ThamesMog
Secretary's Report November 2007

I would like to congratulate Brighton Centre and all their associates for all their hard work in providing us with a fantastic international Morgan meeting at Goodwood back in August. Also, I would like to thank the gymkhana team for putting on a fun event, worthy of the stupendous surroundings of Goodwood. The team pulled through many months of hard work, of preparations and rehearsals which showed so terrifically on the day. I think well done is due all-round. I must say though, when seeing our very own Miss Moneypenny on the day, I thought, I wouldn’t mind being her James Bond!

On our arrival at the hog roast, held in the beautiful surroundings of Goodwood Racecourse, we were fortunate to be given a test run by John Turrell in the Land Rover courtesy vehicles being used over the weekend. I was particularly interested in the new Defender. Inside I don’t think it is as good as my old TD5, mind you. Stumbling out of the Land Rovers, the three of us came across a stunning “gun-metal” coloured, I believe, new shape Aero 8. It simply took our breaths away. Would you believe it, when we got to the hog roast, we discovered that Glenn and Jane Davies had just purchased the spotted Aero only a few days before. Wonderful and what a surprise for the three of us! I seem to be getting these revelations every year at the annual Morgan event. If you remember last year it was Brian and Ann Miller’s newly acquired Aero. The Centre Aero count continues. Many congratulations to Glenn and Jane – I hope you will all have many happy Morgan miles together.

The main event, MOG 007, was superb; we all had a great time over the weekend. On a final note, and on behalf of the Centre, I would like to thank in particular, those that made many personal sacrifices to ensure the event ran smoothly and so successfully. Without committed people we wouldn’t be able to enjoy these wonderful annual gatherings. Thank you!

With MOG 007 still fresh in our minds we can now look ahead to MOG 2008. Accommodation, the various events being held over MOG 2008 are being reserved up very quickly, so I would recommend booking your requirements for MOG 2008 as soon as you can to avoid any disappointment. With this in mind you may like to consider extending your stay after the main event. We are planning to go to Sennen Cove for about a week, staying at our favourite haunt - the Old Success Inn. Please contact Bert Oslar for details. I remember when we were last there, listening to Bert playing the ivories while we were looking out to sea, across the bay where the dolphins play – magical!

If you are considering joining the Brighton Centre, at the venerable London to Brighton Veteran Car Run this year, we shall meet them at the Jolly Tanners, Staplefield on the B2114 between Handcross and Cuckfield. From our region we plan to meet at Newlands Corner car park just outside Guildford off the A25, for the run down there. This is a great rendezvous point since it has toilets and a café. Not forgetting of course the lovely views across the Surrey Hills. We shall meet at Newlands Corner at 07:15 am. Please contact me if you need any directions. I hope to see you there.

I am pleased to say we have found a new Sunday noggin to replace the Leather Bottle. Following advice from two of our new members Roger and Kathrine Nickes, we have decided to give the Cross at Eversley Cross a try. Pam and Kevin Newton know the place as well; on the whole the venue comes highly recommended. So from 2nd December 2007 we shall be going to the Cross, Reading Road, Eversley Cross on the first Sunday lunchtime. I hope you will be able to come along in the near future.

Amazing as it may sound, Christmas is just round the corner. As last year, Anita Pullen will be coordinating our Christmas Lunch at the Hampden Arms and I will be organising our Christmas Dinner at the Poacher. Please contact either of us if you would to come –see events listed below. They should be two special occasions. I look forward to seeing you there.

Due to a busy month ahead of us, the planned walk to Ightham has had to be cancelled. However, with our MOG 007 commitments just fulfilled, we still have two more spectacular joint Centre walks to look forward to, as described below. Next year we hope to start a new series of walks in Berkshire, as recommended by Gill Smith - thank you Gill. I hope to see you at these lovely walks to come.

Take care & see you all soon