2020 National Meeting - Vic, See here for details

 

2019 National Meeting - Qld, mgnationalmeeting.org.au

 

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2018 NATIONAL MEETING – TASMANIA by Wes Bray

The 2018 National Meeting was held in Tasmania during Easter. To view the many pics from Wes Bray, Sandra Cardnell and David McNabb - click here

Getting to Melbourne.

In order to get to Tasmania, the South Australian delegation had to drive to Melbourne. Some decided to tow their MG’s but most drove. There was very little drama reported apart from a one kilometre piece of road just before Horsham. Roadworks and the presence of heavy rain had turned the driving surface into mud, some of which hitched a ride on the cars.
Once in Melbourne everyone found Station Pier with a minimum of fuss and loaded their cars onto the Spirit of Tasmania. Some decided to have a daylight crossing of Bass Strait, others booked a cabin for a night crossing. Most found their cars were parked on level 1 or level 2 of the Spirit of Tasmania. There was much discussion about how you disembark from this position without following the instruction “Do not over rev your engines”.

Settling into Ulverstone.

Most of the South Australians decided to stay at Willaway Apartments in Ulverstone. This was a pleasant twenty-minute drive from the ferry terminal at Devonport. Some decided to go touring before the National Meeting and arrived at Ulverstone after their sight-seeing.
Murray Stephenson arrived with his car on a trailer having experienced engine difficulties during the trip from Adelaide. A Victorian MG owner kindly provided assistance. Karen Stephenson & Ian Curwen-Walker took the fast route, flying ADL-MEL-Launceston and hiring a car for the weekend (a good move considering Murray’s car problems).

Good Friday – Registration.

Registration was held at the Ulverstone Sports Centre. This was easy to find. We were told to drive to the main bridge across the River Leven and look on your right for a large building. These instructions worked.
As tends to be common at National Meetings there was a lot of noise as friendships from previous National Meetings were renewed. There were long queues, another unfortunate feature of registration at National Meetings. The Tasmanians provided hot cross buns to those waiting in line.
Eventually everyone was able to return to their accommodation with name tags, car stickers, programme booklets and a stack of tourist information. For those who wanted a shiny car for Concours it was then a case of out with the elbow grease, not to mention car polish and window cleaner.

Good Friday – Noggin & Natter and Rocker Cover Racing

Friday night we returned to the Sports Centre for the Noggin & Natter and Rocker Cover Racing. Upon arrival we spent time examining tables loaded with local Tasmanian produce. There was plenty to eat, it was a case of fill up your plate and find a seat at a table. Later in the night desert was served, the home-made ice cream being a highlight.
After the welcomes from the Tasmanian Centre and the Mayor of the local council there was a lot of noise as all in attendance continued the process of renewing friendships and making new friends.
The rocker Cover Racing commenced after about an hour. There was a large field and most of the spectators sat in a grandstand normally used by spectators at a basketball game. There were mixed results for the South Australians. Heather Bennett was unsuccessful in her attempt to win back to back titles. The last South Australian eliminated from competition was Geoff Glasson.

Easter Saturday – Concours

Bright and early Saturday morning approximately 180 MG’s were parked on Anzac Park. This park, as the name suggests a memorial to Australian service men and women, is located on the banks of the River Leven. The cars were arranged in classes, finding your position was quick and easy as there were plenty of marshals to help you find the correct spot.
After the judges were given a briefing and a yellow hat, they converged on their allocated class. Eventually they completed their observations and discussions and returned the judging sheets to the results tent. Chris and Wes Bray had a couple of hours of hard work checking addition and inputting data into the computer system. A big thank you to all who volunteered for the thankless job of being a judge,
While the judging was taking place some of the female members of the South Australian contingent went to a High Tea. The food was enjoyed and a good time was had by all.
Shortly after 2:00 pm the first placed cars in each class were called up into line along the river. Jason Edwards was the only South Australian fortunate enough to have his name called out. However, there were a large number of other South Australians who had managed to receive minor awards.

Name	Car Type	Place
JASON EDWARDS	1955 MG TF	1
JASON EDWARDS	1952 MG TD	1
WES BRAY	1964 MG 1100	2
KEVIN WATTERS	1970 MGB Mk II	2
ALAN CARDNELL	1978 MGB	3
DIETMAR SAUER	1968 MGB ROADSTER	3
STEPHEN SPONG	1969 MGB GT	3
MURRAY STEPHENSON	1960 MGA 1600	3
NEIL WILLIAMS	2003 MG ZT	3

Saturday night was free. Some people used the barbeque facilities at Willaway, others went to a local restaurant.

Easter Sunday – Hill climb

For some of the participants in the Hill Climb it was an early morning start. This was due to the fact that the drive from Ulverstone to the Highclere hill climb took approximately 45 minutes and drivers were required to arrive at the pits at 7:00 am. This was made a little easier by the fact that daylight saving stopped, so we all got an extra hour in bed.
The Highclere Hill Climb is on part of a public road (Oonah Road) and is a 1.02 km long. Marshals were placed at each end of the climb to make certain that the general public were kept off of the road during runs. It is a steep climb with a gradient of 9.5:1. The event was run in a professional manner by members of the North West Car Club.
Drivers in the morning group were welcomed by a damp track and the first car up the track, driven by Tim Edmonds, found that conditions were slippery. The slippery conditions eased as the morning progressed and the third and fourth runs were conducted on a dry track.
In the afternoon the reverse applied. The first two runs were conducted on a dry track and then misty rain caused a return to the slippery conditions. The majority of the cars in the afternoon group decided not to do all four runs as a result of the conditions.
No South Australians were able to gain a first place in the event. However, we were successful in gaining a couple of minor placings.

