Over Christmas I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of David Little, from the Brighton Centre. David was a good friend to many in our Centre along with people from across the Morgan Sports Car Club. I first met David and his wife Genny at a noggin while my daily transport, in those days, was a Mini Cooper (I still have it cooped up in my garage somewhere). Genny and David were Mini fans along with being aficionados of Morgan Sports Cars. As you can imagine we got on really well. David was a great leader, friend, husband and father, he will be truly missed. He was loved by all and I can't pay a better tribute. "To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die". On behalf of the Centre, I would like to send our sincere condolences at this sad time to Genny and her family.
On a happier note, over Christmas 2010, I was pleased to hear from Philip Male an old member of the Centre that moved with his family to Toulouse, France some years ago. I know Sue and Geoff Giles have visited them quite often as they have been passing through in their Morgan. He lives in a lovely place in the South of France with room for plenty of Morgan Sports Cars. Being a warmer part of Europe it is just perfect for driving around in our favourite mode of transport. This year's news from Philip's is that he has acquired a 1922 Dermont - a French made Morgan. A three-wheeler I assume, I believe they also made four wheelers for a while; historians please correct me if I am wrong. Well, congratulations to Philip!
However, I was looking up the details of that wonderful singer, who entertained us so wonderfully at the Centenary Concert, over the same period, when I discovered the following extract from the listed link below, on 22nd December 2010:
"It's a historical shape, a hand-built car that doesn't cost a fortune and it allows you to take part in stuff unobtainable from other car makers," says Philip Male, who has just collected a brand new Aeromax from the factory and is attending the celebrations with his wife Caroline and Morgan-owning friends, Howard and Jane Parsons.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/classiccars/6049244/Morgan-centenary.html
This must be the same Philip Male and of course he is right. So on behalf of the Centre, may I wish you a belated congratulation on your particular Centenary Morgan Sports Car. We shall have to plan a trip to the South of France to see your collection Philip.
Talking about a trip to the South of France, do you remember, a few months ago I mentioned the Armageddon in 2012. Apparently, a small village in the Aude region of southwestern France that sits at the foot of the Pic de Bugarach, the highest mountain in the Corbieres wine-growing area is the only place on Earth that will be spared the end of the world on December 21st 2012. This is according to UFO watchers and New Age believers (Daily Telegraph, December 22nd 2010) - nice to know there is some hope. Bugarach is one of several mountains that are sacred and will be sheltered from the cataclysm. This suggests then that there will be other places that will be saved. Property prices are going through the roof in the village, as you can imagine. The Ufologists consider this area to be a centre or hot spot for UFO activities. So I suggest we pop down to see Philip in December 2012 and then make sure for the Winter Solstice we find ourselves in Bugarach to sit out the global catastrophe. How we will bill the trip I don't know, perhaps something like 'one not to miss.'Anyway it will be good to see you again Philip.
I mentioned the other month about a presentation that was made to Mike Aldrich and I after our 40th Anniversary dinner held at the Bird In Hand, last November. Well I had drawn the wrong conclusion at the dinner; I had got the incorrect impression, if you like. The presentations of original framed prints from the artist were given to us by the Centre. I am of course pleased to put this right. On behalf of Mike and myself I would like to thank you all very much indeed. I can assure you they take pride of place at our respective homes. A monetary donation has been given by the Centre to the artist's favourite charity. I also mentioned the fantastic print given to me on my milestone birthday at the Brighton Speed Trials. This print, which I have proudly mounted above my desk, was indeed given to me by Sue and Geoff Giles. Thank you Sue and Geoff, I shall treasure this photograph always.
With spring in the air a person's fancy turns to the upcoming Morgan season and our AGM that is being held at the Bird In Hand on 3rd March starting at 20:00. I hope you will be able to make it; I look forward to seeing you there.