We have a very enjoyable day at Fawley Railway museum, early last month. I mastered for the first time how to get on and off those horses on the carousel. They were my mother’s favourite. I remember being taken on them as a child and wanting to get off as it was whirling round. I dismounted the horse and headed for the edge while my father frantically prepared himself for my imminent leap. How he would have caught me, I don’t know. But now I can ride them with joy and happy memories of my childhood. They all flooded back to me as I watched Sue Bridge, who was riding a horse close to me, go through similar pangs of anguish that I did as a child. Sue, of course, kept her cool and afterwards said how much she had enjoyed it. We had both overcome our fears. To prove it I had several more goes afterwards. It was great fun.
The train rides were brilliant too. Keeping it in the family, Steve Bridge had our club’s ride on the footplate. It was a little thank you after all his hard work producing our fun, informative newsletters. Well done Steve.
Our trip to Pangbourne College at the beginning of June was enjoyable, set as it was in such a beautiful setting. We had a grand turnout of 15 Trads., an Aero, and three M3Ws. Our Morgans were placed amongst the over 150 very varied classic cars that decorated the College’s packed Parade Ground. These included a Jaguar Heritage concourse winning Jaguar SS1 Coupe, several special Aston Martin DB5s, and a Lamborghini Diablo. More than 1,000 people visited Saturday’s show, with some making the most of the sunny weather to enjoy picnics on the lawn neighbouring the Parade Ground. Afterwards, we were told that the show had been a huge success and surpassed all his expectations. Profits from the refreshments stall raised over £1,000.
Looking ahead slightly, we are pleased to announce that ThamesMOG are arranging a trip to the West Green House Classic Car show in September. Last year the show was a great hit with our members, so we have contacted West Green House to register ThamesMOG as a club entry. If we are accepted, the club will be issued with free entry for our Morgans, driver and one passenger. The Classic Car show is on Sunday 24th September, and will be the first in our autumn and winter season of National Trust visits. We will give more details about West Green House, when we have heard if ThamesMOG’s application has been accepted. Please watch this space.
By the way, our last Noggin at the Novello, back in early July was very well attended. We sat outside in very comfy seats overlooking the lovely countryside and our troupe of Morgan sports cars. Hope to see you there soon.
We are in the midst of the tradition time for summer holidays but we still have a busy time for our events. First off, we have a day out at RAF Benson and its family day.
RAF Benson family day - Friday 11th August 2017
First thing to say is that the deadline for entries has now past. But for those of you joining Dave Cleveland the following overviews the day.
There will be the following attractions:
• Flying and static aircraft displays.
• Luxury, Sport and Classic vehicle Display
• Classic Military vehicle display
• Activity based entertainment
• Stalls and Food Vendors
Please contact Dave if you have any questions. Hopefully, we will be invited to this great event next year. If you were unable to join us this time, please watch this space. We will keep you posted.
Dave Cleveland
RAF Odiham family day - Thursday 24th August 2017
Although the line-up is still be confirmed in the past years both events have featured:
A static display of Chinooks with their crew to show people around;
Display of ground vehicles with rather large guns which had been in Iraq and Afghan; Flying displays - Chinook low level touch and go, Counter insurgency display involving RAF regiment, helicopters and chasing vehicles, Wing walking; Biplanes in race at low level between poles; Parachuting; Tornado; Low level Dreamliner; Hercules; Flypast of red arrows.
Plus: Car display (100 + cars);
There will be a Funfair; Live Band; Beer tent; Food.
We will bring you more details very soon
Niall O'Connell
And of course not forgetting Tim’s ever popular outings or jollies as I believe is the correct locution:
Triple Dealer Day - Thursday 7th September 2017, 09.30 h - 17.00 h
Tim's Tours are back for 2017!
You will have a chance to visit three of the Main Morgan Dealers in South East.
We will begin at SGT Maidenhead (Taplow) for Coffee and Brownies 0930 -1030.
Melvyn Rutter at Bishop's Stortford for lunch etc. 1230 -1400
We will be ending up at Allon White’s place at Cranfield between 1530 -1700.
We can accept a max of 12 cars. The cost is £5 per car, which is payable on the day as usual, please.
Please contact Tim Jones for details as follows:
Thames Valley Centre car badges available on eBay - beware
Don’t forget please, as 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 any regalia out there and are interested please check with us first. I would like to thank our Australian customer for letting us know about these items.
Thames Valley Centre pin badges
Our range of super new Thames Valley pin badges are now available. These are available in five colours, similar to our car badges. Orders are taken on a first come first served basis, as always. Please contact David Mansfield, our Regalia Officer, to order pin badges or our car badges. Orders can be made on his telephone (0118 3769752) or via email at