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March 2020 From the club desk...
In This Issue...
Meet the members
The Mustard Monster!
MX5 infiltrator
Club touring update
Summer Challenge February has been storming by, literally, with three letters of the MG Motor News alphabet used up in as many weekends. Which has largely put paid to Fishy trends any MG motoring in the classics.
Merchandise As you can see in this month’s issue, the volunteers have been very busy. Firstly a big thank you to Mike and Angie for arranging the museum visit, Forthcoming Events and to Steve and Amanda for organising another Winter Sunday Lunch session, both of which were well attended and very much enjoyed by all. Contact Us Then Neil Shirley has been busy putting together a challenge for you all which combines getting out there in your MG and a photography Send us an email for more information competition for our budding photographers. Neil Wallace has also been about the club’s activities or to join us. busy, too, not just on the Candles Run planning, nor even the June Angie Haughton - Area Secretary Summer tour to Mid-Wales, he’s also planning our 2021 getaways. Read [email protected] all about this in this issue. Neil Wallace - Candles Run We have also sorted a date for the Cheshire Candles Charity Classic Car & [email protected] Bike Show which will be held in conjunction with The Chester Lakes Family Fun Charity Dog Show in September. See the events section. Mike Haughton - MGCC Liaison [email protected] During March we will have Garage Service Day and we’ll be doing an MGB front suspension rebuild. I’ll provide details closer to the time. Martin Williamson- PR/Newsletter Of course, March is traditionally our -re election of the committee so if [email protected] anyone is wanting to get more involved and is happy to attend some of Volunteers: Steve Brace, Neil the planning meetings please speak to Angie Haughton at the next Kennedy, Neil Gray, Richard Hayes, meeting or email beforehand. and Matt Brookfield. See you all at the next meeting on Tuesday, the 11th of February at THE TROPHY ROOM at The Cheshire County Sports Club, Plas Newton Lane, Chester, Cheshire, CH2 1PR. Visit us on the web at: Martin Williamson www.westcheshiremgoc.club Cover photo: “Car SOS” by Martin Williamson
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Keith Davis & Son Ltd
Parsonage Garage
Family run, customer focused business, committed to providing value for money and traditional honest service & repairs on all modern and classic cars. Worked in the motor trade since 1971 and established in Aldford since 1993. Work undertaken on all makes & models - modern or classic. Traditional servicing methods used combined with modern diagnostic technology. Classic car enthusiast and MGB owner for many years. Maintenance, repairs and MOT testing undertaken on all classic cars including MGs.
Parsonage Garage, Middle Lane, Aldford, Chester, CH3 6JA
01244 620 399 or 07714 157200
[email protected] citroen-specialist-chester.co.uk
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From Facebook… Thanks, Mike & Angie for organising a great visit to the British Commercial Vehicle Museum! “Neil Shirley and I worked out that for 6 days a week, some poor sod had spent at least 8 hours per day over twenty four years sat in the front exposed to all weathers racking up that many miles! ”
To join us on Facebook search for westcheshireMGOC
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Meet the members!
