Our members have had some adventurous tours this summer: some have had a road trip of over 2,500 miles through Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland; whilst others drove to Le Mans where their Morgan took part in a display at Mulsanne Corner prior to this year’s 24 Hours race. I wonder how they managed with temperatures approaching 40 centigrade in some places. I popped down to Aquitaine, in the past I have travelled mostly by train or plane. It may have taken 10 hours but the roads were really good with no traffic jams. I guess everyone could have been at the Olympics.
August has been very busy with visits and events. Members attended the Bentley Driver Club race meeting at Silverstone, where the son of one our members was competing in the two Morgan Challenge races. Later that week members visited Ivan Dutton’s Racing Shed. Now in his 80’s, Ivan is a motoring legend with a background in Bugatti’s and saloon car racing. Many of you will have seen him holding court at various historic motoring events. Ivan had more stories than spanners. Recently he has become a YouTube sensation, posting regular videos of his workshop projects, car restorations and driving exploits. Later in the month, members joined HopMOG for Brands Britannia which commemorated the country's greatest automotive achievements with a 'Great British race-off. On the last day of the month we joined ThamesMOG member Charles Southwood at the West London Aero Club annual charity Members Day, an all-day classic car display, and air show.
September is equally as busy, starting with the Winchmore Hill Village Show on Saturday 7th September. Local members have done this previously and enjoyed the day. It is a traditional event with a produce show in the Memorial Hall, various stalls, a barbeque, fun dog show, tea & cake stall and bar. Members are welcome to park up on the common and leave when they wish. The cars have generated a lot of interest in the past. They have previously secured a flypast of a C-47 Dakota, a Spitfire, a Hurricane and last year the Battle of Britain Flight Lancaster. It’s not been confirmed for this year, but fingers crossed.
Our Welsh Tour to the Llanerchindda Farm in September is fully booked. I am sure our members will have great fun there, and enjoy their two scenic tours.
On Sunday September 22nd, West Green House welcomes all the classic car enthusiasts to display their beautiful cars in front of West Green House. Last year there were over 200 Classic Cars on display. ThamesMOG have applied for club entry. This will provide, as in previous years, free entry for your Morgan, driver and one passenger. To gain free entry, please ensure that you arrive at West Green House between 8:30 and 9:30, where a member of ThamesMOG will issue you with your tickets. Refreshments will be available throughout the day, including sausage and bacon rolls and other culinary delights available in the park and garden. Let’s hope the weather gods will not be upset this year.
I hope you will be able to make some of our outings. Full details of all our events can be found on our website: https://www.thamesmog.co.uk/events