Our first walk of the year along the Thames was a great success. We picked a weekend that was dry in between all the rain and snow. Nevertheless the water level of the Thames was still quite high, if we had had a little more wetness we wouldn’t have completed the walk as planned. Still the weather can now only get better!

This month we have an update of our Morgan event at Brooklands and news of our welcome return to the Fawley Steam day. 

N.S.E Gymkhana

Sunday 13^th July 2003
National Society for Epilepsy, Chesham Lane
Chalfont St Peter, SL9 0RJ

Sandra Stuart and David Smith are repeating their fun day out for all the family with all the proceeds going to the National Society for Epilepsy. Sandra and David promise even more things to do this year. Once again it will be a fantastic day out for all the family. Please contact Sandra and David for an entry form via email at sandra.stuart@btinternet.com, or telephone 01494 601375. It will be wonderful if you can give this event your full support.

Morgans at Brooklands

Saturday 16^th August 2003

As promised last month here are details of the Historic Circuit for those Participants wishing to offer Morgan Dream Rides on this day.  Those running will travel over the following historic sites.

The Test Hill

The Test Hill was constructed in 1909 for acceleration and braking tests.  RGJ Nash set the ultimate record for cars at 7.45 seconds in a Frazer Nash in 1932.

Members Bridge

In the late 1960s the original 1907 bridge was demolished, but later replaced to recreate one of the most famous landmarks.

Track and Members Banking

This is the steepest section of the original banking, rising to a height of nearly 29 feet, before descending onto the Railway Straight.

The Finishing Straight

The 100foot wide Finishing Straight was completed with the rest of the original 3.25 mile track in 1907.

There are still places available on the Display Only (See Miscellany last month) and Morgan Dream Ride events, but please register with Ian Sollen at as soon as possible at morgansatbrooklands@hotmail.com, or telephone 01923 77326 to support this event, as spaces are filling rapidly.

Annual Centre Dinner

Saturday 7^th June 2003

We shall meet at 19:00 for 20:00 start. Please contact Mike and Pam to book your place as soon as you can, via email at mwraldrich1@aol.com, or telephone 01628 676619 – thanks very much. We have a new venue at a secluded and select country hotel very near to Maidenhead. It should be a great evening.

Fawley Steam Day

Sunday 17^th August 2003

I am very pleased to be able to announce that we have been invited back to visit the McAlpine Steam railway near Henley on Thames. Terry Tedman is organising this event, please contact Terry as soon as possible if you would like to go since there are only places for twenty-five morgans and tickets for fifty people available. (Terry Tedman – telephone 01494 637368 or using email at TRTedman@aol.com) By August the Sir William McApline steam locomotive will be back from its refit at the Seven Valley Railway. Last time two years ago those that attended had a really wonderful day out including rides on steam trains and a look round the particularly interesting private collection. I really enjoyed the model railway set – a must for model railway enthusiasts. People attending are asked to make a three-pound donation to help make a contribution to the cost of the coal that will be used on the day.  Please note this event is adjacent to the Brooklands day so if you would like to make a weekend of it please note that we have arranged special rates at the local Hilton Hotel. Please contact Ian or Terry for details. I am thoroughly looking forward to this weekend – I look forward to seeing you there.

And of course we have another monthly walk exploring some more of our lovely countryside.

Old Basing 

Sunday 27^th April 2003

We have another historic walk this month. Our expedition will take us near the ruins of Basing House. Cromwell and his army reduced this impressive building to rubble during the Civil War. There is still plenty left to see and one can easily still imagine the dramatic scene of its heroic defence. The walk is about six miles in length and will include the village of Basing with its many quaint houses and cottages lining the main street.

We shall meet at 10:30 am at the village of Basing opposite the Church on the right of the main street. There is room to park in the front or the rear of the Church. We will be back in time to have lunch in the Crown public house. In the afternoon a visit to Basing House is possible for those interested. A look round Basing House is highly recommended.

From Basingstoke follow the signs to Basing and make for the Church on the right of the main street within the village. I hope to see you there.

As a regular feature please find some web page news below.

Web Page News
www.thamesmog.co.uk

Andy Low will be soon passing on Dave and myself his hot photos of our Christmas Dinner at the Phoenix. Soon they will be on our web page for the entire world to see – have a look.

Please don’t forget we are planning pictures of owners with their Morgans to be included on our web page. Some history would be interesting to go with the photos. Please contact Dave via the links on the web page for further information.

See you all soon.