January 2009
Paul & Lesley’s run on 2nd November was enjoyable and informative. 9 Morgans and 2 tintops turned up at Risca Road for coffee before the off. The transgressors were Keith & Ronnie, with a legitimate reason (they had Elaine with them) and Dianne. I’ve been told to write that it was nothing to do with her previous experience with Paul & Lesley’s gate but that the Mog’s MOT had expired. Don’t ask why it had been allowed to expire!

It was just a short run from Chez Harris to the site where Newport’s Medieval Ship is being restored. The conservation team kindly opened up especially for us and gave us a private visit. The ship was discovered in 2002 during building work for a new Arts Centre on the banks of the River Usk in Newport. She was fully excavated and removed timber by timber, with each timber being individually numbered and located on a plan of the ship, so that she can eventually be reassembled. The ship is important because it is the largest and most complete ship of the 15th century to survive in Western Europe. It was a large ocean going vessel, capable of sailing anywhere in the then known world and predates Columbus’s discovery of America and is probably one of the last big ships to be built with clinker planking.

The team of archeologists working on the ship have just completed recording the timbers and the conservation programme is about to begin. When that is completed the ship will be re-assembled and hopefully displayed in a new, purpose built centre or museum. The visit was thoroughly enjoyed by all and several have expressed a wish to return in the future to see how the conservation programme is progressing.

After the visit, we enjoyed a scenic run through the lanes and byways of the surrounding area before arriving for lunch at The Three Blackbirds, Llantarnam. Despite the power cut that they were experiencing, they were able to feed us all exceptionally well. Thanks to Paul & Lesley for arranging the day.

The noggin at the barn on the 13th was not well attended. Brownie points to Denis & Liz, Gary & Kath, Neil, David and John for being there. Pam also turned up on her way to the airport to collect Tony, but left before anyone else had arrived. Dianne & I weren’t there because we were on our way to Antwerp with Stuart & Jackie and Dave & Jackie for a weekend jollie. Chris, Mel and Paul also had a good excuse as they had been to the Jaguar factory that day with Keith’s Probus group.

There were six couples at the Usk noggin on the 19th. We missed Mollie & Brian and George & Thelma and hope to see them in December.

Don’t forget that this year’s AGM and Planning Meeting will be held at The Conservative Club in Usk on January 8th. Since a buffet is being provided it is essential that, if you have not already done so, you let Jackie know that you will be attending as a matter of urgency. Thanks to everyone who organised events in 2008 and helped make it a busy and very enjoyable year for TaffMog. Hopefully, there will be plenty of volunteers to organise events for 2009.




February 2009
On the first weekend in December, Taffmog’s Christmas event at The Royal Hotel, Ross on Wye, was attended by 73 members and a dog! All but 6 couples made it a 2 -night celebration while Bob, Sam and the aforementioned hound, together with Dave & Linda decided to stay on until the Monday.

The Friday evening was an informal affair with everyone behaving and enjoying themselves, except for poor old Don and daughter, Lizzie. They’d travelled from Aylesbury and got to within a stone’s throw of the Royal when calamity, in the form of a clapped out fuel pump, struck and they had to be towed home. Down, but by no means out, Don replaced the offending part and they were with us bright and early on Saturday morning. These Taffmog events are not to be missed!

On the Saturday morning, Keith & Brenda had arranged a beautiful scenic run to Tewkesbury, with private parking in the grounds of the Abbey. Keith will not say how he acquired the Bishop’s personal mobile number. Nick & Elizabeth are to be congratulated for eventually driving their +4 with the hood down– we have the photographs to prove it! After several hours in Tewkesbury it was a bitterly cold run into a very bright, low sun to our hotel for the traditional mince pie reception.

The formal part of the evening was enjoyed by all and it was a pleasure for us to present Dave & Jackie with a Centenary Commemorative Plate in recognition of their owning the same Morgan for over 50 years. Does the factory know, and more to the point, appreciate that fact I wonder?

Chris again entertained us with a slide show representing events, embarrassing and otherwise, from the year gone by. Our poetess, Caroline, provided the now traditional classical summary of the year and there was an all too brief performance by Peter Johnson’s backing group from Windermere earlier this year. Apparently, they were quite good in rehearsal, but that’s just hearsay!

Sunday morning arrived bright and again, bitterly cold with what was a surprise for yours truly. I now appreciate that the written word can have repercussions many months afterwards after finding our Roadster prototyping Taffmog’s latest invention of paintwork protection. It was well and truly wrapped up in 3 rolls of clingfilm.

Eastnor Castle was open on the Sunday morning, just for us, and we were welcomed with mulled cider and warm mince pies. The tour of the castle was most enjoyable with the guides exhibiting great knowledge and enthusiasm. It was then back to the Royal for a carvery lunch before members said their farewells and made their ways home.