Name	Car Type	Place
WES BRAY	1964 MG 1100	2
TIM EDMONDS	1974 MGB GT V8	2
JASON EDWARDS	1952 MG TD	2
ALAN CARDNELL	1978 MGB	3
FAYE EDWARDS	1952 MG TD	3
BEVERLEY WATERS	1973 MGBGTV8	3

Easter Sunday – Observation Run

Drivers who did not wish to enter the hill climb were able to enter the Observation Run. There were two types of entries, competition, where participants who did well could get trophies, and social, where driver and navigator aimed not to get lost and enjoy the scenery. While travelling questions needed to be answered such as “How old is the Baptist Tabernacle?” or “A must in Grandma’s Sewing Kit?”
The run took the cars along a combination of highways and country roads in the Mersey Valley Region and concluded at Mole Creek. The run was 104 kilometres long with opportunity for a morning tea break at Latrobe along the way. The run concluded approximately one hour away from Ulverstone with lunch provided.
South Australia had only one competitive entry which did not win a medal. All who went on the run came back talking about the magnificent scenery.

Easter Sunday – Kimber House Garden Party

Sunday night we all returned to the Sports Centre. There was a buzz of conversation as all talked about the days activities. The theme of the dinner was “Kimber House Garden Party”. Most clubs went to a big effort to dress up according to the theme by wearing dress which could have been worn to a garden party. One of the clubs dressed as characters from the mad hatter’s tea party and then there was one club, which modesty prevents me from naming, where everyone was dressed as fairies or gnomes. We certainly stood out in the crowd as we entered singing a song to the tune of English Country Garden.

The meal was a buffet and the caterers had some difficulty keeping up the supply of food. Eventually everyone was well fed.
Medals were handed out to the concours winners and place getters and then the discussion started along the lines of “Why didn’t I win?” or “What were the judges thinking?” For one South Australian the reason for not getting a medal was obvious, he had a large crack in his windscreen. Without it Neil Williams would have been in the top three in class.

Easter Monday – Motorkhana

Monday was motorkhana day. The event was held at the Penguin Sports precinct, a short drive down the Bass Highway from Ulverstone. The site was not ideal, two courses were far from flat and there was limited clearance between some flags and the concrete kerbing. The Tasmanians assured us that this was the best site available in the region.
Three courses were used, Multiple Loop, Modified Historic Slalom and Pine Tree. As far as motorkhana courses go they are relatively simple but this did not prevent a large number of wrong direction penalties. There were also many flags hit, with appropriate penalties added when the flag falling was due to the cars. Mother nature came a distant last in the competition as fierce winds kept blowing the flags over.
The noise of cars racing around flags attracted a large crowd of locals who enjoyed watching the antics. All entrants who started managed to complete six runs, rather unusual at a National Meeting motorkhana.
Arguably this was the most successful competition event for the South Australians. There were a number of first placings and a surprised look on Karen Stephenson’s face as her name was read out as a minor place getter.

Name	Car Type	Place
WES BRAY	1964 MG 1100	1
JASON EDWARDS	1952 MG TD	1
TIM EDMONDS	1974 MGB GT V8	2
MURRAY STEPHENSON	1960 MGA 1600	2
KAREN STEPHENSON	1960 MGA 1600	3

Easter Monday – Kimber Run

The Kimber Run was a relaxed, non-competitive social drive provided for people who did not wish to subject their cars to the stresses of driving in a motorkhana. The run started in Ulverstone and concluded at Cradle Mountain for lunch. Along the way cars stopped in Sheffield where there was an opportunity to admire a large number of murals. There were a number of alternate routes suggested for the return drive, the recommended one being through Wilmot and Forth.
Following a decision at the 2017 Delegates Meeting, each car which went on the run was awarded one point towards the Wratten Trophy for their club. Thank you to the South Australians on the run as you allowed us to get 9 points, equivalent to first place in the motorkhana.

Easter Monday – Presentation Dinner

After the motorkhana and Kimber Run it was time to dress up in our best clothes and gather once again at the Ulverstone Sports Centre. As everyone arrived there was one major surprise, Chris and Wes Bray, the results officials, managed to arrive before the first course was served as their job was complete.
Dinner was a three-course meal with a tasty entrée, a choice of fish or beef for the main and a choice of deserts. Table service meant that you did not have to join long queues at the buffet.
Medals were presented for the hill climb, the observation run and the motorkhana. To conclude the evening outright and perpetual trophy winners received their spoils. Special mention must be made of Wayne Kirwan (Queensland) who won three perpetual trophies (New Zealand Plate, Golden Gudgeon and Cecil Kimber) for the second time in two years.

Trophy	Winner
Outright Pre MGA Concours	Jason Edwards
Magazine Trophy	Victoria
Web site Trophy	Gold Coast
Nuffield Trophy	Tasmania – 14 points (South Australia 7th – 4.05 points)
Wratten Trophy	Victoria – 1049.34 points (South Australia 6th – 388.8 points)

Tuesday – Farewell Breakfast and Delegates Meeting

Tuesday morning for most was spent packing the cars ready to continue their journeys through Tasmania or travel down the highway to Devonport to catch the evening ferry.
After this there was a drive to a packed car park at Pier01 for a sumptuous breakfast. Once again there was a great deal of noisy chatter as people talked about the weekend, part of the conversation usually being “Are you going to Queensland next year?”
Tim Edmonds, Bev Waters and Wes Bray then returned to the Ulverstone Sports Centre for the Delegates Meeting where the weekend was reviewed, changes to rules were discussed and a timetable for future National Meetings was planned.
The 2019 meeting will be held in Queensland in a location about half way between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The 2020 meeting organised by the Victorian centre will be held in the Albury/Wodonga area. The Gold Coast Club floated the idea of holding a future National Meeting in Alice Springs and have been asked to explore the option further and bring a proposal to the next delegates meeting.
Thank you to the Tasmanian club, in particular the members living in the North West area, for conducting a great National Meeting. There have been very few complaints about the way in which this small group of people have organised and conducted the meeting. As one of the delegates observed “This is proof that, with suitable assistance, a small club can organise a successful National Meeting”.

