No fewer than 84 MGs assembled at Millets Garden Centre near Abingdon for the MGB Register Spring Run on Sunday April 6.
As expected, there were many MGBs. Also, a good number of Fs and TFs were welcomed, and some V8s. I spotted a couple of Y types, an MGA and a rare Daimler V8 Roadster. (Apologies if I’ve missed anyone.)

There was ample exclusive parking laid on, and we were expertly guided by the Register marshals.
Once parked, we left our cars and made our way to the main building to sign in and receive our rally plaque and route book. It was so well organised that we were even given a shilling (5p!) for the toll bridge at Swinford.

Then, after a brief chat in the café over a coffee and bacon roll, we set off for a leisurely drive through beautiful countryside.
This year we explored the byways of Oxfordshire, featuring picturesque villages and roads remarkably free of traffic. I suppose the Register can’t take credit for the weather, but it was absolutely perfect with bright sunshine throughout the day. Definitely roof down on our Roadster.
The route was carefully researched thanks to Neil’s detailed knowledge of Oxfordshire. Our thanks to Neil and Mike for their hard work. They checked the route no fewer than three times to make sure there were no mistakes or disruptions from last-minute roadworks.

The 65-mile route took us north from Millets, through countryside to the west of Oxford, visiting villages such as Combe which borders the famous Blenheim Palace, then Wootton and on towards Kirtlington, Bletchingdon and historic Islip. Having looped around Oxford on wonderfully quiet roads, we headed east to the lovely village of Brill, with its ancient windmill and the enticing Pheasant pub. We shall definitely make a return visit!
Then we headed north, again on quiet roads, until we reached Stowe, our final destination. The marshals had mysteriously arrived ahead of us. We were directed into well-organised exclusive parking. We could picnic and chat on the grass adjacent to the car park.

We must thank the management and staff at The National Trust, Stowe, who gave us a great welcome. Free maps were provided, so we took a walk through the beautiful grounds, then to the café for tea and an ice cream.
If you would like to take a look, Graham Risdon took part in the event and will feature it on his Classic MGB YouTube channel. You can view the video here
Our thanks to the Register members who volunteered and looked after us so well. Too many to name here, but you know who you are!
We must also thank the David Manners Group for their generous support to the MGB Register and the Spring Run. If you were on the Run, please look in your route book for details of how to sign up for the David Manners Club Classic, which offers exclusive MG Car Club benefits. If you weren’t on the Run then you can email marketing@davidmanners.co.uk to sign up or ask for more information.

Andrew Vigor