MGOC Durnovaria 1008 - April 2018 Editor’S Notes We Had a Splendid Attendance at Our March Club Meeting and the 1St May Club Evening Meeting Is One Not to Be Missed

DURNOVARIA 1008 NEWSLETTER APRIL 2018

The Essential Newsletter for the MG Owners Club Dorchester Area 1008

MG 1100/1300 - “THE MOST ADVANCED MG OF ALL TIME?” MGOC Durnovaria 1008 - April 2018 Editor’s Notes We had a splendid attendance at our March Club meeting and The 1st May Club evening meeting is one not to be missed. We everyone greatly enjoyed Peter’s quiz. With many interesting have a ‘Bring and Buy’ event so come with a wallet full of cash and varied questions, we were taxing our ’little grey cells’ all for those bargains and bring along items that you wish to donate, evening. Many thanks to Peter for his hard work in assembling all proceeds will going to charity. Also not to be missed on the and presenting the questions. I now know that a Mexican tortilla same evening is the auction for a carriage ride in Briantspuddle is a type of thin unleavened flatbread, made from finely ground organized by Derek - more details later in the newsletter. maize. Whereas a Spanish tortilla is an omelette made with We are grateful to the Colliton Club for the use of the Dorchester potato ham, onions, red peppers and spices, the classic tapas Room for our club meetings. Just a reminder that the bar is dish. Our next club evening event is Wayne’s MG ‘Beetle Drive’. open only to members and membership renewals were due by This is an evening meeting where we get the opportunity to January 1st. www.collitonclub.co.uk. circulate amongst other members and have a laugh. Wayne’s MG Drive always proves to be a fun evening. APRIL CLUB MEETING Our next club outing with our cars will be on Sunday 15th April when we head off to Haselbury Mill near Crewkerne. Then on Tuesday April 3rd 7.30 pm the 16th May we start our Wednesday evening runs. The first Colliton Club of these will be a run followed by a pub supper organized by Dorchester Graham, so expect the unexpected and be prepared to have fun! DT1 1XJ

Tuesday Club Nights Wednesday Evening Runs Weekend Runs

6th February Sunday 15th April: Skittles & ‘Ploughman’s’ Classics at the Mill, Spitfire Club Crossways Haselbury Mill nr. Crewkerne. *PB 6th March 16th May Sunday 20th May Peter’s Quiz Night Graham’s Run & Pub Supper TOTCP 6.30 for 6.45 Dorset Area Midget & Sprite Club 3rd April (DAMASC) 60th Birthday Wayne’s MG ‘Beetle Drive’ Holme Bush Inn, Corfe Mullen, 27th June 1st May BH21 3RZ - *PB Fish & Chip Run - Tim & Sharyn Bring & Buy Sale TOTCP 6.30 for 6.45 Auction for Carriage Ride at Sunday 3rd June Briantspuddle Hardy Country Classic Tour 18th July Higher Bockhampton, 5th June Ray & Lorraine’s Mystery Tour Nr Dorchester DT2 8QH *PB TBD and Pub Supper Sunday 8th July 3rd July TOTCP 6.30 for 6.45 Dorchester’s Hidden Secrets - Kingston Country Fair & Classic Tim’s walk around & ‘Ploughman’s Car Display (near Corfe Castle) 22nd August Supper at the Colliton Club Mike & Sarah’s Run Sunday 12th August 7th August & Pub Supper Starting Point TBA Dorset Run & Barbeque at Tim & ‘Prod & Poke’ Sharyn’s - Broadmayne Display of members’ cars Notes: 4th September Sunday 16th September Friday 15th to Monday 18th June Hilary’s Run & Tea at Bryan & Jessica’s Adventure Club Weekend away - in South American Symondsbury Kitchen Stockbridge - David Moran. Nr. Bridport 3th October Film Night - Classic MG motoring TOTCP: Top O’Town Car Park Sunday 14th October 6th November Dorchester DT1 1XT End of Season Run & Lunch Isle of Purbeck Golf Club AGM & Talk by Sarah - ‘The Story of a Victorian Actor’ TBA: To Be Advised Notes: 4th December *PB = Pre-Book this venue! Christmas Dinner Weekend runs starting times & venues will Venue to be confirmed be circulated nearer to the event MGOC Durnovaria 1008 - April 2018

