I would like to congratulate Geoff Giles and Jerry Tanner for their "Italian Job" run in aid of KidsOut an organisation that aims to provide fun and happiness for children with disabilities, disadvantaged and those that are sadly terminally ill. Jerry joined Geoff as his co-driver for the run and an authentic Land Rover based on the one that was used in the famous film. Incidentally, this film is a firm favourite with many British Motor Sport fans and not many people know that. Part of the deal was that Jerry would have his long standing beard shorn off, to raise further funds for KidsOut provided they reached their target, which they did. Having seen Jerry since without, it is quite a transformation. Well done to the pair of you, I look forward to hearing your grand total soon. The only thing is Geoff; I don't think it is fair of you to take young Jerry away for so long like that, when he is right in the middle of his "A" levels.
On an end of year happy sort of note but tinged with sadness, I can report that Ann and David Vodden are now the proud owner of a new Morgan Plus 4. However, HUY their long standing, faithful four seater Plus 4 has now been sold. I said my goodbyes at the last Bird In Hand noggin. HUY is great car and will remain in the family. Ann's brother is now its proud owner. Congratulations all round. Ann, does your brother like car badges?
The other day I was walking along, minding my own business as usual, when I came across a Smart car parked at the roadside. Would you believe it was called a forfour. Now I am aware of their Roadster model but this car was indeed a four seater. Now I wonder where Smart got the inspiration for the name of this vehicle; the sincerest form of flattery, etc.
I mentioned last month about the Avro Vulcan making an appearance at the Farnborough Air show this year. Well, on October 16th 2008 the 100th anniversary of powered flight in Great Britain was celebrated over Farnborough, where the first sustained flight took place in 1908. Included in the commemorative fly-past of historic and modern aircraft was the recently restored Avro Vulcan. Once again I was lucky enough to see the Vulcan land at Farnborough. Farnborough Air Sciences Trust (FAST) has developed a replica of the aircraft that made this historic flight back in 1908. The Cody Flyer can be seen at the FAST Museum, Farnborough, GU14 6TF, on Saturday and Sundays between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. It's amazing how close in concept this early aircraft is to a Morgan. Perhaps one day we can organise a Centre outing to this fascinating Museum. With 2009 marking the Centenary of Morgans, I think it is an interesting context to think, that only one year before the running of the first Morgan, saw the beginning of powered flight in this country. Two anniversaries that should be celebrated!
Incidentally, I have just learnt that Richard Thorne will be holding, provisionally, his annual Christmas party on December 4th, the evening of our first Thursday noggin. We are all invited, so I suggest, if indeed this is the case, we hold a special Christmas noggin at the party! I would like to thank Richard and Helen for their kind invitation.
As this is our December Centre report, I would like to wish all the readers of this column a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year with above all, good health! To celebrate, as normal, we have a Christmas lunch at the Hampden Arms organised by Anita Pullen, while I shall be running our Christmas Dinner at the Poacher. These events are very special and set us up well for the festive season. Please contact Anita or myself depending on which event you fancy, and we will tell you if there are any places left at this late stage. Of course you can be like me and go to both! I look forward to seeing you all there. Please note the Hampden Arms Christmas lunch/noggin has been moved to the second Sunday � the third Sunday is being freed up for last minute shopping trips, etc.
With all these festivities it is just as well we get a lot of exercise!
This month we shall be going for lovely walk in and around Devil�s Dyke as a Christmas special and hopefully on New Year's Day for a ramble in the Seven Sisters National Park both with Hopmog and the Brighton Centre. See our Events Page for Details
I am pleased to say that we shall hopefully be joining Hopmog and the Brighton Centre on New Year's Day for a walk from the Tiger Inn. Details of this are also on our events page.