The

May 2017

NEWSLETTER of the WESSEX CENTRE of the MORGAN SPORTS CAR CLUB

Greetings, fellow Wessex Morganeers

wallows and house martins have now arrived, birds are paired and nesting, lawns are rampant (after a succession of recent downpours), Morgans are growling, and the race season is under S way. Many of us have already had short breaks, or are due to go on holiday soon. Carole and I will be heading across the Irish Sea again in a few weeks, this time to the west coast for the Wild Atlantic Way tour. Those of us at Killerton were looking eagerly ahead, and anxious to get our Morgans fit and ready for the activities ahead.

The winter series of Sunday lunches is now at an end, but Noggins continue to provide regular contact points where we can exchange news and views. Since the last edition of The Morganiser I know that various Wessex members have mixed it with the Morgan Three-Wheeler Club, driven to Devon to see Morgans in action at the Wiscombe Park hill climb, enjoyed a weekend at Donington for the Historic Festival, and spent a day at Killerton Classic Car Day in the company of some interesting, rare, and very well cared for classic cars (with picnics and shopping to boot) . . . not to mention the interesting, unique, and well-preserved Wessex contingent.

A Wessex group has also been introduced to, and involved in, the responsibilities of marshalling at the Land’s End Trial, and the Wiscombe hill climb. This is an opportunity to get close to the action, and to play an important part in the scene of motorsport. Do get in touch with Pete Turner or Dave Sapp if you are interested in getting involved.

Make the most of the season ahead; the longest day is only weeks away. June will be an active month, starting with the Tinney Tour Tribute, organised by Nev and Dave. This is a chance to remember Henry and his very significant contributions to the life and soul of both Wessex and Mendip Centres, to enjoy a brilliant day out, and to pit your wits against the inevitable quiz; enter now before it’s too late. There is the Bristol Classic Car Show at Shepton Mallet Showground, with the Morgan stand this year organised by Mendip. Following this is FossilMog’s Midsummer Picnic (we hope it won’t rain this year); they aim to attract 100+ Morgans, so do join them if you can. Then, in July, we have the Crash Box Historic Vehicle Gathering at Powderham (including steam in action), Colin and Irene’s picnic in wonderful surroundings, and the Silverstone Classic.

It is now nearly a year since the new MSCC Wessex Centre car badge was first seen. Small lapel badges with the same Wessex motif are now available. If you are proud of your Centre – get one.

So. . . hoods down, maps out, and go! Let us know if you have some favourite routes or venues which would tempt the rest of us.

Safe, happy motoring. Roger

Copy date for the next Morganiser: 29 July 2017

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NEV’S NOTES . . . . . The Centre Secretary reports for May

Very pleased to see that we have plenty to do with our Morgans this summer, and in addition to our normal club events, many of us are planning holidays both in the UK and overseas. That’s what Morgan ownership is all about, getting out and enjoying driving the car! My 4/4 remains my everyday transport, although the annual mileage is somewhat reduced as I’m now working from home, but it still remains enormous fun. I’m really looking forward to the factory visit in October. When I first went to Malvern in 1968 the last of the TR engined Plus 4’s were being produced, and the first 4-speed Plus 8’s were being made. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been to the factory since, but I always enjoy a visit.

As Centre Secretary, and also mainly for my own interest, I try to keep in touch with the local Morgan Specialists and local tuning firms with skills allied to the classic style vehicles that we run. So if you have a problem get in touch, I’m sure I can help.

I’m pleased to report that our membership still keeps up to strength, so that this month we welcome Richard and Eve Terry with their ’96 4/4, and Mike & Sue Costain joining with a ’47 Series 1 and a ’69 4/4. In fact it was encouraging to look around the car park at the last Noggin to see the lovely range of models we had present ranging from Tim Ayres’ ‘55 Plus 4 (still on drum brakes all round), to the very latest up-to-date models. Talking of that, speaking to Eddie Hayden, I understand that he has sold his rather special ARPlus4, but is awaiting delivery of it’s replacement in the form of a top range Roadster with the latest spec - Ford ‘Mustang’ power unit. We’ll look forward to seeing that in the car park! Again, bumping into Nigel Screen (a South Petherton resident, and past Wessex member who is coming to the end of a big project to build a new house - with many garages of course), I understand that he intends to take up Morgan ownership again this year so we await developments ?

