Exeter's River Dart Rally is always well attended and by running the event over three days, participants have time to relax and settle down for one of the best MG Owners Club Area events in the calendar. The venue of the River Dart Country Park is inspiring with the exceptional amenities and peaceful walks through the woodland area making this an ideal setting for families to enjoy activity holidays.

The woodland settings into which the children's activity areas are imaginatively blended give a very safe environment for energetic play to be dispelled while the parents and 'grown ups' can indulge in more recreational pursuits in the Club House and Bar. 

Our trip up the A30 and A38 to Ashburton was marred by drizzle and rain from our assembly point at the Fox & Hounds in Scorrier, almost the entire journey, to Buckfastleigh. Once again the weather forecast seemed astray of the mark as a fine dry day had been predicted. Notwithstanding, our spirits were not dampened and three Red MGB Roadsters and an MG TF made the journey.

An impressive lineup of MGs greeted us as we entered the designated area and many caravans, tents and trailer tents were on the site providing accommodation for the many enthusiasts who had partaken of the weekend's activities. Dare I say that there were more than a few bleary and bloodshot eyes, but that's why such weekends are so successful.

It is always a pleasure to introduce new members to the MG Owners Club, and to be able to invite them to the Exeter Area MGOC event is nothing but ideal. Our friends Mo and Gwen, and Derek and Paula, who we'd met two weeks previously and with no prior knowledge of the atmosphere and fun at such an event, were impressed to the point of wanting to be involved in further runs - we will accommodate them!

In the 1970's and 80's every event included the obligatory Plug & Wheel Change and Driving competitions which were always hotly contested. Congratulations therefore to Exeter for staging the 'blindfold' driving competition. Interesting enough it was the Ladies who lead by example. Comments to the effect that "She always drives like that - blind" were overheard!

Once again, Exeter MGOC have excelled themselves by organizing a superb River Dart Rally. My sincere thanks go to Sean and Cathie Leverton who have ably stepped into the position vacated by our new Regional Secretary - Tim Hipwell, and also to their army of volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that we, their guests, have a truly wonderful time. We'll see you again at River Dart Rally 2002.