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"Easter Bonnets" by Barb Harrington

High Tea for the Ladies. Saturday March 31st. MG National Meeting, Ulverstone.

We girls were absolutely delighted that the Social Director of the Meet
(Colleen Jeffrey), and her colleagues had hit upon the idea of an Easter themed High Tea for us, to be held concurrently with the Concours.

After entering to the sound of the ivories being tinkled on a grand piano, we collected our champers, admired the view of the River Leven through the lofty Pier01 floor to ceiling windows and settled in for a truly marvellous alternative to the Concours!

Beautiful vintage fine bone china, lovely floral arrangements, an amazing choice of teas and the wonderful, abundant "spread" were very much appreciated. (Pity this little Easter bunny couldn't tell the difference between the chutney and the jam, ending up with a sweet and sour scone!)

The Easter Bonnet competition was a highlight. There were fascinators, splendidly adorned bonnets and "blue felt bowlers", a team approach from the Victorian ladies, amongst other novelty creations, to behold.

Speaker for the event, local club member Stephanie Templeton, a former principal and marriage celebrant proved to be the Wags' Wag. Through her subject, "Once, twice, three times a lady", she regaled us with hilarious stories of schoolyard scallywags and wedding whoopsies. As a staunch advocate for Northern Tasmania, to boot, she shared travel tips along the way.

Thus it was with a spring in our steps that we departed to join our fellows at the Concours, who had their heads under (Easter) bonnets too!

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2017 MG National Meeting - Adelaide

view the many photos from events of the 2017 MG National Meeting;

• Registration, Noggin N Natter, rocker cover racing - click here

• Concours - click here, results

• Theme night, lot 2 - click here

• Motorkhana - click here, results, report

• Kimber Run - click here, report

• Observation Run - click here, report, results

• Super Sprint - click here, results, report

• Presentation Night, Awards and Trophies - click here, outright results

 

Kimber Run - Easter Sunday 16th April by Steve Spong

Some 85 cars set off from Glenelg Footy Club at 9.30am for a circuitous 190 km drive through the Southern Vales and Fleurieu, on what was a perfect autumn day, with Strathalbyn as the destination.

The first leg, via Kangarilla, ended at McLaren Vale where most took the opportunity to linger over a coffee or two before starting the final leg. This took the participants up Sellick's Hill and on to Carrickalinga & Normanville via the Myponga Dam, and then back to Victor through the Inman Valley.

The last stretch took the cars along what was once a part of the 1937 Grand Prix circuit (won incidentally by Les Murphy in an MG-P Type) through Middleton and then to Strath.

A light lunch was provided by the Strathalbyn Rotary Club who set up shade cover in The Soldiers Memorial Park.

The feedback from participants was that they greatly enjoyed the run which showcased some spectacular South Australian scenery, taking in roads that the normal interstate visitor would perhaps not discover.

Luckily the RAA patrol who accompanied the run only had a couple of minor problems, one electrical and one a rattly exhaust, so in the end all cars completed the run and had a safe trip home.

Observation & Social Run - Easter Monday 17th April by Steve Spong

Another perfect autumn greeted us for the combined Observation / Social Run to the Barossa Valley, there being 30 competition and 52 social entry cars taking part.

Leaving Thorndon Park, the cars set off along the twisty Gorge Road, then through Paracombe, Inglewood, and Gumeracha to Birdwood. It was then across to Williamstown and the Whispering Wall before heading into the Barossa proper to end up at the South Australian Company Store, Angaston for lunch. All up, the 110 km of glorious Hills and Barossa roads was greatly appreciated by the participants, who all arrived with beaming smiles and none reported any divorces over the navigation or the answers to the questions!

The South Australian Company Store put on a huge spread of baguettes and wraps and it was an idyllic spot for lunch looking out over the rows of MGs into the vineyards. There was even a large red kangaroo amongst the vines to complete the picture.

Again an RAA patrol accompanied us, and again one or two minor incidents such as a broken throttle cable, were readily fixed (someone luckily had a spare) and so all made it to the end and home afterwards. Talking to the RAA guys, I really think that they enjoyed tinkering with the old cars for a change.

So all in all another great drive through the SA countryside.

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Final Results for competiton events and perpetual trophies

Concours

Motorkhana

Observation Run

Speed Event

Outright & Perpetual

PERPETUAL TROPHIES

JEAN KIMBER-COOK PERPETUAL TROPHY; 1st Alexander Reeves {Newcastle} 2nd Ghemma Beet {Victoria}

JOAN RICHMOND TROPHY; Delia Rayment {Queensland}

CHRIS DODDS MEMORIAL TROPHY; Graeme Ruby {Geelong}

NEW ZEALAND PLATE; Wayne Kirwan {Queensland}

GOLDEN GUDGEON TROPHY; Wayne Kirwan {Queensland}

TC OWNERS CLUB PERPETUAL PRE-WAR PLATE; Peter Kerr {Gold Coast}

CECIL KIMBER CENTENNIAL TROPHY; Wayne Kirwan {Queensland}

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2017 MG National Meeting Motorkhana

On Sunday 16 April the 2017 MG National Meeting motorkhana was held at Dock 1, Port Adelaide under clear skies and in mild temperatures. It was a glorious day with the backdrop of historic Port Adelaide and “The City of Adelaide” clipper ship nearby.

