Chilly Willy Run 2008
by Edward Duffy (aged 8).

A good variety of MGs turned out on a damp New Year’s Day for the 2008 Chilly Willy Run.  After the usual excellent breakfast at the Bank View Café in Langsett I gave the club members a demonstration of the working model engine I built, (with a little help from Dad), then ten cars set out on the run to Lincoln but a lot of fog restricted the views of the countryside.

Mr. Copeman in his green Z was in front for a while until he either missed the exit on one of the roundabouts or just decided to go all the way round, then we were in the lead of a small group until we caught up with some others.  Even though we start off at different times and try to stay apart the cars always end up in groups.

Everything went well until we needed to turn right on a sharp bend in the road after passing Doddington Hall, then Morag II our MGB GT conked out and wouldn’t start again.  A few people stopped and offered to help but she started again eventually.  Dad said she just needed a rest but Mum was ready to phone the AA and said it was the threat of being towed home that did it!  We completed the last couple of miles and met the others in the car park at Whisby Nature Park.

Mr. Murfin in the oldest car was already there even though he set off last and didn’t pass us.  Does his car have wings like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, or does he know a short cut?  We all had a piece of birthday cake then most of the others went on one of the walks round the park.

 My working model of an engine.

by Edward Duffy (aged 8).

CHILLY WILLY RUN 2008 - WHISBY PARK, LINCOLN

Dark, damp and dismal – it was the worst New Year’s Day weather we’ve had for years but 10 cars crowded into the Bank View Café car park at Langsett so we could start the day with breakfast

We sat about drinking tea for a while, but it made no difference, it was rain, spray and mist all the way to Whisby Park. We still managed 60 miles, a toll bridge and a feint view of Doddington Hall.

 click on image to enlarge

Geoff Norcliffe thought he had got away with a quiet birthday this year, but Sharon turned up with this wonderful chocolate cake and we all sang “Happy Birthday” in the car park. At 350 calories a slice, the cake put paid to Andrew’s New Year Resolution  to slim. I understand that Geoff is now 39……

Birthday Boy

 click on image to enlarge

By this time it had stopped raining so we set off on a walk around the lakes. This was led by Mike and Susie, who are regular and knowledgeable visitors to the park. They pointed out much of interest, but there were no kingfishers and the other wild life wisely kept its distance. Only Pete brought his binoculars, so here are a few pictures Mike prepared earlier in the season.

Coot	Male Teal

click on image to enlarge

We all met up again at the park cafe for food and drinks -- well, this is the South Yorkshire Natter.  Talk turned to Marie and Steve’s recently purchased 1967 competition MGB GT which they hope to enter in historic rallying.  Watch out for the Dobson Duo!

Eight-year-old Edward Duffy, the youngest member on the outing, astonished us all by bringing along a working model car engine which he had made over Christmas. Even the spark plugs worked, which is more than can be said for his dad’s MGB GT.

The future looks bright.

Thanks to everyone who came and a  Happy New Year to you all.   

Review by

Hilary Murfin