The Swallow Inn

is our North East Lincolnshire Natter Venue
First Wednesday Every Month

Caistor Road, Swallow, Lincolnshire,
LN7 6DL.
Tel: 01472 371250.

Sheila Laurence was busy with her camera, firstly from the terrace of the Swallow Inn . . .

Then from the steps, where she was asked a pertinent question (it turned out later) . . .

Results and more photos to follow from Keith Robinson.

Keelby Gala - 16 July 2011

Photos taken by John Hebb
Report to follow from Keith Robinson

Swallow Natter social run to Gibraltar Point by Keith Robinson

Sunday 15th May dawned bright and dry, a good omen for our natter social run to Gibraltar Point. Gordon Smith had done his homework and prepared an interesting route for us, through the quiet Lincolnshire Wolds roads towards the coast. (Note, not via Bardney for a change!)

At the appointed hour 6 cars arrived for the start. Ian and Sue in their TF; Pete and Felicity in their new (to them) TF; Gordon and Sylvia(and Maxwell the dog) in their F; David in his LE500; Rod in his very nice YA and yours truly in our TF.

One of the many joys about living near the Lincolnshire Wolds is the ability to get away from the madding crowds and loose yourself in deserted roads. I was fascinated with this 25 years ago when we first moved into the area and I am very pleased to say that this is one of the things that has not changed for the worse over the years. Our route was scenic and traffic free for the virtually the whole duration. Top down Bliss! The route took us through Thoganby towards Kelstern, then onto Theddlethorpe-all-Saints via Ludborough, Yarborough; Cockerington and Manby.

As is always the case with such runs, keeping the group together can be a challenge and we were doing OK until I managed to get a rather large lump of tree stuck under the front of our TF, at which point we got split into two groups. However, all was not lost and with the aid of hand held radios, we were able to track down the lead group and form up again without too many U turns. (well, 2 actually!)

Once in Theddlethope we sought the thatched roof of the Kings Arms. Gordon had certainly found a little gem in this watering hole. It is a beautiful example of a dying breed, the traditional English country pub. Coffees and Bacon sandwiches all round were soon ordered, the sandwiches coming with two vital instructions:-

Boy they were good!

Suitably refreshed, we all pressed on to Gibraltar Point. True to form, the roads remained pleasantly free of traffic until we approached Skegness. Even the road through Ingoldmells, around Butlins holiday complex, was relatively quiet.

A quick cruise along “Skeggie” sea front had us all well on the way towards our destination, but not without a slight detour. The residents of one of Skegness’s more up market hotels were treated to the sight of 6 MG’s of various vintage all performing U turns in their, up until then very quiet car park! Oh well, not harm done fortunately and we probably livened up their otherwise mundane Sunday lunchtime.

Shortly after this excursion we arrived and Gibraltar point car park. By this time the wind had picked up and had developed a keen edge so it made sense to retire to the visitors centre for more refreshments.

Batteries recharged, we all ventured out for a bracing walk towards the dunes and the sea. Despite threatening clouds, the weather remained dry and we all arrived back at the cars suitably refreshed by the walk.

The day ended with a gentle drive back north towards our natter patch, with a short stop outside Alford in order to water the dog. No really, Maxwell was getting thirsty!

A good day was had by all.

Many thanks to Gordon for planning the route and organising the morning refreshment stop and to all the participants for supporting the event. Now we look forward to the rest of the year.

MGfifteen Anniversary Event
Sunday 1st August 2010

by David Moir

Since the introduction of the MGF in 1995 the MGF Register has organised and run some seven anniversary events. This year’s 15th anniversary event was held at the Heritage Motor Centre at Gaydon near Coventry.

Keith & Eleanor Robinson and I (as first time TF owners) decided to attend and rather than rush there and back in one day planned a leisurely two day ‘tops down’ trip using quieter minor roads where possible.

We met at Laceby roundabout and made our way via Market Rasen and Wragby to the Heritage Centre near Lincoln for mid morning tea and bacon sandwiches. From here we headed for Rippingale near Bourne where we planned to stop at The Bull Inn for lunch.

As we approached Sleaford the sun disappeared behind some extremely black storm clouds, would we have to put the tops up? This question was soon answered as the heavens opened, however by the time we reached Rippingale the sun was back out and the tops were down. After lunch we set-off for Oundle near Peterborough. This is a very pretty town with many fine old stone buildings and a famous school. We spent some time walking around the town and after a cup of tea headed west via Market Harbrough, Lutterworth and Southam to our hotel at Leamington Spa.

The next morning we set-off for Heritage Motor Centre, at each roundabout more MG’s joined us until we had quite a convoy. All the TF’s were lined up in front of the building with the anniversary models all parked together alongside; it was quite a sight to see hundreds of MG’s gathered together.

