MG Manawatu

 The Future of the MG Manawatu Group

2010 has seen quite a few changes happening within the group and in particular to the small team that has for several years “driven” the group to where it is now. It is important that the group considers these changes early so that there is plenty of time to discuss amongst yourselves what will be needed to do prior to the end of the year so that the group is ready to continue in 2011.

Many of you will know that earlier this year Gay, for various reasons, relinquished her position as one of the guardians and organisers of the group. Ross’s sudden and sad passing recently has now left me as the sole remaining guardian for the group and even though the group has a very simple structure there is much more work that goes on in the background than you might imagine. Certainly too much for one person!

However, a decision that I had made much earlier this year was to also step down at the end of the year from being an organiser and guardian of the group. After ten successful years it is now time for a change and for some new people to come forward and take over the reins and continue the group’s heritage on as an MG Enthusiasts Group.

Many of you will already know that I have heavily increased work commitments, along with family commitments that I must now give priority to. Aside from MG, I am active in other hobbies and interests and I’m looking forward to having some extra time to expand on these.

It is my intention (if the group wants to retain the MG Manawatu website for 2011) to continue being only the webmaster – i.e. any information forwarded to me will be updated to the website and no doubt I will be at some of the runs!

So it is now time for you all to consider if you would like to form and be part of an all new team that continues the group on next year. Ideally another small team of perhaps three members, but two could also manage it. What’s involved?

Collecting annual contributions on time, banking, little bit of book keeping etc…

Maintaining an up to date register of who’s who and what’s what etc…

Dealing with any correspondence etc the group may receive, monthly emailing and posting run information to all members along with liaising on any other information.

Working together when needed for organising of bigger events, scheduling and running planning meetings etc, etc…

Not a big job if split amongst a few people.

Obviously anyone who would like to volunteer now would be welcome and particularly someone needs to put their hand up to plan a venue and date for January next year to hold a planning meeting to “elect” new guardians and plan next year’s runs etc. Alec and Betty have very kindly offered to help organise this year’s Christmas function – please contact them if you would like to help with this also.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of you that have supported what I have done and what we have all achieved within the group over the years, and I’m sure, with the solid membership base and the large number of active members the group has that some new faces to carry the group on positively shouldn’t be too difficult.

Thanks

Dom

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Enjoy a classic run over to the fabulous Hawkes Bay! Des has been very busy and mapped out an interesting run over the Gentle Annie Road (35km’s gravel) to Napier.

A visit to the Beacham Jaguar (http://www.beacham-jaguar.co.nz) premises has also been arranged on Sunday morning.

This run coincides with the world wide MG 80 celebrations (www.mgcc.co.uk/mg80.html) with MG clubs across the world celebrating 80 years of the MG Car Club and other MG groups are likely to be in Hawkes Bay this weekend.

Book your accommodation now (details below) – it will be in demand!

Full details of this event can be found here: Hawkes Bay Overnighter Oct 2010

 

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Read all about it! The latest news is MG Manawatu’s next outing is the Breakfast Run on Sunday September 19th 2010.

Please make sure you reply to Liz and Neil Morris as per the flyer if you are attending.

Full details of this event can be found here: Breakfast Run Sept 2010 Read carefully!

 

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A new law will come into effect on 1 November 2010 that will better protect your personal information on the Motor Vehicle Register.

Follow this link to the NZ Transport Agency for more information about this: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicle/registration-licensing/information-law-changes.html

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Run report by Kath Morse…….

The Ruahine Views Run began at Pollen St in Woodville in drizzly weather conditions. In total there were 9 MG’s, 2 Triumphs and 1 Jaguar. We agreed to go on the gravel roads, and accept a bit of mud and slush, but were assured that, regardless the roads were pretty good.

Before setting off, we acknowledged the loss of Ross Fallaver and stood in silence for one minute. We all felt the need to recognize the work that Ross has done for the MG Manawatu group and that his passing came as a shock to us all.

The leaders, Sue and Hugh, took us northwards along the foothills of the Ruahines over wonderful scenic roads with long stretches in which drivers could test their skills.

The views today were unfortunately minimal and road surfaces often mucky from mud, tractor and stock droppings, but it was all part of the fun and we were all in good cheer as we arrived at Norsewood for a comfort stop.

