Top notch day at All British 2017

It was an absolutely picture-perfect spring day for All British Day this year on September 17 at St Jospehs College Sports Ground, Tennyson. The MG car club had well organised marshals and guides to get all the display vehicles to their nominated areas with a minimum of fuss. We had an allocated area which was designated for Sevens, Pre-War and AMVCQ. Just where we were really supposed to be was a bit hazy when looking at the markers but between us and the Sevens we used the space evenly. We spilled over into the Sprite area next to us a little but it all worked out easily and made for a good display.

Rex had the club’s shade shelter up in quick time and we arranged the cars around it. We made the lines as straight as possible. I think there were about six or seven ‘Sevens’ and we had a total of 19 Austins, not all being with our club but we made them all welcome. Models represented were an Eight, A30s, A40s, A50s, A60, A90, A110, Lancers; Series 1 and 2, and 1800s; Mk 1 and 2. Garry Chudasko also brought along his recently restored J40, which he displayed on a stand next to his A40 tourer. The J40 was typical of Garry’s work, the car probably looking better than when new.

Just near us was a special display of the iconic British TV series ‘Doctor Who’. The display included a car used by the BBC in promotion of the 3rd Doctor's car, known as ‘Bessie’. The vehicle was built by the Siva factory for the BBC. This particular car has a 1962 1200cc Ford Anglia (105E) engine and gearbox. Together with the car, a Tardis and Dalek were on display. We were also near the coffee and food outlets as well as the conveniences. Announcements from the organisers were pertinent kept to a minimum, and were not too loud. Walking around all the display cars there were some obvious absentees, such as Wolseleys and Singers, none at all being present although adequate room had been allotted for them.

As the event is organised by the MG Club, MGs, Healeys, Sprites and Triumphs were well represented, as was Lotus. All proceeds from the day will go to charity - QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. $3,000 was presented to QIMR following last year’s display, so our entry fee on the day is well used and very worthy. Well done to the MG Car Club for their organisation.