Harrogate MG 2004 – MGOC Northern National

Over the years, Harrogate MG Club have established an enviable reputation for organising a show full of interest for the MG enthusiast. This year’s event, the 19th they have organised, was not to disappoint, as it must rank as one of the best MG shows organised this year. Always ambitious, members of the Harrogate Club with support from local MG Rover dealer Romans and the MGOC, worked tirelessly to satisfy the most ardent MG enthusiasts who arrived from all over the United Kingdom in record numbers.

Glorious weather throughout the weekend and the wonderful backdrop of Newby Hall, and 25 acres of magnificent award winning gardens created a beautiful backdrop and welcoming atmosphere in this picturesque corner of North Yorkshire. The camping field was well utilised with many enthusiasts arriving on Friday evening determined to make the most of their weekend visit.

Saturday dawned a glorious day following the endless rain of the previous week, which bode well for the very popular “Dales Run” organised once again by Dave and Sandra Griffiths. The run guided the MG enthusiasts through some of the lesser known parts of North Yorkshire. Provided with route instructions and points of interest they were able to take full advantage of the magnificent scenery along their route before returning to Newby Hall to freshen up for the evening entertainment.

Impressive line-up at Newby Hall

Saturday night offered the gentlemen the opportunity to shine not only their cars but also polish up on their culinary skills at the ever popular pre show barbeque and dance. While the ladies relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful summer evening the men were slaving over the barbeques, but the steaks and sausages they served were a testament to their culinary skills! Even among the MG crowd, a man’s work is never done!

“Bedtime” was the theme for the party fancy dress competition and it soon became apparent that it had been an inspired choice. The junior section was particularly well supported giving them the perfect opportunity to stay up and party with the “grown-ups”! Regular fancy dress winners John and Jan Wilkins once again excelled with a bedroom interpretation of the happy couple who reside in the “big house” at the end of the Mall.

Dancing was then the order of the night with the dance floor being in constant use, testament surely to the popularity of the regular group “65 Mustang” who played well into the night. The MG crowd certainly know how to party and enjoy themselves especially in the knowledge that many only have to negotiate the short distance to their caravans and tents!

Sunday dawned, yet another glorious day encouraging local enthusiasts to arrive early at Newby Hall and take full advantage of all that was on offer. Visitors to the show could not fail to be impressed by the number of stands and quality of displays. The Octagon Car Club, who specialise in pre 1955 models, had an interesting display of club cars and an excellent stock of parts for the older MGs. In contrast the main sponsors Romans had a full display of new MGs on their stand with very knowledgeable factory staff on hand to answer any questions. As ever the MG Owners Club stand was impressive and carried a large stock of spares and regalia and they were kept busy throughout the day.

We were also very lucky to be well supported by other MG enthusiast clubs many of whom had stands at the show, particular mention must go to Preston and District Club who were judged to be the best club stand on the day by Brian Whiteley from the Harrogate Club. Their display was beautifully presented and well laid out and a credit to them all.

Merseyside MGOC

Preston and District MGOC

MGOC stand at Newby Hall

Bury MGOC

The happy couple

Royal couple

Martin Gothard’s Concours MG Midget

Dave Brown with Car of the Show

Adding to the general show atmosphere were a variety of other trade stands, side shows, wonderful refreshments and ice cream, making this an event popular with enthusiasts and non enthusiasts alike. Of course the wonderful wandering jazz quartet may also have something to do with this as well. One of the added benefits of holding this event at such a wonderful location is that we also get members of the public who are visiting Newby Hall taking a detour via our show and hopefully this may kindle their interest in MGs sufficiently for them eventually to become owners or perhaps even purchase one of the cherished models on sale at the show.

Of course we must not forget what the show is really all about; the Concours and Condition classes. As always, amongst the first arrivals were competitors for the Concours and Condition classes keen to prepare their cars before the judges and heat of the day arrived. The Harrogate Club have always been well represented on both the Concours and in the Condition classes and this year was no exception. Several competitors had driven considerable distances to be at Newby Hall. Our judges, to ensure impartiality, were drawn from several other clubs within the area, and due to the very high standards they had a very difficult task ahead of them. A full list of the results appears at the end of this report but one car that deserves a special mention is Dave Brown’s chrome bumper MGB MG 4646 which won Car of the Show.

We know that Harrogate MG Club have a reputation for providing an interesting fun packed weekend for all to enjoy, but what we hadn’t realised was that for one couple it was to be part of their honeymoon! Unfortunately we didn’t get their names but judging from their smiles they too thoroughly enjoyed the day! Good luck to them in their future life together and may they have many happy motoring miles in their MG.

Next year’s show will be at Newby Hall on 6 and 7 August 2005.

Alan Harper