Chairman's Transmission
From MGA!, MARCH/APRIL 2011, VOLUME 36 NO 4
For the Birds
If you attended a NAMGAR Get-Together recently, especially as a First Timer, you may remember hearing, “Every time I get another car, my wife (Carol) gets another parrot.” I guess I have to say our arrangement has worked pretty well over the years. It’s kept her from bringing in too many birds, and for me, just the knowledge of another bird coming to roost at our house has prevented me from dragging home many an MG.
And then, just as I returned home from a successful NAMGAR Board Meeting last month, the opportunity arose for Carol to adopt the bird of her dreams, a Hyacinth Macaw. So I found myself in the rare position of having the upper hand for a change. I do have to admit; saving a bird that has lost a home is certainly more heroic than saving an MGA or Magnette from a barn. But still, a deal is a deal, right? So, I was off to find a “new” MG.
The timing was perfect, as a new issue of MGA! magazine had just arrived in the mailbox. I flipped right to the classifi eds and found several cars of interest. But then I got sidetracked after noticing the last paragraph of a continued article by Greg Prehodka. That piqued my interest to read the entire story, and once on that page, I saw a reminder for GT-36 (MG2011).
Well, I definitely needed to register for MG2011, so I went to NAMGAR.com and followed the link. Hundreds of MG owners have already registered for the Western Experience of 2011, and nearly a thousand are expected to attend in June. Of course, while registering, I also signed up for the Rallye to Reno, which is shaping up to be the MG trip of a lifetime. While many will be traveling the entire route, some people are signing up to just run for a day or two as we pass through their neighborhoods, and that’s great, too! And in thinking of traveling long distances, that reminded me that I needed to update my membership information back on the NAMGAR.com site.
I invite you to do the same, as John Drake is collecting names of anyone who wishes to be included in something new for NAMGAR members in 2011: a Mutual Aid Directory. The “MAD” will be sent on behalf of the North American Council of MG Registers and include those interested in being available to call if having car trouble when passing through your area. This does not mean you need to be able to fix someone’s MG or tow vehicle, but rather offer assistance in recommending a repair facility and possible lodging in the area. Be sure to opt in for this exciting new publication.
One other homework assignment is to update your e-mail address, also in our member section of the website. If you’re not aware, NAMGAR sends out a bi-monthly update (on the off -months of the magazine) to keep you informed of the latest news, events and specials. It’s a great way to keep up with NAMGAR throughout the year.
Well, about the time I had MG ads spread out on the dining room table, and E-bay searches going in hi-gear, Carol came in and asked what I was doing. I proudly explained that I was trying to make sure I didn’t let my end of our bargain down by not getting another car. She calmly stated, “I guess you forgot about the enclosed car trailer you just got for Christmas.” She turned and left the room to check on the new Macaw.
So, I guess that means I’ll be driving the same old MG for this year’s Drive Your MGA Day on Saturday, May 7th. I know some clubs are gearing up for a great day of celebration, with tech sessions, chili cook-offs, and picnics scheduled. I believe our local club is planning a drive to Jamestown, site of the first MG dealership in 1607, had it been available.
I hope everyone has a great spring… And if someone should say to me in jest, “Those British cars are for the birds,” I’ll just smile and say, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
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Bruce Woodson
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