We were fortunate to have the use of a section of Renewal SA land, which is to be developed for housing in the near future, and support from the City of Port Adelaide Enfield. Prior to the event there were some working bees to clear grass and make the area safe while a final sweep, by a hired street sweeper, before the event made the area suitable for the motorkhana.

Publicity through the Port Adelaide Enfield website and The Advertiser newspaper also meant we had a good turn-out of spectators coming to admire the cars and watch the action. The Mayor of Port Adelaide Enfield, Gary Johanson, who is also a petrol head and a great supporter of our event, came along to watch and give encouragement.

The total field of ninety six drivers was divided into three groups with group one starting competition at 10am to complete the three designated courses, Multiple Loop, Gables and Historic Straight Slalom. Group two started at midday and group three at 2pm to spread out the competition but there was considerable overlap with many staying on after their runs or arriving early to watch others run.

Competition was fierce across, and between, classes as everybody was trying for their best times. Sadly, a number of marker flags were sacrificed in the name of competition and earned their assailants the appropriate penalties for the crime.

Typically motorkhanas are better suited to smaller cars such as the Midgets and 1100s but many of the larger cars put on a good show enjoying the open courses.

It was great to see seventeen South Australians competing with Bob Schapel fastest in the TC, and third outright, followed by Rob Hall in the MGB and Jason Edwards in the TD. Jason pipped Tim Edmonds’s BGTV8 by 0.61sec overall! Full results are available on the website.

The day ran smoothly with no major incidents and feedback has been that everybody enjoyed the day. The location worked, the track was good and the competition was keen.

We must thank Renewal SA for use of the land and the City of Port Adelaide Enfield for their grant towards running the event. Local authorities, including SA Police, were most supportive of this event being held in The Port.

Also thanks to members of MGCCSA for all their work to prepare the track and run the day. The blood, sweat and liniment that went into the first working bee was greatly appreciated and set the scene for a great event. A number of members of other SA clubs, including Modified Mini and Nissan Datsun, generously helped out manning courses and thanks to Marg Anderson and Ric Collett from MGCC Vic for one set of timing gear and their help. An event like this does not happen without a lot of work and willing helpers.

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2017 MG National Meeting Super Sprint

The 2017 MG National Meeting Super Sprint was run at Mallala Motorsport Park under ideal conditions on Monday 17 April with a field of eighty five enthusiastic drivers in a variety of MGs. Twenty two of these were South Australian members.

We were very fortunate to have the regular Marque Sports Car Association (MSCA) team on hand to manage the event with a number of our SA members helping out.

Officials were asked to report at 7:30am and competitors by 8:00am but when the keys arrived at 7:15am there was already a traffic jam on the road. What enthusiasm! Or couldn’t they sleep?

Safety checks done, Dorians issued, numbers attached and Tim provided an entertaining, but thorough, drivers briefing prior to practice. It was good to see the number of competitors who hadn’t been to Mallala before which meant they had not been to our previous Nat Meets or Challenges.

The Stephensons’ MGA did not survive practice and was towed in with a broken axle, not to return for the rest of the day.

Cars were sorted into grids of approx fifteen cars of like times and formed up to run in these groups as called. Cars were sent out of form up in order with a gap and had 75% of a lap to warm up before they greeted the green flag at the start line and began their five flying laps. There were two sets of five laps run this way.

Again there was fierce competition for best times and everybody appeared to be having a great time. Overtaking is permitted on the straights and drivers were well behaved during the day.

Of the South Australians Bob Schapel was fastest (1:24.4), and second outright to Matt Blanch (1:24.2), followed by Rob Hall in the ZS180 (1:28.1), Laurie Houghton (1:28.8) and Tim Edmonds (1:28.9).

Everybody appeared to be having a great time and Wes Bray was observed to overtake two (2) cars at speed! Well done Wes and, as usual, having a ball.

Unfortunately there were a few sad tales. Charles Almond had an engine failure in the MGB after three laps which meant Jack, his son, did not get a run. A very disappointing result for Jack.

Stephen Riley had a lose at turn 5, northern hairpin, and backed the MGB into the wall before coming to a very dusty stop. The session was red flagged and the car towed back to the pits but the damage was not too severe and the car was driven back to Adelaide.

Don Woods’s MGA also had an issue which meant it had to be trailered back to Melbourne by a generous fellow competitor who had to drive his own race car home.

Also in the great spirit of competition Jason Edwards gave Karen Stephenson a drive of his TD, scoring second in class, and Bev Waters gave Murray a drive of her MGB GTV8 (Awesome fun!!).

In addition, Jason had his trailer brought to the track and he lent it, along with the Audi SUV tow car, to Murray to take home the MGA and bring the trailer and Audi to the presentation dinner. Greatly appreciated the generosity and assistance.

In all the super sprint ran well with no major issues and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves.

Thanks again to the MSCA team and the MG helpers who made the event work.

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2018 MG National Meeting - Cradle Coast, Tasmania

Website - http://www.mgtas.org.au/national-meeting.html

Bulletin #1 - click here

Bulletin #2 - click here

Bulletin #3 - click here

Info for SA members thinking of going;

Many SA members have already expressed interested in attending and some have already made accommodation & Boat bookings.

