Magnettes and Steam 2005

The Magnettes and Steam event at the Foxfield railway on 26 April was very well attended, with around 20 Magnettes plus a few other MGs. The good turnout may be partly because the location near Stoke was convenient for people from both the north and south, and also the Midlands. I had rather a boring motorway journey up from Surrey, but I made it in good time after an early start. It was almost worth going just to see two other blue Varitones like mine, as I haven't seen a single one in those colours at previous events (I've only had 108 HPJ for a couple of years). Also very interesting to have the 'convertible' Magnette there, with its new owners. I had seen pictures of it, and in real life its appearance is just as weird, yet somehow strangely appropriate.

The weather was cool and cloudy, but rain held off for most of the day. The railway had engineering works in progress, so the train ride was limited to a 20-minute return trip from Blythe Bridge. In fact the line doesn't really go anywhere in particular, as it was built to take coal from a colliery to join up with the main line. It was still a nice scenic trip though, and they generously allowed people to travel as many times as they wished during the day. Apart from the trains and an interesting museum section, the station cafe was doing good business, and most people seemed happy to sit or stand around and chat to fellow Magnette owners.

Thanks to Alan Slack and others for once again organising the event, and to the Foxfield railway volunteers who made us very welcome.

Stephen Tickell

And another report from Peter Martin:

The day started early for the Kent register members with register chairman David Johnson leaving home at 4.30am and me having a leisurely start at 5.30am!. I don't know what the round trip mileage was for David, but when I got back home I had travelled 505 miles in the day. Who says you cannot use a Magnette as every day transport!.

Alan Slack (Competition's Sectretary) had done a superb job of finding another great Magnettes and Steam location and in advertising the event well resulting in 23 Z Magnettes, I Farina Magnette and many other classic and modern cars in attendance. From a Magnette perspective there were 4 ZA's, 1 lonely ZB (where have all the ZB's gone?), 18 ZB Varititones including the unique convertible that has changed hands a few times since last seen, and a local MK 3 Farina, the owner having owned the car some 15 years. Geoff Mars is the new owner of the convertible having collected it on a trailer from Edinburgh only two weeks prior to the event!. Geoff is no stranger to Magnettes having owned quite a few over the years, and being a retired garage mechanic is well placed to properly sort out a fair amount of minor finishing touches that are still required to the car. He confirmed however that the structural side of the conversion had been done well with the car properly braced to allow removal of the roof. Needless to say, the car caused a large amount of interest. Much "Magnette" talk went on throughout the day with hints and tips being readily exchanged and no doubt giving most an increased "to do" list of jobs on their own vehicle when time and money permit.

The weather was kind to us all day, and the location was excellent with plenty to see and do. Although the steam trains were unfortunately not able to run their full journey because of over running engineering works (and I thought that only happened on my commuter trains!), there was alot of other static machinery and exhibits to marvel over some of which was being worked on during our visit, so a great day was had by all.

A big thank you from the register committee to all who attended in whatever car - it helped to make the day a big success. I've no doubt that Alan already has his thinking cap on for 2006 being a keen "steam" man for what will be the 18th successive year for the Magnettes and Steam Easter event which was the brain child of ex register member Warren Marsh back in 1988. If any members have any suggestions for future venues, please do let one of the committee know.
Peter Martin - Historian