MG Garden Official Opening

THURSDAY evening saw the much anticipated opening of the MG Garden on Ock Street, Abingdon.

The MG Garden has been a long running project between the MG Car Club and Abingdon Town Council, with the aim of documenting the history of MG in Abingdon and the impact the factory had on the town.

Members of Abingdon Town Council and the MG Car Club gathered in the garden for an opening ceremony led by Simon Pedrazzini and the Mayor of Abingdon-on-Thames, Cllr Angela Lawrence.

Three classic MGs, built in the former factory just around the corner from the garden, were on display and acted as great props for the ribbon cutting.

MG Car Club General Manager Julian White said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people gathered here for this opening ceremony.

“This has been a real community project from the start, with help from Abingdon residents, local historians and Car Club members. It’s very rewarding to see the garden being used and enjoyed, especially on such a wonderful evening.”

As well as seating arrangements and a paved MG feature piece, the MG Garden includes seven display boards, detailing the history of MG in Abingdon from the factory opening in 1929, through to its closure in 1980. Funding for the boards was provided by sponsors including Frontline Developments, Moss Europe, Zircotec, British Motor Heritage and Old Speckled Hen.

During the peak of car production the factory employed 1,300 workers and built roughly 1,000 cars a week.

The MG Car Club is now working towards installing a commemorative plaque on the former home of Cecil Kimber, the man behind the MG Car Company. You can make a donation to the Blue Plaque fund here.