Maestro & Montego Birthday Party

[Jonathan]

Reminder:

A joint ‘birthday’ celebration will be held by the Maestro & Montego Owners Club on Sunday 23rd May at Longbridge to mark 20 years since the UK launch of the Montego (April 1984) and 21 years since the introduction of the Maestro (March 1983). Although manufactured at Cowley, both models were to become the last Austin cars and the event will hold a strong focus on the beginnings of the Austin marque, to celebrate its centenary in 2005, at its traditional home.

The day will begin with a gathering and photo shoot outside the visitor centre at approximately 10:30, followed by a tour of Lord Austin’s office led by Tony Osborne, chairman of the Austin Ex-Apprentices Association.

Our relaxed and informal schedule will continue by taking us on an enjoyable run with a stop on Beacon Hill (overlooking the Longbridge site) for a picnic lunch. Finally we will return to Longbridge for refreshments and cake at the visitor centre.

Maestros and Montegos from within and outside the club are invited to attend, and each car in attendance will receive a commemorative plaque. Certain groups with an interest in other British Leyland and Rover Group cars of the period have also been invited. A small entry fee of £2.00 per car will be payable in advance to cover costs.

For further information please contact Zoe Waterfield (events co-ordinator) on 01604 645452 or by email zwaterfield@maestro.org.uk

Please Note: This invitation should be treated as an RSVP (it's no good just turning up on the day) because we need to be sure of numbers before 10th May at the latest please. We are able to accomodate up to 40 cars.

[E_T_V]

I shall be there in either our VDP or the camper, or possibly both!
I'll let Zoe know which one/s we'll be in and post off the cheque.

[threelitre]

Hi!

It seems a brilliant idea to me to integrate that day into our holidays in May - so I hope a Vanden Plas Princess 1300 is sort of matching car to join in. At least it features nearly the same engine as my Maestro :)

Regards,


Alexander

[Jonathan]

It looks like this may well turn out to be a very popular event indeed and there is a limit to the number of cars we can accomodate, so if you're interested and have not yet made contact please do so ASAP ;)

[Beaker]

Just wondering who is planning to go? Maybe those of us from the North could all travel down together?

[Austin-Rover]

Just wondering who is planning to go? Maybe those of us from the North could all travel down together?

As per every other club event? :laugh:

Sounds like a good plan though. Get a good meeting place before hand and everyone who wants to can meet up.

[threelitre]

Hi!

I just e-mailed Zoe. Let's see if there is a little corner left for our car... At least it looks as if I am going to see some Maestros on my journey as I noticed that they are getting really rare on the roads.

Regards,

Alexander

[SimonR]

I shall be there in A335, as will MaestroMatt who is currently in Venice, hence I'm replying on his behalf.

If there's a meet-up for people comming from the south then let us know, alternatively if any one else is comming from the glorious south then shall we meet up?!

Await a cheque, Jon!

Simon R.

PS I may be being thick but what address shall I send the £4 cheque to? Thanks, SR.

[Ed]

I hope I'm not too late. As it looks like my diesel Monty will be on the road in time, I would love to attend if theres still room. I'll e-mail Zoe now. I'll be coming up from Ipswich so would be great to meet anyone else coming from that direction.

[SimonR]

I hope I'm not too late. I'll be coming up from Ipswich so would be great to meet anyone else coming from that direction.

Well, there'll be two Maestros coming from Huntingdon direction (Matt and me) so perhaps we could start a Southerners' meet?

[Ed]

Excellent. Sounds like a good plan. We'll have to swap details and arrange a place to meet.

[SimonR]

Excellent. Sounds like a good plan. We'll have to swap details and arrange a place to meet.

Yeah, good idea, we'll sort it out nearer the time. Looks like there'll be three Maestros and your Monty, unless any others want to join us.

My father will also be comming in his Oport Red VP, subject to space.

[d209shh]

Sadly i won't be able to make it,i'am open 10-4 on a sunday and have a bloody metro to put displacer's in :rage: .

but have a great time, i will make sure i'am there for is 30th

[Beaker]

Not long to go now! :D So who is definitely coming? Lets hope the good weather holds out for us.

[SimonR]

Not long to go now! :D So who is definitely coming?

Well MaestroMatt, sadly, is busy in London studying that day but my father and I will definately be comming along.

Montyboy: shall we meet up at Cambridge Services at about 08:45? It is on the A14 around Fenstanton, you can't miss it as there's a massive sign and a Macdonad's Extra sign some way before.

I'm not sure about the timing but 08:45 seems good as it'll give us the oportunity to leave there at 09:00 and leaves an hour and a half to get to brum and find where we're supposed to be. I'll PM you my mobile number in case there are any difficulties!

