Social Speak - December 2011

Thank to Jill Forbes for plotting the Midweek Gallivant to Piha in early November. The route took us from Westgate through the rural backblocks of Henderson, to a 'Just Plane Interesting' antiques, curios and collectable stop and then on to Piha and, for those who wanted to, a walk to Kitekite Falls. Some even walked to the falls twice (!!) while others did a shorter loop track and a few stayed sitting at the picnic table in the very tranquil picnic area beside the car park, interrupted only by the song of tuis, grey warblers and a lone shining cuckoo. Then it was on to the new Piha Cafe for a late lunch where the MGs caught the attention of Julie of The Village Voice, who subsequently featured us in the online magazine. See the Village Voice story.

The Breakfast Run to the Botanic Gardens was not as well attended as it was two years ago, perhaps because there is just so much on at this time of the year. Just as well actually, because our revised rendezvous inside Cornwall Park ended up being a rendezvous at the Cornwall Park gates (hey, they were open when Sue and Neil plotted the run. Note to self: next time meet in One Tree Hill Domain, not Cornwall Park). The gates opened at 7am on the dot and we drove in convoy to the Sunken Gardens car park for the drivers briefing. The seven cars had a leisurely run around the Mangere periphery of the Manukau Harbour, then via the airport, Manukau city Centre and Totara Park to arrive at the Botanic Gardens from the east. The nice people at Café Miko had our table ready for us and orders were prompt. Most of us walked the sculpture trail, except Annette because with foot in plaster she took advantage of a free mobility scooter, tagged with an MG badge, to get around the trail. It was nice to welcome Dave and Carole Walker back from the UK.

The next event the Social Subcommittee has organised is the MG Car Club's Annual Picnic on Saturday January 7th. Warwick Marsh has generously offered his beachfront holiday home at Kaiaua as the venue and there is plenty of parking available. Everyone is welcome, whether you live in Takapuna, Thames, Tauranga or Te Awamutu. You can make your own way there to arrive at 4pm or join the convoy from Auckland, leaving at 3pm. Note: Due to congestion at the Botanic Gardens at this time of day, the starting venue has changed to the Papakura Autobahn.

Please let us know that you are coming as BBQ food (meat, bread, salads and desert) is being put on for you. Use the online booking form or ring Sue on (09) 473-5110 so we know how many people to cater for. All this for just $5 per head.
Bring your own everything else, including plates, cutlery, drinks, glasses, chairs, sun umbrella, swimming togs and towels. Full tide is at 6pm.

Due to lack of interest the South Island Post National Rally option has been cancelled but the North Island option, overnighting in Napier and Whakatane with a diversion along the Old Motu Coach Road an optional extra, is still going ahead. All of the details, include preferred accommodation, is on the website.

That's all for now. See you on Far North or at Vellenoweth Green Concours if not before.

Click HERE to read the previous Social Speak column.

On behalf of the Social Subcommittee,
Sue Courtney
Social Subcommittee Chair
 

For Social Committee members contacts click HERE.
Peter Crawford
Sue Martin
Cindy Broadhead
 

Midweek Gallivant Attendees

Attendee Car
Charles & Mary Clark  MGB V8
Peter Crawford MGB GT
Sue & Neil Courtney MG TF120
Jill & Ian Forbes MGB GT V8
Dave & Sue Hamp MG TD
Ross & Judy Hindman MGB
Peter Jericevich & friend Magnette
Dawn Judge & friend MGB
Sue & Ernie Martin Modern
Sheryl & Rex Thompson MGB GT
 
Breakfast Run Attendees
Attendee Car
Darryl Bretherton MGB GT
Sue & Neil Courtney MG TF120
Ian & Jill Forbes MGB
Dawn & Graham Judge MGA
Col& Ruth Minton MGB GT
Tad & Annette Piggin Modern
Dave & Carole Walker MGB