Tavistock. To book a site for a tent or caravan contact the Caravan Park on 01822-832968.
Further details of the programme in the next D&C News.
WHAT IS JANNER FUN WEEK - WHITSUN 23rd – 30th May 2009
The origins of this event can be traced back to 1974. Having been to a very successful and enjoyable MG International event in Hausach in Germany, some committee members thought we could do something similar to reciprocate the Continentals’ hospitality. In those days MG Silverstone was always held on the Whitsun bank holiday weekend and as today attracted many overseas visitors. To make their stay in England more worthwhile, Devon and Cornwall decided to organise their own MG International event on the following weekend. It was an immediate success and after a number of different venues in the early years, it took root in Pete and Ann Moore’s builder’s yard, shed and field at Lidwell. The days prior to Silverstone and the week after were hectic as the shed had to be cleared and cleaned, the kitchen and barbeque area built and amongst other things the grass cut. This required a host of volunteers giving up their evenings and weekends until late. The event grew and grew until in the MG 80th Anniversary year it formed part of the Tour of Britain and we had 400 visitors to feed a steak dinner. After a while the weekend turned into a week long event but in 1999, with such a huge effort involving fewer and fewer ageing committee members, their wives and friends it was time for a rethink. The surpluses built up from the event gave financial stability to the Centre even to this day but reluctantly the Centre decided to pull the plug on the event whilst on a high.
Over the years many friendships had developed, indeed many of our children had grown up together and still keep in touch. So a follow on event with less committee effort was needed. A search was made for a camp site with statics, touring and tent pitches. Once selected and the Whitsun date confirmed, MG friends were invited to join us there and book their own arrangements with the site. The venue moved from South to North Devon but last year moved back to its roots on the Devon/Cornwall border. It will again this year be based on the Woodovis Caravan Park at Gulworthy near Tavistock. This proved to be a great choice last year as it is a very friendly and well run site.
As well as our visitors and local members staying on site, we welcome members and friends to the daily events. These are varied and can comprise scenic drives through little used lanes, fords and the steep hills, visits to places of interest not usually open to the public, a train ride and anything else that seems appropriate. In the evenings there are optional pub visits with a mini-bus provided for a small fee. On one evening a very competitive sporting challenge match, usually skittles takes place for the Rest of the World Trophy which the Devon and Cornwall Centre usually wins!
If you want to stay on site early contact directly with Woodovis site is recommended (www.woodovis.com ). The site quickly fills as it is Whit week. The programme for this year has yet to be finalised and can be subject to change at the last minute due to adverse weather conditions. So watch the web site for further up to the minute details of the daily events and please come and join in the fun.
Peter Heath, Committee Member.
