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The Octagon
The Official Publication of:
THE MG CAR CLUB OF
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
April 2015
Affiliated with The MG Car Club (UK)
and member of the
Confederation of Australian Motor Sport
2015 COMMITTEE MEMBERS
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
Tony Ford
Iain Trainor
SECRETARY
TREASURER
CLUB CAPTAIN
COMPETITION SECs
Doug Bush
Chris Hart
David Hardie
Rami Brass
SOCIAL CO-ORD
John Bell
EDITORS
Graham and
Moyra Mitchinson
Richard Gusterson
Terry Banton
Ian Campbell
MEMBERSHIP SEC
SAFETY FAST CO-ORD
WEBMASTER
0400 202 474
9206 5624
0411 789 434
0452 561 398
9371 0227
0423 393 183
0412 081 446
tonyford@westnet.com.au
iainmact@gmail.com
9477 6303
0409 155 144
9343 6752
0401 375 644
0409 105 957
9291 8877
92934171
0401450536
j.jbell@bigpond.net.au
NON EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Patrons
John and Val Goff, Tim Harland
Librarians
David and
9523 8256
Marion Blaxall
Catering Coordinator Colleen Hardie
0423 393 183
Regalia
Chris Hart
9371 0227
Auditor
Peter Manning
9383 9247
Cams Delegate
Tony Ford
0400 202 474
Building Maintenance Chris Hart
9371 0227
Trophy Co-Ord
Chris Gray
9344 4624
0417936743
Tech Event Co-Ord
Position vacant
Clubrooms:
Postal Address:
Enquiries:
Website:
ABN:
dougmgse@msn.com
chrishart@westnet.com.au
hardie52@gmail.com
rami.brass@rsmi.com.au
mgccwa.editors@gmail.com
richgus@bigpond.com
terwan@iinet.net.au
hotdog1@iinet.net.au
davenco5@iinet.net.au
hardie52@gmail.com
chrishart@westnet.com.au
pmanning45@hotmail.com
tonyford@westnet.com.au
chrishart@westnet.com.au
christophergray@bigpond.com
112 Hardy Rd, BAYSWATER.
G.P.O. Box U1924, PERTH, W.A. 6845
(08) 9487 3100 (recorded service)
www.mgccwa.com
46 629 758 330
General Meetings held at the Clubrooms on the third Tuesday of every month
(fellowship from 7:30, formal proceedings commence at 8:00 p.m.)
All members and visitors are welcome.
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Contents:
President’s News……….…………...….….4 - 5
Notice Board….…………………..……….....6 - 7
Mid-week Run …………………..…………..8 - 9
General Meeting Minutes…………..…10-12
Iain Trainor was this months
raffle winner of an Easter
basket, although chocoholic
Moyra felt she deserved
some after picking his
winning tickets for him.
Events and Social Report..……….……14-15
Competition Corner…………………………..17
Show and Shine………………………..….18-25
For Sale / Wanted…………..…………...26-27
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President’s News
The Club’s Show’n’Shine/Concours d’Elegance held at Ascot Racecourse on 21st
March was a great success, attracting over 90 MGs from pre-war to moderns.
Our fellow enthusiasts in the MG Owners Club and TC Owners Club contributed
cars to the display and their expertise to officiating. The organisation was a
credit to Colin Cleaver and his team, and bodes well for the 2016 National
Meeting Concours to be held at this venue next Easter. Congratulations to the
Concours winners; results are published elsewhere in this Octagon.
Other events during March included the mid-week run on the 12th and the VSCC
Northam Flying 50 on the 29th.
Coming events in April include another mid-week run on the 9th and an
MGA Register Run on the 19th. For those wishing to brush up on their
motorkhana skills ahead of the Perth Natmeet, the Mini Car Club is holding
the first round of the State Motorkhana Championship on the 12 th – see
www.motorkhana-wa.com for entry documentation.
A Club run to the ‘Moondyne Joe’ Festival in Toodyay on Sunday 3rd May is also
being organised and details are in this Octagon. This is usually a fun event with
the good townsfolk of Toodyay dressing up for re-enactments of bushranger
Moondyne Joe’s escapades, as well as a wide range of local arts and craft stalls.
