The Morgan Three Wheeler Club Social Weekend, Spares Fair, Gala Dinner and Annual General Meeting took place between 14th and 17th September at
The Abbey Hotel, Great Malvern.
Thursday 14th September
Early birds arrived on Thursday and settled in for a good weekend. The customary Thursday night visit to Anupam, the local Indian was as good as ever!
Friday 15th September
On Friday afternoon, several of those keen to actually drive their Morgan set off on a scenic run. The run, devised by Ian and Maria wound its way through glorious scenery over the Malvern Hills. The group managed to keep together at a leisurely pace and the first stop was Bromyard for a leg stretch at Holden’s, the latest Morgan dealer. Plenty of time for a look around and chatting then we set off for a further short run.
Originally the plan was to visit the Live and Let Live at Brinksey Common, however they had just reverted to their winter opening hours and closed in the afternoon. An alternative, The Talbot at Knightwick was a more than suitable alternative and we arrived there after a quick blast up the A44. The Talbot is interesting; with fireplaces so huge it must be great during wintertime. It also has its own brewery, The Teme Valley Brewery Of course it would be rude not to try it and we all spent an enjoyable time drinking and chatting, some outside, some inside.
It took some time to motivate people to leave the pub and we led the group back across country on a single track road that was very scenic and interesting. I have to admit I did not have a clue where it led to but we did end up heading for Malvern and the run back was very pleasant.
Friday evening’s meal was the carvery in The Abbey restaurant and very good it was too. A good time was had in the bar later catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.
Saturday 16th September
Saturday morning was the Annual Spares Fair in The Elgar Suite. The management of the car park and entrance/exit worked very well and avoided a repeat of last year when inconsiderate people caused problems. The wristband entry worked well and gives us information that can help for future events, knowing visitor numbers helps so much for future planning. However more lessons were learnt and we shall tighten up even more next year.
Many stallholders reported good sales. Members come to this event ready to spend money on their rebuild. They know what they are looking for and are happy to pay a fair price. Many were seen going away happy, clutching those elusive parts.
The Club Bring and Buy stall did record business thanks to Paul Baker and his crew.
There is no doubt that visitor numbers were down on last year, but those there were serious buyers and they did so.
Saturday evening was the Gala Dinner in the Elgar Suite. 95 people sat down to an excellent dinner, not one complaint .After the dinner we had guest speakers, Gordon and Vanda Day. Anyone who has been on our last two years of Albert Ball VC French sorties will know them as relatives of Albert. They gave us an excellent talk, first Vanda on the background to his early life then Gordon took over for the WW1 period. A slide show was well put together and their narrative went down very well.
Straight away afterwards, our registrar Steve Lister, with the help of Geoff Dykes presented Club Awards with great style. The raffle winners were drawn and that man Paul Baker, won not one but two years free club membership. So we are stuck with him for even longer, unless Maria loses his form!!
Then it was time for more entertainment; Josey and the Outlaw. A four piece group that we have been following for some years now. They were on a summer break but kindly agreed to do this gig for us. Simply put they are the best on the circuit for all round Rock n Roll 50’s style top quality music and soon we had the dance floor bouncing. The Chairman gained several extra points for his dance enthusiasm, bravo!
It was an excellent evening.
Sunday 17th September
Sunday morning and the breakfast room was deserted, was everyone still in bed ? Of course a lie in on Sunday is a must after all that enjoyment.
The Annual General Meeting started on time, was managed well by our Chairman, Adrian Murray-Leslie and matters were concluded very efficiently.
Sunday evening and around 30 members took advantage of the special Dinner B&B deal on offer and stayed Sunday night at The Abbey .The meal again was very good.
Maria would like to thank those who kindly gave their help, Mary Pattinson ran Regalia on Saturday( taking £800) Ian and Steve Hughes, Gerald Lawford, Bruce Campbell ,Barbara Caroline, Marion Booth, Carrie Seaton all helped out when needed on Saturday/Sunday, thank you all.
And I would like to thank those who came on the Friday run. What is the point of having a Morgan and bringing it then not using it ? It is almost like a trailered Morgan winning a long distance award, heaven forbid.
A special mention of the minority who entered the car park Saturday morning at the Abbey and could only be sarcastic, I hope my reply was equal!
Special thanks to Ashley Brooks and Gerald Lawford for keeping me supplied with coffee Saturday morning as I managed the car park.
Finally from me thanks to all who came, those who stayed at The Abbey, had the dinner and generally supported the weekend. Without support this annual event cannot take place.
Next Year – 2018
The 2018 weekend event is going to have more activities during Friday with an MMC factory visit during the morning, or a morning guided hill walk (for the fit).
An afternoon Morgan run out to places of interest for a beer and a chat, or afternoon tea and music in The Worcester Suite for those who just wish to relax.
Saturday evening will be the dinner with a guest speaker. The entertainers invoke audience participation! so be warned. (Volunteers please to sit near the stage.)
Hope we see you there.
Ian and Maria Parkinson.