Old Speckled Hen Run - Sunday 24th May 2009

With a few people fearing that the name might need to be changed to 'The Old Speckled Duck', the 2009 Spring Bank Holiday Sunday not only blew away these thoughts but blew away any form of moisture in the air that could inconceivably form a cloud.

The Quotes ...

Not the normal write up for an event, that will come further down the page, but firstly one or two quotes from participants to the AWC chairman within hours of finishing the day.

"We would like to thank YOU, MIKE and CAROLINE and all your SPLENDID BAND OF HELPERS for arranging such another wonderful MG Day out, the route as always was excellent and of course this time we could not fault the weather - well done!  Very many thanks again we do appreciate all your hard work".
John and Pam Richens

"Please pass on our thanks to all the team for the great route and lunch time stop.  The route was interesting and dotted with pictures and ‘Points of interest’.  An idea that I might pinch for the Regency Run 2010.   When we arrived at Sulgrave Manor, I feared that there was not enough parking but your marshal’s did a cracking job and got us all in without fuss.  I’m glad that Mike (member of the year) Parker booked the weather this year.  It seems like only yesterday that we were sheltering from the rain on last year’s run.  So tell Mike to stay as member of the year, as it’s quite obvious that the sun shines on the righteous."
Regards, John & Jen  

"Just a note to say how much we enjoyed the run and the lovely lunch spot. How clever of you to get the weather so perfect as well!  Please pass on our thanks to all those who helped make it such a successful day."
 Roger and Nicky Boys plus Paddy the Westie."

"Please pass on a very big thank you, from Chris and myself, to all at the Abingdon Works Centre and in particular those that were involved in the organisation of the wonderful Old Speckled Hen Run. We travelled up from the South Coast for the event and it was worth every minute of the drive up.  This was our first Speckled Hen run and I'm quite certain it won't be our last.  Everything was so well organised and the run itself, through the stunning Oxfordshire countryside, was an absolute delight to drive. The instructions were probably amongst the clearest we have come across on any run. Thank you all very much and hopefully we'll see you again next year."
Regards, John Wilson, MGF Register South Coast Area Rep.

The Actual Report...

For weeks now Mike Parker has been seen dressed in his Feather Headdress carrying his tomahawk, dancing around in tight circles chanting to himself or was it the MG Gods. Anyways the circular furrow in his back garden and the holes in the bottom of his shoes paid off.

With a full ceiling of Cambridge Blue, all that could manage it arrived at Radley College with hoods stored. Those tin top participants all wished that they too could convert to rag tops.

The well oiled Parker machine was in full steam for this year’s 'Old Speckled Hen Run', the 17th running of this unmissable event. 100 cars booked in to the run leaving a number of upset members on the waiting list.

Tea in the pavilion, a natter here and there and then signing on to find out where we were going on this glorious day. Briefing over and even paid a shilling to listen, with gleeful anticipation the line of Cowley, Abingdon and Longbridge’s finest lined up to have the last bit of dust wafted off the bonnet by the Union Flag and a friendly word or two by Mr Wallis himself to start on the run to the lunch stop. Through West Oxfordshire’s leafy lanes Dunlop’s and Bridgestone’s rolled. Past Farmoor reservoir, over the Toll bridge at Eynsham and off up past Churchill’s grave at Bladon. One car even managed to stop at the garden centre at Kirtlington. Over the M40 at Ardley and then a superb country lane run all the way up to Sulgrave Manor, where Chris Callaghan and son expertly squeezed 191 eager bodies in their horseless carriages into the allotted area with apparent ease.

Picnics abound. Gardens awash with colour and bouquet and with two mini tours of the house arranged for MG members. What a great couple of hours spent relaxing.

Not finished yet. The thought of the Cream Teas back at Radley. The route home was as enjoyable as the route out, back down towards Banbury and Chipping Norton. Along past Blenheim and off to Oxford. A short trip on the A34 left us just a few gear shifts before we arrived back at the College. Cream Teas on the grassed slope listening to all the praise for such a grand day out.

A big, big thank you to Mike, Caroline and all who helped out at the Pavilion on Sunday. To Richard and Gill who spent so much time on the route plan and choosing and arranging a wonderful lunchtime stop and to all others that made this day so enjoyable. Lastly but probably most importantly, a large expression of gratitude goes to Greene King, the sponsors of Abingdon Works Centre’s Old Speckled Hen Run. May this partnership like the fine ale, last for many a fine year.

With the cups washed, the gazebo down and Mike Parker wearing his reshod shoes, we all look forward in the twilight of the day to THE Old Speckled Hen Run 2010.

Click here for full-size photos

Text: Pete Davies
Photos: Malcolm Bailey