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                                           

An often overlooked reason for excessive oil consumption is the restriction or blockage of the engines crankcase breather system. With the “breathing” ability of the engine impaired it will expel oil from wherever it can – passed seals or forcing past the piston rings. As one of our group recently experienced after freshly rebuilding his engine it continued to use excessive amounts of oil. Cleaning out the engine breather provided an immediate fix much to his relief!

The MG Owners Club in the UK has some useful information about this (PDF File) - MGB Crankcase Breather (MGOC) – whilst they go to the extremes of opening the breather and replacing the gauze, I have found that removing the breather and leaving it to soak for a good length of time in a strip bath (such as an engine reconditioner would have) is quite effective in unblocking this. It should also be remembered that the later MGB oil filler cap has a breather in it and this should be replaced every 12,000 miles for the same reasons.

A fine sunny morning, a gentle breeze, what better way to spend the day than with a top down MG run to nowhere! Twelve cars assembled at the Bulls Bridge and we made our way along the back roads behind Marton to Turakina picking up another MG. From there we motored on to our morning tea stop at Springvale Park in Wanganui where we were met by three Triumphs to join us for the rest of the day. Great to have the TR’s join with us and there was much friendly marque rivalry throughout the day. We now had our usual fleet of MGB’s & GT’s, MGF’s, Frogeye Sprite, Stag, TR2, TR4, TR6 making up the group for the day.

The bonnet was up on the Stag at morning tea – evidently they were “just looking”……yeah right! From there we motored towards Waitotara and turned off onto the Waitotara Valley Road – a great drive along a scenic winding route beside rivers, over bridges and through rugged farmland and beautiful native bush. Some care was required en route as Bill was seen herding sheep down the road in his MG and we also encountered goats, hawks, an old Stag, and a mother pheasant complete with a row of tiny chicks!

We arrived at our lunch stop in the middle of nowhere at Ngamatapouri School and hall. Gay had arranged that we could use the hall and grounds for our lunch in the sun. A rather large “hug” of Teddy Bears came out for the picnic and a vote was held to determine who Morris Gordon Bear (MGB) would like to get more friendly with…….the winner was Bruce & Sue’s Aviator Bear.

After a very leisurely lunch and natter in the sun we headed back along the valley road back to SH3 and a short drive to an afternoon tea stop at Ashley Park for a cup of tea, ice-cream, an antique or two or just to get friendly with the chooks, alpacas, donkey, goat, bulls etc….. It was now time for everyone to make the trip home after a lovely sunny day in the company of good friends. The round trip from Palmerston North was 203 miles so a good drive at a leisurely pace. Thanks to Gay and Bill for organising another interesting run to yet another new destination!

And just a little reminder, 2009 is nearly behind us and it is time for all of us to start thinking about what runs and destinations we can all come up with and help to organise for 2010.

6.30am Sunday – Hmmmm, from the sound of what I can hear on the roof outside I don’t think it’s going to be a “Sun”day buy hey it’s an MG run so it will be a Funday!

We set off in drizzly rain from Palmerston North and headed off to the start in Pahiatua via the Pahiatua track road – over the top we were in the clouds and it was very pea soupy. A good test for the car with lights, wipers and heater fan all managing to operate together!

24 cars assembled at the start in Pahiatua – these included our tour leaders TR7/8, 2 Stags, Midget, Montego, MGF’s and the usual gaggle of MGB & BGT’s plus a modern Mercedes Benz sports car. Everyone set off via Kaitawa Road for the journey to our first stop at Pongaroa where the weather was bright overcast and dry much to our TR tour leaders glee – this was however to be short lived!

From Pongaroa there was a choice of two routes to make your way out to the beach at Akitio. The first route involved 13kms of gravel / mud and the second route was a sealed option. With the heavens about to open with the arrival of the forecast southerly, we went the sealed route with a few others and then joined up with the gravel bashers and mud wrestlers at the beach rendezvous point. Some serious car washing will be required in the week ahead! For some maybe….. As the rain continued the local Akitio store owner kindly let us use the veranda of the store to shelter from the elements whilst we all dined in our usual style. As we were about to leave it was noticed that the RHR tyre on Bruce’s roadster had developed a fault with all the air in it now apparently at the top! In true motor racing style an MG service crew materialised out of nowhere and the tyre was off and changed very quickly whilst the corporate sponsors watched on from the luxury of their catered box at the Akitio Store stand!

