At the time of writing, as the schedule for copy dictates, I found myself reflecting on the end of the decade and the new one that was about to start the next day. Certainly, we will see great changes in the world of motoring. What the ban of diesel and petrol cars in Germany and France will mean at the end of this new decade, only time will tell. I have been around long enough to remember being quoted a wait of twelve years for a new Morgan. Timescales like these would now take us firmly into this new world.
Just before the Christmas period, we sadly learnt of the passing of Nicola Thorne. Through Miscellany, and on behalf of the Centre, I would like to send our sincere condolences to Richard, Helen, their family, friends and all at Richard Thorne Classic Cars. Nicola was a big part of our Morgan community. She was there at race meetings, the breakfast clubs and the renowned Christmas parties at Richard Thorne Classic Cars. Nicola gave her own particular style of kind support to Morgan competitors. I remember after having done a couple of laps of the Silverstone club circuit, Nicola giving me a nice cup of coffee with her warm smile. She will be missed a great deal. The best way to remember Nicola is for us to go forward in 2020, our fiftieth anniversary year, and to be enjoying our Morgan sports cars. To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die.
On a happier note, over the New Year I received some great news. I know of Dame Oliva Newton John, but we have sadly never met. However, I have had the pleasure of meeting Paul Tedman, ThamesMOG member Terry Tedman’s son. I am, therefore, delighted to report that Paul was awarded a CBE in the New Year’s honours list. Paul’s parents are very proud of him, and I equally having had the pleasure of meeting him. On behalf of the Centre, I would like to send our heartfelt congratulations – a well-deserved reward.
By now many of you will have seen our fiftieth anniversary car badge in the flesh, so to speak. It is a stunning badge – it is certainly breath-taking, it was for me when I first saw it. I would like to congratulate all involved it its realisation. David Mansfield is taking orders on a strictly first come first served basis. One has been made for each year of us being a Centre. I recommend being quick with your order.
Also, join us for a walk through the snow drops at Chawton House, which is opened as part of the National Garden Scheme charity raising events, followed by coffee and cake. Snowdrops are scattered through this 14 acre listed English landscape garden. Sweeping lawns, ha-ha, wilderness, terraces, fernery and shrubbery walk surround the Elizabethan manor house. The walled garden designed by Edward Knight now includes rose garden, cutting beds, orchard and ‘Elizabeth Blackwell’ herb garden based on her book 'A Curious Herbal' of 1737-39. Refreshments are available in the tea room, in the old kitchen, serving hot and cold drinks, wine, light lunches, cream teas, home-made cakes and local ice creams.