It was sad to hear the news, on returning from the MG Challenge, of the sudden death of Phil Bradey. The whole of the MG community join us in passing on our sincere condolences to Phil’s family at this very trying time. Phil was well known both here, interstate and overseas. Geraldine and I will always remember the fantastic ride in the K3 at the 2009 Kimber Run with Phil at the wheel passing every MG he came across.

A CHALLENGING CHALLENGE

Some of you would have heard that we had car trouble at this year’s MG Challenge in Melbourne. I managed to burn out the clutch on our tow car getting to Rob Roy Hillclimb. I was stuck on the side of a cliff not being able move and holding up the Hillclimb traffic.

Hearing of the predicament the Victorian MG boys leaped into action. In no time at all Mike Herlihy, Victorian President, had a large recovery truck organised which towed us into the car park.

At the end of the Hillclimb they had organised for the tow truck to take both car and trailer back to our accommodation. At the dinner that night Doug Hastie, on hearing of our plight, was on the phone and had arranged for Ray Skewes, the Pre-war MG wizard, to replace the clutch at his MG workshop at Bulleen.

It turned out that the only heavy duty clutch available in Australia was in Adelaide so eventually Ray was able to complete the job. Ray’s workshop was an Aladdin’s cave of fabulous pre-war and T Type MG’s.

Bob King and Laine had trouble all weekend with the borrowed car trailer from hell. It was a toss up which of us would be able to leave Melbourne first. Bob eventually had to leave the trailer at Nhill on their return journey as it continued to try and dispose of its axles and springs. Thanks to Bob and Laine our extended stay at Eltham was made much more fun.

The assistance and support of the members of the MG Car Club of Victoria was absolutely fantastic. It certainly brought home to me what being in the MG family is all about.

The Saturday super sprint at Sandown was incredible. It was a sunny day and as I became more familiar with the track the thrill of putting the boot in and tearing down the long straits was sprint heaven.

By the way, Geraldine was able to while away the extra days in Melbourne by indulging in a bit of retail therapy. It seemed to work for her.

Please be aware that there may be some wild stories getting around about an incident in Ying’s Chinese Restaurant, Eltham, which involved me, Phyllis( the owner) and a herbal tea bag. Rest assured that I was completely innocent.

Around the Clubroom

At the June Committee meeting the Committee approved the addition of a large flat screen TV and recorder for use in the main club room. It was felt that a more user friendly system was needed with the existing drop down screen system used mainly for computer based presentations.

Work on the remodelling of the bar area will be starting shortly and hopefully it will not cause too much disruption. The bar will continue to operate no matter what.

Hidden Talents

 Every now and then you come across a Club member with hidden talents. A recent MGA Register meeting was held at the home of Karen and Lindsay Caffin. Lindsay has created a micro brewery and produces two of the most tasty German style beers which he serves on tap.

The brewery has all the bells and whistles that one would see at a boutique brew house located in some restaurants around town. Lindsay takes great care in the production of his beer and it comes through in the superb taste of the end product. Many of us thought it was a pity we drove to the meeting.

Cheers for now

Wayne