When we re- grouped, it was still raining, and then we drove on onto the Ashley Clinton road and down the narrow Wilson Cutting with lots of mud and gravel, but there were no mishaps and it was interesting to witness the mud swishing out from the wire wheels of the car in front.

Lunch was at Waipawa and thanks to Sue Mc Connon, we were able to eat our lunch in the dry at her cousin’s garage. It must have looked somewhat amusing to see all of us with our picnic chairs placed in somebody’s garage. Rob Crowley thought so, as he took the photos.

After that we drove over the back roads to Dannevirke where we stopped for the usual end of run obligatory afternoon tea at tearooms with lots of chatter and general catch ups.

This trip would be a great trip to do again on a summer’s day when we could see all the views and enjoy the scenery better, but we still appreciated the great organization, good company, plenty of good cheer and many thanks to Hugh and Sue Bowles for the planning and organizing of this Ruahine Run. We’ll do it again sometime!

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Hi everyone, I’ve opened a page here where you are most welcome to leave a comment about Ross and for his family at this sad time. Ross had a very fitting farewell today and his casket being painted blue and bearing the “MG511″ plates  reflected how much he enjoyed his MG. It was great so many of the group were at the funeral along with their cars also.

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As you will all be aware a special general meeting was held on Tuesday 27th July at 7.00pm to discuss the affiliaton/association offer from the MG Car Club (Wellington Centre) and to also make a firm decision on this subject that has been ongoing for a considerable amount of time.

The meeting got underway on time with, as usual, a good turnout of members – with some making the effort to travel a considerable distance to be there. The group agreed that Ross was to chair the meeting and several apologies that included references to what the groups future direction should be were read and noted. 

The meeting was now open for general discussion. The two original affiliation offers were discussed and a third proposal from the MGCC was tabled – this offer was for the entire group to associate rather than on an individual basis. It was a very low cost offer and would have provided similar advantages to the original offers including use of MG logos, ability to participate in other official MGCC events etc. Once again this provided plenty of lively debate over these ideas both for and against. Ross then summed up his perspective including some legal advice over the issue of association.

It was now time for a vote to be cast – one vote per membership attending – with Bryan Bull as the scrutineer. The outcome was 85% not to associate with just 15% voting yes. The decision has now been firmly made by the majority of the group attending that MG Manawatu is to remain a unique individual identity and in no way is associated with any official MG organisation.

Of course the option for any individual to join an official MG Car Club remains.

Ross has now been asked to prepare when ready, an official response to the MGCC (Wellington Centre) with the group’s decision to their association offer they have made to us and it will be interesting to hear their response in due course.

As usual, you’re invited to comment about any posting on this website….

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Our short trip to Feilding from Palmerston North gave us a view of the Feilding steam locomotive getting all hot and bothered before heading off. It was, as normal, according to Trev another typically fine and sunny day in friendly Feilding as the MG Manawatu faithful gathered in West Street for our day at the winter series motor racing at the Manfeild motor racing circuit. We had 14 cars at the circuit including mainly B’s plus a MG TF, a Metro and Des’s Jaguar XJS. Tod also arrived with his car now boasting a Toyota supercharger conversion – see picture in gallery.

Trev’s itinerary for the day saw us taking a short country drive along some nice undulating roads around the back of Feilding before we all arrived at Manfeild. Dom had very kindly arranged the use of Toyota NZ’s corporate hospitality suite for our group for the day and it wasn’t long before everyone was settled in with a coffee or tea and were watching the first races of the day. There were various fields of cars ranging from not so fast to very fast, modern to old and plenty of close racing action – too close sometimes and some panelbeaters will have a busy week ahead!

At the lunch break we got the opportunity to take our MG’s out onto the track for a couple of laps ourselves before taking passengers (who paid $5.00 each donation to Camp Quality) for a run around the circuit. We got to drive both the long and short circuits of the track completing six laps at quite a good pace. I think for anyone who hasn’t driven around the circuit it was a great buzz and it also gave a very good appreciation of how tight and tricky some of the corners actually are – made the next races more interesting understanding the tricky parts of the circuit.

After our track drive everyone settled in for lunch on our first floor balcony and enjoyed the next races over lunch and a chat – I never new Manfeild could be so pleasant on a winters day! After lunch more racing action, a walk around the pit areas and for those tired of motor racing a scrabble challenge was launched with Carolyn taking the lead I believe.

