Vale of York – Ken Cothliff
Our very first run after all the Covid lockdown periods intervened was The Compass Run to Richmond on 1st August. After all the preparation by the Vale of York Natter members it turned out to be a great success with about 30 cars in attendance. There was a sizeable contingent from South Yorkshire, several cars from North Yorkshire, the 24/39 Group had 4 cars there, David Copeman was the sole representative from West Yorkshire plus those from our own Natter. The Mayor of Richmond was there to greet the early arrivals – see photo.
In addition, we had a local MG owner join us – he wasn’t a member of any Club so he was introduced to the MGCC, and duly given a membership form. A second visitor was a chap and his wife on holiday in the Dales, from Gloucestershire. They were due to go home that day, but his pre-war NG Magnette 4 Seater Midget was running so well they decided to stay a few days more.
In the afternoon a few of the Members took the opportunity to visit the Green Howards Military Museum, which had been kindly opened specially for us. The weather held up and threatened rain held off giving some of us the opportunity to finish the day with the run through the Dales countryside.
A successful day for our first organised run out.
We also had our first Natter meeting on 19th August at the Anchor Inn since last year. We had about a dozen cars and welcomed two new Members, Mark Sneesby with his MG TD, and Brian Bell with his MGC, both hailing from York.
Arrangements have now been made for the meeting to continue at the Anchor at 12.00 on the third Thursday of each month.
24/39 Group – Terry Hartley
Several 24/39 Group members had their cars running for the Vale of York’s Compass run ending at Richmond Market Square at the beginning of August. There were Keith Jackson’s 4 seater Midget, Tony Margel’s VA Tourer and Bob Walker’s F1 Magna. I also managed the run to Richmond but as I was still progressing my car, I took my road car instead.
In addition to the 24/39 Group cars we also had a visit from Chris Little and his wife in their NB Magnette 4 seater (same as one of my cars). Chris and his wife live in Cheltenham and they just happened to be touring the Dales and passing through Richmond the same day. Someone told them there was an MG event on so the stopped to have a look and had a sandwich there for lunch.
West – David Copeman
The Triumph & MG Weekend held at the Three Counties Showground Malvern attracted 25 West members who camped for the 3-day event. It was the general contention after a very enjoyable weekend if there could be a repeat of the Triumph/ MG event next year.
We had a steady attendance at our August meeting with many members still recovering from The Malvern weekend.
Dougie Butcher still buzzing from having his MG TF 85 Anniversary replica which he has spent many hours building to match every detail of the original model awarded MGF 25 Car of the Show at Gaydon earlier this year and then to be awarded first place in the MG Pride of Ownership sponsored by Maguires at Malvern.
East – Brian Rylance
The Natter rallied to Ray Snowley’s Freedom run in August, which gathered at Foreman’s Garage at Hutton Cranswick, attracting nearly 40 cars and achieved almost £800 for Mrs Foreman’s current charity. A great route, catering and organisation, with only the weather to disappoint.
Following on from the successful Freedom Run the team are doing another one Sunday 19th September gathering again at Foreman’s Garage with an optional suggested social run, refreshments at start and finish. Details to be sent out to Natter members
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- Brian Rylance MG Painting
South – Mike Breedon
Natter Leader Geoff Norcliffe was given a brand new trophy by Bob and Lynne Douglas when they left for New Zealand a few years ago asking that the trophy be presented to a Natter Member the Natter leader believes has gone over and beyond in supporting this Natter. Having made the decision on who he should present it to for 2020, the actual presentation could not be made until August 2021 due to the Covid restriction in place. Geoff finally allocated the trophy to Mike Breedon for his support to the preparation of Natter Notes and events prepared for 2019 and 2020 which have rolled into 2021.
August was a very active and enjoyable month for the SY Natter members. The Old Post Office at Haigh has now fully opened and the new management have acknowledged and agreed we can continue our monthly meetings back there so; regular monthly Natter meetings are back on!!
The Natter was fully committed to the Compass Run on the 1st August with a significant number of cars and members met at the Ferry Bridge Service area to follow a great run up to the finish point at Richmond put together by Keith. Once the socialising and a discovery of what Richmond had to offer was satisfied for all, it was then onwards to Barnard Castle to carry on socialising with an overnight stop and meal booked. The next day Mike had worked out a route for those who wanted to head across to Sandsend, Scarborough for the day before heading off home. All in all, a great couple of days.
The Natter night for August was used to put on the cancelled Pride of Ownership competition from last month. The MGA of Keith Pinder was chosen as the well deserving winner this year, with Mal Perry’s restored MG TD in 2nd place.
The Wednesday walking crew continue to enjoy new routes picked by one of the 6 members most Wednesdays of each month.
Another big event for the Natter was the Dales Run on Sunday 29th August. Mal and Geoff really did a great job of putting on a 2 night 2 day support event starting with a run up to the start point at the Bay Horse, Bradley, Skipton, and overnight stop on Saturday. The run was a very enjoyable 100 mile route through the Yorkshire Dales followed by an overnight stop for the members before a day on a Narrow Boat.
Next up for the Natter is a planned Coast to Coast Run from Saturday 11th September from Scarborough to Morcambe, followed by an overnight stop before boarding a Ferry to the Isle of Man for 4 days. This one is prepared and managed by Geoff with Mal, Keith and Mike looking after the route recce and preparation for SY Natter for any members who wish to go on the event in order to celebrate the 25th Year continuous operation of the SY Natter.
The next Natter meeting will be held at the Old Post Office, Haigh, on the fourth Wednesday of the month, 22nd September 2021.
North – Jeff Marsden
North Yorks Natter was held on the glorious 12th August at the Tempest Arms, Elslack.
We completed the arrangements for the Dales Run, organised by Paul and Rosemary Croft, to start at the Bay Horse, Snaygill, near Skipton on 29th August. Only about 70 participants this year and we usually have 100+. Great shame that the advert for it was excluded from Safety Fast!
A calendar of events was discussed and put into action for our entertainment and our End of Season Run which is due to take place on the 18th September, nine days after our next meeting at The Tempest.
The Chair was given a new trophy for him to present annually to a member that he believes deserves some recognition.
During Lockdown we did have a “Zoom” Pride of Ownership which was won by Keith and Margaret Beningfield and the appropriate trophy was presented at the Natter BBQ on the 30th July. The weather was not kind to us so we were indoors eating but cooking in the barn. The weather certainly didn’t dampen our spirits!
Several members joined Ken and Julie Cothliffe at Richmond where the Compass Run terminated.
