ABINGDON WORKS
Simon Pedrazzini
sfscribe@mgabingdon.org.uk www.mgabingdon.org.uk
The busy season may be closing but at AWC things are taking off
again ready for the build up to a busy 2009.
First off, I am delighted to report that John Harris is pushing me
to promote another Boxing Day Run so, whether you are a
regular, or you have just never thought of a hood down (not
compulsory) drive at Christmas time, give it a try this year – it is
great fun.
This is the 15th event and as in the recent past it starts from
Abingdon Market Square with arrival from 09.30–10.00am ready
for departure at about 10.30am. The Square’s gates have to be
A selection of MGs at the end of the Chairman’s Run. Photo: Phil Grinham.
locked by the last man away so let’s stick to the planned times and Now for some nostalgia. The Chairman’s Run this year took
give the gate keeper the chance to make it for lunch at the Dog place at the end of September. The Run itself started in autumn
House, Frilford. Note if you want to eat lunch there you will need mist at Abingdon but, after a reasonably short but picturesque drive
to pre-book by calling the pub on 01865 390830. There is a through Berkshire, it ended at the Museum of Berkshire Aviation,
nominal charge of £5 for entry to the event payable on the day, Woodley Airfield in brilliant sunshine.
which covers admin and the remainder goes to AWC funds. For Attendees found the exhibits very interesting including products
further information please call John on 01235 764288. of Miles Aircraft, Handley Page and Fairey Aviation. These names are
The MG Museum in the upper floor of the Abingdon as famous to the more mature as MG, Austin Healey and Morris.
(County Hall) Museum opened again on October 25 and Brian Last month I mentioned the AWC Regalia and in particular the
Moylan, with a small team of helpers has put together quite a recently introduced Reflective Safety Vest. Well, some of you
different display this time, with broader emphasis and including may have read that the French gendarmes are doing their bit for the
some recently unearthed artefacts. Don’t think because you have ‘entente cordial’ by fining British motorists for not carrying these
already visited last winter that it is pointless visiting again because the compulsory items. We have not put them up to it. There is a law
display is very different. It is very pleasing that the MG Room is in existence, just as the one to carry a warning triangle. So now
being mentioned along with the major future develops for the you know where to get the safety vests contact Greg Smith at
museum itself and we are confident that more space will be
g.smith@mgabingdon.org.uk
forthcoming. Remember there is a fund running to assist with this. For any other information about this Centre and its goings-on
Contact Brian Moylan on 01235 531384. see
www.mgabingdon.org.uk
ANGLIA
Rob Muir Tel: 01206 862619
Rob.Muir@hotmail.co.uk
www.mgccangliacentre.org.uk
Events Reporting
Another busy month in the Centre; where does the year go?
A group of us had a weekend away in Oxford and on the way
home visited Kimber House. We were ably looked after by the
staff and were even given a map by Andy Knott, so we could find
the old inn used by Abingdon employees from years gone by.
Derek Clementson, one of the Royal Fusilier Natter members,
remembered a visit he made there in 1968, and had the photo to
prove it. So we decided to recreate the picture with our MGs. I will
let Derek take up the story.
“In late 1968 a friend of mine, who was in the Mini Cooper
Club, asked me if I would like to go on a club trip to the MG Factory
in Abingdon.
When we arrived, we were given a full tour of the plant, which
included the assembly lines for the MG Midgets and MGBs, plus
the trim shop, paint and rectification bays.
At lunchtime, we were taken to The Dog House public house,
where lunch (sandwiches) was provided by MG.
After group photos were taken, we drove back to the Factory
for a look round the Competitions Department. ‘No photos to be I took the photos to show staff at Kimber House on our recent
taken’ said the sign, but I must have misread that and, after finishing weekend away and thought it would be a good idea to recreate
my last film, we all set off for home. The Dog House photo 40 years on.”
72 Safety Fast! NOVEMBER 2008
www.mgcc.co.uk
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