Volume 56 ORRIS Number 10 October MONTHLONTHLYY 2016

MAGAZINE OF THE MORRIS REGISTER The Club for Morris vehicles designed before 1940 www.morrisregister.co.uk Volume 56 ORRIS Number 10 October ONTHLY 2016 MAGAZINEM OF THE MORRIS REGISTER

PRESIDENT Malcolm Dixon writes: CONTENTS lease accept my apologies for my absence at the AGM 2 President Pthis year due to family circumstances – namely visiting my younger son in Brisbane to celebrate my Golden 3 Editor Wedding anniversary on 8th October with my wife and elder son. However, you will be in my thoughts while 4 Obituary lounging by a pool sipping ice-cold beer – even more so on the weekend 5 Warm Welcome of 15/16th October when the family will be attending a Morris Register of Queensland rally near Towoomba. The President, Col Schiffer, has kindly What’s it Worth? invited us to view his personal collection of 42 vehicles after the show. 7 Fitton's Files My son mentioned he has garaging to accommodate any vehicle I may buy over there! Look out for feedback on this in a future issue. 8/9 Forum Files If I had been present at the AGM, I’d have remarked on another successful and thriving year for the Club due to the sterling efforts of an army of 10/11 Morris 8 Special Tools willing volunteers. Our magazine is a truly professional production 12-17 Exactly Eighty thanks to Rob Symonds and he ensures all members are kept informed of current on-goings as well as the ever-useful technical tips. Every 18/19 Minor Musings member is welcome to send in their views, reports and advertisements. National Rally organiser, Ben Gadsby, produced another successful 20/21 Pictures from the Past event at Thoresby Park while the NEC stand in Birmingham organised 22-25 Regional Round Up by Chairman John Ford was received very favourably. Additionally, Beaulieu Autojumble in September and the Bristol Motor Show are 26-29 MR National Rally now featured annually and we owe our appreciation to those members giving their time to keep the Morris flag flying. Well done everyone. It’s 30-48 Regional Round Up(cont.) impossible to mention all of the regional events but I offer my personal 49/50 Morris Mail thanks and appreciation to all who contribute. At the top of the pile – no insult intended – our National Committee sets 50/51 Morris Mart the standard and guides the Club and their support is invaluable. I encourage you to participate actively in Club affairs. It won’t make 52 Foto Finish great demands on your time and is worthwhile. Taking this forward a step, we are still looking for an Information Officer who can act as a

Cover picture: Paul Jackson's 1934 10/4 Pre Series saloon at Thoresby, August 2016 [Photo: Rob Symonds] 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 , 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: conduit to those members who specialise in particular areas of Morris Rob Symonds, 49 Gorsy Road, motoring, be it technical or historic. A replacement Webmaster is also Quinton, Birmingham B32 2SJ required and perhaps by the time this is published these posts may have [email protected] been filled at the AGM.  0121 682 0640 Returning to the National Rally, 29 rooms were booked for 2016 at the Warners Hotel and details of 2017 prices will be published in possibly the DEADLINE next issue of the magazine. If the event is held a week earlier, the same 14th of the month prior to publication prices will apply. In conclusion, I thank you for your continued support. MAGAZINE NON-ARRIVAL: Please contact the Membership Secretary Contact details above EDITOR Rob Symonds writes: irst of all, a thank you to the few who sent in photographs BACK ISSUES: may be purchased Ffrom Thoresby, a selection of which appear on pages from the Club Shop 26 to 29. Special thanks go to Simon Stephen, who took on the difficult task of cataloguing and photographing the WEBSITE: www.morrisregister.co.uk awards ceremony. Elsewhere in the regional sections of Morris Contact: Mike Rose, Webmaster [email protected] Monthly you will find individual pieces on Thoresby, so thanks are due to those who took the trouble to contribute. I made a specific appeal on the SMALL ADS: Post/email to: Forum for coverage of the Saturday driving games and brewery visit, but The Editor (see above) sadly got little response. Free for members (max 1 car per month) Staying with the Forum, there has been some recent discussion there Non-members: please contact for charges. about an electronic edition of Morris Monthly. This is perhaps a good time to remind members that a pdf version always appears on the website COMPLAINTS: Any complaints shortly after the printed edition hits the doormats. In addition there are against any officer of the club, or about the way the club is being administered archives of all MR publications since the year dot. A couple of members should be referred to the Secretary have already expressed a wish not to get the print version of Morris Monthly and this can easily be arranged should you wish it. 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 JACK ELLSMOOR (1915-2016) ack William Watling Ellsmoor was born on 12th April 1915 at Teddersley Park, Penkridge, and died on 20th July Jinto his 102nd year after a short spell in hospital. He was educated at Stafford Convent, St Leonards, and finally at King Edward V1 grammar school. After leaving school, he joined the garage trade as a trainee mechanic, but soon left to be employed at Boulton Paul as a semi skilled, soon to be fully skilled, air frame fitter before moving to the experimental department. Being in a reserved occupation, he was not subject to call-up during WW2, but in 1943, he volunteered for pilot training in the Fleet Air Arm. He was sent to Canada twice, and to Ireland for flying training, but unfortunately failed the course due to heavy landings; as he said, his take-offs were great, but retuning to earth was not his strong point. After his unsuccessful training, Jack left the Fleet Air Arm, and returned to Boulton Paul, where after many years in the experimental dept, he moved to the drawing office, where he was involved in the design of flying controls for Concorde as well as the first delta wing prototype aircraft the P100 and P102. Jack married Eve in 1949, and as well as a wife, gained a son called Michael. The family lived at Tixall Road, Stafford, for many years, until they retired from paid employment and moved to Derrington. In the 1950s, he was a very successful motorcycle grass track racer, going to events with his racing bike on a sidecar, and Eve on the pillion of the combination. Motor cars were always a big part of Jack’s interests, and as well as a family car, in 1958 he bought a 1936 for Eve as her car. Eventually this was replaced by a 1938 Morris Eight Tourer. They soon found and joined the Morris 8 Tourer Club (later to be The Morris Register), becoming enthusiastic members. Eve took part in several Driving Test competitions often winning the Ladies' award, and regularly putting the men to shame with her skills and winning the Club award for the Driving Test Championship. They became enthusiastic members of the North West region of the Club, being on the regional committee for many years, with Jack holding the position of chairman for several of those years. They joined in the many social events of the club, loving nothing better than to pack up the Morris with their tent and provisions and set off on an adventure. Eventually, Jack bought a Triumph Herald from a friend, and after using his mechanical skills on various jobs on the car, they used it to tow a Dandy trailer tent to many parts of Britain and for everything from a weekend break to 6 week holidays after retirement. Jack would plan out the routes in advance and at one point took French and Spanish lessons so as to be able to converse with locals. Eventually Jack did away with towing, and simply replaced the Dandy with Eurocamp to enable them to continue their European holidays. Jack had many other interests besides cars. He and Eve were very keen accomplished ballroom dancers, and loved to take to the floor. His love of good beer was well known, and if visiting a new pub, Jack would always make a careful inspection of beer pumps before placing an order or leaving if only plastic beers or lager were on offer. He joined the Conservative Club in 1934, becoming an honorary member, and in 1974, he joined Stafford Bowling Club, being a regular player and elected to President in 2001. It was in this role, that he and Eve had the honour, along with the committee, to welcome the Mayor and Mayoress of Stafford to the club for the centenary celebrations in 2002. Jack and Eve had a very full and satisfying life together, and after Eve’s death in 2005, he continued to keep busy, taking good care of their bungalow and looking after himself, with some help, at home until his 101st birthday. His funeral took place in Derrington Parish Church on 16th August attended by family, friends, neighbours and representatives of the Morris Register, followed by internment in a prominent position in the churchyard as befitting Derrington’s oldest resident. One of his last wishes is that there should be a good party to celebrate their life together, and this duly took place in the village club after the funeral. Our condolences go out to son Michael, and his wife Alex. Frank Ashley

4 New and returning members Warm Welcome

NO. MEMBER LOCATION eMAIL CAR DETAILS Christopher & 13876 Honor Marshall Sussex RH13 [email protected] 1933 Minor sv 2 Seater James & 13877 Christine Goad Cornwall PL30 [email protected] 1936 Sixteen/Six 4 Door sliding head Christopher & Ten Four 13878 Judith Wellings Isle of Man IM8 [email protected] 1935 Pre Series 4 Door sliding head Alan & 13879 Elaine Campbell W.Yorks HX4 [email protected] 1935 Eight Series 1 4 Door saloon Mark & 13880 Emma Hiller Lancashire PR25 [email protected] Mike & 13881 Sue Jackson Lincolnshire LN6 [email protected] 1934 Twelve/Four Saloon Eighteen/Six 13882 Trevor Jarman Essex CO6 [email protected] 1935 Series 2 Saloon Derek & 13883 Lyn Dover Tayside DD11 1948 Ten 4 Door sliding head

1940 12/4 Series 3 What’s it Worth? urrently on eBay, where the vendor states: C"Very rare car. 1940 Morris 12/4 series 3, 4 door saloon with 4 speed with original 1548cc. Starts first time. This is a sound car. Fairly new chassis, engine runs very well, a nice drive, paint work is good with some nice period RAF touches. The interior does need work. All the original component parts are there but need refurbishment. On the outside of the car only the running boards and some trim need to be fitted. The canvas sunroof has been removed as it needs refurbishment - all parts are together - but temporary panel is in place which with the temporary front seats enabled us to enjoy the car out on the road. This car comes with a lot of history, even written letters between the garages carrying out the major nut and bolt refurbishment and the owner. Before my ownership, this car had an extensive nut and bot refurb. Body off and new chassis. New floors, boot area, rear inner wheel arches etc. the panel fit is great. The underside looks as good as new. Loads of bills and photos. New fuel lines, new brake pipes, flexible hoses, brake shoes, wheel cylinder, new dynamo, new front and rear side/tail lights. Also the water pump, radiator and new exhaust - the list goes on. The car comes with many spares and 3 extra tyres. This is a fantastic car that gets a lot of admirers. The car sounds great and has always put a smile on our face. The car drives great but the interior does need to be refurbished/re-trimmed. Good winter project, although the car can be enjoyed in its current state too. In all the classic car shows we have been to I have not seen another like it." Answer on Page 51

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321217_CMS03_Classic Motor Show_ClubAd_A5_Launch_fv2.indd 1 18/05/2016 15:18 6 Old pictures from the collection of member, Dave Fitton Fitton's Files

hree more old Morris Tpictures this month, with two of them showing typical poses of the associated families.

In this top one is a 1938? Morris 10/12, with, if we are not mistaken, mother-in-law next to it. Son-in-law (presumably) behind the camera. APY 448 is a North Riding registration.

The registtration number of this Minor tourer is difficult to read but it looks like FJ 6409, which would make it first registered in Exeter in the Autumn of 1928

We can only speculate as to who is behind the camera in this one, which features Morris 8, CPL 573, a Guildford registration. Let's hope baby is still with us and still has a copy of this pic with Mum and Dad.

