Photos outside The Dog House
Photos At the start of the run in Abingdon Market Square
Photos taken leaving the Market Square in Abingdon
Photos of the cars at the finish – Grey’s Court
Y type Spring Run 2013.
As there was not a report for 2013 Spring run to Abingdon, I thought I might as well put pen to paper.
Chris and I had volunteered to organise the Spring Weekend for 2013 as Jerry and Jo Birkbeck had decided to stand down after 15 years. We had organise various meetings before so was excited about carrying on the tradition which the Birkbeck’s had set.
When we organise any run or this weekend, you still can’t relax until the last car leaves to go home.
Saturday afternoon Chris and I drove to the Dog House Hotel to make sure all the arrangements were going according to plan and wait to welcome the early birds. We had used the Hotel before and the Landlord was a keen car enthusiast so everything was going well.
It is great when the first car arrived full of enthusiastic people. It makes the organisation worthwhile. Soon the Hotel’s dining room was filling up and the general hustle and bustle of like-minded people enjoying each other’s company.
The dinner was served and enjoyed by everybody, which was helped along by the ever flowing drinks. Peter V, chairman of the committee, welcomed everyone to the weekend and was on hand to present the Car of the Year Award. This trophy is called the Doubtfire Award, after Dennis Doubtfire. The trophy for 2012 went to Neil Cairns. This was the Car of the Year Awards first year and it is to encourage the use of the cars, whether it is to go to the shops or to major events. The one with the most proven mileage wins. The other presentation was to Jerry and Jo thanking them for all their hard work over the 15 years.
The Hotel was full of Y type Owners for the evening and breakfast. In the morning, Chris and I arrived at the Hotel to escort everyone to the Market Square in Abingdon. This was the starting place for the run to Grey’s Court. The Abingdon Museum was open and everyone had the opportunity to visit the MG display.
At the start, everyone was given a route book and plaque. Chris gave a drivers’ briefing reminding everyone about the various other events which were happening in the same area. These were the cyclists, marathon runners and Morris Run.
As soon as everyone left for the leisurely run to Greys Court. Chris and I locked the market Square and returned the key to the council and then took a direct route to Greys Court where we meet up with two non Y Type owners who were helping us park the cars.
This is where I get really nervous as we wait for the first car to arrive. Did I miss a roundabout out? – It has been know before! Can they understand my directions? Do they like the extra information about the villages they pass through?
After about an hour of waiting the first car arrives. Now I can relax. If one car can follow my instructions then the others can as well. It was great to see the cars coming up the drive to be parked in front of the Greys Court. The house and gardens are lovely. The tea room was a typical NT tea room with hot soup, rustic bread and homemade cake. What more can you need?
Well, welly boots and a Mac was what we needed as the weather was not kind to us. But in the true Y type style everyone judged all the cars for a Best YA, YB, TY of the run and the Booby Prize.
YA Roy Clapham
YB Keith Herkes
YT Jerry B
Booby Prize Little Gem
As the afternoon draws to a close and everyone makes their way home, it is now I can relax. Well nearly! Must go and thank the Staff at Grey’s Court for a wonderful day. Stop at the Hotel and thank the staff and the chef for a great dinner.
I think it was a success!!
Now where shall we go next year?? Suggestions please!!!!!
Well, next year 2014 has already been decided, and to be honest we are also planning 2015.
In 2014 we are in Hampshire – watch out for the leaflets.
Annette C
J P BIRKBECK, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
MG Y REGISTER SPRING WEEKEND MAY 11th/12th 2013
Well done to Chris and Annette Callaghan for organising a highly successful MG Y REGISTER Weekend over the 11th/12th May. The Dinner, which is now a key part of the weekend, was held at The Dog House just outside Abingdon where 45 attended an excellent meal. Chairman Peter Veilvoye thanked Chris and Annette for arranging their first event for the Register. He began his words to the audience by commenting that he was one of the fortunate few who at the moment has the full set of Y’s (A,B and T! Though how long this will continue remains an unknown Peter also thanked Jo and Jerry for their work over the setting up the first fifteen! ( In fact I forgot to mention both Dennis Doubtfire, without whose inspiration and suggestions the initial event – The Birth of the Y (to celebrate 50 years of the Y) in 1997 would never have happened. It was this that triggered both Jo and I to follow up as organisers for the next 16 years (2001 being cancelled due to Foot and Mouth Disease). And of course Richard Dick who selected the routes – I merely being the scribe and administrator from 1998 – 2005! ) We ( J and J) received a superb bottle of Champers for which we are very appreciative of!
C and A had organised the run from Abingdon Market Square and the opportunity was available to visit the MG exhibition held in the Museum which form part of the Old Guildhall in the Square. The weather at this point was still kind to us before we set off for Greys Court near Henley on Thames, which is a splendid National Trust property and well worth a visit.
The run of 38 miles was completed around 1.00 pm and some 21 Y’s were gathered as a centre piece. The rain began to fall and at 3.00 pm Peter and Chris announced the outcome of self judged Pride of Ownership with Roy Clapham’s YA and Keith Herkes (YB) deservedly taking the Cups for each Class. The YT was a `walkover’ for me as neither Mike Silk nor Peter Veilvoye were able to bring their respective models along.
A great weekemd only marred by poor weather late on but of course typical of the unpredictability of the British climate – 24C last weekend but only around 12-13 on Sunday! However, the great aspect of these occasions is the bringing together of likeminded souls to share and enjoy each others company. And the organisation of the last 48 hours was a testament to Chris and Annette’s organisational skills. Anyone who has done this knows only too well of the stresses and strains of pulling it all together and this was their first for the Y Register and they deserve a huge round of applause from all who attended ..
So thanks to C and A for their opening gambit and they have indicated that the 17th Spring Weekend is to be held in Hampshire. We all look forward to it and too attracting a few more owners local to this part of the UK. We can be sure that having set the benchmark that our intrepid couple will raise the bar higher,
Jerry