Hope to see plenty of you out at the Tinney Tour in June, and the Bristol Classic Car Show later on, and many of the superb events arranged by Pete & Jill Turner in the future.

We now have bright cheerful lapel badges for sale at a fiver each, and of course we can order any clothing you want emblazoned with the ‘Wessex’ badge.

See me at any meeting.

Nev.

photo: courtesy of Tom Gibberd (via Graham Land)

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Run and lunchtime meet with the Three-Wheeler Club Wednesday 12 April 2017

It is always good to join with the enthusiasm of the Morgan Three- Wheeler Club, and to make contact with our ‘roots’. On a cool Spring morning we met at Sweet’s Tea Rooms, just outside Westhay on the Somerset Levels. A couple of us arrived early enough to look round the small museum there, which contains decades’ worth of local artefacts. To be found amongst the widely varied collection were old

scientific instruments, radios, and telescopes. There was a huge display of small model aircraft and classic cars, including a Morgan, and . . . way ahead of its’ time . . . a Sinclair C5 electric car. There was the debris from a Junkers Ju88A-1 bomber which had crashed into peat bog nearby in 1944, and I spent some time

trying to fathom the workings of an ingenious eel trap. In pride of place was James May’s Action Man rocket, which had apparently achieved Mach 1.1 when launched. The Morgans generated some interest there, and emerging from welcome cups of coffee, and cake (of course), those of us with a wooden chassis (!) were amused to find in the line-up a truck dealing with woodworm treatment and timber preservation.

Following our nimble three-wheeled friends, we departed at noon for the short trip to Moorlinch where lunch at ‘The Ring O’ Bells’ was organised. The road to Shapwick was rather uneven over the relatively unstable peaty subsurface, and that was more obvious in a Morgan. Speeds were sensibly adjusted. We all snuggled into the small car park, and were given an enthusiastic reception by the staff. Photographs were taken, and we eventually settled to enjoy some superb food.

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John Adams’ CVH-engined 4-seater stimulated a search under the bonnet and some interested discussion. We were last here in Moorlinch back in the glorious autumn tints, and then there was the colourful spectacle of the local Hunt. This time the sun eventually appeared but instead of the Hunt there was a seemingly regular procession of jumbo tractors and trailers – not so attractive. Finally, with whetted whistles and full bellies, we dispersed to all points of the compass in warm Spring sunshine . . . with occasional glimpses of emerging bluebells and wild garlic.

Many thanks to Nev for setting this up.

4-wheelers = 5 3-wheelers = 4

photos: Roger Gibson

Roger Gibson

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Drive It Day, 23rd April 2017 Wiscombe Park hill climb

Drive It Day is celebrated annually by the classic car community on the nearest Sunday to April 23rd to commemorate the start of the Thousand Mile Trial which took place on that date in 1900. Of the 84 cars that entered the event, 64 cars actually started the trial over a route which took them west to Bristol and then north to Edinburgh via Birmingham, Manchester and Carlisle and then back to London via Newcastle, Leeds and Nottingham. Of the 64 entrants that started, 47 crossed the finishing line at Marble Arch on May 12th of which 35 were considered to have successfully completed every section of the route at the required average speed. The Hon. C. S. Rolls, the celebrated motorist, balloonist and, later, aviator, and of course, one of the founders of Rolls-Royce, was awarded the Gold Cup for the best overall performance. There were four hill climb sections included in the trial of which one, over Shap Fell, considered the worst hill in England, was optional. Fitting then that our own celebratory “Trial” 117 years later would end at a hill climb, this one at Wiscombe.