As the afternoon wore on our members slowly drifted home after yet another successful day out. Our thanks to Toyota New Zealand who kindly agreed to let us use their great hospitality suite and to Trev for co-ordinating the days activities!

As usual, feel free to comment if you wish – it’s your site to use, nice to know who is visiting it and using it.

Thanks, Dom.

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The elegant Wharerata homestead built in 1901 was the venue for our 10th birthday celebration dinner. After a typically fine, sunny and warm Manawatu day guests began to arrive from 5.30pm onwards. Jennette and Carolyn welcomed everyone in with a birthday card each featuring either an MGB or T type before moving on to the snug and bar area for pre dinner drinks and a chat. We had 47 of our group assembled for dinner this evening.

It appeared to take some people a bit of time to recognise each other as jackets and ties are not the normal attire for most of our events. Indeed, some jackets had not been worn for quite some time as the date from paperwork contained in the pockets gave clues as to the last time and event they were worn at! However every one looked very dapper and smart and the outfits matched the venue very nicely. Even Morris Gordon Bear appeared in a black tie dinner suit, thanks to Carolyn I suspect. Well done everyone!

At 7pm a sumptuous buffet dinner was served in the Russell Room – Roast pork, Moroccan style chicken, various dishes of vegetables, fruit salad, ice cream and a yummy apple and berry pie. I think everyone who attended would agree the food and service from the Wharerata team was excellent! Everyone had a souvenir MG Manawatu placemat at their table place and each one along with a cartoon had a multi choice quiz question relating to the history of MG over its entire span to date from Cecil Kimber and Old No. 1 right up to the newly released MG6 model. This brought about much discussion about what was the correct answer and was an interesting “lesson” in MG history.

After the dinner it was time for the “formal” part of our evening – after reading several apologies, Ross gave a very good speech tracing the origins of the group, what we’ve all seen and done so far and recognising the people who started it all and those who have actively maintained and promoted the group over the ten years. There was also an opportunity for anyone else who wanted to speak to do so and several people said some very kind words about the group – thank you.

It was now time for the quiz – Jennette drew a “lucky”  number and whoever had that question number then got the opportunity to answer it, and, if successful could then come up and choose one of 10 prizes that Dom had arranged as sponsorship of our group. Not everyone was lucky (and wanted to phone a friend!) and quite a few of the 50 questions were called before all 10 prizes were won. Our thanks to Manawatu Toyota, Century Yuasa Batteries, Wurth NZ Ltd, Autoglym and also local artist Paul MacNeil who is going to paint & frame an original picture of one of our cars – won by Robyn! The quiz was a lot of fun and provided many laughs and entertainment. Of course you’ll all know the answers now so future quizzes will be much easier!

The lucky numbers were then returned to the bin and one new number was drawn which belonged to Tim Scott who was invited to come forward and cut the MG cake on behalf of the group. He was happy to preside over this event and so the two Scott’s in the group did the honours while a slightly intoxicated Morris Gordon Bear looked on.

It was now time for tea & coffee and a piece of MG cake along with a lot of discussion about what a great night it had been and a very fitting way to mark this milestone. Carolyn had also brought along her many photo albums documenting all the amazing places we have visited and the fun we’ve all enjoyed in the last 10 years – many of you had a good look through them, very interesting.

Full marks to everyone involved – the organisers, our attending group members and Wharerata.

As usual, feel free to comment if you wish.

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A sunny autumn morning greeted the Manawatu crews as we assembled in the Feilding town square for the start of the Tongariro – Tokaanu mountain run. Trev turned up with his 1967 Triumph TR4A project to see us off – we’ll look forward to seeing it out and about again in the future. “BLUBEE” led us out through Cheltenham towards Stormy Point where the view was spectacular with the autumn sun and autumn colours. We joined up with SH1 at Vinegar Hill and after negotiating the fairly rough section of roadworks at Ohingaiti stopped for a comfort break at Taihape.