Name: Team Rogers - Alastair, Charlotte and Mollie. Age: 44, 9 and 5 What MG(s) or classic(s) do you own? 2003 MG ZR TDi in BRG, 2004 MG ZR 1.4 in Monogram Typhoon, 2003 MG ZT 190 v6 in Monogram Spectre, 2003 MG ZT CDTi in Xpower grey, 1962 Triumph TR3b in white, and a few Rover 75s, 1990 Sierra Cosworth 4x4, and two Vauxhall Carlton GSi3000 saloons. How long have you had it/them? I bought my first ZR in March 2003 and still have it. Been to hundreds of shows and been all over the UK and Europe in it with around 190k miles now on it. I purchased it new with only 7 miles on the clock from James Edwards in Chester. We went in for a Trophy Blue 1.4 and came out with a British Racing Green diesel. I’ve had the ZT (Spectre) about 3 years now. As for the Carltons I’ve had them over twenty years and the Cosworth 12 years. Have you had other MGs or classics before this one? I've always been into classic cars as my dad used to have them and imported British marques from the US in the early 1990s. Prior to that we had a lot of vintage cars including Citroens and Renaults, Willis Overlands, Ford model Ts, Austin 7s, Morris 8s, and a few veterans. As we lived on a small holding just outside Ruthin in North Wales, I think at one point we had over sixty classics in the sheds. My first restoration project was a Citroen 1926 5cv which was when I was about 15. Then I went onto Minis; the last one was a yellow 1275GT. Then onto Vauxhalls; Nova GTEs and Astra GTEs. And at 21 I bought my Vauxhall Carlton GSI 3000, which I’ve still got. In 2003 I bought the ZR, which ’I ve still got, too. What made you decide on an MG? I went down the MG route as my dad has always had MGs; mostly As and Bs. And as I wanted a new car and it had all the extras (17”alloys and body kit) I bought the ZR. Then the car shows! I started going all over the UK with the ZR forum. Working or Retired? I work for John Deere as a Turf Technician in a local dealer in Ruthin. Single or partnered? I do have a partner who’s not into cars and lets me do what I want with the cars and shows. As most know I’ve my two daughters who get dragged around with me to a lot of the shows. Both taking a keen interest in cars and MGs. And they like the colours of the Typhoon and Spectre. Hobbies, what floats your boat? At the moment I don’t get much time to my self but do like to get outdoors. Any bucket list items? I've been lucky to have done a lot of things including a bungy jump, helicopter over Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon, and met a lot of famous car people including Carol Shelby, Chip Foose, Fuzz Townshend and Tim Shaw, and Jay Leno etc. But I would like to do more travelling with my daughters around the UK and Europe in the MG.
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The Story of the Mustard Monster! By Martin Williamson
As you may recall from the February 2020 issue of “WC Reading Matter” when we featured Stuart Bebbington, Stuart bought his MGB in 1997. At that stage Stuart had not long set up his butchery business in the market in Chester, but being a young, single man, I think Stuart fancied the idea of whizzing around in an MGB. Stuart tells us that he didn’t set out to buy an MGB in this colour, this just happened to be the one in the best condition within his budget at the time. It wasn’t actually Bronze Yellow, it had had a respray in something like Sandglow. Needless to say the MGB soon became a big part of Stuart’s life and he tells me that he would often head out into North Wales for a run in it discovering all the little back roads as he went. More to the point, the concept of young stud in sports car must have worked because he met his wife, Jo-ann whilst it was still on the road. As with all these MGB stories, however, married life soon saw a more responsible Stuart park the MGB up in 2003 when it failed the MOT with the inevitable rust issues. Stuart tells me that although the car ran well enough, it was starting to show issues mechanically, too. Suffice to say that with the purchase of a house the MGB was soon left in the garage , and as often happens, then parked on the drive as space was needed in the garage which no doubt led to further deterioration of the shell. Stepping aside from the MGB for a minute, Stuart had learnt the fine art of producing South African style dried meats and sausages, and hence I was not unfamiliar with S J Bebbington, The Butchers, down at the market. So it was with delight in 2013 that I heard Stuart was planning to open a shop in our local shopping precinct in Westminster Park. Naturally I was in there like a shot for my weekly dose of Biltong and Boerewors. On one occasion when Stuart was serving, I had my wallet out and eagle-eyed Stuart spotted the MG logo on it and so the inevitable question; “Are you into MGs?” As the conversation progressed, it transpired that Stuart had read some of my articles in the MGOC “Enjoying MG” magazine and had seen our various MGs parked on the drive as he drove passed each day to the shop. I responded with the usual “you need to get your MGB back on the road” and suggested Stuart contact some of the local classic car specialists. I guess that week was the turning point that cemented what has become a memorable friendship fuelled by hydrocarbons and red meat! What finer “bro-mance” can there be? Needless to say not a lot happened although one or two specialists had taken a look, but I suspect they were afraid to actually quote for fear of the number of zeros that would need adding after the £1 symbol. However, after pestering Stuart to try again about a year later, DPL Autos Roverland agreed to take it on. This being 2016 and January, in our naivety we thought the MGB would be ready for the Candles Run in the May… As you all know, and clearly we didn’t, nothing ever happens quite like that! By the time the front wings had come off, the advice was to get a Heritage shell instead, it would be cheaper than the labour required to sort the shell and by the time the rust had been eliminated it would be 90% a new shell anyway. So the wait began. At times like these much discussion takes place; what colour, should I get a five speed gearbox, what about a new wiring loom? As to the colour, when I was asked, my reply was, “Is it a keeper?” to which, unsurprisingly, Stuart said yes. So I said paint it what colour you want, not what the market dictates! Naturally, taking my advice, Stuart was to come in for a lot of ribbing when the shell was initially painted.
