ThamesMog
Secretary's Report June 2007

I am glad to hear that the Lake District trip turned out to be an enjoyable weekend, with glorious weather throughout our time there. All those high passes are a dream in those conditions, especially if one is driving in a Morgan. The Tom O’Conner evening was good too, even though, since we all practically filled a whole row in the theatre, the ticket collector thought we were the fan club! I know I made a slight slip in the paperwork at one point, suggesting we were going to see Des O’Connor. I know why I did this, as in the past, I had taken my late Mother to see Des. What I remember most here was, when Des was about to sing, he requested that all the doors should be locked. Still I’m pleased the Lakes turned out well – here’s to the next time!

Stuart Lees, the area manager for the Anthony Nolan Trust kindly came to give us a short talk on the work of the Trust and its origins at our Hampden Arms noggin back in April. At the event, we still had some monies to hand over to Stuart, from last year’s funding raising activities. Ann Miller had managed to sell £35 worth of route maps from the twenty-four hour scenic run along the Thames Valley. The route descriptions are packed with local places of interest and individually the runs make for a great day out. Stuart was very pleased to receive this extra cheque. In total we raised well over £800, with this in mind Stuart was able to put into context what this sum of money can do. At the Trust they have a registration process, whereby people are catalogued as potential donors. The act of donation is now a much less difficult process than it was in the recent past, no longer so intrusive. With the money we raised, the Anthony Nolan Trust can afford to register twelve new potential donors for suffers of leukaemia. In short, the potential to save twelve lives. With this thought, I think everyone involved in our fund raising activities, should be very proud indeed. I would like to thank Stuart for coming over to see us and Andy Doughty for organising this interesting event – a rewarding experience for us all.

This month will see the beginning of our epic tour of Ireland. Interest in our trip has grown tremendously. The visit takes in the “Quiet Man” tour in Cong, continues to Killarney, then onto Waterford, ending at Bray for a chance to have a look round the fascinating City of Dublin. At this late stage, please contact Robin Henderson, if you would like to join us. I believe it is going to be a wonderful holiday. I would like to thank Peter Moloney for getting in touch with Robin. Peter and Robin will be coordinating our contact with the local Irish Morgan owners. I am looking forward to it very much indeed. All Centres are welcome. I am looking forward also to partaking in plenty of the “black stuff” once more! ?

Don’t forget we shall be receiving an update from Helen Thorne about the Calais to Casablanca rally, taking place this month, involving cars that must not cost over £100. Helen is supporting two local girls: Charlotte Pope and Lucy Bolsover, who will be running in a 1990 Lancia Y10 GT1E. They will be raising money for both Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Children’s Cancer Charity. Great Ormond Street Hospital is of course one of our charities that we are supporting this year. The girls hope to come and visit us again at the Bird In Hand noggin this month, in the run up to the Rally and their exciting adventure. Bert Oslar tells me he has learnt to play “As Time Goes By” for when they get to Rick’s Place in Casablanca, Bert will be there “playing it again”! Mike Aldrich and all of us here at Thames Valley wish Charlotte and Lucy a Bon Voyage!

For the gymkhana for MOG 007, to be held at Goodwood on Sunday 12th August, we are looking for volunteers to act as marshals. A good number of people have come forward but we still need more. If you would like to get involved please contact Gerry Burkitt as soon as you can. Gerry is coordinating the time slots for the marshals during the day. Clearly, we would like to even out the work load during the running of the gymkhana.

As we mentioned last month Tom West has kindly sent details on an annual canal boat do at Beale Park, formally known as the Childe Beale Trust. At the show of canal boats, they are keen to have some classic cars on display. Anyone prepared to display their cars, will have free tickets to the show for the Driver and passenger and half priced entry to the wildlife park. If you would like to go along at this late stage please contact Tom as soon as you can. Anyone interested in canal boats, classic cars, and wildlife parks, this I would think, would be a perfect day out. I would like to thank Tom for bringing this special and possibly unique event to our attention.

With June and July being very busy months our Tri-centre walks with Brighton Centre, Hopmog and ourselves will be on hold until late August, as described on our events page. As this walk is being held during a holiday weekend, we may choose to extend the trip – please watch this space. A good campsite nearby can be found at the following link: Buckle Caravan Park.

Take care & see you all soon