We were very pleased to hear of an impromptu MG Midweek Gallivant Run on 21st September, out to visit Gary and Robyn Langstone at their place in Drury, to admire the several wonderful old cars in their big shed, and to have a picnic there. We met at 10.15am at the Botanic Gardens for a 10.30am departure - the run organiser Sue Martin said to have 16 MG's turn up for this impromptu run was "just awesome." The run to Drury was lovely, even though the sunshine promised for the day by the weatherman did not seem to appear - we drove through rolling countryside all the way. We were taking in the nice countryside views, and also the not-so-nice country smells along the way.

We arrived at the Langstones' place at about 11.30am. We were all asked to park in a u-shape, facing the shed, which would be great for photos. Then we were given a short talk by Gary, telling us to please all check our cars before we leave (much to our amusement,) in case one of their two cats, Charlie or Miti, was curled up asleep inside. He acted as though this happened on a fairly regular basis, when people came to visit.

The Langstones used to live on a big farm at Waimauku, and then moved to 5 acres at Clevedon, that had two medium-sized sheds on it. They asked the local Council if they could join the two sheds together to make one big shed, but the Council did not give their approval. So Gary and Robyn started looking for another block of land in a different area, where they would be allowed to build their much-hoped for big shed to house their wonderful collection of cars awaiting restoration. They found the perfect place - 3 acres of flat land in Drury, not far from the motorway. They erected a big kitset shed for the cars, with plenty of room for everything, including a place to hang all their spanners & other various car tools. They even had a hoist there covered by a type of glass house that was attached to the shed. A touch of a button and the whole glass house with hoist go up and down.

Click HERE to view the Gallery page for the photographs of the following cars.

Before entering the shed we all admired a beautiful Rolls Royce 20/25 (1930), all alloy body 4 seater open car (rego on hold). It looked so elegant, just parked there. Then parked inside the shed were -
Alvis TC/ 21 100 (1955) Grey Lady - car is ex Frank Langridge, some 2 owners before Gary
Studebaker Dictator straight 8 (1930) - next car to be restored
MGB (1964) - 3 bearing crank model, fully restored and sadly not used (rego on hold)
Bentley MK6 (1949) - restored but needs vinning
Overland Raceabout (1913), a real fun car (rego on hold)
Model A Ford, twin side mount Phaeton (1930) - nearly completed total restoration
Morgan (1936) - restoration near completion. Very rare car chassis. 4 wheel model. Coventry Climax motor 1133cc. Gary says all the cars will be sold after restoration is completed.
Imagine the delight (especially for the men) to see this wonderful collection of cars!

1930 Rolls Royce 20/25

Then out came all the picnic baskets - this was to be the first picnic of the forthcoming summer season for most of us. Everyone enjoyed their picnics and good conversation with other MG club friends. Ross and I noticed that one of the cats had jumped inside the Rolls Royce. "A bit more classy than an MG I guess" said Ross. Photos were taken of the fascinating car collection, of course, as well as photos of club members with their MG's, including Sue and Neil Courtney with their MGTF, which looked great with a big All Blacks banner fitted to their bonnet, and a good lineup of MGB's dating from year 1967, 1966, 1965 and 1964 (left to right in photo.) A lovely day was had by all. Special thanks go to Sue Martin for arranging this good run - yes, 16 MG's (27 club members) was a pretty good turnout for a mid-week run! I bet more MG'ers wish they had been able to join us.

Judy Hindman