Summer Day Out - 25th August 2008

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of polished MG’s.

Not quite the summer trip to Athens on an AEC Regent III RT (look up: films, January 1963) but a more leisurely amble across several counties to Knebworth.

Quaint Essential English Traditions: Strawberries and Cream at Wimbledon, Mince Pies and Carols at Christmas and Rain on Bank Holiday Monday’s! But what’s this?... Dead flies on the windscreen! Where are the raindrops?

Half seven on a Bank Holiday Monday morning, hood down, and travelling to Abingdon in the sunshine... splendid start!

Reverse onto the cobbles of the open Market Place. One of the starting points for this year's Abingdon Works Centre Summer Day Out. Switch off the engine and take in the splendid sight of yesteryear engineering just as the sun disappears behind the leading edge of a blanket of cloud!... not so splendid.

Let the Entertainment begin! A warm welcome from the AWC treasurer to all, including a certain Birthday Boy, who had travelled all the way up from Somerset in his RV8.

Having obviously only just woken and not seemingly been able to engage the grey matter fully, she seemed to dig herself a hole during her conversation with him. The subject of Bacon Rolls at Reading was the topic when she managed to imply that he was of portly proportions. Realising the faux-pas she changed the topic to the museum. Gesturing simultaneously towards the Town Hall and Brian Moylan "Brian was incidental in the opening of that" was the quote. "I might be getting on" mumbled Brian "but I’m not that old. That thing was opened in 1682!"

Time to be off before the square turns into a Beijing Boxing Ring.

In twos and threes, the groups of cars wound their way through the countryside, out towards Culham then cross-country towards Chinnor. Under the M40 along to Wendover where one or two missed the turn taking the scenic route towards Hemel. Out of the urban sprawl towards Wheathampsted where the routes from Abingdon and Reading joined. Small confusion ensued in this town. A number of vehicles following the road signs instead of following the detailed instructions. Stopping at the pub for directions was a good excuse for a loo break though. Off again, back on route digesting what the tulip figures expressed. A bit of an anxious moment as the temperature gauges rose in the queue for the gate. No worries in the end as everybody formed a defensive circle around the Chairman's Midget on the windswept slopes in the grounds of Knebworth.

A splendid venue with the stunning sight of a plethora of various vehicles from a multitude of British and Foreign Stables displayed across the field. Numerous stalls offering everything from second hand hub caps to second hand Ford Capris.

Highlight of the afternoon was the superb rendition of the history of MG. With a display of MGs proudly driven into the arena, an hour’s talk about the firm and the cars ensued (if there was an Olympic medal for commentary, I think Team GB would have finished higher in the table... couldn’t he talk and talk!). Half way through the epic speech, and unable to curtail his enthusiasm with the knowledge that was wafting from the loudspeakers, Mr Moylan was noticed to gracefully slide under the steering wheel and have a quiet 40 winks. Showing our appreciation of the commentary, an exit from the arena was completed in record time by all, leaving the area clear for the next poor few.

There was time to have a wander around the trade stands before they packed up, but a gander around the house was curtailed, as it seemed that it would be a bit of a rush.

With MGOC cars suitably adorned with Safety Fast Magazines and 'Join the MGCC' cards, it was time to go. Coincidentally it was also time for the thick cloud that had covered the sky all day, to float off to the East, leaving a very pleasant drive back home in a convoy of 50s and 60s cars that was an impressive display of its own.

A Grand Day out, Gromit! Thanks to Mike Lamb for the organisation, an excellent instruction booklet, and a great route.

This day has given us a lot to peruse. Bacon Rolls are a healthy option and help reduce weight! The whippersnapper of a lad Brian Moylan was the main instigator for the display WITHIN the Town Hall and "Sorry Mike, I haven’t enough petrol to join a parade" will have to be remembered for next time.

Click here for full-size photos

Text: Pete Davies
Photos: Mike Lamb