ThamesMog
Secretary's Report March 2008

Over Christmas we had the pleasure of awarding our three Centre trophies: the mileage challenge sponsored by F.H Douglass; the SGT trophy for a person or persons that have best represented the true spirit of owning a Morgan and the Richard Thorne Charity Trophy for the most monies raised during our annual charity event run by the Centre. These annual awards are very important to us, as they reflect very much the character of the Centre: keen to be out enjoying our Morgans; supportive of the camaraderie of owning a Morgan; and while we are having a special time, wanting to do some good for others. I hope this ethos will continue for a long time to come.

The mileage challenge was fervently contested as ever, if you remember the aim of this trophy is to encourage the use of our Morgans, the member that has covered the most miles in their Morgan(s) in any one year wins. The late Tony Hempel of F.H. Douglass was the inspiration behind this trophy, Tony was keen for us to use and enjoy our Morgans, and hence, he devised this award as a fun encouragement. Therefore, from now on we would like to make this award each year in Tony’s memory.

I am pleased to say that for 2007, the winner of the F.H. Douglas mileage trophy was none other than Andy Low in his beautifully presented British Racing Green Roadster. Andy covered seven thousand three hundred and sixty miles over the year – well done! For this year please send me your entries as soon as you can, if you would like to take part. All I need is your current mileage so the earlier you give me your odometer reading the better. Good luck!

The SGT trophy for 2007 was won by Gill and Mike Smith and well deserved too! Congratulations! They made many personal sacrifices to help us in numerous ways over the past year. A true example of the best you can find in the camaraderie of ownership of the best and last, real sports car in the world. Well done!

Last year, the monies raised in competition for the Richard Thorne Charity Trophy was equally spilt between the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice and Great Ormond Street Hospital. During the main event, Bert Oslar in his enthusiasm tried, to take a short cut along a “quiet road”, where he almost became stuck fast! Nevertheless, with his indomitable spirit, I am very pleased to say, that Bert Oslar won the Richard Thorne Trophy for 2007. Well done Bert! You now have the pleasing task of choosing our charity for 2008 – I look forward to hearing your choice soon Bert.

I trust you will be pleased to hear that we have accepted a beer and skittles challenge from the local Marcos Sports Car Club. These events in the past have been close, but I am sorry to say that, to date, we have not been able, strictly speaking, to beat them. However, I feel sure this time we shall give them a run for their money, if I can use a cliché. I do believe this, since Steve Pullen has told me that he is available, on the evening in question, in April. Between you and me, and I know you will be discreet, Steve is our sort of covert weapon – he is apparently very good at it, as he so modestly told me recently. So this time should be our occasion. It will be a fun evening, so if you would like to join us please contact me and I shall book you a place. Please see details on the events page.

One of the many other interests in Steve Pullen’s life has, I am delighted to say, has brought us a marvellous new event to enjoy this autumn. Steve and Anita are organising our first ever Thames Valley Centre Oktoberfest, to be held would you believe in October, at the Chiltern Brewery. Please lodge your interest with Steve and Anita when you can, as tickets will be limited, please see details below. Of course all aficionados will be most welcome. You can use this occasion to buy some special early beer, cider etc for Christmas. We are hoping that there may be some rather special labels available at the time – please watch this space for details. I would like to thank Steve and Anita for organising this exciting event.

Also, please note that on Easter Saturday there is the Woodley Car Show – a nice little local event. Bert Oslar can provide you with further information if you are interested.

For the first of our joint centre walks we shall be going down to Tilford, Surrey - visiting the comfortable free house, the Duke of Cambridge. From the A3 at Milford, go through Elstead and follow signs to Tilford. At Tilford turn left and you will find the pub after about half a mile. The best place to park is at the Stockbridge Pond car park a short distance from the pub. I hope to see you there. By the way the clocks change for British and EU summer time this weekend.