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During this time we’d discovered from both the Heritage certificate and parts of the shell that the original colour was Bronze Yellow. After a bit of research we had a paint code and a test pot was duly ordered. It felt like forever for the shell to arrive...it took over a year for the delivery which duly arrived in late 2017 at DPL where by now, we knew the respray would be in the capable hands of Andrew, the Polish “Metal Whisperer” and “Master of the Paint Gun”. Stuart bought a rotisserie for the shell (did you try and get the rotisserie through as an expense for the butchery, Stuart?) which enabled the paintwork to be done underneath with ease and hopefully any club members can make use of it now. Although the new shell had arrived, the old shell was still being used as a reference and had not been completely stripped. At this stage I suggested that DPL attempt to start the old engine and ensure that was running. With no joy on actually getting it started. So the decision was taken, to rebuild it, well, more like in for a penny, in for a pound. The engine was collected from DPL in the March of 2018 and taken over to Bradbury’s Engineering near Market Drayton. Following my experience using this company in 2003 I suggested Stuart go for a bit of mild tuning such as an overbore to 1860cc, a fast road cam , Stage 2 head work and then all balanced. However, on strip down the engine was found to be already sleeved but the end result was still an
1840cc overbore. The engine was ready within four weeks and was then stored with Stuart’s father for some time. By the May of 2018, the paint was ordered. Hmmm. Whilst I liked the fact this was going to be a change from the usual reds, greens, whites etc. I had my doubts! That said, looking at pictures I could see why Stuart was keen. Others were more vocal in their displeasure at his choice, though. At this stage the grille and side trims were supplied for Andrew to test fit prior to painting. In short order, Andrew, the Master of the Paint gun, had laid on the colour coats. Yet again, the unbroken sea of Bronze Yellow was not to everyone’s taste, bar Stuart’s, naturally, who was rather pleased! However, at this point it became evident that Stuart would either need to find another company to do the actual refit or take it on himself. So just as plans were being made as to what was needed, I walked into the shop one morning in the June of 2018 to hear the news that no one ever wants to hear when it comes to family. Stuart was having to put the whole project on hold owing to Jo-ann’s recent diagnosis. At this stage, I made a few calls and within short order we had a team consisting of Mike Haughton, Neil Wallace, Steve Brace and myself assisted by Stuart and we went over to DPL to strip the remainder of the shell which we accomplished one Saturday morning. Stuart took the suspension units home with him for cleaning and painting and a month later we all reconvened at DPL to fit them to the new shell. This would allow the shell to be transported back to Stuart’s to allow for him to progress the refit as and when time allowed.
