Volume 56 S Number 8 O R R I August L Y 2016 M O N T H

MAGAZINE OF THE MORRIS REGISTER The Club for Morris vehicles designed before 1940 www.morrisregister.co.uk EDITION BUMPER BEAMISH Volume 56 ORRIS Number 8 August ONTHLY 2016 MAGAZINEM OF THE MORRIS REGISTER

CONTENTS CHAIRMAN John Ford writes: attended the MMOC 40th Anniversary Rally at Catton Hall 2 Chairman Iin July, and what a splendid event it was. I have never seen so many Morris Minors at a show, from the very first 3 Editor Minor to the last on the production line. The Register was 5 Secretary's Spot well represented in support of this event along side the Bulletin Board 2nd MVA rally. No fewer than a dozen cars and vans were on display including the club van. The whole event was well supported from other What’s it Worth? Morris related clubs, all putting on a fine show. I still have ringing in my ears from being next to the Tannoy system - several people were looking 5 Warm Welcome for aspirins, probably suffering the same thing! Our own National Rally is 6 Federation Feedback nearly upon us and I shall be there for the whole weekend so come and say hello (but don’t speak too loudly!) I know Ben Gadsby has been busy 7 Fitton's Files organising another fabulous weekend for us all. If you can help at all with the setting up, I am sure Ben would be grateful. 8/9 Forum Files Whilst I am at Thoresby I will be looking for several cars for this year's 10-12 Morris Tools NEC Classic Car Show in November, If you would like to have your car on display at this year's show please come and see me at our event. 14-19 Exactly Eighty On the subject of Thoresby, we have been going there for twenty-two years and although it is a truly splendid venue, we have been considering 20/21 Minor Musings perhaps making it a bi-annual event with an alternative, somewhere 22-47 Regional Round Up south of the M4 corridor. We are currently looking at several options, but, if you know of somewhere that you think could be suitable then please (inc Beamish Special) let our secretary or me know. Preferably a venue with hotel facilities. 48 Overheating We are looking at 2018 initially and, of course, we will be looking for an organiser for the event. Again, if you can help please let us know. 49 Member's Morris I was saddened to hear of the passing away of several prominent members of the club, namely Bev Marks, Tony Cressey and Tony Hale. 50 Morris Mail I presented Tony with the Chairman's trophy just a few years ago for his 51 Morris Mart work and service to the West Region. Both Bev and Tony Cressey made similar contributions. My condolences go out to all the families of these 52 Foto Finish fine men. I know they will be missed by all.

Cover picture: David Stonehouse's Series II Morris Eight parked in the street at the Beamish Museum [Photo: Peter Brock] The Morris Register Spares Service he Register’s Spares Service aims to provide a basic service that will help members keep their Morris Tin good fettle and suitable for safe and enjoyable motoring. We stock a range of spares needed for the maintenance and overhaul of the most popular models.These stock items mainly comprise engine, transmission, electrical and brake parts for the Morris 8, 10 and Minor models with a limited stock of similar parts for other Morris models. ON-LINE SHOP (www.morrisregisterspares.co.uk) The new on-line mail order shop enables members to shop for Morris Spares in a secure on-line environment. The Shop includes a full description, a photo, and details of which Morris models each part will fit. Each product in the shop has a unique “part number” with 2 letters and 3 numbers, and is a unique reference system for our Spares Service. The shop is linked to a secure PayPal payment system; you don’t have to have a PayPal account to use this, you can use your credit or debit card. Please go to the Club’s web site and click on Services/Benefits – Spares Service. The information given in the descriptions in the on-line shop should be sufficient to identify the parts you need. We cannot answer questions from members as to which is the correct part for their car, or about parts suitability or application. 2 The views and opinions expressed by the Editor and contributors to this magazine are CHAIRMAN: SECRETARY: theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the John Ford  01386 832 447 Jim Riglar  01225 754 981 views of The Pre 1940 Morris Register Limited. [email protected] [email protected] Any advice provided is not intended to be advice on which you should rely. You must MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: obtain professional or specialist advice before Office hours: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday taking or refraining from any action based Jane Nathan, 1 Fallowfield, Shoeburyness, Essex SS3 8DF on the content of this magazine. No liability  01702 589 643 [email protected] is accepted for the consequences of following any advice provided in the magazine.

EDITOR: Whilst I am writing this I am aware of the truly awful event that has Rob Symonds, 49 Gorsy Road, happened in Nice. I am sure that all of us wish our French friends our Quinton, Birmingham B32 2SJ deepest sympathy and all those that are caught up in this terrible atrocity. [email protected] When will it all end?  0121 682 0640 EDITOR Rob Symonds writes: DEADLINE efore I get going on other matters, I must report, via Frank 14th of the month prior to publication BAshley, some sad news: the passing of Jack Ellsmoor at the ripe old age of 102. Jack was a very early member of MAGAZINE NON-ARRIVAL: Please contact the Membership Secretary the then Morris Eight Tourer Club, and although he was no Contact details above longer a member, Jack was very active in the club's early years, so there will be many who remember him. A full obituary will appear in BACK ISSUES: may be purchased next month's magazine. from the Club Shop On a more cheerful note, I welcome you to what has tumed out to be the biggest edition of Morris Monthly in my six years plus editorship. At the WEBSITE: www.morrisregister.co.uk height of the season there is always a lot to report, but with the evident Contact: Mike Rose, Webmaster excitement generated by the North East region's Beamish Museum [email protected] weekend, we were forced into overflow mode. I am not sure I can survive SMALL ADS: Post/email to: too long at this level of production, but far be it from me to suggest that The Editor (see above) contributions need to slow down! As a result of this month's excesses, a Free for members (max 1 car per month) report on the MMOC National Rally/2nd MVA Rally has been left until next Non-members: please contact for charges. month. By then, of course, our own National Rally at Thoresby Park will have taken place, and you will all be rushing your photos and stories to COMPLAINTS: Any complaints me. I will only be there on the Sunday, so am particularly keen to receive against any officer of the club, or about reports on Saturday's activities, especially the driving games. Crikey, I just the way the club is being administered should be referred to the Secretary remembered, the Thoresby programme still needs to be put together. There really is no rest for the wicked! THE PRE 1940 MORRIS REGISTER LTD DVLA Authentication Service: Members needing access to Registered Office: the Club’s scheme for registration number retention should get 70 Alderton Way, Trowbridge, in touch on 07507 264 980 or [email protected] Wiltshire BA14 0UH

©Morris Register and various authors and photographers 2015. PRINTED BY Material published in Morris Monthly may not be published LAVENHAM PRESS elsewhere without the permission of the Editor.  01787 247 436 The Morris Register Spares Service POSTAL SALES If you know the part number of the parts you need, but don’t want to use the on-line shop, please get in touch with David and Lindsay Smith, email: [email protected] or by post at Morris Spares, Units 5 & 6 Priory Farm Industrial Estate, Station Road, Portbury, BRISTOL, BS20 7TN. We cannot take orders by phone. • Please state clearly the part number (the unique 2-letter, 3-number code as shown in the on- line shop), the description of the item you need, and the quantity • Please quote the model and chassis number of your car – take the chassis number from the brass plate under the bonnet, and include the letters as well as the numbers • Please quote your name, address and membership number in all communications • We can accept payments by cheque, but prefer payments by card using PayPal. Instructions for payment will be given when you order • Please remember the Service is run by members for the benefit of other members in their own time amidst many other family and personal priorities • If you are not sure what the correct part is, please put a request for help onto the Forum. There will always be members “on line” who will be able to share their knowledge with you. 3 SECRETARY Secretary’s Spot Jim Riglar

ast month I gave advanced notice of the club’s Annual General Meeting and the formal notification is contained on Lthe Bulletin Board in this issue of Morris Monthly. Don’t forget that the AGM is a good opportunity to influence the way the club is structured, the way in which it operates, the major events it organises or the services it provides. It is also your opportunity to seek one of the key roles within the club’s management structure. In terms of the major roles within the club, this year we will certainly be seeking a new Webmaster. Mike Rose, who has done a sterling job over the last 5-6 months maintaining the club’s website and processing a myriad of website user applications, is standing down from the role. He has, after much thought and deliberation, concluded that with other demands on his time, he is unable to allocate enough time to the job of Webmaster. Mike’s contribution to club business has been much appreciated and I would, both personally and on behalf of the club, wish to extend thanks for his efforts. Mike has been able to provide some suggestions for improvements to the website, some of which may require major changes and I will be pursuing these with the Management Committee over the coming weeks. I hope that many of you will be able to make it to the National Rally at Thoresby. It will be my ninth consecutive visit and I look forward to chatting with as many of you as possible. Bulletin Board

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING he AGM will be held on Saturday 1 October at the Coventry Transport Museum. Any resolutions and nominations Tshould be sent to the Secretary by 17th August. There is no particular form for this, just write or email with your resolution or nomination, showing the proposer and seconder. If nominating any member for a post, you must have the agreement of that person to be nominated. Under our current rules, only six posts are subject to election at the AGM, they are Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Editor, Membership Secretary and Webmaster. Mike Rose is standing down from the role of Webmaster, so nominations are therefore particularly invited for the post of Webmaster.

1935 What’s it Worth? Morris 12/4

urrently on eBay, where the vendor Cstates: "Last chance. If it doesn't sell this time it will go away until I have chance to put the engine in. This is the more rare 12 hp model with the same body as the 10, a really good project. This is a very attractive car with good bodywork. The engine in the car is no good but it comes with a correct replacement engine ready to be fitted. The engine in the car could be rebuilt as a spare. The seats are in very reasonable condition. Transport can be arranged if required, send postcode for a quote."

Answer on Page 51

4 New and returning members Warm Welcome

NO. MEMBER LOCATION eMAIL CAR DETAILS

13830 Mark Short Notts NG3 [email protected] 1937 Eight Series 1 4 Door saloon

13831 Edward Torr S.Yorks S60 [email protected] 1935 Eight Series 1 Tourer

Dordogne 24290 13832 Alan Dewar France [email protected] 1936 Eight Series 1 4 Door saloon

13833 Bob Snowden Devon EX2 [email protected]

Stuart Green 13834 & Karen Higgins Shropshire TF11 [email protected] 1948 Eight Series E Saloon John & 13835 Sheila Colgrave Oxfordshire OX13 1933 Minor ohc Family Eight saloon James Hollingworth james_hollingworth 13836 & Eleanor Scotland Lincs NG31 @hotmail.co.uk 1946 Eight Series E 4 Door sliding head Stuart & 1931 Minor sv 2 Seater 13837 Glenda Clark Worcs B61 [email protected] 1930 Minor ohc Coachbuilt 2 dr saloon

13838 Paul Hunt S.Yorks S66 [email protected]

13839 Geoff Alcock S.Yorks S65 [email protected] 1934 Eight Series 1 Tourer

Simon & 1936 Eight Series 1 2 Seater 13840 Charlotte Bruce Wilts SN14 [email protected] 1932 Minor 2 Seater tourer Tasmania 7050 13841 Kevin Donovan Australia [email protected]

13842 Jarlath McLaughlin Antrim BT41 [email protected]

Roy & 13843 Elaine Shenton Dorset BH23 [email protected] 1939 Eight Series E 4 Door saloon

13844 Roger Wynn Hants GU34 [email protected] 1934 Ten Four 2 Seater tourer

13845 Jonathan Farrell Galway H91X7E2 [email protected] 1935 Ten Saloon

Geoffrey & geoffrey54swindells 13846 Marion Swindells Bucks MK46 @btinternet.com 1947 Eight Series E 2 Door sliding head

13847 Martyn Howarth Grtr Manch BL7 [email protected]

Robert & Ten Four 13848 Kent BR3 [email protected] 1935 Saloon William Edwards Pre Series Thomas Vear & 13849 John Jeffs Lincs LN13 [email protected] 1938 Eight Series 2 2 Door sliding head Peter Coultard & 13850 Brenda Simmons Kent TN12 [email protected] 1935 Eight Pre Series 2 Door sliding head

13851 Helen Pauley Shropshire WV15 [email protected]

Kenneth & 13852 Penny Berry Suffolk CO10 [email protected] 1934 Ten Four 4 Door saloon Donald & 13853 Jean Munro Staffs ST6 [email protected]

13854 Stephen Wooder Middlesex HA3 [email protected] 1949 Series Y 12/4 Va n

Alan & 13855 Susan Gillard Bristol BS14 [email protected] 1947 Eight Series E 4 Door saloon

13856 Peter Elliott Lanarks ML12 [email protected] 1932 Minor sv 2 Seater

Mark & 13857 Heather Barkas Leics LE14 1946 Eight Series E 2 Door sliding head

5 FBHVC REP Federation Feedback Pat Farmer

From Bob Owen, DVLA Registration Matters s you know we had experienced an extended failure to come to grips with both the changes in some policies of DVLA and Athe fact that they kept saying they had not changed anything. Having reached an impasse with DVLA’s chosen negotiators, we had reached the stage of taking the matter up with the All Party Parliamentary Historic Vehicle Group. We then found ourselves with an extended hiatus as the DVLA negotiator moved to another post. While the people we deal with day-to-day were largely unchanged, there was a no-one to carry on at the level where major policy issues were concerned and it took a while to establish who we were to speak to. The starting gun has now been fired. DVLA have confirmed their new organisation. We have thus taken the opportunity to set out the policy questions, as we understand them, in a co-ordinated manner. We wrote last week to DVLA attaching a Policy Paper which sets everything out as fully as we can. As many of you will recall, the major issue by far was that concerning bodies on vehicles with a chassis. DVLA had started for whatever reason to reject applications on the basis that the body was not original or at the very least consistent with the original style of the vehicle. Sometimes, but not always, they based these decisions on the evidence of the body style shown on an old VE60 logbook. To our certain knowledge certain of their decisions, especially on the latter point, were the reverse of the truth, and some bodies, of variable quality, which had been on the vehicle during its lifetime but were most certainly not original, were being preferred. We have always argued that DVLA’s own publications, such as INF 26 and Form V765/3, were so written as to preclude the possibility that bodies on a chassis (in contrast to monocoque bodyshells) were to be taken account of in deciding if a vehicle was genuine. The responses of DVLA to our increasingly anguished protestations were that they had always considered bodies and that this had been the case since local authorities were responsible for vehicle registration and licensing. We were quite sure that was not the case and some of our members, especially those with specialist skills, drew our attention to books from the ‘50s which very clearly stated the reverse; that local authorities ignored body styles in identifying what constituted a vehicle. But no-one seemed to be able to establish a source. Well, thanks to help from the Kithead Trust and their almost bottomless archive of documents, I was able to find the Ministry of Transport’s ‘Handbook regarding the Taxation and Registration of Mechanically Propelled Vehicles the Licensing of Drivers and Related Matters’. This is the instructions to local authorities as to how they should handle their registration and licensing responsibilities Paragraph 303 (2) deserves to be quoted at length: ‘The most reasonable assumption is that the chassis constitutes the vehicle and that the chassis consists not only of the frame but also front and rear axles, gears, steering and transmission units. [A] change of body... does not by itself constitute a change of identity.’ Paragraph 303 (5) make clear that this is not the case with a monocoque bodyshell so the distinction is clear. Having established what was policy I then searched for any point at which a change in policy might have been made and announced by MoT or DVLA. Searching through various stages of development of policy on historic vehicles, such as the setting up of the V765 Scheme, a Consultation in September 1996, being a five year review of the V765 Scheme, and a Consultation on Inspection Processes in 2004, revealed no change. The wording continued to be consistent with no change having occurred. We have set all this out much more fully in our Policy Paper to DVLA. I cannot at this stage predict what DVLA’s response will be so our advice to those affected to be patient has to remain valid. Insurance Values and Write-Offs ince I wrote last time on the Code of Practice on Salvage and its update there have been some disturbing developments. SFirst, it has become evident that some motor policies now make it entirely the responsibility and right of the insurance company to decide upon when a vehicle will be written off and what will then be done with it. We have heard of examples where a vehicle has been crushed before the owner knows it has been written off. Given that the insurance industry is aware it should treat historic vehicles with some care, this is not likely to apply to a historic vehicle on a specialist policy. But owners should be vigilant. An owner of a historic vehicle involved in an accident or other event of any serious nature (particularly flooding) should take steps to monitor carefully what is happening to it. This is particularly the case where the vehicle has to be recovered from the roadside. There may be readers with more modern classics, which are not yet suitable to go on a specialist policy. Owners of these vehicles need in my view to be particularly vigilant. Not all inspection engineers, and indeed not all insurance companies, will be aware of the potential difference between the resale value of a cherished vehicle and the sums an owner might be prepared to expend to get his vehicle back on the road. That difference clearly could not affect the sums the insurers would pay, but it might mean that a vehicle they would write off primarily for financial reasons would be able to be spared through a contribution by the owner. Perhaps most worrying is that DVLA, as a result of the abandonment of the old Vehicle Identity Check, but in the interests of their obligations to ensure safe traffic on the roads, have modified their write-off categories. While these will be incorporated in the new Code, some insurance companies seem to be a little unclear as to their freedom of decision prior to the decision to write off a vehicle and are assuming a higher level of legal obligation than is exactly the case. I am sorry to be a bit vague but as we are between Codes procedures are clearly being brought into line to be ready for it, and as communication between the Federation and the working party on the new Code is at best sporadic, we are relying quite a lot on anecdotal evidence.We can only advise caution. Two other matters of note are: Roadworthiness Testing Directive and Correct V5C Forms and the Vehicle Enquiry System Little progress has been made on either of these topics – however, should you wish further information on these matters, please contact me for fuller narrative. Pat Farmer – [email protected] or 01536 711 620 6 Old pictures from the collection of member, Dave Fitton Fitton's Files here doesn't seem to have been much feedback so far, Tso I hope you are enjoying my photos. Comments, via the editor, are very welcome. Here are some of my thoughts about the photos featured: June Momo: KMY 679 - Middlesex, photographed in April 1976. It looks newly restored so surely it survives? WS 7387 - in Leith records but not recorded by DVLA. July Momo: UR 6413 - one for Chris Lambert to investigate? JH 8445, Hertfordshire - pity the number has been stolen. Picture was taken a short way from Bradlaugh's statue on the Wellingborough road. A chap with a nearby lock-up owned a 1928 FWD Alvis which finished second in the TT. Reg Owen's ensemble - can we book them for the National Rally, I wonder? Dave Fitton

Top right: Can anyone read the reg no? Bottom Left: The rector's car in Brington, Northants Bottom right: A baker's family in Victoria, Australia

7 June on the Forum Forum Files Bob Williams

put this review together every month from the clever, level in the tank, the only constant was one gallon of fuel Iinteresting, informative and often witty posts that added. OK, OK, don’t say it! Yes, I know I should fix the members put onto the Forum, but I often wonder, does fuel sender, but until such time my calibrated oak stick anybody read it? It was therefore rewarding to see in the is perfect. By passing the flat oak stick between the rear June issue of Morris Monthly that at least two members valance and filler cap it takes a straight line to the side do, as there were two separate articles inspired from the of the tank, from this all dimensions can be found, then March review. These were from Geoff – The ones that placing stick into tank determines fuel level.It was half, so got away, scrapyard experiences together with great I added one gallon. On return it measured the same so I photos and from the Yellow Pages – Old Films, again would estimate 30 mpg … far better than just looking at accompanied with interesting photos. Well done, Paul, for fuel gauge. Eh! I overtook a cyclist also …” starting the ball rolling with your original post: The Plank Grumpyjohn “30 mpg is about what I get with my Series JRO 373. E now with modern fuel. Used to get about 40 with the old 2 star in my Series 1 and I am not sure if I have featured can’t understand why there is a Pete Newton and Lady M difference?” previously in the Forum reviews, Richard: “The majority of I know I have highlighted Morris Eights I see run much some of his previous posts for too rich and therefore use far possible consideration. Pete is too much fuel. 35 miles should one of those guys you never be the absolute minimum know whether to take seriously obtained from a gallon, with or not, never quite sure if he is around 40 possible in favourable joking. He caused some alarm conditions. This equates to some recently by stating his brakes did 180 miles on a tankful without not work, quite exciting when over-filling the tank, whereas going down a very steep hill. It some Eights manage as little was queried if he was making an as 120. If, in all but the mildest April Fool’s joke and a photo of temperatures, you can start from a Penny Farthing crash was also cold either without using the posted to reinforce the danger of rich mixture control, or it keeps driving with no brakes. running even though the control Pete’s latest post was: Lady M. It's dangerous to drive without brakes! is pushed home immediately “Morning all, Apart from the after starting, then the mixture is occasional light precipitation, what great weather we are too rich and you’re using too much fuel. Advancing the enjoying (this does apply to us here in England). Lady timing a couple of degrees will help economy, but keep a M had not been out for nearly 3 weeks due to me being keen ear out for signs of pinking/detonation under load.” away but with no problem, she started on the first pull of Pete’s reply: “This is interesting, I would imagine I am the starter. Yes! As you know our friend Eddie and I spent about average on my mpg. Seeing as I have never done time in his pit messing about with brakes. Everything was a full fill up (brim to brim check) and my temporary fuel replaced or re-built. The brakes were slightly dangerous gauge stick is only “about”! As the engine is running fine and sort of worked before I took Lady M to Eddie but and has started on the button all winter and spring I am now they don’t work! Well, they actually do but just need going to leave well alone with timing, etc. …. I will have to bedding in. Thanks Eddie, I now have to throw Julie out an go on the church roof again to get some lead to put into extra 30 feet before the traffic lights! We went for a 35 mile the tank!” round trip yesterday to a car show all good, and I 'think' I John: “Surely a number of factors could account for the did 30 mpg? this I worked out over about twenty minutes shortfall, e.g. degree of the route’s hilliness, stop/starts, using an oak flat stick, a set square, a pencil and the petrol measurement inaccuracies?”

Exported Eight makes contact with its previous UK owner 8 Back to Richard: “In my experience the effect isn’t as great this forum and this is already very helpful for me. I would as you might suppose. I suspect that a major influence is like to thank you all for sharing! Some pictures attached.” that these cars are very un-aerodynamic, so when cruising Grumpyjohn was the first to welcome him “Hi there and at 45 mph (or more) the aerodynamic drag to be overcome welcome to the club. With regard to your steering wheel. is a lot more significant than it would be for a modern, As the rubber is now 80 years old it is breaking up. 3 more efficient body. I’ve found that economy is best options, (1) (the cheapest) is to fit a steering wheel glove. when dawdling along a scenic coastal route at between (2) Get the wheel recovered, (3) look for a Pre series or 15 and 30 mph in top, whereas my modern is remarkably early Series 1 wheel that is solid and covered in a form of economical when cruising at the legal speed limit. As for plastic. The earlier wheel will fit straight onto your car but measurement inaccuracies, I agree. If an Eight’s tank is make sure it comes with the chromed nut and washer!” filled to the top of the neck fuel will spill out of the vent, Edward must then have got excited to see this post “Hello, therefore it’s advisable to stop filling an inch or so above I believe that I was the previous owner of the Morris 8. the bottom of the filler neck. Obviously this is largely Was the British registration number EYL 840 and did you guesswork, so the best plan is not to calculate consumption purchase it from Robin Lawton Ltd? If this is the case I’d be for a single tankful but to average it over, say, the last four. delighted to know how you are getting on with it. I found My spreadsheet does just that, and the results (since 1997) it to be a very reliable car and only sold it because I took a have been pretty consistent.” fancy to a 1927 Morris Cowley two seater.” Finally, Pete again: “'Hilliness' I like that word, but stop/ Then back to Pascal: “John, thanks for the tip, will soon starts? I have told you that for me it is only Start at the change it to the series 1 steering wheel! Edward, reg no. moment as brakes not bedded in! My father and mother was indeed EYL 840. Freddie! I saw your name in the always taught me to drive in documentation map. You can accordance with the road as far contact me, would love to chat ahead as I could see and I must about the car. It is indeed a very admit that over the years this reliable car.” means my brakes are more likely to seize up than wear out. John, Peter followed up earlier 45 mph or more? I don’t do that, posts with a new update post, I pootle ...” She loves me, she Running board: “Running loves me not” speed, I always board covered in new rubber thought 52 mph was when the looks good. Thanks to Michael coefficient of drag comes in? Or Porter, who supplied the rubber is this on a 60’s body shape and and instructions. Going to fit it onwards. Well I am off in Lady later to the car. Just the doors M to do the shopping, using a to restore. Was going to take little bit of lanes where I can her to her 1st car show but decide which side of the road to A nice job done unfortunately the ignition switch be and then an “A” road where has decided to fail and is not I have to fit between white line and grass, then the very repairable. So will have to wait until Aug for the next show. very annoying speed bumps which shake all my fuel out! I have attached a picture.” Stop/start a few times then back a different way along dual Mark queried: “What adhesive did you end up using?” carriageway where I can put my foot down … Whoops, Laurie: “I’ve got a set of these rubbers to fit as well – time foot already down, does egging it on by talking to the car permitting. I hope mine look half as good as yours do when and trying to push ones weight forward help? Works for I’ve finished.” me.” Richard: “Agreed — that’s the best-looking rubber replacement job I’ve seen.” Pascal, a new member from Holland, introduced himself Back to Peter: “Hi. Thanks for the feedback. It was a with his post: New member Morris Eight Netherlands. bit tricky and you have to take your time. But it can be “Hi Morris enthusiasts! With this post I would like to achieved with a little patience. The adhesive was Evostick introduce myself. I bought me a Morris Eight Series 2 Impact contact adhesive. Using a hard roller it takes around from 1938, which had been recently imported towards the 45 mins per running board from start to finish.” Netherlands. Previous owners had been taking very good care of the car, well maintained. Car runs great and I enjoy If you have been inspired by this month's Forum Files why driving/maintaining it. Cousin of me also has a Morris Eight not log on and add your advice, queries, voice your views? pre-series LHD which has been in the family since 1990. Alternatively put together your own article and send it to My Morris will also stay in the family for hopefully a very Rob, our editor, for possible inclusion in Morris Monthly. long time! The things on my to do list for the Morris are: • Fixing the side indicators (already done, the bumps stops Bob Williams were worn causing them not to flip out anymore, put ([email protected]) new bump stops in and works now). EDITOR’S NOTE: • New lubricants as shown in the lubrication schematic. Any member intending to act upon advice given in the • New steering wheel as I get completely black hands after Forum or to use any products or services mentioned, driving it. Rubber steering wheel is a bit worn. is strongly recommended to read the Morris Register Hope, on this forum, I can share and gain more knowledge disclaimer at the top of page 3 of Morris Monthly. about the Morris Eight. Already have been reading a lot on 9 Morris 8 - Box Spanners - Tommy Bar - Tool Bag Mark Stevenson his article features the last of the tools within the Morris 8 tool bag, Tand takes a close look at the cloth tool bag.

Box Spanners Fig. 1 ox spanners, or tube spanners as they are sometimes referred Bto, have been a integral item in Morris tool kits for many years. Like some of the other tools in the Morris 8 tool kit, there were no manufacturer's stamp on them nor were their sizes for that matter. They were plain nondescript box spanners with a steel blue colour. One nice design feature of the box spanners was that they were designed to fit inside each other (nesting) (see figs. 2 & 3), much like a set of Russian dolls. All box spanners had two 8.5 mm diameter holes that went right through the side of the tube. This allowed a tommy bar to be inserted to give leverage for turning. The positions of these holes vary slightly but are approximately 1⅛" (28 mm) from either end of the tube for the 4" box spanners, and 1½" (38 mm) from either end for the 5" box spanner. If you are after a set of box spanners and aren't too worried about originality, Morris Register member Tim James wrote to say that Melco sell Whitworth box spanners. I'm not sure if they are the nesting type, but the cost is between £3.50 and £5 each. The Pre-Series Morris 8 tool kit included only two box spanners; pt. no. 35902 and pt. no. 35903. However in the parts book supplement dated August 1935, these were replaced by three box spanners, ET 140, ET 141 and ET142 at chassis 45000. In the parts book supplement dated November 1937, these three box spanners were again replaced by three more box spanners, pt. no. 39056, pt. no. 39507 and pt. no. 39508 at chassis 165001. It is unclear why there was a change in part numbers as the new replacements appear to be the same as the ones they replaced. Speculation that Morris Fig. 2 Motors may have been superseding the "ET" numbers is not supported as the tommy bar carrying the identifying code ET300 for example, continued to be so numbered after the war in the Series E tool kit. If anyone has an explanation, please let me know.

Box Spanner (1/4" and 5/16") - Part No. 35903 This box spanner was used from chassis 901 to 44999. As these have proven difficult to locate I am unable to supply a length measurement. It was possibly 4", like other similar box spanners. Box Spanner (3/8" and 7/16") - Part No. 35902 This box spanner was used from chassis 901 to 44999. Again, details are unable to be provided due to difficulty in locating these. The length may have been 4" or 5". If anyone has an original Pre-series box spanner, could they please confirm the length? Box Spanner (3/16" and 1/4") - Part No. ET140 Used from chassis 45000 to 165000. Length was 4" (102mm). Box Spanner (5/16" and 3/8") - Part No. ET141 Used from chassis 45000 to 165000. Length was 4" (102mm). Box Spanner (7/16" and 1/2") - Part No. ET142 Used from chassis 45000 to 165000. Length was 5" (127mm). Box Spanner (3/16" and 1/4") - Part No. 39056 Used from chassis 165001 until the end of the Series 2 production. Length was 4" (102mm). Box Spanner (5/16" and 3/8") - Part No. 39057 Used from chassis 165001 until the end of the Series 2 production. Length was 4" (102mm). Box Spanner (7/16" and 1/2") - Part No. 39058 Used from chassis 165001 until the end of the Series 2 production. Length was 5" (127mm).

Fig. 4 provides a handy reference chart showing the size of Whitworth nuts and bolts in both millimetres and inches. The measurement is taken across the flats of a bolt head.

To assist in identifying the correct box spanners I have constructed two simple gadgets (fig. 5). Made from 8 mm diameter rod, one is 5" (127 mm) high and the other 4" (102mm). On each end a nut of the appropriate size has been welded. On the 5" gadget a 7/16W nut was welded on one end and a 1/2W nut on the other. In addition short lengths of 8 mm rod were welded in the position equal to where the Fig. 3 10 Fig. 5

Fig. 4 holes in the side of the box spanner are located. The 4" gadget is similar but because there are four sizes for the ends of the box spanners, two extra nuts were welded on the side rods.

Tommy Bar - Part No. ET300 f course box spanners are of no use without a tommy bar (fig. 6) Oto turn them. The one supplied in the Morris 8 tool kit was 5/16" (8 mm) in diameter, had a half round/ Fig. 6 domed head on one end and measured 6½" (165 mm) from under the head to the end. This was a very common design and is found in the tool kits of many marques of collectable cars. However check the length of the tommy bar as a 6" version was also commonly available from other manufacturers. I have found tommy bars to have two different finishes. Some with a bare metal finish, while others have a blue metal finish. The tommy bars found in original kits are the bare metal type. As the box spanners had a blue metal finish, it's curious that the tommy bars didn't have the same surface Fig. 7 finish.

Tool Bag - Part No. 38266 he tool bag (fig. 7) was a simple design made from a light Tweight cotton twill, with a leatherette/rexine binding and cotton ribbons/straps to tie it into a roll. Dimensions vary between the two tool bags I have measurements for, so it is approximately 13¾" to 14½" (350 - 370 mm) wide and 12¼" to 12½" (311 - 317 mm) high when open. I would describe the colour of the roll as cocoa brown. The binding around the edge is black although one owner of an original tool bag thought it may have originally been dark brown. The one inch cotton ties are black. I personally know of only four of these tool bags left in existence, one in New Zealand, one in Australia and two in the UK. I would be very pleased if any reader could let me know of any others that have survived the passage of time.

11 Tool Bag - Part No. 39098 n the parts book supplement dated August 1938, there was a change in the tool bag Ifrom part no. 38266 to part no. 39098 (fig. 8 & 9). This is the same part number that was used for Series E and Series Z tool bags. The post August 1938 tool bag is made from the same materials as the previous tool bag part no. 38266. It measures 11" (280 mm) wide and 16" (406 mm) high when open. Unlike the single pocket of part no. 38266, the later tool bag has five pockets sown in. The binding around the edge is more a dark brown than a black. This was confirmed on one tool bag by unpicking some of the stitching and examining the back of the binding which revealed Fig. 8 it was brown. Another difference is the cotton ties were relocated from the top to the side. I am currently working on reproducing a batch of tool bags for interested members. These should be ready towards the end of the year. Feel free to contact me with your experiences of collecting Morris tools or to share information on any original tools you have. I can be contacted at mgstevenson@gmail. com. Fig. 9

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321217_CMS03_Classic Motor Show_ClubAd_A5_Launch_fv2.indd 1 18/05/2016 15:18 13 Items of interest Exactly Eighty from The Morris Owner magazine, August 1936 Do YOU Miss These Points? All the items mentioned in this article, in the experience of Morris Motors Service staff, suffer neglect to a greater or lesser degree, at the hands of the private owner. It is the mission of every greaser or nipple on the chassis to discount wear of some moving part; neglect must therefore imply, sooner or later, a bill for repairs.

steering gear is attempted. Additionally, with the wheels clear of the ground the steering wheel can be rotated freely, giving the oil a good chance to wrap itself round the various working surfaces. A nipple in connection with the steering gear which is commonly missed is that one at either end of The greaser on the fan bearing is sometimes overlooked the steering draglink (the rod which connects the mechanism at the base of the steering column to the T is recognised that there are many motorists today front axle). There are two ball joints in the draglink, Iwho have neither the time nor the inclination to one at each end, and a drilled passage is provided so study the mechanism of their cars in detail. Whether that oil will arrive at both points from the one nipple. lubrication maintenance is handled by a garage, or The steering gear should be so arranged that the is perhaps regarded as a duty for which the motorist draglink is as near to the horizontal as possible, and assumes personal responsibility, the fact remains the oilgun should be applied generously, since that motorcars are not simple pieces of machinery, the drilled passage will have to be filled before the and, giving so much, they demand, in return, at lubricant actually reaches the joints. least adequate lubrication. As the title of this short Lifting the bonnet, there will be found on the right article suggests, it is our intention, therefore, to call hand side (left-hand side on certain export models) the to the mind a number of details which quite often steering gearbox. It is essential, once every thousand escape attention and which, by continued neglect, miles at least, to inspect the oil level and to replenish will eventually impair the smooth working of a car with a transmission grade of oil if required. On most and engender unreliable running. Morris cars a plug is provided for the purpose, but It is well to remember, in dealing with the lubrication in some cases it will be found that a nipple has been of a motorcar, that wherever there is a major used. Shortage of lubricant in the steering gearbox moving part, a nipple is supplied to permit of the will tend towards a certain harshness, and may even administration of lubricant. give rise to a knock in the steering column when the In the majority of very recently manufactured car is passing over anything but the very smoothest Morris cars there is one exception, insomuch that road surfaces. "silentbloc" has been standardised at the forward Turning now to the fan, it will be found that a nipple ends of the rear springs. This type of bearing requires is provided on the boss for the fan roller bearing, and no lubrication, and for that reason a plain bolt also the thrust washer. This applies to all models, without a nipple is used. whilst on the present Sixes — since the fan Of the First Importance runs on the same spindle as the water The steering gear is worthy of pump — a screw-down greaser is also consideration first of all, since provided. The fan turns round very neglect tends to prejudice the fast at normal road speeds and safety of passengers as well the action will tend to become as other road users, whilst a noisy if lubrication is neglected. properly lubricated steering The Water Pump gear enhances the pleasureable Furthermore, a pump gland is handling of a car. dependent for its watertightness To ensure that lubricant upon adequate and regular reaches the thrusts in the tops lubrication. This greaser should of the stub axles, a car should be filled and screwed down a be jacked up under the axle beam turn or two at a time every few so that the wheels are clear of the days. Incidentally, it is advisable to ground and the load on the stub axles use a type of grease which is marketed relieved. With Jackall hydraulic jacks, as specially for water pumps. The next items for attention are fitted to all Series II. Because the draglink nipple (indicated Morris cars, jacking up is a matter by the arrow) is inevitably a little the electrical units, comprising of moments only, and is worth inaccessible, it does not always have the dynamo, the starter and the while before lubrication of the the attention it deserves distributor. 14 In respect of these considerable control mechanism should not be care is required in the matter of overlooked, for a little oil applied to lubrication, since an “overdose” the base of the jet, to the jet control of oil may cause almost as much wire and the jet lever joints will save trouble as neglect. wear and tear and make the control On most models of Lucas dynamo work smoothly. small oil holes will be found fore On the 14 h.p. Series II Morris and aft of the main body, whilst Six the throttle is controlled by at the armature end in modern a Bowden wire, and this should machines a wick type of lubricator receive regular lubrication where is also provided. Occasionally this the wire enters the casing. wick should be removed, and a few Lastly, remove the oil cap on the spots of oil added to keep it moist. carburetter dome top and apply Both in the case of the dynamo and about ten drops of thin machine oil the starter the bearings are grease- to lubricate the suction disc piston packed at the time of original rod. assembly. Crawling under a car is not Light Duty The position of the lubricating pleasurable, but it is necessary In respect of the starter it will be plug or nipple on the steering occasionally to have a look round appreciated that this turns round gearbox is shown by the arrow; use with the oilgun and oilcan. only when the starter circuit is transmission oil here Sometimes it may be possible to closed, for which reason a periodical borrow a ramp or a high lift jack, overhaul, when the bearings can be repacked, is which will obviate the need for crawling. Fortunately, adequate. In the case of the Morris Eight, however, the “underneath” of recent Morris cars is notably free an occasional spot or two of engine oil on the starter from moving parts — thanks to the installation of pinion and sleeve — which on this model are exposed hydraulic brakes. — will prove advantageous. These parts are “get-at- Make Sure of This able” from under the bonnet on the right-hand side An important nipple to be looked for is the one at the of the car looking towards the rear. forward end of the propeller shaft, and this nipple is The distributor is driven by a shaft from the engine provided for the purpose of lubricating the propeller camshaft, and on most of the four-cylinder models shaft sliding joint. It may be necessary to move the an oiler for the shaft bearing will be found under the car slightly to make the nipple accessible, since it distributor body and close to the cylinder block. Two revolves with the shaft. or three drops of thin oil are necessary here once in Apply the oilcan to the hand brake pivot pins and every thousand miles. to the brake cable guides, or, where fitted, to the Now remove the distributor cover and once every brake cable casing ends. In the case of the latter oil 3000 miles smear the cam very lightly with grease. is naturally applied at the point where the cables Then withdraw the rotating arm (it pulls straight actually enter the casings. Do not overlook the clutch off) and apply a few drops of linkage gear and thin machine oil to the cavity also the foot brake which is thus exposed. This pedal anchorage. On ensures adequate lubrication certain of the models of the automatic advance and a nipple is provided retard mechanism inside the on the foot brake distributor body, a matter of pedal boss, and this considerable importance on should be located. cars which are not fitted with Here again a friend a manually controlled type of comes in handy, distributor. for the operation of Another small but important the hand brake, the bearing in connection with clutch pedal. and the the distributor is the pivot brake pedal will show pin on which the rocker arm immediately which works. This requires just one are the moving parts. spot of thin machine oil once The application of oil in every 5000 miles. to all these details Before closing the bonnet is very beneficial, study the control mechanism especially when it of the carburetter. A friend is remembered that will usually be kind enough the underneath of This is where the to work the accelerator pedal a car is necessarily distributor should whilst oil is applied to all the exposed to mud and The carburetter controls have receive a very few moving joints. Incidentally, water thrown up a busy life and should be drops of thin oil every during this operation the jet from the road. lubricated where the arrows 3000 miles point in this illustration 15 Another very much neglected item is the speedometer Body Fittings cable. By means of this cable the drive is transmitted The bodywork of a motor-car is not normally from the top of the gearbox to the speedometer associated with any requirements in the way of instrument, and since the cable turns every time the lubrication, with the result that such items as sliding car is moved, it will be understood that lubrication seat runners, sliding roof guide channels, door locks, is important. A noisy speedometer drive — usually catches, slam plates and hinges are often entirely caused by neglect — can be very irritating, and all overlooked. that is necessary is occasionally to disconnect the Occasional and careful attention to each one of speedometer casing from the speedometer instrument these is amply repaid by a roof and seats which slide and pour down, between cable and casing, some noiselessly, by effortless closing of the doors, and by transmission oil which has been slightly the elimination of wear and tear which will heated in order to make it flow freely. set up annoying squeaks and rattles. On coming into contact with the Finally, a word about wheel colder cable and casing the oil bearings. Being more or less will congeal, thus forming out of sight, these are so often a kind of cushion which entirely forgotten, whereas, will eliminate noise and actually, it should be friction for a considerable remembered that they period. On modern Morris carry the whole weight of cars it will be necessary to the car. For lubrication disconnect the top side of they require a good quality the shroud underneath the grease, and since the oilgun instrument panel to gain supplied with the car will access to the speedometer normally contain transmission cable, but this is not a long oil, it is often more convenient to job, and attention once or twice a have the wheel bearings attended to year—according to mileage — will The upper end of the speedometer cable regularly by a garage, for it is a suffice. receiving attention with the oilcan matter of only a few moments’ work.

Prof. Low is the author of The Future and Our Wonderful World of Tomorrow. He demonstrated television in 1914 and in 1910 described the use of superchargers. He was responsible for the invention of contact eye-glasses long before these were considered possible; is a Fellow of the Institute of Patentees and believes that the future can be predicted in its tendencies with scientific accuracy, always, he says, “excepting women, who are still definitely savage”

THINK that it is possible to see into the future. Not these so-called facts could be ascertained by direct Ifrom the rather foolish aspect of crystal-gazing, measurement. the colour of the eyes of an alleged soul-mate, or the Ever Onward name of a Derby winner — but in tendencies. It is the In my opinion, and everything in the world is always a general tendency that we can look to for our vision matter of opinion, we are only moving along the lines of progress for the very excellent reason that Nature of more speed and more comfort. A curve showing is a creature of habit or because the plotting of the time taken to drive from London to Edinburgh curves between time and events has been employed has had an ever-falling tendency for many centuries by stockbrokers and central station engineers for and in relation to comfort we have only to realise many years. Even hide-bound scientists who a that motor buses with closed-in tops and flower few years ago considered a futuristic outlook as a vases in cars would have seemed ludicrous to our prostitution of their “noble calling”, now realise that grandparents. In short, we love luxury for our bodies, sauce for the goose is also quite delectable with the in order that our brains may grow unrestrictedly. gander. Engineers knew the explosion temperature Still More Speed in the cylinders of engines long before either of Why not apply this true and genuine principle of 16 foresight to motorcars? Motorcars will have faster for a small electric motor which propelled us without engines, will become more efficient, more reliable and noise, smell or waste. “No fumes” will be a good more silent. Speeds will increase out of all bounds, slogan in a crowded England where we pay a flat rate because they have steadily increased for countless to the Government Power Company and cavil at a centuries in respect of all methods of transport. So variation in frequency of one millionth of a second. when I ask if wheels will always be used, admittedly Not so very impossible. Possible now if waste and it sounds amazing, but I am not deeply convinced cost were immaterial. Suggestive of something even that the question is utterly absurd when I recollect more futuristic and not quite absurd in times when that only the accident of time prevented Cleopatra interplanetary signalling is taken seriously by many from calling upon Antony in a Puss Moth, and that thinking people all over the world. prejudice caused witches to be burned at the stake I mean, no wheels. Just that. Cars without wheels at on the evidence of children a few hundred years ago. all. And this is how it might be done. Let us think. Will wheels always be a real necessity Everybody knows about Foucault currents. That for transport? Yes, I know that they rank with current can be induced in metal at a distance fire as man's most important invention and that sufficient to melt steel, and that by inducing opposite Nature's methods have never been imitated, I know polarity, model aeroplanes or trains can be lifted into that ornithopter aeroplanes are no use and that the air. motorcars were suggested by the ancients with Here then is what might happen if power transmission mechanical poles to push them along. I even know via the ether was an accomplished fact. The surfaces that mechanical fish-tails to waft ships through the of roads would conceal some kind of coil, sending water have seriously been proposed. But, and this is the power at various strengths or wave lengths to the main point, speeds may be doubled within the different layers of traffic. Cars would be built on next few hundred years. flat metal platforms and the ground itself could be The problem of rapid transport is not merely one of preserved for slow speed wheel vehicles of immense actual pace. Space too is equally important. And if weight or for the few atavistic people who will display we agree that in the year AD 2536 or thereabouts the lost art of pedestrianism. our present-day records will probably represent the To have cheap, easily distributed energy will be so speed of a week-end tourist, something may be done necessary one day that I am sure this boon must about our wheels. A car at 300 mph is difficult to eventually be discovered. Imagine how nice it would keep on the ground. An aeroplane at 400 mph. is be to wear clothes with concealed metal parts that fairly easy to control, and in the upper atmosphere would glow with broadcast warmth. Aeroplanes a cruising range at 600 mph is accepted by those could rise, hover, or land without difficulty. Some whose business it is to prepare for future war. variation of the cable pilot would make steering Surely, when taken in conjunction with an increase unnecessary on all but untreated roads over which of population, in a world of scientific beings whose we would wobble on temporary wheels with batteries teeth, hair, legs and morals, as we know them, have carrying enough power to last until the main roads entirely atrophied, it is abundantly obvious that were reached again. Recharging would be a matter there will be no room on the ground. of seconds. We cannot all travel by tube, or live underground in What of the Future? cities which are roofed in and electrically heated, but Surely we must expect equal changes in the next we shall certainly all need comfort, and tracks for few centuries if aeroplanes, motorcars, railways and safety laid one above the other, as have already been radio have all reached us within a hundred years? It proposed, would prove even more dreary than a by- is vanity to think otherwise with all the weapons that pass. science has placed at our disposal. Cheap Power Who knows but that rocket cars or planes will prove I am wondering if by that time we shall have learned efficient? All over the world inventors arc striving. the secret of cheap power generation. The much Working hard like the “cranks” who produced steel, boomed atom or even an efficient capacity storage anaesthetics or steam engines. Like Faraday, who battery that will take up atmospheric electricity, was told that electricity was waste of time. Like might solve our problem, or easier still a motor that Wilbur Wright, who lived to hear people gay that God does not waste 80% of its fuel. would certainly have given wings to those intended Once we had learned how to distribute this energy for flight. by radio or inductively, many difficulties would I cannot too seriously consider the burning gases disappear. Remember that flying was conceived of car rockets when vehicles are anywhere near and gliders built nearly 700 years ago. It was the the ground, however valuable they might prove to internal combustion engine that made aeroplanes machines of the land-cum-air type. But to electricity practicable. Just a power unit that was convenient all is possible and I shall personally look forward to in spite of its thermal inefficiency. the far-off centuries when split atoms will be provided By the same token it would revolutionise our ideas of with every Meccano set and when we can look with cars if power could be transmitted by some inductive equanimity at our own (many greats) grandchildren. method for even a few yards. All along our main Or listen to their complaints when, like chips of the roads we could lay cables. Cars would be equipped (very) old block, they explain how they averaged 1000 with meters, while some mechanism, still outside when a paltry 600 mph is all that the truth allows the range of modern physics, would pick up power them to claim over a tabloid and (all-electric) “dash”. 17 A Rally for Morris Owners N the second Sunday in September a Rally for OMorris cars will be held in the 600 acres of beautiful grounds of Lilleshall Hall, Shropshire — the erstwhile residence of the Dukes of Sutherland. There will be a Concours d’Elegance for Morris cars HOSPITAL BENEFACTORS — This wonderfully of all ages, and every effort will be made in framing decorated Morris Eight 2-seater helped to swell the the rules of entry to ensure that every Morris car, funds of a Johannesburg hospital at a recent carnival: a whatever its year of manufacture, has an equal good effort by Messrs. Connock’s (S.A.) Motor Co. Ltd., chance of the premier award. Prizes will be given for of Johannesburg the best kept car, the longest journey to the Rally, the oldest Morris car present, and numerous others. Record Car Exports ORRIS INDUSTRIES EXPORTS LTD., the sole There will also be an amusing gymkhana in which exporters of all products under Lord Nuffield's every visitor will be invited to enter — musical chairs, M control, report that shipments during the first week obstacle race, reversing race, egg and spoon race, in July were a record in the Company's history. wheel-changing competition, and similar items will Morris cars represented 84 per cent. of all the vehicles provide an interesting afternoon. shipped. Representatives of Morris Motors technical staff will Distribution of the cars was well spread over the be in attendance to discuss mechanical problems general world markets, including the Continent of with interested owners, and offer helpful advice on Europe, but New Zealand took more cars than any maintenance. other individual market. The entry of cars in the concours and the gymkhana will be entirely free, the only charge of the day being the usual 1s. per head at the gates of Lilleshall Hall for entry into the grounds. No charge is made for the car. We are sure that Morris owners will spend an enjoyable day, and it is hoped that entrants will endeavour to arrive in good time, judging for the concours beginning at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Mobile Police Court UDAPEST has found a profitable and effective Bmethod of dealing with careless pedestrians. A “travelling police court” innocently parks near a main thoroughfare. Let any pedestrians jay-walk and out steps authority and escorts them to the mobile police court, where a pukka magistrate promptly fines them. A MINOR IN NATAL — Where it encountered On one day recently sixty-nine pedestrians were fined. temperatures of over 100. The children shown are Zulus

TWENTY FOURTEENS, PLEASE — was the demand of these Dealers and representatives of the Colmore Depot, of Birmingham, as soon as the new six-cylinder model was ready for delivery. They are here seen assembled ready for the run back 18 RUNNING HINTS IN PICTURES No. 62

Slow-running adjustments on the Morris Fourteen-Six

1

1. — Let the engine attain its normal running temperature and then screw the dash slow-running control right home

2

2. — Make sure that the other end of the control is well clear of the throttle. If this control is too tightly adjusted, alteration is effected as shown here by unscrewing the knurled nut and pushing the outer casing of the control wire towards the 3 throttle lever

3. — The slow-running position of the throttle is then adjusted by the spring-loaded screw here shown

4

4. — The dash throttle control can now be set 5 approximately by sliding the outer casing of the control wire through the knurled attachment screw and locking it in position 5. — Final adjustment of the dash control clearance can be made by engaging a screwdriver with the spring-loaded adjusting screw shown, so that there is about four-thousandths of an inch gap between it and the lug against which it abuts The complete edition of The Morris Owner for August 1936 is available as a pdf on the website Other items of interest include: • The Accident Racket (by a Barrister at Law) • A Bigger and Better MG Midget • What I Expect in a Caravan 19 Minor Musings Chris Lambert The 1930 Wolseley Hornet – a DNA Test he 12 HP Wolseley Hornet caused a great stir in and at that time were priced in excess of £300, so the launch Taround the motor industry when first launched in April of a significantly cheaper six-cylinder model captured the 1930. It wasn’t just the motor trade that sat-up and took imagination of the public and journalists alike and brought notice as Fleet Street were quick to pick-up on the model’s the prospect of six-cylinder car ownership to many more specification, which included a six cylinder 1271 cc OHC potential car buyers. engine, a chassis fitted with Lockheed hydraulic brakes The Morris Minor connection is clear. When William and a luxuriously equipped saloon body on a car capable Morris purchased the ailing Wolseley company in 1927 he of reaching speeds in excess of 60 mph. However, the also acquired the rights to a new four cylinder OHC engine specifications alone would certainly not have excited the with design roots that originated in a World War One national press but the car’s price tag of just £175 (Fabric Hispano-Suiza aero unit. After further development this Saloon) did! engine went on to power the 1929 season Morris Minor, At this time Morris Motors were marketing their 12 HP four- a revolutionary car in its own right and it was the Minor cylinder Cowley Saloon at £185 while their six-cylinder 15 Saloon that provided much of the DNA to be found in HP Oxford Saloon was listed at £299. Just about all other the two model Hornet saloon range launched 20 months six cylinder models offered for sale in the United Kingdom later. Following the Minor’s official launch at the 1928 London Motor Show the Wolseley design team at Ward End continued development on the four-cylinder engine and went on to add a further two cylinders to the Minor unit around which was constructed an elongated chassis with a wheelbase of 7 feet 6½ inches and an identical track at 3 feet 6 inches to that of the Minor. (N.B. This chassis is remarkably similar to that of the lwb Minor of 1932). As can be seen from the two images here both models share the same body shells from the scuttle back. It’s only the Hornet’s lengthened bonnet (necessitated by the longer engine) and increased wheelbase that alters the profile,

These data panels from The Motor and Light Car illustrate the effectiveness of hydraulic brakes: The Minor’s cable set-up stopped the car in 66 feet from 30 mph while the Hornet stopped in 36 feet from the same speed. 20 1930 Minor Saloon [LAT ‘Motor’ Plate 526-11] 1930 Wolseley Hornet Coachbuilt Saloon [LAT photo scan] otherwise it would be hard to distinguish between the two Hornet had many detractors some of whom believed that cars. owning an open Hornet was a clear sign that the owner had All the mainstream motoring publications of the day ‘boy racer’ tendencies. It is true to say that many Hornet extensively covered the Hornet’s arrival on the scene Specials became bedecked with spotlights and rows of and were full of praise for its technological advances badges much akin to those seen on ‘mod’ scooters in the and ground breaking price. The car also attracted the sixties. What can’t be argued is that the Wolseley Hornet, attention of Motor Sport a journal that would not normally like its cousin the first MG Midget, owes its very existence to concern itself with a mass-produced saloon car but its the Morris Minor, something which is not known by some correspondent (perhaps Bill Boddy himself) described the and very often overlooked by others. car in the September 1930 edition as ‘remarkable’ while Today, finding a surviving early (1930/31) Hornet saloon is praising its handling and turn of speed. not an easy task. Despite the fact that they were built in their Although the two launch models achieved some sales thousands fewer than a dozen survivors remain world-wide success, just five months later in September 1930 Wolseley with the probability that number is over optimistic. The took the very unusual step of announcing a further three PWMN is aware of two ongoing Hornet saloon restorations saloon models, larger bodies and a sunshine roof being and a re-creation of a Fabric saloon based upon a lwb Minor the only differentiating factors between the later versions chassis. Two further saloons are known to have survived and the launch cars. The Wolseley marketing department by the writer – but that’s it! The reason for this scarcity made a virtue of this rapid recognition that the original is very simply explained in that open two-seat specials of Minor bodies were simply too small for this particular, almost any marque command significantly higher prices in more affluent and selective, customer market sector. They the market place than do saloons. Five years ago PWMN proclaimed that customers now forum members witnessed the sale had more choice, although this of an almost complete 1930 Hornet choice was to cost them by way of saloon only for the car to re-emerge a price premium. The five models two years later with an aluminium continued to sell well throughout skinned two-seater body. The the 1931 season along with a fate of the original saloon body is Semi-sports open two-seater and unknown. While the Minor saloon an enclosed two-seat coupé, both is currently not an endangered of which were added to the range species there are many well-known that year. and documented examples where The Hornet saloon was completely Minor saloons have suffered a redesigned for the 1932 season and similar fate. began a long production journey during the course of which it lost the sprightliness of its youth, settling (If you want to know more about into a middle-aged ‘spread’ during the pre-war Wolseley Hornet, which it gained weight and lost Derek Tew archivist at the British much of its charm in the process. Motor Museum (Gaydon) has The Hornet went on to become a written a 60-page booklet on the thirties motoring icon, the saloon model which is available from the versions selling exceptionally well, Wolseley Hornet Specials Club at no doubt buoyed by the sporting £9.99 + £1.50 p&p. The booklet success of the many Hornet can be ordered via regalia@whsc. Specials that found buyers in the co.uk) first five years of that decade. As is often the case this success wasn’t A Morris Owner ad for the Hornet proclaims the universally applauded and the expanded Hornet Saloon car range 21 Regional Round Up

EDITOR: Geoff Campbell, 01494 875 783, [email protected] SECRETARY: John Powell, 01895 672 706, [email protected]

NETHER WINCHENDON FETE, 11th JUNE e have graced this village fete (with a few cars to enhance the visitor experience) for a few years now. Held in the Wseven acre grounds of Nether Winchendon House and opened by the local MP, a quite loquacious - some fool put a radio mike in his hand - Mr Squeaker himself, John Bercow. There is always a queue for the two o’clock opening and the public flooded in suitably fired up by their MP’s lengthy speech, I was informed. There is a theory that being a well healed village, the quality of the books, bric-a-brac, plants, etc., attracts folk from miles around. The Bisham Concert Band, excerpts from Fiddler on the Roof by Cuddington Youth Drama, plus Archery, Punch and Judy, Splat the King Rat, Ball in the Bog, tractor rides, cake stall, sheep shearing the list goes on. Usually there are children’s races but a hiccup this year put paid to them. Mustn’t forget the Pimms & Prosecco Tent, (an encouraging innovation) although note, not a Beer tent. Barbecue and Satays, tea and cake took care of any appetite desires. Proceeds of the Fete go towards the maintenance of the only communal building in the village which is St.Nicholas Church. Also to support year round village activities and facilities no longer provided by the local authority. You would probably recognise the place as it has been a location for quite a few TV/film productions. Perhaps a potted history would not Airborne activity for the Royal birthday come amiss. The property is listed in the Domesday Book as owned by a Walter Giffard and before that was owned by Queen Edith wife of King Edward the Confessor. Even older than we thought. The grandson of said W. Giffard (another Walter) gave the Manor to an Augustinian Order. On the dissolution of the monasteries, Edward VI granted it to the Russell family (Earl of Bedford). In 1559 it was sold into the Tyringham family and since then has passed by family inheritance to the present owner Robert Spenser Bernard (pronounced Barnard should you move in those circles). One of the Bernards was the last Royal Governor of Massachusetts Province and there are still towns in Massachusetts named after Bernard and a town called Tyringham. One of his sons, Sir Scrope Bernard (what a wonderful name), married in 1785 into the Spencer family. He was the one who sculpted the house into the Strawberry Gothic style seen today and also obtained a Parliamentary order to “fortify” it (crenelated – add battlements). Owned by one family for almost four hundred and fifty years. Makes you wonder what skulduggery The happy throng has occurred over that time. To get to the important bit, Pauline and I took the Wolseley Six because I had not been able to “do” the Morris’ brakes in time and also, due to a slight mishap the offside front wing has a crack at the apex edge and splits along the bottom edge near the apron. Bit concerned about possibly failing the “Bucks Pothole Dodger “challenge and in doing so making things worse. Anyone know of a body shop and/or a spare offside Series II 10/12 front wing? Brian and Sylvia – 8 Series I (Leavesden), Chris and Marion – Series E Tourer (Hazlemere) were the first to arrive. James and Lindsey – 8 Pre Series 4 door (Little Chalfont), Ray and Mary - 8 Series 1 4 door (Amersham) arrived soon after. Picturesquely parked under the trees proved not to be the warmest of spots or a good vantage point for the air display we had arranged for everyone (Liz’s birthday? Flight path – geddit). Swiftly (for persons past twenty or so years) moved ourselves into a sunny spot. 22 There were other vehicles: An Alvis 12/50 fabric covered boat tail tourer originally sold by G Jones of Watford, Rickmansworth and Amersham, he was accompanied by a very tidy Orstin Opal. Two 1930s red label Bentleys turned up, one accompanied by an Orstin Chummy the other by a Series 1 Land Rover in oily rag condition which had a sign on the back stating “No, I am not going to repaint it!” Armstrong Siddeley, MGA, AC Cobra M1, AC Ace, Triumph Dolomite. The tombola was popular as usual but I didn’t spot how many prizes Series E Tourer managed this year. Am I getting lax or are the troops getting sneakier? Lunch was time for a good natter and catch up. Chris posed questions about the packaging of a snack bar and demonstrated how to get all the available nutrition and not drop any crumbs. Ray on the other hand couldn’t get into his. Good job Mary was on hand. Later on James gave us his impression of Charles Atlas, his only prop was a folding picnic table. The rest of us were purely decorative, at least I was not on hand to witness any other fascinating happenings or, as I said before, perhaps the troops are getting sneakier! A good day out. Terry & Pauline Ponting SHERBUCKS NOGGIN OPEN DAY t the time of writing, 2016 hasn’t been a great summer in terms of weather suitable for motoring events. Our Sherbucks Anoggin open day was postponed for a week due to poor ground conditions and was finally held on Saturday 2nd July; a date originally booked for the Prestwood Steam Rally but which was unfortunately cancelled for similar reasons. Accompanying the Morrises in attendance were Terry and Pauline Ponting’s Wolseley Six and a visiting 1947 MG YA with an appropriate registration. Dry weather and the raffle assisted in the event turning out to be an enjoyable event and thanks are due to Chris Andrew for organising the meeting. Geoff Campbell

MG YA dating from 1947 Dave and Gwen LeGallais’ Morris 10/4 Morris Line up Series M VEHICLE EXCISE DUTY - SOME INTERESTING REVELATIONS ehicle excise duty is now normally free of charge for our 'vintage' cars but I read an interesting article in the classic Vmotoring press recently about the issue of road tax as it applies to the process of buying and selling second hand vehicles generally. The author of the article had offered to drive a friend over to collect a used car but first thought to check the correct mechanics of the process with the DVLA. The first question posed to the Authority was as follows: 'As the car is known to have current tax, does it have to be re-taxed the moment it changes hands? Or could it be driven back on the existing tax entitlement, and then SORNed?’ The DVLA replied thus: ‘It would be illegal to drive it home without re-taxing.’ ‘Why?’ ‘Because the tax entitlement (now residing with the keeper rather than the vehicle) becomes null and void at the moment that the papers are signed to confirm change of ownership.’ This means that the previous keeper was entitled to have driven the car right up to the moment of the sale, and indeed, would later be credited with any unused full months of duty, but the new owner is not allowed to drive it on the highway until it has been re-taxed. If the new owner were to be stopped by the Police, a check on the VED status would show the vehicle to be being driven illegally resulting in prosecution. The result of this process is that the government receives two payments of VED for the month in which any such transaction takes place – there seems to me to be something morally wrong here! A further question was then posed: ‘My friend, being an upright and honest citizen, has already obtained insurance quotes, and can activate one of them by phone as soon as he decides to buy the car. However, the DVLA won’t know this because it takes several days to update the database, so how can the DVLA agree to re-tax the car if they have no proof of insurance?’ The DVLA replied thus: ‘The DVLA still checks for MoOT status (where relevant) but no longer checks for valid insurance cover before issuing road tax.’ Wonderful! With all the publicity being given recently to the problems of uninsured drivers on our country’s roads, the Licensing authority has seen fit to drop this elementary check. My continuous experience of taxing motor vehicles dates back nearly half a century and it has always been a requirement of the process to show a certificate of insurance but this important safeguard has been abandoned in the new paperless system. The safeguard has also been discarded for purchases of VED on line or through a Post Office, cost savings evidently being more important. Recent purchasers of used vehicles will also receive a warning letter from the DVLA if the new owner fails to re-tax or ‘SORN’ the vehicle, suggesting that the new rules are not as well understood as the Authority would like us to believe. Geoff Campbell 23 CHALFONT CLASSIC CAR EVENT n Sunday 10th July, the Chalfont Lodge Care Home Oin Chalfont St Peter held its third Classic Car event. Held, this year, in aid of Carers Bucks the show was open to the public. Cars of many different marques accompanied our Morrises and, in spite of the disappointing weather early on, a good time seemed to be had by all who came. Geoff Campbell

Below left: Vintage Morrises on parade Top right: Vehicles representing different decades Bottom right: Some prestige marques keeping us company

CHILTERNS EVENTS 7 Aug: Ashlyns Car Show 7/8 Aug: Langleybury Classic & Military Car Show (Classics Sunday) 10 Aug: Abbeyfield Classic Car Show www.gxclassiccars.co.uk 13/4 Aug: Morris Register National Rally, Thoresby Park, Notts 14 Aug: Cowley Classic Car Show: [email protected] or 01865 862 776 14 Aug: Classics on Ley Hill Common 12.00 – 16.00 21 Aug: Tewin Classic Car Show 29 Aug (BH): Hazlemere Fete 29 Aug (BH): Littlewick Green Show NB venue: Bottle Meadow Knowl Hill 4 Sept: Hazeldene Farm Fete, Asheridge HP5 2XD 12.00 – 17.00 4 Sept: Capel Manor Show

24 The North East Region Local News EDITOR: Ken Gosden, 01302 364 214, 07803 086 412, [email protected] SECRETARY: Roy Pidgeon, 01924 728 437, [email protected]

FROM THE NEW EDITOR ello, my name is Ken Gosden (see photo). I live in Doncaster Hand I have taken over from Bren Jones as the region's new editor. Having gotten to know Bren this past year or so it became apparent that he didn't really enjoy the position. He admits that he is not computer literate and with him approaching his 80th birthday he was pleased that I offered to help. He seems to have been confused with me giving him money on a regular basis for a trip to the bar and some fantasy of a trip to Barbados. I think it was more of a trip to Cleethorpes for fish and chips! We can all dream. On a more serious note I would like to thank Bren and his wife Carol for all their efforts these past couple of years. I hope he enjoys his retirement and his upcoming birthday celebrations. Ken Gosden

BEAMISH WEEKEND, 24th-26th JUNE ver two years ago I wanted to organise a trip from our area to visit the Beamish open air museum but discussing it at a Onoggin with some willing and interested members, I also heard that the North West region were planning a similar visit to the same place, for that reason I put it on hold, thinking that we could join in with their trip as we have before. After some long time they found for various reasons that they could not proceed, possibly one of those was because they already have a good many well attended weekend rallies throughout the year that our region is usually invited to, and often attend. When some eighteen months later the North West informed me that they had dropped this from their itinerary, I then decided resume my original plan so with two other committee members made an appointment to meet up with the Beamish events Coordinator, Paul Foster, which was held in early January. My idea was to take our cars there and have them driven around and parked on the museums private roads as if they were exhibits, unbeknown to me this had never happened previously although vehicles had been allowed on site but only in an exhibition field as static displays, or meeting there in the same exhibition fields before and after going on runs and rallies on the public roads throughout County Durham and Northumbria. However my idea grabbed Paul's attention and he liked it from the start and we came up with a good plan of what could be achieved on that first meeting, so we came away from that with a couple of weekend dates in June to choose from and to find out how much interest was out there to join in with us for this unique experience. We were originally allotted places for up to 20 vehicles this was later revised to 30. We actually ended up with twenty one cars attending on the weekend of June 24, 25 & 26 and what a superb weekend was had by all those who attended. Those who travelled a distance stayed in local hotels and campsites and, of course, more than half of of the entrants were from the local area who were able to travel from home daily. This in itself was a great experience, being able to meet up with members not only from faraway parts of our own region who we never normally meet, but also those who came some distance from other regions like Andy McKay, a member who travelled over from Carlisle in Cumbria and one couple, Joe and Pat Thomas, who came all the way up from Ashford in Kent. Our committee would like to thank all those who attended this extremely successful weekend. We all came away knowing some new not just acquaintances and contacts, but more so friends. What is even better news than all this is that Paul Foster has asked if we would be willing not just to come back next year but to make this an annual event, which I personally think could be a boost for both the club and the region. Beamish open air museum is situated near Chester le Street, County Durham. For those who live far away and are not aware of what it is, it's built in massive grounds of Beamish Hall, the original home of a famous seaman, Bobby Shaftoe. It has a town of buildings from the early 1900s which have been removed from local towns and rebuilt/reconstructed brick by brick, for example the Anfield Plain Cooperative Shop that I remember stood on a major junction in the town of Stanley less than 40 years ago. Similarly the Rowley railway station was taken from its location just south of Consett. Many, if not all, of the exhibits such as a mine and a pit village with rows of miners cottages, schools, churches, historic fairground rides in the town are from the same era, including a row of houses that show how people lived and what furnishings they had. Also, there are banks and a hardware store, stables with horse drawn coaches, and traps, as well as tea rooms, a chemist, and a park with a band stand, all genuinely fitted out as they were a hundred years ago. There i so much more that I can't possibly list here, but Beamish is easy to find on the Internet so you can see for yourselves. Ken Gosden MoMo Editor's Note: An unprecented number of photographs of this event were sent by a number of members, and having met briefly at the MVA Rally with Ken and some of the other Beamish attendees, it is obvious that this was a tremendously successful venture and in the next three pages, I hope to capture some of the atmosphere. This looks destined to be a major Register event in years to come. The photo submitters, I think, were Ken Gosden, Roy Pidgeon and Peter Brock. I hope I haven't left anyone out. 25 MORRIS REGISTER WEEKEND, 24th-26th JUNE

26 MORRIS REGISTER WEEKEND, 24th-26th JUNE

27 MORRIS REGISTER WEEKEND 24th-26th JUNE

28 SUMMER MOTORING WESTWORDS THE NEWSLETTER OF THE MORRIS REGISTER WEST REGION EDITOR: Jim Riglar, 01225 754 981, [email protected] SECRETARY: Harry Good, 01749 812 792, [email protected]

EDITORIAL eaching peak season, it is pleasing to include reports from many of the events that members across the region have Rbeen organising or attending. If you don’t normally participate in such events, why not give it a go? I have found it a pleasure to talk to quite a few members at various events over the past month or so, and I hope, either within the region or at the National Rally at Thoresby, to meet some more of you over the remainder of the season. Reports and photos from events are always welcome, so if you have something of interest, then please let me know and I’ll try to ensure it gets into Westwords at the earliest opportunity. Jim Riglar

NEWS FROM THE GROUPS East and South Devon: (7th July) For us folk in the noggin, it has been a busy time in June /July. On Tuesday June 21st we held a breakfast run organised by Nick and Lynn. Breakfast was at the Froginwell Cider Barn (very nice!) Then we meandered through the country lanes to end up at Tipton St John water mill, where there was an interesting modern Archimedes screw electric generator. Photos were taken outside the old water mill. We then ran back to Nick and Lynn's for some lovely food. This was a very well organised event. On the 9th/10th July we had a display at the Powderham Historic Vehicle Gathering. This was attended by eight Morris cars on Saturday and five Morris cars on Sunday. This is a very good show, well worth attending. We would like to thank Richard Garner for booking the pitch and also Alan and Shirley Dolman for making loads of tea and coffee and helping put up the flags. PLEASE NOTE: The Noggin venue is now at the Woodbury Park Hotel and Golf Club. Post code EX5 1JJ, beside the B3179. Meeting at 7.30 pm on the first Thursday of the month. Paula Wood Somerset: (12th July) With nearly 40 people in attendance, the noggin was back to its usual lively affair and is continuing to draw members from a wide area. Long distance travellers this month were: Steve Haylor, Weymouth (47 miles), Rob and Ginny Yandle, Minehead (51 miles) and Paul and Celia James, Purton (52 miles). Preparations for a couple of Autumn runs were under discussion, as was attendance at a number of shows over the coming weeks and the national rally at Thoresby next month. A number of people with restoration/recommissioning projects in hand were able to view six Morrises out in the car park and pick up some useful information. Also generating interest was an upcoming autojumble of Tony Hale’s extensive stockpile of Morris 8 parts, which Paul James will be conducting on behalf of Tony’s daughters. Jim Riglar FORTHCOMING EVENTS Autumn Amble – Thursday 1st September 2016 gentle 32 mile run. Start at Windwhistle Inn (A30 between Crewkerne-Chard) at 11.30 (11.00 for coffee), before A heading to the Lamb & Lion, Hambridge for lunch. After lunch to Monks Yard, Horton Cross for tea. Further details/ book a place, contact Simon Colledge, 01460 75815 or [email protected] Brendon Hills Run – Thursday 15th September 2016 eet at the Taunton Garden Centre, on A358 north-west outskirts of Taunton at 10:30 for coffee, before departing Mat 11am for The Anchor at Exebridge for lunch. After lunch heading back via Raleigh’s Cross to a finish at the Tea Rooms, Triscombe. Contact Peter Harrison 01823 43352. 29 TONY CRESSEY (1940-2016) ony fell ill in early February and was rushed into the intensive care unit at Yeovil TDistrict Hospital, where he was diagnosed with sepsis. After six weeks of treatment, Tony was discharged. However, his recovery was slow and a few weeks later he returned to hospital for a small operation. Tony’s health then seemed to improve for a couple of weeks, but he was unable to sustain that improvement. After a further investigations and tests he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and passed away a couple of days later on 11th June. About twenty West Region members were among the many friends and family that attended a packed funeral service for Tony at St Michael and All Angels, Yeovil on 28rd June. Tony was a long standing regular at the Somerset noggin and he will be sorely missed by many there who regarded him as a dear and close friend. Our thoughts are with Glo and the family. When thinking of Tony, two attributes come to the fore. He was generous to a fault: if someone needed a part that he happened to have a spare of, he was quick to offer it up and at little or no cost. He also had a “can do attitude” and if an event or outing was proposed, invariably he was up for it! The convoy of Somerset noggin Morrises to the National Rally at Thoresby, which has taken place since 2008, and attendance at a number of London to Brighton and later South Coast runs was in large part due to Tony’s prompting “I’ll do it, if you will!”, his enthusiasm and a determination not to let obstacles or objections get in the way. Many of us have enjoyed a good laugh with Tony over the years, sometimes at his expense, which he always took with good grace. Tony joined the Register in about 1980, and not long after acquiring his much loved 1939 M8 Series E tourer and on which he undertook extensive restoration. Sometime later he bought a 1933 Cowley 12 saloon, which he also used occasionally. This was shunted off the road by a white van man as he arrived for the March 2007 Somerset noggin. Not to be outdone by this, Tony bought the wreck back from the insurance company and then undertook a major repair and rebuild job to successfully get the car back on the road in May the following year. Tony had also bought a 1926 bullnose Cowley tourer, on which he had started the early stages restoration and acquired missing parts. However he recognised that it was a significant job and he thought that he should have bought it a year or two earlier than he did and whilst he still had a little more of the energy that was required for the job! Having restored his Morris Eight Series E tourer, some 35 years previously, Tony decided it was time to redo the sills and respray the car. He started work on this at the end of the 2015 season and with all work completed, only re-assembly and buffing of the paint remained outstanding at the time of his death. Tony’s widow, Glo, and his family will be retaining the car. Tony was also a long standing and active member of the Yeovil Car Club and when not using one of his Morrises would sometimes turn up to an event in his 1966 E type Jag. When not playing with cars, Tony would enjoy watching an entertaining football match either from the Yeovil Town terraces, or on the TV from the comfort of a chair.

MID-SOMERSET TOUR, 10th JUNE ollowing a pre-run cuppa at Dobbie’s Garden Centre, Shepton Mallet, twenty-two of us in eleven Morrises and a FRover P6 set off on 30 mile pre-lunch drive, meandering through the mid-Somerset countryside via Baltonsborough, Somerton and High Ham to a rest stop on Walton Hill to take in magnificent levels across the section of the Somerset Levels south of the Polden Hills before a lunch stop at the Piper’s Inn Ashcott. We were met for lunch by another four people in another two Morrises who were joining for lunch and the afternoon session. Following Lunch we had a twelve mile drive across the levels via Westonzoyland to Burrow Mump, where we had another short break, and a few hardy souls clambered up the mump to look at the ruined church and to take in the views in all directions across the levels. Finally it was a two mile drive via Athelney to a finish at Coates Willows and Wetlands Centre at Meare Green and a welcome cream tea.

30 TONY HALE (1934-2016) ony Hale died on 28th May just after his 82nd birthday, having succumbed to Tcancer. He was passionate about his Morris cars, the Morris Register and the people he met through the club who formed a very important part of his life. Tony was born on the 18th May 1934 at Thoulston, near Chapmanslade in west Wiltshire, the son of a gamekeeper at Longleat Estate. He was the youngest of nine children, having four sisters and four brothers. He left school at the age of 15 and in August 1949 he started work at Elton’s Motors in Westbury, a Morris - and later a BMC-Leyland - dealership, where he worked as a general mechanic and then on the specialist work of engine rebuilding. He eventually became the Service Manager, a role he held for a long time. Tony married Sue in 1960 and they had two daughters Sharon and Sarah. Soon after, Tom Elton sold his garage business to a Peugeot dealership. Tony became unhappy and so he left to take up, firstly, a position at Barters Farm Nurseries in Chapmanslade and then in the stores department at Wincanton Group in Westbury. Tony became very keen on Morris Eights soon after he joined Elton’s, when he experienced a highly-tuned two-seat tourer belonging to his boss Tom Elton. He eventually managed to buy his own similar car, which he tuned to some degree. Tony liked to recall happy memories from the 1950s of driving this car, in particular an adventurous journey with his life-long friend Mike Holbrow to Land’s End and then to John O’Groats and back home to Westbury. He later bought a four-seat tourer to meet the family needs. He was without a Morris Eight for quite a long time, after he sold his two tourers, possibly to help finance his daughters’ weddings in the mid 1980s. He bought his final tourer – a 1936 Series 1 red two seater - from Paul James in the 1990s and used it extensively. In recent years when Sue was no longer able to enjoy travelling in an open car due to ill health, he bought a 1937 Morris Eight saloon, but kept the much loved and admired tourer. Tony relished organising many Morris gatherings and road runs for which he became well known within the Morris Register West Region from the early 1970s onwards. Because of his friendly and engaging personality, and intimate knowledge of the lanes and villages of west Wiltshire, east Somerset and north Dorset, he always attracted a good turnout for his tours. He spent many happy hours, planning the routes, writing out the directions by hand in capital letters, organising refreshment stops and sometimes, flowers for the ladies and the attendance of a newspaper reporter. His most ambitious tours came late in his life: ‘The 50 Villages Tour’ to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Morris Register in 2010 and ‘The 100 Villages Tour’ in 2013 to mark the centenary of the Morris car. Two years ago both he and the Morris Eight were 80 years old and so his tour was called ‘The Eightieth Birthday Tour’. Also in 2013, Tony was delighted to be presented with the Morris Register ‘Chairman’s Trophy’ and when he saw his portrait with his Morris on the cover of the July edition of Morris Monthly, it brought tears to his eyes. Sadly, he was much too ill to take part in the last tour that he organised for 17th May, but it went ahead as he wished shortly before he died. After Sue died in 2013, Tony became involved with the Chapmanslade History Group where he made some new friends. He also filled his time helping and visiting other people who were not quite as mobile as he was. Tony was a gregarious and chatty man who was always happy to engage in conversation with members of the public about his cars or with his many friends and acquaintances. His little albums of Morris car photos were always close by to illustrate his stories. As such he was a great ambassador for the club. For a short time he had a regular spot as ‘Scrapbook Tony’ on a BBC Radio Wiltshire programme in which he talked about stories from his numerous scrapbooks. He was always spoken of kindly and with affection, by all of the people who knew him well. His energy, enthusiasm and optimism were extraordinary. He drove his Morris Eight saloon 30 miles to the Morris Register East Wilts pub lunch meet last December, characteristically taking an infirm friend for the ride. On the way he hit and a killed a deer, and this shook him up, making him feel unwell. In fact by this time, although he didn’t know it, he was stricken by terminal cancer. However, he refused to give up and when he felt better in February and March after a month’s treatment, he was busy planning for the summer by re-assembling and re-installing his Morris Eight tourer engine, and arranging for the seats and door panels of his saloon to be re- upholstered. After coming to terms with the dreadful shock of being told that nothing more could be done to treat his illness, he spent his final emotional days planning and organising his funeral in detail and much else besides, before becoming calm. His body was taken to the crematorium as he requested in Paul James’ 1937 Series 2 10cwt Morris van, with eleven pre-war Morris cars following in convoy along a route he chose through some of his favourite villages Tony was extremely proud of his daughters Sharon and Sarah and he loved talking about his grandchildren Katie, Rebecca, Harriet and Maisie and their achievements. He will be missed very much indeed, by his beloved family and by his many friends. Ken Martin

31 37th BRISTOL CLASSIC CAR SHOW, 18th/19th JUNE his year we decided to show four cars at The Royal TBath and West Showgorund. Having made the stand booking with the organisers a little later than we normally do, we were allocated a space in the Edmund Pack Hall, most of which is taken up with autojumble and other trade stands. Any fears that this position would have a negative impact were quickly allayed as we attracted considerable interest from show opening. On display were Brian Doggrell’s 1933 M10 Pre-Series saloon, Tony Nelson’s 1932 sv Minor tourer, and giving a before/after restoration comparison were Sandra Brockway’s Pre Series and Steve Knight’s Series 1 M8 tourers. These two cars, just 1337 chassis numbers apart, were produced in May/ June 1935 during the phased change over from the 1935 (Pre-Series) to the Series 1 model. They were registered for road use just 5 days apart! Sandra Brockway’s Pre Series, – chassis 35/E44363 – being registered ADF 274 on Thursday 13/06/1935 in Gloucestershire and Steve Knight’s Series 1, – chassis S1/E45700 – as CKE 625 the following Tues, 18/06/1935 in Kent. Parts of Steve Knight’s “barn find” had been consumed by tin-worm or mice, and the bonnet was propped up on a Series 2 radiator cowling. Unsurprisingly, it was this car that attracted considerable attention from the general public. However the show judges took a different view of our display and awarded Brian Doggrell’s Pre Series 10 with Highly Commended.

INTER-NOGGIN MEET, 3rd JULY t the Black Horse, Great Durnford, Wiltshire. New Forest noggin regulars Toby and Linda, Andy and Joy, Geoff and AChristine, John and Gill with daughter Kate, Gerald and John and Vera assembled at the Royal Oak for coffee before the drive to Great Durnford in the delightful Woodford valley north of Salisbury. Reg and Lyn were to meet us there. Unfortunately after leaving it was noted that Geoff and Christine and a couple of others had lost us before we reached the first turning! We returned to find Geoff’s 8 was unwell despite a new engine, spark plugs, distributor, fuel pump, etc. After checking the fuel pump, carburettor and that all was correct in the distributor, a spare coil was then tried but to no avail. With time running out it was decided to leave the car and for Geoff and Christine to go with the Keen’s in their 10/4. After a beautiful drive through England’s countryside at its best, we arrived at precisely 1 pm, just in time for lunch meeting up with Derek and Sandra, Anne and Jim, and John and Celia from the Somerset Noggin. Our group was just the right size to fill the pub’s largest dining room, where we had a splendid lunch. Some time was spent chatting before it was time to depart. We couldn't believe our luck with the weather, it was glorious sunshine despite recent wetness! We returned to the Royal Oak to give moral support to Geoff while he waited for recovery, but when we arrived the car was running again. In the morning we had ruled out faulty parts in the distributor, it being nearly new from a reputable repairer. However, John Keen had tried an old condenser which had resolved the problem. A nice coffee was consumed in the pub garden before we headed home. It was a great day out with good food, excellent company and a happy ending! It is hoped we can repeat the exercise again in July 2017 as the venue is roughly midway between three noggins (although the new venue for the Marlborough noggin puts it a little further out). Toby Sears

32 BLACKMORE VALE REVIVAL, 2nd JULY he second Revival, at Henstridge Airfield, Somerset, was organised by the TBlackmore Vale Lions attracted a varied mix of classic vehicles, and a very strong Morris Register presence. The event, which is used as a fund raiser for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, based at Henstridge Airfield, also featured a fly past by a Spitfire and Hurricane from the RAF’s Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The Lions organising team, which includes Morris Register member John Graham, have deemed the event a success and they have already pencilled in Saturday 1st July 2017 for the third revival! Clearly this is now becoming an established event in the calendar.

33 Phil Butland – Chairman 01323 843 080, [email protected] Jenny Smithson - Secretary 01959 525 265, [email protected]

BNMC SUMMER TOUR, JULY he Bullnose club seem a very active group and run a number of rallies each year. This year the summer rally brought Tthem to Sussex so I thought I would go along to see what was happening. I had hoped to catch them at Beachy Head for some good “Kodak” moments, but was delayed, and not having their exact route I pressed on to the lunch stop at the village of Chiddingly. The Six Bells at the heart of the village is a well known car and bikers pub, with VSCC on the first Tuesday, and Austin 7s on the third Thursday, so even though I arrived before all but one of the Bullies, there was much to see. The one Bullnose was hiding in the shade under a tree, the owner admitting he had taken a shortcut, presumably to get to the bar first! Also a small gathering of scooters, very Quadrophenia, I bet the well lit one would grind to a halt if all those lights were switched on together! I took up a good position near the village hall where the WI had prepared a spread to feed the hungry rallyists. The local “Calender Girls” kept popping out asking if “the cars were here yet?” There seemed to be a slight miscommunication as the WI were expecting to serve at 12.30 whereas the cars had been told not to arrive before 1 pm. Eventually one or two Bullies turned up, then three or four and then a veritable flood. I was variously told the number was 34, or 36, or 40, I didn't manage to count them but certainly more than I had ever seen in one place. Good to see local “Roving Noggin” members Ann and John Bourne in their “Flatnose”. Phil Butland

Early arrival Well lit!

A1928 Flatnose tourer on the road Stephen Parkes, in his 1930 Flatnose coupé Morris Register South East Run Sunday 4th September This replaces the South Coast Run but is similar to it. It finishes at Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum. Discounted admission rates of £6 per person have been negotiated, plus a parking area within the grounds Further information from Phil Butland, 01323 843 080, [email protected] 34 SE BUS RUN, 28th JUNE his year's annual South-east region bus run took place on Tuesday T28th June. We were hoping for a sunny midsummer evening but the rain arrived in the late afternoon. Fortunately it had stopped by the time the bus departed Borough Green at 8 pm, although the evening was rather gloomy. This did not deter our intrepid members and 22 members and friends set off on a journey of adventure. Our mode of transport for the evening was a 1937 Dennis 33-seater bus fitted with a six-cylinder Diesel engine and a 4-speed crash gearbox and no power steering! This bus was in the livery of the East Kent bus company, whom it served from 1937-1955. Since then it has been in private ownership. The current owner, our driver Glenn, bought it from a scrapyard in very poor condition twenty years ago and took ten years restoring it to its former glory. The interior of the bus looked as beautiful as the exterior with its 1930s Art Deco design features and polished mahogany trimmings. JG 8720 is one of only two of this model now in existence, the other one is also owned by Glenn and is a future restoration project, being just a rolling chassis at present. We were taken on a mystery run for about an hour through the beautiful Kent countryside, passing through pretty rural villages via narrow country lanes, ably aided by our navigator, Roland, who organised the bus and route for us. We finally ended up at the Elm Tree Public House at Paddock Wood where we were made most welcome by the landlady and her staff. They were expecting us and were probably glad to have so many customers on a Tuesday evening. The photos were taken outside the pub and you may have noticed that there are not 22 people in the group photo. This is because the other participants had already rushed into the pub to get their orders in! Our thanks go to Terry for organising the trip and taking the photos, Roland for planning the route and organising the bus and Glenn for driving and providing his beautiful bus. We are looking forward to next year's adventure already! Jenny Smithson SE ROVING NOGGIN, 21st JUNE he latest noggin was held at The Carpenters Arms RH8 0TG, a hostelry with good food and good ale. All in all, there Twas a good turnout with fine weather and eighteen members and guests present. The first to arrive were Phil Butland, SE Region Chairman, and his wife Sheila. There was an excellent turn out of prized cars and some members who have not been before or only occasionally seen. We were very pleased to see them and hope they will join us again soon. One member, Terry Davies, who was celebrating his 70th that very day with his family, and thinking no one knew, was surprised by the presentation of a cake arranged by Margaret Watson and Mike Duckworth. Mike and Pam Muller, returning members, have a Morris 10 special coupé and spent much time comparing notes with Ken Doughty who arrived in his 12/4 S2 coupé. Mike Gorman from Coulsdon arrived in a 10/4 tourer.

1 2

1: Ken Doughty’s 1938 12/4 Series 2 special coupé 2: Chris Rushton’s 8 Series 2 two seater with Tony and Jo Woodliffe’s Sunbeam 35 3 4

5 6

7 8

3 and 4: Ken Doughty comparing notes with Mike and Pam Muller 5: Dave and Marion Randall’s 1935 Oxford 20 6: The Carpenter's Arms 7: The usual suspects, including Chairman Phil and Sheila 8; Terry Davies and family thought no one knew! 9: Mike Gorman from Coulsdon arriving in his 10/4 tourer 9 36 PATCHING NOGGIN here was a good gathering of cars and twenty-six club members in attendance Tfor our July noggin at The World’s End. The following article describes the latest Morris Eight restoration being undertaken by one of the club members. Last July, my wife and I bought a Morris Eight saloon (shown below). Fortunately, the engine had already been restored but the registration plates and VIN plate had been removed and lost. The car only had one bolt securing its body to the chassis with most of the bolt- on parts (wings etc) loose inside the car. After a lot of work, the car is almost complete. We have managed to find the chassis number (shown below) on the top face of the chassis under the wing bracket. To gain access, the wing had to be removed and the paint carefully scraped off (see below). This chassis number would have been stamped into the missing VIN plate but with additional symbols. The complete number would have been S1/E 62927 denoting that the car was a Series 1 (S1). Turning to the side windows of the car, we can establish from the Triplex date coded identifier etched into the glass that the car was manufactured in the third quarter of 1935. The dot below the ‘H’ is the 5th letter of the word ‘Toughened’ (hence 1935) and the dot over ‘I’ in Triplex is the 3rd letter (hence 3rd quarter). After contacting Tom Bourne (Morris Register DVLA Officer), we are assured that there is a very good chance that we could get the original registration plate as the Morris Register have complete records of Morris 8s with their chassis and engine numbers. We are now in the position to attach a replacement VIN plate to the engine bulkhead which is stamped with the original Morris data. Keith and Isabel Salmon

SOUTH EAST REGION EVENTS 4 Sept: South East Run, similar to and replacing the South Coast Run but finishing at Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum. Discounted admission rates of £6 per person have been negotiated plus a parking area within the grounds. See display box for contact details. 1/2 Oct: Southern Counties Historic Vehicle Trust, Copthorne, are having an event to which all Register members are welcome. More details next month.

37 THE RED R SE North West Region inc. N. Ireland and Isle of Man EDITOR: Tom Taylor, 01772 316 598, [email protected] SECRETARY: Neil Truslove, 01204 598 526, [email protected]

hank you to Neil and Christine Truslove for creating the Eventwise, it seems to have been a fairly quiet time TRed Rose pages for July whilst I was away on holiday. although I do hear of members attending shows and events Thanks also to Gary Clarke for excellent photographs of the in their own vicinities, even if I don’t actually receive any North West Region day out at Avro’s Heritage Centre at reports for Red Rose. I did attend the Armed Forces Day Woodford. An excellent effort all round. Firstly, a couple of at Lancaster Castle where the Morris Coupé was part of reports from Chairman Martin McClarence. a wartime wedding display, although I was late getting Stockport Noggin – 20th June there when the Morris just died on me when coasting to a “Five Morris cars and nine members attended our Concours stop behind traffic at Garstang Fiveways lights. I was in an Night. Self-judging forms were handed out to everyone awkward position outside of a cycle lane, but two willing and the results gave first helpers pushed me on to place to Trevor Waring’s the grass verge but were lovely Series E, runner-up unable to stay to help spot to Robert Brown’s any further. Immediately M8 saloon, and third however, a Knight of place to Gary Clarke’s Z the Road pulled up van. Ted Whelan’s Minor behind me with hazard and our S3 12/4 were not warning lights flashing in the running this time! and introduced himself Scott Brown now has his as local resident Maurice Flatnose Oxford in the Wilkinson from the Morris garage which we hope Register! How’s that for to see on the road very good fortune? After a soon.” little head scratching Chester Noggin – 27th between us and a check June on fuel supply and spark, “Not many members the coil became our main have made it to recent suspect and we quickly meetings so it was nice changed over to a spare I to see a group of eight of carry under the rear seat. us, and particularly nice This was the original coil Quiet man Ray Bamber to see Mike Whitton back I removed several years in harness after serious ago when testing a more surgery, although still having to take things very easy for modern coil which then stayed in place, relegating the now. A warm welcome to new members Dave and Heather original to the spares chest under the seat. Opinion has Faulkner from Frodsham.They have recently purchased an it that the older unit would probably have been made to M8 Tourer which looks very nice in the photos and they are a far better specification and construction than the much hoping to attend some of our future events.” younger item and be much more reliable. Just goes to show that oldies quite often really are goodies. Thank you Martin. Contributions to Red Rose are always Maurice told me during conversation that he had just welcome. As I write this, many North West eyes are on the driven 800 miles to the Shetland Isles and back in his Pre- Leyburn 1940’s Weekend, an event which is a significant Series Ten/Four on a trip to visit his daughter! Something departure from what which I might follow up we have done in recent Morris Register for an article for editor years and we are all Northwest Region Rob to consider. In the looking forward to it. meantime, thanks for Invites you to join A report will follow in your valued assistance September’s Red Rose, A WIRRAL WEEKEND Maurice. You really did hopefully with lots of 14th-16th October 2016 save the day! photographs of our Come and join us for a two night stay on the lovely Wirral Also with a wartime participants in period Peninsula. Dinner, Bed and Breakfast in a delightful Four Star theme in mind, a dress. We should have hotel with excellent connections to main roads in Cheshire, little bird tells me that fourteen vehicles on Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire. Saturday and member Ray Bamber, display in the town Sunday touring to Port Sunlight, West Kirby, Hoylake, Rivacre the quiet man of The Valley, Ellesmere Port Boat Museum and Ness Gardens. If centre alongside really desperate, Cheshire Oaks Shopping Centre is close by. Anchor Noggin, spent a a military vehicle Reservations and further information from: full day with his Series E contingent also taking Tom Taylor: 01772 316 598, 07790 379 573, at St Andrew’s Primary part. or [email protected] (note no letter r). School near me assisting 38 the history teacher in a "Childhood in the 1940s day" in which the whole school dressed up in clothes of the period (well, sort of) complete with gas mask box and luggage label name tag like evacuees. Jon and Suzie Newbould in uniform provided the military artefacts but the showstopper was when the children were asked to guess for how long a plate of one person’s food rations were to last. Most children guessed a day or even less, but all were astonished to learn it was for a whole week! Obesity, what obesity? Well done Ray. I’ve just learned that the Vintage Weekend at Speke Hall near Liverpool in which several members were due to participate has been cancelled due to waterlogging on the site. What a shame. Waterlogged in July? I thought we were in the throes of global warming! Well that’s about it for this month, so Happy Morris Motoring until next month.

PS, can you identify the TV personality pictured above right with the Morris? No prizes, but answer next month.

NORTH WEST REGION EVENTS 13/14Aug: Morris Register National Rally at Thoresby Park, Notts. We hope to organise a North West visiting party. Details later 28/29 Aug: Shrewsbury Steam Rally at Onslow Park, SY3 5EE. Details from Salop Steam Engine Society website. 4 Sept: St Rocco’s Hospice Car Show at United Utilities HQ Lingley Mere, Bold Heath, Warrington Entries via North West Casual Classics website 15/16 Oct: (Dates to be confirmed) North West Region Weekend Away on The Wirral. See display box for details

39 WELSH REGION NEWSLETTER CYLCHLYTHYR RHANBARTH CYMRU EDITOR AND SECRETARY: John Howells, “Bronllys”, Vicarage Road, Penygraig, Rhondda,CF40 1HR 01443 432 542 [email protected]

ST.FAGANS RALLY i everyone, here are some photos of Morris cars at the Hrecent South Wales CC Club St. Fagans Rally, which some of our members attended.

1: Brian and Jean Elliott’s very nice Eight 2: Cyril Ridley’s Morris 9? Why has it got an octagon badge? 3: David Sparkes’ very original Eight 4: Lee Thomas’ Morris Ten 5: John and Irene Belgion’s Oxford Six coupé in the foreground 1

2 3

4 5

WELSH REGION EVENTS 5-7 Aug: Glos. Steam Fair 7 Aug: Brecon Classic Motor Show at the Brecon Beacons National Park Visitors Centre, Libanus, LD3 8ER. Organised by the Brecon Motor Club in association with the Brecon & Radnor Express newspaper 14 Aug: Three Cocks Rally 20/21 Aug: Lacock at War 31 Aug-4 Sep: Great Dorset Steam Fair 10 Sept: Usk Show 18 Sept: Margam Park Rally (Morris Register stand). Bring some food, etc., if you can, and/or join in with the other culinary goodies on offer in the Register event shelter 9 Oct: Classic Vehicle Weekend at Three Counties Showground, Malvern. More details from Andrew Greenwood Classic Shows, on 01484 667 776 40 MID-WALES LONG WEEKEND RALLY hanks very much to Irene and Edward Constable, who Tsent in these pics of the Mid Wales Long Weekend Rally in May. The weekend went very well and the weather was lovely. This ensured that the wonderful scenery of Mid-Wales could be enjoyed to the utmost. The hotel did us proud. There was plenty of off-road parking, and meals were good. Next year?

Some of the entrants at the Elan Valley visitor centre

Giving out the Rally Prize to Liz and Bill Bennett

Afternoon Tea at Penybont House (Judy Maloney, John and Rhiannon Howells) (I’m not sleeping – I just blinked)

Morris Oxford 20 basking in wall-to-wall sunshine, outside the Ivy House Cafe at Montgomery. It appeared in ‘What is it Worth’ in MM a few months ago. It now belongs to members Andrew Flexney and Juta. They decided at the last minute that they could come, and we welcomed them heartily. Left from front: Edward & Irene Constable, Sylvia & Paul Unfortunately, they had to leave us on the Sunday, as they had Gray, Rhiannon & John Howells. Right from front: Cyril to return home to Yorkshire, ready for work on the Monday Ridley & Beryl, Judy Maloney, Liz & Bill Bennett (I can’t make out the others)

Morris 8 Woody owned by Peter & Freda Davies of the National Cycle John thanking rallyists for coming Judy Maloney receiving her prize Collection, outside the auction house in (Paul & Sylvia Gray in foreground) Montgomery. 41 THE MIDLANDER MORRIS REGISTER MIDLAND REGION EDITOR: June Sargeant, 01905 840 155, [email protected] SECRETARY: Barbara Farmer, 01536 711 620, [email protected]

HEREFORDS AND WORCS NOGGIN ur noggin was held on 5th July and we discussed various shows that members had attended and also some forthcoming Oones. On Saturday, 25th June, John and I went along to the Defford Air Day at The Croft Farm, Defford. This is Clive Porter’s farm and he kindly allows the use of his land for this event. Clive is a Morris member and, in fact, his Morris and ours were the only two on show there amongst the other numerous classic cars. This event is in aid of the Mission Aviation Fellowship and the Midland Air Ambulance charities. There is no entry charge and they rely solely on donations on the day. There was a very good mix of aircraft, vintage and modern, with some unique examples. Some flying demonstrations took place throughout the day. The weather alternated between being hot and sunny to torrential rain but fortunately there were very large barns which gave good shelter and very welcome hot drinks. We were very disappointed to have to cancel our Morris outing to Witley Court due to the long delays incurred before we received the invitation from English Heritage. This came to us third hand and by the time we got back to them the main display event in the courtyard was full and only the visitors car park, some way away, was available. Being the local noggin to Witley Court they have said they they will contact us direct on any future occasions. Bromyard Gala was held on 2nd/3rd July and Paul Jolliffe went along in his Morris and Clive Cottrell in his 1929 Cowley. Paul reported that the event was very enjoyable as it had such a wide content and diverse interests. Apart from the 150-odd vintage and classic cars, there were separate sections for military vehicles and commercial vehicles, both of which were well supported. Paul stated that one of the highlights for him was the attendance of a large number of steam engines, both traction engines and road rollers, as well as a couple of stationary engines in the working arena. This year the working arena was set up as a logging works, with steam driven circular saws and log splitters. (He commented that Health & Safety Officials should look away!) On top of the vehicular shows, there was also a busy livestock arena, with excellent displays of Hereford cattle and heavy horses, to mention just two. Overall a very satisfactory day out – the sun shone most of the time, and his Morris ran sweetly there and back. What more could one ask? John and I took our Morris to the Fladbury Walkabout, in a small village near to us, which is very well supported by classic cars. There were numerous open gardens, stalls, boat trips and a flower festival in the church all in aid of the various good causes/ charities in their village. Mark Lander was there with his Series E, Bob Bryan with his Series 2 and Geoff Salminen with his very early Rover. The classic car organiser is a great welcoming host, bringing us cups of tea, coffee, and cakes, etc., throughout the day. With the weather staying good it proved to be a very enjoyable, relaxing day. We are now looking forward to Shelsley Walsh Nostalgia Day on 17th July when 14 Morrises and 26 members will be taking part. Each club has its own designated area and other noggin members, whose cars are not currently running, will be coming along to give support but will have to park in the visitors car park. This annual event is rapidly becoming a firm favourite on the racing calendar with the vintage inspired event offering an action packed day out for all the family. There will be a wide variety of pre 1980s competition cars competing on the Historic Hill Climb course, plus spectacular vehicle displays, trade stands and vintage inspired entertainment from musicians, live bands to show dancers and the welcome return of the glamorous songstress, Lola Lamour (1940s singer). Weather permitting there will also be an aerobatic display. Fingers crossed! June Sargeant

WARWICKSHIRE NOGGIN e decided to go ahead with the planned fish and chip run this month despite the uncertainty of the weather, it Whaving been postponed the month before. Seven cars set of in convoy from the pub at 7.30, heading towards Stratford upon Avon via Wilmcote and Mary Arden’s house, through the country lanes ending up at the takeaway Tiffin chip shop on the outskirts of the town. We then made our way to the free car park on the old Warwick road alongside the river. It turned out to be a lovely night with no rain and reasonably warm. We parked near the tree that I backed into several years ago in the modern (reflecting how expensive those fish and chips were that night!) John Bradshaw provided most of the chairs, although a table would have been nice! Much discussion about forthcoming events with probably a B-B-Q next month if the landlord will oblige. Look out for the email. Some of us are heading up to Thoresby for the National Rally. Mark has offered again to drive the club lorry up for the weekend. We have a few events in September: Pat Farmer has organised a trip to the Frank Whittle museum near Coventry (not sure of the date), followed by the overseas visit to Malta, with over twenty already booked for this special Morris weekend visiting our Maltese Morris members. Our next meeting of the Warks Noggin, at ‘The Crown’ Claverdon, will be on Tuesday 9th August. John Ford 42 LEICS AND NORTHANTS NOGGIN et another hectic month has passed! Barbara and I Yvisited the Bristol Classic Car Show for the first time and were most impressed with the vast array of classics in the car park let alone inside the halls. Our run to Eye Kettleby Lakes and the Old Dalby Motorcycle Museum was a huge success and our thanks go to Mick Cooper and Geoff Hamblin for their help in arranging this. It was a beautiful sunny day, and we enjoyed a good lunch in some stunning grounds. The motorcycle museum, although compact, housed a large collection of all types of motorbikes and there was even a pint-sized version of a Harley-Davidson which suited Morris Register’s own Hell’s Angel – see photo! I took my Isis to the MVA Rally at Catton Hall and she performed like a dream on the motorway going but sadly after that, I can tell you nothing further about the show. A failing of the electronic ignition system proved to be my downfall (modern technology!) However, I am very grateful to everyone who assisted me over that weekend but even though we got the car started, it was not good enough to get home under its own steam! Thankfully though, the new part has arrived and the car is back in action. This is a last call for anyone wishing to join us on our visit to the Midland Air Museum, incorporating the Frank Whittle Museum. Guided tour with fish and chip supper - £15 per head – Tuesday, 20th September at 7 pm. Please contact me if you are interested. Our monthly noggin was extremely well attended and we are always grateful for the support we receive. Bob Williams shared with us his very funny anecdotes and their definitions. Car issues always take prominence at our gatherings with lots of sound advice being administered from our very knowledgeable group. Later in the year, possibly the September noggin, Bernard King, a renowned author and Rolls Royce enthusiast, hopes to be presenting a slide show and talk. As always, noggins are on the first Tuesday of the month at The Black Horse, Foxton, LE16 7RD, at 7 pm – the landlord welcomes pre-ordering of any food! Looking forward to seeing many of you at Thoresby. Pat Farmer

43 nglia Re t A g s io a n E

No.462 EDITOR AND SECRETARY: Tony Nathan, 01702 589 643, [email protected]

FROM THE CHAIR une saw us having to attend some events in a modern car thanks to a defunct engine but nevertheless it was a great Jstart at the BHN garden centre event with a good line up of cars. Unfortunately after midday rain and hail managed to find its way in to one or two of the more vulnerable ones with soft tops. With the ground being soft after a prolonged wet spell we were on the gravel in the main car park but still drew interest from many of the staff and visitors to the centre. Hopefully the weather will have improved by the time the National Rally at Thoresby is held and many of the entered vehicles are able to attend. We all have experience of spending many months organising events only for the weather to let us down at the last moment. Should that be the case we hope you will still come and support the event and Ben Gadsby and his team. There should be a strong showing from the East Anglia area so maybe a time to catch up with those from another part of the region that you only see once in a while. Hope you have diarised the North Cambridgeshire Noggin in October. Pam Lee FROM THE EDITOR ou may remember in a previous EAYPs a request from Mick Roberts for help Yin identifying a bracket located under the bonnet of his 25. I received an email from Brian Jackson in Victoria, Australia suggesting that it may be a period fitting for an under bonnet light. Brian is a long term Morris enthusiast – more years than me and I have clocked up 42 years! Often when reading the Morris Victoria Newsletters I am struck by the seemingly complicated rigmarole of using a classic in Australia – the need to think ahead every time you decide to use the car plus the restricted number of days the car can be used. Brian also sent me details of past and current Morris vehicles he has owned. (Message from Mick Roberts: “Thanks Tony for passing the email from Brian in Oz to me, very interesting man and helpful as well.” ) The following are extracts from email correspondence between Brian Jackson and me. “Tony, The rules vary by states. Here in Victoria we have a “Permit System” for cars over 25 years old. The registration is vastly reduced but we are limited to 45 or 90 days usage and cannot use the vehicle for work, shopping, etc. Before each trip we have to fill in the log book which has to be shown to the police if they pull you up. My Morris is still on full registration so I can keep the original registration numbers but it is expensive as the last two years I have only used it about 4 times. On the permit system we get a special number plate which is red. Most people say they are “on red plates” or “club plates” rather than a permit. My Rover is on red plates and only cost me $72 for up to 45 days usage. The full registration here is over $700. Also insurance is cheaper on red plates. To go on the red plates we have to get a Roadworthy Certificate and the Club secretary has to sign the application form. I had the reflectors on my Morris rhodium plated which should last for ever and still have the solenoid dipping system. Rhodium is apparently what jewellers use, not cheap though. I have not tried LEDs. My first car was a Morris 8 Series I Tourer back in 1956. I had more fun with that car than any other since! I drove it to the South of France and Italy in 1958 or 59, three of us sitting in the front as a bench seat had been fitted before I bought it. It was not as squeezy as it would be today if three of us had to sit in the front. My current 8 (a Coupé utility or pickup in UK) has a bench seat and it is squeezy with only two people in it! Got hit by a Frenchman in Versailles on the way home, which meant we had to leave the car for the AA to bring home (see picture). We were the last vehicle in a line and the van was waiting for a break in the traffic and because he was on an angle (not 90 degrees) I think his passenger said “OK after the next car” but the next car to the driver would have been the one in front of us. He took off like a Frenchman and we had no chance of avoiding an accident. It was a shambles for a while with our schoolboy bad French and I refused to let them move the vehicles until a policeman arrived which took about 45 mins. Needless to say we were very popular! We had to find a hotel but we had no money left, so we got a room in a hotel and next day went to the British Embassy in Paris and they lent us some money but took our passports and gave us a document of identity. That caused a stir when we disembarked from the ferry at Dover. They called us to one side and you could see the looks on the other passengers' 44 faces (Wonder what they have done?) The car arrived back in UK by train and was eventually repaired. The other photo shows my brother’s 1931 Morris Minor 2 seater after I reconditioned the engine and painted it by hand with a brush using Valspar paint. Red body and black wings and fairings. Got a great finish, too. Looked as good as a sprayed job.” EdEAYP: More to come from Brian in following months. ESSEX NOGGIN, 16th JUNE t being near the longest day and forecast dry I thought I would Itake the Eight the 70 mile round trip to the noggin especially now that I have very acceptable LED lighting for the return journey, and that the 8 will happily buzz along at 50 mph on the A130 – a useful speed. It was a very pleasant evening, warm and dry enough to sit outside. “Old JN” was joined by the E driven by Mike Adams, a four door 8 owned by Adrian Mitchell and four seat tourer owned by Graham Storey. (See photo). Note: The Essex Noggin at The Duck will continue to be held on the third Thursday for the foreseeable future. Generally the third Tuesday is preferred, so we will keep our eyes open for an alternative venue, but it is difficult to find somewhere suitable that “ticks all the boxes” (and free chips!) POST OFFICE 500th ANNIVERSARY, 18th JUNE ike Adams and Laurie Cook attended this event at the Guildhall, MLondon, and Mike will send a full report for Morris Monthly. The photos are worthy of a page to themselves, there is not enough room in the EAYP section. Left: Laurie Cook ready for action

ADVANCED NOTICE essage from Dudley Hedge: “I have arranged with the Anglia Region MCommittee to hold the next North Cambs Noggin on Wednesday 19th October starting at midday at our usual venue i.e. The Red Lion 47 High Street, Streatham, Nr Ely, CB6 3LD, 1353 648 132”.

HATFIELD HEATH SHOW, 19th JUNE ane and I went along in the M1000 to the Hatfield Heath Show. The Morris Register was represented by Graham JStorey in his lovely Morris four seater tourer. Nowadays the range of anything pre 1940 is far fewer at shows – I suppose this is understandable as some are more cautious about travelling longer distances. We met up with Pam and Dave Lee in a modern, their MGA being poorly with a head gasket problem. BHN GARDEN CENTRE, 25th JUNE his was rganised this a bit of an experiment. The day was doubtful (how many times have I repeated this during 2016). TAnyhow, thirteen Morris vehicles arrived and whatever the weather decided to do we had options. In fact it worked out reasonably well, dryish for a time to enable a walk round the garden centre, followed by a downpour later with some chunky hailstones (in my case during lunch). I think all who came along found BHN interesting and the café excellent – I always go for the vegetarian lasagne! Every person who had said they would be along and on my list were given a voucher from BHN for a free pot of tea when food was purchased at the café. I think this is a possible venue for a much large event. Thank you to the following who joined us, all deserve a mention: Mary and Roy Pilkington (8 Tourer), Graham Storey (M1000), Pam and Dave Lee (MGA off sick), Rex Webb, Jenney and Peter Brown, Brian Gilders, Chris and Colin Moles, Gordon Henderson (M1000), Deirdre and Martin Ollington (8 4 door saloon), Alan Montague (10/4), Pat Colgan (10/6), Alan Adams, Sue and Peter Sanders (Jensen 8), Hilary and Adrian Mitchell (8 Pre-Series).

Left: Line up Right: The region's Santa Rex off to get reindeer food 45 ROOKE’S RAMBLES rive-it-Day arrived and went! I had every intention of using one car or another Dbut in the event it did not happen. I did, however, run the Cowley the day before, so I was close. Our hobby is such that the mind can wander and recently being behind a 1930's car I could not help thinking about those trafficators and the miles we travelled with little thought about them. Little orange arms which flicked out of the side of the car to indicate direction may well have been okay in the mid 1900s but maybe not so safe in the 21st century. I well remember the necessary thump on the side of the car to either activate or come to that deactivate and many were lost to the errant petrol filler hose at the filling station. In those days we travelled the country both home and abroad using the conventional map for navigation purposes, frequently on roads which we might now think as minor. Those route sheets issued by the motoring organisations were also very comprehensive and most helpful and I can recall my father making full use of them when I was very young, as I did myself in later life. We now of course have satellite navigation which is unbelievable technology. In the 1920s there was The Rapid Route Indicator (see photo). The one I possess shows routes out of Ipswich and mileages to various destinations around the country. Obviously times have changed but in its day I am sure it was a very useful piece of kit.The Morris Monthly continues to have many articles and photographs of interest. I did like the period photograph of DMM 998 in the June edition and what a spotlight! I suspect many like myself also adorned our cars with similar items. I was also drawn to the photograph of the BSA but that's another story for another day! I find Minor matters by Chris Lambert and others fascinating. I often recall the two, two seater Minors, nearly purchased at the start of my motoring life which may lead to further ramblings in months to come. Ivan Rooke

CORRINGHAM CLASSIC CAR AND FAMILY FUN DAY, 26th JUNE

his was in aid of Orchid Fighting Male Cancer. The day before I had made no plans, but due to the misfortune of Mike TCain’s S2 8 blowing its head gasket the day before on the way to BHN, Mike asked if I would like to take “Old JN” in place of his Series 2. He would double up with daughter Lauren in her Morris 1000 convertible. It was a well supported event by the classic car movement with a nice range of stalls to interest most. Held for the first time at this venue, "The Springhouse" (In days of yore the Shell Sports Club) located in Springhouse Road, Corringham, Essex. Unfortunately, as happens with some events, although the organisers know where it is located they failed to put up road signs or flags to indicate location. It is a bit like road signs which are put up by highways people who know the area and assume every- one else does but forgetting visitors un- familiar with an area – good old TomTom gets over this nowa- days.

Left: Still they turn up! A Ford Prefect stored since 1958 with 15,000 miles on the clock and found in Essex this year. Right: Morris Motors Austin Champ fire truck – well known in the area

JULY MALDON SHOW, 3rd JULY

ommittee member Mike Adams, who Ccoordinated the event for the Region, comments: “Beautiful day with huge crowds. Hopefully signed up some new recruits!”

Photo: Taken early on during set-up. Cars L to R: Mike Adams' Series E, Alan Montague’s 10/4 and Pat Colgan’s 10/4 coupé

46 ST. PETER'S CLASSIC CAR SHOW, HAROLD WOOD, 18th JUNE his Show was raising money for London’s Air Ambulance. It was a long way Tfor me to go in the Morris 8, but it was really worth the effort. Morris cars designed before 1940 were conspicuous by their absence. I think that mine was the only one there! There was an entry fee of £3 but exhibitors get free tea and coffee all day. The next show should take place on the Saturday before Father's day in two years’ time. I recommend it. Adrian Mitchell

EdEAYP: Thanks Adrian, not a show I’m familiar with, please remind me well in advance of the 2018 event and I will endeavour to attend and up the numbers of Pre 1940 Morris. Thank you also for the great photo selection of vehicles, I have selected my favourite for EAYPs.

HAMPTON COURT FLOWER SHOW, 7th JULY ane, Michaela (daughter) and I went along in the modern, enduring the Jwonders of the M25 – closed anti-clockwise in the morning. Fortunately we were travelling clockwise, but it was still busy as a result. (Thank you satnav for re-route – I bet Ivan’s "Rapid Route" could not have done any better!) On the return we just beat another total closure, only then to meet a queue for the Dartford Crossing back for three junctions. Who said doing away with toll booths would make life easier? And still they charge, when we were promised toll free when the bridge was paid for – now paid many times over. Rant over! Anyhow, what has our visit to Hampton Court do with Morris? More to do with recent submissions regarding ice-cream vans. At the show was a very nice Morris ice-cream van doing what it was constructed for.

