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Old 12th December 2019, 13:27   #1
FLYING BANANA
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Cool Banana is off on a Mini Tour.........

.................................... tomorrow when she goes on our annual pilgrimage to the Isle of Wight with the Southwest Crew plus those travelling from other area’s.
Zed the Ted is coming with us this year, look out for his adventures on his page on here, and I’ll have our usual navigator Debbie.

There are 30 of us descending onto the Island. Staying at the Warner camp at Norton Grange. There will be at least two non MG Rovers. But we will let them off this time.

So keep your eyes open for a convoy travelling up to Lymington to meet the rest from Bristol, Wiltshire, Surrey and Twickenham. Be leaving Route 5 American diner at 10am on the A38 at Haldon Hill. Next stopping off point will be at the Teddy Bears Picnic lay by just outside Dorchester on the A35, should be around 11am ish!

We’ll keep the diary running. Hopefully Banana will not throw another hissy fit.
She has been watered and fed Banana juice. 4 new tyres on. Might get a quick clean if the rain stops.

Mileage is 207,750.
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232750. Be patient Banana, we will soon be back together and enjoying the shows again.

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Old 14th December 2019, 06:27   #2
FLYING BANANA
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Cool The invasion of the.................

.............................. Isle of Wight was peaceful. Don’t think people thought that there was that many MG Rovers still around.

Allen and I started off with our two leaving Saltash at 08.00 in the rain. Banana led Leafy up the A38 and we arrived at the first stop in just on 40 minutes where we found Nathan’s ZT waiting for us. Into the restaurant for some breakfast, or in my case just tea. The other cars gradually came in.
We left at 10.15 with Paul leading us in his V6 75.

Second stop was for a wee and a tea at the Teddy Bear lay-by just outside Dorchester, not meeting anyone else here. Banana was now to be lead car, easier to see that a Silver 75. We was on the road by Noon for the 90 minute drive to Lymington. We now had blue sky with a chilly wind. My passenger had a thick coat on and a fleece blanket around her legs and the heater was on. I had sweat running down my neck.

We arrived at the dockside at 13.30 where we we met with the rest of the party. On boarding the ferry Banana was diverted to the right and up onto the high section, which meant we was at the front and exposed to the rough seas, she was not going to like that.
So that was 7 ZT’s, 4 75’s, 1 Nissan and a Vauxhall people carrier on board.

The crossing was a bit rough, they had cancelled 14 crossings the day before. Everyone was seated in the lounge except for two idiots who went up on the sun deck to take in the view. So that was Allen and I then. But we stood in the in the corner and was sheltered.
Soon time to return to the others are get back to the cars ready for us to depart. Normally we would wait in the lay by just off of the ferry to convoy into Norton Grange but as there was too many of us we decided to make our way straight there, only one car got lost.

With the cars parked up and unloaded we got our luggage delivered whilst we went and got our keys. Very nice chalets indeed, Matt had forgone his bonus of a superior chalet so that Debbie and I could have the upgrades to be in the same block as everyone else.
Once unpacked it was beer time. Allen was soon singing the various sea shanties along with his brother in law.
Then it was dinner time and off the nose bag place we trooped.

Unfortunately I was to receive a phone call that was to knock the wind out of my sails. Sad news was about to hit me hard, so hard I cannot remember much about the meal. Think I spent most of the time with tears rolling down my cheeks. There was 8 of us sitting by the window. Allen, Val and Debbie kept my spirits going.
But when the meal was finished I could not go and join the others in the ball room. I returned to my chalet. Phone calls had to be made.

Looks like I’ll be starting the New Year off with a funeral, just like 10 years ago.

Thanks for reading.
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232750. Be patient Banana, we will soon be back together and enjoying the shows again.

onen hag oll

Last edited by FLYING BANANA; 14th December 2019 at 06:29.. Reason: Spellin’
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Old 15th December 2019, 06:15   #3
FLYING BANANA
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Cool Gin, lots of it.................

.......................................... and I was driving.

Sleep did not come easy for me so I was out of bed very early. Showered, once I figured out how it worked. Don’t understand why we cannot just have an on/off switch and a dial. Buttons and leverS just to get hot water baffles me. Still I got there in the end. Got a text from Debbie telling me that we was all going to breakfast at 08.30. We met up at that time and we trundled off to the restaurant.
Words of comfort were given by every member of the crew which was nice.*

I had smoked salmon, roasted tomato and dressing in a malted bagel plus the urn full of tea. It will be kippers and marmalade tomorrow no doubt. We all met up again in reception where the majority of us were off on our usual visit to Busy Bee’s garden centre for the Xmas shop. Matt led the convoy out in Grovey, with Banana, Leafy, Oily, Bumblebee, Bertie, Speedy Boy and Adrenaline Rush following. The Vauxhall’s and the Nissan were also in our convoy. The other 3 Rovers were going off somewhere else.

Destination was Ryde, which is on the other side of the island, we got the thumbs up from a chap waiting for a bus when we was stuck at some traffic lights. But other than that the journey was sweet. Parking at the garden centre was fairly routine with us all find spaces without any hassle.
We basically split up and all went in different directions, and agreed to meet in the cafe a bit later on. I tagged onto Allen, Val, Debbie, John and Vera. We wandered about till it was nosebag time.

The cafe was heaving, and not just with our lot. Stuff that had been bought was reviewed by everyone, critics the lot of them.
Next port of call was to be the Wishing Well pub which has a licensed gin distillery attached. We lost the the Ross and Anita in the Rover 75. They went off somewhere else. Banana was now lead car, we had put the address in the A-Z thingy on the dashboard. Soon into the pub car park, only a 5 minute drive away.

As there was a huge group of us the landlord and owner of the gin distillery said rather than us watching the film show on how the making of the gin he would in fact verbally tell us all about it. Wow! It was so interesting. I never realised how much went into making gin, which can trace it’s routes back to the 1700’s. The talk lasted almost an hour. Then it was tasting time. They also produce Navy approved rum, a percentage of each bottle sold goes towards helping HMS Victory’s restoration down in Portsmouth. I had a couple samples but only enough to wet my lips.
Ended up buying a bottle of rum and a bottle of Pink gin, both Xmas presents.

Then we thanked the landlord before convoying off to Newport. Banana was now last car to leave, and we got separated from the rest. We followed the signs to Newport and with Debbie on the phone talking to her Mum, Val, we got a running commentary on how to get to the car park where everyone was. We did take a couple of wrong turns before finding where everyone was. Just a mooch around the shops before going into Morrison’s for tea and cake.

We then left, now very dark, and made our way back to Norton Grange for evening drinks and dinner. I did go and change before dinner along with Debbie and Val. We then all met up and went back to meet the others in the bar, oh! Go on then! Just a quick pint of Thatchers Gold before nosebag time. I had the slow cooked leg of lamb roast dinner. Followed by spicy fruit crumble.
Then back into the ballroom for the tribute act. “Cream of Clapton” a tribute act of Eric Clapton. Very good and his guitar playing was outstanding. A proper tribute to old Slow hand.

Then back into the other bar for a good old sing song, more cider followed by a couple of Single Malts and I was ready for bed. Another busy day on Sunday.

*It was my God Son Richard that had unexpectedly passed away at the age of 51. It is a Police matter as he was found on a pathway but thought to be a heart attack.
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232750. Be patient Banana, we will soon be back together and enjoying the shows again.

onen hag oll
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Old 15th December 2019, 18:23   #4
FLYING BANANA
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Cool Sorting the wheat out from.............

.................................. chaff resulted in only 3 cars leaving the compound today. Some people just are unable to cope with too much falling down water. No names as per forum rules.