The 2015 National Meeting is being held by MGCC Victoria in the Yarra Valley
over Easter and 16 WA MG enthusiasts and their partners will be participating,
including 9 from our Club. We will be aiming to bring home some silverware for
WA – and to have a great time doing so!
The Club’s Membership Secretary is now Richard Gusterson, with Marion Blaxall
resigning from the position during the month. I extend my appreciation on
behalf of Club members to Marion for her great service to the Club over the
past few years in this role. I also thank Richard for volunteering for the position,
one of many he has fulfilled with distinction over his long association with the
Club.
44
And on the subject of volunteering, a gentle reminder to let Doug Bush know if
you can assist in any way with the 2016 Perth National Meeting. Events like this
require a lot of helpers in a range of tasks – don’t just assume that someone
else will step up!
Finally, I extend a very warm welcome to the following new members:
Welcome to
New Members
Kristy Marshall
(MGA 1600 MkII)
Noel & Robyn Higgins
(MGRV8)
Frank & Marilyn Kettell
(MGBGT)
Tony Ford
5
Notice Board
Please note that the editors have changed their email address to
mgccwa.editors@gmail.com
So could all correspondence dealing with the magazine be sent to
that email address, thank you.
ooooOOOOoooo
Chris Hart has the new windscreen stickers for sale
$2 each plus $1 if postage required.
To pay direct into MGCC account
BSB 066 111 : Account No 1002 5340
Please make sure you put your name if paying direct.
ooooOOOOoooo
MGCCWA (SOUTHERN CHAPTER)
After discussion, and with approval by MGCC Committee, it has been
suggested to see if any members residing in roughly the Mandurah
areas and all points to the south west, who would be interested in being
part of the MGCC Southern Chapter. This would, of course, be open to
any members of the MGCC who would wish to participate.
If there is enough interest in the idea, I am willing to organise a social
event starting somewhere in the south west and dependent on how far
members have to travel. This would be a great opportunity for MGCC
members who previously could not attend club events due to distances
involved.
Initially I am asking any interested members to contact me via email
(colka.bell@bigpond.com) or ( phone 95353037 or 0417212140) to
ascertain any interest and numbers involved.
COLIN BELL
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Shawn Vieceli, a police officer based in Merredin and owner of a 1969 MGB
roadster, is getting married next March. Shawn has asked whether any Club
members would be interested in providing or hiring out their cars for the
bridal party. The owners would drive the cars and they will only be used for
photos and transport from a house in Middle Swan to the ceremony in
Upper Swan. If you can help, please contact Shawn on email
Vieceli_1969MGB@hotmail.com.
ooooOOOOoooo
Colleen Hardie is looking for some volunteers to supply evening snacks
on the June and October General Meetings.
Please contact her on hardie52@gmail.com or 0423 393 183
ooooOOOOoooo
Hope everyone has a great and safe Easter
and do not over indulge with too many eggs.
7
MG -AUSTIN HEALEY CAR CLUB MID-WEEK RUN.
Thursday 12th March 2015
The weather was very hot however we had a good turnout at
Gingers roadhouse, Bullsbrook.
There were 17 cars from our club, The MG Owners Club, Triumph
Owners Club and the Austin Healy Club. Some non marque cars were
present including a beautiful
C1 Corvette, a Rolls Royce and
various others.
We did not preorder our meals as
the Chidlow Tavern said 30 odd
meals would not be any trouble.
After receiving our route sheets we
set off. A very pleasant run to the
comfort stop at Calingary despite
the 40+ heat. Unfortunately Ian Campbell had ignition trouble with his
RV8 and had to return home.
A very pleasant drive to Chidlow, despite keeping up with the Healy’s and
having the worlds worst navigator.
The route map was very easy to follow. The BGT did not miss a beat in
the heat, more than I can say for its occupants. All I could see in front of
me now was a cold beer.
