12 replies to this topic

[Tanya]

I was at the Longbridge Reunion yesterday – it was great! There was a good, steady flow of people throughout the day. Some had brought photos (a few with albums) to show and all had stories and memories to share. MG Motors UK did a great job with a timetable of short interesting talks and regular trips across to Lord Austin's office and Longbridge’s small museum. MG Car Club, MG Owners Club, ALF (Austin and Longbridge Federation), www.austinmemories.com and the Austin Ex-Apprentices Association all came along to be involved/support the reunion. ALF, www.austinmemories.com and Austin Ex-Apprentices Association bought memorabilia along which was comprehensive, interesting and very much appreciated by the former Longbridge workers. MG Motors UK had their cars on display, were offering test drives, had photos of the new model due next year and a range of their merchandise on display. They also had a large picture of one of their cars for everyone to sign and a memories book to capture memories. Before the event, MG Motors UK had worked hard to assemble and display an excellent selection of Longbridge photos spanning the years. The original idea for the reunion came from Louise Lane who worked at Longbridge from 1992 until the closure, then went to Bentley for a year before coming back to Longbridge as MG Motors UK first employee. The MD had asked her to contact previous Longbridge workers to let them know about MG Motors UK’s cars. She explained that she had no records to be able to contact them but she could organise a reunion and those who wanted to leave their contact details for the company could do so. Although the original idea for the reunion came from a way to try and increase awareness and hopefully sales, this reunion was far from a cynical sales exercise but was a great way of business and community coming together for the greater good of both.

Below are my not very good photos. I take photos more as a memory aid rather than for others to appreciate.

https://www.facebook...=1&l=617382d328

[hazpalmer14]

that new mg looks like the latest fabia

[Steely]

Why don't I ever hear about these things? I live 2 mins away!

[Tanya]

Why don't I ever hear about these things? I live 2 mins away!

My understanding is that if the reunion was a success (which it was) then MG Motors UK will be looking to host another one next year. They are also planning to start factory tours next year.

They have just started working on their community engagement and this is an area that they are keen to expand. They are working with local schools this year on something Christmassy (sorry I can’t remember the detail), but they want to do more with the community next year.

I will post when I hear any news. I take it that you will be coming along to The Pride of Longbridge on Saturday 14th April next year. I expect that MG Motors UK will be attending so you can ask them what their future plans for community engagement/community events are. They might have clearer plans about another reunion and factory tour then.

[Steely]

Cheers for the info .

I go down to the Pride of Longbridge every year unless im on holiday. The factory tour sounds good even if the cars that are now made there aren't.

[maggies_minder]

i usually go to the pride of longbidge along with a few of the sutton minis lads.

my grandad didnt realise this reunion was happening until it was on the news on the evening.

he worked at rover for many years as a gearbox specialist, he got a Queens award for the work he did developing the Kseries gearbox.
and did work for rover all over the place.
he even did machine work for issigonis and sterling moss.

he seemed a little sad he missed this.

[Tanya]

i usually go to the pride of longbidge along with a few of the sutton minis lads.

my grandad didnt realise this reunion was happening until it was on the news on the evening.

he worked at rover for many years as a gearbox specialist, he got a Queens award for the work he did developing the Kseries gearbox.
and did work for rover all over the place.
he even did machine work for issigonis and sterling moss.

he seemed a little sad he missed this.

I'm sorry your grandad missed the reunion - I'm sure that he would have loved it. People were meeting each other for the first time in years and really pleased to see one another. Having never worked at Longbridge, I wasn't any good to exchange stories and share memories with, but for some ex-workers they were just pleased to be able to tell their stories to someone who was interested. My primary role for the day was shifting tables, helping man the stalls and fetching endless cups of tea and coffee for those who had very dry mouths from the endless talking but who did not want to have to stop to get a drink!

As soon as I hear any news about the next reunion (I'm sure they'll be one), I'll post. Clearly your grandad would have made a valuable contribution to the reunion - he'll just have to come along to the next one

[maggies_minder]

cheers Tanya, hopefully he can turn up at the next one

[mab01uk]

MG Motor UK opened its doors to ex-Longbridge workers and managers and invited them to share their memories of time worked at the iconic works based on Low Hill Lane. The day was a success, attracting many visitors – some of whom had first hand access to Herbert Austin’s office.
Enjoy Central TV‘s report from the event, even if it does get ‘The Austin’ wrong...........

[cradley-heathen]

i dont live too far away from longbridge, and we always make it to the pride of longbridge day. im really proud to own a car built there (infact i have had allegro, ital, marina coupe and tons of minis)

me and mrs cradley-heathen often do our shopping at the morrisons near there which has some great pics on the walls of the old factory. i only wish i had worked there.

factory tour? get me a ticket now!

[Steely]

i dont live too far away from longbridge, and we always make it to the pride of longbridge day. im really proud to own a car built there (infact i have had allegro, ital, marina coupe and tons of minis)

me and mrs cradley-heathen often do our shopping at the morrisons near there which has some great pics on the walls of the old factory. i only wish i had worked there.

factory tour? get me a ticket now!

I get the same feeling, It makes me feel proud when I drive past in my mini. What mini do you drive? I may have seen you around

[Sam14]

To be honest, when they release that car. Im swapping my fiesta in for one of them. Fact haha
Just look at all those minivans

And how it used to look :/ That use to be a mighty building. What a shame.

Edited by Sam14, 05 December 2011 - 09:14 PM.

[Steely]

I'm pretty sure that some of the oldest parts of the factory were listed buildings and therefore shouldn't of been demolished.