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As I am sure many of you will have realised, running one’s own shop means there is little time for hobbies and by Christmas of 2018, the door handles had been refitted! Without thinking it through as usual, in my enthusiasm I suggested we bring the MGB over to my garage to allow me to work on it as I was at that stage not travelling very much which is the norm for me at the start of the year. From the late January through April, some serious progress was made between help from Steve Brace, Stuart as and when he could make it, and doing odd jobs myself. We broke the back of the work getting the fuel tank in, doing all the suspension and brakes before moving up to do the engine and gearbox along with the radiator and then the dreaded tasks. The windscreen was a pig of a job with some bashing of the metal to get things lined up. The heater box went in ok, but there were various issues getting it all secured. The doors and quaterlights were also subject to some re-jigging of the metal for alignment. But then work came to a halt with a focus on my own two MGs, finishing the 1100 and swapping out the gearbox on the MGB GT. Following that, I was then off most weeks through to the end of the year. Any time at home was either taken up with work or the thought of going in the garage to get on with it just seemed too much. Add to which Stuart was also busy. By December last year, I was feeling guilty. I really wanted for Stuart to have his MGB back on the road and to undertake the Candles Run as an entrant rather than volunteer in 2020. At this point, I had a brainwave and I contacted Car SOS with Stuart’s story, but as I had expected, we were too far along for the project to be feasible as television viewing. However, having messaged Fuzz Townshend, I decided to give the workshop a call and get an estimate on the likely costs to finish the job. Following a discussion with Stuart, it was agreed the MGB would go down to Wolverhampton in January, but nothing was to be said to Stuart’s family. The car was duly collected and transported to the workshops where over the next two weeks they completed the car, and a few days we went down to collect it. Stuart was in two minds whether to have it
transported home or to drive it. He opted for the latter. Looking at the car finished with its new hood, I can see why Stuart wanted to keep the colour. In fact just about everyone has been very positive although I suspect not one of us would choose it personally, but it actually looks good and really highlights the 1970s look and feel of this MGB. That said, it’s easy to see why with Stuart’s business the colour lead to christening it “The Mustard Monster!”. In all seriousness, it really was an inspired choice by Stuart, and considering he only bought it originally because it was the best of the Bs he’d looked at! 10
Naturally, on return, discussion turned to how Stuart would reveal the car to his family. Gallaghers MG agreed to play along with our cunning plan. Nick Hodge went the extra mile and put a smart cover over the MGB in the showroom. For those of us from the club that went along, it was like a time warp seeing the MGB shape lurking under the cover! Stuart arrived with his family having assured them they were coming along to test drive a new MG HS and Stuart’s brother brought his father along under the same pretence. After a few words, the daughters pulled the cover off and as with all Car SOS reveals there were a number of chaps fighting back a tear or two! Subsequently, Stuart has had the car over at Adrian Blandford’s garage on the rolling road for a tune up. We did not go for a full power run as the engine is yet to be bedded in having covered less than two hundred miles so far. The engine pulls really well, though, and what impressed Stuart the most on the drive back to Chester was the lack of rattles and shakes. That said, it is, to all intents and purposes, a new MGB! However, it is quite amazing to note how nicely these must have felt back in the day when new. Many lessons were learned along the way, but I think overall, the project was a success and Stuart made the smart choices. Some may beg to differ with respect to the colour, but we also got lucky on or two items such as the second hand overdrive gearbox which feels as fresh as a new one. This was one area that Stuart was undecided on to begin with,
thinking perhaps a five speed MX5 box might be better, but I think he does not regret the choice to go with the much cheaper second hand overdrive box. Given he never had overdrive before, he’s delighted anyway. Personally, I can’t wait to see Stuart and Jo- ann on the Candles Run this year and I hope you will all join me in wishing the Bebbington family many happy MG miles ahead!
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Mazda MX5 Gearbox into an MGB By Philip Roberts
When I bought my 1971 MGB it had a 4-speed, 4 synchro gearbox with no overdrive, which was perfect on our local B roads but when it came to A roads, dual carriage ways and motorways it was under-geared for modern traffic conditions. I often found myself on a motorway being in the same lane as commercial vehicles plus large lorries which was a bit unnerving when you are behind a wagon and another is trying to overtake. It was then I decided to look for an alternative gearbox. First of all I started looking at the second-hand, unrestored gearbox route for around £250; the price seemed tempting but I thought it was too much of a risk with all the work involved. I then looked at a reconditioned overdrive gearbox for around £1,000. I was tempted to go down this route, but decided to do a bit more investigation to other alternatives. As most of you will know the MG Owners’ Club do a conversion kit using the Ford Mondeo Series 9 gearbox which is around £1,800. Having not yet fully convinced Anne at this stage that “we” needed another gearbox I thought I would sit on the idea for a while. Then one day strolling the internet I came across an article on the Mazda 5-speed gearbox conversion kit for the MGB that had been published two to three years previously by Vitesse Engineering at Hinckley in Staffordshire. They had put the conversion kit in an MG RV8 which they were using as a demonstrator. I phoned the company and spoke to Christian Disney at Vitesse Engineering who said the RV8 demonstrator was no longer available to test drive. He told me his father-in-law owned an RV8 which Vitesse Engineering had converted for him, he kindly arranged for me to have a test drive. Having still not fully convinced Anne I thought a ride out to Hinckley would do the trick, with a call at a garden centre and possibly lunch en route.
