Southern Group happenings: October 2023
Despite the shorter days and Halloween, SGMW members managed to have a very productive month in October.
SGMW motors towards New Year Honours at SMMT Test Day South
The Southern Group of Motoring Writers’ pre-dinner gathering for SMMT Test Day South returned this year. The SGMW was kindly hosted by Suzuki UK, with a large number of members making the trip south to Oakley Hall, near Basingstoke in Hampshire, for a pre-overnight stay and dinner. Also invited were members of the SMMT, who […]
Miles of smiles at SGMW’s magnificent motoring trip down memory lane
A splendid line-up of old and new cars, fine company and glorious sunshine made for a brilliant Southern Group of Motoring Writers’ Heritage Day. The annual event was again held at the National Motor Museum’s corporate marquee at Beaulieu in Hampshire. A splendid turnout saw PR friends from eight manufacturers join 23 SGMW members for […]
Big SGMW turnout a real driving force at Kia test day
The annual Southern Group of Motoring Writers’ (SGMW) Kia drive day returned for 2023 for the second consecutive year. This year’s event was held at Rhinefield House Hotel, located in the New Forest, where SGMW members were given the chance to test 14 of the brand’s latest models on the surrounding roads. As with last […]
Sue Baker Memorial Karting GP raises record sum for charity
The annual Southern Group of Motoring Writers’ (SGMW) charity Karting Grand Prix returned for 2023 as a tribute to long-standing member Sue Baker. Sue, who was a pioneering force in motoring journalism, a long-standing SGMW member and former chairman, passed away in November 2022 after bravely battling Motor Neurone Disease. To celebrate Sue’s contribution to […]
Amazing response to SGMW karting GP in memory of Sue Baker
The Southern Group of Motoring Writers’ annual charity karting grand prix will be even more special this year as it is in memory of Sue Baker. Sue, a motoring pioneer, long-standing SGMW member and past chairman, died in November after bravely battling Motor Neurone Disease. SGMW members unanimously agreed to choose the Motor Neurone Disease […]
Winning start to 2023 with SGMW New Year Honours
Top cars and PR stars have been recognised with Southern Group of Motoring Writers’ awards which welcome in 2023. The SGMW New Year Honours go to the manufacturers and PR teams and individuals whose outstanding efforts have gone the extra mile to make motoring memorable and help SGMW members over the past 12 months. SGMW […]
Motoring legend Stuart Bladon dies aged 89
The Southern Group of Motoring Writers is sad to learn of the death of Stuart Bladon, motoring journalist, car enthusiast and a stalwart of SGMW. We were delighted to catch up with Stuart, a retired SGMW member, at our Christmas lunch earlier this month. SGMW chairman Ian Robertson said: “Stuart was another motoring legend who […]
Genesis ride-and-drive event start of electrifying experience
The Southern Group of Motoring Writers was delighted to be hosted by Korean luxury car-maker Genesis for a ride-and-drive event. Simon Branney, head of PR and Communications at Genesis Motor UK, welcomed a dozen SGMW members, ably supported by Sam Buckingham and Emily Evans. The fabulous St Michael’s Manor hotel, in the shadow of the cathedral at […]
SGMW New Year Honours 2023 – get your votes in
The Southern Group of Motoring Writers is all fired up about its search for the star cars and pro-active PRs in its annual New Year Honours. It has been another difficult year for the motor industry so the coveted, keenly-fought awards, now in their sixth year, will be a great start to 2023. The successful […]