Anyone else comming up from down south who wants to join two Maestros and a Monty on the way?

[steve smith]

yeah i am coming to in my 1989 MG monty i am coming up from herne bay in kent so is there any one else coming ???? i may meet someone on the way if there is anyoen coming from my way.

[Austin-Rover]

Myself and Rich (e692wtt) will be coming down in my Ledbury. I presume some of us Northerners will be forming a little group before the drive down on Sunday morning...

[G51 NAV]

Can't make it I'm afraid. It's just too far to travel there and back in one day with two-year-old brats (sorry, lovely boys). Not unless I can find some stupid mug - sorry, really kind person - who can look after them. And as you can imagine the list of volunteers to look after two miserable, two-year-old, bad-tempered, wailing twin boys is a very short one. So short it doesn't exist.

[Jonathan]

Well as expected it's proven popular. Has everyone attending received directions and details from me through the post now?

According to Tony Osborne who's organised everything for us full details of the programme for the day will be as follows:

Arrive 10:00am for 10:30am

Gossip and tea/coffee in the Conference Centre foyer.

Visit Austin's Office and the Museum.

Depart the Factory and drive to Lickey Church to lay a wreath on Austin's grave (It's the 63rd Anniversary of Austin's death on Sunday). See Vernon Austin (Lord Austin's son) remembered on the adjacent War memorial.

Drive to Beacon Hill car park for picnic (I have tried to organise the sunshine but don't know how successful I've been).

We are then sending you all on a short run (about 7 miles) which will take you past the factory, through the Austin Village, over Frankley Beeches and back to the Conference Centre for tea/coffee and cake.

Whilst at Longbridge the Visitors Centre will be open but I would ask that we don't all swamp the MG Rover Direct area as it can put MG-R Direct's customers off if there are loads of people there.

[mtamin]

I'll be coming on Sunday with my father.Both looking forward to it. First outing for the horrible Lipari blue 1.6L since recommissioning from the hands of a BMW owner who left it standing in his garden for two years. Watch out for the most faded paintwork you have ever seen in your life - not to mention the widest dashboard cracks! Manifold was blowing but getting that seen to so should be fine for a run out.

Lyndsey I will bring those mirrors you wanted. Also can I renew my membership if I bring the form with me, cash or cheque? - er ahem its a bit late actually as it expired on April 1 but if I renew for two years would that be ok?

Martyn

[Beaker]

Martyn, check your PM's :)

[MaestroMatt]

Well MaestroMatt, sadly, is busy in London studying that day

Sadly, he doth speak the truth. I am spending Saturday and Sunday in a classroom in Angel mugging up on the intricacies of UK Tax in readiness for my impending ACCA exams. I would love to have been able to come on Sunday, but I should hopefully make it to at least the BMC day in Peterborough this year, if nothing else.

[SimonR]

yeah i am coming to in my 1989 MG monty i am coming up from herne bay in kent so is there any one else coming ???? i may meet someone on the way if there is anyoen coming from my way.

If you come up the M11, it turns into the A14 near Cambridge and you could meet up with us if you like.....

[steve smith]

i have looked at the root since i will be taking the m40 and m42 . any one going that way?

[tony]

I'll be coming on Sunday with the widest dashboard cracks!

Martyn

i bet my dash will give your dash a run for its money :laugh:

[D87 SMW]

Does it beat this one: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=18308&item=2479402902&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW ?? ;)

:laugh:

[tony]

i dont know tho .

[D87 SMW]

:eek: Cor blimey!! :eek:

That must have been 12.5 on the Richter scale! :horror:

[threelitre]

Hi!

Before this thread turns into a competition about the widest dashboard cracks... I'll be there. And if I happen to come from the Cambridge area I'll be looking out for some Maestros and Montegos heading to Longbridge...

Regards,

Alexander

PS: Jonathan, I should give you greetings from Juergen Wolf.

[Jonathan]

Thanks Alexander, I'd not heard from Juergen for a while...

I've been asked to add that we can't take photos at Longbridge itself, except in the museum. Company policy in case there are any sensitive products about etc.

[E_T_V]

Thanks Alexander, I'd not heard from Juergen for a while...

I've been asked to add that we can't take photos at Longbridge itself, except in the museum. Company policy in case there are any sensitive products about etc.

It is standard company policy, as it is where I work. It isn't really to do with secrecy it is more to cover themself incase you happen to spot someone doing something they shouldn't. :D

[SimonR]

Montyboy: shall we meet up at Cambridge Services ...I'm not sure about the timing.

Anyone else comming up from down south who wants to join two Maestros and a Monty on the way?

I've just studied the route and I think we're going to need to meet up earlier. I reckon we'll have to leave Cambridge Services at 08:00 to get there at 10:00ish.