But first, back to our start line, which was not at Marble Arch but at the Monkton Elms Garden Centre in Monkton Heathfield. Although I had left home early and thought I might be one of the first to arrive, there were Morgans already in attendance as I pulled into the car park. While chatting in the car park prior to our departure an elderly gentleman approached us and declared that he was the owner of Monkton Elm and that he was delighted to see Morgans in his car park, if a little concerned about the insurance implications of having so many, in his view, very expensive cars on his property.

photo: courtesy of Tom Gibberd (via Graham Land)

David Bellman and his wife, Luella, now in their eighties, bought a tomato nursery in 1978 which has, over the years, evolved into the Monkton Elm Garden Centre of today. Applying their first hand farming experience from their days in Kenya, the family successfully grew tomatoes in their glasshouses but in the early 1980s, faced with increasing competition by the importing of cheap tomatoes from Holland, they started to redirect their business by selling plants and garden sundries. Expansion continued in the late 1980s with the building of their Four Seasons Restaurant, and the business benefitted from the popularity of out-of-town garden centres in the mid 1990s. As it is my local garden centre I have, myself, witnessed another great improvement with the opening of a brand new restaurant last year.

At the designated time of 10:45 the Wessex group started their engines and set off for the Blue Ball near Sidford. We set off in loose convoy and the leading four cars soon lost the rest in the heavy Taunton traffic as we wound our way from Monkton Elm to the A358 in Henlade. It was fairly pleasant, roof down weather as we continued down the A358, just managing to keep the Plus 4 of George and Elaine Balcombe in sight, through Chard and Axminster, and finally turning right on to the A3052 coast road heading west. About 8 miles along this rather attractive road the striking Blue Ball Inn hove into view. If my count was correct nine Morgans parked in the pub’s car park, the new four seater of Graham and Sheila Land looking very splendid with four adults on board. By

Page 5 of 18 The Morganiser May 2017 this time our Editor and Eddie Hayden had joined us and about eighteen hungry and thirsty people made their way into the pub.

The Blue Ball Inn had its origins in a lodging house dating back to 1385, thatched and built of cob and flint. In 1830 it was the venue for a two day wrestling event with a first prize of £40. A more tragic event occurred in 1834 when a certain William Matthews, after having delivered a load of barley to a maltster in Topsham and subsequently consuming three tumblers of rum and becoming quite inebriated, was run over by his own wagon on his way

photos: Roger Gibson home and taken to the Blue Ball, but unfortunately died of his injuries. In 2006 a disastrous fire caused by a spark arrester failing to prevent sparks dropping onto the thatch resulted in its almost total destruction. It was rebuilt in 2007 to a very high standard. I was very impressed with the pub overall. There was a huge selection of food available whether you wanted a hot meal, the carvery or just a bar snack, service was extremely speedy and the food hot. There were a number of eating areas, a pleasant garden and very convenient parking, perfect for displaying our motors.

After the meal John and Elaine Robinson, and Mike and Sheila Smith left us to visit A La Ronde, Mike having decided that attending a hill climb would be more excitement than he could bear. A La Ronde, now a National Trust property, is a hexadecagonal (16-sided for the geometrically challenged) building with diamond shaped windows built for Jane and Mary Parminter in the 1790s, fiercely independent cousins whose mission it was to convert Jews into Christians. According to Mike and Sheila, this house is well worth a visit.

The rest of us continued to the west into Sidford and then turned north up the A375, passing through the delightful village of Sidbury, before turning off to the east towards Wiscombe Park. On arrival at the entrance to the hill climb the parking attendant was so excited at seeing seven Morgans that he only charged us half price entry. Our Centre Secretary then parked us very neatly and eye-catchingly in line astern at the top of the hill. This gave us the chance to look out over the very beautiful setting of Wiscombe Park.

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Wiscombe Park is a 19th century grade II* listed Gothic style house standing in substantial parkland which now hosts the Wiscombe Park Hill Climb course. During the reign of Henry III the park was stocked with deer. The park later passed through the hands of a number of families until it was bought by Charles Gordon in about 1815. The present house was built for Gordon in 1826 on the site of the old manor house. It is a handsome two storey double depth building of plastered stone rubble and slate roofs with a large billiard room at one end. photo: courtesy of Tom Gibberd (via Graham Land) Richard and Bunny Chichester, who purchased the property in 1953, decided that the grounds would be perfect for a hill climb course. After collaborating with Denis ‘Jenks’ Jenkinson, the influential motoring journalist famously known for being Stirling Moss’ navigator for his famous victory at the 1955 Mille Miglia in record breaking time in a Mercedes 300SLR, they held the first meeting at Wiscombe in 1958. At this time the course ended at the Sawbench Hairpin.

