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As in previous years, the South Yorkshire Weekend was held at Thrybergh Country Park, near Rotherham. As 2006 is the Year of the Dog, the weekend had a canine theme.

About 13 of us arrived on Friday afternoon/evening and most of us set up camp, with Malcolm and Denise Perry having chosen a local hotel as their base for the weekend. We were treated to an excellent supper of chilli and rice prepared by Keith Pinder - what is it with men and cooking outside? - followed by a choice from two fruit crumbles made by Pauline Norcliffe.

The numbers started to increase from Saturday morning onwards in readiness for the pub games during the afternoon consisting of target badminton, quoits, skittles, lawn darts, pinball and a maze. Varying levels of skill were displayed! The games were followed by our own version of dog racing where five wooden dogs, handmade by John Austerfield, were raced across the field on a winding mechanism. Bets were placed using chocolate coins to get us in the mood for the evening at Owlerton Stadium where the MGCC had sponsored a race. Rumours were rife that one dog, number 4, had been taking performance enhancers, having won four races on the trot with four different trainers (the ones who did the winding). However on the last race, I decided to place a bet on it, two chocolate Euros! It came last! I think I should have a word with the trainer on that one, Pete Long.

Unfortunately, nobody came away from Owlerton having become a millionnaire over the evening, although Graham Saunders did have a win on “our” race, despite being advised by the trainer, who he knows, not to back this one! A great spread was laid on here by the Owlerton staff, with “bookies’ runners” arriving at our box just before each race. I would recommend this as a great night out for anyone, certainly makes a change from the football.

A treasure hunt, The Sanguinarius Trail, and quiz had been organised by Geoff and Pauline Norcliffe for Sunday morning taking in the Rotherham/Worksop area. In keeping with the weekend theme, all the quiz questions had dog connections. During the treasure hunt I got a little worried as I got closer and closer to where I work; don’t do that on a Sunday!

By the time the buffet and Pride of Ownership took place on Sunday afternoon the assembled MGs included 2 MGAs,
4 MGB Roadsters, 3 MGBGTs, 3 Midgets, 2 ZT-Ts, 3 MGFs, 1 MGTF, 1 MGRV8, 1 MGCV6, 1 ZR,
1 MGVA Tourer, 1 MGTD, 1 MGTB Tickford and 1 MGPA.

The winners of the various events were as follows:
Games Winners
1st: Malcolm Perry
2nd: Carol Copeman.
3rd: Marie Dobson.

Many thanks to all those involved in the organisation - and especially for arranging such glorious weather for us!

Last but by no means least, congratulations to Tom and Louise on their recent engagement.