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As they needed to check my car to make sure it was suitable for the conversion we drove to Hinckley in the MGB. I had a test drive of the RV8 which was absolutely fabulous. It was then that I made up my mind that this was the route I wanted to go down. The only decision I had to make was to whether to fit it myself or ask Vitesse Engineering to fit it for me. The basic cost of the gearbox was £2,195 plus VAT and then approximately £400 to fit, and whilst the engine was out, they agreed to paint the engine at a nominal cost, so this made up my mind for them to do the work. Later in the year we were going to Goodwood so thought it would be a good idea to drop the MGB off on the way back from Goodwood and catch the train home from Hinckley.
The day duly arrived, we were setting off for Goodwood, the MGB loaded up with suitcases and dresses (Anne also insisted on bringing some dresses, too). We called at our local garage to fill up to save stopping again on the journey and that’s when disaster struck. Having filled up with petrol, I stupidly put the wrong key in the ignition which is situated on the steering column. Panic set in, not so much getting to Goodwood as we could always go home and get the other car, it was the fact that we had arranged workshop ramp space for four days and they were relying on me to be there on the Monday. We sat for a few moments before deciding to phone the AA, at worst he could tow us home. The AA patrolman arrived around 45 minutes later, he said he hadn’t worked on one of these for years, but had served his apprenticeship
on them. Having tried to free the key that I had jammed in the switch with no success, he then decided to remove the steering column so he could drill and hammer the steering lock and ignition off the column which amazingly took him less than an hour. The downside was that I had to start the car with a screwdriver which under the circumstance was a great result. We set off to Goodwood with no further incident and had a brilliant time as usual. I phoned Christian at Vitesse Engineering and explained what had happened at the garage. He agreed to fit a new ignition switch in the centre ofthe dashboard and a push button starter where the overdrive switch should be while the car was with them. We dropped the car off on the way back and caught the train home. Christian phoned on the Friday that week to say the car was ready to pick up, so we drove down in the Lexus because we had to bring the old gearbox back with us. I took the car for a quick test drive with one of the mechanics to check it was ok, and drove home without incident. The car has covered nearly three thousand miles since the conversion, I can honestly say it has transformed the way it drives, it now keeps up with modern traffic, and most importantly, I can overtake the dreaded wagons with ease. If anybody in the club is thinking about a conversion and would like to go for a test drive just let me know, anybody who’s not thinking about a conversion is also welcome to have a drive, too.
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Club Travel Plans By Neil Wallace 2020 Thanks to all who have booked on our 2020 Summer tour of Mid Wales, I am sure we are all looking forward to this very much, especially those of us that did Ireland last year, it was a most enjoyable time and we look forward to more of the same with the group we have for June. I recently received an email from Andrew Hadley, our host at Llanerchindda Farm outlining activities for our stay. Tuesday 16th June – Elan Valley, Devils Bridge & Tregaron – 95 Miles Wednesday 17th June – Brechfa Forest, & Black Mountains including a visit to The National Botanic Gardens of Wales where you get special access and park your cars in the middle of the Gardens, entry included in package – 85 Miles Thursday 18th June – Epynt Ranges, Brecon Beacons, option of a visit to Penderyn Whisky Distillery for a 3pm tour , this can be booked if needed for a maximum of 20 people but I need to know as soon as possible if people want to do this the cost is £9.50 per person for up to 10 people and over 10 people it drops to £8.55 per person, please can you ask your members and let me know if there is interest in this - 103 Miles 2021 I know 2021 seems a long time away but unfortunately with these sorts of tours early planning is essential. However, the here is what we would recommend: 1) Gordon Bennett Run in Ireland - we suggest you book on this directly yourselves once the date is announced by the organisers. Irish Ferries offer a package deal (typically £750 for two) with ferry crossing and hotel for the four nights and allow extensions to the stay so that you can also take in other areas of Ireland such as the Ring of Kerry or the Wild Atlantic Way. We’d highly recommend it as on option for those thinking of undertaking the tour. It is typically held over the Irish long weekend at the start of June. 2) North Coast 500 in Scotland- Our second option is something that a few of us have long thought of doing for various reasons and in fact has come up several times in the “Meet the members” bucket list desires. The North Coast 500 or NC500 loops around the northern shores of Scotland from Inverness. Owing to the distance to get to the starting point and the 500 miles itself, we feel this is not something to offer as a main club event. However, expressions of interest have already been put forward from several people wishing to join me so I am happy to go ahead and plan this for early Summer 2021. The costs for this in terms of an organised tour are also a good deal higher but please speak to me at the next monthly meeting or drop me an email if you are interested. 