Third annual Don Hayter Talk with Geoff Allen

Geoff Allen, well known to V8 enthusiasts in the UK and overseas, is giving the third of the annual series of Don Hayter Talks on his life and times at Abingdon. With his knowledge and memories of over 27 years at the Abingdon Plant, he always has a wealth of tales and interesting anecdotes - not to mention a mischievous sense of humour - so the event will certainly be entertaining. The talk has been arranged by Clive Wheatley at the Swancote Country Club near Worfield, just south west of Wolverhampton near Bridgnorth, for Sunday 17th October 2004.

Much of Geoff's time at the Abingdon Plant was in Rectifications Department sorting out gremlins from MGs returning from road testing, so he saw many of our MGBGTV8s on their way from the production line before despatch to the dealers. Following the sad closure of the Plant, Geoff was encouraged to set up in business by a number of fellow members, and for many years provided an unmatched personal specialist V8 service at his garage in Abingdon.

Geoff was a founder member of the V8 Register in October 1978 and has held the post of V8 Historian and Archivist ever since. His personal hand-written copy of the V8 factory production records is one of the most authoritative sources of information on the MGBGTV8 available. Combined with his extraordinary memory and personal knowledge of the whole of the V8 production run, he has a wealth of information at his his fingertips.
Annual series of Don Hayter Talks
The series of annual talks was introduced in 2002 by a former V8 Register Chairman, Peter Buckles, when Don Hayter gave a talk on the "concept, development and production of the MGBGTV8". On that occasion Geoff Allen supported Don with recollections they shared from their time at the Abingdon Plant, particularly with the MGBGTV8. The following year, as part of the V8 25th Anniversary Week of events, the second DHT was given by David Bishop and John Yea on the "concept, development and production of the RV8". That proved a fascinating tale of how a low budget sportscar was produced to keep the name of MG alive just before the new vehicle road noise regulations changed - the project made it just in time and is something they both felt sure is unlikely to be seen again.
Sunday 17th October 2004
12.15pm for 2.00pm

Swancote Country Club
Wolverhampton Road
Worfield
Near Bridgnorth
Shropshire WV15 5HA
www.swancotecountryclub.com


Programme for the DHT3
The talk will commence at 2.00pm following lunch at the country club. Members can arrive from just after noon. The plan is Geoff will talk for just under an hour and will be pleased to take questions.

How can I get a ticket for the DHT3?
Simply send the booking form and a cheque for £12.00 made payable to "V8 Register - MG Car Club" to Clive Wheatley, High Grosvenor Workshops, Worfield, Near Wolverhampton WV15 5PN. The ticket price includes lunch. Any queries regarding bookings or dietary needs, call Clive Wheatley on 01746 710810 or at sales(at)mgv8parts.com by email. We use the format "(at)" rather than "@" in an attempt to thwart the miserable pests who scavenge websites for email addresses they harvest for sale to spammers. All MG Car Club members welcome.

Where will the talk be held?
A room has been arranged at the Swancote Country Club. There is car parking for over 200 cars and special arrangements have been arranged with the owner by the organiser of this event, Clive Wheatley.

How do I find the Swancote Country Club?
We have a location map for you which shows how to find Worfield and the country club.

Geoff Allen speaking at the V8 25th Anniversary Dinner in 2003, held at the BRDC Clubhouse at Silverstone with Jean nearby. (Photo: Gavin Bailey)