After lunch we toured back to Pongaroa through Makuri and onto to the finish at the Cafe at the Tui Brewery at Mangatainoka. Despite the weather an enjoyable drive and days outing – thanks to Hugh & Sue for once again arranging this run for everyone – see, Triumph owners can be useful after all!

See you all at the next run – details coming soon……!

Saturday 19th 5-30 am! It’s pouring down, it’s going to be a wet trip to Lake Ferry….

Met up at Longburn at 9-15, weather improved as we made our way down the island the wind increased the closer we got to Wellington. 14 cars in total with two making it a day trip. Had a short stop at the Paekakariki Lookout in gusty but fine weather. On to the Trentham Rifle Range for lunch as arranged by Bryan Bull. Thanks Bryan for getting us through the traffic and for the beer he donated which was raffled for their hospitality. Drawn by Raewyn who drew her husband’s name? We then headed over Rimutakas to Featherston , farewelled John, Gibby and Marie and handed over Leadership of the group to Sat Nav courtesy of Alec and Betty intending to travel around the Wellington side of the Lake, came to a halt? restarted and completed the run to the Hotel on the other side of the Lake. Was it equipment failure or operator fatigue?

Most stayed at the hotel, the balance at the Gateway Holiday Park. Alec and Betty had booked a Motel Unit at the Camp grounds opposite the Hotel, when they got to Longburn had multiple downgrades to a Cabin out the back, got good accomodation down the road. The Hotel had a good Restaurant and Cafe so enjoyed a hot coffee and then most walked down to the beach. The surf was really wild whipped up by very strong winds, with many courageous surfers out having a ball. Plenty of whitebait had been caught locally.

Hotel was basic, (i.e. double electric blanket, two controls one hot point? Two showers but only enough water pressure to operate one at a time) beds were comfortable and a bit of fun sharing. Great meal, great company with the sounds and progress of the Wellington test filtering through from the Public Bar. Pat and Lynette were having a ball with a bit Rock and Roll in the back of the bar until the local kids gained control of the Juke box with a bit of a Modern Beat!!? A great night.

Breakie was preceded by ‘Bear Readings by Trudie and Liz, followed by Group Photos and off to Ngawi and Cape Palliser lead by Keith and Marie. A beautiful morning with little wind, and a clear sky. Had a good look at the tractor collection at Ngawi and then on to the lighthouse at Cape Palliser. Many climbed the 252 steps up to the lighthouse and many did not. Group was joined by a Morgan which had travelled from Taihape that morning. Back down the gravel road and back through the fords to the seals for a stop and photos, no wind lots of stink! On to Martinborough for lunch and then guided by Sat Nav courtesy of Alec and Betty we travelled home. This time Sat Nav actually found a quicker way round the Masterton Bypass. Congratulations to all for a quick trip home we all managed to stay close together. (Ross & Carolyn)

All the major new car manufacturers over recent years  now specify and manufacture their cars with calcium type batteries as factory standard. As the number of vehicles with these batteries has increased, the battery suppliers have been phasing out the old lead acid type and superceding these to the new calcium type batteries. Chances are if you have bought a new battery in the last couple of years it may well be a calcium type battery.

So what does this mean for us using older cars? Not a lot really – the new batteries are more efficient with better CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) ratings, casing sizes and terminal positions have altered in some cases, so fitment may require some adjustment. The biggest thing we need to be aware of in vehicles that are infrequently used is the problems with charging the battery particularly if it has become heavily discharged (flat!). A conventional battery charger will not fully charge a calcium battery. 

