I would like to thank Trudie Jacobs, from Brighton Centre, for her kind invitation to the Dunsfold Aerodrome "Wings and Wheels" event back in August. I am told the airshow was quite spectacular. A colleague of mine who was there independently told me that the show was at least as good as the Farnborough Airshow, this year. Unfortunately, the recently restored Vulcan bomber was unable to attend due to an undercarriage problem, I believe. Although it did fly at Farnborough this year, taking off and landing in front of an enthralled crowd, I know I was there. It is remarkable to think that this brilliant aircraft was in service with the RAF from 1954 through to 1982, seeing combat service in its last year. Some recently released papers have also shred some light on its important role during the Cuban crisis. The first flight was back in September 1949, with a prototype delivered, as a trials aircraft, to the Royal Aircraft Establishment (RAE), Farnborough, in February 1953. Those were the days. Nevertheless, the Red Arrows were seen taking off in formation and landing back in style after a tremendous half hour display, before refuelling to take off again for a fly pass over London. There was a great classic car/bike show as well. I certainly hope Trudie you will invite us again next year! With any luck the Avro Vulcan will this time be able to make an appearance. An event like this may make a good one, amongst others, for us to show to the public that next year will be our Centenary.
On the subject of the Centenary, I have some good news to share with you. First off, on behalf of the Centre, I would like to congratulate Peter Page on his marriage to Lizzie earlier this year. They had a quiet wedding, with some close friends. I learnt this good news when I met up with them at MOG 2008. Secondly, I have just discovered that Peter and Lizzie will become the proud owners of a Centenary Morgan Plus 4, come next April. This I believe will be very close to their first anniversary. So again on behalf of the Centre, I would like to congratulate all three of you and I hope you will all have a long and happy life together. We are planning some Centenary shows together for next year; I hope Peter and Lizzie that you will be able to bring your Centenary baby along.
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 14th December; I hope this change won't inconvenience anyone.
Our next walk with our friends from Hopmog starts off at the Blue Ball pub, Walton-on-the-Hill in Surrey. See our Events page for details