Please let me know if you are interested in attending so that we can keep In touch with updates, and group bookings if desired.

Bev Waters; email: bev.waters@bigpond.com, mob: 0402 262 156

Full details of the MG National Meeting are available on the MG Car Club Tasmania Website, and you will also receive a 5% discount on boat bookings if you mention the National Meeting as it is on the major event listing for Tasmania for 2018.

 

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Volunteers are needed for our National Meeting

This National Meeting is the biggest event our club has been involved in since 2010 (our last National Meeting) and it relies on a big group of enthusiastic volunteers to make it a success.

Volunteers are needed to assist for the following events / functions;

• Pre-Registration: Sample bag packers - this will take place at the clubrooms during the week 10^th to the 13^th of April. Decorating and setting up socail venues on Thurs 13 April.
• Registration and Scrutineering: held at the Festival Function Centre, Findon Rd., Findon on Fri 14^th of April from 8.30am to 3.30pm. Registration clerks and assistants, car park marshals.
• Noggin 'N' Natter and Rocker Cover racing: also at the Festival Function Centre on Fri evening from 5.30pm. Help needed.
• Concours: being held at Wigley Reserve Glenelg, help needed from 8.00am for setup. Judges req'd, help to marshal cars into position, packing up.
• Social Night: Saturday, back to the Festival Function Centre for the theme night. Need door attendants, judges for fancy dress, pack up after event.
• Motorkhana: Sun 16^th, help needed to setup courses, tents, timing officials and marshals.
• Kimber Run: Sunday 16^th, come along and give a hand
• Super Sprint at Mallala: Mon 17^th, help needed from 8.00am, registration, traffic marshals.
• Observation Run: Mon 17^th, help with parking and marshalling cars into groups
• Presentation Dinner: Mon 17^th, being held at the Donato reception centre, Kilkenny. Need door attendants, setting up and clearing up.

Please contact Peter Coulson - volunteer coordinator, email: petercoulson2@bigpond.com, mobile: 0419215964

Come along to the Volunteer Night on fri Feb 17 from 7.30pm to meet the event coordinators, put your name down for an activity.

Supper will be provided.

2017 MG National Meeting Website - click here

2017 MG National Meeting poster - view

View video footage of the Motorkhana at the 2010 MG Nationals at Monarto - click here

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2016 National Meeting - Perth report from Bev Waters

It has been twenty one years since the MG National Meeting was held in WA, and congratulations to the three Western Australian MG Clubs who worked together putting on a memorable event – The MG Car Club of WA, the MG Owners Club, and the TC Owners Club.

to view the many photos of the event - click here

Ascot Raceway was the venue for Registration, all the Social Events and the Concours. The facilities were good, and the food was of high quality for the dinners which no doubt justified the Registration Fees charged. Jason and Faye Edwards were a hit at the Ascot themed party – Horse & Trainer!!
The RAC Driving Centre was the venue for both the Motorsport Events, and what a great facility. SA is behind the times when it comes to facilities like this – every city should have one.

The Observation Run went through the Swan Valley with some great scenery, and the Kimber Run through some local scenic areas.

MGCCSA was represented by thirteen eager travellers to the western coast of Australia - Bob and Shelley Bazzica (RV8), Geoff and Judy Glasson (MGB MkII), Rob and Julie Hall (MG Super Special ‘The Beast’), Tim Edmonds (BGTV8), Jason Edwards (MGTD and MGTF), Faye and Glen Edwards, Bev Waters (BGTV8), Ian Buckley (MGCGT – kindly offered by John & Karen Fripp, ex SA members now residing in WA), and Ian Curwen Walker.

Although some of us have driven across the Nullarbor before some time ago, most of us opted for the easy way to travel putting our cars on transport and flying. However Jason Edwards was determined to drive his TD across the Nullarbor plains, which he did in quite warm conditions, and still won his class in the Concours in that car. Well done, and congratulations to the ‘cleaning team’. His parents Faye and Glen followed in a back-up vehicle and towing Jason’s TF, and from all accounts the trip went well and will report in the next magazine.

Rob Hall accompanied by his brother also drove towing ‘The Beast’, (pity about leaving the MG keys at home, lucky his wife Julie was flying in before the Easter Weekend.) His MG Super Special attracted a lot of interest at the Motorsport Events, and he put on some spectacular performances taking out First Outright at the Speed Event and fifth outright at the Motorkhana. His spectacular spin can be viewed on face book. Rob also arranged to take part in a Race Meeting at Northam the week following Easter and made headlines in the local paper. (Rob’s report next month)

The Glasson's experienced a little bad luck with an oil leak in their TD at the last minute before heading to WA but were lucky enough to retrieve their MGB garaged some distance away and get it on transport on time. A sleepless night was not planned, however their efforts were rewarded with the car winning its class at the Concours.

Well done to all the South Australians who took part in the National Meeting, achieving good results in all events, and spent the weekend promoting the 2017 MG National Meeting in Adelaide next year.

Based on the results (full detailed list on the MGCC WA website, http://www.mg2016natmeet.com.au/ ) there were 350 Registrants, 229 cars in the Concours, 102 Entrants at the Speed Event, 114 Entrants at the Motorkhana, and 60 cars in the Observation Run.