So after breakfast it was, Allen, Val, John, Vera, Ross, Anita, Debbie and I that escaped. Our first place to visit was the IOW Pearl centre. With Banana now dubbed the lead car off we set. Oily and Leafy followed as Debbie set our course. Wow! As we skirted the sea the views were stunning out over the sea. Rain clouds fighting the sun for our attention.

We arrived at the Pearl centre, which is free. Basically a jewellers that specialises in Pearls, with match prices. Ross bought Anita a stunning bracelet. Debbie wanted a pair of earrings but what she wanted they could design for her but at a price.
There was on display the Xmas tree display which were amazing. Seems the in thing now that various charities and good causes design there own tree. Saw one made out of horse shoes.
We found the cafe for a cuppa though.

Next port of call was the photographic museum, we visited this last year. So with Banana leading off we set again. Past the cliffs and the breakers rolling in, the rain clouds and the sun were still fighting for our attention. The museum was shrouded in scaffolding with plastic sheeting but was open. It closes tomorrow for 3 months for vital refurbishment to be carried out. The displays were gradually being removed so we got a bit of discount on our entry fee.

Found the wardrobe which allows you to dress up in period costume. What a laugh, I laughed so much Icould not hold the camera steady. As for Allen and his horned helmet, well............................... I’ll not be allowed to post the photo’s on here. Oh! We did have fun.

To be continued as it is nosebag time.
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232750. Be patient Banana, we will soon be back together and enjoying the shows again.

onen hag oll
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Old 15th December 2019, 19:55   #5
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Sorry to butt in but did the Gin Distillery Owner tell you that Gin is really Vodka with other ingredients added Bob?
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Old 15th December 2019, 23:15   #6
FLYING BANANA
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Cool

Quote:
Originally Posted by bl52krz View Post
Sorry to butt in but did the Gin Distillery Owner tell you that Gin is really Vodka with other ingredients added Bob?
Yes we knew all about that as we was told by our speaker.
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232750. Be patient Banana, we will soon be back together and enjoying the shows again.

onen hag oll
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Old 15th December 2019, 23:39   #7
FLYING BANANA
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Cool From then on it went downhill.....................

......................................... from the photographic museum we progressed onto the large Oasis store in the depths of the Island. Where my credit card suffered a mortal blow. Where the work I’m having done at the house there is an empty space that needed filling. So a natural wood table was bought along with a brandy glass, that looks as if it has melted, that sits on another piece of wooden trunk. This glass will be filled with glass dragon eyes. Plus small LED lights will be placed inside the glass.
And I treated myself to a Union Jack fleece blanket.

With Banana leading we headed back to the compound. I mis heard Debbie’s sat nav directions and we ended up doing a u turn on a housing estate. But we got back to base ok in the rain. We parked up and retired to the bar for a couple of swift pints before returning to our chalets to change.
I collected Debbie and we walked back to the restaurant and met the others. Unbeknown to me it was going to end in tears. Not of sorrow but laughter.

I cannot remember the last time I laughed so much. False teeth, toothbrushes and seeing in the New Year will never be the same again to me. Debbie and I laughed so much we basically brought the restaurant to a standstill. Took us about 20 minutes to compose ourselves. I could not eat my dessert as I kept getting the giggles.
This carried on till we got into the ball room. With a glass of cider I thought I was over it but one glance at Debbie set me off again.
Oh! My aching ribs. I had no choice but to leave the gang and go and stand out in the rain to settle myself down.

Back in and few more pints before we called it a day. Been a long day and we was all tired. So early to bed. We left the rest of the gang in the ballroom. Tomorrow we travel home.

And Banana tripped over onto 208,000 today.
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232750. Be patient Banana, we will soon be back together and enjoying the shows again.

onen hag oll
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Old 16th December 2019, 05:59   #8
FLYING BANANA
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Cool It’s important to check the events page..................