I hope that doesn't alter your plans too much! - It'll be an early start from Suffolk....

[mtamin]

i bet my dash will give your dash a run for its money :laugh:

I think I may have to compare notes with you Tony. But I warn you the cracks in my dashbord are like the Nile delta!

[steve smith]

right on sunday i am coming to longbridge in my black 1989 mg monty i will be traveling up with montyboy and 3 maestros (what a site on the a14) we should take pics guys of us lot in the services...

[SimonR]

right on sunday i am coming to longbridge in my black 1989 mg monty i will be traveling up with montyboy and 3 maestros (what a site on the a14) we should take pics guys of us lot in the services...

See you there just before 8:00! :)

[Austin-Rover]

Just some photo's from todays event at Longbridge. Another big turn out of cars and people (And another opportunity to put faces to names and/or forum ID's) .

The weather was excellent for the whole day - i guess that summer has arrived then? We enjoyed a nice drive out for a picnic and then a sceinic drive touring the significant sites to note - including the Austin Village and quite a few of the workshops forming the vast Rover site.

I guess a big thank you is in order for the club for organising another fantastic event!

Photo's are as follows:

1) Chance meet-up with other cars on the M42
2) Lunch stop at Beacon Hill (Monty 1.3, Ledbury & Diesel)
3) "" "" "" (VDP, Mayfair & Van)
4) "" "" "" (MG Monty)
5) "" "" "" (Including Ex-MoD Monty and 1.6L Maestro)
6) "" "" "" (Ledbury Maestro)
7) Returning to Q gate at Longbridge (1.3 HLE, VDP & errr another VDP)

[Austin-Rover]

Not forgetting the last two...

(Maximum of 5 files per post)

[Beaker]

Here are some more pictures from the day!

1) The journey there, we happened to meet up with some others travelling down so had a small convoy
2)Davids Car (Simons (F153 JUE) Dad). Such a lovely car! Shame didn't get chance to take mine and this one together, would have made a great photoshoot.
3) 1.3 Montego. Now how often do you see one of them?
4) A really nice late Maestro TD
5) A lovely Rover 75 in the museum 'The five millionth rover'

Some other lovely cars on the day that deserve a mention (unfortunately didn't manage to take pictures of them all) are, a gorgeous Y reg 1.3 HLE, A reg VandenPlas, Blue 1.6L. Forgive me for not mentioning all of the cars present on the day, those are just the ones that have stuck in my mind for the moment.

A big thankyou to the organisers for a superb event. The plaques are super.

Just a shame we didn't manage to get a photoshoot of us all going through the ford :D

P.S I haven't edited any of the numberplates out in the piccies. I hope ppl don't mind, if you do let me know and I will edit them.

[SimonR]

I guess a big thank you is in order for the club for organising another fantastic event!



Yeah, what a superb day! I haven't managed to get my photos on the website yet but those already posted are pretty representative.

Thanks to all who were envolved in arranging such a successful day.

My Blue VP went there and back on half a tank of fuel, averaging 37.2 mpg which I thought was prety good! Oh, my father's name is David, btw!

It was also great to meet up with Ed and Steve and then Lyndsey, Dan and Riches later on.

Roll on the rest of the summer. :)

[Beaker]

Oh, my father's name is David, btw!

Cheers I have edited my post :) I do apologise for not having found it out, especially as I chatted to your Dad lots.

Have to say your headlining was superb, and I think I will be asking simon for some of the vinyl VP logos for the wheel trims after seeing yours and your dads. Certainly make the cars look so much better.

[matthewsemple]

What a fantastic photo. I curse myself for not coming in the MG1600 to add to the line up of the original launch-spec Maestros. So good to see Y and A platers out and about - and that HLE never seen that one before on the forum.

[MG1600S]

Nice to see you all! One suggestion I do have on a big club meet is that we all put our "User names" on the windscreen or something. That way we can all put names to faces.

[steve smith]

it was a great day my mg preformed really well apart from teh boot coming open on the way back to longbridge D'OH :laugh: i filled up just after i left which got me to a full tank and after arriving home some time later she had just over half left i will let u all knwo the milage later ..

[Simon]

Really enjoyed the day, and there were some excellent and varied cars displayed. I caught the sun on my head in particular - looks like I've had an exotic holiday! The most interesting car for me yesterday had to be the black B reg MG Maestro - that one was chock full of subtle mods and brilliantly done.

[SimonR]

Nice to see you all! One suggestion I do have on a big club meet is that we all put our "User names" on the windscreen or something. That way we can all put names to faces.

Agreed! I managed to miss meeting quite a few people, simply because I didn't know who was who. I think certainly names, forum IDs and perhaps mug shots would be a good idea!

We'll have to sort it out for the next event.