photos: Roger Gibson

Taking Nev’s advice most of us walked from the car park on the top of the hill to the end of the course, passing a lovely Series 1 4/4 (which, I believe, belonged to George Proudfoot, the Series 1 expert, powered by the 1267 cc Standard engine) and watched a number of cars negotiate the Martini Hairpin and then sprint for the finish line. This part of the course was added during the winter of 1960-61, extending the course to a total length of 1000 yards. The average gradient is 1 in 13.6 while the steepest part is at the Martini Hairpin at 1 in 6.9. The fastest sections of the course are at the Wis and Castle Straights where some of the single seat racers are geared to just under 130 mph.

After watching a number of cars go through Martini we made our way down the hill in small groups to visit the Paddock at the start of the course. And this is where we spotted four Morgans waiting to compete in their Class J Morgan Sports Car group. These consisted of the 1650 cc powered 4/4 of Alan Johnson of Sherborne, James Walters’ Plus 4, Ian Hargraves 1.8 litre 4/4 Lowline, and a 1720 cc 4/4 driven by Clive Hall

WIS CORNER photo: Roger Gibson Page 7 of 18 The Morganiser May 2017

which was the fastest Morgan of the day completing the 1000 yards in 49.2 seconds. For comparison, the fastest time of the day was 37.9 seconds by a 5 litre Pilbeam MP43and the slowest, 68.2 seconds by a 1.8 litre Lotus Elise S1. In addition to the occupants of our seven cars there were a number of our Wessex members marshalling at the event, including Pete Turner.

MARTINI HAIRPIN photo: Roger Gibson

Eventually it was time to head home independently although most of us left at about the same time. As I was driving in a Honiton direction I noticed a blue Morgan with the name Bluebelle emblazoned on the bonnet abandoned by the roadside. Normally I would have been concerned and would have stopped to make sure that everything was OK but fortunately, as we were leaving Wiscombe, I overhead Nev say that they would be stopping to let their dog have a walk so I just kept going, leaving the happy little dog to pee in peace. The journey home was uneventful taking a route from Honiton along the A30/A303 and then across the Blackdown Hills on the B3170, a very enjoyable route which I had never driven before, through Corfe, Taunton and home. I think Nev and Julia deserve a big thank you for a brilliant day’s programme which ran absolutely to time, to the minute.

John Gilbert

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Marshalling at Wiscombe Park Hill Climb event 23 April 2017

Under the leadership of Pete Turner, Colin, Pete and Bob arranged to meet up at the Wiscombe Park Hill climb event between 7 and 7.30am for signing-on as very inexperienced (or in my case, no experience!) Marshals for the event. You have to park off the road at the top of the hill and walk to the bottom to the start of the hill climb, with the track hidden in the trees to your right. On arrival, even at this hour, there is activity - with cars moving on the hill and paddock and early breakfasts of tea and bacon rolls from the retail outlets, with many people dressed in hi-vis clothing.

The bar turned out to be the signing-on area, all very friendly and welcoming. We were issued with hi-vis vests, bottled water, lunch vouchers, and £10 travel allowance. There followed instructions from the Clerk of the course on the format of the day’s events, and, as novices, we were each allocated to an experienced team at different stations on the hill. Here we were given specific tasks by the lead Marshal at the station after introductions had been made, and level of experience had been ascertained.

Just a very brief description of the Wiscombe Park track may be useful at this point. Wiscombe House was built in the 1820’s, and forms a very elegant backdrop to the fields used for the paddock and retail outlets. The new owner of the house in the early 1950’s, in liaison with other interested parties (one of whom was Denis Jenkinson, motoring journalist and navigator to Stirling Moss on the 1955 Mille Miglia) set up the track with its two straights and a series of hairpin bends. Sections of the track were given imaginative names, such as ‘Bunny’s leap’, and ‘Sawbench’ and ‘Martini’ Hairpins; it was opened in 1958. The track is 1000 yards long (914 metres, or 0.568 miles), with the steepest gradient being 1: 6.9. Some cars reach speeds in excess of 100 mph on the straights. The track record, set in 2012, is 33.92 seconds in an OMS 25 Power Tec (looks like a single-seater racing car). Cars that we may be more familiar with, e.g. Golf/Ford Escort/MG midget /Mazda MX5, are aiming for around 44 seconds; a pre-war three-wheeler Morgan, as run up the hill on a VSCC event, would be aiming for a time of around 49 seconds.

