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MG MGA - Retirement

I am retiring from work at the end of the month to become an MGA man of leisure.

I have invited all my colleagues to a few farewell bevvies and, in the invite I slipped the following poem that I thought the likes of Glenn would appreciate. I make no claims for the bulk of the words. They are credited to Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee, No 412 squadron, RCAF, Killed 11 December 1941. His poem 'High Flight' is brilliant and world renowned.

609 is my building number on the airfield.
A59 is the road outside that runs westward into Preston.
Bumps refer to the many speed bumps (sleeping policemen) on the airfield.

"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of 609
And danced the bumps in my old sports car;
Westward I've driven, and joined the A59
On sun-split roads - and done a ton by far
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and skidded and swung
Long in the sunlit silence. Racing there
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager car through blasting walls of air.
Along, the long delirious, country lane,
I've topped the windswept fells with easy grace
Where Audi, and even BMW will strain -
And, while with silent lifting foot I try
The high un-trespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and wave goodbye."

Steve

Steve Gyles

Your retired now so take a bow,
Congrats!
James Johanski

From the number of posts you make during the day I thought you were retired.
As my Dad said, I should have done it as soon as I left school.
HAPPY RETIREMENT Steve
Nigel Munford

Just a sign of "work" in the public sector I think Nigel. The government and city here have just blocked Facebook access for their employees as it was the most visited site in their Internet traffic - how the staff can justify it as "work-related" beats me. They are still complaining of course....
dominic clancy

Congrats Steve - I too officially become a pensioner in October - at least now you can choose whether you will take your car out in the rain - all the best - Cam
Cam Cunningham

Congratulations Steve!

You are most welcome to visit up here in the Lake District any time you fancy a nice run out. Look forward to seeing your car when you get that new supercharger fitted!

You enjoy your well earned retirement, as if you need to be told!

Neil McGurk

Happy retirement Steve. I'm envious.
Andy Bounsall

congratulations steve i hope that like me you find that this is the best job ever , one problem ! i seem to have ever more things to do & less time to do them
best wishes colin (devon)
colin daly

Steve, Great news (public at last!) Welcome to the ranks of the "Self un-employed".

I will stock the cellar, service the "A" and create a huge MG welcome sign!!

Barry
BM Gannon

Steve, I retired 2 years ago. Not a bad thing to do. Yes, the mileage on the MG has go way up, and the girl at the ice cream shoppe knows what size and flavor I get.

We earned it chum

cheers

Gary
79 MGB
gary hansen

Steve,
Looking forward to you visiting Melbourne - have a look at our club calendar before you make a booking to come Oz.
http://www.mgcc.com.au/calendar/calendar.asp#NOW
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

Steve, your "honey do list" will expand exponentially. Otherwise, I have found "retirement" consumed by an expanding list of projects and things to do.

I just bought an Riley Elf to start a new project.

HAPPY RETIREMENT Steve

Jim
Jim Ferguson

Just in case my comments come across a little negatively, I do hope you enjoy your retirement and that funds for the suprcharger are found.
dominic clancy

No problems Dominic. I'm just releived that the problem is so widespread and I am not the only culprit!! Our company has blocked similar sites. Also, because it is a defence company, a number of other dubious sites have been blocked off.

Somewhat amusingly for me, when I want details on the supply of military equipment to a specific customer, some of the best sites for accurate detail are those that campaign against the arms trade. Bit ironic really.

Steve

Steve Gyles

Steve, The retired await your arrival... I baled out last month. The overloaded garage awaits, with HRG head, 3.9 diff, wire wheels and gearbox rebuild on my 1500 FHC competing with the Riley brakes and rewire on the Morris Traveller and the '59 Landrover outside - working but covered in verdigris. Yippee! Shane
Shanerj

Happy retirement!! The important thing is to keep moving! Don't sit down for long at all, if you sit down for one of those delicious naps, get right up and do something right away!! Triage the honey do list daily, and pick something that you can accomplish easily. Accomplish one thing every day, no matter how small and you both will feel better. On the other hand, I recently heard or read this story:
Retired man and wife at the breakfast table...
Wife says "what are you going to do today?"
Old boy replies "nothing."
Wife says "you did that yesterday."
Old boy says "I ain't finished yet."
Russ
Russ Carnes

You will wonder how you had time for work. The MGA and my sailboat and chores consume almost all my time. How I got anything done while working amazes me. Enjoy.
Bill Haglan

Congratulations Steve,

Your poor MGA will now suffer under your now constant attention.

Enjoy!
T McCarthy

Actually, the old girl (MGA that is) has had bit of a hammering recently, so she too will get bit of a rest. Apart from social driving, work related motoring has increased, having recently moved working accommodation. We are now commuting 18 miles each way and 15 of those are motorways (M6 & M55). She has certainly enjoyed the fast sections. Only 2mph short of my target speed the other day when I had to lift for a dawdling Beemer. At the time she was accelerating steadily and wind blast round the head (sports windscreen) was massively lighter than the standard screen - radio was still loud and clear.

7 days and counting. Although having had time now to take stock, I think I will miss the chat and banter with colleagues more than the work itself.

