Toy Collection and Food Drive WDMGC December Meeting 

Looking Forward to Another Meeting Filled With Generosity!!

At our December meeting for the last couple of years,  instead of the usual gift exchange, we collected for items for the Toys for Tots organization, and non-perishable goods for the C.A.R.E.S., a local charity that helps food-insecure families.  The generosity of our members always far exceeds expectations, so this year we are going to repeat it.

For the December meeting scheduled for December 13, please bring for Toys for Tots an unwrapped toy suitable for a child 1 to 16 years old, and/or Non perishable food goods for C.A.R.E.S. - Community. Action. Resources. Empowerment. Services, located in Farmington Hills.

All items collected will be given to the appropriate organization well in time for the holidays.

We know that members will have their own favorite charities and demands on them at this time of year, so please be assured you are welcome at the meeting whether or not you choose to take part in this drive.

A great big “Thank you” to the members of the Windsor-Detroit MG Club for your big heartedness in the past and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at our most fun meeting of the year.

New Meeting Location - WDMGC US Meeting move to "G George's Coney Island"!

We have to move again!  Little Daddy's went out of business, alas. We have a new location for Wednesday's meeting: G. George's Restaurant in West Bloomfield.

Those members who wish to dine usually begin to arrive around 6:00 pm and the meeting starts at 7:00 pm. Like our usual restaurant, Little Daddy’s is currently closing at 8:00 pm.

Jim Trofin catches us up  and shares some tiny MGs!

Submitted by Jim Trofin, founding member of WDMGC

Greetings to all……and I mean ALL the members of THE WINDSOR DETROITMG CLUB!

It’s been a few years since the club formed. Dave Hornby, Mark Deacon, Ron Harmon and I never knew it would grow to have 179 members according to your 2023 Membership count. From the four of us passing out membership flyers onto every MG we saw on the road to today’s computer technology. The events and club membership assistance is, and always was a great help. I know. When I asked for assistance to return my 1975 rubber bumper “B” from the Stromberg carb back to the older and better Dual SU carbs. A new exhaust manifold was installed as well as a few other touch ups. I was a novice in auto mechanics but with the help of so many club members, when we started her up……she worked! I drove to Vancouver B.C., down to Seattle Washington then back again to Windsor. I just burned out one clutch. But did I have a good time. A roll of duct tape, some stove pipe wire and lots of bubble gum saved me many-a-time from then on.

Before the 75 “B”, I had a64 “B”. Unfortunately, I had to give it up when little ones started to appear. With the passing of years, I was able to purchase my 75 “B”. Kids were all grown up and my new wife was ready to experience driving with the top down. (Not that way guys.)

As I’ve grown older, I realize the MG has been a part of my life, much like the ladies in my life. Sometimes I find it difficult to know which I love best. They all share an equal spot in my heart.

Today I am making models of my “B’s”. These little stubby fingers can still install the steering wheels, the light covers, and all the fine detail items. Tedious but rewarding when completed. At least I have both of my “B’s” back home.

To all the members of the club, keep the “MG” going.

-Jim Trofin

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In Memoriam Donna Finch

We were very saddened to learn the news that our friend and fellow member Donna Finch lost her 6-year battle with cancer on November 30^th.

Donna and husband Steve joined the club in April 2006 and soon became a very positive force within it. Donna, using her skills as a CPA, served as our Treasurer from 2008 through 2010 and as our US Regalia Coordinator from 2010 through 2013. At the same time she supported husband Steve through his many club offices including Newsletter Editor, Webmaster, Events Coordinator and finally as President. Their extraordinary service to the club was recognized in 2019 when they were awarded Lifetime Membership.

Donna was born in Japan 69 years ago, her father, who was serving in the US Army, having met her Japanese mother there when she was working in a PX. The family later moved to the US where her father continued his service. Looking back on those years, Donna described herself as an “army brat”, having to move schools some 14 times across several states, but spending most of her childhood in New Jersey. She and Steve met at a college dance 50 years ago and they married 3-years later.