Front cover story: as “The Most Advanced MG of all Time” This statement no doubt raised a few eyebrows from the ranks of the diehard MG MG 1100/1300 by Mike Benton enthusiasts. However it’s launch was somewhat overshadowed The MG 1100 was quite revolutionary in its day and when by the announcement a few weeks earlier of the long awaited launched it was described in promotional literature as - MGA replacement - the MGB. “The Most Advanced MG of all Time” Originally there were plans to produce an MG version of the Mini, In October of 1962 I had just started my studies at Bournemouth but BMC needed a small saloon car to market alongside the Farina College of Art and Design, coincidentally at the same time styled larger MG Magnette saloon. The humble Austin 1100 initially as the launch new MG 1100. At that time my father owned a seemed an unsuitable starting point for an MG version, however 1955 Wolseley 6/90, a powerful and comfortable six cylinder, the small saloon acquitted itself very well indeed. Tenacious car capable of nearly 100mph. The 6/90 was much favoured by front-wheel-drive handling and a well-appointed interior made the Britain’s police forces at that time and can often be spotted in films MG 1100 a genuinely sporting saloon. It wasn’t perfect though, of that era chasing villains. By 1962 however, the Wolseley was proving difficult for mechanics to work on and it had a terrible showing its age and becoming uneconomical for Dad’s work, so reputation for rust. Survival rate of the 1100/1300 is very low, the much-loved Wolseley had to go. It was replaced by one of the considering there were over two million made during its 10 year newly launched sporty little MG 1100 cars in attractive two-tone production period. Of the 157,000 MG versions manufactured, it paintwork. Quite a change from the large & luxurious Wolseley. would seem that only around 150 have survived to this day, with just 90 or so still registered for the road. Father’s Wolseley By 1963. BMC had covered all its badge engineered bases by 6/90 Chauffeuring launching Riley, Wolseley and Vanden Plas versions as well. visiting foreign Essentially apart from subtle trim and badge differences (classy students to the White Horse at Osmington two-tone paint on MGs and Rileys) these were the same car. Hill

The registration letters of the ‘new baby’ were FOW and my mother named it ‘Fairy On Wheels’ due to its diminutive size and its ability to flit around with ease. It was a great little car and Dad loved the way it drove, but it proved too small for his work paraphernalia and 1100/1300 line-up spotted at a Rally in Ardingly W.Sussex in 2009 was soon changed for a Wolseley 16/60 Farina automatic which Austin, Vanden Plas, MG & Riley - Wolseley version AWOL drove like a slow old cart horse compared to the lively little MG. From its introduction, the MG 1100 was an outstanding success being far better appointed than a mini and with a twin carburetter engine and a distinctive MG front grille. The advanced Hydrolastic fluid suspension provided exceptional ride characteristics and it was the first time that this system had been used on an MG. A top speed of 88 mph was easily achievable with good acceleration to match. A two door version was to spearhead the attack on the American small car market, the ‘MG Sports Sedan’ costing the equivalent of £949. However, unable to find its niche in the market, just 28,000 were sold over a period of 5 years. By 1967 the 1100 was beginning to look somewhat dated and its initial good performance, economy and handling were being ‘Fairey On Wheels’ - Father’s early four door MG 1100 surpassed by competitors. The complete range of 1100 saloons was then given a face lift and uprated. The MG version now Launched in 1962 as the ‘Big Mini’ the BMC 1100 was one of the sported a 1275 cc engine and the two door body was offered most advanced family cars ever and was an instant hit with the as an option. The fascia and instrumentation was dramatically buying public. With its innovative transverse engine installation, improved and although initially known as the MG 1275 it was soon front-wheel drive, Hydrolastic fluid suspension and brilliant space adopted as the MG 1300. In manual form the engine produced efficiency, it vied with the conventional Cortina as the UK’s best a healthy 70 bhp with a 0-60 mph time of just over 12 seconds. seller for over a decade and rightly so. It had all the characteristics Four speed automatic transmission was an option but in this case of the iconic Mini, but with a single SU carburetter was employed. The model remained more space and civility. virtually the same until it was discontinued in 1971. Now with the Mini Cooper becoming such a smash Having been allowed to drive FOW on a number of occasions hit, the introduction of a and later owning an Austin 1100 myself, I have always thought sports version of the 1100 that they are great little cars. To some, the MG 1100/1300 is just range was a logical move. a badge engineered souped-up Austin/Morris. However, weren’t The MG version of the 1100 the original Cecil Kimber MGs just Morris cars with a bit more was announced in October performance? Perhaps now as a grandfather with creaking knees 1962 and the promotional and a hate of the cold, this could be a more practical MG than an literature described it open top wind-in-the-hair MG TF - one day perhaps! MB MGOC Durnovaria 1008 - April 2018

Attractions COMBINED EMERGENCY SERVICES RESCUE DISPLAY with DSAA ARENA EVENTS ALL DAY - come and try a Tug of War with a Steam Engine! Dog agility Phoenix Model Aircraft Display Classic Cars Steam Engines Vintage Agricultural Machinery Bands in the Marquee Music in the Barn and Walled Garden Various Stalls Small Animal Area Durnovarians at the 2017 event Cream Teas Purbeck Hog Roast Ample Car Parking

This is a well recommended event and Durnovaria member Derek Ralls has kindly offered to coordinate the day for the Club. If you would like to attend please contact Derek - [email protected] MGOC Durnovaria 1008 - April 2018