Thank you, Keith & Brenda, for all your hard work in organising a super weekend.

Throughout the weekend I was given a number of donations, in lieu of Christmas cards, amounting to £170 and this is being channelled, via Jackie, through the Tesco Charity Scheme for their augmentation by 20%. The cheque will then be sent to Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice.

There was a good turnout, as usual for the December noggin on the 11th, which, this year was held at our house in Libanus. It was a great pleasure to greet so many friends, particularly Stuart who was kind enough to leave a morsel of cheesecake for me. The same can’t be said of the trifle, although Liz was prepared to let me pinch her bottom. This is a not-so-private joke! The proceeds from the raffle, together with the donation we received from the club in lieu of the refreshments, were donated to the Special Olympics Fund via Pam. Adrian has assured us that he will do his utmost to return from the Games next summer with some medals. It started to snow as people were leaving, but fortunately came to nothing and everyone arrived home safely.

We had a good crowd at the Con Club in Usk on the 17th for the Christmas dinner. On this occasion we presented Brian & Mollie with a Centenary Commemorative Plate in recognition of their many years of Morgan ownership. Thanks to Jackie for organising the dinner, yet again, and also to Annette & Bob for their hospitality throughout the year. This was a super way to bring to a close another brilliant year of Morganeering.

Let’s hope 2009 is at least as good.




March 2009
TaffMog’s AGM was held at the Con Club, Usk on 9th January. 31 members enjoyed the buffet, so ably organised by Jackie, prior to the business for the evening. Yours truly was re-elected as secretary for a further year. Ronnie, our treasurer for the last five years, had tendered her resignation and will be replaced by Carl Hadley from the start of the new financial year. We are extremely grateful to Ronnie for the reliable and meticulous way she has handled her role during this period.

There was no shortage of members willing to organise events throughout 2009 and this resulted in a full and varied programme for the year which will begin, appropriately, with a St. David’s Day Run organised by Dave & Kay.

In addition to our usual programme of events it was decided to host a Wicked Welsh Weekend, and we hope that members from all centres will join us to enjoy good company in the surroundings of the wonderful Welsh countryside. It will be held on the weekend of 22nd/25th May and be based at the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells, which is easily accessible for all. We propose to meet on the Friday evening for a noggin and an informal dinner. On Saturday, there will be a choice of scenic runs to be followed by a dinner-dance. There will be further exploration of the wild Welsh countryside on Sunday morning, followed by a late lunch at the Metropole. As this is a Bank Holiday weekend, there is the option to stay over for an extra night. If this weekend proves popular it could become an annual event. Further details can be found in our advert in this edition of Miscellany. Please come along – a warm Welsh welcome is extended to one and all.

Despite the heavy rain and strong winds, the Usk noggin was well attended, as usual, and we were pleased to welcome Peter & Carol who are thoroughly enjoying their new +4. Photos of one of their earliest runs, in several inches of snow, showed that they’ll have no problems fitting in with TaffMog.

Note that noggins will resume at the Halfway, Nantgaredig on the last Friday of each month, beginning on 27th March. If you wish to eat please ring Simon to book a table (01558 668337).




April 2009
The MSCC AGM and Dinner-dance at the Abbey Hotel was a great success in spite of the snow that covered much of the country. TaffMog was there in force with the greatest number of Morgans –FOUR. We saw the end of Peter Johnson’s chairmanship and welcomed Brian Lee as our new chairman as well as Andrew Hirst as vice-chairman. Grateful thanks are extended to Peter from all in the Principality for his two years of unstinting work on everyone’s behalf. It was also the last of these events to be organised by Mary Oliver and we much appreciate her hard work over the years.

Jackie has now received a cheque from Tesco Charity Fund, boosting our donation to Ty Hafan to make a grand total of £204. We will organise the presentation of this cheque in the very near future. Thanks to all who contributed, in lieu of sending Christmas Cards.

The noggin at the Barn on 12th Feb was very well attended. Dave & Kay’s St. David’s Day Run (to St. David’s!) was discussed and George gave us some information about his run on 29th. This will put a new slant on things in South Wales, as we’ll be meeting for a charity breakfast. Let’s hope some of our Rip van Winkles can stir from their slumbers in time to take part.

The Usk noggin was as popular as ever and it was a pleasure to see Margaret Syred with Nick & Elizabeth. It was also the first appearance for a considerable time of Rod & Vicky who wasted no time in arranging to join in a few of our planned events. Dave entertained us with various photos of his 1947 series 1, which was originally supplied by Alex Thom’s of Cardiff who, as Wales’ first Morgan dealer also supplied 3-wheelers to the Gwent police. However, one of these photos, showing Jackie with the car in 1978, mysteriously disappeared by the end of the evening. Indications are that it had found its way into the depths of Jackie’s handbag thereby preventing it from appearing on our website. We’ll see!

Paul informed us that he was very pleased with the take-up of places on our Wicked Welsh Weekend in May. We are all looking forward to this. At the time of writing this there are still a few rooms available, so if you are interested please contact Paul before April 14th.

Evidence has now appeared that the South Wales Centre started up in 1975 and I would welcome any, and all, information that anyone has on this matter.




May 2009
The first TaffMog run of the year was held on St. David’s Day, 1st March.
It was, appropriately, a run to St. David’s in Pembrokeshire. The city of St. David’s is situated on the far south west coast of Wales. Granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II because of the presence of the cathedral, St David’s is, in reality, a small attractive village.

It was 10am sharp on a beautiful St. David’s Day when a giant leek turned off the Brecon bypass. Attached to it was Dave & Kay’s Roadster and that was closely followed by Rod & Vickie’s 4/4. We joined on their tail and soon we were all executing a U-turn to pull up behind George & Thelma who’d been waiting for a while. A bemused police officer in his patrol car stopped in the middle of the road to allow us to complete our manoeuvres without other traffic getting in the way. Kind fellow!

Soon, Carl & Jean arrived and then it was off to the first rendezvous at the Halfway Inn, Nantgaredig, where Dave & Kay had arranged coffee. Simon, the owner, went one better and supplied Welsh cakes and bara brith at no charge. Lovely they were too! Thanks Simon. The convoy was now swollen by another 6 Morgans and a Caterham 7 (that would like to be a Morgan when it grows up). Curiously, one of the Mogs (black with red hood!) had the hood up all day. I am reliably informed that the mechanism was not jammed in any way.

The next stop was the Little Chef car park at St. Clears where we met up with Graham & Joan and Emyr & Janet with the new dog. How mean of the Little Chef to deny us the use of their conveniences unless we patronised the place. Inconvenient!

We were soon parked up in St. David’s and heading for the Cathedral refectory where we met up with Dave & Linda. The food was very good and enjoyed by all. After lunch we all had time to wander around this tiny city before making our separate ways home. Thanks to Dave & Kay for an absolutely superb first run of 2009.

The first noggin of the year to be held at Simon Griffiths’ Halfway was well attended. Emyr & Janet won the bottle of wine, kindly donated by Simon, for the most attractive Morgan in the car park– even though it’s a 4-seater with what used to be a depth gauge on the dash! (Don’t tell anyone that it was the only Morgan in the car park). We were pleased to welcome Nigel & Patience Parker from Oxford and hope we’ll see them on one of our runs in the near future.

The month ended as it began with a TaffMog run in superb weather. This time it was George & Thelma who organised the day and as always we were not disappointed. Eighteen TaffMoggers met at George’s daughter, Julie’s house for a charity breakfast. We welcomed Peter & Carol on their first TaffMog event (and their first run with the hood down!). Andrew & Helen made it all the way from Pembrokeshire by the skin of their teeth after Andrew put their clocks back an hour instead of forwards. All that time spent in Kazakhstan has obviously had an effect!

Julie regularly cooks breakfast at her farmhouse near Hay on Wye for the locals. She provides all the food, doesn’t charge but asks for contributions to a nominated charity. This month it was the turn of the Air Ambulance, and after providing (and cooking) 54 breakfasts, a total of more than £500 was raised for this very worthy cause. We are extremely grateful to Julie and her helpers for all their hard work.

Afterwards we followed Thelma, with George navigating, to the BT Earth Tracking Station at Madley, where we were given a comprehensive and interesting tour by the Station Manager, Nick Wood. From here we went on to visit the Cistercian Abbey at Abbey Dore. The scenic run then continued to the last stop of the day – The Bear Inn at Bettws Newydd for the essential cream tea. Many thanks to George & Thelma for another super day.




June 2009
On 7th April, 11 members with time on their hands met at the Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice in Sully to hand over a cheque for £204. This was the money raised by donation in lieu of sending Christmas cards. It had been generously increased by 20% by the Tesco Charity trust thanks to Jackie, an ex Tesco employee. The teenagers were thrilled to see us and closely examined the cars. Some of the staff even managed to go off for short drives with Chris and Denis. A pleasant morning was rounded off with a convivial pub lunch.

The first noggin of the month, at the Barn, was poorly attended, not for the first time this year. Perhaps it’s time to seek out an alternative venue for the second Thursday of the month.