7 August on the Forum Forum Files Bob Williams

or those who have never looked at the Morris Register Series 1 a couple of years ago and found it actually pretty FForum (I’m trying to encourage you to do so) each new easy, the hardest part being the removal of the remains subject posting has its own page and subsequent replying of the old one. Nasty! I started with the rear roof section posts are added to that page. There are a maximum of 15 which has the loop in it for the steel hoop support before posts per page after which a second or third etc. page is doing the front section. I cut the hole for the sliding roof created. In August there were 9 posts that stretched to a aperture after it was secured all around the edges. I did second page which I have listed below so you can get a the piece around the rear window last, again, cutting the feeling of the type of subjects that inspire some discussion. hole for the window after it was secured around the edges. Peregrine: Replacement engine?: “I have just received Finally I fitted the Hidem banding which I found easier to a very scary quotation for the partial refurbishment of the do using tacks rather than a staple gun. The banding tends engine for my 1936 Morris 8 Series 1.” to hold the tacks in place as you hit then with a hammer. Jolyon: Smoke from starter dog area: “Having run my The only error I made was getting the direction of the knap M8 S1 (1937) for all of 20 miles since getting it back on the different between the front and rear sections which makes road, I now have grey smoke issuing from the engine via it look like two different colours if you look at it at the the starter dog/flywheel hole, after about 5 minutes from wrong angle! The material came from Woolies trim who start up.” stock both beige and grey colours, and I think I ordered Bob: Engine – What to do?: “Have just removed head 2 metres of it. It comes plenty wide enough but do leave from 8 Series E to investigate water leak from head gasket plenty of excess for the rear window section as the curves and was quite concerned with what I found.” distort things as you fit it. I would recommend the use of a Nidgey: Screw size fuel sender unit: “Series 2 Morris staple gun though! Good luck!” 8 fuel tank. 6 screws Grumpyjohn replied holding the sender unit to “We have already the tank are not brilliant. removed the old head Could anyone tell me the lining and used it as a size of these screws?” pattern to mark out the Murray: M8 pre series new one (leaving a lot front brake hose: “I of material round the was changing front brake edges). One problem hoses and found that on we have found is the one side I have a brake plywood bits the hoop hose that is 7/16 on both attaches to have been ends and goes direct into replaced so no guiding the slave cylinder and screw holes to relocate on the other end has the the hoop but should be flare for the copper pipe able to work it out. Great nut. idea using a staple gun as Pat: 1937 Morris 8 it would be a fiddly job tourer bearings: “I using tacks! I would think have the engine up on Peter's new head liinng in progress (see also photo on next page) the series E has a similar the bench all stripped pattern of fixing as the down, the bearings on two of the connecting rods have earlier cars Phil so Richards advice might apply to your car what appear to be chunks out of them, right in the middle.” as well!” Simon: Clutch judder when hot: “Don’t get any Judder Myke: “I started mine over a year ago by fitting new when cool or short running, but after 20/30 miles she material to the sun roof. I used a staple gun and then went judders from the off!” on to other jobs because I wasn’t sure of exactly how the John: Wot no oil pressure: “The 1933 Cowley Saloon main section was fitted or which bits had wood fastened to engine had been put back together and started but was them, or what shape the wood parts were. Over the past then quickly switched off due to no oil pressure.” year the material has stretched so it will need tightening, Bob and Francis: Steering wobble on a pre-series and I think maybe the use of a staple gun was a bad idea. 10/4: “Hits a bump or when going round a bend, gets a When I start again I will be using tacks as original. violent wobble. On one occasion the drop arm fractured Back to Richard: “Myke, Why do you think using a staple at speed - hair raising.” gun was a bad idea? It didn’t cause the stretching?” Myke: “Staples are a bit thin. I just get the impression The first featured post this month is from Phil: Information that the string or wood inserts will grip tacks a bit more on replacing the head lining on my Morris Series E: securely. Also you wouldn’t be able to get a staple gun into “Any advice would be much appreciated.” the Hidem band.” Frank and Grumpyjohn responded but didn’t have any Peter then gave his advice which included photos. “When advice, both had the job to do so were interested in advice. I did the headlining on my car I used short 4mm stainless Dave: “It’s worth making a pattern/test headlining with a steel staples AND tacks. The staples are easy to fix with a cheap cotton sheet first. Then you have a pattern to work gun and keep the tension in the cloth where it’s needed. from and a practice run.” They’re easily removable if re-positioning is required and Richard: “I made and fitted a new headlining for my don’t make a hole in the material. Once a section is done 8 it can then be tacked between the staples. I used some vehicle, a pre-series 12/4 Morris 1935. On the test it states upholsterers paper strip to keep a straight line all round. the top speed as 61mph and 29 miles to the gallon. I have When everything is tacked all the staples can be removed only managed to obtain 53 mph and that is way TOO (or left if you don’t mind modern materials). The Hidem FAST! I would say 40-45 mph is fast enough for these old banding is then tacked in place, following the line of the cars I have only managed 22.5 mpg but the engine is still paper strip and concealing all the tacks. new and I haven’t taken it on a longer run than 35 miles I found a magnetic tack hammer well worth getting – saves up to now.” a lot of frustration over dropped tacks, although I never Derek again: “Evening all, just a thought about mpg. If quite got the technique of holding a dozen in my mouth the mileometer is as accurate as the speedometer I would like the pros! say anywhere between 10 mpg and 100 mpg is easily Finally Richard again: “I agree with you on the Hidem achievable…” banding Myke. In fact I found that the banding really lends Richard then added: “During a month-long tour at the itself to using tacks as it holds them in place!” end of 1999 the mileometer of my Eight proved to be spot- on when compared with the official signposted distances. Peter started a post that might interest all you boy racers Subsequently I fitted a factory reconditioned speedometer out there: Series speed: “Tried looking through all (the M8TC sold off a batch of them at one stage) and manuals, etc. What would be a reasonable top speed for new cable, and at indicated speeds of 30 and 35 mph the an 8 Series E (assuming no adverse wind or gradient)?” readings of a local radar sign matched almost exactly. Thus Mark gave an obvious answer: “Not a lot, methinks. Mind I’d say that if the equipment’s in good nick it should be at you, I’ve not got mine running properly yet.” least reasonably accurate (not that I’d admit it if ever ‘had Morris8cars included a link to the Series E page of web up’ for speeding, of course).” site Automobile-Catalog.com, which gave interesting data Andy: “the mileometer is driven by cogs from the gearbox on its performance and also advised “I have a Series 1 via a cable and providing you have the correct gearing and that is fine at 45-50 (3 speed box) and the E is slightly and tyre size for that particular instrument it will be quite faster (4 speed box) but bear in mind these are old cars. accurate. The speedometer is driven by the same cable Hope this helps. I sure but also via slipping someone with an E will magnet which if not set verify.” up correctly can have Peter replied: “Thanks the needle bouncing. both of you, I was On my Twenty I found thinking around the the parts to be loose 50 mark, nice to have inside the instrument confirmation.” and by tightening the Grumpyjohn: “I believe screws got a very stable the given top speed needle. However it was according to Morris on reading far too fast and the Series 1 was 58 mph I did the following to set when new and the Series it correctly: The car was E was slightly faster. Flat driven at a steady 30mph out my Series E speedo according to the SatNav. wavers between 55 and 65ish so not accurate at top This requires quite a long road for the SatNav to settle speed. Being an elderly old lady I would consider 45-50 down. Once at 30mph I took the reading of the speedo. In as a respectful speed! I only opened my Series E up once my case it was 43mph. I took the instrument out of the car to see what it could do and will not risk it again! When it and removed the back cover. The needle was turned to 43 was on the road my 2 seater achieved just over 65 on the mph and the mechanism/disc at the rear of the instrument speedo with a slightly breathed on Series E engine and the was fixed, i.e. held firmly. Being very careful the needle three speed gearbox but that was 40 years ago and I will was then moved to the 30 mph position at the same time never push it to that speed again when I get it back on the holding everything thing else fixed. The parts were put road! PS, at that speed my 2 seater had very light, slow back together and tested again. I was lucky in that I got it to respond steering and was pretty dangerous to drive. I right first time, well it now reads about 32-33 mph when know better than to try it now!” the SatNav shows 30, which is okay for me.” Mark added: “I’ve heard a lot of discussion on and off the Peter concluded: “Thanks, I was trying to find out max forum about these cars doing 55 plus. I’m not sure I’d be speed (50 ish) and stay within say 80% for safety.” comfortable at that sort of speed. I recon 45 would be very nice thank you. On the couple of outings I have had to If you want to see the advice given and possibly the test the car it seemed hesitant to go above 30. Mind you conclusions reached on the 9 posts listed at the start of this it could be that the gauze carburettor air filter could be article, log on to the Forum. Bob Williams restricting the mixture flowing. I’ll take it off and try again ([email protected]) once the engine is back in.” EDITOR’S NOTE: Derek then advised: “I have seen 51.3 on my series 1(gps Any member intending to act upon advice given in the iPhone) you wouldn’t want to do 52….” Forum or to use any products or services mentioned, Jon: “You may like me be able to obtain a copy of the is strongly recommended to read the Morris Register original road test carried out by The Practical Motorist by disclaimer at the top of page 3 of Morris Monthly. contacting the British Library. I have such a copy of my 9 Other Morris 8 Special Service Tools Mark Stevenson

n this very last part of the series of articles on the Morris 8 tool kit, I Iwill be reviewing the special service tools that were available from the Fig. 1 Morris dealer.

Morris Motors produced quite a range of special service tools for the trade industry. The following illustrations (figs. 1-10) show some of the tools relevant to the Morris 8. For a full list of dealer tools covering all Morris models, visit the Morris Register website and select "Vehicle Data" from the menu. In that folder you will find a pdf copy of the "General Data G18 - G21". A list the tools can be found in section G21. In additional to the special service tools, there were also universal tools available from suppliers such as Lucas, SU and Champion to name a few.

Fig. 1 is a picture from the Morris Owner magazine March 1935, p27. It illustrates Fig. 2 the use of head alignment tool no. 38385. The same tool is also illustrated in fig. 2.

Right: Extract from Morris Owner magazine November 1934

Fig. 3

Left: Extract from Morris Owner magazine January 1937, showing hub extractor tool no. 19431 in action

Right: Extract from Morris Owner magazine January 1937, showing hub nut tool no. 36120 Fig. 4

10 Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

Fig. 10

As always, 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 [email protected] For those with no internet access, I can be contacted on (+44) 079 056 10055. 11 Items of interest Exactly Eighty from The Morris Owner magazine, October 1936

An important adjustment which is FAN BELT TENSION sometimes overlooked By C. R. LUCATO

t is doubtful if any of us bother very much about boss round ever so little and tighten up again. the fan belt — which, of course, on recent models A similar adjustment is incorporated on the earliest Iis also the dynamo belt. It will give years of service Minors (which have overhead valves and without attention and is consequently apt to be vertical dynamos), and the nut is to be overlooked. found on the nearside of the engine just In effect, however, there is much to above the pulley bracket. On the be said for keeping it at correct later Minors and Family Eight tension. This on current models adjustment is made models should imply a by slackening the dynamo movement of about half fixing nuts (at the end an inch with moderate of the dynamo nearest pressure on the longest the dash), moving the stretch of the belt; while dynamo upwards very on the earlier models slightly and tightening with a direct drive them up again. from the fan to the On the Eight pulley on the engine, On current Morris the movement can Eights a similar be another quarter of arrangement is an inch without doing incorporated, only in any harm. this case the adjusting Maladjustment nuts are in the front, The evils of a badly securing the bolt which adjusted belt, although passes through a curved not perhaps so serious slot on the near-side of the as other maladjustments, engine. definitely exist. Clearly, if On the larger models, the fan is not revolving at its adjustment of the belt tension proper speed, its cooling effect on a is effected by slackening the bolt hot day will not be so efficient as clamping the dynamo to the engine The dynamo and fan belt on current it should. With the three-corner bearer arm plate and swinging the Series II Ten-Fours and the Sixes drive on current models we must dynamo until the desired degree also expect the dynamo charge to be erratic, owing of tightness is obtained. Afterwards the dynamo is to the belt failing to bed down in the groove, and only relocked in position by retightening the clamping transmitting power in a half-hearted manner on the screw and its lock nut. edges. If a belt is really slack a much more serious matter may have to be considered, namely fouling the fan blades at speed, and these in turn may strike the radiator and do considerable damage. Another reason why we should avoid a slack belt is that in time the incidental slipping will tend to wear HIGH AVERAGE SPEEDS the pulleys, turning the straight groove into a curved VERAGE speeds of 40 m.p.h. were until quite surface on which the belt will not transmit its power Arecently obtained only with expensive, high so efficiently. powered cars. Modern design has changed all this. As a rule, a belt should be good for anything between One of the new Morris Fourteen saloons, carrying two 15,000 and 25,000 miles, and if it has to be renewed people and luggage, recently covered the 386 miles before the end of this mileage, we can assume that it from the Central Hotel, Glasgow, to Oxford in nine has been badly treated. hours eight minutes running time. The average speed Another cause of an early demise of a belt, however, was just over forty-two miles per hour, although all can be over-generosity with the grease gun. If oil or speed limits were observed and no risks taken. grease is allowed to find its way on to the pulley, This car, at £225, is an economically priced model, it will engender slipping, and in time the belt must paying only £10 10s. tax and low insurance. Although clearly suffer. it seats five adults in comfort and can readily attain In all models the fan belt adjustment is simplicity over 65 m.p.h., its petrol consumption averaged 24 itself. On the Cowleys and Oxfords (including the m.p.g. Sixes) the fan belt is mounted on an eccentric lug; it is merely necessary to slacken off the nut, move the 12 The advantages of The reasons for the adoption of a POSITIVE reversed electrical circuit on the EARTH Morris Fourteen WIRING

HE introduction of positive earthing for the electrical Obviously Twiring system of the new Morris Fourteen-Six (Series II) this is going has given rise to numerous queries by Morris owners who to lead to want to know exactly why this reversal of previously accepted a longer One of the batteries of the Morris practice has taken place, and precisely what advantages are effective Fourteen, showing the positive lead to to be derived from the new scheme. life for the the frame In order, therefore, to satisfy these enquirers, and any other distributor owners interested, we will endeavour to explain the reasons and the maintenance of tune over a longer period, so that which have led to this important change in design in defiance considerable advantage is to be gained by the change. of conventional practice. This subject of electrode corrosion applies equally to the plug, Ever since electrical ignition by sparking plugs was first although the reason for the reduction in the rate of corrosion employed on internal combustion it has been is not so immediately apparent in this case. usual to have the plug body at negative potential, as this Most of the plugs in general use to-day have, however, central appeared to be the logical procedure when using the frame electrodes of smaller area than their outer electrodes, and as the return path for the electrical current or "earth" line, since the rate of corrosion is dependent to an appreciable since "earth" is usually associated with negative potential in extent upon the area of the electrode an advantage in long electrical circles. life will be obtained by operating the plug with the central Research Revelations electrode negative, which is further assisted by the reduction Recent experiments have revealed, however, that the in voltage previously mentioned. voltage required for spark production is dependent on the The Effect on the Battery temperature of the negative electrode, and that the voltage So far as the battery is concerned it can function equally required drops steadily as the temperature of the negative well with either method of connection, but here another electrode is increased. interesting point arises concerning corrosion. From this it is clear that improved results are obtained from In all electrolytic cells—and the batteries used in cars belong the sparking plug when its hottest electrode is negative. to this family—it is the anode which is attacked by corrosion, Now it is common knowledge that the central electrode of the due to the chemical action which takes place during the plug on an internal combustion engine is the hottest of the passage of current. When, therefore, the negative terminal is two, since the one attached to the plug body is kept relatively earthed there will be a tendency for any leakage currents, due cool by contact of the plug body with the cylinder block to the presence of moisture between the "live" or "positive" or , so that application of the experimental parts of the circuit and earth, to produce corrosion of the findings points to the advisability of making the central "positive" terminal. electrode negative. Now the battery top is usually moist with acid, with the result Actually a reduction in voltage of some 2000 volts is that it is normally prone to corrosion trouble of this nature, obtained under favourable conditions by this change, so due to the leakage of current between positive and negative that it is definitely worth while both from the point of view of terminals through this moisture, and this is accentuated to lengthened plug life and reduction of stress on the distributor troublesome proportions when the battery connection to the and coil, which have now only a reduced voltage to deal with. chassis earth is short, thus providing a relatively easy leakage If the change in polarity is made at the plug alone, considerable path between the positive terminal and the earth connection. difficulty is encountered, since it is then necessary to arrange By making the connection to the chassis positive, battery for an insulated seating for the plug. By far the most simple terminal corrosion due to this source is greatly reduced, as scheme is to reverse the whole of the wiring, making the earth any corrosion will now take place at the positive earth wire line positive and the wiring itself negative. This presents no fixing bolt to the chassis, which being some distance away operating difficulties providing the various components of the from the source of battery moisture will be unaffected by electrical circuit are not adversely affected. leakage currents. It is, of course, essential that this fixing bolt Taking the induction coil first, we find that this functions should be protected against the effects of water or corrosion equally well with its polarity reversed in the manner will still take place at this point. The owner of a car fitted with suggested, so that no obstacle is offered by this component positive earth should, therefore, see that the connection is to the proposed change. well protected with grease. Distributor Points Concerning Other Components When we consider the distributor we again find no obstacle It has been found that the dynamo fitted to Morris cars will to the change of polarity, as this piece of mechanism will excite itself equally satisfactorily when used in conjunction function equally well either way. When we consider the with the positive earth system, so that no difficulty arises corrosive effect of the sparks jumping the gap between the with this component of the electrical system. central rotating electrode and the series of distributor studs The starter motor, windscreen wiper, lamps, etc., are all located in the distributor cover, we find a distinct advantage unaffected by the polarity change with the exception of the in using the positive earth scheme. ammeter, which would show a reverse reading, but this It is well established that it is the positive electrode which merely entails reversing the leads to its terminals to correct corrodes most quickly, so that when we make the four or six matters. distributor studs positive we spread the corrosion between From the foregoing it is therefore clear that it is of advantage these four or six studs instead of concentrating all the from all points of view (with the possible exception of the corrosion effects on the one hard-worked central electrode positive earth fixing bolt) for the positive pole of the electrical which has to serve them all. system to be connected to the chassis. 13 THE MORRIS OWNER RALLY Over 700 cars journey to Mrs. K. Petre Lilleshall Hall, Shropshire, and Mrs. T. H. Wisdom for one of the best attended judging one of motoring events of the the Concours season entries

