I would like to thank Mike and Pam Aldrich for organising our AGM held at the Bird In hand back in April. All the existing management committee were re-elected at the meeting – I would like to thank all the members for all their hard work over the last twelve months – I look forward to working with you over the next year. Our meeting was eased from the point of view of saving one’s voice with the use of a microphone furnished by Dave Cleveland – thank you Dave. I would also like to thank Mike Smith for the smooth chairmanship of the meeting. On this occasion we had the good fortune of a presentation from John Webster from the Maidenhead Heritage Centre (www.maidenheadheritage.org.uk/ ) with a talk dedicated to the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) entitled ‘When Grandma Flew Spitfires’. John had had the honour of meeting and speaking to many of the ladies that ferried World War II aircraft from factories to front line airfields. I was amazed how many different aircraft these ladies flew in one day: bombers, fighters, transport aircraft and even the Meteor jet plane (www.atamuseum.org ). I would like to pass on the thanks of the Centre to the museum and in particular to John for an inspiring talk. I would like also to thank Mike Aldrich for setting up this talk, those that were unable to join us missed a special evening.
Scouring the centre newsletter for things we got up to over the year doesn’t cover all we get up to as a centre: in addition to the activities I mentioned at the AGM I would like to add the enjoyable trip to Somerset and of course a special of the group that crossed over to Holland flying our new flag as they then ventured onwards for a summer holiday in Germany and a milestone happy birthday to Tim Marsh. On the photograph Phil Cripps’s photo of an impromptu trip that appeared on the cover of Miscellany – and a great picture it was too. Also, Phil and Julie Cripps are to be congratulated on of their pictures winning a place in the 2013 MSCC calendar. Well done. I haven’t seen it yet as I am a little superstitious about looking at the pictures ahead of time but I sure it is a good photograph. Just think of the risks the calendar committee exposes themselves to – devotion to duty I guess. The other event, although this one did appear in Miscellany was the magical trip to Fawley Hill and all those rides on a steam train. It was also an important birthday for Terry Tedman. Congratulations Terry and thank you for another great day out.
As we reminisce over the last twelve months or so I think the session is just opening, at the time of writing the sun is out, it is getting warmer and I am digging out my swimming trunks from their winter hibernation in preparation for our trip to Torquay. Hopefully, next month you have a report back on our trips to Corfe Castle and Torquay. I hope the sun continues. Especially, this month as we have visits to Beale Park boat show, Bothy Vineyard and the visit to Hinton Ampner displaying our Morgan sports cars to members of the public. I look forward to seeing you there if you can make it.
On Sunday 23rd June we make a welcome return to Mottisfont, a National Trust property near Romsey, meeting up at 11 am. There are some superb grounds to explore as well as a fine house right next to a beautiful stretch of the River Test. We shall be meeting in the normal entrance car park as before. Last time we just visited the house because of the rain. This time we shall explore the grounds and gardens as well as the house. I hope you can join us; it should be a pleasant day out in beautiful surroundings. All Centres are welcome.
As I mentioned above please don’t forget that Steve Bridge on behalf of the Thames Valley Centre of the Morgan Sports Car Club has arranged a tour of the Bothy Vineyard followed by wine tasting. Bothy Vineyard, which is situated three miles west of Abingdon, has been established for twenty-nine years and continues an ancient tradition of wine making in The Vale of the White Horse, that dates back to medieval times. The tour has been arranged for Sunday 9th June, at 2 pm. As this event is being held over the Beale Park weekend we suggest if you would like to take part in both events that the main day for Beale Park will be on Saturday 8th June for us to visit as a Centre. I hope you will be lucky enough to attend both as I plan to do.
Also, as springtime hopefully develops are planning for our future events continue unabated. Ian Wilson has proposed a scenic run to the Cotswolds culminating in a cruise on a canal boat with refreshments and possible cream teas, etc. planned for late September. If you would be interested in such an event please do get in touch. If we can get enough people Ian will be pleased to go ahead with this event. All Centres will be welcome. I hope we can get this one going as I feel it will be a super event. Thank you Ian for your suggestion - please watch this space.
Take care, see you all soon – Roger.