A couple of the things to watch out for on the country roads are semi-trailers and bush
fires
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On arriving at the Tavern we had some very welcome refreshment and
ordered our meals. We then settled down to enjoy the pleasant company
of like minded enthusiasts. The Chidlow Tavern was excellent as always,
good food, service and atmosphere. All in all another great run.
Wil Schomaker
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General Meeting 17th March 2015
Meeting opened at 20:02
Club President in the chair.
Visitors:
Apologies:
Piers & Anne De-Legh *UK+. Peter & Patty Mittler *Toronto+
David & Marion Blaxall, Terry & Wanda Banton, David & Colleen Hardie,
Peter Fry, Ian Campbell
Minutes of previous meeting *February 17th+ – printed in the Octagon: Motion to
accept Minutes: Proposed by Sarah Fry, Seconded by Richard Gusterson and agreed as
a true record.
Correspondence In:
6 x Club Magazines; 1 x Receipt from Ocean Website Design P/L for MGCC Logo update;
9 x Membership
Renewals; 1 Invoice from Clockwork Printing for Windscreen Stickers; 1 x Invoice from
Australia Post for P.O. Box fee for 12 months; 1 x Bank Statement for Club Cheque
account; 1 x Letter from Comm Bank re: reinvesting Funds in interest bearing account.
Motion to accept Correspondence: Proposed by Chris Hart. Seconded by
Annette Gusterson. Agreed Nem-Con
Business Arising:
Chris advised that the Club’s bankers had advised him that our
funds in an Interest Bearing Count with them needed re-investing. They have offered
2.5% for a 4-month period. The ensuing debate resulted in a motion “The Treasurer is
authorised to try to obtain a better investment interest rate, if possible”. The members
present passed the Motion.
REPORTS
Vice-President: Iain was congratulated along with the Club Captain on their Curtin Uni
Radio slot re the Show n Shine
Secretary:
Just Business as usual
Treasurer: Chris advised that the Club funds currently stand at $xxxxxx and we are
$3,100 ahead of the Budget. The following payments are listed for payment:
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1.
Australia Post – P.O. Box Fee $403.00;
2.
C Hart re-imbursement for Clockwork Printing Invoice $438.90;
3.
T Banton – Re-imbursement for printing of 3 x Issues of Octagon $360.00;
4.
M Blaxall – Stamps $16.00;
5.
G & M Mitchinson – Pre-Paid envelopes for Octagon Magazine $810;
6.
D Pitcher – Raffle prize - $26.00.
The payments were approved by the members present.
Membership Secretary:
Marion has tendered her resignation from the post.
The Club President announced that Richard Gusterson had offered to fill the position
and this offer was accepted. Richard then reported that the Membership currently
stood at 178. As Marion was not present, Tony said that he regretted that he was
unable to publicly thank her for her work over the past years and would hope to do
so at a future GM.
Competition: Rami reported that the Northam Flying Fifty will be held on the 29 th March
and the MGCC will be represented both on the track and in the display area. Graham
Mitchinson is organising a run-in start from the IGA at Sawyers Valley on the Gt Eastern
Hwy, around 08:30. The entry forms for the Midvale Superkhana on Sunday 12 th April
have been circulated to club members. The Motorkhana will start at 12:00 and some
help with Marshalling on the day by members will be appreciated, please contact Rami
if you can do so. Colin Cleaver gave an update on the forthcoming Show n Shine/
Concours.
Social: John Bell thanked Bruce & Pam Youngberg for their help on the 22 nd February
run and Richard & Annette Gusterson for the 12th March Midweek Run. The next event
will be the Show n Shine on Saturday 21st, all members are invited to take their MGs
along for a pleasant day out. The Midweek run on Thursday 9 th April will now be
organised by the MGCC (instead of the AHC). See above for information on the
Northam event. On Sunday 3rd May, Peter Hagarty will organise a Run-in to the
Moondyne Joe Festival at Toodyay, further information will be available on the Website
and in the Octagon. The Mid-week run on 14th May will now be organised by the Austin
Healey Club. Our club will also have a presence at the British Car Day at Gingin on
Sunday 17th May although no run is organised due to the heavy traffic on that day.
