10th to 12th August 2007
10th to 12th August 2007
A memorable weekend of events to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the launch of the MGC Sports Car. Organised by the MGC Register of the MG Car Club, the venue for the weekend was at The Stratford Manor Hotel in Stratford Upon Avon and the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon in Warwickshire.
For some, the weekend started with a Lunchtime stop at The Boot Inn at Barnard Gate, Oxfordshire, where a pint of Old Speckled Hen was 'downed' to ease the dry throat after a journey of five hours in glorious sunshine. The afternoon continued through Burford, Stow on the Wold, Moreton in Marsh to Stratford upon Avon for an informal Friday night gathering.
Saturday morning started early with a drive to Midland Sports & Classics Ltd at Ombersley, near Kidderminster in Worcestershire and our starting point for the day's Road Run. Here some 50 MGCs assembled for a drive through leafy Worcestershire lanes to the 17th Century Fleece Inn at Bretforton near Evesham.
We continued our return journey to Stratford upon Avon in the afternoon via Evesham where evidence of the horrendous flooding, just three weeks earlier, was self evident several feet up the walls of properties in the High Street with many shops still closed or emptied of stock and fittings.
Saturday evening's Dinner Dance was held in the Stratford Room of the Manor Hotel where Don Hayter, development engineer for the MGB and MGC, gave a talk on the development and demise of the MGC.
Sunday morning arrived with everyone de-camping to the Heritage Motor Centre where 91 MGCs lined up for one of the greatest photo opportunities of the 21st Century. The weather did have a slight sting in its tail and a sudden shower sent GT owners scurrying to the Museum for shelter, while Roadster owners hurriedly erected their hoods to save their cockpits from becoming swimming pools!
All too soon the weekend drew to its conclusion with the Concours and Pride of Ownership Awards, quite rightly, being presented to Peter Morgan with his stunning MGC Roadster.
And so to the long journey home for us all with fond memories of a magnificent weekend full of wonderful people, stunning examples of our beloved MGC and, for the most part, glorious weather.
Thanks for a truly momentous weekend goes to Ginny Cartmell, Tim Hodgkinson and all the MGC Register Committee for their tremendous organisational skills and inspirational planning.
For those MGC owners who were unable to participate in the 40th Anniversary Weekend's celebrations, please enjoy these photographs.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Last picture is of my MGC in front of Moss
Cottage, 61 Evesham Road, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire. CV37 9BA.
Telephone: 01789 294770. Email: janet@jjbwilmcote.freeserve.co.uk.
This Bed & Breakfast is advertised as a 'Classic Car Friendly' on the Internet.
When I arrived I was asked by Jeff and Janet Brodrick, the proprietors, if I would like to park my car in their Barn where it would be secure and dry. I took them up on their offer and was directed to the rear of the cottage where I parked in Jeff's quadruple sized, wooden garage with its integral inspection pit. I was honoured to share this with Jeff's newly restored MG TC and an immaculate 1948 Rover P3 Saloon.
Prior to leaving for the Concours and Pride of Ownership competitions at Gaydon on Sunday morning, I was offered the use of Jeff's hosepipe and pressure washer to clean my car - now that is a classic car friendly B&B!
The accommodation was spotlessly clean and the food was excellent and plentiful. I thoroughly recommend Moss Cottage to anyone staying in Stratford upon Avon with a classic car or otherwise.
Robert Lynex
MGC #1100
14th August 2007