I was allocated to ‘The Gate’, Colin Balkwill to ‘Esses Two’, Pete Tombs to the beginning of the ‘Castle Straight’, and Pete Turner further along the track just before the last hairpin (‘Martini Hairpin’). I’ll describe the activities required at ‘The Gate’ (just as you enter the wooded stage of the climb), which is PETE TOMBS photo: Roger Gibson similar to all the Marshal posts along the track. The lead Marshal has the radio, and his ear is permanently glued to it as at the other posts, to give and relay critical information about activities on the track. Next we had a ‘Red Flag’, and then a ‘Whistle’ man (or in our case, woman - her husband was competing in an MX5), a ‘Brush’ man (to sweep the track of any debris), and fire extinguishers, plus sand for any spillages. In BOB GLOVER photo: Roger Gibson addition, at ‘The Gate’ we also had to signal via an electronic button when cars had passed, as this gave the green light for the next competitor. Now

Page 9 of 18 The Morganiser May 2017 those of us with a couple of brain cells will have worked out the use of the red flags, whistles, and clean underwear, because if a car that has passed ‘The Gate’ and is into the woods stops, or has problems, the car following up the straight at speeds in excess of 100 mph has to be stopped on the track. Hence periodic frantic waving of red flag and blowing of whistle, and a bit of jumping up and down with some colourful language if need be (hence the message to people: ‘Motor sport is potentially dangerous’). All in all a very enjoyable day was had by all, with the much welcomed lunch break from the activity/experience. I would recommend Marshalling to other members of the Morgan club, experienced or not.

Bob Glover

Graham and Sheila Land’s lovely Plus 4 4-seater arriving at Wiscombe Park. photo: Nev Lear

Graham driving photo: courtesy of Tom Gibberd

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Killerton House Classic Car Weekend Sunday 14 May 207

We arrived at 9.30am, after dodging the rain clouds in Somerset, to an overcast Devon site covered by 450 classic cars; what an amazing turnout by all. The 6 Wessex Morgan's were neatly lined up: Nick and Kate's plus 8, John and Elaine's 4/4, Colin and Irene's roadster, Pete and Val's plus 4, Roger and Carole's 4/4, and Bob and Jenny's plus 4.

There was a large contingency of Triumph TR 3/4/5, and a few (Exmoor) Stags. Also quite a few plastic boys’ toys (!!) i.e. TVR's, the odd Bristol, and a selection of Morris Minors that were in better condition than when they first left the factory. An array of Mogs was scattered about the site, and a Ford GT40 just about cleared the floor to get a pitch.

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The craft marquee was a great hit with the girls, who came back with big smiles and small packages (slightly worrying!). During the day the sun shone on the righteous Morganeers so we all managed to have a mognificent picnic.

Entertainment was provided; The Liberty Sisters singing a variety of swing and jazz from 1930-1950 while on a stage sitting on the back of a yellow 1953 GMC pickup truck. Colin joined in because he knew all the songs – ha, ha!!

Killerton House was shrouded in scaffolding (for roof repairs) and visitors only allowed on the ground floor. The portraits of family members sketched in pencil could be mistaken for black and white photos. Sir Richard Acland gave the estate to the National Trust in 1944 because of his political beliefs as a founder member of the British Common Wealth Party. photos: Roger Gibson Pete Tombs

A beautiful example of an Aston Martin DB6 Superleggera

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Pause for thought . . .

Windscreens

Something happened recently which activated a train of thought on windscreens . . . specifically Morgan windscreens. We had taken advantage of a warm, sunny day to take the Morgan for a spin over the Mendips, stopping en route for lunch at Sweets Tearooms. Onwards, and up through Cheddar Gorge, heading east beyond Priddy, the air seemed crisp and clear. And then, suddenly, it wasn’t. In the blink of an eye the windscreen was plastered with squashed insects. Subsequent examination revealed these flies to be squashed all over the front and rear wings, the wing mirrors, mesh grille, trapped under the leading edge of the bonnet strap, and in the engine bay. Looking at the fragmented remains I think they were dung flies - fortunately without too much dung. And fortunately, it wasn’t a swarm of bees.