Steve
Steve Gyles

I am still working but i am just beginning to understand how the lure of retirement creeps up on you. I enjoy my work but over the last couple of years i have found myself more and looking out of the window on sunny days wishing i was driving my mga with the top down.
I really enjoy reading these bbs threads and i think when i retire i will make an effort to get into the mga and try to look up some of you guys.
It could be a real enjoyable project,
Happy retirement Steve
cheers
colyn
ps need to talk to you about the sports screen sometime, how would it be on say a continental tour for example?
colyn
colyn firth

Colyn

The sports windscreen I have is not just a cut down normal screen. The support stanchions are more raked. Therefore the channelling is also angled slightly differently, requiring different internal right angle support brackets - so I am informed by Bob West. The whole is an accurate reproduction of the works 1950s sports screen.

So, what does all this mean for touring?

1. The side screens do not fit.

2. The hood does not fit.

3. Lots more luggage space once hood and side screens are removed.

4. The tonneau has 2 cut outs now not filled by the removed windscreen supports (grab handles).

5. Slightly more wind blast at lower speeds to the front top of the head, but, I believe, less to the back of the head and neck.

6. I believe less facial air blast at higher speeds (above, say 70 mph).

7. Better aerodynamics. Car has better acceleration.

8. If it rains I get wet. I always carry a towel for putting across my lap.

9. No rail at the top of the screen so rain comes over the top more readily than the normal screen.

10. The wipers are prone to scratch the plastic screen.


So, would I travel the continent with it? Absolutely yes. I cannot think of any overriding benefit of putting the old screen back. It, the hood and the sidescreens are now resident in the attic.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve

If you are tempted to make the journey to Zurich as one of the retiirement projects, a bed awaits, though I am easier to reach in Ormskirk on the occasional visits there!

dominic clancy

Dominic

I could just take you up on that. Never been to Switzerland.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Dominic - Ormskirk - did I hear Ormskirk - that's where I am - we will all have to meet up next time you are here - Steve did make it to one of our club meets a couple of years ago - cheers Cam
Cam Cunningham

Hi Cam

Yes you read right. If you know of a very nice pale blue C Roadster in the town, that used to belong to my cousin John, until he sold to another local guy. I'll probably be there over the Christmas break at some point - the annual walk along the beach at either Crosby or Ainsdale is an absolute highlight of my year!
dominic clancy

Cam/Dominic

Count me in for one of those beach walks unless you do not want your solitude spoilt! Perhaps we could muster a few more North Westerners from the forum?

Back to reality and the thread title; one week to go and counting.

The plan is then to become a Southerner (back to my roots permanently for the first time since 1965) by moving south of Watford Gap - probably south of the Thames and in striking distance of the old girl's home (Abingdon).

It will be a bit nearer the kids and grandchildren. It will also give me a chance to drive my daughter's partner's Ferrari 430 a bit more!

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve - sorry to hear that there will be one less MGA "up North" - you will be able to swap your 5 bed mansion for a 2 bed terrace then!
Dominic - let us know when you get over in UK in Ormskirk and we will arrange a get together before Steve heads off South - not done the Crosby beach walk but did a Southport 10mile beach run years ago.cheers Cam
Cam Cunningham

Hi Steve. Retired my ASS! Your job just changed from full time money making employment to full time non pay MGA repair and maintenence! lol. Hope you enjoy your wekk earned rest. Happy retirement! Glenn
Glenn Hedrich

Steve
We will welcome another MGA and owner in this part of the Country!! I never believed those old buggers who told me they had never been so busy in retirement but it has an element of truth!!
I have so far enjoyed 7 years and still cant get round to all the jobs
all good wishes
Paul
P D Camp

Paul

I was originally from Hertfordshire/Middlesex (Cockfosters/Barnet/Enfield) and still have family in the general area - Cuffley and Radlett. May be we will cross paths.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve,
Enjoy your well earned retirement! I retired two years ago and have never been so busy. It's great.

Jerry
Jerry Murphy

Steve
I was bought up in Enfield and have lived in Cuffley now for 40 years- We have a great local Club "Enfield Veteran Vehicle Assn"with many members and cars ranging from ealy Austins to Vintage Bentleys and Duesenburgs- its a small world
Paul
P D Camp

Paul

Yes, it is a small world. I went to Enfield Grammar School 1963 to 1965 before joining the RAF in 1965.

My parents moved to Cuffley in 1973, but have long passed on. My younger brother's family is in Tolmers Gardens.

For those world-wide who have never heard of Cuffley, the first German Zeppelin to be shot down by the RFC over England in World War 1 fell beside the Plough Inn public house in Cuffley (50 yards from where my parents subsequently lived). The RFC Pilot, Leefe Robinson, was awarded the Victoria Cross for his effort - the highest award for bravery that can awarded to a member of the British Armed Forces. There is a memorial to his achievement in the Ridgeway, Cuffley. I have had a look at it and it is incorrectly inscribed, although the detail escapes me at the moment. Perhaps Paul can go and have a look and remind me.