In 2016 they decided to sell their house in White Lake and follow their dream of retiring to the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina. There they could both follow their passion for golf and be able to drive top-down year-round in their ’58 MGA and in their ’74 MGB-GT should  the weather be less clement. Sadly, it was just after they had committed to sell their Michigan home that Donna’s cancer was diagnosed. Although her many and various treatments limited her ability to realize her golfing aspirations, she was nonetheless a true stoic and completed several very long trips with Steve in their MGs.

Donna’s ashes will be returned to her country of birth, as were her mother’s.

Battle of the Brits - 2023

The Battle of the Brits - 2023 Version - was a splendid day with lots and lots of pretty British cars. Here are a few photos provided by WDMGC Club members Perry Zakucia and John Magee.

- click on any image for a full size image slide show

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Twisty Bits Fall Drive - 2023

Report by Philip Wiltshire and Phil Crutchfield from the Jaguar Associates Group of Michigan

On Sunday, October 15th twenty-five people met at the northwest corner of the Meijer parking lot in Ann Arbor. For those who arrived a bit early, there was a Starbucks and Meijer’s rest rooms just a short walk away.

We had fifteen cars on the Twisty Bits drive. Six were Jaguars and nine were non-Jaguars, including a 60s era P-1800 Volvo, MGs, Fiat, Fit and a Jeep. A good mix from the JAGM and WDMGC clubs. Two of our drivers were the President of the WDMGC (all MG) and Chairman of the Rowdies (MGA’s).

I had been watching the weather forecast and our changing fortunes for days before the event. I was very glad Sunday morning, to jump into the Jag and head from Indiana to Ann Arbor into a beautiful sunrise!

With temperatures hovering in the 50s and scattered clouds and blue skies we sat off on an approximate 100-mile figure eight drive on two lane backroads with a stop about midway at the historic Sharon Mills County Park near Manchester.

This is the third time l have run this tour, going back 15 years or so. The route has not needed to be changed over the years except there are one or two more sets of traffic lights rather than 4-way stops now.

The driving instructions included turn-by-turn tulip directions (see screen shot below for examples), text regarding the course direction, and the cumulative mileage at the change. A word about tulip instructions. The name came from the Tulip Rally, which first used them in the 1950s. They are a popular way to more completely communicate the change ahead. However, one of the references brought a few questions as our driving map author is better versed in such references than many of us were. 

The one element on the map that generated the same question from four drivers was what is a “blind brow”. The term “brow” means the crest of a hill, and the use of “blind” means that you might not see the turn until you are on top of the change. Useful information to be sure.

Meantime, everyone managed the tour in style and after about an hour we stopped at the Mill. They had nice restrooms and a large pavilion where we sat and ate our picnic lunches. It was a bit brisk, but a very enjoyable break.

During the course of the tour 2 other clubs with Porches, Triumphs and Austin Healey’s ran past us in the opposite direction. The day was very popular for imported car runs.

The return trip to Meijer went well. The roads overall were surprisingly smooth with only a short distance containing bumpy pavement.  The Twisty Bits tour lived up to its name with plenty of curves and undulations to negotiate.  MG’s being all manual transmissions had fun with plenty of shifting required. I don’t think we had any manual Jaguars on the tour.

As is typical, the group took about a half hour to dissipate after the drive as some catching up was still occurring. Everyone had a good time, even if the color change was not quite at its peak yet.

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- click on any image for a full size image slide show

Thanks to Philip Wiltshire and Phil Crutchfield from the Jaguar Associates Group of Michigan.
Additional pictures from John Magee.