The flat, barn door of a traditional Morgan windscreen always picks up insect debris, of course, but usually no more than half a dozen after a day’s driving. The windscreen is not large by modern standards, but it does present significant wind resistance. Being completely flat, you often pick up its reflected sunlight on traffic signs, walls, and other vehicles. Driving hood down on a wet road you realise how much turbulent air there is over the top of it when traffic spray appears on the screen-mounted mirror. Perhaps a scuttle-top, or rod- mounted mirror would avoid this?

My 70th Anniversary 4/4 does have a folding windscreen, which I have never folded, but this would certainly reduce the drag. First, though, I would need to remove the wipers, and then I would probably need to wear aviator goggles. This would definitely present a smaller target area for flies, at the expense of looking like Mr Toad. If I were interested in pure speed this is what I would do. Aeroscreens, I hear you say. I don’t have any experience of these, but they obviously represent a compromise between wind protection and drag.

Watching the Morgans on the Wiscombe Park hill climb, I realised how important wind drag is when racing against the clock. None had full windscreens, though some did have aeroscreens. I noticed also that, working on the principle of the aggregation of marginal gains, wing mirrors, hood, and front number plate had been removed. Some had a tonneau fitted to minimise turbulence in the cockpit, and one had taped down the leading edge of the side flap.

Given my non-involvement in racing, and the need every now and again to raise the hood for full weather protection of driver and passenger, I will keep my windscreen on. However, I do regard it important to keep it clean, and this has become a day’s end routine when on tour. Beware, though, of causing scratches. I use a microfibre cloth and water to thoroughly wet the screen and debris, and allow the flies and bird droppings to soften (sometimes several minutes, if baked on). This is then wiped away, gently, leaving a wet film, which is polished off with a glass cloth. Remember, too, to wipe the blades.

So, having cleared the air on windscreens (ahem) . . . any thoughts on spoked wheels, anyone?

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On my travels

I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone. I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there. I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work.

I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too good with physical activity these days. I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often. I once was in Jeopardy, my job took me there. I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm. Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older. One of my favourite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenaline flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age, I need all the stimulation I can get!

I may have been in Continent, but I don't remember what country that was in. It's an age thing. They tell me it is very wet and damp there . . . .  source: unknown – circulated email, adapted.

A Test for the Car Buffs

This car was spotted at Killerton. Can you tell from the evidence in the photograph what make and model it is?

Answer: p18

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SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Two green Morgans were parked next to each other at Killerton.

I’m not old; I’m retro!

“If you resolve to give up smoking, drinking, and loving, you don’t actually live longer . . . it just seems longer.” Clement Freud

“The older we get, the better we used to be.” John McEnroe



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MSCC WESSEX CENTRE

Spring/Summer Events programme 2017

For events (unless otherwise stated) Contact: Pete/Jill Turner 01460 64455

or text 07986514466 or email: [email protected]

Next Noggin Wednesday - 7th June at the Flintlock Inn, Marsh Please let us know if you can make it.

TTT - Tinney Tribute Tour - Sunday 11th June

Starting at the Burrington Inn, Burrington Combe (BS40 7AT) and incorporating a scenic route driving tour with organised lunch stop at the Rodney Stoke Inn and then continuing to Wookey Hole Caves where a party booking has been made with lots to see and do, and, of course, not forgetting THE QUIZ (a Tinney Tour Tradition!). Sounds like it will be a really good day out. Nev and Dave will be happy to supply entry forms and more details if you haven’t booked yet. Contact: Nev Lear 01460 240978 email: [email protected]

Bristol Classic Car Show, Shepton Mallet showground - Weekend 17th & 18th June

Mendip are organising this year. John and I met with David Millard, who is the organiser, the other week to help him with the logistics. I haven’t heard if any Wessex members are required to help, but will let you know if this is the case.