Y a special dispensation of the subdivided into BClerk of the Weather, this, the three separate third event of its kind organised classes for male for Morris cars exclusively, was and female favoured with a brilliantly fine drivers and their day, and between seven and eight passengers. hundred cars put in an appearance After this came on the polo ground at Lilleshall a co-operative Hall, the famous Midland beauty event known as spot. a needle-and- So large was the crowd, in fact, thread race, Throughout the afternoon the Band that officials were kept busily wherein the skill of the driver was of Limited provided occupied marshalling competitors' supplemented or otherwise by a musical accompaniment to the and spectators' vehicles into their the celerity with which his lady revels, and for the serious minded allotted places all the afternoon, partner could find the elusive eye there was exhibited a car which ably assisted by officials of the with the thread, and then we had had been assembled with as many Automobile Association. a slow race, in which, of course, faults as possible, with a prize for Once again we were fortunate the spoils went to him or her who the correct diagnosis, the result in securing the services of Mr. best managed to keep the wheels of which will appear in our next Dan Thomas, of the Midland turning, but only just. issue. Light Car Club, to take charge Junior Events The following are the Concours of the gymkhana, whilst we Then came a break in the winners: CONCOURS PRIZE WINNERS were indebted to a large host of proceedings for the benefit of the (Class I) gentlemen representing the Press juniors up to ten years of age, First: K. L. Dudman, 18 Duckmoor Road, and the trade for their help in the who worked off some of their Bristol. capacity of judges and marshals. individual steam in a couple of Second: Samuel Wright, 37 Wellington Street, Runcorn. Mrs. Kay Petre presented the races. When their more sedate Third: W. Wheeler, II Allman Road, prizes on behalf of this journal to relatives took up the tale again it Erdington, Birmingham. the successful competitors. was to exhibit their prowess in a (Class II) On this occasion the gymkhana balloon bursting race which, as First: J. H. Kinder, 62 Woodcroft Road, Wavertree, Liverpool. was preceded by a Concours its name implies, consisted of the Second: J. Hopkinson, 37 St. Annes Street, d'Elegance which attracted one destruction of a number of these Bury hundred and twenty-six entries. carnival impedimenta by driving Third: F. W. Cope, 13 Frederick Street, These were divided up into seven over them. Not by any means so Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent. (Class III) classes so as to take in Morris cars easy as it sounds — they won't First: Mr. Sherrill; 82 Rosebery Avenue, of all dates and models. Provision always lie down. Manor Park, , E12. was also made for the oldest cars During the time that all this had Second: Robert J. L. French, 62 Canterbury present, the best kept one fitted been taking place another well Avenue, Ilford. Third: R. H. Burgess, Sherwood, Blackbear with non-standard coachwork, supported item had been quietly Lane, Wisbech. and, finally, the worse kept car. The going forward. This was The (Class IV) latter class, incidentally, provided Morris Owner balloon race — an First: C. Stokes, 85 Cartland Road, only one entry, a fact which may event which has been featured Stirchley, Birmingham. Second: B. Munro, Dalmeny Street, Leith. not be entirely unconnected with at previous rallies — which, Third: J. Stoll, Jacis, Runcorn. pride of ownership! although primarily intended for (Class V) Fun and Games the amusement (and possible First: C. J. Jakernan,117 Mill Street, As usual, the gymkhana was profit) of the juveniles, produced Kidderminster. (Class VI) productive of a considerable an eager, surging crowd of all First: Mrs. R. Leathwhite, Three Cables, amount of fun. The first event, ages. Hydrogen-filled balloons Conway, North . divided into subsidiary classes carrying post cards were supplied Second: Alan Bloomfield, 9 Aston Road, for open and closed cars, was the to all comers for release on the Wern, Salop. Third: H. Leary, Romani, Middle Lane, reversing race, in which entrants ground, and those which are Wednesfield. had to wind in and out of a line ultimately returned to the Editor (Class VII) of posts and finish by dropping from the longest distance away First: R. Brookes, 10 Hall End, a ball into a bucket. This was will have earned prizes for their Wednesbury. Longest Distance followed by musical chairs; also lucky senders. B. Munro, Dalmeny St., Leith,Edinburgh. 14 At the Morris Rally

Scenes at the successful Concours d'Elegance and Gymkhana held at Lilleshall Hall, Shropshire, on the 13th of last month

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1. Thinning out in the Musical Chairs Event, in which competitors had to run from their cars to the "chairs".

4

4. Here is Mrs. Kay Petre with one of the very junior competitors in the children's races

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2. Mr. Samuel Wright, of 37 Wellington Street, Runcorn, the second prize winner in Class I of the Concours for the best kept Series I or II car, with his Coupé

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5. In the slow race, under the eagle eye of the marshals, drivers had to reduce their speed to a minimum without allowing the wheels to cease revolving for an instant

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3. ANTICIPATION. Competitors inspecting the prizes before entering the gymkhana

15 Hustle R. H. E. SYMONS, motoring journalist leader of Mthe recent J.C.C. Rally to the United States and Canada, returning across the Atlantic recently, made arrangements, when hundreds of miles out at sea, to drive a 25 h.p. Wolseley in the Alpine Trial starting a few days later. Symons landed late on the Friday, drove to ABOVE: On the road in Birmingham, saw the car was India, a Morris Series in order, flew to Switzerland II "25" saloon halts at a on Tuesday morning, and was dak bungalow in good time for the start of RIGHT: Mentioned in Rudyard Kipling's "Kim", the most strenuous of modern the famous old gun "Zam motor trials. Interesting to note Zammah" at Lahore is that, despite being awarded the number 13, he put up the best performance of the British big cars. A Policeman's Lot WERVING to avoid a boy cyclist, a police car at SManor Park, London, E., mounted the pavement, ran into a stone wall, knocked down a woman who was pushing a perambulator, returned to the road and struck the cyclist and then collided with a cart. Licences and Insurance TATEMENTS have appeared in the lay press from Stime to time giving the impression that by driving a car or motorcycle on the road the Road Fund licence of which has lapsed or become overdue for renewal, the insurance policy is invalidated. ABOVE: A new "25" saloon on one of Malaya's A number of enquiries have been received by the magnificent roads R.A.C. on the subject, particularly in so far as it affects the fourteen days period of grace which is At Cape Town granted as a privilege by licensing authorities at the ROM Cape Town it is reported that the recently termination of each quarter. Fformed Morris Rally Club is getting rapidly into its The Club states that there is no foundation stride. One of its objects is to hold informative lectures whatsoever for the impression that to drive a motor for its members, and at a meeting of that nature held vehicle with an out-of-date Road Fund licence will a little while ago a Service Representative of Morris automatically invalidate the insurance policy. To drive Industries Exports Limited gave a much appreciated an unlicensed vehicle on the road is an offence under talk on the S.U. carburetter and electric petrol pump the Road Traffic Act, but it does not necessarily affect with the aid of sectioned models. the validity of the usual form of insurance policy.

MAIL — A fleet of ten Morris vehicles employed by the Hull Daily Mail to ensure speedy deliveryto outlying newsagents and distributors 16 RUNNING HINTS IN PICTURES No. 64 Replacing a burnt-out panel light bulb on Series II models

1 2

1. — Behind the fascia board, at diagonally opposite corners of the large square moulding in which 2. — Here is one being removed with its the instruments are grouped, the holder in which it is a push fit two panel illuminating bulbs are situated

3. — (Left) The bulb itself is screwed into its holder. For replacements obtain Lucas No. 1224 MES 12v. 2.4w. screwed holder type

3

5. — The second lamp in the lower corner being removed 4

4. — Should the lamp failure be due to vibration in the panel fitting, the holder may be tightened up by bending outwards — very 5 slightly — the spring clip shown on the left in this picture

NOTE. For photographic purposes the instrument panel was dismounted to secure pictures 2 to 5 The complete edition of The Morris Owner for October 1936 is available as a pdf on the website Other items of interest include: • British Cars at the Motor Show • Taking Corners • Wheels on the Road 17 Minor Musings Chris Lambert 1931/1932 Cunard Calshot Minor Special he Cunard Motor & Carriage TCo. Ltd. was a wholly owned subsidiary of London Morris main dealer Stewart & Ardern. The business, located in Chase Road, N.W. 10 was acquired in 1931 specifically to produce ‘special’ bodies for exclusive distribution by S&A through their growing network of dealerships across the capital. The first such model to be produced in the autumn of 1931 was the Cunard Calshot, a four seat open tourer design, built upon a long wheel base Minor chassis and utilising the OHC engine to be found on the new 1932 season, two model, lwb range of Family Eight Sports coupé and four door saloon. An early example in Ian Harris pilots 1932 Cunard Calshot Special MU 5741 at Prescott recently two shades of blue was exhibited on colours namely blue, black grey and green and if ordered stand 90 at the 1931 Olympia Motor Show. The car had immediately would be available to drive away at Easter, sporting pretentions and Cunard used aluminium body just two weeks later. It was priced at £175, identical to that panels in its construction in order to save weight. Other of the Morris factory Sports coupée, however it would fitments included a fully adjustable fold-flat windscreen, have undoubtedly out-performed the fully enclosed much leather seats, finned brake drums and a full tonneau cover, heavier steel bodied car had such a head-to-head taken an unusual feature at that time. A Cunard advertisement place. placed in the March 18th 1932 edition of Light Car We can only speculate as to how many Calshots were built advises that the car could be purchased in a selection of and over what period, but numbers are unlikely to have exceeded a dozen while the three known survivors MU 5674, MU 5741 and MU 6066 were clearly all built within a few months of one another. Well known register member and trader Ian Harris owns MU 5741 while MU 6066, a grey example is owned by a second register member. The third example, located in Germany was advertised for sale in The Automobile in March 2014 and has subsequently gone to ground. There are unconfirmed reports of a fourth survivor which apparently is in a dissembled state somewhere in East Anglia. If anyone knows more, then please contact the author at chris@ prewarminor.com 18 1929-1932 Merlyn Drop-head Coupé Minor Special

This short article appeared in the December 1929 edition of Morris Owner magazine. y the autumn of 1929 a number of coachbuilders were agents for the model in the south-east. Like many Minor Bbeginning to market a wide range of special bodies built Specials the Merlyn Minor had an Austin Seven equivalent upon the Minor chassis. One such company was Merlyn and it’s the interior of such a model that can be seen here. Motors of Whiteladies Road, Bristol. Their fabric skinned When launched the Minor version was priced at £190, a Minor drop-head coupé model was similar to that pro- full £45 more than the Morris factory produced cars. For duced by Maddox of Huntingdon, although the Maddox this the purchaser could expect a level of luxury not found version was launched a full six months later in May 1930. in the mass produced models including leather covered (See Morris Monthly December 2014 page 14). The Merlyn pneumatic seats, safety glass and a rapidly fold-away top model was announced via a full page advertisement on the that could be raised or lowered ‘in seconds even at 40-50 inside front cover of the November 29th 1929 edition of mph without taking your eyes off the road’. Light Car. This spot was the long term advertising ‘home’ Little was heard of the model following its 1929 launch un- for Normand Garage of Oxford Street, London, the sole til a small item appeared in an August 1931 edition of The Autocar when it was ef- fectively re-launched just prior to the commence- ment of the 1932 model season. While The Auto- car did not publish a price for the Minor version, the Austin Seven variant had seen a price reduction of £25 over the intervening 20 month period and if a similar reduction had also applied to the Minor then it would have sold in Au- gust 1931 for £165. The Austin Seven Merlyn d/h coupé launched in July 1929 showing its interior trim (LAT) 19 20 1. 'Mr High Test', a nearly 7 feet tall publicity representative for Pratt's 'High Test' Ethyl Fuel, beside a new Tourer at Grosvenor Garage, Bournemouth in spring 1930. The man's name is not known. [Ken Martin's Collection] 2. An unknown man over 7 feet tall, beside Earl Howe's MG Magnette K3001 on show in Bournemouth in June 1933. This car was in the 1100cc Class-wining team in its first race, the 'Mille Miglia' in April. The co-driver was Hugh Hamiliton. It also came fourth in the International Trophy Race at Brooklands in May. [LAT PLATE REF. C755] 3 A car park at an unknown venue or event in c1930. Most of the windscreens display a 'GOSPORT' banner. Note the Smith's radiator shutters fitted to the Morris Minor, operated either automatically from a linkage activated by a thermostat inserted in the top hose, or by hand control from the dashboard. [LAT PLATE REF. BOX X51o] 4. A variety of cars in the Austin factory staff car park in c1938, but the newest ones are Austins. [Ken Martin's Collection]

The LAT images featured appear courtesy of LAT Photographic. Prints can be ordered by emailing [email protected] quoting the image reference number provided and mentioning Morris Monthly. See the LAT Photographic website for sizes and pricing at http://latphoto.co.uk. Important notice: Prints supplied may differ in appearance to those reproduced here, as images may have been cropped and subject to digital enhancement for use on these pages. 21 Regional Round Up

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

THORESBY he car was washed and polished and the weather forecast looked good so it was all systems go for the rather long Tjourney to Thoresby. The weather was rather warm and it suited the car well - so well, in fact, that I did not need to fill up before getting to Thoresby. The car had travelled from Rugby to Abingdon and then on to Thoresby on just one tank of petrol. I was well pleased! This year a lot of "non-Morris" people had decided to bring their cars along. This was a good thing because it boosted numbers and gave some variety to the show. Saturday was somewhat quiet on the field because many people chose to go on the road run - no doubt tempted by the prospect of a tour around a brewery. But this gave those who remained on site a chance to catch up with old acquaintances and to have a chat. On Sunday the field looked magnificent with all the cars arranged by model. So many non-Morrises arrived that it took the organisers by surprise and some overflow parking had to be arranged. We were entertained by the wonderful Thoresby Colliery Band. I understand they have a venue at the Albert Hall later this year, so that tells just how good they are. Prize giving came later in the afternoon just as the sun made an appearance. Yours truly was awarded a prize - no doubt there will be pictures in the main Thorseby write up. Then came the long trundle back home with the added excitement of driving in the dark with six volt headlights. Fortunately, there was not much traffic because oncoming traffic with modern headlights causes quite a lot of dazzle The organisers deserve a word of thanks for the smooth running of this year's event which ran very smoothly. Article and photos by Steve Gant

