June 2010

Our June away meeting was far away at the Tunnel House Inn at Coates near Cirencester. Despite the remoteness of the location it was pleasing to see so many members make the trek to this historic place at the head of the canal tunnel.

Later in June our regular Thursday meeting was supplemented with an “educational” walk around Tewkesbury.  Many thanks to Helen and Gareth for that, I’m sure the walk did all those that took it a power of good! 

August 2010 meeting dates are Thursday 5th which will be an away meeting at the Pennyfarthing Inn, Aston Crews and Thursday 19^th at our usual venue, The Tudor House, Tewkesbury, any time after 8.30.  Plus we have a short run followed by a picnic scheduled for Sunday 15^th August; the finishing place will be Broadway Tower but for details of the starting point please contact us.  For more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please  email.

May 2010

Our first away meeting of the season was as popular as always when we went fairly local to the Coal House at Apperley

But on May 15^th we celebrated the Tewkesbury Musketeers 30^th anniversary in real style – see the photos to prove it, with an evening of elegant dining and jazz aboard the Orient Express – well almost!  For Orient Express read the Gloucester Warwickshire Railway steam train, just as elegant I’m sure!  We puffed gently back and forth from Winchcombe to Toddington dining on the way – a great way to spend an evening.

July 2010 meeting dates are Thursday 1^st which will be an away meeting at The Prince of Wales in Ledbury and Thursday 15^th at our new venue, The Tudor House, Tewkesbury, any time after 8.30. For more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.

April 2010

With the Easter festivities taking over the early part of the month not much time was left for MG based activities.  However we did manage to squeeze in an outing to Ledbury for Sunday lunch which turned out to be quite entertaining!  Anyway it gave us the opportunity to blow a few cobwebs out of the machinery. 

June 2010 meeting dates are Thursday 3^rd which will be an away meeting at the Tunnel House Inn, Coates, and Thursday 17^th at our new venue, The Tudor House, Tewkesbury, any time after 8.30.  For more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.  

March 2010

We are now established in our new regular meeting spot, The Tudor House, in Tewkesbury, where we have sole use of a meeting room off the main bar area.  Not only can you enjoy an evening in a very historic atmosphere but also our meetings aren’t bad either!  Feel free to pop in and see us – we don’t bite.

Thanks to Bobby & Ken for organising our winter skittles evening, this time at the Railway at Ripple and of course to Anthea for the raffle.  A jolly time was had by all, and for once Alan didn’t win!

We held our AGM on the 25^th March – in our new venue of course, all the usual matters were discussed and thankfully Trevor volunteered to occupy the Chairman’s seat for another year.  Our secretary Ann was voted Club member of the year, Audrey collected the Most Cherished MG cup and David the New Member of the Year Trophy.  A big thanks goes to everybody for making the club the success it is.

May 2010 meeting dates are Thursday 6^th, our first away meeting of the year, at the Coal House Inn, Apperley and then on the 20^th at The Tudor House Hotel, Tewkesbury any time after 8.30 pm.  For more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.  

February 2010

The weather seemed to take over February but it did give us the chance to fill in the events calendar for coming months with a mixture of old favourites and new ideas.  Holding the first of our monthly meetings at an “away” venue during each of the summer months remains popular and if anyone would like to know where and when just drop us an email or phone.

The big news of the month is that we have found a new venue for our regular monthly meetings, The Tudor House Hotel, in Tewkesbury.  It must be some time since the Club last held meetings in our home town!   If you’ve not been to a meeting before it’s the time is right to come and see what we are about, whilst enjoying the surroundings of this historic hotel.

Due to Easter being at the beginning of the month there will be just one meeting in April on Thursday 22^nd at our new venue, The Tudor House Hotel, Tewkesbury, any time after 8.30.  For more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.

Janaury 2010

We opened our 2010 calendar with our annual Ice Breaker run on the first Sunday of January.  With plenty of frost about it really lived up to its name.  The route took us on a scenic trip around Bredon Hill and thanks to the frosty weather and water cascading across the road a number of truly ice breaker patches of slush caught out the unwary.  Once again we imposed on Gareth and Helen for the organisation and their hospitality - many thanks go to them.

The rest of January was even quieter than usual as the snow put paid to our first meeting of the month. But this month – March, we have our most important event of the year – our AGM on the 25^th.   If you are interested in your local MGOC club then this is the meeting you mustn’t miss.