Midsummer Picnic: Hive Beach, Burton Bradstock (DT6 4RF) - Sunday 25th June

FossilMog is organising this. Arrive as early as you like and stay as long as you like. No need to book, take a picnic, parking is free. There will be prizes for various categories. Hopefully the weather will be good this year. They are hoping to get as many Morgans as possible, they have room for 100+

Historic Vehicle Gathering - Powderham Castle, Kenton, Devon - Weekend 8/9th July

This has been booked for 10 cars over 2 days. So far we have 5 cars booked in for Saturday. Which means there is plenty of space left for the Sunday. This show is run by the Crash Box Club and there is usually a very wide range of classic cars, bikes and steam engines on display, with events going on in the arena. Lots of stalls to wander around, look at, and plenty of other things to see. Let us know if you wish to come, and which day; tickets will be available from us.

For the evening before the show there is a Friday Night Run for exhibitors. This will be a traditional vehicle run to Teignmouth sea front. All welcome. Assemble at the Club entry gate from 6.00 pm Page 16 of 18 The Morganiser May 2017

Colin and Irene’s Picnic - Sunday 23rd July

This is always a great day, lots of fun and hi-jinks. Starting around 12 Midday. Bring your own picnic, chairs & tables, or picnic blankets. Further details to follow from Colin and Irene.

Treasure Hunt - Sunday 6th August

Rob and Jane have the pleasure of organising it this year. This event will be instead of this month’s noggin. More details to follow.

Tintinhull Car and Bike Show - Sunday 13th August: 4pm to 7pm

This is at one of our Noggin venues: the Crown and Victoria, and we have been asked by the pub landlady if we would like to go.

If you can make it, we have some entry forms that you can fill out and hand back to us, or you can email us with the details. Please let us know if you will be coming.

Thornfalcon Classic car show, at Henlade, Taunton – Sunday 20th August: 11am-2.30pm

We will need to know numbers closer to the date for booking a club space.

Noggin - Wednesday 13th September

Flintlock, Marsh

Morgan Factory Tour, Malvern, Worcester - Wednesday 18th October 11am

We have 8 cars staying over on the Tuesday night and 1 car going up on the Wednesday. The Abbey Hotel is booked, and we are eating in the Private dining room, The Garden Room. We will be visiting the Factory on Wednesday for a tour showing us exactly how the cars are made, and it should be really interesting. If you just want to come on the tour with us, without the overnight stay, you could drive up in the morning and meet us there.

A FEW FORWARD DATES

Thursday 12th October Noggin: Crown & Victoria, Tintinhull

Saturday 18th November Anniversary Dinner and Awards: Lanes Hotel, East Coker. Details TBA

Date TBA November Sunday lunch - volunteer needed for organising. Please let us know if you know of suitable a venue for this event. Page 17 of 18 The Morganiser May 2017

OTHER EVENTS, NOT PART OF OUR PROGRAM THIS YEAR, BUT MAY BE OF INTEREST TO OUR MEMBERS

Sunday 4th June: West Somerset Railway Classic Car Run – £10 per car (Limited to cars manufactured pre 1980) www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk

Weekend 15/16th July: Sherborne Castle Car & Supercars show https://classicsatthecastle.co.uk

Sunday 1st October: Brooklands Morgan Day www.brooklandsmuseum.com

CONTACT DETAILS

CENTRE SECRETARY TREASURER Neville Lear Ian Denson 14 St Michael’s Gardens Brunel View South Petherton St Ann’s Chapel Somerset Gunnislake, Cornwall TA13 5BD PL18 9HP T: 01460 240978 T: 01822 835803 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

EVENTS REGALIA EDITOR Peter and Jill Turner Neville Lear Roger Gibson Willow Cottage 2 Sarum Nimmer as above Thornford Chard, Somerset Sherborne, Dorset TA20 3AD DT9 6SU T: 01460 64455 T: 01935 872008 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

DISCLAIMER

Morgan Sports Car Club Wessex Centre

The ‘Morganiser’ is the newsletter of the Wessex Centre of the Morgan Sports Car Club. All opinions expressed in this publication are those of the editor, unless otherwise stated, and none of the material reproduced, however obtained, has been used for material gain.

II Mk 3000 Healey Austin Buffs: Car for Test

Page 18 of 18 The Morganiser May 2017