It may have been a year later than planned, but warm May temperatures and well-timed breaks in the clouds made for a delightful setting as the Spring Gathering of the Faithful finally took place Killeen, TX, home of Fort Hood and a new venue for the annual event.
Many of the HMGCC members travelled in style with an LBC convoy through Bellville and on to Kenney for a patio lunch and refreshments at the iconic Kenney Store.
Continuing our adventures a few more miles to the north, we stopped at the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham. Each of us selected a personal flavor choice for a cup of the World's best ice cream. Our cultural caravan continued with a brief stop at The Downtown Art Gallery, one of many attractions in Historic Downtown Brenham with which members may not be familiar. (Shameless Plug - this Historic Downtown area will be our destination for a July 31 HOT NIGHTS / COOL TUNES event.)
Our caravan ended Friday evening in Killeen, where we parked our cars amongst the many other MGs and trailers and indulged in pizza and heavy socializing on the hotel’s back lawn.
The car show on Saturday morning was conveniently close-by at the Convention Center around the corner. With tons of room, at least 60 MGs of all description were on proud display. As usual at these events, we had the chance to discover little-known MG details and unique features. 
The wheel pictured was spotted on a right-hand-drive MGB at the show this year. Most of us have never seen these chrome Rostyle wheels. They were a factory option in the early 70’s but were discontinued in the North American Market due to excessive warranty claims that stemmed from the plating rusting through because of our penchant for using lots of salt on our roads. At the same time they became standard equipment on the other markets.
After enjoying a box lunch at the hotel, several of us ran the Hare and Hound Rallye which covered 40 miles of rolling and twisty countryside roads. This event required you to guess the proper direction to turn at every intersection, but also provided clues to keep you on course. The most creative run may have been by Trish and Scott Hardy. When they realized they were hopelessly off course, they wandered off down to Salado and found a vineyard for alternate entertainment.
The Saturday night banquet featured the traditional blue blazer and fancy hat photo shoot for participants, a matchbox derby race, and the ever popular silent and live auctions. After a delicious barbeque dinner, Houston members who received trophy recognition at the banquet included: Roger Sykes 1974 MGB-GT (won Premier Class and advanced to Octagon of Honor), Ray Holtzapple 1975 MGB GT Jubilee, Glenn Carpenter 1954 MGTF, and Scott Hardy 1972 MGB.
The clouds caught up with us on the ride home on Sunday, which featured light to very heavy rain depending on timing and route taken. Wet conditions are always a convenient method for verifying how all MG’s are water-tight-challenged. All things considered, this Spring GOF was a fun time with MGs and friends, both new and long-seasoned.
Houston Members participating in some or all of this weekend were:
Peggy and Joe Schrodi, Bob and Kathy Schroeder, Mike and Stephanie Woodward, Roger Sykes, Greg Fleischer, Ken Evesson, Past President and Brenham resident Tom Sturm, Trish and Scott Hardy, Linda and Terry Myers, Gordon and Angie Bard, Ray and Mary D. Holtzapple, Glenn and Fran Carpenter, Candy and Dwight Dawson, Flat Bernard, Nick and Julie Roccaforte, and new members Steve and Jackie Session, who promise to bring their MG next year!
- Photos and article by Dwight Dawson