A 4-stage charge is used, specially designed for calcium batteries. Stage one (bulk or constant charge) quickly charges the battery while stage two, the absorption mode (constant voltage), ensures the battery is thoroughly charged. A third stage is the critical stage for calcium type batteries. It charges the battery to 16 Volts to remove any acid stratification and returns a full hydrometer reading. The final stage in the charging process (float), maintains the battery at a safe voltage ready for use.

Most garages and dealerships all now have specific calcium chargers and you can buy from auto accessory specialists calcium chargers for the home but the better ones of these are still relatively pricey.

My understanding is that a standard battery charger or permanent automatic trickle charger will maintain a calcium battery if it is not discharged. So if your battery has gone flat and it’s not that old and won’t appear to charge – you may have a calcium type battery that requires a calcium charger.

If anyone has further knowledge of this let me know and I will add it to this post.

The weather did not start out too kindly for us (raining), but this did not stop a great turnout of 20 MG’s with 38 members.  We left on the dot of 8.30am on a “follow the leader” run to Makoura Lodge at Apiti.  The line of cars certainly looked very impressive going up Kimbolton Road, but unfortunately not that many up and about to see.

We had a good run passing through Cheltenham and Kimbolton, turning off to Apiti, just north of Kimbolton.  The scenery was still outstanding even on such a bleak day.  Arriving at Apiti, we turned off onto Makoura Road and even though there was gravel for 6 kms, it was quite smooth and plenty of corners for those who wanted to do a slide or two (not that anyone did, I think).

Arriving at Makoura Lodge, we were greeted with a huge open fireplace holding a roaring fire. When it was time to chow down, low and behold the sun decided to make its presence felt in the dining area, which helped to give a great atmosphere.  The clouds lifted too, giving us a tiny peak of the snow covered ranges.

Breakfast was duly served and there was plenty of it!  Well done Makoura Lodge. Everyone appeared to be pleased with the offering going by the full plates of Bacon, Fried Eggs, Hash browns, Sausages, Scrambled Eggs, and Tomatoes! There was also a great selection from the continental buffet as well.  So something for everyone.

John and Viv Eames then offered to take those that were interested, on a tiki tour to Mangaweka, via Rangiwahia, with a stop at the Mangaweka International Airport for more refreshments, if so desired.  At approximately 11.00 am 9 cars and 17 members headed away, after being farewelled by the staff at Makoura Lodge.

Tar seal led into more gravel and then tar seal again, with the papa hill side sliding away in some places, making for an interesting drive. We duly arrived at Mangaweka and made a bee line for more sustenance in the way of coffees, toasted sammies, muffins, etc.  A guided tour followed, led by Viv, who was proud to show us what Mangaweka had to offer.

A further invitation was then offered to view the progress of their new home, commanding magnificent views over the valley and beyond.  This was taken up by 9 members, who were duly entertained by “Filla” the sheep and “Val” the sheep dog!  You guys missed out on a truly unique experience!  For those that were not able to make it up the hill on foot, farm transport was provided by way of a four wheeler and trailer, which was proving another country thrill, slip, sliding over the paddocks!

Another brew was had by all, while we all admired the view and gave our opinion (the ladies that is) of how the new kitchen should look.  More entertainment followed, with a demonstration by “Val”, the sheep, dog rounding up the sheep, which nearly had them ending up in the dam!  Now that wasn’t her fault, she was only following instructions from the boss!

Anyway, thanks go to John and Viv for capping off the day to yet another great Club run.

Hi everyone, we are now back in NZ after a wonderful 3 month touring holiday of Great Britain and of course we had to include some MG activities into our itinerary!

Our first MG stop was in Abingdon, where we visited Kimber House, the home of the MG Car Club. We arrived unannounced but Julian White, the club’s general manager gave us a wonderful reception showing us around the club where we saw the board room, the archives (with many old factory records going back to the early days for each car), reception area where they have a display of MG models and collectables including items that belonged to MG’s founder Cecil Kimber amongst other things. We were also introduced to other members of the club staff including Andy & Chris who are responsible for the great Safety Fast magazine each month. We also met Brian Woodhams the club’s overseas director amongst others. Again everyone was very friendly and welcoming.  After a cuppa we then visited the Abingdon Business Park situated on the site of the factory and inside one of the new buildings are two huge carpet tile murals as a reminder of what used to be on this site – one of an MGF and the other of Old No.1. Even though we are members of the club from the other side of the world we were instantly made welcome and felt straight away we belonged – great!

