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GWENT MG OWNERS CLUB |
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The weather forecast was for rain then clearing later. We awoke to gales and torrential rain, undeterred we packed the car and with hood up set off for Swansea at 0800hrs. The rain lashed down on us for most of the journey, with my wipers working overtime they finally gave in just before Swansea, but thankfully the rain had ease off leaving us with severe cross winds, for the last few miles. The wind and the use of Rain X helped in clearing the windscreen so once again I could see where we were going. On nearing our destination I missed our turning and ended up following a VW Camper who had made the same mistake around the one way system, leading us back to Clarence Terrace Car Park where we were ushered into the old bus depot and into our positions undercover. By 1000hrs the depot was brimming with classic vehicles of all makes, sizes, shapes and colours. Many of the exhibitors went to great lengths to enter the spirit of the day by adorning costumes and make-up, and also decorating their cars. The vehicles ranged from a Sinclair C5, Morris Minors, with the Police in force, Oxfords, MG’s, Triumph’s, Austin’s, Fords, minis, a trio of Victorian prams a Panhard? and a fine looking Zodiac which the owner told us was its first time out in the rain. Whilst sat down having a cuppa, Tony F rang and said he was outside but there was no where to park, a quick word with a very obliging marshal soon had Tony guided into the depot by Sylvia who managed to find a place close by us in what was now a full depot. In all there was some 65 vehicles, with very little space for any more. The event was well organised and supported with the proceeds going to Macmillan Cancer Support. Looking around us, there were zombies, witches, werewolves, Frankenstein’s, Beetlejuice, a corpse, skeletons, bats, and Tony F who didn’t need to by a mask, lucky beggar. There were a couple of stalls selling local history books, and another selling paperback novels, and one stall selling Oxford die cast models. A refreshment stall was set up selling tea, coffee and Welsh cakes with the taking again going to Macmillan. There was also a free bus service to the local Bus Museum which we missed as there was so much to see going on at the depot. Raffle tickets were also on sale at a £1 a strip with a vast amount of donated prizes up for grabs, including shop vouchers, wine, books, fog lights and many more. The time of the raffle soon came and the majority of us gathered around the prizes with tickets in hand waiting for the numbers to be called. First out the bag was the blue ticket numbers 1 to 5, me, like a lemon looked at my tickets and didn’t budge until Tony gave me a persuading jab in the arm, shouting “It’s You”. I woke up, approached the prizes and spied on the floor, under the table a hydraulic jack. Knowing that mine was getting on in life went to pick it up with one hand only to find that it did not want to move, so with both hands dragged the thing away. The box was big but I was not expecting it to be so heavy. My immediate thoughts were, “ was my little Herald strong enough to take the weight”. It was, thankfully. With the raffle prizes over it was time to clear up, after receiving a “thank you” gift for attending, a informative pictorial nostalgia book of the Neath and Port Talbot area, it was time to head home. Having Tony with us, we decided to head for Merthyr and would stop en-route for a drink before parting company. Somehow I was chosen again to lead, (I see a pattern forming here) and yes, Sat Nav on, I got lost again (twice) but soon found our way, with hoods down to a nice little pub in Hirwaun. As we stopped, the heavens opened and it poured down. Like a flash my hood was up and secured while Tony was running around like a headless chicken undoing his tonneau . We all mucked in helping to get his hood up and getting soaked through in the process. After a coke and a chat we went our separate ways to head for home, but with the rain again lashing down our journey was much slower as my wipers persisted in not playing. After one stop to clear the windscreen, the rain soon passed over and we safely arrived home. A great day out was enjoyed by exhibitors and visitors alike, with the atmosphere within the depot buzzing like no other show I have been on. Ashley Lovering and his helpers organised and carried out a well organised and fun pact day. Where will our next adventure take us? …….. |
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