It was interesting to note some large classes in the Concours. Forty nine T Types is rare at events these days with 28 TCs, 12 TDs, and 9 TFs present. There were 50 MGB roadsters over 4 classes and 25 MGAs including 7 Coupes and 3 twin cams.
The Specials at the speed event created a lot of interest with very quick times being posted. There were 8 Pre MGA Specials, 12 Post TF Specials and 6 Super Specials. Tim Edmonds was up there with them in BGTV8 gaining 5th Outright fastest time for the event, (although I think he almost wore out a set of tyres in the practice session on the Thursday prior to Easter.)

For some of us ‘long term’ members, the Bazzicas, Ian Buckley, Curley, and myself, who attended the first National Meeting in WA in 1978, we had a great time rekindling old friendships, and along with everyone else making new ones.

Remember: Adelaide – the place to be seen in 2017, website - click here

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2015 NATIONAL MEETING from Bev Waters & Murray Stephenson

The MG Car Club of Victoria hosted the recent MG National Meeting at Easter and was centred in and around the Yarra Valley. The events were well organized with plenty of officials at events, and the good weather made the whole event very enjoyable.

The following people attended from South Australia:

• Murray Stephenson & Ian Curwen-Walker MGA
  
• Ian Buckley & John Fripp MGBV8
  
• Mike Greenwood & Jan Dinan MGC
  
• Judy and Geoff Glasson MGB
  
• Steve Spong and Barbara Harrington MGB
  
• Wendy & Dietmar Sauer MGB
  
• Bryan and Wendy Turner MGB
  
• David & Kathy Maxwell MG ZS
  
• Stephen & Sue Holmes MGBGT
  
• Wes & Chris Bray MG1100
  
• Ian & Anne Moulds MGB
  
• Tim Edmonds MGBGTV8
  
• Bev Waters MGBGTV8
  
• Jason & Michelle Edwards, Fay and family MGTD & MGTF
  

Bazzicas were a last minute withdrawal due to family reasons.


Many members attended as Social Entrants this year, and it was also great to see some members attending their first MG National Meeting, and hopefully not their last.
The Noggin N Natter with the Rocker Cover Racing event, along with the optional social Spit roast night were held at the Victorian Clubrooms, and Ian Moulds and Mike Greenwood were our representatives in the Rocker Cover Racing Event. Mike progressed to the second round but Ian had trouble with his wheels falling off.
Their Clubrooms extension is fantastic, and a credit to their hard working members to get it ready in time for the event. The lowered ceiling made of Octagon discs, MG carpet made to order and a room with a hoist and small workshop to work on their club cars and training, just to name some
of the features. Paul Plummer the MG Car Club Overseas Director from the UK officially opened the Event.
Thanks to Mike Greenwood & Ian Moulds for organizing some red SA T Shirts for the Nat Meet. We certainly stood out in the crowd. And thank to Maurice Linehan for his efforts, at very short notice, to produce a banner for our flag bearer, Curley, to carry in the Olympic style opening parade.
The Concours on Saturday at the Rochford Winery was a very pleasant setting with seating for everyone under cover for lunch.

Winners were presented with their trophies at the venue, and congratulations to our recipients:-
Jason Edwards 1st TD, Jason Ed-wards 1st TF, Ian Buckley 2nd MG Specials Post TF, Mike Greenwood 3rd MGC, Wes Bray 3rd MG1100
Murray Stephenson received a 6th placing in class and was ecstatic that his car was in the group being judged.
It is noted that Jason’s TF scored 586 points out of a possible 600 which is incredible. (I hear that it is thanks to his mother Fay for all the polishing!)
A bus ran regularly to Healesville for those wanting to shop or a break from cars, which was appreciated by many.
Sunday the competition event was at the Historic Rob Roy Hillclimb, and again our members featured well.
Tim Edmonds 2nd, Bev Waters 3rd, Wes Bray 3rd, Jason Edwards TD 3rd, Murray Stephenson 4th, John Fripp 6th , Ian Buckley 7th in their respective classes.
Upgrades to the Hillclimb included new timing equipment with times now displayed on a screen in the pits area including split times and the speed over the finish line. Those who have been to Rob Roy know that there is not a lot of room at the top of the hill after the finish line and we still don’t know how Tim managed to stop from hitting the hay bales after going over the line at 121 km hour.
There was also great competition be-tween Ian Buckley and John Fripp (driving Ian’s car) each going a little faster each run and ‘knocking off’ the previous effort by the other. John finally pipped Ian by 0.23 of a second. (They say revenge is sweet – Many years ago Ian beat Tim Edmonds driving Tim’s car at an event).

The Motorkhana ran smoothly and finished ahead of schedule. The dif-ferent surface mid-course of event two made for interesting viewing as drivers found trouble keeping their cars from spinning around.
Jason 1st, Tim 2nd, Murray 3rd, Wes 3rd, Bev 6th in their classes.
Geoff and Judy Glasson were our only representatives in the Observation Run, finishing 7th in class, and the Social Kimber Run took in some magnificent scenery I am told.

Outright Awards:-

• Outright Concours Pre MGA - Jason Edwards TD 3rd
  
• New Zealand Plate – Jason Edwards
  
• V8 Chris Dodds Memorial trophy - Tim Edmonds 2nd
  
• Cecil Kimber Centennial - Jason Ed-wards 5th
  
• Photographic – Jason won the most creative category.
  
• Magazine – won by Victoria (SA re-ceived an Honorary mention)
  
• Website – won by Victoria (SA was 3rd)
  
• The Perpetual John Wratten Memorial trophy was won by Queensland (SA was 6th)
  
• The Perpetual Nuffield Trophy won by Newcastle (SA was 9th)
  

All in All it was a good Event. Only those who have been part of any organizing committee before know what is involved, and of course some things don’t always go to plan, but you per-severe and carry on.
In 2016 the event is in Perth WA and they are well on their way with organization of the event, and 2017 is to be held in SA. Watch this space.