March 2010 meeting dates are Thursday 4^th & the AGM on the 25^th, at the Tudor House Hotel, Tewkesbury.  For more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.

January 2010

We ended our year with a jolly evening at The Hunters with sausage rolls, mince pies and a seasonal raffle courtesy of Anthea, plus of course all the usual friendly banter you get at a regular Musketeers meeting.

By the time you read this we will be well into 2010 and thinking of how best to celebrate our thirtieth anniversary!  If you are a regular reader of this column and have any memories of the early days of the Musketeers please do let us know.  Much planning will be going into events this year so watch this space for details, especially if you would like to join in.

February 2010 meeting dates are Thursday 4^th & 18th any time after 8.30, please get in touch for more information on the venue.  Also, for more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.

December 2009

Another year has flown by and here we are almost into another new decade  - a belated Happy Christmas to everybody as the Musketeers look forward to an exciting new year – which we believe, is our thirtieth anniversary!  Much planning will be going into celebrating this event so watch this space for details, especially if you would like to join in.

In November we held what has now become a calendar fixture, our bonfire and barbeque at Arthur and Margaret’s.  The weather was much kinder than last year and, despite having been stored for 12 months, we finally managed to use the fireworks left over from then.  Thanks to everybody who helped to make the evening a success.  

On the first Sunday of January we will be having our Ice-Breaker run and lunch.  Other meeting dates for January 2010 are Thursdays 7^th and 21st at the Hunters as normal, any time after 8.30.  For more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.

November 2009

Our big adventure for 2009 took place over the second weekend of October when 20 intrepid travellers made the trip all the way to Castle Ashby in Northampton for the weekend!  Most made the way there in their MGs but I was left with egg on my face, as I was one of those who didn’t – the Black Beast refusing to co-operate and run reliably was left at home.  It is an area of the country that none of was familiar with, however it turned out to be a most agreeable venue with many fascinating attractions within easy reach.  A jolly good weekend was had by all, to such an extent that a repeat visit seems a strong possibility.  Thanks to all those who were involved in the organization.

There is only one meeting in December 2009 and that is Thursday 10^th at the Hunters, any time after 8.30. In the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.

October 2009

A quiet month with many members away on their holidays, and I for one missed the September away meeting, which was at the Kings Head at Norton.  According to all reports this was again well supported.  And by the way, with the long autumn nights upon us now is the time for a change so why not come along to one of our meetings and see what we get up to – you may be surprised!

Meeting dates for November 2009 are different as we thought we would have our bonfire party on Saturday 7th and once again Arthur & Margaret have stepped up to host it, which is instead of the usual Hunters meeting of course – if you would like to join us please call for more information - and Thursday 19^th at the Hunters as normal, any time after 8.30. In the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.

September 2009

The File Mile House at Duntisbourne Abbots was the away meeting destination for August. The weather was as usual high up on the agenda – not bad for January but awful for August!   Despite all that, all those who found their way there voted the away meeting format a success.

Later in the month the weather was much kinder and we once again enjoyed Arthur and Margaret’s hospitality for a delightful summer evening barbeque.   Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to two of our most stalwart members, Keith and Linda, who have decided to leave glorious Gloucestershire and move to Yorkshire.  We wish them good luck in their new home and thank them for all they have done for our club over the past years.

Meeting dates for October 2009 are Thursday 1^st, which is a pub run instead of the usual Hunters meeting – if you would like to join us please call for more information - and Thursday 15^th at the Hunters as normal, any time after 8.30. In the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.

August 2009

Our luck held! On a lovely early July evening we held our entire meeting outside at the Swan at Staunton.  Once again an excellent turnout of both members and their MGs, which must tell us something about the popularity of moving our meetings around the county – watch this space for further developments.

It is becoming something a habit for us to visit cider making establishments.   Last year a very small family run affair near Ross, but this year the opposite end of the spectrum when we visited the Westons cider factory at Much Marcle.  Our wonderful summer weather put paid to the planned pre-visit picnic but an interesting place all the same – especially the product tasting.

Meeting dates for September 2009 are Thursday 3^rd, which is a Summertime pub run instead of the usual Hunters meeting – if you would like to join us please call for more information - and Thursday 17^th at the Hunters as normal, any time after 8.30. In the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.

