REPORT MG INDABA - 23 SEPTEMBER 2012
A variety of beautifully restored MG’s (150 of them) started arriving at Sandstone at 10h30 on a bright and sunny Sunday morning (Friday & Saturday were heavily overcast days so all involved were thrilled with the weather). They had arrived from Fouriesburg Country Inn where they had enjoyed a cup of coffee with scones.
Some of the cars were put through their paces by taking part in a driving test on the paving in the complex. There was a pre and post 1960 award and one for the fastest overall. The three fastest cars from each centre were regarded as that centre’s team for the team prize.
The Afrikaners were in span with an ox wagon and took the visitors on a ride. They once again enthralled all who were there. Ken & Lynda Duncan wrote in the visitors book “Train ride – wonderful – tractor ride, ox wagon with real oxen!”
The flags at the commodity store were flying, tables for 300 people were set as well as the pub with the ox wagon.
At 12h00 the first train (No 153) left Hoekfontein Station for Grootdraai, Mooihoek & Vailima siding. Shaun Ackerman drove assisted by Wouter, Leon & Isak. This was enjoyed by all especially one visitor who had built a model of the NGG 16.
At 13h00 lunch of chicken curry and rice was served to 300 people in the commodity store. Due to the driving test being done by the commodity store the food could not be brought by a vehicle so the ladies carried the containers on their heads!
A second train left at 14H00 to do the trip again for the balance of the people who did not do the first ride. Basil (Len’s friend who attended steam event) had a wonderful time driving people around with the tractor and people carriers.
The MG’s starting leaving Sandstone at about 15H30 after an enjoyable day at Sandstone Estates.
Some of the comments in the visitors book
“Spectacular!”
“Amazing!”
“All so clean and wonderful”
“Forgot all about Jhb. Thanks.”
“Well worth the visit”
“A wonderful experience, thank you!”
“A ‘supa’ experience”