Colliton Park - a Short History n medieval times Colliton Park was the site of the monastic hospital of St John the Baptist, although no remains have Ibeen found, it is believed that it was located in the area where Colliton house now stands. In the 16th Century, Colliton Park was owned by the Churchill family, who used it to graze livestock, as their main home was at Muston Manor in Piddlehinton. One of the descendants of the family - William Churchill, who was the High Sheriff of Dorset in 1639, had Colliton House built as his townhouse. Seen left is a reconstruction of Colliton House as it would have looked when first built in the early 17th century The House therefore dates back provided some bedrooms, consultancy and treatment rooms, to the 16th - 17th century. It is a but the bulk of the patients were accommodated in marquees grade 2 listed building containing set up in Colliton Park. There are some photographs of this time some fine 16th century panelling in the bar of the Colliton Club. and an 18th century staircase. In 1933 the House and Colliton Park was purchased by Above the external porch is a the County Council. In 1937 archaeological excavations cartouche containing the arms of the Churchill family. discovered a number of Another descendant, also called William Churchill had an interest Roman buildings including in brewing, and in 1729 had a brewhouse built which was to the a Roman Townhouse, south of the original house. This was taken down in 1947 and which is preserved at the building fragments from it can be seen in the County Museum, rear of County Hall. Work such as the doorway to the library. It is also at this time that the on building County Hall superbly crafted staircase was built in the house. began in 1938. In 1949 In 1997 an extension was built to the House to create a new skittle the government were alley and seating areas. The new extension was designed to encouraging employers to interpret the form of the old brewhouse. Colliton House featured provide canteens for their in Thomas Hardy’s Mayor of Casterbridge, as High Place Hall, employees. The ground the home of Lucette Templeman (Lucette Le Seuer), one of the floor of Colliton House was adapted to meet this requirement, main characters in the novel. and this was the birth of the Colliton Club. The modern day Colliton Club is now leased to Colliton Club Limited by Dorset In the Great War, the Red Cross and the Order of St John County Council. Durnovaria MGOC is indeed privileged worked with the military authorities to set up a Voluntary Aided to have the use of the Dorchester Room at this historic Detachment Hospital (VAD) at Colliton House, to receive and house for our regular club meetings - what a great venue. treat wounded soldiers brought back from the front. The House Thanks to John Lowe of the DCC for the historical information. MGOC Durnovaria 1008 - April 2018

New Product for Classic MGs by Mike Benton Today, MG is more than an iconic octagonal badge; it is once again a motoring force to be reckoned with. Our much-loved British brand has been re-launched with the financial backing of one of the world’s largest car manufacturers. MG is owned by SAIC Motor, the largest vehicle manufacturer in China, employing 70,000 people. 300 engineers are based in the European Engineering Technical Centre and are responsible for developing the initial concepts for all new MG vehicles. The dedicated team works in a new state-of-the-art facility which opened in Birmingham in June 2010. Keen to promote MG’s heritage and to help reduce emissions on older vehicles, SIAC Motor has developed of a number of devices specifically for classic MGs. From the Birmingham Technical Centre’s development work on the current MG range, comes a technology spin-off for Classic MG owners. Computer controlled systems for engine management have been around for many years and many cars now utilise cloud based apps to connect the vehicle to the internet using a smart phone. The MG team has been working to connect classic MGs in the same way. A compact central computer the size of a mobile phone is installed under the dashboard, this wirelessly controls add-on modules for ignition timing, fuel ratio and CO2 emissions. Additional modules can operate stop-start engine control for city traffic use. It is claimed that emissions similar to modern vehicles can be achieved. Additionally the cloud-based app integrates with Google Maps, enabling the owner to locate the car from virtually anywhere, alert of an attempted theft and immobilise the vehicle remotely all from a smart phone. Initially the service will be available for MGBs manufactured between 1974 to 1980, but as control modules become available, the system will be expanded Launching at the start of April 2018, the unit can pre-ordered: to provide smart phone controlled systems for older MGBs, MGAs as well as classic 6 cylinder and V8 MG models. More information at https://shop.mg.co.uk