3) Isle of Man Tour - Our final option is the Isle of Man which we will promote as our club’s annual away trip. We can choose our dates and I’d suggest a 5-day option over a weekend in September. The likely cost for two occupants in a car is £650 for the ferry crossing and B&B hotel rates and this is based on sailing from Liverpool on the Steam Packet ferry and basing ourselves in Ramsay at the Ramsay Park Hotel on the North Eastern end of the Isle of Man. If you are interested in any of these options, or would like to suggest a different tour, please let Neil Wallace ([email protected]) or any committee member know. Thanks.
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Club Challenge! Shirley Not? By Neil Shirley Announcement The West Cheshire MG Owners’ Club Summer Saunter and photo competition. The intention is to encourage you to use your MG and to go out with a destination planned. Some of the destinations are at venues with cafés or attractions that we hope you will use. Event Administrator Mr Neil Shirley, Seren Y Mor, Halkyn Road, Holywell, CH87SJ. Tel: 01352 713204 or Mob: 07484 611750. Email: [email protected] Timetable The event is scheduled to run from 1st April 2020 to 30th Venue No. Wirral Area September 2020. 1 Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton Results to be announced at the October club meeting. 2 Seacombe Ferry Terminal Legal Requirements All participants and cars must comply with all legal 3 Leasowe Lighthouse requirements and the club and its members takes no 4 The Tap PH, Eastham responsibility for any issues that may arise as a result of your actions. 5 Marine Lake, West Kirby Entries 6 Parkgate Promenade The entry fee is £5.00 per car. Any profits to Candles Charities and the event is open to anyone with an MG of 7 Lifeboat Station, Hoylake Prom. any age. Entry forms will be available at the monthly meetings, or can be emailed to you. Venue No. Cheshire area Venue 8 Anderton Boat Lift Cheshire including the Wirral and the North Wales area. 9 Stretton Water Mill The event will take the form of a list of twenty five venues to be visited (see list on the right). At each venue you will 10 Bunbury Water Mill need to take a photograph of your car clearly showing the 11 Beeston Castle venue in the background as proof of your visit. The photograph will then be submitted to the 12 Oulton Park administrator and added to your file. 13 Salt Museum, Northwich Photos with the venue number visited can be sent to the administrator via email to the following dedicated email 14 Jodrell Bank address: [email protected], or simply Venue No. North Wales Area printed and posted to the administrator’s address (above), or handed over at club meetings. The email will only be 15 Ponderosa Café, Horseshoe Pass checked on a weekly basis. 16 Llangollen Motor Museum Visiting the venues can take place anytime between April and September, which will allow you the choice of time 17 Moel Fammau, car park at the top with view and weather, midweek, weekends etc.. Go out solo or in convoy etc. 18 Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Trevor Most of all enjoy yourself. 19 Llyn Brenig café 20 Loggerheads Visitor Centre Awards 21 Lakeside car park, Bala The results will be announced at the October club meeting and awards will be given. 22 Llandudno Promenade 1. Highest number of venues visited 23 Horseshoe Falls, Llangollen 2. Best photography…..in my opinion! No challenges or appeals accepted. 24 50's Museum Denbigh 25 Surf Snowdonia. Dolgarrog
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MG MAINTAINS MOMENTUM WITH STRONG JANUARY GROWTH
Exclusive MG maintains momentum with record start to 2020, selling 1,846 cars in January Volume grew by 145% versus January 2019, achieving a record market share of 1.24%