[Ed]

I had a great time. Was the first real drive for my diesel and she did 442 miles on £25 worth of fuel! Can't be bad! Next time I would like to have one of my MGs to show off so I'd better get myself in gear for MG M in July.

Was good to meet Simon and David. Would have been nice to be able to link up all the faces with their screen names though.

[John S]

What a great photo of those early Maestros. Wish I'd have gone. Revising for exams at the moment though, plus there's also a lack of like minded people willing to accompany me to such events.....
Hope to bring my two Maesties somehow once they're in full fine fettle.

John

[Beaker]

Yes I missed linking some of the screen names up with people as well, or just missed getting peoples names entirely. (I would never make a good school teacher, can never remember names :D )

I was with the oporto red Y reg vandenplas for anyone who didn't associate me with my screen name.

[E_T_V]

I'm skaties other half (fat bloke driving the Y reg VDP) the one that lead the convoy in the italian job style through all the back roads and the ford! I really wish I had a photo of that as we emerged from the bridge and into the stream it looked fantastic!

[Jonathan]

Thanks all for coming, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did and maybe even appreciate the rich heritage behind the cars even more now? Zöe and Tony did put a lot of work into making it a special day out so we owe them our thanks, and it was particularly encouraging to see such large numbers. I'll compile a page of photos in the next few days. I'll also put my hand up and admit I didn't recognise half of you, so the screen names idea might well have a place at future events! Mine's already on my car on the front and back, but until it comes out of hibernation I've had to make do with the Rover to confuse everyone.

Zöe has asked me to point out that she still has six plaques from the event that were not collected when we handed them out after the cake. If you want to claim yours and you paid your £2 entry you'll need to contact her and send an SAE with appropriate postage (they're only plastic and very light).

[e692wtt]

I thought it was a cracking day out, and we did extremely well with the weather. Thanks to Jon and Zoe, but also to Tony (Osborne?), the Longbridge Plant Historian, and to his employers for welcoming us.

It's good to see that the Longbridge Plant is proud of its heritage, and to see that so enthusiatically demonstrated by Tony was refreshing.

I'm also amazed that the photos I took came out so well, especially considering that I've never handled a digital camera before (I don't have a camera at all) and I've never managed to get a decent picture from a moving vehicle with a normal camera. The pic of the 3 maestros is one of mine - Jonathan kept getting in the way as Rich Gelder and myself were behind him in the convoy... :laugh: hence the 'offset' view as we drove up the wrong side of the road... :laugh:

It was good to meet people off these here forums too (and also Club members who don't participate) - although it was nigh on impossible to speak to everyone as there were quite a few people there. I think badges with peoples' names and their forum user names might be a good idea - especially when people come in different cars to their forum names (like me, I got a lift off Rich Gelder!). When we did the First Great North Run last summer (Peak District) there were 7 vehicles and about 15 people so talking to everyone and learning names wasn't a problem. But with a lot more people yesterday it seemed to be a problem... :laugh: so mebbe names on cards might be an idea for the future.

It was nice to see so many cars, and refreshing to see that the majority of the cars were, shall we say, in regular use and not perfect. It certainly inspired me to get my VDP Maestro on the road (actually, I was kicking myself and regretting not getting it ready to take beforehand as soon as we arrived! :laugh: ). And nice to see such enthusiasm for the cars from their owners as well. And as for the numerous 'double takes' that passers-by made as convoys of our cars drove past...

:)

[threelitre]

Hi All!

A great day out! And how lucky we were to be just on a holiday in the UK! Our little VP made it back home with no problems, just some 1500 or so miles more on the clock and large crowds of flies on the front...
Thanks to all who were involved with organizing this event and to everyone else making it such a nice day!

See you again some time... let's see if I manage to bring a Maestro one day.

Regards,

Alexander

[E_T_V]

Could I ask some people that attended to volenteer to do a bit of a write up of the event for Monstro?

Also any good pictures that you want including in the article please send to the monstro editor
daniel.pyke@maestro.org.uk

[Jonathan]

We finally have some pictures and a brief report online. Click Here (http://www.maestro.org.uk/events/04birthday.html)

These might help put a few cars and faces together too (those who weren't hiding!), although the group shots aren't very sharp because they were taken from a distance.

[Jonathan]

Well it looks like we made the July/August edition of MG Rover News, the internal news publication of MGR.

It's nice to know we haven't been forgotten, even the centenary brochure I've just received includes the Maestro & Montego under the history of MG models even if it is in very small print and without any pictures. At least they weren't completely glossed over as in the past.

[matthewsemple]

Wow, that is great. Further proof that the car manufacturer now called MG Rover did in fact produce a model called the Maestro between March 1983 and December 1994. :laugh: