I would like to thank everyone who attended our annual dinner in January. On behalf of the Centre I would very much like to thank David Main, for his fascinating talk. I know we all thoroughly enjoyed hearing about his experiences and the story behind his brave adventures driving from Peking to Paris. I know one or two fancied a long drive as a result. With a compass, pointing west, navigation can’t be that hard or can it? David did explain the complexities – a journey that isn’t for the faint hearted. It was a super evening. Many thanks to David and Sheila Williams for arranging such a wonderful evening, once again you did the Centre proud.
At the time of writing, I was saddened to learn about the passing of Bill Fink. I grew up reading and watching his discourses on the Morgan Sports Car. I remember he likened the appreciation of the last of the real sports cars to an admiration of a fine wine. I also think about all those Plus 8s in California, and the racing Morgans on the West Coast. Rest in peace Bill, you added considerably to the world’s love of the Morgan.
Our fiftieth anniversary badge is selling well. David Mansfield is taking orders on a strictly first come first served basis. One numbered badge has been made for each year of us being a Centre. I recommend being quick with your order. When they are gone they are gone.
Annual Centre Awards for 2019
As a Centre we are proud of our trophy awards as they characterise the spirit and ethos of our group. We encourage our members to engage as in essence, through these awards, we aim to facility the use and enjoyment of our beloved steeds. Likeminded people make for some great camaraderie.
For 2019, we now seeking nominations for award trophies, which will be awarded at our AGM in May. As a reminder the following overviews the awards that require your nominations:
The Richard Thorne Charity Trophy - awarded for a member’s contribution to raising money for charity associated with the use of their Morgan – your nominations are requested.
The SGT Trophy - awarded to the member who has exhibited the best traditions of Morgan ownership and its furtherance in true club spirit – your nominations are requested.
FH Douglas Trophy - How many miles did you drive in your Morgan(s) last year? I know some of you have enjoyed long journeys through Europe in 2019, why not enter for this year's F. H. Douglass Trophy, it's just a bit of fun.
Please get in touch with me, Roger Bluff by emailing
Join us for our regular monthly visits to National Garden Scheme (NGS) gardens and National Trust properties. On Sunday 29th March we are visiting Basildon Park and House for a walk around one Basildon Park's four routes, who knows with this early spring weather the bluebells maybe out. This will be followed by tea and cake. If the day is damp we will explore inside the house. Explore the history of Basildon Park and find out more about its treasures. First purchased in 1771 by Francis Sykes, it has enjoyed a fascinating past under the ownership of notable families, culminating in 1950s glamour with Lord and Lady Iliffe before being gifted to the National Trust. Then on Sunday 26th April, we are visiting five Long Crendon Gardens for the price of one as part of the NGS. Full details of these are on our events page.