All-electric ZS EV SUV boosting volume, available for immediate delivery from just £22,495 MG Motor UK is celebrating an exceptional start to the year, delivering record-breaking sales volume in January. The iconic British brand sold a record 1,846 cars in January, securing its highest ever monthly market share at 1.24%. Maintaining its position as the UK’s fastest-growing car manufacturer, MG has started 2020 by building on the momentum it’s developed over the past few years. Boasting its 27th consecutive month of sales and share growth, MG’s exceptional performance continues to be fronted by the all-electric ZS EV SUV, which continues to outperform the manufacturer’s ambitious objectives. The UK’s first truly affordable, family-friendly electric car, ZS EV has been a key player in bringing zero-emissions motoring to drivers across the UK, allowing a broader audience the chance to help the environment and save money on their fuel bills. Despite the car’s outstanding popularity, ZS EV is now available in good supply for immediate delivery, with prices starting from just £22,495. Daniel Gregorious, Head of Sales & Marketing at MG Motor UK, said: “Following an exceptional 2019, we’re delighted to have started 2020 with such significant growth. Our Momentum & Growth mid-term plan continues to guide out business towards our goal of 30,000 sales this year. With more new dealerships set to open over the coming weeks, we’re bringing our brand even closer to UK consumers all the time. With a high-quality range of affordable cars, including our fully electric ZS EV SUV, we really do have something for everyone!” The brand has also enjoyed strong sales of its dynamic MG3 hatchback and desirable MG ZS compact SUV, with customers benefiting from both car’s high-quality, spacious interiors and generous standard specification. MG’s increasing popularity has also been boosted by the launch of two all-new model variants last month. Introduced in response to customer feedback and demand, the sporty and highly customisable MG3 Exclusive Nav brings in-built iGo satellite navigation to MG’s smallest model for the first time. Priced from just £12,995, the MG3 Exclusive Nav includes advanced features such as Apple Car Play, DAB radio, reversing camera, cruise control and sports seats. Attractive PCP finance offers are also available Standing out from the crowd, the stylish MG ZS Limited Edition is now also available with the marque’s smooth- changing six-speed automatic gearbox paired with MG’s popular turbocharged petrol engine. Available from just £16,995, customers looking to pick up the Limited Edition Automatic can enjoy the exclusive combination of Arctic White paint, high gloss black grille and red trim highlights both front and back. Inside MG ZS Limited Edition, buyers can truly express their bright personality with red seat bolstering, red feature seat stripes and red stitching on the steering wheel, gear lever gaiter and door cards.
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Fishy trends. By Stuart Bebbington Last month I talked about my part in opening the fish shop next door to our butchery. Traditionally, Dave Williams takes his annual leave in January so I end up looking after the shop which also entails very early starts to get to the market in Manchester for fresh stock. One of the things I noted during this year’s shop-sitting was the increasing price of fish even after Christmas when the prices normally drop. This was easily explained by the fact that fishing boats could not get out to sea owing to the storms experienced during January and thus supply vs. demand plays a role. However it got me wondering what the long term trends are between pricing and consumer demand. In 2012, a report was published showing that there had been an increase in in the consumption of fish and this was largely down to respondents stating they were eating more fish for health reasons. On the other hand some respondents were eating less fish owing to concerns on the sustainability of fish stocks, whilst others stated the higher prices than meat, and, either being unwilling to or ignorant of how to prepare and cook fish. This last point we have tried to address in both shops by providing more ready-to-cook options, and offering prepared fish cuts. With respect to sustainability, however, the report went on to describe some of the trends that are expected to have an impact n the pricing and the consumer perception towards eating fish. Needless to say the report was prior to Brexit and who knows how that one will impact pricing with respect to taking back control of fishing in our waters. That aside, and moving swiftly on, one aspect is the better management of fish farms with improved feed technology utilising cheaper and more sustainable ingredients to help farmers increase the feed to fish conversion rate thus helping to lower the price. Another aspect of the trawling activity is what is known as by-catch, unintentionally caught marine life that has to be discarded. Improved technology in the net industry has reduced the amount of discards and ensuring a greater percentage of what is caught is used, thus alleviating sustainability concerns and again addressing pricing issues. Yet another factor is a combination of increasing disposable income, ageing population and an increased health awareness. These three, either individually or combined, are likely to be the biggest drivers amongst consumers thanks to the Omega-3 Fatty Acids of the fish as being seen as healthier alternatives to meat. All of this ties in with what we have experienced between the two shops; the foot traffic through the butchers is much higher, but we are also very aware that as the Fishmongers has become a more established shop on the precinct, there has been a steady increase in the sales as people look to be more adventurous and healthier.