Editors:
Graham & Moyra reported that their new E-mail address for the Octagon
was: mgccwa.editors@gmail.com. The temporary Editors will pick up e-mails to this
address whilst G & M are on vacation.
Safety Fast: John Bell gave a brief update on behalf of Terry Banton. All is well
organised.
Club Captain: No report as David not present.
Regalia: Chris advised that he now had a good supply of the new club Windscreen
stickers on sale at $2-00 each. He also had a small supply of the NM 2016 Shirts & hats,
as an order of 50 was necessary for to cover the requirements for the NM 15 attendees
who will wear them during the event in the Yarra Valley. There is still a good supply of
current Club shirts available. *See the Club Website for details+.
11
Librarian: Tony reported that he had received a letter of resignation from David Blaxall.
He has responded to David asking him to re-consider his resignation.
Webmaster: Ian Campbell not present. The Website continues to improve.
Any Other Business
2015 Natmeet: Doug reported that all was going well. The MGs of the WA entrants
were now in shipment. The Presentation to be made at the Awards evening by WA
members is almost finished, we have an 8 minute slot, to sell WA and our 2016
Natmeet.
2016 Natmeet: Doug gave a quick update on progress. The website can be found
at:www.mg2016natmeet.com.au Bulletin No 1 for our meeting is now finalised and
1000 copies of the A5 sized Bulletin are being printed at a modest cost through Michael
Banton. Many of these will be used at NM15 for distribution to the attendees. The
Bulletin will also be placed on the Website and in the Octagon. It contains all relevant
information required to enable MG owners to decide that they want to come to Perth
at Easter 2016. The ladies Social Sub-Committee *SSC+ have had a third meeting and
good progress is being made. A meeting of the 2016 Natmeet was held earlier tonight
attended by members of all three MG Car Clubs in WA. It was another positive meeting.
Tony Ford announced that the VSCC are running two courses (Event Command and
Club Chief) for CAMS officials on 18 & 19 April, which may provide a possible
opportunity for us to get some CAMS qualified officials before NM16.
Ian Trainor is trying to establish an MGF/TF/Moderns Register and all owners of those
MGs who might be interested in joining the Register *no additional cost+ to contact him
via his E-mail *address on Website and Octagon+. The plan is to organise 2 or 3 social
runs per year.
Tony thanked Christine Bush for providing the Supper tonight.
The Meeting closed at 20:40.
Doug Bush
Secretary MGCC WA
The Deadline for articles to be included in the May edition of the
Octagon will be Thursday 30th April 2015
Thank you.
M & G Editors
Please note new email: mgccwa.editors@gmail.com
12
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Heard on the Grapevine….
that we have a new “Ned Kelly” in the club
who got a steal of an MGF ……..but my lips are
sealed.
A certain lady spent 10 minutes looking for a
chair cover that she had in her other hand the
whole time!!!
MGCC Forthcoming Events in 2015
April
Tues 7th
Thurs 9th
Sun 12th
Sun 19th
Tues 21st
May
Sun 3rd
Tues 5th
Thurs 14th
Sun 17th
Tues 19th
Sat 30th &
Sun 31st
June
Tues 2nd
Thurs 11th
Sun 14th
Tues 16th
Sun 21st
Sun 28th
14
Committee Meeting
Midweek Run
Midvale Superkhana
MGA Register Run
General Meeting
Moondyne Joe Toodyay
Committee Meeting
Midweek Run
British car Day Gingin
General Meeting
Albany Classic Weekend
Committee Meeting
Midweek Run
New Members Lunch
General Meeting
Social Run
MGA Register Run
Social
Social/Comp
Social
Social
AHC
MGCC
MGA
MGCC
Social
MGCC
Social
Social
Social
Social/Comp
MGOC
MGCC
MGCC
VSCC
Social
Social
Social
Social
Social
MGCC
MGCC
MGCC
MGCC
MGA
SOCIAL REPORT
Midweek Run
Thursday 9th April
This event is being organized by our club and we shall meet at the
Narrogin Inn in Armadale at about 10.00am for a 10.30 start.