We then visited the Abingdon museum, where on the top floor there is a small museum dedicated to MG. This display is largely down to one man, Brian Moylan, a well known former employee at the Abingdon factory and many of the exhibits on display belonged to him. We were fortunate to meet Brian there and had a great conversation about many of the MG items there. There was lots of MG curios, race trophies, rally plates and also the fur coat that Cecil Kimber used to wear around the factory and also the brief case with the initials C.K. on it that he had with him when he was tragically killed. There was a display of factory SST’s – Special Service Tools, including a long bar with a square fork on one end that was evidently used for adjusting door hinges…..! Our thanks to Brian and the members of  The Abingdon Works Centre for again giving us such a great reception. Also in Abingdon we visited The Boundary House, now a pub, but previously was Cecil Kimber’s home and at the pretty little village of Clifton Hampden we visited The Barley Mow, another pub frequently used by MG in the early years in its publicity shots.

Next on the itinerary was a visit to The British Motoring Heritage Centre at Gaydon. What an impressive display! There are all sorts of British cars from all eras on display and there are many MG models exhibited including rare prototypes and the record breaking cars along with an MGB GT that has been cut in half and was used to promote the MGB at motorshows when it was originally launched. William Morris (Lord Nuffield) also had his office moved there & recreated from the original buildings that it occupied for many years. Easy to spend a day in there and we were given a very informative insight to many of the MG’s on display there from a man who worked on the RV8 project.

As we travelled around we visited some other motoring museums some of which had some interesting MG exhibits including the Cotswolds Museum at Bourton on the Water and the Lakeland Motor Museum that had an original MGA Police car.

Next was a visit to the MG Owners Club at Swavesey where we had a look around their facilities including their impressive workshop and parts facilty.

Then the big event – 3 days of MG magic to finish off our trip at MG Live! at Silverstone. What a great event! If you are visiting the UK when this is on then I would strongly urge you to attend. You can check out some of the action at www.mglive.com . The weekend included a full programme of racing, aerobatic displays, precision driving demonstrations, COY’s motor vehicle auction, MG’s of every make, model and year imaginable (estimated to be at least 3000 MG’s on site along with 20,000 visitors!), Trader City – parts and accessories galore. All the MG club registers had displays and information as well. We had no trouble filling in all 3 days we were there. Once again we were very warmly welcomed by the MG Car Club staff who remembered us from our club visit 2 months earlier. We met many interesting people and heard some great tales of ownership – amazing how long some cars have stayed with the same owner and have retained so much originality. The B & B (www.lindencottagewhittlebury.co.uk) we stayed at just 5 minutes away was fantastic (if you go and want a great place to stay I can highly recommend this one) and had other MG enthusiasts staying over the weekend. If you are a member of the MGCC (Abingdon) you may recall an article in Safety Fast some time ago about an RV8 in the Cayman Islands that was basically under the sea due to a huge storm. The car was brought back to the UK for restoration and was with one of the couples (Ken & Sheila) staying at our B&B so we had a very interesting chat all about it! I think Ken was most impressed that I had read about his car and knew about it in NZ! You can read and see pictures of this most interesting project here: http://www.v8register.net/subpages/RV8resorationproject190807.htm

Finally whilst we were in Oxford we visited Longwall Street where the original Morris Garage buildings from 1912 still stand just as they were all those years ago. What a history lesson!

No doubt that MG – The Marque of Friendship – is alive and well and the many wonderful MG people we met helped make all the difference to our visit. Even though we are not an official MG Club, everyone including the UK MGCC were very supportive of us and the way we are supporting and promoting MG through our own activities.

As you can imagine we took many, many photos and I have added just a few to the gallery page for you all to enjoy.

Dom & Jen