MMOC NATIONAL RALLY, 2nd/3rd JULY his was the 40th anniversary of the MMOC and a terrific event, Even the weather was kind. I took the M1000 on Tthe 175 mile journey and stayed at an excellent B&B close by. This was also the second year for the Morris Vehicles Association, represented several Morris marques namely the Morris Register, MG, Land Crab, Morris 1800 club, and Wolseley. The Midland Region presented an excellent selection of Morris Register cars as part of the 2nd MVA attached to the MMOC event.

Midland Region line-up. The Isis received a lot of attention – I’m sure Pat Farmer will elaborate in due course

EAST ANGLIAN EVENTS 8 Oct: East Anglian Region Committee meeting. If you have anything you wish to be discussed please let Tony Nathan know 19 Oct: Next North Cambs Noggin. Coordinated by Dudley Hedge, 01353 648 132. Please make a note in your diary now!” 3 Dec: It’s that time again! East Anglian Christmas Noggin, Great Leighs 14 May 2017: East Anglian Region AGM at Danbury 47 Overheating and Fuel Starvation Brian King n recent years, like many owners of old cars, I have experienced overheating and fuel starvation problems with both Imy 1954 MGTF and its stablemate, a 1938 Morris 8 2-seater. Such problems were not evident when I owned a Morris 8 2-seater from 1953-1960. Any noisy ticking from the SU pump simply told you that you were running out of fuel. Correspondence a few years ago in the MG Octagon Club’s magazine, made it clear that modern ‘slow burn’ petrol is the culprit. Having set my MGTF ignition to TDC, as instructed in the original workshop manual, the result, with the slow- burn, is that high temperature gases are still present at the end of the firing power-stroke and this overheats the cooling and exhaust systems. Exhaust valves are at risk and exhaust manifolds and pipes do get much hotter than they should. A useful comparison is to stick your hand over your modern car’s tailpipe and then try your old car’s pipe. An all too evident side-effect of all this heat in the wrong place is an over-hot fuel system. My rebuild MGTF failed on its maiden outing – to the Silverstone MG weekend – for twenty minutes at Loughborough. The day was only saved by putting the heater on when slowing for villages, junction, etc. The TF was fully kitted out with a heat shield and plastic inserts between the carburettors and the manifold. The solution was to slightly advance the ignition and the results were gratifyingly clear. First, a hand over the exhaust pipe indicated that waste heat rejected at idle into the system was significantly reduced. A test run on a 26oC day had the thermostat well below boiling point whereas the previous norm was always in excess of 100oC. It is a sealed system. This led to the ignition of my Morris 8 being slightly advanced. Problem solved! Hand-over-exhaust indicated significant temperature reductions which meant that the gas burn was more likely to be deployed more efficiently within the power stroke. A test run, again luckily on a 26oC day, showed no fuel system problems and satisfactory car performance on hills and straight level roads. I once tried a crude aluminium heat-shield on the Eight but the only useful addition has been a 5 mm thick ‘fireproof’ plastic packing between carburettor and manifold. Any thicker definitely risks collision between the carburettor silencer and the wing edge. We had no overheating or fuel problems with our original Eight but the occupants suffered under-heating in winter so I put radiator-rejected heat to good use by mounting a slim wooden box to the inside top of the radiator (by bicycle spokes) and from a hole in the box a length of large bore hose conveyed heat over the carburettor and through the bulkhead to my grateful wife-to-be on the passenger side – control was by a rag stuffed in the pipe end. This transformed our daily winter use of the car. I hope this helps members suffering overheat and fuel starvation problems but remember that care has to be taken to avoid too-early ignition – you can apparently risk blowing holes in your piston crowns! Editor's Note: For Eights, the Spares Service can supply a carburettor insulation gasket (GC101) for £1.99 inc vat.

48 Member’s Morris A Lifetime of Eights Geoff Salminen have always had a rebuilt, a home job, but Ilove for the Morris with many parts going to Eight. In the mid 30s my professionals, with finally grandfather bought one the car being sprayed in new (AAC 210, see photo a body shop. I had a long with my grandparents). fight with Swansea to It was used at weekends keep the registration and and holidays and, like was finally successful most cars, was put with a non-transferrable on bricks during the V5. During research, I war. My grandfather found that the car ws was not known for his the earliest Series II in extravangance and he the Register (chassis 6), kept the car for many being on ther production years after the war. My line on the first day, 20th father, meanwhile, had July, 1937. The car went a Series E, but I liked into Morris Garages the old car and travelled showroom and was sold many miles in it. Disaster came one cold March (1956?) on 1st September, 1937. In the early 90s, I was at a show when the sump heater set fire to some covers over the near Kidderminster and a lady came up to me and said she engine. The fire was spotted so damage was confined to had owned the car in 1965, commneting that its number the front of the car. Nevertheless, the insurance wrote the was easy to remember. car off and that finished my grandfather's driving. As a After a month, her son wrote to me with the car's history postscript, in the late 60s, a Morris Eight came in front of up to 1965. It had spent those years on the Hampton Court me on a traffic island about ten miles from home and it was estate in Hereford, before it was sold by this lady to someone our old AAC! I followed it throught the suburbs to Harborne in Crickhowell. I contacted the owners of dealership and it was within 100 yards of home when it when round where I had bought the car, and my letter was passed on an island and went back! to their father who had We now go forward to meanwhile retired. He told the late 70s and I was me that the car came into attending shows with their Crickhowell garage an Anglia my father had for some minor work but stored. The atttraction of it was never collected having a Morris was strong and when he took over and I began to look round the dealership in Brecon for one but there were they took the Morris with not many for sale. I finally them. On a final note, my bought my Morris (FFC grandfather did not keep 22, pictured) from a Rover the car's tool kit, but now dealership in Brecon. It a complete kit is back with had been stored and was the car, along with his AA in bad shape bit it was all badge and the pre-war rug there, including the original that kept us warm all those engine. Over the next eight years ago! years it was gradually

49 Morris Mail Letters to the Editor

BACK AFTER 37 YEARS Dear Editor ust a note to say that after a three year restoration, I took my JMorris on the road for its first run in thirty-seven years on Drive-it-Day. It was only about ten miles around Trowbridge, but she went well and no problems occurred. The photo was taken on her return. I have had difficulties in finding any history of the car after 1971. I do it all by phone or snail mail, so I can't give many details. If any member has information about the car, I would be very grateful. I just wanted to let members know that one more four door Minor saloon is now on the road. My thanks to the Register for an excellent magazine and Spares Service. Ray Newbury 13107/3 Well done, Ray. It is always good to Wiltshire see a restoration come to fruition! ASPECT RATIOS Dear Editor bought a Minor saloon recently (see photo). It looked quite smart but had been hanging about on eBay for some time. IThe story was that it had been restored in 1990 then kept in a garage with only two or three outings since. On my visit to inspect it looked fine but obviously needed extensive re-commissioning. The hoses were perished, fuel pipe looked iffy and was chafing on the throttle linkage, fabric u/js were shot and, of course, twenty six year old (plus?) tyres could not be trusted, They were remoulds! So, after agreeing the purchase I ordered four new 3.50 x 19 Blockleys, plus tubes and rim tapes, which duly arrived on the Thursday, I having collected the car on Wednesday. Off I went to the local tyre fitters who did their normal pursing of lips and tooth sucking when confronted with something out of their comfort zone. "That might need levers" said one, "never seen anything like that" said another, "don't think it'll fit the machine" said a third. Fortunately there was a fourth who being fairly mature, i.e. over thirty, said "no trouble, pop back after 5 pm". There they were after 5 pm, all fitted and all for £32 inc, which I thought very reasonable. Mr "no trouble" called me to one side and said "these old tyres are odd". I replied "no, they are all Davies 3.50/4.00 x 19 remoulds (no, I've never heard of them either). Do you mean peculiar?" He replied "yes". Very peculiar, as one of them stood well above the others and when the rolling circumference was measured it exceeded the others by 4¼"! See photo. Whichever axle it was fitted to it must have given a strange driving experience, either nagging on the steering or making the diff. work overtime. Phil Butland 11867/5 A very strange tale, indeed, Phil. Just as well then, East Sussex that remoulds are no longer available! LICENCE WARNING! Dear Editor, s I am now seventy-six, I had to renew my driving licence which I chose to do online. Unfortunately, I unwittingly Aselected a site which I believed to be the correct DVLA site but which proved to be a fraudulent set-up. The sum of £49 was charged to my credit card, even though I did not divulge my credit card number to this site. I was contacted by the fraud department of my credit card bank but by then it was too late and I subsequently learned from them that as I had “knowingly” clicked on the site, there was nothing that could be done. I then arranged the renewal of my driving licence by telephone and when I mentioned that I had been caught out, I learned that the DVLA constantly monitored sites for irregularities and had such sites removed where possible, it was difficult to keep a watch on fraudsters all the time. Perhaps you could print this letter so that everybody in the Register is aware of this situation. Dudley Hedge Thanks for this, Dudley, and I hope members take heed. I certainly did when renewing mine online last week 7555/4 with the genuine DVLA site. I did it on Wednesday afternoon and the new licence came in Friday's post. At least Cambs somebody at the DVLA seems to know what thery are doing (unless it was all done by computer!) 50 Members: A single private small ad, with/without a photo, is free. Morris Mart Non-members: contact the Editor

Car for Sale Car for Sale Car for Sale 1937 Morris Eight two seater 1934 Pre Series Morris 4 door 1932 Morris Cowley (33 model)

Good working order. New clutch and gasket. Bodywork in good condition. Good runner - Maroon and black. Full history. 5 owners from Dark red/black interior completely restored 6 genuine car. View by appointment. £6,500, new. Present owner 18 years. Recon. engine years ago All seats and door cards reupholstered Angela Wiseman 1500 mls ago, stainless exhaust, new battery, and headlining renewed and new carpet. Sliding 01425 477 607 (Hants) excellent tyres, bodywork excellent, no rot roof (reconditioned and new tyres fitted. Exterior [email protected] anywhere, waxoyled regularly, paintwork shiny completely resprayed and bright trim rechromed. Car for Sale (some original paint) but with some scrapes and Vehicle retains original engine which has been 1938 Morris 8 Series 2 D/L scratches. Interior tidy, some spares. Not used completely rebuilt. New white metal big end and Comes with sliding roof, rear luggage carrier, rear for 2 years due to lack of time. Runs well, always main bearings. Engine rebored and new pistons window blind, etc. Black bodywork with original garaged. £4750. etc fitted. Clutch recorked - new core fitted to red leather seats in very good condition. Engine Paul Malin radiator. Coil ignition. Vehicle retains its wilcot decoked less than 1000 miles ago. Also quantity 01691 650 429 (Shropshire) indicators which are incorporated into the flasher of spares to go with car which is garaged near [email protected] system - brake hydraulic system was compleyely Taunton. In current ownership for approximately Car for Sale overhauled. 16 years. 1939 Morris 10 Series M Saloon Throttle pedal has been converted to normal Price £5250. foot pedal layout but can be returned to centre Robert Yandle position if required. Car comes with considerable 01643 705 885 (West Somerset) quantity of spares and is garaged near Taunton. £8995. [email protected] Robert Yandle Car Wanted 01643 705 885 (West Somerset) Approx 1938 Morris 10 [email protected] For restoration (as on page 47 of July mag) John Harvey (Bristol) Parts Wanted 01275 873 273 or 07788 463 276 For 1938 Series 2 Morris 8, pair of head lights. Parts Wanted Any condition really but complete with dip beam For 1938 Morris Minor van, ex GPO van solenoid. Also dash board ignition light assembly. Bulkhead nos are: M8, CAR1EPO164425, EN Russ Farnell 190164. As featured in April mag. 07519 930 318 (W.Yorks) The following are still needed to complete the [email protected] restoration: ammeter, petrol tank straps, petrol pump, petrol tank sender, wiring loom, ignition Registration document but not the original, my Parts for Sale switch, control box, horn, headlamp rubbers, father was the second owner. Updated recently in Bullnose Oxford front axle. Flatnose Oxford and wiper motor, indicators (traffficators), rear lights. my name. He owned it for 40+ years. All that time Cowley front axles. Numerous engine and gearbox Alan Lamb it has been in storage. parts for Flatnoses. 0116 247 8396 (company landline, please leave Barn condition. Located in Buxton, Derbys. Andy Tullis a message with our office and I will call back) or Needs to be seen. Reasonable offers will be 01980 862 004 Alison Lamb on 07960 841 164 considered. [email protected] Pauline Grindon (non-member) 01298 84492 [email protected] Morris Parts Wanted DAVID MOLYNEUX For 1939 Series E tourer: One pair of door checks. Presume the same as the saloon. Also, good front MORRIS PISTONS bumper nand spare wheel cover. Car Spares Dave Fitton for all models 01683 221 510 (Dumfriesshire) New and used Parts for Sale Morris 8 and Series E ’30 - ’34 Morris Minor Side Valve Parts: 1x Chassis spares available Frame, 1x First & Reverse Sliding Gear for 3 Speed used parts supplied Box, 2x Half Shafts, 1x Rear Axle Case, 1x Front Axle with Stubs and Hubs, 1x Manifold, 3x Pistons Enquiries welcome (Std. Unused), 1x Set of Pistons (+40 Thou), 1x Job lots of M8 and E Clutch Cover Plate, 1x 3 Speed Gear Box Top with parts bought Happy to assist Selector Forks, 1x Crankshaft Oil Pump Drive Gear, 1x Rear Crankshaft Bearing Housing, 1x Oil Pump, 1x Sump, 1x Camshaft, 1x Camshaft Rear M8 and E abandoned Roller Bearing, 1x Pair of Timing Sprockets, 1x For more information, Float Chamber, 3x 19" Wheels, 1x 18" Wheel (may projects/complete cars contact need re-spoking). bought for breaking Also, ’30-’34 Morris Minor Chassis Frame and graham440@ Running Gear. Including Front and Rear Axles, Springs, Wheels, Brake Cross Shaft etc., a set of 01229 584 972 or btinternet.com Technical Drawings to build a Two Seater Tourer or body, and V5C 1933 Registration Document with 07715 059 280 or Transferable Number. Various other ’30s Morris [email protected] 07506 309 281 Minor Parts also available. Brian Shufflebotham 01782 515 802 (Staffs) Acceptance of advertisements in Morris Monthly does not imply recommendation of advertisers or their products or services by the Morris Register. When purchasing cars or spare parts from private sellers, purchasers must satisfy themselves as to the condition and value. What’s it Worth? (See p4): highest bid at £1800, buy it now at £3350 51 Please submit pictures Foto Finish of interest to the Editor PHOTO CATCH UP

It is about time we tried to catch up with the backlog of photos received from members, so here goes.

Top right is Graham Sinagola's Morris 10, taken at a 1940s event at Crich Museum, on Easter Monday. Just below, also from Crich, but a year previously, we see a pair of Morrises taken by Malcolm Wright. EU 5004 is not listed as a member's car, but the 1951 Z van belongs to Gary Clarke.

Bottom left is Peter Brock's Minor, one of a small collection of pics he sent from a tour around Tynseside on Drive-it-Day. He sent an interesting account of the location, and this is printed with the picture.

Finally, just below on the left is a photo from Derek Leader of Peter Hale and his 1939 Series E tourer assisting at a wedding in Lakenheath last year.

This is Scotswood Bridge over the Tyne at Blaydon. Nearby is this standard, commemorating a Tyneside’s Legend - Henry Clasper, oarsman and boat builder (1812 - 1870). Rowing was the mass sport of the working class before football and huge amounts of money was bet on races, here on the Tyne and on the Thames. Harry became world rowing champion, along with his three brothers and his ‘awld’ Uncle Harry (all of 42 years of age), in June 1845, bringing the World Championship to the North East for the first time. A feat he repeated a further eight times from 1845, making him the most famous rower in the world. The Tynesiders beating the ‘unbeatable’ Thamesmen caused a national sensation. He was also an innovative boat designer pioneering the development of the racing shell and the use of outriggers. He is said to have invented spoon-shaped oars. The song the ‘Blaydon Races’ may well have been written for Harry Clasper (although it is now more associated with the horse races that began at Blaydon around the same time). It was premiered at Balmbra’s Music Hall in Newcastle in 1862 at Harry’s testimonial. £600 (equal to £25,000 today) was raised, which meant Harry could buy his first pub, the Clasper Hotel, on Scotswood Road. He ran 10 pubs and that was his eighth, but it was the first one he owned. He still found time to have 12 children with his wife Susannah, who was also his cousin. In 1870, at age 58 he died. At his funeral 130,000 people crowded the streets. The population of Newcastle would only have been about 70,000 or less at that time. It’s an indication of just how big Harry Clasper was. 52