An MG Belle (and you thought they all had horns) and a Millennium Babe |
St Alphege Church, Solihull | The Alveston Manor, Stratford-upon-Avon |
The car is a 1932 VA Tourer owned for many years and beautifully restored by John Bates. Years ago I had decided I wanted one of the large four-seater MGs for daughter's wedding, and when we started planning it I put out a call to the MG community on the web asking if anyone knew of such a car that might be available for wedding hire in the UK. I received a reply from Terry Saunders from the West Coast of America giving me the telephone number of David Washbourne, the keeper of the SVW Register. David gave me the number of John Bates, who lives about 3 miles from me! Charlie Plain-Jones also replied offering his help, and he lives here in Solihull.
On the day (Saturday 10th October 1998), its silver-grey paintwork, red upholstery, twinkling chrome and top down,
we made a fine sight as we pulled up outside the church, just as the sun came out. What came as a complete surprise during the service was when Father Brian opened his address to the congregation by saying that the happy couple were going to be starting their new life together in the right way by leaving the church in an MG. He then related how he had driven himself to his own wedding in a TA many years ago, subsequently owned a number of T series cars, and had helped his son restore three MGBs!
December 2014:
Jessica Megan - born 22nd October 2000 16:35pm
Jessica Megan, 2 hours old. | Granny (and granddad) captivated already. |
January 28th 2001 - Jessica Megan gets her first ride in an MG
March 11th - Jessica's Christening
Christmas 2001 - Start 'em young
Jessica's brother Byron, born in 2004, is a real boy - he has to be prised out of the V8.