CLASSICS ON LEY HILL COMMON

22 he sun shone brightly at Ley Hill Common on Sunday 14th August helping to make for a very successful show. The Tvehicles started to roll in before the official noon start time and were still arriving quite late into the afternoon. The climb up White Hill from Chesham proved challenging for my Y but first gear proved a successful solution. Had that failed, Ray and Mary Bickerton were close on my tail ready to give me a push with their Eight! Morrises were well represented amongst the relatively small proportion of vintage vehicles that were, as often is the case these days, outnumbered by classics from the 1950s to – well, err, the 1990s actually! With a number of side stalls and food outlets, the event has a village fete atmosphere and was well supported by the general public. Ed

TEWIN CLASSIC CAR SHOW, 21st AUGUST embers from Sherbucks and Hitchin noggins met at the Mfoot of the superb Digswell Railway Viaduct, built in the late 1840s and proceeded in convoy to the Showground (Tewin cricket pitch). We were positioned together and despite the odd spit of rain and strong winds at times, the weather improved with glorious spells of sunshine as we presented our cars, dined and chatted together. For a “small show” Tewin packs a big punch and with a village history dating back to 449 A.D. it certainly has the credentials for a classic show. Many attended the local event helping to boost community funds. There was a great variety of vehicles spanning the famous British marques with the Jaguars and Armstrong Siddeley giants nestling among the many B.M.C. models with their famous namesakes: Austin, M.G., , Wolseley and Riley for instance – as well as good numbers of Triumph cars, plenty of Fords, Vauxhalls, Rover and the Rootes Group range. Of course, there were French, German and Italian examples and the specialist types like those from the Lotus stable as well. Needless to say, the Morris Register vehicles were very well received and made a stunning row that attracted plenty of attention and admiration in equal measure. There were craft and auto jumble stalls to add to the sheer joy of walking around the beautiful setting, gentle crowd, jazz music and delightful vehicles. Members and their cars were: Pat and Diane Nethercott with 1926 : RL 6726; Bob McKay with 1930 : FO 2510; Julian and Deborah Hills with 1929 Morris Cowley: MW 4517; James and Lindsay Wyper with 1935 Morris 8 Pre-Series: BLT 797; Brian and Sylvia Spence with 1938 Morris 8 – Series 2: GHK 395; Frank and Lu Derby with 1956 Cambridge: 247 GML; Pete Hutchinson with 1971 Morris Minor 1000 van KGX 843K and as an Austin badged example - a bit of an interloper to the very sedate and regal Register vehicles. We all had a brilliant day in Tewin. Peter Hutchinson

23 BLENHEIM PALACE FESTIVAL OF TRANSPORT ver the Bank Holiday weekend of 27/28th August I Oattended the Festival of Transport at Blenheim Palace which is in my back garden, well about six miles away! It was a glorious weekend with the sun out most of both days which was a blessing, as the day before we had enormous thunder storms with hailstones as big as large marbles locally. There were a few of us attending from the Noggin, Steven and Wendy Shuttleworth in their pre-series Morris Eight Tourer, Peter and Shirley Alston in their Morris Eight Tourer and me and my wife in our Morris Eight Series 2. The picture does not include Peter and Shirley’s Tourer as they were off having afternoon tea in the Palace as a celebratory gift from the family. The Show had all sorts of vehicles ranging from 1911 Overlanders to huge American Cadillacs and Buicks, Rolls Royces of various vintages, humble Austin Sevens and many in between; everyone being proud of their vehicle no matter what size or age. A thoroughly good weekend with lots to see. Article and photo by Vernon Coles

READING NOGGIN RUN TO WHITCHURCH SILK MILL hat a splendid sight: Eight Morrises and an MG all lined up at our Noggin ‘n Natter pub, ‘The George and Dragon' Wat Wolverton Townsend ready for a leisurely run to Whitchurch Silk Mill. Passing through sleepy Hampshire villages and negotiating some narrow country lanes, we all made it to Whitchurch Silk Mill the oldest working silk mill still using 19th century machinery to weave in the traditional way. Having explored the Mill, we had time for tea in the gardens surrounded on two sides by the crystal clear water of the River Test which had flowed, further upstream, through the watercress beds of Vitacress, the UK' largest watercress grower. Our return journey took us to Little London where David and Jackie Snook had organised a BBQ in their garden for us all. With the barby well lit it did not take long before we were tucking into some great barby food, thank you David and Jackie. Special thanks must go to Roger and Fiona for 'reconnoitring' a route through some beautiful English countryside to end up at such an idylic venue plus also ordering perfect weather for our Morrises to enjoy. Reg Granados

Above: Andrew Wilkin’s Morris Pick-up with Reg Granados’ Morris Eight, John Payne’s Morris Ten/Six Sports and Chris Raine's Morris Eighteen Below: On the left, Ray Sibbald’s 1927 Flatnose Tourer with David Snook’s and Alan Briant’s Morris Eights. On the right, John Powell with Roger Clitheroe’s Morris Eight Tourer and Brian Bibby’s MG.

24 HAZELMERE FETE, 29th AUGUST he 156th Annual Hazlemere Fete took place on the late Summer Bank Holiday Monday. The sun actually shone this Tyear in contrast to dismal rainy conditions in the previous two years. In those two years, and despite the appalling conditions, our Noggin provided the majority of cars in the ‘Classic Car’ area. This may sound impressive, and it was under the circumstances, but in fact there were only three cars in 2014, Den Jarrott, James Wyper and the writer, and two cars in 2015, Maurice Wingrove with Dorothy and the writer. All bar James are fairly local to the event, but James showed some resilience in driving a fairly long distance in the rain. Other members were going to attend, but understandably were reluctant to drive any great distance under the wet conditions and torrential rain in 2015. The fine weather this year meant that the ‘Classic Car’ area was well attended and we were pleased to provide five Morris cars and one Austin. These were Frank and Lou Darby in their Austin A40 Cambridge, Den Jarrott, 1939 Morris Eight Series E Saloon, Bob Russell, 1926 Flatnose Cowley Tourer, Brian and Sylvia Spence, 1938 Morris Eight Series 2 Saloon, James Wyper, 1935 Morris Eight Pre Series Saloon and the writer, 1939 Morris Eight Series E Tourer. The Fete was very well organised with many stalls around the perimeter featuring charities, private enterprise and local community activities. In addition there were four arenas, two of which were dedicated to dogs. In one of the other arenas music was provided by the Chiltern Hills Brass Band and the Speen Feet Warmers (Jazz) and exercise by displays of Jazzercise and Hazlemere School of Dancing. In the other arena there were two displays of Birds of Prey. The only downside was the extremely loud and intrusive public address system which drowned out a lot of the live music, but this is a fairly common problem and the bands soldiered on regardless. The event was very well supported by the locals and gave the required impression of a truly local affair with a strong community spirit. Chris Andrew

SINGAPORE TO BANKOK BY CAR AND RAIL ollowing an interesting talk on lubricants some months ago, a decision was made to organise some other talks to vary Fthe pattern of the Noggin evenings. The first of these, which it is intended will occur about three times a year, was given by Colin Gent on Tuesday 26 July. His subject was ‘Singapore to Bangkok by Car and Rail’. Colin took up a three year short service commission with the Royal Navy and in 1961 was posted as an Engineering Officer to HMS Caprice, a CA Class Destroyer, which at the time was based in Singapore. As luck would have it the ship was undertaking its mid-commissioning dry docking in the extensive dockyards at Singapore, which meant that the crew was able to take some leave. It transpires that in those days, cars initially acquired by service personnel were, at the end of a tour of duty, handed over to others commencing their tour. In line with this the Navigating Officer purchased a second hand MG TD and Colin and he drove it through Malaya and into what was then Siam aiming to drive as far as Bangkok. Unfortunately the roads, particularly in Siam, were so bad that they had to put the car on a train and then drive the last miles into Bangkok. The return journey was more eventful as they chose to do more of the journey by road, encountering major difficulties of road conditions aggravated by heavy rain and a curious incident of a lorry hanging vertically off a narrow wooden bridge; the only way of getting past being to remove the lorry’s exhaust pipe. The talk, which was fully illustrated with coloured slides and some video, included engineering details of the design and development of the MG TD sports car, details of the steam powered metre gauge Royal Siamese Railway and its notorious place in the history of WW11 in the Far East. The talk was attended by some twenty six members and guests and was well received by all. Chris Andrew

CHILTERNS EVENTS 26 Dec: Boxing Day meet, Sarratt Green 25 National Rally Thoresby Park Award Winners August 2016

CLASS 1: MORRIS MINOR (Cup) 1st Avril Ovenden 1931 Morris Minor 2 seater 2nd Martin Gregory 1930 Morris Minor OHC saloon 3rd Peter Yates 1933 Morris Minor saloon

CLASS 2: MORRIS 8 TOURER (Forrester Shield) 1st Neil Troake 1938 Morris 8 Series 2 tourer 2nd Victor Godber 1935 Morris 8 4 seat tourer 3rd Stephen Myers 1936 Morris 8 Series 1 2 seater

CLASS 3: MORRIS 8 SALOON (Lou Weekes Trophy) 1st Neil Spencer 1936 Morris 8 Series 1 2dr saloon 2nd Brian Law 1935 Morris 8 Series 1 saloon 3rd David Grace 1935 Morris 8 Series 1 4dr sl/hd saloon

CLASS 4: MORRIS SERIES E (Silver Salver) 1st Michael Holmes 1946 Morris 8 Series E 2dr sl/hd saloon 2nd Rob Symonds 1939 Morris 8 Series E tourer 3rd Brian Doggrell 1939 Morris 8 Series E sl/hd saloon

CLASS 5: PRE 1930 OVER 8 HP (Stanford Hall Cup) 1st Rod Nash 1926 Morris Oxford Bullnose Tourer 2nd Ian Westrope 1925 Morris Oxford Bullnose 4dr tourer 3rd Alan Broughton 1926 Morris Meteor 4 seat tourer

CLASS 6: POST 1930 PRE-SERIES 10 & 12 (Shield) 1st Ralph Stator 1935 Morris 10/4 Pre series sl/hd saloon 2nd Jeff Anderson 1934 Morris 10/4 Pre series sl/hd saloon 3rd Raymond Glover 1935 Morris 10/4 Pre series sl/hd saloon

CLASS 7: POST 1930 SERIES 10 & 12 (Shield) 1st Philip Horn 1937 Morris 12 Series 3 4dr saloon 2nd Robert Edwards 1938 Morris 10 Series M 4dr sl/hd saloon 3rd Hugh Bence 1935 Morris 10/6 Special Sports

Photos by Simon Stephen

26 26 CLASS 8: POST 1930 OVER 12hp (Stanford Hall Cup) 1st Pat Farmer 1933 saloon 2nd Martin Roters 1935 Morris 25 series 2 coupé 3rd Peter Penn-Smith 1933 Morris Cowley 6 sliding roof saloon

CLASS 9: MORRIS COMMERCIAL (Gold Cup Trophy) 1st Alwyn Jenkins 1971 Morris camper van 2nd Samuel Priest 1949 Morris Z van 3rd Ian Milford 1947 Morris Z van

CLASS 10: MEMBERS’ POST 1948 MORRIS (Mowog Shield) No entries

CLASS 11: ANY MAKE CLASSIC (Tankard) 1st Roger Davies 1950 Morris Minor Side valve tourer 2nd Richard Lees 1955 Morris Minor Series 2 4dr saloon

CLASS 12: SUPERCLASS (Salver) 1st Stephen Gant 1948 Morris 8 Series E 4dr saloon 2nd Mick Roberts 1932 Morris Minor 2 seater 3rd Cliff Smalley 1937 Morris S1/8 GPO hybrid van

CLASS 14: CARS UNDER RESTORATION (Ken Hibbard Cup) 1st Russell Moore 1931 Studebaker President Model 80

LONG HAUL AWARD Thomas Barrie 1946 Morris 8 series E sl/hd saloon 318 miles

PEELING CUP Malcolm Dexter 1928 Morris Oxford 4dr saloon 137 years

ROSE BOWL (Voted Best in Show by members) Ian Milford 1947 Morris Z van

BOB BEAUMONT TROPHY (The Machrg Trophy) Pat Farmer 1933 Morris Isis saloon

PRESIDENT’S TROPHY Alan Broughton 1926 Morris Meteor 4 seat tourer

DRIVING GAMES Daryl Stokes Morris 1000

27 27 A selection of pictures from another successful weekend at Thoresby.

28 Photos: Rod Nash, Simon Stephen, Rob Symonds 29 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]

he best laid plans etc, etc... Thoresby by Friday evening via the M62 and A1(M) to TRobbie Burns wrote that plans oft gang awry and our set up camp on the bottom field. In the meantime, John, plans for spending the weekend together at Thoresby Kath and I pressed on and after the disappointment of certainly ganged awry! Great idea for us all to meet up finding The Cat and Fiddle at the top of the hill closed until at the Lymm Truck Stop just off Jct 20 of the M6 then on further notice, we carried on and enjoyed a picnic lunch to Thoresby via Macclesfield, Buxton and Chesterfield. in Buxton before the second half of our drive to Thoresby. ‘Us’ being Martin Roters in the 25 coupé, wife Mary in Unbeknown to us, once they were able to get under way the motorhome, Ralph Winstanley with ‘Sammy’ in his again, Martin and Mary had come across the Truslove’s campervan, John and Kathleen Littler in their Pre-Series and a rather hot Bullnose stopped part way up the Cat and 8, me in the 12/4 coupé and Paul Studdart with ‘Lucy’ in Fiddle. After cooling down, the Morris refused to fire and his Pre-Series Ten/Four. We would meet up with Neil and a low battery voltage meant a trip back to Macclesfield for Christine Truslove in Buxton with their Bullnose Oxford a new one. Happily, the Oxford then behaved itself for the two seater. rest of the weekend. Ralph and I were first arrivals at the Truck Stop enjoying The saga was far from finished there however, for both the our breakfast when first Martin arrived, quickly followed Littlers and myself took ages to find our respective B&Bs for by Mary, with Paul following in a cloud of black smoke and the weekend, mine being said to be near Edwinstowe was the most horrendous noises from under the bonnet. Oil actually nearer to Mansfield whilst John and Kathleen’s was literally everywhere and the attached picture shows was not where we expected it to be either. In a final twist, the reason why. One of Martin in the 25 and the con rods had ‘put a Mary in the motorhome leg out of bed’ as they managed to lose each say in the trade and other within sight of punched a neat hole Thoresby Park and with on the crankcase. I had no mobile phone signal never actually seen in the area it took quite a the resultant damage while to meet up again. of this kind of event Despite these farcical before and I must say I episodes, the rest of was rather impressed the weekend went off by the surgical neatness really well and we all of the hole. It seems the enjoyed the results of engine was not happy Ben Gadsby’s team’s with sustained revs on efforts during the the M6 even at 45mph Paul’s engine shows a crankpin preceding weeks and and decided to let go. months. Martin and Had this happened further into the journey, the con rod Mary had again set up the hospitality suite for North West might also have made a hole in the entire weekend, but members (and anyone else who cared to call by) which being not far from home, Ralph was able to set off for his saw much socialising over the next two days and was much trailer and the offending Morris was eventually parked up appreciated. in Ralph’s front garden near Wigan. Ralph and Paul made There seemed to be more cars than I can remember in

30 recent years, or was this an weekend on 15th/16th illusion? The Autojumble October. Such was the saw much activity and we interest that overflow could not believe Paul’s accommodation has been luck when during the first necessary at a nearby visit on Saturday morning, a Premier Inn. Again looking rebuilt Ten/Four engine was into the future, but in January found poking out of Trevor next year, Mel and Millie Willsden’s VW van. Like Ashcroft are staging another Dr David Young’s rapid car Post-Christmas Dinners on purchase at Leyburn, this 14th January at the Briars opportunity was also too Hall hotel at Lathom near good to miss and a deal was Burscough. Prices and menu quickly struck. All you have details are currently awaited to do now Paul is swap them but more information next over! month, including the cost of Although neither my 12/4 The Roters’ 25 coupé overnight accommodation if coupé, the Littler’s 8 nor Neil required. and Christine’s Bullnose featured in the awards, Martin’s In planning events for 2017 at its meeting last week, the Series II 25 coupé certainly did and deservedly took 2nd North West Committee agreed that each of the three place in Class 8 for Post 1930’s over 12 hp. Pat Farmer’s Regional Noggins at Chester, Stockport and Preston should magnificent Isis and Tom Bourne’s equally nice Oxford organise their own Drive-it-Day events on 23rd April Six provided stiff competition so the ‘silver medal’ was depending entirely on members’ preferences. The annual just reward. The Thoresby Colliery Silver Band provided gathering in mid-June will probably be at Dunham Massey a lovely nostalgic Sunday afternoon and the weather also Hall subject to approval by the National Trust, and a week played its part in a really enjoyable weekend. No doubt on the Isle of Man will be organised for 15th-19th May pictures of Thoresby elsewhere in this issue will support subject to hotel and ferry prices being provided to us in my contention. I am pleased to say that after an eventful sufficient time. Do make a note of these dates in your diary. outward leg on Friday, everyone made it home without Member interest at the moment in events such as these is incident on Sunday or Monday. pleasingly quite strong so early booking is recommended Our Leyburn weekend was such a success this year that once announcements are made if you wish to participate. all the participants have signed up for 2017 and the I will be reporting next month on our display at The Trafford accommodation is already fully booked. Anyone wishing Centre’s EventCity Classic Car Show where we will again to join us next year will need to find places to stay nearby have four interesting Morris vehicles on the Morris Register but with the Yorkshire Dales full of B&B’s that should not stand, so in the meantime, enjoy your Happy Morris prove difficult. Also fully booked now is The Wirral Wander Motoring.

31 The North East Region Local News EDITOR: Ken Gosden, 01302 364 214, 07803 086 412, [email protected] SECRETARY: Roy Pidgeon, 01924 252 415, [email protected]

EDITOR'S NOTES ello everyone. Another month has passed and we are almost at the end of the season of car events, etc. HI think I can safely say that all our North East members who attended Thoresby enjoyed themselves. I changed my holiday plans this year so I could attend as I have missed the last three years. I really enjoyed it. I thought it was well organised with a great selection of cars. A big thank you to Ben Gadsby and his team. I have not been out much with my 10/4 due to helping with major alterations to my son's house prior to the impending birth of his first child, our third grandchild. It's been frustrating as the weather this past month or so has been ideal for getting out and about with our cars. After the recent overhaul of the braking system of the club van (see below), it was taken to the National Rally at Thoresby by Roy Pidgeon. Another note about the club van is that no other member other than Roy Pidgeon and his wife Val have taken it to any events. It's still available for the next couple of months so come on people, give Roy a ring and take it out to your local events. Our Regional Secretary Roy Pidgeon has been busy on a worthwhile cause (see below, again) so I'll finish off. Happy and safe motoring to everyone. I would be grateful if all North East members could please email me or contact me so I can build up a record of members' details. This will enable me to contact everyone so they can have an opportunity to tell their story or send in pictures of a local event, or the work they are doing on their cars. Anything Morris related would be great. Many thanks. Ken Gosden CLUB VAN ue to the poor state of the van's brakes (poor to non-existent) it was agreed to overhaul the system: 1x new master Dcylinder, 4x new wheel cylinders, new brake shoes all round, 3x new brake hoses, system flushed out and filled with synthetic DOT5 fluid. Also, starting the van had become difficult. This was because the battery would not hold a full charge, and the starting handle would not engage properly. It was found that the engine was 15 mm too low as the starting handle dog was badly worn. The engine was lifted and a good second hand dog was fitted, a new battery from Lincon was purchased, a new earth lead from the battery to the bell housing was also fitted. The starter motor was stripped and cleaned along with the dynamo, and this has greatly improved the starting and braking. The driver seat cushion foam had deteriorated and its leather was cracked from old age and a lot of bottoms, so a replacement was made. The driver's back cushion is non-existent, just string and foam, so if any one has a spare one to donate to the club it would be much appreciated by the next drivers. A big thank you to Trevor Willsden and Terry Horn who carried out the above work! BEAMISH MUSEUM WEEKEND 2017 ollowing a very successful weekend earlier this year, please note the dates for next year's event are the 10th/11th June F2017. If you wish to attend and take part in this fabulous event where our pre-1940 vehicles and indeed drivers and passengers become part of the museum, which includes driving on the roads with only trams and buses from that era, then parking, and photo opportunities in the early 20th century town centre, I have the entry forms available now. As we are not sure of how many vehicles will be allowed (although thought to be more than twenty) to attend then it will have to be on a first come, first served policy. Roy Pidgeon ROY PIDGEON'S CHARITY EFFORTS n August 7th both Trevor Willsden's Morris Eight van, along with the Register's Eight van, took part in collecting and Osupporting a National marathon run of a Morris Minor travelling from John o'Groats zigzagging all across the UK and Ireland for more than a month. It is raising money and awareness for Marie Curie Cancer Care. An amazing £600 was raised on the day from the local community with both collecting tins at the entranceway and a tombola stall, for five hours at the Owlcotes shopping centre at Pudsey, Leeds, by kind permission of the shopping complex and Asda Stores. After a very busy day we were then taken to the nearby Marie Curie Hospice in Bradford which had a £14 million refurbishment in 2014. We were given a tour and shown what a really superb job is being done, by the very friendly and dedicated staff, how they look after and care for their patients. The tour took us around all the main facilities as well as the comfortable large bedrooms, visitor rooms, gardens and so much more. We were also told how much it cost to run the hospice and how the money was spent, even with over ninety unpaid volunteers it amounted to more than £2.6 million a year. I thought our day's work was just a drop in the ocean but they thought differently and are happy with all donations. To that end I will continue to collect and donate, if anyone wants to join me or indeed donate for this wonderful cause please do so. See pictures on next page. Roy Pidgeon 32 Trevor looking good posing with his and the club's van Trevor's van sandwiched between a lovely split screen Morris and the club van

The Minors parked up Trevor (extreme L), Roy (extreme R) and Val (crouching 2nd from R) with their fellow fund raisers. Well done all! OTLEY EXTRAVAGANZA ix of our members attended the above event on Sunday 11th September. Roy and Val Pidgeon, Terry Horn, Trevor SWillsden, Bren and Carol Jones, Mick Naylor, along with Paul and Peter Hicks, all enjoyed showing their vehicles on a nice sunny day. Can anyone name the person dressed in the yellow hat and top? Sorry no prize for guessing.

CHANGE OF CONTACT DETAILS lease note the change of contact details for Secretary, Roy Pidgeon; P420, Denby Dale Road East, Wakefield. WF43AD. Landline 01924 252 415. Both mobile and email stay the same as before, 07932 928 966, [email protected] 33 AUTUMN MOTORING WESTWORDS THE NEWSLETTER OF THE MORRIS REGISTER WEST REGION EDITOR: Jim Riglar, 01225 754 981, [email protected] SEC: Jeremy Matthews, 01458 445 175, [email protected]

EDITORIAL ith reports of events across the region, there is little for me to add except to wish you all as much autumn motoring as the Wweather will allow. Next month I should be able to report on the deliberations of the West Region Committee and any potential “closed season” events they have in mind. Jim Riglar NEWS FROM THE GROUPS East & South Devon: Hello Everyone, thirteen members attended the September noggin at our usual venue at Woodbury Park. Our chairperson, Paula Wood, was unable to be present as she was traveling to Beaulieu with Maurice Lott to set up the Morris Register stand with Pat and Barbara Farmer, which they were manning during the auto jumble weekend. Edward Colman stepped in to chair the meeting. Details of various car shows were given and general car matters were discussed before enjoying the buffet. This was followed by general chat, including a short report about the national Register meet at Thoresby Park, which noggin members Paula Wood, Maurice Lott, Alan Dolman, Shirley Philips and Neil Troake attended, Neil trailering his splendid Morris Eight there. Well done to all of them, when you consider the distance from Devon. Our next Noggin will take place on Thursday 6th October at 7.30 pm at the Woodbury Hotel and Golf Club. New members and anyone on holiday in the area is very welcome to come along. Please contact Paula Wood for further information at [email protected] or 01395 232 012. Edward Colman Somerset: The thunder, lightning and heavy rain earlier in the day did not deter a number of hardy souls from attending in their Morrises. Seen in the car park were Steve and Cath Knight’s M12 S2 Saloon, Felicity and Ian Cryer’s M8 S1 saloon, Chris Murray’s M8 S1 tourer and Paul Wheatcroft’s M8 S1 tourer. Any Morrises attending always attract attention, not least from other members who have restoration projects for similar cars in hand and find the opportunity to see how various parts go together of tremendous benefit. It was pleasing to see that a number of relatively recently joined Register members are now becoming established as regulars at the noggin, and which continues to attract members from across Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and South Gloucestershire and this time from as far afield as Weymouth and Minehead. When cars were not the subject of discussion, it was the next road run, or Peter Harrison’s Brendon Hills Run, organised for a couple of days after the noggin. This run, which will be the last organised by Peter, has attracted an entry of about 18 cars. The raffle continues to be popular and Raffle raised another £45 for the West Region funds. Jim Riglar NATIONAL RALLY ell there I was at about midday on Monday 15th August, cruising down the middle lane of the M69 in my Morris 8E tourer, Wleading a convoy of four cars on the way back from Thoresby to the West Country and recalling what a good weekend it had been ... Six cars had travelled up to Thoresby in convoy, as in previous years meeting up on route. Brian Doggrell set out from Castle Cary to Trowbridge, where he met up with Jim and Anne Riglar. From there the two car convoy became three as Peter and Linda Maslen tagged on at Melksham. Meanwhile Roy Bowden has set out from Nailsea, to cross Bristol, before taking the M32 and an 18 mile run along the M4 to J18, where he too joined the convoy as it made for the first tea stop at Cirencester Services. At the services we were joined by Paul and Celia James travelling via the A417 from Purton and Steve and Cath Knight travelling across from Box. After a run up the Fosse Way to Princethorpe for lunch, the convoy split in two, with three cars including Brian Doggrell’s M8 SE saloon which was experiencing fuel pump issues, staying on the Fosse until Leicester and the short run along the M1 to Leicester Forest East Services and the other three taking a short diversion via the A5 and M69 to the M1 and the services. After the break, and heading north on the A46 near Six Hills, Brian Doggrell’s car suffered complete fuel pump failure. Paul James, assisted by Peter Maslen, rebuilt a working pump with parts from two donor pumps and after an hour the convoy was back on its way. Arriving at Thoresby at 5.30 pm, there was just time for a quick clean up and change before a well-deserved pre-dinner drink in the Thoresby Hall main bar. The rebuilt pump on Brian’s car performed well for the rest of the weekend, but Brian has subsequently replaced it with a brand new pump. On Saturday, after a good browse of the autojumble a few of us went on the Brewery tour run. On the Sunday, show judging brought its rewards, with Brian Doggrell’s M8 SE Saloon attaining 3rd place in Class 4. Apart from those of us in the convoy, a number of other West Region members including a group from the East and South Devon noggin were there for the weekend. Neil Troake, pictured with club president Malcolm Dixon, had trailered his M8 S2 tourer up from Wellington, and was rewarded with best in Class 3. So Monday came and time for a return home with four cars in convoy (the occupants of the other two cars were returning separately for varied reasons). So back to the M69... honestly, we were cruising in the middle lane at about midday, at a steady 40 mph. Why the middle lane? Well, the inside lane was closed and coned off whist the overgrown grass verge was trimmed back, cluttering the hard shoulder and inside lane with support vehicles. Jim Riglar 34 DOGMERSFIELD FLOWER SHOW AND FETE e had, due to the hot sunny Wday on 23rd July, a very good turnout of enthusiasts’ cars. Derek Redfern came with his Morris 8 tourer and I had a friend drive and show my 1937 Morris 8 4 seater tourer. Also on show were three Morris from the mid-1960s and post war Morris Minors. I also had my 1954 Series 1 Landrover as a run about and possible tow truck. Top of the range, although not a Morris, was a Maclaren; worth a lot of money. The Fête itself had all the attractions of a traditional County Fête including dogs herding ducks, Morris Men with the public taking part, old swing boats over a hundred years old, and of course the tea tent with the plentiful supply of homemade cakes and teas. In all a really good and enjoyable day so we hope that next year we will be joined by more Morris owners on the 22nd July at Pilcot Farm Dogmersfield. Brian Leversha

AUTUMN AMBLE or this year’s event, on 1st September, Simon Colledge elected to return to a start from the Windwhistle Inn on Fthe A30 adjacent to Cricket St Thomas. Simon had last used this as starting point in 2012. From Windwhistle, the morning session featured a run northwards to a lunch stop at the Lamb and Lion, Hambridge. Again this was a venue familiar to some Autumn Amble veterans as Simon had used it previously as a starting point. It was clear that the pub had had a significant make-over since we had last called there. Four cars parked up at the front to show our presence, with the remainder in the large car park at the rear of the pub. After a splendid lunch in the new dining room, the afternoon section of the run featured a large anticlockwise circuit, starting with an eastwards run to Kingsbury Episcopi before continuing the circuit north, west and south to a finish at Monk’s Yard at Horton Cross, just west of Ilminster. As usual the run attracted a good entry, with twelve pre- war, one post war Morris and a 1970’s MG out on the run. It was good to see Richard and Kathryn Swaffield (Crewkerne), in their M8 S1 tourer, Brian Studley (Perry Street) in his M10 PreS tourer and Henry and Diana Harvey (Dittisham) in their Minor 2 seater, out on the run with the more regular run participants. As is usually the case, someone will have a car issue during the course of the day. This time it was John and Celia Goodland’s turn, whose M8 S1 tourer had a dynamo that was charging intermittently. After the run Jim and Anne Riglar just got home as the rear core plug blew on their M8 SE tourer (an engine out job for the winter!).