The run will take about one and a half hours and finish at a country pub
for lunch.
‘Moondyne Joe’ Festival Toodyay
Sunday 3rd May
For details see page 16 in this Octagon
British Car Day GinGin
Sunday 17th May
No run has been organized for this event as it is usually easier to make
your own way there.
Should you wish to park inside with all the other MG’s it is
recommended to be there by 9.00am.
Also the club is still looking for a member or members to organize the social run
on Sunday 21st June. Unless a volunteer is forthcoming this event will not take
place.
JOHN BELL Social Co-ordinator 94776303
15
Sunday 3rd May 2015
Undoubtedly, one of the highlights of our social calendar! A fun and interesting
day in the closed main street of Toodyay, which is invariably chock full of
market stalls of all varieties, period characters and entertainment including
several re-enactments of the escapades of “MOONDYNE JOE”.
The MG Car Club has again been invited to display our cars in a designated area
in the main street of Toodyay and we in turn need to be in place by 8:45am
(main street location has been confirmed in writing for 2015).
Providing members with the opportunity of an early breakfast and/or coffee,
we will meet at the car park of McDONALDS (cnr Great Eastern Hwy & Lloyd ST
Midland) at “7.00 ish” for a 7.30 departure. Bring your own picnic lunch OR
avail yourself of the many food outlets on offer.
After leaving MCDONALDS at 7.30am (sharp) we will travel in convoy
incorporating a pleasant scenic route (with NO questions and arguments!).
Should anyone have any queries , please do not hesitate to contact me on
Mob 0413 569 359 or email at phagarty@tpg.com.au.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Yours Octagonally
Peter Hagarty
16
Competition Corner
Once again the Triumph Sports Owners Association (TSOA) put on a
fantastic Event at the Midvale Speedome on 1st March.
The Event involved four timed runs on a long fast flowing Superkhana
course.
There were 33 entries and the competition was serious as this event
counts towards points for the TSOA club trophy.
As well as the usual TR8s and hot Triumphs, there was an array of high
performance cars including a BMW M3, a Porsche 911, Lotus 7 replicas,
turbocharged Mazdas and WRX STI’s.
As usual the MG’s put on a good show, the fastest MG being driven by
Rami Brass who managed an overall time of 268.63 seconds just beating
Bob Schrader driving his immaculate Green MGB in 268.76.
Rami and Bob managed an overall placing of 4th and 5th respectively, an
amazing result considering the competition.
Mike Sherrell drove his 1948 MG TC in 404.52 and Kevin McMahon with
his MG Special in 436.13
The Mitchinson’s also entered in their stock standard Blue MGB with
the car completed 8 runs without a problem.
Graham clocked a respectable time of 313.89 finishing 20th overall, and
Moyra overcame some early nerves and finished with a time of 369.59
which placed her 24th overall and importantly improving 10 seconds
between the first and last run.
To put it in perspective, the Mitchinson’s are driving a 37 year old stock
MGB and competing against some very fast modified cars.
Most importantly all our members drove home with cars intact and a
very big smile on their faces.
Rami Brass
17
2015 SHOW and SHINE
incorporating the Concours d’Elegance
The morning started cool and slightly misty but gradually warmed up and
turned into a very delightful and enlightening day.
The volunteers quickly took up their roles and set about organising the
positioning of the various classes of MG’s, to either be judged or to display
everyone's pride and joy (made easier by the diligent efforts of Colin Cleaver,
Jason Goff, Doug Bush, Nick Ringrose and Rod Grantham
marking out the areas the previous day) . The new signs made for the ‘Nat
Meet’ for each classification looked rather swish too.
The venue of Ascot Race Course turned out to be very car friendly and allowed
people to easily stroll around all the vehicles.
This bodes very well for our 2016 Natmeet with the organisers able to iron out
any small hiccups and make that event flow like clockwork.
