It’s been another busy and enjoyable month with the Morgan, carrying us through the longest day.  It’s hard to think that the evenings are already drawing in when summer seems only recently to have started.

Towards the end of May Ann and I visited the Mendip Centre.  They were celebrating the Centre’s birthday and we had a wonderful evening at the Strode Arms in West Cranmore.   Ann was invited to present the Centre’s annual awards to members for a range of inventive and amusing achievements.  One award went to Joy and Henry Tinney who were celebrating their 55^th Wedding Anniversary that very day.  Whilst we were all offering our congratulations on such a remarkable milestone Henry lifted Ann up and held her in the air for quite some time demonstrating that he could still pick up a younger woman!  It was a truly memorable party and our sincere thanks go to Mike Phillis and the members of the Mendip Centre who made us so very welcome.

The following week we joined SpotMog for their Noggin at the Greyhound at Siddington.  There was a very good attendance and many Morgans in the car park.  We had a marvellous evening in their company and along with other members of the Centre we were presented with a bunch of rhubarb fresh from Centre Secretary Dave Gibbon’s allotment.  It was despatched with lashings of custard on our return home.  What a splendid way to encourage members to come to noggins – well worth the 400 mile round trip – we’ll be back for more soon!  Many thanks Dave for a splendid occasion.

On the first Sunday in June we joined the Yorkshire Centre’s North Sea run – a lovely route, organised by Ian Bullock, through beautiful parts of East Yorkshire, finishing at Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens.  It attracted well over 40 cars which then drew much attention from other visitors at our destination.  Our special thanks go to Ian for yet another super day out.

Then to MOG 2008 and what a MOG it was!  A full report will appear elsewhere in Miscellany but those of you who were there will know just how successful it proved to be.  This wonderful weekend (or should I say week!) in Cornwall marked the end of 3 years of preparation by Peter Henderson and his team from TinMog.  It was well planned, superbly organised, and brilliantly executed and our sincere thanks go to Peter and the team for all their hard work.  The use of the Trevelgue Holiday Park near Newquay as a Morgan Village for the event gave us all a real sense of being part of the Morgan Community, and the bright, dry weather was certainly a bonus.   All the events were very popular and, despite earlier concerns, Jeremy Harrison had attracted a very good field of entrants for the Concours.  The competition was of a very high standard and the cars looked marvellous.  Our grateful thanks go to Jeremy and his team of Judges for all their efforts.

The trade stands were busy as ever with something for everyone, and the Morgan Motor Company’s special 2009 Centenary regalia was selling like hot cakes.  It was good to see so many members of the Factory team at the MOG, and Club President Charles enjoyed meeting MSCC members from all over the world who had come to Cornwall especially for the event.  The MMC also made a presentation about the centenary celebrations to a packed auditorium, which was very well received.

The entertainment throughout the weekend was truly excellent and for many the highlight was the huge Beach Party on Saturday night.  The sight of 750 Morganeers dancing the night away in Hawaiian costumes is definitely one to remember.

As usual there were a lot of overseas visitors to the MOG and we were particularly pleased to welcome a group from the Rhein-Main Centre in Germany who are twinned with the Yorkshire centre.  Our visitors enjoyed exploring Cornwall including a scenic run with many others from the Yorkshire Centre and elsewhere.  Once again, Ian Bullock had come up trumps organising a fantastic route, special parking and a Cornish Cream Tea.  Ann and I also had the pleasure of taking a German group to the Minack Theatre for a matinee performance of the Life of Pi, which was much enjoyed by all.

Many of us stayed on for the rest of the week and continued to Party.  I can now say with authority that CranMog can organise a ‘p*** up’ in a brewery after joining them for a tour of the St Austell Brewery, with plenty of food and of course beer.

On our way home we took the opportunity to join the Warwickshire Centre’s Annual Dinner on board the Countess of Evesham at Stratford upon Avon.  Special thanks go to Phil Morris and Centre members for a warm welcome and a lovely evening.

Next it’s a quick service for the car as we look forward to Madresfield and Classic Le Mans!

See you there!

Peter Johnson