The Country Weekender enjoys a particularly relaxed atmosphere with an easy going rural charm; it is a weekend of MG based activities that continues to uphold the tradition of the original MGOC events. MGs of every style and age from brand new TFs and ZRs to square riggers gleamed in the bright sunshine. Everyone takes an active part in the Country Weekender and on-site camping enables the party atmosphere to continue throughout the weekend.

Friday commences the event with an arrival barbeque followed by the now well-established wine tasting evening.

Just arrived

Saturday’s Martlets Road Run took a route in the direction of Lewes, Newhaven, Littlington and returned via the Broyle to Bentley Wild Fowl and Motor Museum. On their return to site the ‘road runners’ all enjoyed tea and home made cakes.

The Saturday evening dance with live band

Ivor Langley and Clara Waylett winners of the fancy dress competition

Saturday evening began with the communal barbeque followed by the 60s/70s themed dance complete with a live band. There were prizes for the most authentically dressed man and woman and these were awarded to Ivor Langley and Clara Waylett.

Sunday’s activities are based at Plumpton and devoted to the Gymkhana, Pride of Ownership events and the presentation of the prizes. Those who had the energy were tackling the MG auto gymkhana with great enthusiasm and determination; this year’s course was devised by Doug Bush and was tricky but great fun, especially the blindfold challenge where competitors had to retrieve items from the ground beside their car whist blindfolded and without leaving the driving seat. It was great to see the latest cars from MG Rover competing alongside their classic forebears and it was also good to see many of the Pride of Ownership show cars out in the field taking part in the action. Michael Puckett and his son put in a very spirited performance in Michael’s immaculate 1500 Midget.

The Gun Dog display

Chiropody and reflexology sessions were on offer in the marquee

Mike Puckett and his son taking part in the auto gymkhana

An afternoon display by the Gun Dog Training Club was extremely entertaining with the dogs going through their paces complete with all the distractions they would experience in the hunting field. This involved firing off blanks and the shouts and cries of a team of volunteer beaters, despite this the dogs were still able to apply themselves and retrieve successfully.

The standard of the cars taking part in the Pride of Ownership was very high with entries ranging from a TD to a ZR, and the preparation of the cars was as impressive as ever. The raffle prizes and trophies were presented in the later part of the afternoon with special awards for John and Jane Baggott who received the Chairman’s Cup and Colin and Jackie Weller who received the Beryl Challis Award for their services to the club.

Mike Puckett and his son taking part in the auto gymkhana

Wine tasting on Friday evening

Philip Weller tackles the blindfold challenge in the auto gymkhana

A final wave from the award winners

John and Jane Baggot receive the Chairman’s Cup presented by Enjoying MG editor Richard Ladds

Nicola Fallows winner of Class F in the Pride of Ownership with her MG ZR

Colin and Jackie Weller receive the Beryl Challis Award for services to the club

After the prizes had been awarded, Fred Robinson the MGOC Regional Secretary for the South East and the man behind this event for the past six years announced that this would be the last Country Weekender that he would organise and that next year he will hand over the reins to Mike Inglehearn and Terry Locke. Fred and his wife Gwen have worked tirelessly on these events and I am sure that everyone who has taken part will appreciate the time and effort that has gone into making the Country Weekender such a success.

Richard Ladds

List of Sponsors
British Replacement Batteries – CPA Brighton
East Sussex MGOC Members – Footman James Classic Car Insurance
GB Airways Gatwick – Harvey’s Brewery Lewes
Horam Classic Restorations – Jentree Classic Cars Westham
MGB Hive Wisbech – MG Owners’ Club – P&O Ferries
Robin Lackford Motor Engineers – Sea France Ferries
Siggs & Sons Timber Ridgewood – Tansleys Printers Seaford
Warner’s Holidays – Wildeblood Electrical Heathfield