Arundel 2008

Well after four years of dry, sunny, spring weather the 2008 MG gathering at Arundel Castle in West Sussex began rather wet. But spirits were not dampened; and with a very respectable one hundred and forty cars attending this year, another good time was had by all who attended this popular south coast MG gathering. Because of heavy rain during the days before the event, all vehicles were asked to park up on the Castle access roads rather than our usual pitch in a picturesque meadow below the imposing Castle ramparts.

Jamie and event organiser Andy Harris by the entrance to the castle

Carol, Pete and Jamie enjoying the surroundings

As the arriving cars began to park, I quickly spotted John Grewcock’s gleaming Dark Blue 1966 MGB Roadster with its outstanding paintwork and gleaming chrome. John from Ash Vale, Nr. Guildford, had bought the B as a retirement project. He had completed a full restoration by himself, and from a close inspection the work had obviously been carried out to an extremely high standard; well done John.

Previous years has always seen a good selection of cars, but this year it was nice to see a much higher proportion of more modern MG ZRs, ZSs and ZTs and the tally even included my newly acquired Red ZR 1.8 120. It is often too easy to overlook the time and distance travelled by many loyal owners attending such events as this one. So our thanks must go out to all those who supported us this year, especially the 1020 Bournemouth and Poole contingent, and those from overseas (well the Isle of Wight) who braved the tricky weather conditions to be with us by 10.30 am.

John Grewcock’s 1966 MGB Roadster

Jamie’s MG ZR 120

Row of MGs

The event raised £144 for the Chichester St Joseph’s night shelter, and thanks as always to Andy of 1006 for organising this wonderful get-together once again. The rain soon eased off for us and the usual spring sun which normally abounds graced the remainder of the day. In retrospect, our weather was of no real consequence as the popular Surrey Brooklands event the following weekend was subjected to an impressive covering of snow.

View of the castle

Arundel Castle

Nightfire Red MG RV8

Finally, our usual thanks must also go to his Grace the Duke of Norfolk for allowing this event to be held in these beautiful and historic grounds. Here’s hoping for another great event next year with the usual sunny weather we have come to expect. Over to you, Andy!

Jamie Brown