I hope with all this wet weather that you have all managed to keep you hoods above water. My thoughts are with anyone that has suffered from any flooding during this appalling weather. Therefore, I have decided to turn this month’s report over to good news only, to hopefully cheer us all up a little.
The first bit of good news is that I can confirm that our AGM will be held at the Bird In Hand on Thursday 17th April, arriving from 19:30 for a 20:00 start. Please let Mike Aldrich (
Last time, if you remember, I informed you about some disturbing news that Brighton & Hove Council were considering the blockage of the annual Brighton Speed Trials held on Madeira Drive, Brighton, and of course if this this wasn’t worrying enough, there was a feeling other motoring events such as the Veteran London to Brighton could come under similar scrutiny along with the likely broader significance that this could have across the country. Well, the second piece of good news is that the Council unanimously voted to give the Brighton Speed Trials the go-ahead (www.brightonandhovemotorclub.co.uk). The Save the Brighton speed Trials team did a fantastic job. A quote from their press release said ‘In just one month the Save the Brighton Speed Trials campaign generated over 12,400 names on a petition, over 7,000 likes on the campaign’s FaceBook page, hundreds of online forum discussions as well as dozens of articles in the local and national press, on TV and radio. Among the supporters were Sir Stirling Moss, local bestselling author Peter James, Tiff Needell of Fifth Gear, Nick Mason of Pink Floyd and Top Gear’s The Stig.’ I personally wrote to the local politicians and councillors asking for support. Mary Mears, a local councillor, rang me back and told me what an excellent job the campaign did in their presentation to the council. I therefore would like to congratulate the team on behalf of the Centre – well done and thank you from us all. Remembering that the first Trial was held way back in 1905 – saving this event was of great historic importance. I am pleased, consequently, to be able to report that the next Brighton Speed Trials will be held on 6th September 2014 – I hope to see you there.
And the next piece of good news, if the above wasn’t exciting enough, is that Mark Ledington, the Global Sales Manager for the Morgan Motor Company Limited has invited members of the Thames Valley Centre to a free tour of the Factory. Mark wants us to see all the exciting developments that have being going on recently. It should be an interesting visit, looking at all the stages involved in building a Morgan Sports Car & Trike. Please contact me if you would like to go (
While the last piece of good news, bringing us into spring, is a walk in the surroundings of the outstanding area of Witley and Milford Commons near Guildford, Surrey on Sunday March 23rd. There are lots of clearly marked footpaths and bridleways taking in heathland and secluded woodland glades. It is quite a beautiful spot to visit. The Common is seven miles south of Guilford off the A3 and A286. I hope you can come – look forward to seeing you there.