By Bob Chalker

2019 is off to a great start with our first monthly meeting of the year. We had almost 40 people turn out at Moe's Irish Pub in Katy.  So many people that Moe's staff had to add additional tables and chairs multiple times.  The banger's and mash, fish & chips and shepherd's pie were brilliant and the conversation and energy was as high as it has ever been at a club monthly meeting.  The warm temperatures and blue sky allowed many of us to drive our cars.

We had several first time guests, including a few members of the Texas Triumph Register.  (No, we did not make them park their cars in the back of the parking lot).  The highlight of the meeting was a report from Triumph Club Events Chair, John Blum, on their plans for 2019.   In addition, President Mike Woodward reviewed our 2019 events calendar.  Board Chairman Mike Gentry presented the new format for this year's awards program.

Mike Woodward, 2019-20 Club President asking for quiet so he can give his report

Dwight Dawson had a selection of new club shirts available to purchase or order.  Photos of the shirts can be seen in the December 15th post below.  If you are interested in ordering a shirt go to the websites store or contact Dwight.  They were very popular.

A shirt to match every color of car

A good time was had by all as demonstrated by the great conversation, laughter and tire kicking.  So much so that we were honored to have three of the guests join the club bringing our club membership to over 110.  

Speaking of club membership, please don't forget to renew your membership.  We still have 25 members who have not renewed for 2019.

Houston MG Car Club members friendly as always

So many people that Mike and Kim helped out with the serving

Mike Woodward and John Blum planning joint Triumph and MG Car Club Events

Now to the cars.....

Check out the two MG Wanna-be's in the middle

See, I told you we let them park with our babies

Not sure why the tops were up on a warm blue sky day

Property values are going up

The End!

Dear Fellow MG Enthuisiast,

Please see attached standings as of December 2018. Thanks as always to Greg Fleischer for keeping up with all of these events.

Safety fast,

Mike.

MG Driver Award 2019 (1).pdf

Dwight Dawson reports "This is a favorite and rather infamous memory from a Club event.  The game was Butt Darts.  Note the bowl at Charlie Wiggins feet."

Happy New Year!

2018 was a great year for the club as we saw an increase in the number of events, both driving and social, a new website and improved communication with the members.  As a result we are experiencing growing participation and several new members have joined the club.  

2019 is looking even better.  The highlight of the year will be in October (17-20th) when the club hosts the Fall Gathering of the Faithful in Katy.  In addition, Mike Woodward, Club President & Events Chair, has put together an excellent schedule with both social and driving events every month.  The year will have a mix of our traditionally popular events and several new experiences. 

What's new you ask?  Well let me tell you - We will host several tech sessions, a gimmick rally, two overnight trips, a day drive to a WWII museum, a bowling party, a beach party and a visit to the Art Car Museum. 

The traditional includes the annual picnic, Tour of Rice Village, quarterly breakfasts, tech sessions, president's social, the Spring Thing and Houston All British Car Day.  

And remember, our club is made up of all volunteers who give of their time to plan these events, so please come out and support them.  Our cars were made for driving.  If you would like to help with any of the events or have an idea for an event please send an email to HoustonMGCarClub@gmail.com.  We will especially need volunteers for the Fall GoF.  With your help, we can make it the best ever.

To see all the events go to the  2019 Events page.

REMINDER:  If you have not already renewed your membership for 2019 now is the time to do it.  Go to your profile page and follow the instructions at the top of the page or mail a check to our Membership Chair Dwight Dawson.  His address is in the Directory.

Dear All,

To help plan your new MG year please see below the preliminary event calendar for 2019. Additional information on each event will be posted on the website nearer to the event. Please be sure to mark your calendars for the Fall GOF which this year will be hosted by our club.

Safety fast!

Mike.

Month                Date                    Activity                                                        Organiser

January               5                       Monthly Meeting                                      Mike Woodward

                            12                       Quarterly breakfast                                 Mike Woodward

                            19                       Ceramic Coating Tech Session              Mike Woodward

                                        

February             2                       Monthly Meeting                                      Mike Woodward

                            16                       President's Social                                     Mike Woodward

                            23                       Tech Session                                               Ray Holzapple

                                        

March                 2                        Monthly Meeting                                      Mike Woodward

                             9                         Gimmick Rally                                            Dave Renner

                            15,16,17           Nacodoches Trip                                       Mike Woodward

                            23                       WW2 Museum trip                                   Fred Whitla

                                        

April                    6                       Monthly Meeting                                       Mike Woodward

                            20                      Spring Thing                                                Ron Redding

                            27                      Quarterly Breakfast                                  Mike Gentry

                                        

May                    4                         Monthly Meeting                                       Mike Woodward

                            11                       Tech Session                                               Ron Redding

                            18                       Spring GOF                                                  Ron Redding

                                        