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Club branded Merchandise
We're using a local firm and are adding a small mark up to go towards the club funds. Orders will be taken at each monthly meeting along with payment (we've decided to avoid PayPal owing to the charges) and the items will be delivered at the following meeting.
Tee-Shirts by Kariban Short Sleeved Polo Shirts by £14.00 each Uneek. A variety of colours £14.00 each. and sizes available. A variety of colours and sizes available.
Fleece Jacket Sweat Shirts by Uneek (Long Sleeved) £20.00 each by AWDis Variety of colours £17.50 each and sizes available. Variety of colours and sizes available.
Base Ball Cap by Beechfield £10 each Long Sleeved Variety of colours available. Polo Shirts by B&C Safran £17.50 each. A variety of colours and sizes available.
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2020 Club Events
Visit the club website for updated information and more details. www.westcheshiremgoc.club
March Tuesday, 10th - Monthly meeting Sunday, 15th - Sunday Breakfast Meets at Chester Lakes Saturday, 21st - Garage Service Day - MGB front suspension rebuild Fri/Sun, 27th/29th - Classic Restoration Show NEC Birmingham
April Saturday, 11th - Open Day at Car SOS Workshops Tuesday, 14th - Monthly meeting Saturday, 18th - Rolling Road Day at AB Garage, Hawarden Sunday, 19th - Sunday Breakfast Meets at Chester Lakes Sunday, 26th - Drive it day - Club outing
May Sunday, 3rd - Cheshire Candles Charity Run - www.candlesrun.org Tuesday, 12th - Monthly meeting Sunday, 17th - Sunday Breakfast Meets at Chester Lakes Wednesday, 27th - Summer Evening Run Sat, 30th - VSCC Vintage Motorsport Festival at Oulton Park- Club stand
June Sat/Sun, 6th/7th - Classic & Performance Car Show at Tatton Park Tuesday, 9th - Monthly meeting Tuesday, 16th - MG Car Club North West Annual Concours at the Plough & Flail Mon/Fri, 15th/19th - Llanerchindda Farm - 2020 Club Summer Tour. Sunday, 21st - Sunday Breakfast Meets at Chester Lakes Wednesday, 24th - Summer Evening Run Sunday, 28th - Lymm Historic Transport Day
July Sunday, 12th - 30th Caerwys Classic Car Show - Club stand Tuesday, 14th - Monthly meeting Sunday, 19th - Sunday Breakfast Meets at Chester Lakes Wednesday, 22nd - Summer Evening Run Sunday, 26th - North Wales Classic Car Show at Bodrhyddan Hall
August Tuesday, 11th - Monthly meeting Sat/Sun, 15th/16th - Passion for Power Classic Motor Show at Tatton Park Sunday, 16th - Sunday Breakfast Meets at Chester Lakes Wednesday, 25th - Summer Evening Run Sat/Mon, 29th/31st - Gold Cup at Oulton Park - Club stand
September Sunday, 6th - North Wales Classic Car Show at Bodrhyddan Hall Tuesday, 8th - Monthly meeting Sunday, 13th - Cheshire Candles Charity Classic Car & Bike Show Sunday, 20th - Sunday Breakfast Meets at Chester Lakes Sunday, 20th - Festival of 1000 Classic Cars at Cholmondeley Castle
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