ThamesMog
Secretary's Report November 2009

I would like to thank Adrienne and Roger Prior for sorting our trip to the Dunsfold Aerodrome “Wings and Wheels” event back in August. I understand the air show was quite spectacular. Fortunately, the recently restored Vulcan bomber was able to attend this year giving a remarkable show, after it had demonstrated at the Bournemouth air show. The Red Arrows were seen taking off in formation and landing back in style after a tremendous half hour display. There was a great classic car/bike show as well – I certainly hope Roger and Adrienne will get us back there again next year!

If you are not planning to attend our first Sunday noggin this month, you may like to consider joining us with the Brighton Centre, at the venerable London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. 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 - the sun should just about be up by then. This appointment time is in the smaller hours to try and ensure that there will be space for us at Staplefield on our arrival - I hope it isn’t too early for you. Please contact me if you need any directions. I hope to see you there.

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. Please note the Hampden Arms Christmas lunch is now being held on Sunday 13th December – I hope this change won’t inconvenience anyone. And due to booking pressures at the Poacher our Christmas dinner there will be held on Saturday night for the first time on 19th December – hopefully this change will be okay for everyone.

The Poacher often has guest beers on tap, so for our festivities I have requested that they try and get hold of the Morgan Centenary beer from Wye Valley brewery – you know the beer we all enjoyed over the celebrations. On draught it is particularly good, in my opinion. Fingers crossed it will be there for Christmas/New year.

Please note that at the time of writing the Phoenix pub was closed (late September) so there is uncertainty about the New Year Classic car show that is normally held there. However, the Poacher will be on – please contact Andy Low for the latest information nearer the time, many thanks. A classic car meet will be on at the Poacher as normal – without the Phoenix though it could be larger. They will be serving their normal recovery breakfast. Please note that you can stay at the Poacher if you want to make a night of it at our Christmas dinner being held there.

Our next walk with our friends from Hopmog and Brighton Centre starts off at the White Horse Inn, Chilgrove in West Sussex. See our events page for details.

Take care, see you all soon - Roger.