35 MID-SOMERSET AGRICULTURAL SHOW he classic car display at this year’s show Tat Shepton Mallet on 21st August, despite a very wet start to the day, again attracted a large entry from Morris Register members. This was the first time that most of us had seen display organiser Eric Thornborough’s recent acquired M12 S3 saloon. The car when new had been supplied to its first owner via the Morris dealer in Wells, 6 miles away from the site of the show in Shepton Mallet. Truly a Somerset car that Four in a row – Sandra Brockway’s 1935 M8 S1 tourer, Derek Brockway’s has returned home! 1946 M8 SE saloon, Dan Brockway’s 1933 Minor 2 seater and Steve Martin’s 1933 Family 8 Minor Saloon

Dave Barden’s 1936 M8 S1 2 door John & Celia Goodland’s 1939 M8 SE Jim & Anne Riglar’s 1939 M8 SE Tourer saloon 2 door saloon

Eric Thornborough’s recently acquired Brian Doggrell’s 1939 M8 SE 2 door Colin Baker’s 1946 M8 SE 2 door saloon 1938 M12 S3 saloon saloon ME AND MY CAR WM 9595: The Life and Times of a 1934 Morris 10/4 Coupé ellow West Region member John Garrod, himself also the owner of a 1933 10/4 coupé, spotted an advertisement in Fthe "Information Available" section of the August 2016 edition of "The Automobile". The article was offering details of the early years of Morris 10/4 coupé, WM 9595. John quickly identified through the Morris Register that I was the current owner of WM 9595 and put me in touch with Ralph Wood who had placed the advertisement in “The Automobile”. Ralph is the son of a previous long-term owner of the car, and was most helpful with the supply of information which has not only enabled me to complete the history of my car, but also cleared up the mystery of why there was a lack of manufacturer's plate fitted to the bulkhead in the engine bay. As a child Ralph regularly cleaned the spokes on the wheels and had later learnt to drive in the car! His father, James Robert Wood, bought the car second-hand for £80. It had cost £200 new when originally registered in Southport, Lancs. James was an engineer living in Heaton Road, Bradford. His ownership of WM 9595 lasted from 1933 -1979, only taxing and using the car in the summer. The Morris was used for Sunday picnics to Utley and Malham, Yorkshire, and more lengthy runs to Alnmouth, Northumberland, for four day summer holidays. Heavy maintenance on the car included 36 replacing the differential, the fabric couplings, and re-white metalling of the main and big bearings. A second wiper was fitted and a windscreen washer system. In the severe winter of Jan-Feb 1947 the car was trapped in its garage, when the roof collapsed under the weight of snow! In the 1950s, James decided to replace the original engine with a 1938 10 Series III OHV unit. This explains why the bulkhead was cut away and no chassis plate was evident. It was not a successful move, and the original unit was put back. Not only was Ralph able to supply 46 years of early history relating to the car and to explain the reason why the chassis plate was missing, he was also able to supply the chassis plate itself, which had been carefully stored by the family since the attempted engine change. I was delighted to receive the plate, and it is now reunited with the car after some 35 years. Back in its rightful place, the model, chassis and engine number details can be seen clearly. In 1979 Mr. Wood sold the car to a Keighley garage and it languished there for a considerable time; 26 years. Eventually the car came up for auction and was acquired by Register Member, Bob Brock. Bob did a considerable amount of dismantling, repairing and repainting. The front seats were beautifully and comfortably re-upholstered, and the engine overhauled extensively. In 2010 I purchased the car from Bob and since then have carried out re-wiring, recovering of the sunroof, fitted an S.U. Pump, also later pattern Armstrong shock absorbers. West Region tours, ably organised by Anne and Jim Riglar, have tested the car's reliability. These have included visits to the Black Country, Arundel area and the Isle of Wight. The 10/4 coupé is a comfortable and pleasant car to drive, not the quickest on hills, but with good brakes and the ability to put up a good average. We are very happy to be the owners. Simon Colledge, Crewkerne, Somerset WEST REGION BREAK, 1st-8th MAY 2017 nce again, the West Region is organising a break in the spring. The 2017 break will be centred on Warner’s Holme OLacy House Hotel near Hereford. Because of pressure on UK holidays (they are back in fashion), it has been necessary to book early to secure places at the hotel and contracts for 4 nights (Mon 01 – Fri 05 May) and 7 nights (Mon 01 – Mon 08 May) are already in place and all of our room allowances have been taken. A total of 48 people (15 for 7 nights, 33 for 4 nights) in 25 cars are booked in. If you wish to enquire about a possible booking, contact Anne Riglar and she will contact the hotel to establish if any rooms are still available. No Standard Rooms were available, so our booking is for Signature Rooms only. For details, contact 01225 754 981 or [email protected].

37 WELSH REGION NEWSLETTER CYLCHLYTHYR RHANBARTH CYMRU EDITOR AND SECRETARY: John Howells, “Bronllys”, Vicarage Road, Penygraig, Rhondda,CF40 1HR 01443 432 542 [email protected] LLANGOLLEN RALLY ell, The Morris got to North Wales and back without a hiccup. The weather was good for most of the week, but we Whad a showery start from home. However the rain cleared up when we reached Brecon and the rest of our journey was fine. We stayed for two nights B&B on the way from South to North Wales – the first was at Llangurig, in The Old Vicarage, and the second at Tan-y-Bwlch, a Snowdonia Education Centre. That is a type of hillside castle which used to be a slate magnate’s home. The views from there were spectacular. We turned up at the Dunoon Hotel, Llandudno, after lunch and the rallyists gradually arrived from various parts of Britain to receive their Rally Packs, which Rhiannon had put together beforehand. Irene Constable took some photos of our first day, when we had a trip up to the top of the Great Orme for the views, in two rope hauled trams (we changed from the first to the next half way up). It was misty at the bottom, but it changed to mist and rain when on the trams. It was windy and the rain blew in one side and out the other (no side windows on the trams). We had a good time, even if wet, but the weather hid the views – see pics. Surprisingly, the rest of the week was much better, and sunny, and our cars raced(?) up hill and down dale. The second part of the week was based at The Chainbridge Hotel at Llangollen, and the routes from there on Thursday and Friday, devised by Charles Brotherton, took in some fantastic scenery on some traditional ‘Rali Roads’. In general, a great time was had by all, with great outings in great cars and with great food. Unfortunately, Edward and Irene Constable had to leave early due to other commitments, and they had a distributor problem on the way home, so their car had a ride home in style (see pic). Book early for next year everyone! John Howells

1: At the half way point huddled out of the rain 2: L to R: John, Honey, 1 Rhiannon, Edward and Judy 3: Where’s the view gone? 4: John (me) making one of my silly speeches at the evening meal 5: Ed & Irene’s Eight travelling home in style. Yes, we did have sunshine! Photos: Irene Constable 4

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38 NOGGIN TREASURE HUNT he annual Treasure Hunt of the Morris Register Welsh Region took place on Thursday 21 July 2016, this year organ- Tised by Louise Carter and Bernard Cotty. As usual, the starting/finishing point was from our regular monthly meeting place – the Aubrey Arms, Bonvilston. Unfortunately, for a variety of rea- sons – including a Lottery application deadline, an important wedding an- niversary, various holidays and work commitments – only three cars were able to take part. The weather was kind to the competitors as they were issued with their instructions and off they went – would they be seen again? The route took them through the picturesque scenery (not to men- tion some very narrow lanes!) of the Vale of Glamorgan in search of their clues. Sadly the Flying Pickets team (aka Cyril and Beryl) missed the first turn off and merrily headed off in the 1 wrong direction towards Cowbridge, 2 but soon realised their mistake and, after retracing their steps, soon picked up the trail again. Who was going to be first back? The suspense was tangible ... but, after only an hour, we spotted our first car back – Evie’s Little Treasures (Tom and Catherine Bourne). Were they too quick? Did they take a short cut? Did they get the tiebreaker?? All would soon be revealed, as they were soon to be followed by the other two cars. After the marking had taken place the results were announced – in reverse order: 3rd: The Flying Pickets – Cyril Ridley and Beryl 2nd: The Dream Team – Judy Moloney and Bob Colley 1st: Evie’s Little Treasures – Tom and Catherine Bourne The winners were presented with their prize – Sunday lunch for two kindly do- nated by Lorraine, the Manager of the Aubrey – and the Second/Third placed cars also received a prize for their efforts. Refreshments followed and our small merry band all agreed they had enjoyed the event whilst continuing to discuss clues missed for the remainder of the evening, including the elusive tiebreaker which managed to fool everyone!! So, it will be Evie’s Little Treasure’s responsibility to run the Treasure Hunt next year – looking forward to it already. Louise and Bernard Cotty Photos: (1 to 5 by Louise Carter) 1. The Dream Team getting ready to set off 2. The eventual winners studying the clues before setting off 3. "The Flying Pickets". Look at that face- and that was before they got lost! 4. The Also Rans! Beryl Weale receiving a prize reserved for the team that got lost 5. Judy Maloney and Bob Colley (The Dream Team) receiving the prize for runners-up 3 6. The winners – Tom & Catherine Bourne (Evie’s Little Treasures) receiving the winners’ prize from Louise Carter (centre) Photo: Bernard Cotty

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39 EXPEDITION TO MAMETZ imon Moffett is back from Mametz, and has been busy writing up his ‘exploits in Jemima’, but has had computer Sproblems. Anyway here’s a summary! "Jemima’s trip to Mametz was excellent. There were fourteen cars and it was well organised. At Portsmouth we encountered cars heading for the Le Mans retrospective, and on the ferry we were parked between three Bentleys from 1929-1931. Driving in France was a huge pleasure. People in towns smiled and waved and off the motorways there was little traffic. We got to Mametz without any bother and got pictures by the Dragon the night before the ceremony, as otherwise we would not have been allowed. The day of the ceremony the weather was gorgeous, no clouds and very warm. But while the general was explaining the battle a wind came up and caught in the microphones. The booming through the speakers was spine chilling. The day was finished off with a concert by the Treochy Male Voice Choir in the church in Albert which was very moving. Our return journey started fine and we did 120 miles without bother. About 40 mile East of Le Havre we stopped to buy petrol and clearly after that we had a little tapping noise although we still had oil pressure. It was getting louder so after about 7 miles we saw a hotel and stopped and called the AA, who got us and the car home brilliantly, with the car coming home 6 days later. A little end has gone, and there is a water leak from somewhere which may not be the head gasket. The engine has been in the car for years and years, I don’t know how many miles, so the big ends are pretty tired as well. I have found enough bits in the shed to have a whole refurbished engine built and this is ready for collection. As you know we did this run as a challenge for sponsorship, and we have raised over £6000 for Prostate Cymru. Simon." Full report next month of Simon Moffet’s expedition to Mametz Woods in Jemima. CHRISTMAS DINNER, 3rd DEC t our Noggin venue, the Aubrey Arms, Bonvilston. APlease let John Belgion know your choices from the following menu, on 01446 793 038. Please mark the date on your calendar and call him today! 3 courses £22, 2 courses £16, Children's 3 courses £11, children's 2 courses £8. Starters: Potato and leek soup, chopped chives, sliced sour dough and butter (V) Honey roast ham hock terrine with piccalilli and toasted sour dough Fig and goats cheese tart with balsamic dressing and wild rocket (V) Smoked salmon, gruyere and spinach soufflé with wild rocket and lemon and dill dressing Melon Mains: Ballantine of turkey with a cranberry and chestnut and goose fat roasted potatoes Slow roast short beef rib, goose fat roasted potatoes, horseradish Yorkshire pudding and red wine gravy Roast fillet of hake, Dijon mustard, tomato coulis and a soft herb crust with a white wine and chive cream sauce and mash potato Sweet potato, squash and feta muffin with thyme roasted potatoes and vegetarian gravy (V) All main courses are served with braised red cabbage, buttered sprouts and parsley buttered chantenay carrots Desserts: Chocolate and orange fondant, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce (V) Treacle tart, fresh raspberries, lemon curd and vanilla ice cream (V) Mulled berry brulée with shortbread biscuits (V) Cheese selection (V) Tea or Coffee included WELSH REGION EVENTS IMPORTANT – DO IT NOW! The annual Christmas Dinner is on Saturday, the 3rd December at our noggin venue, The Aubrey Arms, Bonvilston. Please contact John Belgion on 01446 793 038 with your menu preferences to book in. 9 Oct: Classic Vehicle Weekend at Three Counties Showground, Malvern. More details from Andrew Greenwood Classic Shows, on 01484 667 776 11-13 Nov:Classic Motor Show at the NEC. Visit the Morris Register Stand.

