Southern Group happenings: March 2024

In the month of March, the SGMW members were again prolifically busy as usual. With a litany of new car reveals, drive reviews, and features being produced throughout the month. As usual, the automotive industry was busier than ever, with an array of new models breaking cover. Among the new car highlights were the rather […]
PR STARS, TOP CARS RECOGNISED IN 2024 SGMW NEW YEAR HONOURS

Electric cars charged to the top spots in the 2024 Southern Group of Motoring Writers New Year Honours. The SGMW annual awards, the first of the year, recognise the outstanding efforts of manufacturers, PR teams and individuals who excelled with magnificent models, memorable motoring and help SGMW members over the past 12 months. The awards […]
Festive fun and feasting at SGMW Christmas lunch

Christmas jumpers and festive fun were the order of the day at the Southern Group of Motoring Writers Christmas lunch.A total of 30 members, present and past, and partners enjoyed the seasonal goodwill with a fab feast at The Lion Inn at Boreham, near Chelmsford.A three-course meal was accompanied by chairman Ian Robertson’s Christmas quiz […]
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 […]