National meeting.

News from the

Executive

Committee

After much discussion the Executive Committee has come to the conclusion that because of our sound financial position, the surplus funds for the year, instead of being added to our term deposit, would be better spent for the benefit of you, our members. To this end we have recently purchased new Tag Heuer timing equipment for our own Motorsport use and to hire to other car Clubs.

We are also considering improvements to the Clubrooms. One improvement currently being investigated by a small sub-committee is having a set of folding doors across the back wall of the Clubroom with a Stratco outdoor veranda extending a small distance out. The veranda would then have clear bistro blinds and would allow for a wide variety of uses, eg Tech night shows featuring an MG which could be parked under cover, outdoor suppers in warmer weather and a larger Clubroom space for other uses.

I would like to congratulate “Dad’s Army” for the excellent work carried out cleaning up the rubbish around the grounds and other “hidden” places. 

Cheers  Wayne

PRESIDENT’S REPORT FOR OCTOBER

Hi Fellow MG’ers

The weather is slowly warming up for Spring and the calendar of events that members can participate in is hotting up. It will certainly be a very busy time leading up to Christmas. The major event in 2010, which will be on us before we know it, is the 2010 MG National Meeting in early April. The organising committee is hard at work on the incredible number of items that have to be taken care of in order to stage such an important event. Our fellow enthusiasts from interstate and overseas are showing great interest. There is a large contingent of T Types coming over from Western Australia. However, participation of our Club members will be critical to the success of National Meeting. The program being staged has such a wide variety of events that I am sure that you will find many in which you will want to be a participant. Just remember that Treasurer Geraldine is still running the Lay-by scheme for saving towards the cost of registration.

Gawler Boys Do Good

I was absolutely delighted to hear that our fellow MG Club member, Rodney Gibb has been voted in as the President of that other great car club, The Sporting Car Club of SA. What was most pleasing for me is the fact that Rodney and I are old Gawler boys. We attended Gawler High and in the mid sixties we hooned around Gawler in his hot Mini. I certainly wish Rodney all the best for his Presidency and look forward an era of continuing friendly interaction between our Clubs.

Club Treasurer

At the September Committee meeting Geraldine Hough was endorsed as the Club Treasurer for the rest of the Club year.
In other Committee business approval has been given for the purchase of two sets of TAG Heuer timing units. The units will be able to be used at a variety of speed events conducted by our Motorsport Group, with the added benefit that they could be hired to other Car clubs thereby helping to recoup the purchase cost. 
The Committee also approved the 2010 National Meeting budget. The organising Committee has done an excellent job in balancing the costs involved without having to delete any of the programmed events.

Broadband Internet Access

Thanks to the efforts of Club members, Russell Garth of Computer Trouble Shooters and Eric Erickson at Internode, the Club now has Broadband access. Russell generously donated hardware and his considerable computing skills to get us up and running. Secretary Arthur has had to deal with an increasing volume of email traffic, which was becoming impossible using the old dial-up method.
A computer, with broadband access, has been installed in the main meeting area and is for the use of all members. It is also linked to the big screen and can be used on Tech Nights etc to show the incredible amount of data on all MG’s on the Internet.
There are, however, a few basic rules eg loading of software programs on this unit and the accessing adult sites is strictly forbidden.

Petrol-head Heaven

In early September the MSCA conducted a “Come & Try” day at Mallala. They were expecting about 30 entrants but were very pleased when 93 signed up. The 93 included Geraldine and me. It was one of the best fun days we have enjoyed. It was both terrifying and exhilarating. The Sunday morning dawned wet and cold and I stomped around the house giving anyone who would listen my coloured view on the rain. However, by the time we neared Mallala the sun was out and I could go back to panicking about my impending intro to the Mallala track. Neither Geraldine nor I have ever travelled at speed on a racing circuit. I was driving our MGA and Geraldine was in her hot automatic Barina. We both passed scrutineering thanks to advice given by Leyland George. Leyland has an encyclopaedic knowledge of what is required.
 
Scrutineering over, drivers briefing over, it was then out on to the track with an instructor. Laurie Houghton went with Geraldine and I had Chris Bucknell. Chris and I were going great guns until lap two, corner 3, the MGA gave out three incredibly loud backfires and then the engine died. My “incredible pace” and cornering “g forces” caused the distributor to decide to almost leave the engine. We rolled to an inglorious stop just off the track and I then had to watch while Geraldine and Laurie roared past for two more laps.

Back in the pits Laurie and Chris had the “A” back mobile in no time. It was very pleasing to see the great cooperation and friendly help offered and given when you are in trouble.

I then had an opportunity to have Laurie as a driving instructor and what a ride that turned out to be. Laurie’s instruction was to brake only when he said so. Approaching the corners the three markers disappeared behind and only when the corner started to bend did I hear those magic words “BRAKE HEAVY NOWWWW!!!”. What a blast. Laurie is such an excellent instructor that his confidence gave both Geraldine and I the courage to test our very basic skills to our limits. The highlight of Geraldine’s day was a series of hot laps as a passenger with Laurie in his race prepared MGB V8. 

The Come & Try day is the perfect introduction to track sprinting and the Club members that took advantage thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The MSCA is planning more as a result of the large amount of interest shown in this event and I urge any of you who might like to try it, to give it a go.

Cheers

Wayne