This year’s South East Spring Run was centred on the 80th plus 2 (due to Covid!) Anniversary of the Battle of Britain with visits to the Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum at RAF Manston and the National Memorial to the Few at Capel-le-Ferne
Starting at the Spitfire & Hurricane Memorial Museum RAF Manston where special parking was arranged on the grass in front of the RAF Manston History Museum next door. MGs starting arriving from 9.30am and by mid-morning 27 MGs of various types, including T Types, YB, MGA, Midget, MGB, MGC, RV8, MG Metro, TF and ZR were registered and parked. Members enjoyed the fair weather, the MG scene, museums, the excellent exhibits and of course the Merlin Café!
All participants received the 31 mile Touring Assembly Route instructions which toured through the beautiful East Kent countryside to the National Memorial to the Few adjacent to the White Cliffs at Capel-le-Ferne. During the run they was the option to visit the Lydden Bell PH and the Battle of Britain Museum at Hawkinge.
MGs started arriving at the National Memorial to the Few from 1.30pm where unique parking was arranged next to the central statue of a lone pilot, with unrivalled views across the White Cliffs. The Memorial is a peaceful place ideal for those who wish to show their respect to the heroes of the Battle of Britain named on the Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall.
All the cars parked next to the Lone Pilot Statue provided quite a spectacle especially when 3 times during the afternoon a Spitfire flew overhead, one providing a victory role, on their normal passenger run from Biggin Hill to the White Cliffs.
Participants enjoyed their picnic and visits to the outside Spitfire, Hurricane and Stuka exhibits and The Wing Visitor Centre. which included the interactive scramble experience, the shop, the café and viewing gallery.
It was a long and very successful day and we would like to thank the Memorials for the enthusiasm and support for the day. MGCCSE has provided a donation to both Memorials from the proceeds of the day.
