ThamesMog

September 2011

“Let them eat cake,” I thought to myself as I entered the Bird In Hand noggin back in early July. There is some doubt whether Queen Marie Antoinette actually uttered this phrase but Sue Giles certainly didn’t. Kindly, Sue was giving out slices of her recent milestone birthday cake to all at the noggin. And gosh it was delicious. On behalf of the Centre I would like to thank you Sue for the cake while wishing her a belated many happy returns. I hope Sue you had a very happy birthday.

 Any regular readers may have noticed that we support the "Help For Heroes" charity, in fact last Christmas before last Richard Thorne Classic Cars raised monies for this important cause at their annual party. Moreover, we keep close tabs on Terry Tedman’s son that is a current serving officer in Afghanistan. I first met Paul at one of our first visits to Lord McApline’s railway just outside Henley on Thames. I found Paul to be a charming man and a credit to his dad. Well I am pleased to be able to tell you that Paul has just been appointed Commanding Officer of 1 Regt AAC in Gutersloh for two and a half years. Paul’s parents are absolutely delighted. Congratulations Paul and we hope you will have a safe tour of duty.

While strolling round the club stands at the Uxbridge Auto Show back in July it seemed to me I was witnessing a sea of synchronized cars surrounded by flags and banners: they all looked the same. There was one notable stand however, that would not have been unfamiliar to the Lost Boys. As it is called, the bow lay ahead of a main mast; to repel boarders, cannons were placed along the starboard and port sides with plenty of ammunition of piled up round black balls. The stern was formed in a semicircle with Morgan Sports Cars facing outwards in an evenly laid arc. Morgan Sports Cars also were lined up along the port and starboard of the galleon also facing the punters. In the location where one would walk the plank, a parrot welcomed visitors repeating anything he heard – quite a gossip. Members of the crew match Captain Jack Sparrow for his sartorial elegance: the teddy bear driving the Morgan three wheeler pedal car appeared to be the most normal of the cabin boys. Hoisted from the mast the signalling flags spelt: “Morgan.” This was the land locked galleon of the famous Captain Morgan and was the centre piece of this year’s Thames Valley club stand.

While I was having a look round another more important person was doing the same. The mayoress came across an Alfa Azzurro Nuvola Pearl (Alfa light blue pearl) coloured vehicle. She didn’t take long and soon this Morgan Plus Four with Dark blue hood and Dark blue leather trim was awarded car of the show. She loved Morgan Sports cars and this particular spectacular example captured her heart. She found it on our stand and I am pleased to say the car belonged to Philip Cripps. Congratulations Philip – a well deserved win. This victory lifted the spirits of the crew greatly and we watched as Philip and Brian Miller drove into the arena to collect the trophy. Well done!

We didn’t unfortunately win the best club stand this year; we were going for three wins in a row. Brian Miller masterminded this year’s entry and with his team, put in a great deal of effort. I would like to thank you all very much for all your hard work. The stand that won had a strong motoring theme with some racing cars I believe. Never mind better luck next year.

Also, in July we had an enjoyable visit to Dorney Court and its Tudor manor. The press was there and we had a great deal of interest in the Morgan sports cars that were on display. The tour of the manor included a view some of the props in the process of being set up for the filming of Great Expectations by the BBC. It was a great visit bringing the history alive. I would like to thank Mike and Pam Aldrich for this wonderful day out that was enjoyed by all. Thank you.

Take care, see you all soon