I was saddened to learn of the recent passing of Peter Veal. We hadn't seen Peter for awhile but a few years ago he was an active and popular member of the Centre. Peter had an interesting life with his time as a pilot in the RAF and subsequently a pilot navigator with an airline. He had his first book published in 2005, which could explain why in recent times we hadn't seen him. He will be sorely missed. On behalf of the Centre I would like to send our sincere condolences to Pamela Veal and Peter's family.
Since my last Centre report I have received details of the 11th Woodley Classic Car Show to be held on Good Friday 10th April and the 14th Early Bird Classic Car Tour on Sunday 3rd May. These events are both run by the Hants & Berks Motor Club. For those with an interest in history, some of the founder members of this superb car club, used to work at the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE), Farnborough. One or two are still working at the present QinetiQ, I believe - small world! We have been invited to both of these events by Bill Bonney; thank you Bill very much indeed. For the Woodley Classic Car Show, as organised by Bill and his team, invitations to owners of Vintage/Classic and other interesting vehicles including cars, motor bicycles, and lorries, are being sent out. Morgans naturally qualify. The aim is for the owners to bring their vehicles along to make up a static display for the enjoyment of the people of Woodley and the surrounding area. The event is being held on Good Friday 10th April and the display will take place in the Woodley Shopping Precinct, starting at 10 am and finishing around 3.30 pm - the presentation of prizes takes place at 3 pm. Numbers are limited to about 70 vehicles. All vehicle places need to be pre-booked so please give Bill a call on 0118 969 7591 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book your place. Bert Oslar and I have already booked - I hope you can make it in our Centenary year. The Early Bird Classic Car Tour is also an event for Classic Cars being organised by Hants & Berks Motor Club. The idea is that the run is setup for those Classic Car owners who want to use their vehicles on a variety of roads which remain much as they were in the days when their Classics were first on the road. Morgans clearly fit into this category as they are modern classics through all the epochs. This event is now in its 15th year, and many of those who participate have supported the event since it started in 1995. The tour starts at Woodford Park, Woodley, where entrants will be guests of the Town Council. Although the format of the event remains unchanged, they vary the location of the finish every year. This year they will be returning to the Cotswold Motor Museum at Bourton on the Water. The tour is being held on Sunday 3rd May 2009 and starts at Woodford Park, in the centre of Woodley, near Reading. The run starts off from 9am in batches through to 10am. The finish will close at 4:30pm. The route is about 100 miles along mainly A,B and minor roads. For your entry fee you will get a route book, a rally plate for your car and a finisher's badge; entry to the museum for two people is also provided. You will receive a map giving directions to Woodford Park with your instruction pack. They are hoping that the town's mayor will be in attendance to flag away all the participants. Parking at the museum will be at the Royal British Legion so there won't be any problems usually experienced in small Cotswolds villages during holiday periods. Entry forms are available from Bill Bonney, telephone: 0118 969 7591 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. I shall be navigating for Bert Oslar on this event. By then I hope to have my widescreen, high definition, surround sound, movie camera available. It will make a great dry run for all our up and coming Centenary events. I hope you can make this one. We have also been invited to join the Bracknell Motor Show on June 13th 2009, to be held in Bracknell town centre. This event is hosted by the Ascot based Sebastian's Action Trust children's charity along with the Bracknell Regeneration Partnership. Funds raised from the show will go to the Trust. This organisation provides holidays and practical support to children with cancer and other life limiting or threatening illnesses along with support for their families. There is no entry fee but funds will be raised through a range of family activities. Cars are required from 9am to 4pm. All vehicles taking part are protected by a barrier system throughout the day. One possibility for this event could be that we could go from the show to the Ace Café meet that is running from 6pm. Please contact Sarah Clark for an entry form, telephone 01344 622500, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . It should be a great day for a worthy cause; I am filling out my entry form, as I write. The first 100 cars will be guaranteed a place. I hope you can come along. Incidentally, please note that I have now gone broadband and my new email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. So if you want to send me now loads of photographs for the newsletter, please do. On a happy note, I would like to congratulate our local girl Kate Winslet, for winning the 2009 Oscar for Best actress, for the film The Reader. Kate grew up and went to school in Reading, about the same time as some of our Centre members. It's fantastic that she has won especially as we know that she is such a nice person. Well done Kate. Our first Centenary walk in Surrey this year takes us to the Bell Inn in Outwood. I hope to see you at the pub car park at 10:30am, hopefully with fine weather, with your walking boots on.