Friends Reunited by Mike Benton I have always been of the opinion that a classic car’s registration the car. The temptation to sell a registration plate can however number is part of its history and should not be transferred. I be overwhelming, especially if you happen to own registration mention this because when Sarah and I moved to Wareham ‘25 O’ which the new owner had paid a record £518,000 for the from Surrey five years ago, I was reunited with an old motoring privilege of placing the number on friend by virtue of a registration plate. Our connection goes his £10 million Ferrari 250SWB! back to the 1960s when John was a mechanic at Weymouth Some years ago I sold my lovely motorcycles, when he assisted in keeping my old Vespas and 1928 Austin Seven ‘Chummy’ Lambrettas up and running. Since moving from Weymouth in for £6,500 to a dealer. Recently 1972, I hadn’t seen John for many years and had lost his contact I spotted the car’s registration, details. It was by pure coincidence that we managed to make ‘KP 181’ now up for sale at contact once again, all due to his car’s original registration. £12,000! - Oh well, would I have We had been very busy with our house renovations, so for a bit sold the number? - I really don’t know, it would have been very of relief we decided to have a day off and take the MG for a run tempting at the time! MB to the Swanage classic rally. Wandering around my gaze landed on a very nice MG TD MkII. These cars are quite rare and the light blue colour seemed very familiar, as did the registration. The owner was missing, but in the window was a note offering the car for sale. Having made a note of the phone number, on our return home I called the owner, who indeed turned out to be my friend John. We had a good long catch-up with all the news. He was so pleased to hear from me and I was of course also pleased to have made contact once more. Subsequently John had decided not to sell his TD and we have met up on several rallies recently. All this would not have been possible had his car’s original registration been sold. John Parke’s lovely MG TD MkII in Swanage 340 AYB Likewise I was reunited with my old Austin Seven that I had bought 1963 as a teenager. A while back I randomly picked Your Editor on wedding duty with long lost Austin 7 Opal up a discarded copy of Classic Car Weekly newspaper and DGY 837 spotted an article about a rally. To my amazement there was 1928 Austin 7 ‘Chummy’ ‘my’ Austin looking all shiny and in fine fettle. After some complete with KP 181 £12,000 Sherlock Holmes work I managed to get into contact with the registration plate! new owner and sent her some old photographs and history of MGOC Durnovaria 1008 - April 2018

Overdue News......

The Harts of Stur Run by Derek Ralls What is it about January 1st each year that we resort to doing daft things. On the filthiest start to the New Year I actually got my very clean, very shiney, very warm and cosy little car out of its winter snug. I’d often seen the advertising for The Harts of Stur Run and we thought it would make a good start to the year. And it was. We joined at least 100 other classics at the New Year’s Day run starting at Sturminster Newton. A meander through Dorset and Somerset took us, just 35 miles later to the Halsey Arms at Pulham. As you can imagine there were a huge variety of makes, noticeable were the usual array of B’s my little Midget and the most marvellous 1930 MG 18/80, looking as though it had come straight from the factory. Perhaps the club could think on the lines of sending a few more representatives next year, after all the proceeds do go to the Air Ambulance. photos by Derek Ralls

Clocking In at the Christmas Dinner Graham Starr recently sent in to the editorial office this photograph taken by him at our Club’s 2017 Christmas Dinner event held at the Brewers Arms at Martinstown. In the photograph the MG clock is being presented by our Glamorous Charity Secretary Hilary, to Tim Creed, our Events Organiser who placed the winning bid at the auction for the clock. The auctioneer for the evening was our very own “Graham the Gavel’, who in his inimitable way managed to stretch Tim’s pockets to the limit. The clock now takes pride of place in Tim and Sharyn’s home (in the smallest room?). A considerable amount of money was raised at both the auction and the raffle, the proceeds of the evening going to the D&S Air Ambulance - thank you all for your generosity. Hosting your carriage ride will Trevor and Carole Poole who have a smallholding in Briantspuddle. They manage about twenty acres, all down to grass and sub-divided for grazing. As well as about eight goats, they keep four horses of their own and rent sections of their grazing to land to other horse owners. For your ride their very smart four seater carriage will be pulled by a pair of horses. The lucky auction winners will be treated to a ride through the beautiful lanes of Dorset for about an hour. The route will take in Briantspuddle and Throop then down to Moreton Forest. Trevor will be driving and Carole will be acting as groom for the ride. Proceeds will go to The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Kindly donated by Trevor and Carole and arranged for the Club by Derek Ralls, if you have any queries please contact Derek at a Club meeting or by email: [email protected]

Event Entry Form and Indemnity

Event: Motor Show at Lulworth Castle with Dorset tour and Castle front showground (Car display is on the lawn in front of castle)

Date: Sunday 13th May 2018

Start: Lulworth Castle Car Park, BH20 5QS (Registration 9:15am - Start 10:00am)

TICKET OPTIONS

 Run and Showground Entry: £10.00pp Quantity:...... (Inc. Route sheet, showground entry, Castle entry, bacon roll *Vegetarian option available* and hot drink at registration for 1 person)

 Meal Voucher for showground catering £8.00pp Quantity:......

Total Enclosed: £……………

Please make cheques payable to Dorset Blind Association and return this completed and signed form by Friday 13th April to: Helena Sinclair, Dorset Blind Association, 17 Bournemouth Road, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset, BH14 0EF. Call 01202 712864 or email [email protected] for more information.

Indemnity form on reverse is to be filled and signed to complete booking….-->