At the Waiouru Army Museum we met up with “Team BOP” – a sub group but full members of the Auckland MG Car Club. It was an interesting break over a cup of hot tea or coffee as we checked out each others cars and made yet more new MG friends and acquaintances. Some of our group have purchased parts from Neville and Delwyn who operate the MG Shop based in Tauranga so it was an ideal time to meet and put a face to a name. Neville’s Oxford Blue RV8 also got plenty of attention from our group. Other BOP cars included an MGC with race numbers and a chrome BGT that has only done 26,000 miles from new! Can’t be many out there like that! It was an ideal opportunity also for us to discuss how the BOP team function as part of the MGCC, especially as we all consider the merits of our group also associating to the official MGCC. Great people, let’s hope we can meet with them again some time in the future.

The bumble bee TR6 took pole position as we headed on through Ohakune and on to National Park. Due to the inclement weather conditions that had now arrived it was decided to not lunch near the Chateau but at the historic National Park railway station.

According to the sign on the platform, trains from here go to “Fielding” – see photo in the gallery. An interesting spot and a good café on site if you’re journeying this way again in the future.

From there we travelled on up toward Taumarunui, joining up with SH41 past Kuratau Junction and on to the thermal hot pools at Tokaanu where everyone enjoyed a hot dip and then a cold ice cream! It was time to now make our way back towards home along the Desert Road in the mist and rain with some stopping in Taihape for a coffee. The trip meter on our B had clocked over 300 miles for the day so quite a big drive but a good day overall.

Just a reminder to get your replies in soon for the dinner at Wharerata and also to complete the survey that has been sent out to do with the associate membership proposal to the MGCC.

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The MGCC (New Zealand) have asked me to let our group know about the following events that are happening in our area this year and that may be of interest to us to join in or attend:

Sunday 9th May – MG Charity Classic Race Meeting at Manfield. The MGCC have use of the Toyota Hospitality Suite for this day and MG Manawatu Group members are welcome to join with the MGCC members in the Toyota Suite.

9-11th July – MG Auckland & Wellington winter back country adventure tour based around Taihape. Read details here: MGCC Back Country Tour 

16-17th October - MGCC UK 80th Birthday Celebrations – a worldwide event is proposed along the following lines: “we have been invited by MG UK to share in the MG Car Club’s 80th birthday over the weekend of 16/17th October. Concept is we have an event in Wellington to kick off the day which would be recorded on a world wide Google map which tracks the events across the earth to Alaska as time zones wake up by way of pins linking  and identifying clubs. We are thinking of runs starting from Manawatu, Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa to meet up with Wellington in Frank Kitts park for a breakfast BBQ.”

Read more information about this from the MG Car Club (UK) website: http://www.mgcc.co.uk/mg80.html 

As you know we have an event already pencilled in for this weekend (Hawkes Bay) but it might be an option for any one not wanting to do the overnight run to Hawkes Bay. If you are interested please let us know.

13-14th November – MG Classic Race Meeting at Manfield

2012 Advanced Notice – The MG National Rally organised by the Wellington Centre is to be either held in Wairarapa or Manawatu – February at this stage is the suggested month.

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Thanks to Ross & Carolyn Fallaver for the great photo above!

Run report by John and Viv Eames:

The Great Awakino/Kawhia Adventure enjoyed a fine start on Friday with a relaxed lunch at the lovely Bason Botanical Reserve. The afternoon saw the 11 cars – 5 B roadsters, 4 BGTs, a Stag and a ‘lunchbox’ Jag (thanks Des) cruising through to a stop at Eltham for the cheese enthusiasts followed by a pleasant coffee break at Tawa Glen garden cafe at Lepperton. All made it comfortably to Mokau and Awakino before dark to settle in to accommodation. A social evening supping and grazing at Awakino Hotel primed all for the adventure ahead.

Saturday dawned overcast and misty which, it has to be said, never quite ‘burned off ‘ as someone kept optimistically predicting. But no matter, the punga-covered hills looked fantastic and the Mangaweka B showed unflinching hoodless leadership all day, with bold support from Robyn and Christine all afternoon. Morning tea and lunch were enjoyed in fair weather at Marokopa and Kawhia. Eight cars opted for the back-country return. Visiting the iron sand mining town of Taharoa wowed the delightful Maori kids and all Robyn’s barley sugars miraculously disappeared! Visiting the amazing Waikawau beach tunnel cut with pick and shovel for moving cattle in the early days wowed us. And it was funny,but the road back seemed to have straightened itself out a bit during the day.

A fabulous evening smorgasbord was enjoyed at the hotel and the Hardys and McConnons took the quiz prizes of Autoglym polishes generously provided by Dominic and sponsored by Manawatu Toyota. Thanks Dom.( We expect to see evidence of the prizes on the next run.)

