I thoroughly enjoyed the Centenary celebrations. On behalf of the Centre I would like to thank the Morgan Motor Company and their associates organising the events for a fantastic time. It certainly was a worthy way of celebrating one hundred years of our favourite car. Certainly, when the lovely Natasha Marsh announced she was beside herself with excitement, I can tell you I felt the same. If you are reading this report Natasha, you would be most welcome to join us at one of our noggins. I would be pleased to introduce you to the wonderful world of Morganeering.
My departure from the celebrations possibly gave me one of the happiest duties ever in my role as Centre Secretary, as Tigger and I were asked to provide a guard of honour at the wedding of Dave and Lorraine. We left Cheltenham on Monday morning and I said to Tigger he needed to step on it. I said to the police officer, "but we are on our way to a wedding." Notice I didn't say my wedding, as I thought this might tempt fate. Tigger got us there with fifteen minutes to spare. During the ceremony, while standing next to Mike Hughes, I couldn't help but notice a slight moistening in Mike's eyes; I was similarly moved. It was a wonderful ceremony. I would like to wish the happy couple, Mr & Mrs Clarke all the best for a long and blissful future together.
So for me the Centenary celebrations were special with: fireworks, Natasha Marsh and a happy wedding basking in beautiful sunshine to end it all. This could never be topped and that's how it should be for the Centenary of the first and last of the best sports cars in the world.
The Thursday following the Centenary celebrations we had an enjoyable "cultural" evening at the Bird In Hand courtesy of the talented Jim Bellew. It certainly didn't leave much to the imagination. The Bird In Hand often has guest beers on tap, so 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 our next noggin.
I am pleased to be able to report that Terence Tedman will be signing copies of the September edition of Classic and Sports magazine at the next Hampden Arms noggin. Terry and the Duke feature along with several other members of the Centre. I know at the Centenary Charles Morgan was most impressed with Terry's Morgan. The article covers the history of the Morgans and their current custodians. This is a must buy edition. At the time of writing, mid August, all copies had been sold out at my local supermarket; obviously a popular edition. I would like to congratulate: Terry Tedman in his 1947 4/4 Drophead Coupe; Colin Harris in his 1962 Plus 4 four-seater; Jerry Rae in his 1981 4/4 four-seater; Elizabeth Clutterbuck in her 1981 Plus 8; Roger Cherry in his 2004 Aero 8 and Andy Low in his 2007 Roadster for your superb appearances in the magazine. You all did us proud in this Centenary year. I wish I'd been there with you.
If you are not planning to attend our first Sunday noggin next 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.
Our next Centenary walk will be in West Sussex for a change and takes us to the Anchor Bleu in Bosham. I hope to see you at the pub car park at 10:30am, hopefully with fine weather, with your walking boots on.
Take care, see you all soon - Roger.