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The Magnettes and Steam event at the Foxfield railway on 26
April was very well attended, with around 20 Magnettes plus a few other
MGs. The good turnout may be partly because the location near Stoke was
convenient for people from both the north and south, and also the
Midlands. I had rather a boring motorway journey up from Surrey, but I
made it in good time after an early start. It was almost worth going just
to see two other blue Varitones like mine, as I haven't seen a single one
in those colours at previous events (I've only had 108 HPJ for a couple of
years). Also very interesting to have the 'convertible' Magnette there,
with its new owners. I had seen pictures of it, and in real life its
appearance is just as weird, yet somehow strangely appropriate.
The weather was cool and cloudy, but rain held off for most of the day.
The railway had engineering works in progress, so the train ride was
limited to a 20-minute return trip from Blythe Bridge. In fact the line
doesn't really go anywhere in particular, as it was built to take coal
from a colliery to join up with the main line. It was still a nice scenic
trip though, and they generously allowed people to travel as many times as
they wished during the day. Apart from the trains and an interesting
museum section, the station cafe was doing good business, and most people
seemed happy to sit or stand around and chat to fellow Magnette owners.
Thanks to Alan Slack and others for once again organising the event, and
to the Foxfield railway volunteers who made us very welcome.
Stephen Tickell
And another report from Peter Martin: The day started early for the Kent register members with register chairman
David Johnson leaving home at 4.30am and me having a leisurely start at
5.30am!. I don't know what the round trip mileage was for David, but when I
got back home I had travelled 505 miles in the day. Who says you cannot use
a Magnette as every day transport!.
Alan Slack (Competition's Sectretary) had done a superb job of finding
another great Magnettes and Steam location and in advertising the event well
resulting in 23 Z Magnettes, I Farina Magnette and many other classic and
modern cars in attendance. From a Magnette perspective there were 4 ZA's, 1
lonely ZB (where have all the ZB's gone?), 18 ZB Varititones including the
unique convertible that has changed hands a few times since last seen, and a
local MK 3 Farina, the owner having owned the car some 15 years. Geoff Mars
is the new owner of the convertible having collected it on a trailer from
Edinburgh only two weeks prior to the event!. Geoff is no stranger to
Magnettes having owned quite a few over the years, and being a retired
garage mechanic is well placed to properly sort out a fair amount of minor
finishing touches that are still required to the car. He confirmed however
that the structural side of the conversion had been done well with the car
properly braced to allow removal of the roof. Needless to say, the car
caused a large amount of interest. Much "Magnette" talk went on throughout
the day with hints and tips being readily exchanged and no doubt giving most
an increased "to do" list of jobs on their own vehicle when time and money
permit.
The weather was kind to us all day, and the location was excellent with
plenty to see and do. Although the steam trains were unfortunately not able
to run their full journey because of over running engineering works (and I
thought that only happened on my commuter trains!), there was alot of other
static machinery and exhibits to marvel over some of which was being worked
on during our visit, so a great day was had by all.
A big thank you from the register committee to all who attended in whatever
car - it helped to make the day a big success. I've no doubt that Alan
already has his thinking cap on for 2006 being a keen "steam" man for what
will be the 18th successive year for the Magnettes and Steam Easter event
which was the brain child of ex register member Warren Marsh back in 1988.
If any members have any suggestions for future venues, please do let one of
the committee know.
Peter Martin - Historian |
