I received an e-mail from Brian Woodhams, Overseas Director for the MGCC-UK, sometime mid-November asking for my thoughts and knowledge of the Americas' Nuffield Trophy. Brian had visited the States in August of 2003, with trips to Michigan, Illinois, and New York being on his itinerary. He participated in the eleventh running of the Grand Lake Tour (a 1000 mile or so endurance rally held in Michigan and its surrounding geography each August), and had enjoyed the hospitality and camaraderie of the "Specklies" as they have become to be known.

The Nuffield Trophy is one of four cups owned by the MGCC-UK. Silver cups are presented yearly to a Centre of the Americas, Europe, Oceana (Australia), and a gold cup is retained at the club offices in Abingdon. Brian was duly impressed with the enthusiasm and participation that the "Specklies" had shown him during his brief stay in Grand Rapids, and wanted the North American Council of MG Registers' opinion on awarding the Michigan Centre with this honour.

So, with Nuffield Trophy in hand, I made a surprise appearance at the December 9th meeting of the West Michigan "Old Speckled Hen" MG Car Club. I had made this trip once before during my term as Chairman of the North American MGB Register to award the "Specklies" NAMGBR's "Chapter of the Year" for 1996. Many of the club members thought I was in town to "officially" present them with another NAMGBR award, that of "Newsletter of the Year" for NAMGBR for 2003. (They had indeed received this distinction at the annual general meeting of the B Register in October.) I had called Dan DePew, president of the "Specklies" in advance, asking for a few moments at the podium that evening, but "neglecting" to let him know what my true intent was to be!

So, in the absence of Mr.Woodhams, I read a brief statement on his behalf. It read:"Greetings and Merry Christmas form the M.G.Car Club, U.K. Rick Ingram is here tonight on my behalf, as unfortunately for work and distance reasons, I am unable to be with you. It gives us great pleasure to award the America's Nuffield Trophy to the West Michigan "Old Speckled Hen" M.G. Car Club for 2003. I was very impressed on my recent visit with the Friendship, the Hospitality, and the Enthusiasm shown by your Centre, and feel this is exactly what the Nuffield Trophy is all about. Rick will be able to explain the history and background of the trophy. Father Christmas has come early - you all deserve this presentation - and I wish I could be there to celebrate with you. My thoughts will be with you all tonight. If I can make the Summer Party Reunion in August, I will, but I am sure you will make my Chairman, Steve Cox, very welcome. Many congratulations on this prestigious award." Brian G. Woodhams , MGCC-UK Overseas Director.

I then presented Dan Depew and the "Specklies" with the Cup. To say that the club members were surprised would be an understatement. Since the early 1950's, this trophy has been presented to outstanding M.G. Centres throughout the Americas. I'm pleased that the West Michigan "Old Speckled Hen" M.G. Car Club has joined this elite group of enthusiasts.

It is my understanding that the Nuffield Trophy will be displayed with pride at University Motors, LTD in Ada, Michigan until it is once again presented to a worthy Centre. Should you "happen" to be in town, I suggest you take time out to visit UML, and congratulate the Specklies on this honour!

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