During the early autumn noggins at the Bird In Hand, Quentin and Judy Mitchell said goodbye to us all as they went off for their new life in Hopmog land. They are moving to be closer to their son who lives in Kent. These were sad occasions as Quentin and Judy have been members of the Centre for a long time. They have supported many of our events over the years and have been wonderful company being good friends to many people in the Centre. I first met their daughter Debbie at Ian Sollen’s excellent charity event at Brooklands back in 2003. Debbie and later to be husband were enjoying the Morgan drive on the banking in Quentin and Judy’s stead. The family thoroughly enjoyed their time with the Centre and they will be greatly missed. It was an honour to have you both as members. On behalf of the Centre, I would like to wish Quentin and Judy all the best for the future. And please do come back and see us when you can.
On Sunday 6th November Sexmog, who will be showing off their smart new Centre Car Badges I wouldn’t wonder, will be meeting at the Jolly Tanner in Staplefield to watch the Veterans cars go by on their way to Brighton from London. If you plan to watch here, it is best to get there early. The Jolly Tanner does a great breakfast. Alternatively, you can watch the start in London – please make contact if you are interested in this option.
Having doubled check our planned visit to Ashdown House, on Sunday 27th November, we have shifted this visit until April next year, when we believe the house will indeed be open. As a replacement we are going to visit The Vyne and its super gardens.
Please remember our trip to Sandham Memorial Chapel on Sunday December 11th. Sandham Memorial Chapel houses what is arguably the most important series of paintings by the Modern British artist, Sir Stanley Spencer (1891-1959). The chapel is a temple to the genius of Spencer, who wanted to express in paint his military experience during the Great War. His nineteen canvases, which took six years to complete, are unique in that they depict everyday routine rather than the horror of combat.
I hope you will be able to join us in these two visits.
Don’t forget our New Year Centre Dinner on Saturday 28th January, Mike Aldrich and David Williams have made contact with Aldon Ferguson and he has agreed to give a talk on the D Day landings, as this will complement the proposed tour by the Centre of the Normandy landing beaches next year with John Buckmaster. Tickets for the dinner are available now, so please book your place with Mike Aldrich now. Aldon has a background in Russia and the Former Soviet Union, and British Military Aviation History. All his lectures are fully illustrated with PowerPoint comprising both still and movie images. This should be a great evening – I hope you can join us.
We were delighted last month to announce that Steve Morris, Managing Director at the Morgan Motor Company, will be our honoured guest at our AGM on the evening of Thursday May 11th at the Bird In Hand, Knowl Hill. Please put this date in your diary. This will be a great opportunity for Centre members to meet Steve and to look to the future. I hope you can make it. If you can look this far ahead please make contact with Mike Aldrich so that we can make appropriate accommodation. It will be a special evening.
Thames Valley Centre car badges available on eBay - beware
As we have reported previously, a Morgan owner from Australia has brought to our attention that Thames Valley Car badges are for sale on eBay. They appear to be our badges but we would like to point out that these sales are nothing to do with us or our previous suppliers. They are very highly priced and please remember we can supply Thames Valley car badges new at the nominal club price. If you see, therefore, any regalia out there and are interested please check with us first. I would like to thank our Austrian customer for letting us know about these items.
Thames Valley Centre pin badges
Please remember we are now taking orders for our new super range of Thames Valley pin badges. Ideal Christmas presents. These are available in five colour, similar to our car badges. Any order is taken on a first come first served basis, as always. Please contact David Mansfield, as our new Regalia Officer, for orders for pin badges and also our car badges. Orders can be made on his telephone (0118 3769752) or via email at