Athelhampton 2005 – A Memorable Day
Sunday 7th August was a lovely summer’s day and ideal for a gathering in the superb setting of Athelhampton House in Dorset. An expert team of marshals ensured that the elegant grounds were soon filled with a closely packed array of over three hundred MGs from every era. There were some very impressive examples among them including no less than two MG SVs, however the star of this year’s show was Colin Gosney’s wonderful MG WA Tickford. This amazingly original tourer is in excellent order and was previously owned by Goldie Gardner, speed record breaker and great friend of Cecil Kimber.
This year’s guest of honour was Terry Waite who after being re-united with his old MGB last year resolved to take the opportunity to re-visit Athelhampton and enjoy the great atmosphere engendered by 1020 once again. Throughout the day Terry was able to chat to members and sign copies of his books, ‘Taken on Trust’ and ‘Travels with a Primate’, the proceeds of which go to benefit his charity Y CARE. In the afternoon Terry was called upon to conduct the special raffle for of a pair worker’s overalls from MG Rover. These were the property of Adrian Wright who worked at Longbridge and was wearing them on the last day of production.
The Car of the Show Award was presented by Terry Waite to Colin Gosney for his WA Tickford. A special award went to Derek and Paula DeReucks for being such fabulous new custodians of EMF 430J (originally Terry Waite’s MGB) and for their support and enthusiasm with arrangements and logistics, most of which have been centred around their special MGB. The best dressed Teddy bear competition was won by Rebecca Feltham and the ‘Fiver’ raffle which raised over £100 for Dorset Scope was won by Rebecca’s dad James Feltham from Totton, Southampton.
Roche finished off proceedings with an amusing speech of appreciation to Nigel and Terry for making the day so enjoyable.
After the awards and speeches were done Terry Waite was able to slip away and quietly spend a little while behind the wheel of his old MGB. It was most touching to watch as he climbed into the cockpit, fired up the MGB and drove out of the grounds of Athelhampton and away for a quick blast down the narrow lanes of Dorset to reacquaint himself with the car and all the memories it must hold.
Athelhampton 2005 was a memorable day for everyone and a credit to their hard work and enthusiasm of Nigel Hedges and all his supporters from 1020 who put together such a great event which raised a total of over £2,750 for Dorset Scope. Special thanks are due to Sewards of Poole for their sponsorship of the event and also Roger Taylor of Phoenix Classics and Mike Rolls MG Services for their support.
A perfect day for picnics and relaxing among friends
Mike and Carol Rolls from Fifehead Magdalen in Dorset were on hand with a wide range MG parts and accessories
Seward Poole, MG Rover dealers were main sponsors of the event
Rows of immaculate MGs everywhere
1020’s MGs on display
Stunning MG line up Colin Gosney’s WA is flanked by the Black SV Adrian and Michelle Oates and the Blue SV and Phil Jones
Very handsome pair of MG Magnettes
Terry Waite auctions off the MG Rover overalls
Terry Waite signing copies of his books
1939 WA Tickford that was first owned by Goldie Gardner
Every corner of hte grounds was packed with MGs
Nigel presents Terry with few momentos of the day including a 1020 bear and some Athelhampton Real Ale Chutney
Terry takes a nostalgic drive in EMF 430J
Richard Ladds