...................................... always worth a look to see if there are any meets going on in a area that you maybe having a short holiday in, mainly the UK.

On Saturday another forum member posted up on Facebook that he had travelled up from St.Austell in Cornwall, left his ZT parked up in Portsmouth and had come across the Solent by Hovercraft as a foot passenger. You can imagine what he thought as our convoy of ZT’s and 1 Rover drove past at that point as he waited for a cab to take him to his hotel. His comment on Farcebook was, “ If I had only known I would have joined you and travelled up together”.

We did see a 02 plate 75 in Moonstone on our tour over the weekend, came out of a private house in Ryde, we did wave but I saw no response. Saw a few over Rovers mainly 25’s, a few 45’s and nice looking 600 in Grey parked up in Newport. Quite a few MG 3’s were seen, there is one staying at our camp. Black over Yellow. There are quite a few other old classics here as well. Saw a pristine Truimph Herald. Paul aka SonicZS said there was a mini classic car show on at Cowes on Saturday but we was at the gin distillery.

So keep an eye out on the events page, you never know when the Flying Banana might be in an area that you are visiting.
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232750. Be patient Banana, we will soon be back together and enjoying the shows again.

onen hag oll
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Old 17th December 2019, 09:58   #9
FLYING BANANA
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Cool No more convoy leading for Banana........................

......................................... for the foreseeable future after Mondays mix up.
There was a road work sign saying the the road bridge over the river Yar would be closed from Monday 16th at 08.00. The bridge would remain shut for one week.

So instead of only travelling half a mile to the ferry we now had to travel 12 miles.
Reception said the bridge was closed but one of our fellow members said was open as he had just driven over it. So being unsure we decided to take the diversion just to be on the safe side. However the diversion was not clearly sign posted. So with Banana leading off we went, past where we should have turned left but no sign telling us that.

Matt was flashing his lights, so I stopped and got out. Matt said, "Just got a phone call from SonicZS that the bridge was open and there was no work men to be seen". I then walked the entire length of the convoy to tell everyone to spin round including a car that had followed us out of the Grange. By the time I walked back everyone had spun round and left us on our own. On the way back there was a diversion sign for the slip road.

Caught everyone up at the ferry point. When it came to loading everyone got on except for Keith24 and us. We had visions on being left behind, but the ferry people needed to get a coach on and finally we was on. Smooth crossing back. I need to get Banana some juice so I would be stopping in Lyndhurst at the Gulf station. This is an Olde Worlde garage where the chap comes out and fills the car up, none of the self service you normally get. Then he goes back into the shop and takes your money.

So I thought by the time I got out I would be playing catch up, but that didn't go to plan as the rest of the cars had been held up. So I drove along till I found a lay by and phoned Matt thinking he was in front. No they were behind and Allen flashed me out and lo and behold I was now lead car again.
But Allen got past me at Ringwood so that was ok.
We stopped at Botany Bay pub near Tolpuddle for a wee, drink and a bite to eat. When we stopped there was only 4 cars. The rest had gone their separate ways.

Matt, Shirley, John and Nina finally left us at the bottom of Telegraph Hill. Leaving Alle and I to climb Haldon Hill. But because of a middle lane wally I had to slow and Banana lost her built up speed. Allen swept past on the outside whilst I dropped to the inside and dropped down a gear to get the speed back up. On the downward section, which is now only 2 lanes the middle lane wally then dropped in front me and braked for no apparent reason. I swerved round him and Debbie called the driver an unusual name, but then Debbie is a coach driver.

We finally caught Allen up and we convoyed home at Warp Factor 3 and a bit.

Finishing mileage 208,108. Covered 358 miles and Banana never missed a beat.

Many thanks for reading.
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232750. Be patient Banana, we will soon be back together and enjoying the shows again.

onen hag oll
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Old 17th December 2019, 19:12   #10
Cable Tie
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As usual bob a well informed version of our events roll on the next jolly day/days out
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