We had almost 100 MG’s on display and as the area next year will be much
larger, there should be ample space to show several hundred washed, polished
and magnificently presented MG’s
Quite a few members entered the “Concours d’Charme” and made a great
effort and dressed to suit the era of their favourite machine and helped add
even more elegance to the day.
All the volunteers did a wonderful and tireless job keeping the event on track.
So please contact Doug Bush and volunteer some of your time at our 2016
Natmeet to help everything flow that much easier and to be a great success.
18
Judges hard at work
This scrutineering seemed like hard work…
there was a lot of
‘heads down and bums ups’
19
We could not have asked for a
better day to hold our
Concours d’Elegance
and Show & Shine
20
Looking the part.
21
Concours d’Charme Entrants
22
Do your bit, SUPPORT OUR LOCAL ADVERTISERS/SPONSORS
MGCC WA
proudly supports
this worthy organization for
youngsters with
cancer.
Please remember to take photos on outings and send them through.
In this edition of the Octagon we have had several
contributors who have taken photographs that were used throughout
the magazine.
David Pitcher, Annette Gusterson,
Thank you
23
MG CAR CLUB OF WA
2015 CONCOURS D’ ELEGANCE RESULTS
NAME
TYPE
PLACE
PRE-WAR & T TYPE CLASS.
VINCE ANDERSON
KEN RICHARDSON
MG TC
MG NB
1
2
MG YA
1
MGA 1600 MK11 D/LUXE
MGA 1600
1
2
MG MIDGET
1
MGB GT
MGB
1
2
MG RV8
1
MG TF
MG TF
1
2
MG Special
1
CLASSIC SEDANS CLASS.
RON MITCHAM
MGA CLASS.
TONY FORD
RUSSELL ANDERSON
MG MIDGET.
DAVID GRANVILLE
MGB.
TOM BULLOCH
DAVE GOODMAN
MG RV8.
PAUL EDWARDS
MG MODERN.
ROB CARSON
NICK RINGROSE
MG SPECIALS CLASS.
KEVIN McMAHON
WINNERS – CONCOURS d’ CHARME TROPHY.
Vince
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TOM & ANNIE BULLOCK
Ron
Tony
Tom
Russell
Dave
David
Paul
Tom and
Annie
Rob
Nick
Kevin
25
FOR SALE AND WANTED SECTION
1968 MG MIDGET - $13,000
Very good condition
Contact: Mike Dunn 0407 110 174
mikes@melvilletoyota.com.au
1958 MG ZB, Steel blue - $10,000
New engine, gearbox and wiring harness
Needs new paint
For full information contact:
MIKE SHERRELL 9367 6769
1958 MGA Twin cam - $35,000
Kept original, LHD, restored 2007
Reluctant sale mikehester@hotmail.com
MG TF 2004 Auto - $17,000
Green with cream leather interior
For further information contact:
Karen Day 0451 186 073
karenday61@gmail.com
1971 MGB Red - $14,500
Hard and soft tops, roll bar
Good condition
Contact: Don Wylie 9291 3234
Red u
26
c ed
2004 MGTF 135 Manual - $14,000 ono
Le Mans Green
Excellent condition, 78,000 kms
Contact: Bruce Simpson 0417 910 379
1967 MGB Roadster - $16,995
Gunmetal grey with black interior
Very good condition, restored
For further information contact:
KEN Shillinglaw 0417 570 990
kath.ken@bigpond.com
Redu
ce
d
1968 MGC British Racing Green - $35,000
Excellent condition, imported from UK 3 years ago
Contact: Maria or Sarah 0434 209 908
MGB 1974 mk2 Roadster
Immaculate condition
Baked Enamel paintwork
Contact: Marion or Dudley 9207 1828
$16,000
1969 MG MIDGET British Racing Green
Restoration in progress - $6,000
Lots of new parts and work done
For full details contact:
RON WALTERS 0434 330 320
For sale 1969 MG Midget - White $11,000
Great condition, based in Kalgoolie
Contact: BERT or VAL White
0427 540 619
MGB 1968 Red - $11,000
Runs well, good condition
Contact: JAMES 9661 1182
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