MGOC Isle of Wight 2007
When it comes to planning a successful road run there is no substitute for local knowledge, as the recent highly enjoyable MGOC trip to the Isle of Wight clearly demonstrated. Fifty MGs and their crews made the ferry crossing on Friday and then drove on for a two night’s stay in Shanklin with an organised road run around the island on Saturday. The route was devised and put together by Ray and Angie Sheath of the Vectis MG Owners’ Club, who both have in-depth knowledge of the area, they planned the run to take in interesting roads, local beauty spots and also places of historical interest. Ray is a genuine ‘Caulkhead’, this is the local term for a someone born on the island, derived from caulk which is the water proof sealant used in building or to seal the gaps between the planking of a wooden boat, so his local knowledge is unrivalled. Although Ray grew up on the island he had to move to Peterborough on the mainland for his work but was eventually able to return to his place of birth.
Outside the hotel
Ray makes a speech of welcome and outlines the route
On arrival
Palm tree island
Ray’s enthusiasm for MGs is equal to his enthusiasm for the island itself and after welcoming the crews he gave a brief description of the route and places of interest. Members of the local Vectis MGOC also joined in the run and Ray interspersed them with the visitors to assist, just in case anyone went astray or suffered a breakdown. Although a wise precaution this was to prove unnecessary as everyone ran without problems.
The MGs set off from Sandown Airport on a route that would take them around the island, first to Culver Down with panoramic views out to sea and also inland. The MGs then travelled through the Arreton Valley famous for growing garlic and its vast acreage of greenhouses that provide tomatoes for all the major outlets in the UK. After passing through several picturesque villages the route picked up the edge of Shanklin, threaded through the old part of town and then followed the dramatic coastline up Cowleaze Hill towards Ventnor. As you leave Ventnor there is a wonderful series of hairpin bends as the road ascends the side of the cliff, a drive that would not be out of place on an alpine rally.
The immaculate 1969 MGC of Colin and Lindsay Howes
Keith and Victoria Evans’ MGF
Ed and Val Stanton’s 1967 MGB GT
Tony and Brenda Crittenden setting off in their 1972 MGB
The MacDonald’s MGB GT V8 setting off on the route from Sandown Airport
After an excellent lunch at the Wight Mouse Inn the MGs made their way along the Military Road, built to service the extensive defences of the island which has always been on the front line of any invasion attempts. After a detour through some pretty villages the route returned to the Military Road from where the chalk cliffs and beaches are visible. This area is known as Dinosaur Bay because of the numerous bones and fossils discovered there. Tennyson Down is also visible from the Military Road, named after the celebrated poet who is among the impressive list of famous people who have lived on the island. Next was a stop at Yarmouth where Ray had organised some special parking for the MGs in a school playing field in the centre of the port. Locals and visitors to Yarmouth wandered around admiring the line up of MGs and other classics cars because they made such an impressive impromptu display.
At Culver Down
Parked at Yarmouth, Neil Thomas’ Frogeye (on the left) was first registered on the Isle of Wight meets a local resident
Calbourne Water Mill
Taking to the water at Calbourne Mill
Parked at Calbourne Mill
Mosaics at the Roman Villa in Brading
Final destination of the run was Calbourne Mill and here the MGs were again arranged in the grounds where they provided an extra attraction for visitors to the water mill. The working mill made an ideal final stopping point with lots to see and plenty to do; some of the group even took to punting on the water.
Back at the hotel the evening was rounded off with an excellent meal and live entertainment, all the participants had particularly enjoyed the chance to mix with other MG enthusiasts and have a really good time.
The Vectis MGOC were wonderful hosts and provided an excellent insight to their fascinating island, our thanks to them and in particular to Ray and Angie Sheath.