July 2009

June seems to have flown by so it feels a long time ago when we held our second Summertime pub run meeting on the first Thursday of the month. This time our destination was the Anchor Inn at Eckington.  Again this proved a popular alternative to our regular meeting and attracted a very good turnout.  With a bit of luck our next meeting will match the “Summertime” theme and allow us to sit outside and soak up the evening sun!

Meanwhile plans are forging ahead for our club weekend away in the early Autumn together with a number of more local events.  If you would like to join us on any of these please contact us or just turn up at one of our regular meetings.

Meeting dates for August 2009 are Thursday 6^th, which is a Summertime pub run instead of the usual Hunters meeting – if you would like to join us please call for more information - and Thursday 20^th at the Hunters as normal, any time after 8.30. In the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.

With May upon us it was time for the first of our series of Summertime pub run meetings. This time our destination was the Coal House at Apperley.  It is a long time since I had been there and it is still a popular venue on the banks of the river Severn, and best of all we had nearly a full turnout of members!

At our regular meeting at the Hunters we welcomed two prospective new members, however we seem to have lost the use of our regular meeting room, which may mean we have to look for an alternative venue.  Watch this space!

Meeting dates for July 2009 are Thursday 2^nd, which is a Summertime pub run instead of the usual Hunters meeting – if you would like to join us please call for more information - and Thursday 16^th at the Hunters as normal, any time after 8.30.  In the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.

To start the month off we woke ourselves up with a guided Ghost walk around the alleyways of Gloucester.  To many of us, even though we were all locals, the jolly guide and her ghoulish companions gave us insight into the history and areas of the town we had not seen or heard of before.  All very spooky and but very informative at the same time.  A good - if a little bit jumpy at times – evening was had by all, thanks Ann for suggesting and organising.

To finish the month off and to give the MGs an airing Karl guided us on a run through the lanes of south Worcestershire to finish for lunch at the Berkeley Arms.  Much enjoyed by all - thanks Karl.

Meeting dates for June 2009 are Thursday 4^th, which is a Summertime pub run instead of the usual Hunters meeting – if you would like to join us please call for more information - and Thursday 18^th at the Hunters as normal, any time after 8.30. In the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.

April 2009

March is the time for our AGM and once again a near full house attended this event.  Many thanks went to Arthur who has held the fort as Chairman for the last year and a big welcome to Trevor who has taken over the reins as Chairman.  The Club “silverware” went to Roly as new member, Barry for most treasured MG, and to Helen as Club member of the year.  The rest of the Committee remains unchanged, so all we have to do now is formulate an interesting calendar of events for the coming year.  Watch this space!

Meeting dates for May 2009 are Thursday 7^th, which is the first of our Summertime pub runs instead of the usual Hunters meeting – if you would like to join us please call for more information - and Thursday 21^st at the Hunters as normal, any time after 8.30. In the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.

March 2009

Our annual dinner is now well established as a February event in our calendar and this year we were back at our base The Hunters Inn.  Thanks go to Arthur for organising yet another successful occasion, to Ann for the very professional table decorations, to Anthea who once again ran the raffle and of course not forgetting all the members who attended and made it the grand occasion it was.

 Meeting dates for April 2009 are Thursday 2^nd - which will be held in Gloucester as we are going on an organized Ghost walk around the town – if you would like to join us you would be very welcome and all the details are on our website, and Thursday 16^th at the Hunters as normal, any time after 8.30.   In the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email. 

For once the weather was with us, and our annual Ice Breaker run on the first Sunday of January lived up to its name for the first time for a few years.  Many thanks go to Gareth and Helen for the organisation and their hospitality afterwards.

The rest of January was quiet as usual but next month – March, we have our most important event of the year – our AGM on the 19^th.   If you are interested in your local MGOC club then this is the meeting you mustn’t miss.

Meeting dates for March 2009 are 5^th the 19^th at the Hunters, any time after 8.30. In the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email. 

January 2009

We ended our year with a jolly evening at The Hunters with sausage rolls, mince pies and a seasonal raffle courtesy of Anthea, plus of course all the usual friendly banter you get at a regular Musketeers meeting.

By the time you read this we will be well into 2009 and thinking ahead to the Annual Dinner and the AGM  -  more later on those!

Meeting dates for February 2009 are 5^th and back to the Hunters on the 19^th. In the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.