Matt & Vicki’s Grand Rapids Road Trip

What a day!!! Mother Nature could not have been in a better mood as we headed out for our drive to Grand Rapids! Picked up another MG on Grand River and our caravan of 5 headed out on a wonderful drive of truly lovely roads-unfortunately the “B” is having some electrical issues and after driving over 600 miles last weekend needed a break, so we headed the caravan with my Fiat (the Fiata as Matt calls it) 😂
The trip was great and we ended up in town for the house tour.  First off, we watched a really interesting video on the history of the house and the incredible work done for the 2 years it took to restore it. We then went on a great tour of this fabulous house with amazing architecture!
We wrapped up the day by heading to the Grand Rapids Market and we tried out the various food vendors - everything was delicious!!😋
What a great place and wonderful way to wrap up the day before we all headed home.
Thank you to those that were able to join us; sorry to those unable to make the trip as it was such a beautiful day and a great drive (we missed you).
Thanks to Matt for organizing everything!  He has wanted to do this trip for years and it finally worked out. Even though, as he said the destinations weren’t really car related, sometimes it’s just nice to take a pleasant drive in the cars we love and do something different 

Story and Pictures submitted by Vicki Bade

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Brontë Creek 2023 

Another Great Weekend!!!! Headed out for a great weekend in Canada on our way to Brontë  Creek, with a pit stop or two - a little time on the train to Toronto, a winery here and there, good food and a walk thru Niagara On The Lake before an awesome car show!

We met up with some members from the Canadian side with JP McGraw coming out the big winner! Mother Nature was kind, company was great and we had a wonderful time😊😊

Story and Pictures submitted by Vicki Bade

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24th Annual Alden Classic Sports Car Show 

Despite a little rain to start the day, there was  a great turnout and everyone had a wonderful time at the 24th Annual Alden Classic Sports Car Show. A lot of spectacular cars and a friendly bunch of people.

Pictures submitted by John Magee

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A lot of “Thank Yous” and “Goodbyes”

- from Rick and Anne Astley

Anne and I are now in our new home state of Wisconsin where we have bought a condo just a few minutes from our eldest son’s home in the city of Brookfield and just a little over an hour from that of our youngest son’s family who live a little north of Chicago. We’re due to move in August 25^th and look forward to the comfort and security of not just living much closer to family, but without the stress and hassle of having to cross Chicago to visit one another.

Our move was not without its share of sadness, especially as we had to say goodbye to so many good friends, many of 25 years+, most of whom we were privileged to have met during our 26 years with the Windsor-Detroit MG Club. We’re now going to have to seek out a new British car club knowing that, whichever it is, it can never compare to Windsor-Detroit.

We owe a big thank you to all of you that were able to attend – in torrential rain and lightning – the July meeting at Buca di Beppo at which we couldn’t have wished for a better send-off. Our special thanks too to Vicki for organizing the event and to the forever thoughtful Vince & Kelly Lacroix for supplying the cake, chocolates and banner. When we first learned of it our reaction was one of embarrassment; convinced first that we didn’t deserve such an honor and second that just a handful of people would turn up. In the end the attendance proved to be overwhelming and very humbling. Many members, who for one reason or other could not attend, have since reached out to us to say goodbye and our thanks to you all too.

A Wisconsin reunion was with our 2 British cars. Our 1970 MGB was transferred to our son here about 8 years ago and he drove our 2004 Jaguar here a few weeks ago after finagling flying back from a business trip via Detroit. There is some consolation in moving here in that the Jaguar will cost, like every other passenger vehicle, $80 per year to tax rather than nearly $400 in Michigan where it was assessed on its value when new of some $80K. Moreover, next year, upon its 20^th birthday, it will be eligible for a forever $250 Collectors Plate, the only restrictions being that the owner must have a regular vehicle registered and does not drive the collector’s vehicle in January.

Our very last thank-you and goodbye go along with our best wishes to you all. Please care for and cherish the Windsor-Detroit MG Club, it well deserves it.