Sunday dawned beautifully fine and the Hardys led the run to morning tea at their friends’ lovely home at Egmont Village. Thanks to Doug and Laurie and Trevor and Sandy for a very nice time there. We then took the Surf Highway to Opunake beach for lunch to cap off a top three days.

Many thanks to all who participated. The great camaraderie in the group, great roads and scenery and outstanding hospitality at the Awakino Hotel made an event to be long remembered.

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The run scheduled for 21st November 2010 to Martinborough has had to be changed to Sunday 28th November.

The reason for this is the 21st is the Martinborough Wine & Food Festival also. We can’t go the week before as part of this run includes a visit to a private vehicle collection which is not suitable for the owner.

Can you please all amend your calendars with this update – a flyer will be sent out prior to the run. Thanks.

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Ahhhh….Sunday morning, time to wake up and smell the roses! Well at least we should be able to as that’s where we’re heading! Go topless or not? Overcast, little bit of drizzle around, might not I think. Good decision!

12 cars (B’s, Midget, Stag, MGF, Bitsamitsi) assembled at Ashhurst for Trev’s jaunt to Onga Onga. Whilst we were waiting a rather noisey bus (or should that be coach?) came tooting along – it was Rachel of course and all her passengers were waving at us as well – got the feeling they would like to be with the MG’s? Trev turned up in his “AA” coloured modern vehicle and sneakily to get away with it had hidden the Easter Bunny in his car that happily bounced around and gave everyone an Easter Egg. Nice touch! I think Alec’s was the first one to disappear in record time no less. Who was that wandering around trying to sell their one for a dollar? Some people!

Off we went through the ever scenic Manawatu Gorge and on to some familiar back roads leading into Dannevirke and by this time a steady persistant drizzle had joined us so it was wipers and lights on as we carried on to Onga Onga and our rose growing destination. The roses were a little past their best and the inclement weather meant wandering around the blooms was not a good option so we all carried on to Onga Onga.

A picnic lunch was enjoyed under the shelter of the DOC building in the historic village part. Once lunch was over we had a most interesting talk from a member of the Onga Onga historical society all about the historic village we were in and some of the tales of the area from long ago – very intriguing. Next the museum in the old school house was opened along with the old butchers, jail, army cabin, cottage, shearing shed, workers hut complete with long drop and a prison – now the public loos! Each was filled with a great array of historic objects and pictures etc…something of interest to everyone.

The drizzle still persisted as some of the group now headed for home through the lovely slushy roadworks on the main highway – remember Manawatu Toyota sells Autoglym car care products if you want to restore that lost sparkle!

Thanks to Trev, Sandy and the Easter Bunny for todays run and making the most of the trying weather conditions.

Don’t forget the Awakino run next month – sure to be good – and spaces are still available!

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Many of you will be aware that the official MG Car Club (Wellington Centre) has been in touch with our group over recent months with an emphasis on incorporating MG Manawatu into the wider and “official” MG Car Club scene as associate members.

To keep everyone up to date with progress on this issue, I can report that an initial meeting to discuss this was held on Saturday March 13th in Otaki. Present at the meeting was Ross & Carolyn Fallaver, John Eames & Dominic Scott, representing MG Manawatu along with Bob Hulena, Terry Collier & Ross Armstrong from MGCC (Wellington Centre).

The purpose of this meeting was for the Wellington Centre to express their concerns about us running as an unofficial MG “club”, along with the implications of this, why they would like us to become part of the wider international MG scene and what they can offer us as part of this. It was also an opportunity for us to reinforce the fundamental values of our group and that we would need to retain a separate (but linked) identity, and continue to run our group as we always have and which has proven very successful up to this point.

After some fairly lively discussion from both points of view, we are now awaiting the MGCC (Wellington Centre) to forward to us a discussion document outlining how a simple “associate membership” scheme could be put into place, what we would gain from this, what they would gain and how it might affect our group.

Once we have received a written outline further details can be passed on to the group for consideration.

