With so many of us owning and driving MGB’s I thought this was well worth everyone reading:

In the November 2008 issue of “Safety Fast” is an interesting note about the boot lock on MGB’s – particularly on the roadster. Basically they tell the story of some people touring in their MGB and when they arrive at their destination cannot open the boot no matter how they try, to get to their luggage. In the end the key lock was cut off with an angle grinder which also damaged the boot lid resulting in a hefty repair bill afterwards.

It transpired that the bolt on the underside of the boot lock (see picture) had worked loose allowing the catch plate to move causing it to no longer make contact with the unlock mechanism. With this bolt missing there is simply no way that the boot can be opened.

After reading this article I decided it would be a good idea to check this bolt on my MGB’s – the GT was nice and tight but the one on my roadster was just finger tight!  So very pleased I did this quick check. The warning therefore is to make sure this tiny, insignificant bolt is tight: You have been warned!

Ho, Ho, Ho .... Merry Christmas Everyone!

What a great way to wind up an excellent year for MG Manawatu. As usual, the Manawatu turned on another fine sunny day albeit a little breezy as cars and their crews assembled at The Chalet Car park by the Centennial Lagoon in Palmerston North for the run out through Aokautere and on to Ashhurst for our annual Christmas get together.

24 cars arrived at our venue including a TC, Magnette, Frogeye Sprite, MGB’s, MGBGT’s, MGF’s, ZS 180, Metro and even a BMW roadster sort of thingy me jig! Where have all the Triumphs gone……..?

The lovely gardens we had access to soon had everyone seated enjoying a drink or two and discussing all manner of things. Before not too long the sizzle of steaks and sausages was under way on the BBQ and everyone tucked into lunch with salads, potatoes etc etc. Afterwards a tempting array of sweet treats and tea & coffee seemed to go down very well with everyone.

Father Christmas himself recognised the importance of this MG event and once again made a special trip to be with us and distribute gifts to everyone. He certainly seemed to be enjoying the odd Christmas kiss that came his way too….He left as quickly as he arrived…..just who is that man?

Morris Gordon Bear “was not amused” after he was “hung” on a lamp post for quite some time, although he did have a good view of the goings on around the place.

An excellent and social way to end the year – a great time was had by all who attended. On behalf of everyone, our thanks must go to Karen & Fulton who very kindly hosted this event in their beautiful gardens and made it such a special occassion.

Don’t forget if you would like to add a photo or make a comment please do so!

Happy Christmas everyone!

“Just practicing my highland dancing” Photo: D Mudford

24 cars assembled at Fountaine Square in Woodville for the run to Blackhead Beach on the East Coast.

Cars included a TR7 V8 , Stag-osaurus, Midget, Magnette, several MGB’s (Roadster & GT), a nice matching pair of white MGA’s, and 4 MGF’s.

Once again it was very good to see some new faces amongst us – you’re most welcome and we hope you had a pleasant day out with us all.

Hugh had much pleasure rounding us all up with his new handheld air horn throughout the day. Triumph owner though – probably the best blast he gets to enjoy!!!

The weather was fantastic – perfect open top touring weather as we left Woodville and headed for Dannevirke, then our first stop at Waipukarau for morning tea before continuing along some excellent touring roads to Blackhead Point. Fantastic views at the top of the hill before we descended to the beach for our lunch stop.

The weather was fine and sunny; everyone found a good spot to picnic. MG people were spotted flying kites, taking photos, walking on the beach and at least one pair of togs came out!

Morris Gordon Bear enjoyed a good view of the activities from the roof of the Stag. (See comment below…..)

The return run took us along more scenic touring routes to the finish for afternoon tea at Dannevirke.

Thanks to Hugh & Sue for once again organizing a splendid run to a great destination and for the perfect weather as well!

Remember if you’d like to comment about the run please do – and if you have some interesting photo’s from the day send them in! Some in the gallery already.

13 cars lined up at the Castlecliff Beach car park in Wanganui on a fine but brisk spring morning. Some crews had very early morning departures to arrive in time for the 8.00am start whilst others had chosen to stay overnight in the river city. Bruce & Sue, the organizers for this leg of the run were unfortunate enough to get a puncture on their way to the start.

We were soon on our way and headed out through Marton enjoying views of Mt Ruapehu on the way, down through Kakariki, Feilding, through the Manawatu Gorge and on to our morning tea stop at Beyond the Bridge Café at Ballance.
Here we were met by the second wave of participants and the number of cars now grew to 25. Some other members who couldn’t do the run also met us here for a coffee and a chat plus there were some new faces amongst us which was great to see – you’re very welcome!

Cars on the run now included TF, MGA, Midget, Magnette, a gaggle of MGB’s & GT’s, MGF’s, Stag, and a nice Jaguar XJS.

Rachel led us at a good pace in her “MADGIC” MGBGT along some splendid scenic back roads out to our destination and lunch stop at the very scenic Castlepoint. Everyone enjoyed a picnic lunch in the sun at the waters edge, except maybe Maurice (see notes below) Morris Gordon Bear who seemed to have some difficulty with the local seagull gang! (See gallery photo’s)
After lunch there was plenty of time to stretch your legs and walk along the beach or up to the light house and along the rocks.

At about 3.45pm the return trip got underway heading for our dinner stop at The Black Stump Café in Pahiatua. On this leg of the run Ron & Di’s TF suffered a minor mechanical hiccup but with some help from other members were soon up and running again.
Everyone enjoyed a well deserved drink at the Black Stump Café before tucking into a dinner of roast beef, ham, potatoes and salads followed by sweets, tea & coffee. The prize for the “Spanish” translation quiz was won by Neil & Liz. Overall a top day out!

Our thanks go to Sue & Bruce and Ron & Di who did a splendid job of organizing this event for us all to enjoy.

See you all at the next run to Blackhead Beach next month…..

I’ve added a few pictures to the gallery for this run – remember if you have any that you would like to share email them to me and I’ll post them on the site for you.

Twenty two cars of various models including MGA, TD, Magnette, MGB, MGB GT, MGF,TR7, Stag and their crews assembled at Awahuri on a cool but fine overcast morning for the start of the 2008 Breakfast Run. The cars left on time at 8.15am and headed for Mount Stewart turning on to Penny Road and through Rongotea. From there we followed a variety of back country roads dodging the inevetible cow muck here and there, a short smooth gravel section across the flood plains, some more surprise back roads before arriving into Levin and our breakfast destination, The Loaded Hog Brewery. The fire was roaring and everyone settled in for a good long natter over a hearty full cooked breakfast. Thanks to Gay & Bill for organising this run!

Please remember – if you have any photo’s or comments from this run you would like to share with everyone, please email them to me and I’ll add them to the gallery (there’s a couple there already!) or Bulletin Board. Thanks.