Syl's Sydney Homestay wrote:
>
> David writes of various MGB car clubs of which he is a member.
>
> How common are one model MG Car Clubs?
>
> Here in Australia we have MG Car Clubs at State level with model registers
> within the one club. Makes for a much broader base of membership with less
> duplication of resources.
>
> This may be a function of our generally small population - but I think not.
> If I am not mistaken our clubs follow the UK model.
>
> Seems to me that the MG tradition is best served and preserved the greater
> the historical depth available.
>
> What do other listers think?
>
> Paul
Paul,
I was wondering about MG Clubs Down Under. I'll be on holiday there in
September and
would like to participate in some club events if at all possible. In '95, I
was in
York, UK and happened upon the MGOC Northern Nationals. I was delighted to see
more
than 500 MGs on the grounds but then REALLY suprised to find that was the
parking lot.
Seems the Brits have superlative MGs, but think they are too shabby to enter in
the
concours competition.
I'll be flying into Sydney, then traveling up and down the East Coast to as far
south as
Melbourne. Any events in late September?
To answer your question - IMHO I agree, I wish we Americans followed the UK
model. That
is a single major club. I'm a member of the MGOC, simply because I like the
magazine,
AND when I can go to England, the parts prices (tho it's extremely difficult to
cram a
front wing into your suitcase). I'm also a member of the MG Car Club, Wash.DC
Centre.
Seems to me, that since joining this list, I've seen too many remarks about the
high
price of spares for our beloved lbc's. I agree. The big three or four
suppliers stick
it to us, while the Brits seem to have it pretty cheap by comparison. It would
be nice
to have a single national club that would "co op" parts like REI does for
outdoor gear.
Or, better still, have the buying power of members to keep the pricing
reasonable.
Additionally, a national club with local chapters would, as you say, give we
enthusiasts
greater depth. I do think that several clubs do a great job in preserving the
marque
and assisting with restoration, events, tech sessions and so on. As DD said,
some local
clubs have marvelous newsletters as well.
Cheers,
Michael Ohleger
"67 MGB
'70 MGB
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