To view the lots of other photos from Bev, Jason Edwards - click here

Cheers Bev & Murray

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MG NATIONAL MEETING 2015 FUN AND FRIENDSHIP in the Yarra Valley, Victoria.

• National Meeting Advert 2015
• National Meeting 2015 Bulletin 2 (at 10 August 2015)
• National Meeting 2015 Bulletin 3.1 of Jan 2015
• NATIONAL MEETING 2015 EXP OF INTEREST
• KARRALYKA CENTRE google maps link
• National Meeting 2015 Magazine, Web & Photo Competition

Jan 2015 - Please note that the attached Bulletin 3.1 supersedes Bulletin 3 and contains all the information from Bulletin 3 and amended procedures for using the electronic entry system. Kindly disregard Bulletin 3.

 

Dec 2014 - Bulletin 3 has just been released for the 2015 MG National Meeting in Victoria in the Yarra Valley at Easter.
If you are interested in attending and have not yet contacted me, please do so at your earliest convenience.
I have accommodation booked at the Lilydale Motor Inn and I have a couple of rooms left in a group if anyone is interested.
At this point we have approximately 30 people intending to go from SA and I hope a few more will make the effort.
Early next year, I will organize a night at the Car Club rooms for anyone wanting to meet and make travel arrangements etc.
Please contact me if you have any queries.
Cheers, Bev Waters

 

 

Nov 2014 - There is a group of around 30 from the SA MG Car Club who have already expressed interest in attending the 2015 MG National Meeting in Victoria.
The Victorians have dropped a few of the usual activities to try and keep the cost down to encourage more people to attend.
I have a number of Motel rooms held at the Lily Dale Motor Inn for SA Members, plus there are others who have made their own arrangements or staying with relatives.
Please give it some consideration as National Meetings are good fun, and a great way to meet other people with similar interests.
States rotate in organizing this event, and it is anticipated that 2016 will be in Western Australia, and 2017 possibly South Australia at which point we will require a large team of people to help with the organization.
If you are interested in attending or would like further information, please contact me. We can get together early next year on a Friday night at the clubrooms if anyone wants to make plans or travel arrangements etc.

 

 

The National Meeting will be held over Easter in the Yarra Valley east of Melbourne. Competition will be a motorkhana held nearby and a hillclimb at the Rob Roy track. If you are thinking of going please let Bev Waters or Murray Stephenson know. Bev has some accommodation on hold at a Lilydale motel so, if you wish to stay with the group, let her know you want accommodation. Should be a great weekend as usual. Watch the website for bulletins and updates.

 

 

 

BALLINA NATIONAL MEETING 2014 - BULLETIN NO. 3 - ( READ )

 