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Above: The MG Manawatu display featuring M Type, TC, Magnette, Frogeye Sprite, 2003 TF, & B roadsters and GT’s. (Photo: D Scott)

A fine sunny morning as members of our MG Manawatu Group assembled in Sanson on SH1 ready for an 8.30am departure to the Wanganui Charity Classic Motor Show. As we waited we got to enjoy quite a few classics of other marques passing en route to Wanganui. The XK Jaguar sounded great! Pat duly arrived with his 1931 M Type and told us of his good news – that he & Lynette have got engaged! Congratulations to both of them! I also think I heard some mention of “50″ coming up also……..!

Off we headed on a perfect calm sunny morning with tops down for an easy run to the City College grounds in Wanganui where we set about setting up our display of around 20 cars or so. Tents, flags and banners and information cards for each car made an interesting display for all to enjoy. Not long after everyone settled in for a good chat and catch up and some good looking picnics came out also. Everyone wandered around and enjoyed the more than 400 cars that were on display…wasn’t that big Bentley an amazing car!

John Eames was spotted on his own but Viv was nowhere to be seen, although we were all sure she was in the car when we picked them up at Turakina. A little while later (quite a while actually) Viv suddenly “appeared” and was acting like she had been there all along…little did she know that we all knew she had scuttled off to the movies in town to help fill in the day – it must have been been a very good movie to compete with what we had on offer!!!!

It was not long and 3pm had arrived and we all packed up and made our way back home after a very pleasant day with lovely weather amongst good friends as usual.

A big thank to you Rachel for organising our run (We’ll see Jasper at the next Wanganui show Rachel!!!!) and of course to Ken & his team in Wanganui for organising another good event – I don’t know how they keep managing to arrange such good weather!!!

Note: More photos in gallery soon……

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More details to follow, thanks to Keith & Marie for the great photo above.

Obviously was a great day out – more than 90 photos submitted for the website! I’ve had to choose a few at this stage (37) for the website gallery so my apologies if your photo or a particular one does not feature – let me know if I’ve missed one that you particularly want on the site or send others in if you have more! Great effort everyone – thanks. Dom.

As always, feel free to comment about the trip below…..

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Report by Gibby…..

The day started very wet at the Ballance scenic reserve, but off to Stonehenge Aotearoa we went traveling along some scenic back country roads, through to Nireaha and Rongokokako to Mount Bruce for a “wee” break, from there to Carterton, EATING LOLLIES ALL THE WAY, arrived at Stonehenge in beautiful sunshine, out with the sun block and brollies,and a great picnic lunch of course.

The trek around the stones was very interesting and educational.

A good turn out once again with 22 cars, with awesome weather in the end, along with awesome people – what an enjoyable day.

Some pictures have been added to the gallery, and, as always feel free to comment on the run if you wish. Certainly looked to be an excellent start for another year of great cars, good friends and good times with MG Manawatu!

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Our Annual Planning Meeting for 2010 was held at St. Mark’s hall, Palmerston North on 19 January and once again attracted a healthy turnout of 33 members.

The meeting commenced shortly after 7.30pm and after the apologies were read we settled in to arranging another year of events for our MG enthusiast group. Suggestions were called for and it was very heartening to instantly see an array of suggestions from various members put forward and it wasn’t long before we once again had established a full calendar of varied events for this year. This year will see our group rafting on the Rangitikei River (have a look at http://caffeinatedtraveller.com to see what this is all about), attending car shows, enjoying gardens, 10th Birthday Dinner, enjoying motor racing at Manfeild with a track drive,  along with a host of other events & activities. Thank you to everyone who so willingly came up with ideas and were happy to organise these events. It’s appreciated by everyone in the group so it’s important we once again show our support of the work that goes into arranging these events by participating on these runs. The full programme of events for 2010 can be viewed on the events page or on this link: Events Calendar 2010

Next, some “lively discussion” was generated by some items of general business that have arisen over the past year or so. The first item involved members of the group who have been members for a number of years and now no longer own a qualifying car (MG/TR etc) but who wish to remain active with the group. A motion was put forward that “If you have been an active (participated regularly) member for 4 years or more, and you sell (Health, financial reasons etc,etc..) your MG/TR etc but you wish to maintain an active membership with the group by participating in your modern vehicle – is this OK?” A written vote was held and the motion was passed by a clear majority that this is acceptable. Our group’s success has always come from the simplicity that it operates under so rules and regs are kept to an absolute minimum where possible. Just as a reminder the groups’ only rules are:

1. To qualify for initial membership you must own an MG of any sort or a British sports car. (If your MG/TR etc is off the road for restoration / repairs / reliability concerns you may participate in our runs using your standard vehicle)

2. Annual contribution of $10.00 is due in January each year and must be paid by March 31st.

3. New guideline as above – active members disposing of qualifying vehicle.

4. You must abide by the NZ Road Rules at all times on events.

5. Above all – have fun!

Some of you had already heard that the Wellington MG Car Club has made an approach to our group with the intention that we in some way become associated with them. Whilst the exact contents of a letter from the Wellington MGCC was not made available to the group (it was addressed to a member and not our group as a whole), the group agreed that we could meet with representatives of Wellington to discuss what they wanted to achieve by this and how this may affect our group. Once this has taken place the group will be advised of the discussions and a group decision if it is required will take place to decide the outcome.

Website – everyone seemed to agree that this was a great “tool” for our group and that the heavily subsidised cost of the site of just $100.00 a year was now to be paid for as part of our group’s expenses. Remember the website is interactive and you can leave a comment on any posting. It’s yours to use.

The meeting closed and a well deserved cuppa and tasty treat was enjoyed by all to complete the night.

Thank you to everyone for your support, input and enthusiasm – it is appreciated by everyone. It’s important we maintain the simple and successful integrity of the group and we move forward this year in a constructive & positive manner – it’s our 10th year as “MG Manawatu Enthusiasts Group” so look forward to our celebration dinner and above all enjoy another year of MG magic!

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A mainly sunny day dawned over the Manawatu as 17 cars and their crews assembled at the Massey Car Park in Centennial Drive Palmerston North ready to celebrate Christmas and the end of another year of MG fun. The MGF team were out in force today with 5 cars arriving – great effort! Ian & Sue’s Magnette lined up beside Rachels new ZA Magnette (“Jasper”) along with a good line up of various B’s & BGT’s.

Our destination was out at Ashhurst so a short but scenic drive via Aokautere took us out to the lovely garden setting at Karen & Fulton’s home. We were joined by some more of our group there and before long everyone was settled in with a cold drink and the BBQ’s sizzling. The MG Masterchef award must go to Gibby with his Boutique BBQ demonstration!  After a yummy lunch there was an impressive array of sweet treats to tuck into before Father Christmas himself arrived in grand style and delivered some interesting presents to all of us who have been so good all year! He seemed to particularly enjoy the Christmas kisses from the female side of the group – no wonder he keeps coming back! He also explained to the kids present that his reindeer were in a neighbouring paddock having lunch and a break before they moved on – just in case they wondered how he had got there!

Ross and Carolyn had organised a competition whereby everyone was asked to contribute a photo of themselves as a baby and we then had to match the photo to the person – it was much harder than it looked. Full marks to Paul who was spotted taking digital photos of people and then comparing it the baby photo – I’m sure it helped!  From 33 photos the highest score was just 12 – congratulations to John Eames who won the fuel vouchers. Funny how different some of us look as we age!

After some more nibbles and socialising everyone made their way to their next function or back to home. The weather was great all day and everyone had a very enjoyable time celebrating another year of MG Manawatu. Our thanks to Karen & Fulton for once again opening their home and gardens to us – it is much appreciated. See you all next year – 2010!

Photo Competition Answers: (Photo Board in Gallery)

1. Jean Crowley                                          
2. Paul Booth                                                   
3. Karen Gay                                                  
4. Carolyn Fallaver                                      
5. John Ireland                                     
6. Robert Wilson                                    
7. Ross Fallaver                                  
8. Betty Good                                          
9. Sue McConnon                          
10. Bill Baxter                                               
11. Dominic Scott                                         
12. Trevor Hardy                                          
13. John Eames                                                     
14. Cyril Gibson                                                    
15. Rob Crowley                                      
16. Rachel Dean     
17. Neil Morris
18. Lynette Love
19. Alec Good
20. Marie McCormick
21. Fulton Gay
22. Gay Baxter
23. Geraldine Booth
24. Anne Ireland
25. Carolyn Fallaver
26. Ross Fallaver
27. Liz Morris
28. Viv Eames
29. Marie Gibson
30. Jennette Scott
31. Sandy Hardy
32. Pat Widdup
33. Bruce McConnon                                           

Tags: Bulletin Board by Dom
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