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

PATCHING NOGGIN he hottest September day since T1961 produced an excellent turnout of members at our monthly noggin at “The World’s End”. As usual, Dave Bennet’s 1931 folding head Morris Minor (named Penny) was part of the usual line-up. Little is known of the car's history, registered new on June 4th 1931. She was taxed in 1965 and then off the road until 2003. At some stage in the mid 1990s she was undergoing a chassis up restoration but the owner died. She then languished in a barn until Dave bought her in 2000. Penny is an early version of what is known as “The Hundred Pound Minor” – the cost of a two seat open top. When new, Penny cost £119. You will see that there are no bumpers or chrome and the sidelights are inside the headlamps. The cost savings employed in manufacture didn’t help sales a lot but with the side- valve engine it became more reliable and able to compete with the Austin Seven sales. Penny’s age means she doesn’t have brake lights or indicators and the accelerator pedal is in the middle. Dave has still a lot of work to do on the car but regularly drives her to the Amberley Chalk Pits Museum where he is a volunteer worker. A few years ago, Dave had seen a 1928 Car Cruiser caravan at Ardingly and knew at once that he wanted one for Penny. However, after checking the weight of the caravan, it was obvious that Penny would struggle to tow it as it was approximately the same weight as the car. The caravan’s weight was the result of its ¾” thick plywood construction. Dave then set to work to build a lighter replica and the results of his labour can be seen in the following picture. Well done Dave! Keith & Isabel Salmon

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 here was an excellent turnout once again at our noggin on 6th September. Lively discussions ensued regarding various Ttypes of oils in engines, gearboxes and axles with quite a variation in the grades and makes of oil. Many different opinions were expressed. Len Dixon, who had recently returned from a holiday in Canada, brought along some excellent photographs and gave a slide show and commentary. We saw the wonderful scenery around Vancouver, Banff, etc., together with great shots of the wildlife (the animal kind!). Len was thanked warmly by everyone for this very good insight. Tewkesbury Motor Show took place on 21st August on the playing fields at Tewkesbury School. Around 500 cars and 200 motor cycles took part in this excellent show. Unfortunately, it was not a good ending for us as our Morris decided not to start when it was time to come home. Mark Lander and Bob Bryan, both MR members, and two of our Rolls Royce friends gave assistance and everything possible was checked over to no avail. Eventually, we had to concede defeat and decided to call the breakdown services but just as we were about to ring their number the Morris suddenly decided to co-operate and spring to life! John then drove home faster than usual being "rather annoyed" by this happening and not knowing why it wouldn't start. However, it was good to get home under our own steam and since then points and condenser and the main lead from the coil to the distributor have been changed. A new battery has also been put in. Hopefully, whatever the problem was it has now been resolved. We went along to Webbs Motor Show on 28th August and the Morris behaved very well. There was a very good attendance of cars and motor cycles, plus the general public. Not many Morrises! The following day, Bank Holiday Monday, we went to the Pershore Plum Festival. There was a good turnout of Morrises with the following taking theirs along: Bob Bryan, Mark Lander, John Ford, Stephen Parkes, Jeremy Carvill, Adrian Fox, Patrick Brotherton and ours. The Plum Festival was as good as ever with sunny weather and a greater than ever number of classic cars. Music was performed on the bandstand near to where we were parked and Stephen Parkes and John Ford got into the dancing mood with some impressive moves. John Ford also visited the Hare Krishners for his lunch but hasn't ben converted! On 10th September the Peopleton Autumn Show took place and despite our neighbour (a vicar) saying an extra prayer for good weather it turned out to be a drizzly overcast day, raining lightly, more so in the morning and improving as the day went on. Even so people were in good spirits and we had just over 100 cars, plus army vehicles and lorries which were all down in number but still made for a good show. The beefburgers and hot dogs did very well but the ice cream man not so good. This is the first time that we have not had good weather for the show in its 8th year but most people stayed around until about 5pm and seemed to enjoy the day. There were 5 trophies awarded to the classic cars and the first overall winner was a 1948 A40 Devon Pick-up, 2nd award went to a 1927 6 litre Bentley (one of 14 ever made), 3rd was made to a 1921 three wheeler Aero Morgan, 4th to a 1948 Jeep and the 5th to a 1948 Scammel Lorry. Quite a varied selection. Even though numbers were down, around £4,000 was raised for the various good causes in the village. Our next meeting will be held on the 4th October and Alec Elliott will be doing a presentation from his days as a submariner, quite a different kind of transport. June Sargeant

WARWICKSHIRE NOGGIN he meeting on Tuesday 13th September was well attended and Twelcomed Chris Moffitt in his 2 seater, Paul Hayden, imminent owner and a "Cornish refugee" Eddie Tregunno, who says he has a '34 Morris 8. The round-the-table problem solving session took 40 minutes and I think helped a few. John Ford spent some time outlining and planning our stand at this year’s NEC Classic Car Show 11th to 13th November. If anyone wants to help on the club stand on any day for four hours or more, there is a free entrance ticket for your help. Remember the Morris Register AGM is in our part of the world at Coventry Motor Museum on Saturday 1st October – and our own Midlands AGM is at the Gaydon motor Museum on Sunday 27th November. The next Noggin at the Crown Inn is at 7.30 on 11th October. Stephen Parkes

The two pictures are taken at the Pershore Plum Fair 29th August and feature John Ford, John and June Sargent and me behind the camera. It was a wonderful day, the sun was hot, the show was great. Everyone (ten from the Morris Register) enjoyed it.

42 LEICS AND NORTHANTS NOGGIN hat a month! Thoresby was a huge success and we Wwere pleased Martin Gregory and Peter Yates received recognition for their superb Minors and, of course, delighted my Isis won the Bob Beaumont trophy and my thanks go to all attending in this respect. I feel, however, I don’t deserve all the credit as I’ve only owned the car since January but there again, we all have to start somewhere! Barbara was manning the Club Shop and received much support from our region’s members for which she was very grateful. It was a fantastic weekend in respect of sales and hopefully you will all come and visit our stand whenever you have the opportunity to see what new items we may have in stock. A huge thank you also to those who donated second- hand books, pistons, etc., which we then sold on for a donation – this generated a generous amount for club funds. If you have, or know of anyone who might have, and be willing to donate, items to the Club for onward sale, please do let us have them as every bit helps! Similarly, we had donations made whilst at Beaulieu and again this contributed to a very successful weekend. Our grateful thanks must also go to Paula and Maurice Lott who kindly hosted the stand with Pat and I assisting, but without their help and caravan, this would not have been possible. Despite an early finish to the Saturday due to heavy rain conditions, the stand was very busy with club sales, membership and various enquiries. We were also pleased to welcome 10 Maltese gentlemen, one of which was Joseph Zerafa, who is hosting our visit to Malta in October. We held September’s noggin in our new venue, The Angel Hotel, 37 High Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7AF, and once we have ironed out a few minor niggles, hopefully this will become our permanent home. We try to make our noggins structured and inclusive of all aspects that the club stands for, part of which is when we discuss our own cars, their problems and possible solutions. This month was no exception, taking in steering boxes with the unexceptional bishop's cam problems and the later and much improved rack and pinion, steering wedges - which way round do you fit them, petrol gauge repairers and even angular displacement, yet another broken leaf spring on a Minor, refurbishing Minor shock absorbers, failed flexible brake hose on a Morris 12 side valve and trying to locate an oil filter element for the same vehicle. Even the Ford 100E from the 1950s with seized rear brakes received a mention and the need for a special puller to remove the rear drums. The next meeting due to take place at The Angel Hotel will be on Tuesday, 1st November, 2016, when member, Peter Yates, will be presenting “On the Road Again”. Look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible but in the meantime, think of us when you will be reading this at the beginning of October when hopefully 22 club members will be in Malta for a week taking in the Mdina Classic! Pat Farmer 43 nglia Re t A g s io a n E

No.464 EDITOR AND SECRETARY: Tony Nathan, 01702 589 643, [email protected]

FROM THE CHAIR hat a great weekend Thoresby was, with the weather being kind and the company good, the only down side being Wthe six mile tailback on the Al before we managed to get there. The Adams family did well in getting Driving Tests back on the agenda on Saturday but as with all things, it takes people a little while to cotton on! Malcolm Dixon had worked wonders again with a good contingent staying at the hotel. We all had name tags to remind those of us that are getting on in years who we are, but also made it much more comfortable when greeting other club members we had not met before. Although it is always a reminder the summer is nearly over it is also a chance to catch up with many friends from all over the country and beyond that we now only see occasionally. Hope to see a few of you at the Norths Cambs meet and watch this space for changes to the date for the Essex Noggin as some have requested. Pam Lee THORESBY any (fifty-one, I believe) stayed at the Warner’s Hotel, a good number of which were EA members. Warner’s is a Mconvenient place to stay for our National Rally. Others camped or caravanned, whereas Rex Webb, Alan Adams Jenny and Peter Brown, and Dudley Hedge chose to attend on the Sunday. It was good to see Scott and Pauline Sanderson who were staying offsite at, I believe, Cumber Park, as was Pat Colgan, at a local B&B. Apologies if I forget anyone as there were a good number of East Anglian Region members present. Penny and Mike Adams and the family with friends, the Willows, elected to run a very successful driving games on the Saturday. As is often key with events, the weather plays a big part and we were fortunate with good weather both days. My time was taken up as stand-in membership secretary (and general nuisance – me, not Jane!) with support from Pam and Dave Lee, Jane having hurt her back and unable face the 175 mile journey (even in the modern). Jane is now a lot better. And I had a very nice hotel room to myself. (Not the one mentioned further on!) Some thank yous: Ben Gadsby and team for excellent overall organisation. (One tiny snag was the shortage of event programmes). The singer/guitarist on Saturday evening was an excellent find – definitely my music. We were also treated to a terrific musical performance by East Anglian members Penny and Mike Adams and family. I will leave the photos to say the rest. Tony Nathan

Top L: The Adams Quintet Top R: The Driving Games Team and, with clipboards, Bottom L: Well supported by the MMOC Mike Adams and daughter Polly Adams Bottom R: A great line up of 10/4s and 10/6s 44 EA members Alan Adams, Rex Webb and Peter Brown 3rd in Super Class for their 1937 S1/8 GPO hybrd van, East Anglian members Susan & Cliff Smalley

Carol & Ian Westrope – 2nd in Super Class with his 1932 Minor Two Seater, Trophy winners with their Bullnose Morris Mick Roberts being presented with the trophy THORESBY PS ne of the pleasures is the friendship Othat develops from a common interest in old cars and seemingly folk with the same sense of humour. Such was the banter encountered when Judith and Mick Roberts announced, that due to a slight hiccup at the Warner’s end, their intended room had been double booked. (This may be OK in “The Only Way is Essex!”). We learned from Judith and Mick that they had been allocated the honeymoon suit – a huuuuuge room with an equally large bathroom with two baths – you can imaging the jokes following that. It had to been seen, so after dinner and a glass of wine we trooped up to see the room – resulting in a few photos – how many East Anglian Region members can you get on to one bed – or in two baths for that matter! In bed: LtoR: Olive and Ivan Rooke, Judith Roberts, Tony Nathan, Mick Roberts, Pam Lee and Dave Lee. (Jane won’t believe it!)

In the baths: the same lot! 45 MESSAGE FROM FRANCE onsoir Tony and Jane. “BThanks for the pictures. We have been very happy of our travel to Thoresby, and of your welcome when we have been there, and we are sorry to miss Jane. Next time? There was many years that I wished to go to Thoresby Rally, at last we done it - but not the last? We have a room about twenty miles south of Thoresby, so we begin to go back on the Sunday, we were tired by the road, and it was a more long way that I imagine... We go back by secondary roads when possible, and on Sunday there was very few lorries,but we use a part of A14 where an intelligence service agent can see us, the British freedom is not the same now! I think it was difficult to overpass the Morris 8! We stay one night and a half day in Cambridge then the same in Canterbury and then to the Channel Tunnel on Tuesday evening. We have done about 800 kms in GB without any difficulties . We have not any plan for 2017 living like old people day by day. I was many time to London Brighton Morris rally in March, maybe I will do it again. Southend-on-Sea is nearer than Thoresby, and now I have a count for Dartford crossing. Anyway we will contact you if we cross again the Channel; and tell us if you travel in France. Bien sincèrement, Eric TC"

Eric & Marie Cécile Touroul-Chevalerie arriving at Thoresby Tail Piece – on the A14 returningto France (Photo Rex Webb) ROOKE’S RAMBLES read quite a number of motoring magazines and I am staggered at the Imileages put in by those intrepid men in their vintage machines and this includes Morris members. There appears to be more and more events these days although I personally seem to be doing less and less on the actual motoring front. Having said that it seems everyone these days wants the appearance of a period car and I think that we are fortunate that our hobby is so popular! Our nine year old granddaughter, when visiting us from , took an interest in our cars. While she flatly refused to actually travel in the dickey seat of the two seater she was very comfortable on the back seat of the saloon although she thought it very odd the cars had no seat belts and little chains on the doors! I can, if the truth were known, be mildly enthusiastic about all sorts of restoration work! Cars, antiques, and buildings spring to mind. Work has been taking place in our local park on Christchurch Mansion, a red bricked Tudor Manor House. It was not until I got really close recently that I realised that the facade was not quite as it seemed. The front of the building was surrounded by scaffolding which in turn was covered with a sheet on which was produced a photo image of the original façade (see photo). It was some image and I thought this was a rather novel approach to preserve the appearance whilst work was being carried out. Not to be beaten, the image I supply takes me back to Duncan's time whilst at Art College. Could this really be our Eight outside his garage? (See photo - and it's full size!) Ivan Rooke Top R: Start ‘em young - Granddaughter Nova in the backseat of the Cowley L: The art project referred to in Rooke’s Rambles R: Christchurch Mansion Ipswich with the copy façade drape – might be an idea if undertaking a restoration to have an image of the completed car in front of the restoration project – or would it put you off doing the job? 46 COUNTESS OF WARWICK COUNTRY SHOW s a rule I tend to avoid public car shows, especially where exhibitors are charged to take part and the organisers Arake in takings from the public. However, there are some exceptions where the club is asked to show the Morris flag or the Countess of Warwick's Country Show over the August Bank Holiday. I have previously attended the show held at Little Easton Rectory, near Dunmow. All proceeds help a fund to maintain local churches. The Countess was the mistress of Queen Victoria's playboy son who later became King Edward VII. He is said to have had a special extension – to the local railway that is – to facilitate his afternoon canoodlings with the Countess. One of the major promoters of the show is P & A Wood, the Rolls Royce and Bentley restorers and dealers. They had and impressive display of vintage, classic and new vehicles. There was a large display of mainly post-war classics of the sporting variety, with Jaguars and Morris Minors in all their various forms in force. I attended in my Morris 8 Jensen which attracted a lot of attention although it was by no way up to the concours d'elegance standard of other exhibits. There was also a very nice 1937 Morris 10/4 which had undergone an excellent complete restoration over four years by former club member John Parkin, of Debden Green, and a nicely patinated 1934 Morris Minor by Martin Wilks of Ford End. There was also a couple of 1930's Rovers. In sharp contrast, next to the rather brutish teutonic looking modern Rolls and Bentleys, were some truly delightful Austin Sevens. Being a Bank Holiday, the brilliant sunny hot weather changed suddenly into torrential rain which drove the happy laughing peasants from their rustic junketings in the main show ground to various undercover attractions, beer tents, cafés, etc. I've never seen so many people take a sudden interest in an art show. I returned home semi-airborne, hitting every pothole and bump that the Essex road menders could make on the 30-mile drive home. Peter Sanders Photos: Nice to have a different view of a Morris Minor. Unfortunately as far as I can see neither vehicle shows up as being in the hands of a current member, but I would be happy to stand corrected.

