Octagon January, 2016

Some words from Elaine
Welcome to the New Year and to the first
issue of the Octagon for 2016. There are a
few aspects of it to bring to your attention.
The cover ... One of the ‘privileges’ of
holding the Editorial pen is that of choosing
the cover photo. As I mentioned with the last
issue, sometimes the decision is easy, other
times it is very difficult. This is another one
of those times when the decision was easy
- in fact, I have had to hold off on this one
until the Lettens’ article had them arriving in
the USA.
Dan’s article is very long and it will take
several issues for it all to be published but it
will make a good reference tool for anyone
either with an MGA or contemplating buying
one. After publication, it will be added to the
website and will be permanently accessible.
There is a great article on Goodwood in
here by Russ Geraghty which Goodwood
might consider using in their future
advertising! The Geraghtys’ recent overseas
trip has resulted in a few more articles for
us. Watch for them in coming issues.
While I know they have reservations about
being featured on the cover twice so quickly,
I have to admit that I overrode them in order
to indulge myself. Monument Valley is one
of the most beautiful and startling places
we have ever been. Before going there,
scenery like that seemed to be fictional,
appearing only in western movies and
comics.
That the people in these 5 MGs managed to
take their eyes off the scenery long enough
to line up the MGs for this iconic photo
almost defies belief but isn’t it wonderful that
they did. I hope that your enjoyment of it
equals mine.
There is no calendar supplement as the
calendar is not yet ready for publication.
However, a list of events, by type, is
published. As the calendar evolves the
changes are made on the online calendar
where the Chapter events are also included.
The Chapter calendars are also available
on their individual webpages and can be
downloaded from there.
I put out a request for typing assistance
with Dan Casey’s major undertaking of
recording ownership of MGAs. I thank Pat
Walker who was the first to offer to help and
consequently got the job. Thanks also to
David Robinson for his offer which came a
bit too late.
The new feature ‘Stories from the Stables’
continues in this issue .... don’t miss it.
There is only one stable this time but it
houses three interesting cars.
As always, there are interesting and
envy-inducing reports from the Chapters.
The Darling Downs Chapter has two as
they provided the only long trip away for
the year. This coming year, 2016, will
see a longer trip as our National Meeting
members make their way - and back -
across (or around) Australia.
In conclusion, material for the next Octagon
(the March issue) needs to be with me
before the end of February to ensure that
the magazine reaches you before the end
of March.
This January issue will have arrived a little
later than you expected. Craig Winter who
does the production of the magazine has
been in the US during January and, while
he has been able to prepare it for printing
and organise the printing prior to his
departure, the mailing has had to wait until
his return at the end of January.
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The Octagon - November 2015