Rick & Anne

Gilmore Car Museum -  British Auto Faire XXXII - Mad Dogs and Englishmen

The Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners held its annual British Car event -  British Auto Faire XXXII - Mad Dogs and Englishmen -  and once again, it was a delightful event. 

Pictures submitted by John Magee

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WDMGC Meeting - July 2023

It was a great turnout for the July meeting to say farewell to Rick and Anne Astley as they head off to Wisconsin to be with their family after more than 25 years of leadership in our club. There were many warm discussions, a fair bit of speechifying, and a festive cake brought by Vince and Kelly Lacroix.

Pictures submitted by John Magee

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WDMGC Meeting - June 2023

WDMGC June meeting saw rookies and veterans at Little Daddy's bringing their MGs on another nice night for driving.

Pictures submitted by Vicki Bade

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- click on any image for a full size image slide show

The British (and the WDMGC) Return to Fort Meigs

Several members of WDMGC crossed into Ohio for the annual British Return to Fort Meigs car show on Sunday, June 4. Congratulations to Gary Decker & Shelley MacMillan for getting the “Award of Excellence” in their class with their 1980 MGB!
Our fearless President Vicki Bale reports that she had a splendid ride down in Fran Lewis’s MGC. In addition to our club members they also saw several of our friends from the Jaguar Affiliates Group of Michigan. The weather was lovely, the cars were lovely and a good time was had by all!

Pictures submitted by Vicki Bade

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WDMGC and JAG Club Valve Cover Race!

WDMGC and JAG (Jaguar Affiliates Group) of Michigan headed to Lee Jacobson's "garage" for an exciting evening of Valve Cover Racing!  Enjoy this collection of pictures!!!

Pictures submitted by John Magee

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WDMGC 2023 Spring Gathering!

On Sunday, May 21, the Windsor-Detroit MG Club hosted a gathering of British cars and friends at
Camp Dearborn in Milford, Michigan. The weather was splendid — probably the best ever for the
event. The picnic lunch was even better. And the opportunity to gather in friendship after a long win-
ter was best of all!
Afterwards several members continued the fun by stopping at the monthly British Car Corral ar-
ranged by our friends with the Michigan Jaguar club at Baker’s Sunday cruise-in at Baker’s Restau-
rant in Milford. The British Car Corral happens each 3rd Sunday of the month.

Pictures submitted by John Magee

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WDMGC and JAG - Gatherings d’Elegance 2023!

Members of WDMGC joined the Jaguar Affiliates Group of Michigan recently for a day vistit to the Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores.  The Gathering d’Elegance included a luncheon and a guided tour.  Enjoy this collection of pictures!!!

Pictures submitted by Vicki Bade and Perry Zakucia

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WDMGC 2023 Kimber Run ... Cars, cruising, cake and comrades!

The annual Kimber run brought a crowd of MGs to lunch at Holt, Michigan!!!  Weather was nice compared to some previous snowy drives.  Enjoy this collection of pictures!!!

Pictures submitted by John Magee

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WDMGC Meeting - April 2023

An unbelievably warm and sunny April evening brought a big crowd of MGs to our Windsor-Detroit MG Club meeting at the Brass Pointe.

Pictures submitted by John Magee

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Your 2023 WDMGC Board Members!

The beginning of another year brings the chance to elect the WDMGC Board of directors. This year the voting was, once again, on-line. The board saw changes again this year.  The biggest news is Newcomer Vince LaCrouix was elected as Treasurer!  Louise Beck stepped down as Secretary (we all thank her for her time!), and John Magee has moved into filling her shoes, and taking on the role as Newsletter Editor.  Vicki Bade continues as President, Dale Brown carries on as Vice President.   Congratulations to all who participated in the voting, and we offer our support to those elected for the upcoming year. Remember, you may contact any board member for any suggestions or comments about the WDMGC. We offer a short bio on each right here.

Vicki Bade President	Dale Brown Vice President	John Magee Secretary	Vince LaCroix Treasurer