After meeting up with some of the people who were on the Geneva trip in March we spent time looking at the various cars: ranging from well used every day ones, modified ones and very highly polished examples.

In the loudest exhaust competition the winner recorded over 114 db – now that is loud!

Also available was a demonstration model of the new MG6. From previous pictures I expected a compact hatch but it is in fact a large car apparently developed to compete directly with the Ford Focus. Overall the finish is very good the interior will be upgraded for the European market.

Twin Cam engine with supercharger

Our next stop was the Motor Museum, inside was a range of vehicles familiar to those of us of a certain age – Viva’s, A35’s, Minor 1000’s, Anglia’s, Hillman Imps etc.

There is a display section specific to the MG record-breaking cars EX135, EX179, EX181 & EX219. It’s amazing to think that speeds of over 200 mph were achieved in a car powered by an (albeit modified) 1500cc XPAG engine designed in the late 1930’s with a chassis designed in the ‘50’s.

In 1959 EX219 was fitted with a 948cc engine as fitted into the Austin-Healey Sprite and achieved a class record with a speed of 147 mph.

Also on display was a 1934 MG PA Midget which had been ‘sectioned’ to show the construction and operation of the various components.

All too soon it was time for us to leave and head for home, to do full justice to the extensive museum displays and information would require at least 5 or 6 hours – at least now we have a good reason to come back!

Visit to Newark Air Museum
Sunday 25 th July 2010

At Bardney Heritage Heritage Centre

Eleven people (7 cars) attended the event. Keith & Eleanor Robinson, Ian & Sue Calaby, Gordon Smith and Dave Moir met at The Swallow Inn and enjoyed a ‘tops down’ drive along various B & C roads to arrive at The Heritage Centre at Bardney near Lincoln where we met David and Veronica Stonehouse. After bacon sandwiches and tea we set-off for Newark, where we were joined by Bob Welch and Steve and Jean Wilkinson.

The museum staff allowed us to park our cars inside the museum site on the grass alongside their star exhibit an Avro Vulcan bomber, a couple of Dutch visitors also parked their cars (MGB and Morgan) in our line-up.

The Museum, which is based at the former RAF Winthorpe airfield, has two large display hangers, an exhibition hall and an engine display hall, which contain a large number of restored aircraft and various other artefacts.

Outside there are some sixteen aircraft on display, and as can be expected, require constant attention and painting to maintain the structures and combat the ravages of the weather (just like old cars really!).

All too soon it was time to leave and set-off home after a very enjoyable day.
Our thanks to Gordon Smith for organising the event.

Christmas Dinner - Wednesday 2 December 2009

A great night was had by the nineteen members who came along to enjoy a beautifully presented Christmas Meal.

Thanks to Keith & Eleanor for organising an evening to remember.

photos to follow

Sunday 6 September Visit to the National Fishing Heritage Centre Grimsby DN31 1UZ Organised by Swallow Natter Leaders, Gordon and Keith, the event attracted over thirty members who met at the Swallow Inn for a tasty Fish & Chip lunch and social get together before driving to Grimsby to visit the National Fishing Heritage Centre.
Filling the Conservatory and spilling over into the Restaurant area, members relaxed with a cuppa following their lunch . . .
	Parking close to the museum meant all the MGs were lined up altogether . . .
The guided tour of the Ross Tiger was very informative. Our guide, John, worked on the Ross Tiger for eight years so was able to relate his experiences . . .
	Have you ever seen a fish this big? The cod is the same size as the man!!
We learnt where the term "A square meal" came from . . .	This passenger was hidden behind a curtain -
To find out more, visit the website at - www.tlfe.org.uk/museums/heritagecentre
Thanks to Gordon and Keith for organising the day and to John for an enlightening tour.

Landlord's Choice Evening Wednesday 5 August!

The weather gods were not kind at the final round of the Landlord's Choice at Swallow on Wednesday 5 August. In fact, just as everyone was chatting outside with the ten MGs lined up looking resplendant, the heavens opened!
What a great line up of MGs! Hurry back in September so we can repeat the experience . . .

website: www.theswallowinn.co.uk

By popular demand, local members have chosen the Swallow Inn as the Venue for their North East Lincolnshire Natter which started in January 2009. Roger O'Neill's photo below shows us in the conservatory . . .

Natter Leaders Keith (centre), Eleanor (3rd from right) and Gordon (2nd from right) are looking forward to welcoming you on the First Wednesday every month. Please support them and email them to confirm you will be going along. For more information, please contact Gordon or Keith.

PLEASE NOTE THE BLACKSMITHS ARMS, ROTHWELL, NATTER HAS NOW CLOSED

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