November 16th 2024.
In the charming town of Abingdon, located in Oxfordshire, stands a beloved pub that has become a part of the town's rich history. The Greene King Midget pub, named after the iconic MG Midget EX 127 car that was once manufactured in the town, has recently stirred up some controversy.
A petition started by Dr. Erin Pritchard, a disability lecturer, brought attention to the pub's name, which some found offensive. Dr. Pritchard, who has dwarfism, received 1,300 signatures in support of changing the name. However, a counter-petition by Joe Lawlor, with the support of 3,000 people, aims to preserve the pub's original name as a piece of history.
The pub, which has been open since 1974, was recently announced to undergo a major refurbishment and reopen in December under a new name, the Roaring Raindrop, after another historic MG car. This decision has been met with criticism, with Lawlor calling it "ridiculous" and stating that the pub's name is an important part of Abingdon's history.
The original petition argued that the term "midget" is a form of disablist hate speech and should not be used. Dr. Pritchard, who has spoken with Greene King about the matter, shared that she and others with dwarfism have experienced bullying and harassment because of this term. She believes it should be eliminated from use and "consigned to the history books."
MG cars have been a significant part of Abingdon's history, with the MG factory being located in the town for many years. The pub's planned name change has sparked a conversation about the town's ties to the brand. Zoe Bowley, managing director of Greene King pubs, expressed gratitude to the MG Car Club for helping them understand the importance of both cars to the town. She hopes that the new name will pay tribute to another iconic car while preserving the pub's historic links to Abingdon's past.
Andy Knott, MG Car Club manager, shared that it was essential for the club to preserve the pub's connection to the MG marque. He explained that MG's move to Abingdon in 1929 and its production of iconic cars for 50 years have made it an integral part of the town's history. The pub's location on Midget Close further solidifies its ties to the MG brand.
The MG Midget EX 127, also known as the Magic Midget, holds a special place in the hearts of MG enthusiasts. This car, built at the former MG factory in Abingdon, broke the world land speed record in 1932, reaching a speed of 120mph. Another iconic car, the MG EX 181 Roaring Raindrop, also made history in 1957 when it broke a land speed record while driven by Sir Stirling Moss. The car went on to beat its own record in 1959 when American Phil Hill took the wheel.
As this story unfolds, it is evident that the Greene King Midget pub and the MG brand hold a special place in the hearts of the people of Abingdon. Whether it remains the Midget or becomes the Roaring Raindrop, the pub's name will continue to be a part of the town's history and bring people together for years to come.
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