47 CAPEL MANOR, ENFIELD, 4th SEPTEMBER joined in this annual event, with the North London & Mid- Idlesex Branch of the Morris Minor Owners Club, with my 1956 M1000 Convertible. If you are not too keen on cars there are experimental gardens to view, a pets corner, etc. The whole event is well managed, with a terrific and large selection of cars to suit all tastes, plus an auto-jumble - and the weather was good. I met East Anglian members, Tony Eldridge – but with his Austin 7, Judith and Mick Roberts with their 1934 Morris Minor (see photo), and Graham Storey with his Rolls-Royce. There was also a Morris Oxford (I thought I had details and photo – but no). So the only members, as far as I am aware, with a Morris Register eligible vehicle were Judith and Mick Roberts. “The "Beast" on the bottom right is a Simplex of American origin. It has a 14½ litre engine with 6 cylinders cast in three separate blocks. Originally it would appear to have been built for the American fire appliance manufacturers "La France" and would therefore have been a fire engine Pumper machine. Apparently it is not the only ex fire appliance of this kind to have been turned into a "private" vehicle. As you will have noticed, it is of commercial vehicle proportions. I am not sure of the date of manufacture but it was probably built in the 1920s. Apparently it belongs to someone who lives in the Enfield area.

EdEAYP: My thanks go to Tony Eldridge for the above additional information. I did get a chance to sit in the driver’s seat. The owner said that this vehicle had from the beginning been designed to be a car with a date of 1919. It was driven to the show and what a great sound it made.

EDEAYP: Just to say that my sabbatical starts Little and large at Capel Manor: Top is Judith & Mick at the end of October. Roberts' Minor. Below is 14½ litres and £600 to fill the fuel tank! EAST ANGLIAN REGION EVENTS (We still need an events coordinator) Please note: Essex Noggin at The Duck, Newney Green. FROM OCTOBER: until further notice changed to the 2nd Thursday in the month. So the OCTOBER Essex Noggin will fall on THURSDAY 13th October (the second Thursday) November will be THURSDAY 10th – and so on. (The second Thursday)

19th Oct: Whilst on the subject of Noggins. Please support this if you can. The next Nth Cambs Noggin will be held on Wednesday 19th October, midday once again, at The Red Lion, 47 High Street, Stretham, CB6 3LD. 01353 132 648 (Postcode is not as their website) Dudley Hedge is the Region’s coordinator for this and would appreciate it if possible for you to let him know that you might attend. The Red Lion does some very nice food, but it is not compulsory for you to eat – you can just come along for a chat. Dudley’s details are: 01223 882 057, [email protected] 3rd Dec: East Anglian Christmas Noggin at Great Leighs, 7.45 pm

48 Letters to the Editor Morris Mail

GREETINGS FROM AUSTRIA Dear Editor e are very proud to send you these pictures of our first appearance at the Vienna Classic Days 2016 in Vienna, WAustria. We polished our Morris 8 until there was no part left that was not perfectly cleaned. We got super feedback from other competitors and a lot from local people and tourists. The reason why I am writing to you is that my father Dr. Erich Krenslehner (in the third picture on the very left side) would be very thankful and proud if you could publish the pictures in the next membership magazine. Picture 1: you can see our Morris parking in front of the Vienna City Hall next to various other international old-timers. Picture 2: I took a nice picture of our Morris in front of the Austrian parliament. Picture3: all together 3 generations of morris fans. Picture 4: us driving to the first rally checkpoint. Wolfgang Krenslehner Vienna 13803/E Vielen dank für diese Wolfgang, which you sent via Membership Secretary, Jane Nathan. It is good to hear that the Morris flag is still flying in Austria, although I think you may be the only Morris Register member! Of course, we would be delighted to hear from any other member in continental Europe, as Brexit certainly does not apply to the Register! 1

2 3 4

49 IN NORWAY? NO WAY! Dear Editor y son found this car on road 44 north of Egersund whilst Mdriving towards Stavanger, near the village of Hellvik, Norway. He found the address from Google Earth but the car is not on the street view images so it has appeared since they were taken. John Hopkins 10460/7 Thanks John. The membership list shows Staffs that Norway, like Austria, has a single MR member. We also keep political balance by featuring a European country outside the EU! ONE MORRIS WENT TO MOW A MEADOW Dear Editor ne of the most unusual "conversions" of a Morris must be as a grass mower and tractor. I have such a machine which Ostarted life as a flat nosed Morris Oxford about 1926 and was therfore an early adopter of four wheel brakes. Quite early on it was run into from behind, presumably by a vehicle which did not have such good brakes! Rather than scrap the car it was converted into a mower by removing most of the body work and repositioning the back axle on top of the chassis rails. The back wheels were replaced with chain drive sprockets. A complete horse drawn mower was then fitted under the chassis and fixed in place. Again larger sprockets were fitted to the two drive wheels of the mower. When the two were linked together with drive chains it drove forward with a deep reduction in forward speed. The final result was that when the mower was operational the cutter bar could cut long grass more satisfactorily than when pulled by a horse. With the mower declutched and folded, the car could pull about two tons under hay making conditions. The conversion was designed by Moss Heal in Bridgwater, Somerset but this actual conversion was done by a local blacksmith in Warmley near Bristol. When I bought it I understand that it had worked for upwards of 40 years on a local farm. This was not uncommon as a conversion before the war but is now most uncommon. If an members are interested it can be seen at the back of a shed handy for Junction 18 of the M4 or if they want to know more or to have look at it they are welcome to ring me on 01454 313 305. Jim Wilkie non-member Many thanks for this, Jim, an amazing survivor. We featured a Morris engine being used with a saw mill a Gloucs. few months ago. Does anyone else know of a Morris put to unusual use? Let us know, please. BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT Dear Editor, y Series E and I have been booked! Fortunately, not in the legal sense. My 15 year old granddaughter has booked Mus both for her wedding! "Oh", I responded, "have you got a boyfriend, then?"."BOYfriend?! Ugh, no!" was her reply. I'll let you when - or rather, if - it happens. Len Dixon 13364/2 Herefords Thanks for this Len. You'll have plenty of time to prepare the car then!

Members: A single private small ad, Morris Mart with/without a photo, is free. Non-members: contact the Editor Parts for Sale Car for Sale Parts for Sale Early 30s Minor/Morris 8 engine and gearbox plus 1936 Morris 8 Series 1 two-seater For a Morris 10 or 12, Series II (1936) ancillaries. Condition unknown but appears restored. 4x front wings in fair condition, will sell together Bought as part of a job lot in bereavement sale. or split and sell individually. 4 x rear wings in Surplus to requirements. £850 ono. fair condition, will sell together or split and sell Nick Bowater individually. 2x front nearside floor pans. 1x offside 07774 196 526 (Devon) front floor pan. 2x rear seat mounting panels. [email protected] Bernard Cotty (Glamorgan) 01446 406 813 (after 6 pm) [email protected]

Parts for Sale For 1956 split screen Minor: complete set (pair) of rear lever shock absorbers inclusive of link arms & Parts for Sale new bushes, in very good condition. £30 ono. One Green over black. 4 speed gearbox conversion. For 1938 Eight Series E: PIston set, 60 thou o/s. Dunlop D75crossply 5.20 x 14” tubless tyre in vgc £15. Spare engine and gearbox with clutch. Owned Slightly used (100 miles) as incorrect size for my Robert Armstrong (non-member) since 2000. £9000 ono. Morris. £125 ono. 01493 720 890 (Norfolk) Frank Calvert (ex-member) Martin Stephen-Hodge [email protected] 01962 732 841 (Hants) 01647 2231 564 (Devon) 50 Car for Sale Car for Sale Car for Sale 1935 Morris 8 Pre Series sliding head saloon 1936 Morris 8, 2 door Saloon 1926 Bullnose Morris Cowley 4 seat tourer

Non-member wishes to sell for renovation not Part restored. This is car no 154237, registered OP spares. Current owner since 1966 with original 3411 on 26 Jan 1927 and a V5c is held for it. A lot Reluctant sale due to ill health, owned for logbooks. Engine turns over, chassis has been of work had been done on the car by the late Tony almost 20 years and garaged for all of this time. patched for MoT. Lots of fibreglass repairs in body, Cressey, and many refurbished or remanufactured Restored in mid eighties by previous owner. Four 6 volt system, appears complete with luggage parts obtained. Outstanding work is required to new tyres and tubes, new brake cylinders and rack. Offers over £1500. the engine, upholstery & hood, including slide battery. Very good condition, original leather John Hadland screen irons, repairs to the windscreen frame interior apart from head lining which has been 0116 259 2170 (Leicester) and a full respray. (56 colour photographs of the replaced. Runs really well and has been in regular Car for Sale car and parts are available via MR Secretary Jim use. Lots of spare parts to be included. £6750. 1936 Eight Series 1 four door sliding head saloon Riglar, [email protected] for copies). Kevin Silburn £6,000 ono. 01473 711 872 ( Ipswich) Glo Cressey (Somerset) [email protected] 01935 423 348 Car for Sale Parts for Sale 1938 Morris 8 Series 2 saloon

Black and green bodywork. Restored 20 years ago. Excellent condition with many original features and matching numbers. Some history. All Featured in Morris Monthly April 2015. In very suspension and brakes overhauled. Interior very Pair of side screens, one fixed(window damaged) one good all round condition with much work done good with both front seats having been restored opening. They fit my 1933 Minor 2 seat tourer but over the past few years. Genuine reason for sale. with new leather. New battery. Some spares. may be suitable for others. £50. £6500. Reason for sale is little use. £6750. Mick Giles 01767 650 227 (Cambs) Michael Moxon Richard Linnell [email protected] 01872 274 666 (Cornwall) 01788 822 382 (Rugby) Parts for Sale Parts Wanted [email protected] For Morris 8, 10/4, sv Minor: New petrol caps (plain For OHV engined 1948 Morris Ten: thermostat cast Part for Sale or chromed). housing with its locating joint and bypass elbow and For Major/Isis 1932/3 Gideon Booth 01931 714 624 (Cumbria) the bypass connecting pipe and any components Van Wanted external to the water pump. Morris Y van required for restoration, any area. Roger Needle John Harvey (somerset) 01869 340 028 (Oxon) 07816 340 317 or (after 6 pm) 01275 873 273 1/2

Morris DAVID MOLYNEUX MORRIS PISTONS

Car Spares Brand new aluminium water pump. Now surplus for all models to requirements. Cost £400 new, now sale price £350. New and used Chris Beech (W.Sussex) Morris 8 and Series E spares available 01293 884 967 (evenings) used parts supplied Parts for Sale Morris 8 engine parts: New old stock piston set, Enquiries welcome genuine British made, standard size +60 thou. These Job lots of M8 and E will enable you to save an engine that has previously been rebored. Do not confuse with poor quality parts bought Happy to assist imports. £135. Set of 4 new old stock exhaust valves, genuine British made by Tranco (as used by Morris factory, so top quality), £40 set. Valve chest cover, M8 and E abandoned For more information, original part in very good condition, £15. Engine oil projects/complete cars filter tube complete with breather/filler cap, used contact but in good condition, £15. All the above can be bought for breaking collected or plus p&p. graham440@ Phill Robins (Glamorgan) btinternet.com 01792 587 337 or 07974 760 536 01229 584 972 or Van Wanted 07715 059 280 or or Looking for a Z Van can be in any condition can be off the road one. Text/call/email me, please. [email protected] 07506 309 281 Helen Pauley 07518 366 667 [email protected] 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 p5): sold for £5555 51 Please submit pictures Foto Finish of interest to the Editor A TRIPLE MORRIS WEDDING, 10th SEPTEMBER he wedding of Miss April Wiltshire, youngest daughter of Tlong-standing Morris Register members Tony and Sarah Wiltshire, to Mr Emil Ward took place on Saturday 10th September at Saint Augustine's in Westgate-on-Sea, Kent. The bride was attended by 6 bridesmaids; her sisters Marie Wilkinson and Phillipa Wiltshire and friends Charlie Rees, Becca Stride, Claire Swell and Francesca Smith. Her young nephews Max and Owen Wilkinson were pageboys and Miss Viola Gray was flower girl. In view of the size of the bridal party Tony's entire fleet of Morris vehicles was required. The bridal car was Tony's recently completed 1925 Morris Cowley Bullnose, driven by his good friend John Westbrook. This was the car's first proper outing following a restoration by Tony lasting many years. We think everyone will agree it looks magnificent. A perfect car for a perfect bride. The bridesmaids and pageboys were driven in Tony's 1930 Morris Cowley Flatnose and 1935 Morris Eight Series One. The Flatnose Cowley was driven by fellow Register member and good friend Terry Smithson and the Eight was chauffeured by Jenny Smithson. The three cars drove in convoy along the seafront to the wedding venue and made a splendid sight in the Thanet sunshine. The bride of course looked even more beautiful than her father's cars. The wedding was a wonderful occasion and everybody had a truly memorable day. It just remains for us to wish the new Mr and Mrs Ward every happiness for the future.

Report and photos by Jenny and Terry Smithson 5252