June                    1                        Monthly Meeting                                      Mike Woodward

                            15                       Picnic                                                             Dwight Dawson

                            22                       Off to the Races                                         Mike Woodward

                            29                       Richmond Winery                                      Jim Early

                                        

July                     6                         Monthly Meeting                                      Mike Woodward

                            13                        Quarterly Breakfast                                 Ray Holzapple

                            20                        Bowling                                                        Dave Renner

                                        

August                3                        Monthly meeting                                       Mike Woodward

                            10                       Quarterly breakfast                                   Bob Chalker

                            17                       Beach Party                                                  Marylin Procter

                            24                       Art Car Museum                                          Dave Renner

                                        

September         7                        Monthly meeting                                       Mike Woodward

                            14                         Tour of Rice Village                                   Ray Holtzapple

                            21                         Houston All British Car Day                    John Bowyer/Mike Gentry

                            27,28,29              All British Car Day                                     Nick Roccaforte

                                        

October              5                          Monthly meeting                                      Mike Woodward

                            17, 18, 19, 20      Fall GOF                                                       Bob Chalker/Ron Redding

                            26                          Quarterly Breakfast                                Dwight Dawson

                                        

November          2                          Monthly Meeting                                      Mike Woodward

                            9,10                      Galveston Weekend                                 Dave Renner/Bob Chalker

                            22                          Black Friday drive                                     Mike Gentry

                                        

December          14                        Christmas Party                                        Mike/Stephanie,Candy,Hillary

                                        

Wishing Everyone a very Merry Christmas!

May it be joyous, peaceful, filled with family and friends

Are you looking for a great Christmas present for you favorite Houston MG Car Club Member.  How about a club shirt!  We have two styles available in our website store. 

By Bob Chalker

The Club’s 2018 Christmas party was a smashing success. Falcon Point had the room beautifully decorated, a fire in the fireplace, and excellent food. Our President, Susan Cannon had prepared two fun trivia games with very nice prizes. (Ask Ron Redding to show you his new watch!) The only thing that didn’t work out was the weather but, of course, it wouldn’t be a Houston MG Car Club event if it didn’t rain. Two MGs— the Bards’ 1973 MGB and the Chalkers’ 1972 MGB—graced the parking lot in spite of the cold, wet day.

The best part was the great turnout of club members and guests. As we all know, we joined the club because of the cars, but keep attending events because of the people. Each year the Christmas party is a highlight of our motoring season.

A very special thank you to Susan and Keith Cannon for their hard work in planning a wonderful event.

 

Traditionally, one of the most anticipated moments of the party is the presentation of the annual awards. This year’s winners are:

Ralph Diebert Award - Jim Early

Driver’s Award - Dwight Dawson

Kimber Spirit Award - Mike Woodward

Safety Fast Award - Bob Chalker

Broken Crankshaft Award - Dwight Dawson

Board of Directors’ Award - Bob Chalker

Presidential Recognition Award - Susan Cannon

A few more photos.....

The Club is proud to announce the new 2019 officers and board members.

Mike Woodward, President

Greg Fleischer, Vice President

Dwight Dawson, Board of Directors

Ray Holtzapple, Board of Directors

John Bowyer, Board of Directors

Continuing in their roles are:

Mike Gentry, Chairman of the Board

Tim Weeks, Secretary

Fran Carpenter, Treasurer

Dwight Dawson, Membership Chair

Mike Woodward, Events coordinator

Bob Chalker, Webmaster

Stephen Fillmore, Regalia

Dave & Linda Renner, Editor, the ROARS

If you would like to volunteer with the club we can always use the help and would love to have you join us.  There are many opportunities - plan an event, submit an article to the ROARS or help with the organization of the car shows.  In October, 2019 we will be hosting the Texas Gathering of the Faithful, we will need lot's of help with this.

By Greg Ulrich

Ever wonder why you frequently see bottles of “Old Speckled Hen” English Ale displayed along with those cute little MG’s at our car events? The ale was originally brewed in Abingdon, England, the same town where MG’s were produced for over 50 years. In fact, the ale was first brewed to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the MG factory in Abingdon. The strong brew was named after an old canvas sided MG that was used as a factory run around car. Once again, all things MG have various versions. I happen to like this one.

    

Over the years, the sides of the run around car became “speckled” with various shades of paint used in the factory.  Factory workers and locals dubbed the MG “the owld speckled un”. Hence, “Old Speckled Hen” ale was named after an old trusted factory MG called “the owld speckled un”. Moreland’s Brewery now brews Old Speckled Hen and claims that the distinctive flavor of their ale comes from the waters around Abingdon.  Moreland’s further claims that their ale is so popular that it now outsells Newcastle Brown Ale, a very popular English ale in the United States. 

Want to learn more, click on the beer bottle below....