The old saying, March comes in like a lamb and goes out like a lion seems to be true. Over the years we have had to cancel our February First Thursday Noggin, but this time after several mild winters our March noggin succumbed to the elements. At the time of writing more snow was predicted for the close of March which is contrary, but they could be wrong. I hope you all survived the weather okay, and that we have seen the last of the Beast from the East.
I am pleased to announce that we will be holding our AGM on May 3rd at The Novello during our normal First Thursday Noggin evening. Calling notices will be going out soon. This year we are collecting together photographs of our past events to put together a show. If you have any photos you would like us to include please contact Steve Bridge. We will have a discussion on future event ideas. In 2020, this is not that far away, we will be celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the Centre. With this is mind we are looking to plan a year-long celebration with some special events culminating in a special dinner in November the month of our foundation back in 1970. Please watch this space.
It is with great sadness that I learnt of the passing of Lord McAlpine. Over the years we have had some great outings to the Fawley Railway Museum that was owned and run by Lord McAlpine and his team of enthusiastic volunteers. This is a wonderful collection of railway memorabilia and a dream for anyone interested in railways. Lord McAlpine was a good friend to the club and he will be sorely missed. On behalf of the Centre I send our sincere condolences to his family and friends. His legacy in the Railway Industry will never be forgotten.
Terry Tedman worked in this area and knew Lord McAlpine and he was able to facilitate our visits to Fawley. So this is a poignant time for Terry. We believe that the events at Fawley Railway Museum this summer will continue and our trip there in August will be a fine way to pay our respects. I hope you will all be able to join us. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Terry for his liaison with Lord McAlpine over the years, and I offer my personal condolences to you.
ThamesMOG member Graham Larby has been offered, on behalf of the club, free entry for up to 25 Morgan cars and drivers to the ‘Masters Historic’ race meeting on both Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th May.
Passenger tickets will have to be ordered by the driver from the Brands Hatch website, where ordering online will be cheaper.
For details see: http://www.mastershistoricracing.com/masters-brands/event/
If you would like to take advantage of this invitation or have any queries please email Graham
ThamesMOG has been invited to attend the 2018 Pangbourne Classic Car Show.
The 2017 show was a great hit with members, over 15 Morgans, ranging between 3 wheelers, Trads and Aeros attended. There were over 180 cars and a glorious sunny day as well, over £2,800 was raised for charity.
If you would be interested in attending with your classic car or vintage vehicle, please follow the link and you will be able to register your vehicle for the event www.pangbourne.com/classic-car-show Registration for the event will close on 11th May this year, so be sure to register before then
Thames Valley Centre car badges available on eBay - beware
Don’t forget please, as reported previously, a Morgan owner from Australia has brought to our attention that Thames Valley Car badges are for sale on eBay. They appear to be our badges but we would like to point out that these sales are nothing to do with us or our previous suppliers. They are very highly priced, and please remember we can supply Thames Valley car badges new at the nominal club price. If you see any regalia out there and are interested please check with us first. I would like to thank our Australian customer for letting us know about these items.
While on this subject we have come across a website that details fake badges:
https://www.morgancarbadges.com/fake-badges
Thames Valley Centre pin badges
Our range of super new Thames Valley pin badges are now available. These are available in five colours, similar to our car badges. Orders are taken on a first come first served basis, as always. Please contact David Mansfield, our Regalia Officer, to order pin badges or our car badges. Orders can be made on his telephone (0118 3769752) or via email at
Take care, see you all soon – Roger.