MG EVENTS

2003

Page 4

Southern MG-Rover Event

New Forest Run

SOUTHERN MG-ROVER SHOW, Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum - 25th May 2003

The weather threatened to be quite nice as we circumnavigated the M25 before dipping down the A22 into deepest Sussex. We were heading for the Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum near Lewes for the first Southern MG-Rover Show. Organised jointly by the Rover Performance Club and the MG-Rover.org website the aim was to attract  , not just modern Rovers, but also MG's and classic Rovers. Main organiser Richard Grant met us at the gate and pointed us in the right direction where we parked up next to another F. In fact this was the only other F, nightfire red owned by a couple who had come all the way from Bristol, although a TF did turn up late in the day. As could be expected most of the cars were Rovers generally ranging from the 200 series through to the 800.  

There were a number of MG Z series including a Moto-build ZT car with an eye catching if a little bit garish "Z Power" decal splashed down each side of it. A slightly more subtle ZT sported the X power style logo in black across the back doors. A good eslection of five Rover 200 BRM specials turned up, four with the usual orange grimace and one with a silver "mouth". All were in excellent condition and obviously well cared for. Unfortunately, and perhaps due to  late announcement of the event, only one classic Rover turned up in the form of a black P5.

Whilst the morning was fine weather wise we were saddled with a few showers at lunchtime and early afternoon. Heavy enough to get the hood up which proved to be a slight problem for JayPeG as, by then, I'd realised that the keys were safely locked away in the boot in my jacket pocket. Thanks to the friendly couple from Bristol who leant us a tonneau cover saving JayPeG from a wet inside ! More on the lockout in the diary.

Bentley itself is a decent venue with the showfield right in the middle of the property encouraging visitors to look at the cars. There is a small country house to look around as well as plenty of Wild Fowls in a large fenced area a short walk away. Bentley has also developed a small motor museum with a lot of cars squeezed into a small space. The picture Shows an MG T series nestled against a childs scooter and pedal race car. You can spot Clive Sinclairs precarious looking C5 and his follow up failure - the electric bike alongside some impressive vintage machinery from around the world. A De Lorean attracted attention thanks to the Back to the Future Films but sadly no time machine was found in it.

It'll be interesting to see if Richard is brave enough to organise another Southern MG Rover day next year, if so then earlier notice may attract more of the classic MG and Rover clubs to join the modern saloons. An enjoyable day nonetheless.

The question as always was the weather. Last year's New Forest run was hit by a day long deluge of biblical proportions but would it get a reprieve this year. The few days prior to the run the sun was shining , white knees were exposed to the rare rays and faces were glowing red. Surely this would be a fine day. Sadly the powers that be had other plans for no sooner had we arrived at Milford on Sea under grey skies, but in topless mode, than the first drops of rain appeared from the mist enshrouded Isle of Wight. Not to be too disheartened the MG umbrellas were unfurled and hoods hurriedly replaced as the skies continued to deposit their morning showers. It was not looking hopeful but the Southampton MGOC put on a brave face and began to wave the union jack as the first cars splashed their way through the start. We collected our specially labelled MGOC tuna rolls and penguin biscuits ready for lunch at the Owl Sanctuary along with the comprehensive route book. Having studied the instructions we too paddled to the start and set off along the coast road for the Forest itself.

The first part of the run was a lengthy 54 miles that took us right up to the northern part of the New Forest over a route considerably different from last year, which was a remarkable feat of planning  in such a small area. The route was scenic and we stopped at several places to admire the views and take some photos with the ever present ponies. Happily after half an hour or so it actually stopped raining as well so we tentatively lowered the hood for the rest of the run. Luckily the rain had not brought the cold with it so it turned in to a pleasant run after all, a vast improvement over last year despite the unpromising start.

We pulled in to the owl sanctuary to join the other MG's in a field set aside for us to find a huge amount of cars already in place, I'm sure this many didn't leave in front of us !. By far the largest contingent were the B's again followed by a reasonable representation by the F/TF's.  MGA';s were in notably short supply  but there was a healthy pre 1954 showing of earlier types. 

The Owl sanctuary were the beneficiaries of this years run and at the end of the day they received a cheque for over £3000. If you are passing the New Forest it is well worth calling in to see the large variety of owls and other birds and wildlife being looked after here and to catch the "flying" display if possible. The one we saw was notable for a female Harris Hawk attacking the male, Jock, and knocking him off his perch causing ruffled feathers all round and a refusal to co operate from the embarrassed Jock. Highlight was the "useless" owl called Paxo who doesn't actually fly and "would be better off stuffed" ! He amused the crowd with his strange waddle and his experience of "magic" mushrooms provided a great anecdote. 

We set off again for the shorter drive back through the Forest to the coast at Christchurch where we drove on to the quayside park. There were some traders set up here selling MG bits, Autoglym, Mike Rollls and some leather jackets along with the Southampton MGOC handing out the finishing plaques. A display of MG's through the ages with most types represented were also awaiting our perusal. Awards were handed out to car of the day, furthest traveled, treasure hunt winner etc, a comprehensive raffle was drawn and the cheque handed over to the Owl sanctuary, who had also brought some more Owls down to Christchurch in their "Owlbulance".

This was a very well organised and marshalled event with a gorgeous route and points of interest at start, midway point and Finish. I couldn't help but compare it to the recent Regency Run which was a much more expensive event and was found wanting - I think the combined main clubs should maybe take on the Southampton MGOC as consultants for their next event !