December 2008

We know how to pick the weather!  Our annual bonfire, barbeque and fireworks party coincided with a very wet and windy November night but nevertheless, it was a cheerful group of Musketeers who braved everything and made this event a memorable event – but not for the best of reasons.  Anyway we’ve still got some fireworks left, which maybe we will use to celebrate the New Year.  Once again a big thanks to Arthur and Margaret for the use of their garden and generous hospitality, and also to everyone else who helped to make it happen.

It’s a long time since we had a film show at one of our meetings but thanks to Roly he changed all that.  We all enjoyed a film made at the 1965 Targa Florio motor race held annually for many years around the roads of Sicily, one of the entrants being a prototype MG Midget which equipped itself remarkably well against the likes of Ferrari and Porsche.

Meeting dates for January 2009 are our Ice-Breaker run on Sunday 4^th and back to the Hunters on the 15^th.  In the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.

November 2008

The first weekend in October saw a large contingent of the Musketeers head to Exmouth.  The weather wasn’t up to much but that didn’t dampen our spirits at all.  That was thanks in no small part to the efforts of Exeter MGOC who not only supplied details of a local run to occupy us on Saturday but also royally entertained us on the Sunday to a trip across Dartmoor finishing at Widecombe for lunch.  Once again, thanks very much Exeter MGOC, next time you visit the Tewkesbury area we look forward to returning the hospitality.

The last weekend in October saw us enjoying a game of skittles at Chaceley – thanks to everybody for coming and making it a success and to Arthur for the organisation. 

Meeting dates for December are the 4^th at the Hunters, and of course in the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our up-to-date events calendar, please email.

October 2008

September means barbeque time and so after an absence of a year or so a very select band set off for our old haunt in the Forest of Dean.  The weather on the first Sunday of September was less than promising but apart from the odd very wet patch under foot umbrellas weren’t needed and a jolly time was had by all.

Our meetings have seen a surge in new faces, well two or three anyway, including some long lost members.  However, there is plenty of room for more and if you are looking for something to pass the time on these long autumn nights why not come along and see what we get up to!

Meeting dates for November are the 6^th and the 20^th at the Hunters, our Fireworks spectacular on the 8^th and of course in the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our new events calendar, please email.

September 2008

Our August “away meeting” was held at the Yew Tree at Chaceley Stock where the brave were able to sit outside for a change!  We had an excellent turnout including a number of potential new members.  Later in the month Gareth & Helen organised a run (not so well attended), followed by an evening trip on the steam train from Toddington to Cheltenham.  While we ate our fish and chips with plastic cutlery is was most amusing to draw alongside a train full of smartly dressed “elegant diners” enjoying a sumptuous meal with all the trimmings.  We were all jealous but kept asking ourselves who was having the most fun?

Graham and Alan's MGs at the Fish and chip run

August 2008

The idea of our “away meetings” was that it would be nice in the summer to enjoy the great outdoors while the weather allowed and sit and chat in the open air.   So far this summer we haven’t managed the outdoor bit once!  Nevertheless we had a jolly good turnout for our July away meeting at the Glasshouse Inn near Newent with most members able to give their MGs an airing.

On Sunday 7^th September we are having our barbeque in the Forest of Dean – if you would like to join us just give us a call and we’ll let you know the ‘secret’ location.   Other meeting dates for September are the 4^th and the 18^th at the Hunters and of course in the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our new events calendar, please email.

July 2008

June seemed to have been a busy month.  Our first meeting was another away evening, this time at the Chase Inn at Colwall on the western slopes of the Malvern Hills.  Sadly the expected glorious June evening wasn’t to be – so no sitting in the garden enjoying the views and a nice pint.

Thanks go to Steve & Claire for organising our second major event, a run around the lanes of Herefordshire ending at a very rural farm where a truly scrumptious cream tea was had.  After that came short chat given by the proprietor on the secrets of cider and perry making – and then of course the tasting!   After all that I decide a very discerning palette is needed to fully appreciate the art of the farmhouse cider maker – definitely an acquired taste!

Provisional meeting dates for August are the 7^th, which will be an “away” evening so please contact us for details if you need them and the 21^st at the Hunters.  In the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our new events calendar, please email.

