The Aussies are coming.

[sparky135]

As some of you are aware a group of MGCC Australia members are making the epic journey from Oz, via China to Abingdon.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ABINGDON will enjoy a truly international flavour when the town welcomes a broad spectrum of MG cars on Sunday 18 July, as a group of Australian MG Car Club members descend on Oxfordshire.

Enthusiasts from the MGCC’s Gold Coast centre are embarking on the final leg of a mammoth journey, which saw them leave China over three months ago.

All driving classic examples of Abingdon’s most famous export, the owners began their adventure at MG’s Chinese factory and are scheduled to conclude their journey at MG Motor UK’s Birmingham site on Monday 19 July.

The journey has taken the MGCC members through China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Coratia, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, France and Britain.

To celebrate their achievement, Abingdon’s MG Car Club’s has organised for the cars that have completed the journey to be displayed in Abingdon Market Square on Sunday 18 July. Joining the vehicles will be the official BMC competitions vehicle transporter, which has recently undergone a stunning restoration.

Furthermore, the MG Car Club’s Kimber House headquarters on Cemetery Road will be open for enthusiasts to look around on the Sunday.

Those descending on Abingdon in MG cars will be directed towards free parking at Rye Farm, just a short walk from the town centre.

Then, on Monday 19 July, the travelling group will be officially waved off from Kimber House by MG Car Club Chairman John Day, as they head to MG Motor UK’s Birmingham base, where a warm welcome is planned.

MG Car Club General Manager Julian White said: “We’re excited to welcome those who have made the journey to MG’s spiritual home. Once again, the MG Car Club’s vast worldwide family have done us proud.

“This is a significant achievement and we’re excited about welcoming those who have made the journey.”

“The Market Square will display the cars that have made the journey, and those visiting Abingdon driving an MG can park in Rye Farm Meadow.

“Also, enthusiasts will have an opportunity to look around the MG Car Club’s Kimber House headquarters.”

-ends-

I have also received notification of a planned meet up with these intrepid travellers to escort them from their UK landing point in Portsmouth to their overnight stop at Abingdon.

Right folks,

I have planned and driven the route from Pompey to Abingdon.
We leave the Seacrest Hotel at about 10.00. am and go to Timsbury in Romsey at the Bear and Ragged Staff for coffee arriving about 11.00 am.
I have alerted the local rag so they may be there to take some snaps and interview Dave.
We go on to the Swan Inn at Great Shefford between Hungerford and Wantage for lunch arriving about 1.00 pm.
From there the Dog is about 35-45 minutes.
Should be there about 4 ish.
It would be a help to know how many may be coming. I have 3! I've told both hostelries there may be up to 20 cars. Both are happy with
these numbers.
I have stayed off motorways and duals as much as possible. We only go on motorways out of Portsmouth as far as Jnctn 10 on the M27.

If you need the route please mail.

Cheers,

Peter,

Unfortunately, I'm away at the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power this weekend, otherwise I would have loved to have met up with these guys. If any of the SCRRs would like to meet up with them and escort them on part or all of their journey to Abingdon then please go along and show them your support. Would be great to show them a warm South Coast welcome.

If you have any further questions about this event don't hesitate to get in touch.

[BobF]

Met up with Pete and Julia at the B&RS together with Malcolm Bailey, there were six Aussie cars all A's and B's, a fair amount of support I guess 30+ people there, quite a number whom also escorted them on to the Swan Hotel at Great Shefford for lunch.
PeterT was a star who collected them from the docks Fiday and escorted them to their hotel, which was obviously appreciated as they had been driving on the opposite side of the road for quite some time.
Am going to Abingdon tomorrow it seems quite a reception has been planned, before they travel on to Longbridge on Monday.

[PeteT]

Looks like Bob spilled beans... yes I picked them up from the ferry on the Friday and ran with them and a lot of other English MGs on Saturday to the Bear & Ragged Staff.

From Bob's email, I had picked up on this incredible story. Seeing Dave Godwin's website, I just wanted to meet these guys. Check out this website and just see what and how they did this... be prepared for a good old read !

http://www.goldcoastmgcarclub.com.au/na ... white.html

Cheers, Pete

[sparky135]

Nice one guys. Nice to see a warm welcome from a couple of the South Coast Road Runners.