When an exuberant couple with a flair for organising and coordinating events in a famously gregarious style offered a day out with a scenic run through the local beauty of the Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire countryside ending at Pitstone Wharf, the Thames Valley Centre of the Morgan Sports Car Club leapt at the chance. Ian and Kate Wilson own an exquisite British Racing Green Morgan 4/4 – meaning its engine has four cylinders and it has four road wheels – were keen to lead a group of Morgan sports cars through the beautiful Chilterns culminating in a pleasant ninety minute cruise on the Grand Union Canal. Hence, this became the bedrock of the event.
The day began at the Bird In Hand pub at Knowl Hill with Ian and Kate welcoming the Morgan owners while handing them their scenic route to Pitstone Wharf. Some thirteen Morgan sports cars headed out that morning for the stunning Chilterns. The inventive itinerary looped back through quieter roads to pass through Henley-on-Thames passing the late George Harrison’s home and the National trust Tutor property of Greys Court. Their journey also incorporated the breath-taking Bledlow Ridge with a fine view of the Chilterns providing their way forward. Looking out across the Chilterns the trees were just changing in anticipation of the forthcoming autumn, providing a beautiful additional vista to the run. One or two stopped off to photo their prides and joys outside Chequers before eventually crossing the Grand Union Canal with a quick glimpse of the bottom lock of the seven locks of the Marsworth Flight after which they were soon at Pitstone Wharf with Grebe Canal Cruises.
Parked up the Morgan sports cars were quite an attraction for the other passengers. For their cruise on the narrow day boat, that was electrically powered, was booked entirely by the Morgan sports car club. Ian and Kate welcomed everyone aboard explaining the slower pace of the canal boating world. For example, a journey from Pitstone would probably take a good seven days to reach London.
The silent narrow boat reversed out of its mooring and turned towards Horton-Lock. Even though they were near main railway lines and major roads the scene was peaceful with a tree lined canal and small single/narrow tracked bridges. We passed through two locks including Church Lock on the Grand Union Canal until we reached a turning point where hot fish and chips were delivered. Everyone enjoyed the lunch with a well-stocked bar plus tea and coffee constantly on tap as the narrow boat made its way back to Pitstone Wharf. Ian and Kate kept up a running commentary of sights of general interest en route while the skipper allowed us to walk between the locks for the return journey. This offered the opportunity to watch the narrow boat navigate its way through the locks in its descent as was the case in this direction of travel. Soon the Morgan club revellers returned after an enjoyable cruise.
After the cruise a scenic run back to High Wycombe was provided enticing everyone into Wendover Woods passing the Cock and Rabbit – Roald Dahl’s old local. Beautiful Chilterns villages lined the route ultimately passing Hughendon Manor and NATO’s Strike Command until High Wycombe was reached when the Morgan pilots then made their various ways
home. The weather was dry and reasonable bright throughout the journey thankfully as most Morgan sports car owners always drive stubbornly with their hoods down, exposing themselves to all the elements.
I do remember studying a little about geometric topology at school but when I learnt that during parts of the scenic run, participants found themselves travelling in opposing directions to each other on the same route - they even stopped, chatted and compared notes - I couldn’t quite get my head round how Ian had achieved this, but everyone did arrive at their planned destinations having enjoyed the run immensely.
It had been a great day out, taking in some amazing scenery on road and canal: Ian and Kate’s event had fully met its potential. Many thanks were given to them – everyone will now look forward to their next outing for the Thames Valley Centre of the Morgan Sports Car Club.
