HARROGATE MG 2011 – MGOC NORTHERN NATIONAL

Pateley Bridge, Harrogate - 6^th & 7^th August.

Weather is of utmost importance for any outdoor event, everyone prays for the best for their own special day but this is Yorkshire

The thoughts of Stuart, our Show Chairman.

"Saturday brought us heavy rain, thunder and lightning with a thunder bolt close to the showground.

Sunday brought dark clouds then sunshine showing off the Dales to their best for me.

This year saw my most significant involvement by being elected to lead the Show.

We decided to keep the format as before and as the day approached and enquiries came in thick and fast there was no chance to change.

4 cars booked from Holland, responding to our advertising.

Nothing could stop it now"

On Friday campers and vans trickled onto the site, one pick-up with a camper on top, the encampments mushroomed as the day drew to a close.

On Saturday those who wished set off on the Dales Run, designed to give visitors a glimpse of the delights of North Yorkshire.

As the day moves on Paul lights the barbeque and soon there is a steady traipse of campers into the marquee, clubs mingle but then disaster the electrics fail

the disco stops. a few false starts but eventually the fault is traced (excessive damp) and the light comes back into the night.

A valiant few have donned fancy dress 007 style this year, the winner 'Jaws' was so clever with 5 films in one suit but the duo of

James Bond and his glamorous lady must get a mention too.

Meanwhile in another era maybe but only in the next field the ZR have their own style of music.

MGZR blog

"Another very hung over Sunday at Pateley Bridge but well worth it."

"Awesome weekend as it always is"

"First time I've been. Definitely coming next year. Hopefully with a painted car."

Then it's Sunday and the show day unfolds, traders set out their stalls, food wagons entice with the smell of bacon and coffee and the cars arrive.

Fiona's perspective

"Being the meeter and greeter for several years now , I welcome each car as they enter the arena providing each of them with a show programme,

commemorative plaque and directing each car to their stand.

It is nice to welcome back familiar faces and meet new MG enthusiasts, 2011 show certainly had a lot of first time entrants.

Once they have arrived there is a great buzz in the arena: hoovers whirring, bumpers being polished, tyres blacked in preparation for the judging.

This year took several attempts at polishing as there were a few showers before the Sun broke through and left the cars in peace"

Brian - concours manager

"The principle I use to organize our concours/condition show is to include not exclude. I am more interested in enthusiasm than perfection.

We simple encourage all models, all condition and hope to infect people with our madness.

Andy - MGF/TF Judge

"This is the 4th year I have been judging, usually the MGF and TF.

This was a particularly challenging year with the standard really rising to the occasion.

Each year viewing the underside of cars becomes a personal mission in flexibility.

I am sure they were not as low when I was an owner and exhibiting."

The end is in sight and cars edge into the winners arena, trophies are collected.

Already another year looms and planning has started, new ideas are being gathered and sought from others and hopefully

we will go on to another successful show.