In spite of the predictions from the Maya Calendar, which comes to an end in 2012, we have some plans, looking this far ahead. I am pleased to be able to report that, through the good services of Terry Tedman, we shall be making a return to the Fawley Hill Railway, owned by the Hon Sir William McAlpine Bt. FRSE, and railway model collection, in August 2012. It has been sometime since we have been able to enjoy this fantastic day out, once again. On behalf of the Centre, I would like to thank Terry for his efforts in securing our return. As I receive updates on this trip from Terry, I will keep you informed, we should be able to confirm the date during the summer of 2011. As to the end of the world, the Maya calendar comes to an end at 11:11 GMT on December 21, 2012. So it will be OK, we will be able to get Terry's event in OK. You know it's being so cheerful that keeps me going.
Thinking about being cheerful, I hope all readers of this column had an enjoyable Christmas and that 2011 will bring good health, wealth and happiness. It will certainly be an exciting time in the Morgan world. On behalf of the Centre, I would like to thank Richard Thorne Classic Cars for their kind invitation to us to their pleasurable Christmas party. This is always a good way to start the festive season. This year, we learnt about the new Morgan three-wheeler, the limited edition +4 Super sports, the bespoke 4/4 from Charles Morgan and of course the Aero Super sport was around to lust over. As I said, an exciting year to come; I would imagine the +4 super sports would make a good gran turismo; to classic Le Mans perhaps?
As a postscript to our celebration of the formation of our Centre, at our 40th Anniversary dinner, held at the Bird In Hand. I would like to thank Brian and Ann Miller and company, on behalf of Mike Aldrich and myself, for the kind gifts given to us at the end of the dinner. It made the evening even more memorable and enjoyable; we shall treasure the original signed prints of our favourite subject, always. I have my print already mounted above my desk, next to a photograph given to me by Geoff and Sue Giles, on the occasion of my fiftieth birthday. They gave me a framed photograph of me in my Roadster Lightweight, at the starting line of the Brighton Speed Trials, on 12th September, 2009. This picture I treasure also, so whenever I want a rest from writing, I look at these photographs and dream of competing in a Morgan. Thank you all very much indeed. I would also like to thank Brian and Jean Lee for joining us for our 40th Anniversary dinner and the weekend celebrations. I am glad you both enjoyed your time with us; we were very pleased to see you both.
With the New Year in mind, don't forget we are refreshing our circulation list for the Centre. Please send to me your current email address that you would be happy for us to use for information on our events and newsletter. I will then ask your permission for us to send to you our messages accordingly, primarily sent by Mike Smith. If you are out of our area and just want to receive our newsletter, for its general snippets on Morgan sports cars and what we get up to, then please let me know and we will accommodate you accordingly. Many thanks for your help.
Also, Roger Prior is busy compiling our event list for 2011 which we hope to circulate soon and on a fairly regular basis as we receive updates. Don't forget on New Year's Day we have our usual visit to the Phoenix and Poacher for the classic cars that park up to start the year. Please contact Andy Low for details. There is usually a good "recovery" breakfast, from the night before, available.
I look forward to seeing you all in 2011.
As an alternative to the classic car meets, I am pleased to say we have planned a dramatic, beautiful, breathtaking walk to begin 2011. We shall enter the Beachy Head estate for a walk to the top of one of the Seven Sisters, as featured on Country File recently. Let's hope we meet Julia Bradbury, when we are there. I hope you will be able to join us.