June 2008

It seems a while ago now when we had our first “away” meeting of the summer.  It didn’t rain but it was too cold for sitting out – what do you expect of May 1^st!  This time we ventured not too far to the picturesque Mount Inn at Stanton, and a jolly time was enjoyed and best of all, the meeting was very well attended.

Karl has done his stuff and sorted out the Club Autumn weekend away, which this year will be in Exmouth on the first weekend in October – plenty of room for latecomers should you dare to join us.  Provisional meeting dates for July are the 3^rd, which will be an “away” evening so please call for details if you need them and the 17^th at the Hunters.  In the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our new events calendar, please call, email, or for the very latest news visit our new website.

May 2008

On our last meeting in April we hosted members of a local Triumph owners club at the Hunters.  It turned out they weren’t quite as “local” as we had expected, some travelling from as far a field as Brecon.  Anyway, we had a very good turn out with much well polished machinery in evidence in the Hunters car park and the inter club chatter lasted until closing time.

At the beginning of the month the newly elected committee met for the first time.  Most of the meeting was spent discussing and planning forthcoming events with the result that the calendar for the coming year is now available.

Provisional meeting dates for June are the 6^th, which will be an “away” evening so please call for details if you need them and the 20^th at the Hunters.  On Sunday 22^nd we are meeting for a picnic lunch, followed by a run to Ross-on-Wye for cider tasting and cream teas.  In the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our new events calendar, please call, email, or for the very latest news visit our new website.

^{April 2008}

The social highlight of our year, the Annual Dinner was held this year at the Hunters, a near full house enjoyed a very good night.

The AGM held on 27^th March was once again well attended and gave out a very positive and upbeat feel to the future of the Club.  Important changes to the Committee will breathe new life into the Club ensuring that we have another action packed year.  Arthur takes over from Linda to do his stint as Chairman for the coming year and is replaced by Trevor as Vice-Chairman.  The Club silverware this year went to Simon for the “most cherished MG”; to Steve & Clare for “New Club member”; and Ann was voted “Club member of 2007/8”.

Our events calendar already has some exciting entries and will be expanded over the coming months with the ever-popular favourites remaining. 

Provisional meeting dates for May are the 1^st, which will be an “away” evening so please call for details if you need them and the 15^th at the Hunters.  In the meantime, if you would like more information about any of our future events or a copy of our new events calendar, please email for the very latest news.

February 2008

Hi everyone, not much to report this month, but as I write this we are planning our January run which will take place on the 6^th.  Also coming up is the Annual Dinner on Feb 23^rd.  Don't forget to get your photos to Helen in time for our Cars and Kids evening on Feb 7^th.  She is also still eagerly awaiting your reports for the new web site!

We have an “MG drive” planned for March 6^th, you need to be good with the dice not the driving!  The AGM is on March 27^th.

January 2008 Ice-breaker run

Some of the MGs that took part in the annual ice-breaker run on 6th January.  This year it was very successfully organised by Keith and it took us from Tewkesbury around the Gloucestershire countryside via Newent and back to Gareth and Helen's.  Arriving back very cold we enjoyed some of Helen's delicious onion soup and a "take and share" lunch.  A good way to start the year!

January 2008

Sorry everyone I don't know what happened to last months' report it must be lost in cyber space somewhere.  So here it is.

Well didn't we have a wonderful time in Wales, true the weather wasn't too kind to us but we didn't care.  Everyone made their way to the Gower on the Friday in time to book in and get ready for dinner.  Saturday we explored the area and made a start on Gareth's Welsh quiz.  In the evening who will forget watching The England rugby team put the  French out of the world cup.  Sunday most of us went to the Botanical gardens.  Our thanks to Karl and Helen for organising the weekend.  Suggestions on where to go next year will be gratefully received.

The answers to the quiz were revealed on our next club night and the winner was Bobby, well done and thanks to Gareth for compiling it.  This was followed by Gardener's question time and in the chair was our own Trevor.  As well as the questions Trevor brought along 20 cuttings for us to name, ha ha, this was won by Margaret.  Some of us didn't even recognise things which were growing in our own gardens, I promise to do better next time.

 Don't forget there is no meeting on January 3^rd instead there is the January run on the 6^th finishing at Gareth and Helen's for a shared lunch.

Our next club night is on January 17^th with a skittles night planned for the 19^th. As our planned venue hasn't recovered from the floods, we are at the moment looking for a new one.