Athelhampton 2010

There were 8 Magnettes at this year's Bournemouth Area MGOC picnic. This number was slightly down on last year, however it was still a good lineup (with Varitones in the majority) and the house and gardens provided the perfect backdrop for classic MGs. The weather was pleasantly warm with sunny intervals, and the day followed the usual long-established but informal pattern - although with the additional attraction this year of the Bournemouth male-voice choir, performing in front of the house.

Also as usual the MGOC organizers were hard at work trying to part visitors from their money, to support their chosen local charity. The duck race on the River Piddle is always popular - 'buy' your plastic duck for a pound, then cheer it on as it competes with a couple of hundred others to float to the finishing line first. Magnette Register member Dave Long was the lucky winner, but generously donated his prize of 'Piddle in a bottle' local beer to Alan Slack. Thanks to the owners of Athelhampton House and to Bournemouth MGOC for hosting us again, and do give this event a try if you haven't already.