See also here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leefe_Robinson

You learn all sorts of things in this forum, not just MGA!

Steve
Steve Gyles

Today is my first day of leisure, so I can post at any time of day - No change there then!!

After weeks of solid cloud and intermittent rain, the sun has broken out to mark the occasion. Too nice for the MGA. It's not used to going out in sunlight and dry roads. I will give it a rest until the Autumn storms appear.

Now, what shall I do next................? Had to hand my company mobile in, so I guess it is off to the Car Phone Warehouse.

Reminds me of when I left the RAF after 25 years service. Instead of being given the customary clock to mark the occasion, I had to give them one - they wanted my all-singing aircrew watch back!

Steve
Steve Gyles

Congratulations Steve - I hope you have a long and happy retirement.

As it happens, today is my 65th. birthday, although I don't intend to stop working for a few years yet!

Best Wishes,

Maurice.
M. Standish

Congratulations Maurice. I'm a sprog at this retirement game, so I'm not yet in a position to recommend it.

The wife keeps wanting to talk!!! Keeps following me around.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve, You're there at last - well done. Cheapskate RAF taking their watch back - you'd think they'd have let you keep it as a memento. Lovely day today but it was gardening rather than MGA tinkering - off to the Blackpool Illuminations with the MG club this evening - should be good if it stays like this - MGA doesn't like heavy traffic so we go north to south - usually flows steadily and MGA gives a good view.
Maurice - happy birthday - you are 5 days older than me - I make 65 on the 6th.
Cam Cunningham

Cam

You will be passing by the top of my road (just off the old Preston - Blackpool Road). If you need any repairs drop by. Type PR4 2DR into your sat nav. No. 3.

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve - why are you going back to the scene of your former triumphs? I thought received wisdom was that it's always a mistake.

We retired earlier this year, and there's absolutely no possibility of my going back to the Isle of Wight.

No - it's a completely fresh start for us. In exactly a fortnight we move to a part of England we know absolutely nothing about, and begin a new adventure.
Nick

Steve, I was born in Chase Farm Hospital, Enfield, but I support Spurs, not the other North London lot.!!
Nick. Where are you moving to?
Nigel Munford

Nigel

Chase Side Nursing Home Southgate for me. My Mum did voluntary work at Chase Farm on the Ridgeway.

You are my natural enemy. Ar*enal.

Since we are going all over the place on this thread, I watched the last ever game in England by the Busby Babes before the Munich Air Disaster. They beat my team by the odd goal in 5 I think. In those days as an 11 year old it was quite safe to travel on my own into London and stand in a 60,000 crowd. Year of production of my 1958 MGA - just to keep on theme!

Steve
Steve Gyles

Small world,

I grew up in the Waltham Cross Cheshunt area and used to watch Spurs reserve team at the Brookfield Lane ground in Cheshunt as well as the first team at White Hart Lane.

I rescued my first MGA from a field in Cuffley where it was being used for autocross racing paying £50 for it.

Regards...JB
John Bray

Born in a nursing home in Oxhey, and still look at the Watford results.

But we're off to Pembridge, near Leominster, on the 15th of this month.

No idea why.

Where are you, Nigel?
Nick

Pembridge, on the Black & White trail,All villages with old B&W cottages. I am in Cradley, on the Herefordshire side of the Malvern Hills. We have our own little MGA club. This weekend they are off to the Isle of man. I have to miss it because my wife is still working. You will love the roads around where you will be living. Most of our runs come back through Pembridge, leominster, Hay or Mortimers Cross. We must meet up.
Brightwells of Leominster have classic car sales, & automobilia sales every few months. Good to window shop.
Regards
Nigel Munford

Glad you are Spurs supporters Nigel& John they are moving their training ground to Capel Manor near Waltham Cross !!!
Just took the MGA out for a spin on this delightful morning took her up to 4000 revs in 5th (88mph) magic .
Steve- had a look at the Leefe Robinson memorial on Cuffley Ridgeway can't spot any mistakes, It mentions Leefe Robinson shot down a SL11(which is a Shutte Lanz airship not a Zeppelin ? ) on Oct 3rd All information looks accurate even down to the memorial being erected by the local nobility (Mrs Kidston) as well as public subscription from the Daily Express.
The memorial was renovated and cleaned by the local Parish council as part of the Millenium celebrations
Paul
PS I was born in Hertford General in 1941!!
P D Camp

Thanks for the offer of the repair facility Steve - the car managed it with only a minor problem - flattened the battery by leaving the lights on when I stopped - but a bump start got it going again easily. Survived a slow drive through the lights with 13 other club MGs - rather heavy traffic because of the good weather - but good fish and chips at the end and a pleasant drive home at 11 p.m.
Cam Cunningham

Paul

Spotted it. They got the date wrong. It was 3 Sep, not 3 Oct.


All

I thought you appreciate the retirement card I received from my son. He retains the Gyles sense of humour.

Mind you, he could have sent a real bottle!

Steve


Steve Gyles

Excellent spoof wine bottle label - you are obviously a good vintage Steve.
Cam Cunningham

This thread was discussed between 11/09/2009 and 03/10/2009

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