Blog - BRIDGET THE MIDGET

First 1,000 Miles

17th September 201115th March 2020 By roychinnorNo Comments

The planning was over, the route confirmed, all the paperwork was completed and even following a late health scare for Chris, from which he was given the all clear 4 days before the departure, our African Odyssey adventure was beginning. The weather forecast for Sunday 11th September was atrocious but the God’s changed their minds and although the winds were gusting at up to 45 miles per hour the sun managed to shine for much of the day. MG’s started gathering in the Abingdon Town square a little before midday and before the official flag eventually dropped at around 3:30pm there were at least 30 MG’s of differing vintage. Both Chris and I were kept busy chatting, not just to the many club supports, but also to interested passers-by. One particular senior lady approached on her mobility scooter and asked if she could escort us! Her scooter was capable of 8 mph and she had lived in North Africa for many years...

Ready, Steady, ….What’s Next

22nd August 201115th March 2020 By roychinnorNo Comments

With only three weeks to go before the ‘off’ Chris and I visited Nuffield Place, the home of the late Lord Nuffield, previously William Morris. Nuffield Place was recently handed over to the National Trust who is trying to raise £600,000 to enable them to open it to the public next year. The cars are pretty much ready, just minor tinkering required, and the route still remains as originally envisaged (you can view the Google map of it on the Route page). We now have most of the required maps, carnets to enable us to temporarily import and export the cars through the different borders and visas for ourselves. We have produced a postcard showing the team outside Nuffield Place which is available for anyone that contributes to our chosen charity, CoCo. Once you have contributed, if you want a postcard sent from somewhere in Africa, then give us your address on the blog below (they will not be published). We have established...

Africa Update

30th April 201115th March 2020 By roychinnorNo Comments

The only surviving participant from the enthusiasts wishing to take part on this adventure is Chris Vernon. Chris is a club member belonging to the South-East register. In the recent past Chris was a keen marathon runner. With nine weeks still to go before the planned departure day most things are in place for our tour. However, nobody will be surprised to hear that the definitive route is still not set in stone because of the political situation in the Middle East. Our preferred route will take us through Syria, Jordan and into Egypt but we have two possible alternatives should this not be possible. The final decision will not be made until around mid August. The proposed route is shown in full on the page headed ‘Route’ and includes all the overnight stops. Moss Europe is gathering together all the spares that we are likely to require and we will take delivery of those at the end of June. Scorpion Signs...

Bridget Into Africa Update

2nd September 201015th March 2020 By roychinnorNo Comments

Since my last post Bridget has undergone further serious surgery. It started with my decision to replace the front springs and finished with completely replacing the springs, wishbones and king pins! One of the pins was so badly worn is wobbled around like a loose tooth, except when upright when it appeared to have minimal play. Anyway now the work is completed she handles very much more positively when cornering. Our plans for the "Into Africa" adventure next year are progressing well. We now stand at five MG Midgets and seven people, including one very intrepid lady owner/driver. Unfortunately we have not to-date had anyone from Australia or New Zealand sign up but we live in hopes. We have held our first official meeting and now have a confirmed route that will take us from Abingdon through France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Macedonia, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and finally into South Africa. We will be leaving during...

Into Africa – Update

10th July 201015th March 2020 By roychinnorNo Comments

The early responses from Midget owners keen to join the “Into Africa” adventure had me worried. Several times during that week I went to the front door of my house to check that the doorbell still actually worked! It was devilishly quiet. Still it takes time for word to spread with something like this. I am making good use of my time however and have started preparation work on Bridget. Her original wheels, she had Minilites on for the world drive, have been sat out in the elements for almost three years and so I have cleaned them, removed all traces of rust and repainted them. Steel wheels are far more suitable for African roads, I am told. I have also fitted an upgraded anti-role bar on her steering and this week fitted Spax telescopic dampers to her rear suspension. Both of these things have improved her handling and should assist the rear springs to cope with the additional weight we carry...