PHOTOS CLICK HERE

PHOTOS CLICK HERE

PHOTOS CLICK HERE

PHOTOS CLICK HERE

PHOTOS CLICK HERE

PHOTOS CLICK HERE

THE FINAL HOBART NATIONAL MEETING RESULTS - CLICK HERE FOR THE CONCOURS

THE FINAL HOBART NATIONAL MEETING RESULTS - CLICK HERE FOR THE MOTORKHANA

THE FINAL HOBART NATIONAL MEETING RESULTS - CLICK HERE FOR THE OBSERVATION RUN

THE FINAL HOBART NATIONAL MEETING RESULTS - CLICK HERE FOR THE SPEED EVENT

THE FINAL HOBART NATIONAL MEETING RESULTS - CLICK HERE FOR OUTRIGHT RESULTS AND PERPETUAL TROPHY CLICK HERE

2012 NATIONAL
MEETING - HOBART

From Wes and Chris Bray

For us the National Meeting started the Saturday before Easter. We loaded the 1100 onto a trailer and headed for Melbourne where we stayed with Chris’s brother in Belgrave. Next morning the MG was unloaded and Wes, dogs and trailer headed back to Adelaide. After spending the day in Belgrave, Chris headed to the Spirit of Tasmania. There were long delays before loading, but Bob & Vari Booth were close by in their MGB so new friendships were made.
Wes’s sister Lorraine lives in Hobart, so Chris headed there once the boat landed. Between catching up, sight-seeing and reading, the car got cleaned, something Wes appreciated once he arrived on Good Friday. From the airport it was straight to Registration. The Wrest Point Casino car park was a hub of activity, with MGs of all shapes and sizes being scrutineered. After registering and completing a tourism survey it was back to Lorraine’s for a final polish, then back in to Wrest Point for Noggin & Natter. This is always a great opportunity to catch up with MG friends met at previous Nat Meets, as well as enjoy the Rocker Cover Racing. Unfortunately everything was held in a fairly small space which resulted in a crowded and noisy environment. As Wes had been on a plane at 6 am, we left early, but feed-back was the night was a lot of fun.
Saturday morning saw us joining the line up at the Regatta Grounds in the Domain, close to the heart of Hobart. Final detailing of the car, checking out our competitors in class, chatting to friends and nervously watching the judges occupied our time before Wes went for an 8 km run along the Derwent River to work off some nervous energy and Chris read. Morning tea and lunch were provided by a local service club – the roast beef or pork rolls were excellent!
Saturday night is always Party Night and this year was no exception. The evening celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the MGB with most dressing either in Gold or 60s outfits. The Victorian club stole the show on arrival with their rendition of ”We all live in a Yellow MBG”. Concours results were announced during the evening and several South Australians received certificates including Grant White, Jason Edwards, Steve Woods, Geoff Glasson, Ian Curwen-Walker, Arthur Ruediger and of course a 2nd place in Class W for Wes Bray.
While most SA competitors headed to Baskerville for the speed event on Sunday, a few of us went on the Observation Run. This year’s event was a fairly straight forward drive through the Derwent Valley. However the questions were cryptic and stretched the navigator’s skills. The finish was at the Salmon Ponds near New Norfolk - another chance to make new friends while we compared answers and enjoyed a cold buffet lunch.
Monday was Motorkhana. Wes was in the first group to compete, so we arrived at the Derwent Entertainment Centre before 8 am. It had snowed on Mt Wellington overnight and the morning was definitely on the cool side. No WDs (wrong directions) for Wes, so he was feeling confident he had done well. The 3 courses were close to each other and well set up for spectators. Chris spent most of the morning with camera in hand, taking photos of South Australians in action. By the time the final group were on course the weather had deteriorated and we headed home to warm up.
The South Australian contingent scrubbed up well for the Presentation Dinner that night in all our finery, including Jason Edwards in tails & top hat. We were able to cheer for many members of our club who received medals & certificates. Bob Bazzica, Ian Curwen-Walker, Laurie Houghton, Glenn Kirk and Kevin Kirk all placed in the Speed Event. Chris & Wes Bray picked up a 2nd in the Observation Run. Jason Edwards, Murray Stephenson, Ian Curwen-Walker, Bev Waters, Wes Bray and Glen Kirk all placed in the Motorkhana. None of the major trophies were won by SA, but as we all gathered for a mass photograph, the lucky prize for completing the tourism survey was drawn and won by Wes Bray! Half a dozen bottles of Tasmanian wine made their way back to Adelaide.
Tuesday morning was the farewell breakfast – a chance to have a final catch up with interstate friends and invite them to come to Adelaide for the June long weekend challenge. Then it was off to the airport, so Chris could head home ready for work on Wednesday. Wes stayed in Hobart until the following Monday – feeding the dogs & chooks, as his sister had gone on holidays.
Final results were published late April – we were pleased to find we had finished 4th overall in the Observation Run (the outright winner was also in our class). There was also good news for one of our club members – Scott Stephenson was awarded the Jean Kimber-Cook Trophy as the top Junior competitor. Well done to Scott & everyone who took part in the event, whether as a competitor or social entrant.

CONCOURS - SA Entrants

Entrant	Car		Points	Class Place
Grant White	MG TD		548	2
Jason Edwards	MG TF		496	2
Ian Curwen-Walker	MGB GT		459	2
Wes Bray	MG 1100		454	2
Jason Edwards	MG TD		540	3
Steve Woods	MGA		406	3
Geoff Glasson	MGB		450	3
Arthur Ruediger	MGB GT V8		480	3
Allan Semmler	MGA		472	4
Shelley Bazzica	MGC		427	4
Glenn Kirk	MGF		519	4
Peter Auld	MG TF		454	5
Bob Booth	MGB		453	5
Wayne Hough	MGC		379	5
Jan Kirk	MG Saloon		507	5
Bev Waters	MGB GT V8		329	6
Laurie Houghton	Post TF Spl			7
Trevor Driver	MGF			7
Murray Stephenson	MGA			8

Observation Run - SA Entrants

Entrant	Points	Class Place
Wes Bray	144	2
Grant White	336	10
Jason Edwards	336	10
Geoff Glasson	348	14
Peter Auld	708	18

Motorkhana - SA Entrants

Entrant	Time	Class Place
Murray Stephenson	93.58	2
Glenn Kirk	96.14	1
Scott Stephenson	98.31	7
Bev Waters	98.77	3
Jason Edwards	99.68	2
Kevin Kirk	100.65	5
Laurie Houghton	102.13	5
Karen Stephenson	102.82	9
Wes Bray	104.57	1
Ian Curwen-Walker	106.57	1
Jan Kirk	113.13	8
Michelle Edwards	116.05	5

Speed Event - SA Entrants

Entrant	Time	Class Place
Laurie Houghton	70.7	2
Glenn Kirk	74.84	1
Bob Bazzica	76.07	2
Eric Erickson	76.56	9
Kevin Kirk	76.91	2
Bev Waters	80.75	4
Murray Stephenson	82.95	4
Trevor Driver	87.56	6
Scott Stephenson	90.48	7
Ian Curwen-Walker	92.7	1
Karen Stephenson	94.39	9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<---------CLICK ON THE LOGO - For information on this year's (2012) National Meeting

 

 

 

MG National Meetings are held each year at Easter in different States of Australia. All MG car clubs from around the country participate - in varying numbers. The last National Meeting hosted in Adelaide was in 2010. The 2011 National Meeting was held in Newcastle. This year (2012) the National Meeting will be in Hobart, hosted by the Tasmanian MG car club. Results for the past year are maintained until Easter of each year (CLICK ON LOGO for Results of 2011 National Meeting at Newcastle).

Attendances vary from 250 up to 500 people depending on distances involved and other commitments etc.

The National Meetings cater for all tastes in MG owners - from concours specialists to motorsport enthusiasts and all those in between. There are competition events including usually a sprint and a motorkhana, sometimes a hillclimb. There is also an observation run for those who do not want to sprint.

Social events include lunches and dinners in various locations around the host club area, and there is usually a run for those who do not compete in the motorkhana to enjoy the countryside with other MG drivers.

It is a great opportunity to meet other MG people around Australia and to renew long distance friendships formed over the years.