I have just heard that over in Japan they are producing a smart phone that can double as a Geiger Muller Tube, i.e. a means by which radiation levels can be monitored. These levels in Japan are still of some concern. I understand members of the Japanese Morgan are OK but nevertheless the long term conditions over there must be uncertain. All this reminded me of when I bought my first Morgan. I was out visiting friends with the hood down when the Chernobyl disaster struck. Fall out came over Britain and from what I can remember settled in areas like North Wales. What surprised me was the distances involved and emphasized to me how globally interconnected we are. My thoughts are with our Japanese cousins.
On a happier note, for some, at the time of writing, Thames Valley Land had seen a significant rise in air temperature. Today, for example, my smart phone reckons that the highest temperature will be twenty-two degrees centigrade. And this feels cool compared to recent days - too hot for my poor little dog Sally. The associated radiation has certainly burnt me red. As a friend said to me, “It’s either all or nothing.” We shouldn’t complain it is ideal weather for driving your Morgan with the hood down. Or is it? With a good hat that stays on (with chin strap perhaps) and plenty of sun block, otherwise it is so easy to get sunstroke. Still take care – now where is my after sun.
Please remember that next month we shall be visiting the Walled Garden Centre, this day out is being organised by Mike Aldrich. Please arrive from 11:00 am for coffee, etc. Our visit is on Sunday 4th August. Those wanting to have a Sunday lunch, this is available in the restaurant between the hours of 12.00-14:00. Mike has also arranged a cream tea for those attending, starting at approximately 16:00. The owners will reserve a special area for us in the car park with space for our club banners and flags. They will be thrilled to see as many Morgan Sports cars as possible. Mike has suggested that a visit to the adjacent Elizabethan Manor of Dorney Court is possible. An admission charge will be made to help with the upkeep of the house and grounds. If you are interested in attending please contact Mike Aldrich on telephone: 01628 676619 and/or Email:
On behalf of the Centre I would like to thank Lyn and David Sandford for their lovely event at Hinton Ampner. Along with our Morgan sports cars that were on display to the general public, who were visiting this National Trust property, was one of Richard Thorne’s Morgan three wheeler demonstrator models. I would like to thank Richard Thorne Classic Cars for the loan; David was the lucky one to drive the three wheeler home. No bullet holes in this one. The vehicle generated a lot of interest and I think Richard will get some follow up. As I pointed out in our recent newsletter, it was one hundred years ago when a Morgan three wheeler won the first cycle car race at Brooklands. We are definitely Back to the Future.
With National Trust properties in mind, hot off the press, this month we shall be going to a ‘unique 17th Century treasure’ as billed by the Trust. This is a grand house situated alongside the River Thames. We shall have a walk round the gardens, the house and along the Thames – it should be wonderful. I hope you can join us at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house/ . Please meet at the free car park at 11 am, which is about 400 yards from the house. Our last visit to the Vyne was most enjoyable. I would like to thank Roger Prior for covering for me for this event while I was attending the last NCM. The Vyne trip was a joyous occasion as we welcomed new members Jan and Dave Cleveland in their newly arrived Roadster with that Mustang engine – cool! Congratulations to Jan and Dave.
This month we shall be attending the Uxbridge Car Show. If you would like to attend please contact Allan Moore or Andy Doughty as soon as you can please as space this year is limited. It is always an enjoyable show with loads to do. Places allocated on a first come first served basis.
Incidentally, we are doing an audit of the trophies for the Centre and to make it easier to refer to them and to see what they look like we are in the process of setting up an area on our website – please see the following link: http://www.thamesmog.co.uk/aboutus/thamesmog-trophies you will need to register with the site but this has the added advantage of being able to make full use of the services available such as uploading your photos. I would like to thank David Vodden for setting this up.
Finally, I would like to wish Bon Voyage to all of you attending the 40th Anniversary meeting of the Netherlands Morgan Sports Car club in Holland this month. If you will be at Classic Le Mans as well, then good for you.