The Scottish trip was enjoyed by all who went and the weather allowed us to keep the hoods down for the duration. The run from Lochcarron to Applecross on Britain’s highest road was spectacular and is highly recommended. Thanks to Ivor & Alison for researching this run and arranging an excellent lunch in the Applecross Inn.

A surprise birthday party was held for Keith Glover on the 18th. Brenda had done well, with the aid of neighbours, to keep him in the dark about it. The party had a 60’s/70’s theme and TaffMoggers excelled themselves with their fancy dress. If only I had that much hair in reality!

Stuart & Jackie had put a lot of effort into organising their scenic run/treasure hunt/skittles evening on the 26th. Normally, one expects the organisers to be at the starting point to greet the participants, but that is not the Welsh way so the aforementioned culprits turned up late! The run started from what used to be Taylor’s café, following a pleasant route to Abergavenny where another 5 cars were waiting, making 13 in total. Ominous or what?

Details of the treasure hunt were distributed and off we set. Not much later, most of us had taken wrong turns and entered the wrong car parks, followed by others like sheep. Answers to the clues that could not be found were invented, with ingenuity. Those who know Stuart will understand why we stopped a while at the graveyard of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Llanover.

The gremlins struck for the first time here when Paul & Lesley’s +4 refused to start. They awaited the RAC while the rest of us headed off to the Beaufort Arms for tea/coffee and the essential cakes. It was then on to the final destination – Usk – and the skittles evening.

While we were all enjoying ourselves (not including Paul & Lesley, of course) the RAC were busy getting lost in the Welsh countryside. It was several hours later when we discovered this and Stuart, the shining knight set off with a tow-rope. He never arrived! Although he did get within half a mile or so. The gremlins had struck again, in the same way. Two cars, two clapped out fuel pumps. You wouldn’t have bet money on this happening. John then went to the rescue, accompanied by Jackie to show him the way. Unfortunately he couldn’t help and both cars had to be transported home. Paul & Lesley arrived home about midnight, half starved and it wouldn’t be fair of me to relate the rest of what happened to Stuart. Two Bosch fuel pumps have now been replaced and both cars are up and running once more.

While all this was taking place, the greatest skittles match of the year was under way. Jackie emerged as the supreme champion while Adrian and I need a little more practice! Those of us who completed the day thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and are grateful to Stuart & Jackie for all their hard work. The consensus of opinion was that we should have a similar event in the future.




July 2009
May was an exceptionally busy month.

TaffMoggers had been waiting some time for ex-pats Mike & Enid to arrange an event in the New Forest. The wait was well worthwhile. A crowd of us arrived at Mike & Enid’s in Verwood on the Friday evening for a superb BBQ accompanied by plenty of liquid refreshment - more than sufficient for some (so I was told the following morning). The “Plumbers’ Punch” went down a treat! Saturday’s treasure hunt and Sunday’s scenic run both started from the Burley Manor Hotel and took us to many of the forest’s most popular and interesting locations, including Beaulieu, Buckler’s Hard, the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum (which was absolutely brilliant) and Hurst Castle. The roads were amazingly quiet for such a popular area on a Bank Holiday weekend. The Saturday evening meal in the Manor Hotel was also most enjoyable. Thank you both for a super weekend.

Very few members had said that they were going to the Pencoed Classic Car Show this year, but, in the event, 9 Morgans put in an appearance on a sunny spring day. The variety and standard of cars on display was superb and some TaffMoggers managed to find the odd bargain at the auto-jumble.

Chris & Helen and Dianne & myself took advantage of some Northern hospitality and went to the Mogs on the Tyne event. Daphne and her team made us very welcome and the catering at the rugby club was top class. We thoroughly enjoyed the open roads and stunning scenery, but unfortunately didn’t have the time to explore in as much detail as we would have liked. I think I can see a return visit next year. Chris & Helen continued up to Scotland for two weeks of touring while Dianne & I returned home, enjoying the magnificent run over the A686 from Haydon Bridge to Penrith on our way.

There was an excellent turnout for Carl & Jean’s TaffNog at their home at Twmpath Farm. Just offer TaffMoggers sausage & mash and wait for the stampede! We welcomed new Morgan owners Nigel and Max to their first TaffMog event. It looks as if we made a good impression as they’ve already booked for Paul & Lesley’s French trip in the autumn. Many thanks to Carl & Jean for their hospitality and for a very tasty evening.

The second noggin of the month was arranged by Rob & Kay. Fourteen cars met at the Con club car park at 7pm and, armed with plenty of chocolate (courtesy of Rob & Kay) to ward off any hunger pangs, we headed off along the secret leafy lanes of Monmouthshire. The weather was perfect for an evening run and gave us all a good appetite for the meals waiting for us on our return to the Con club. Thanks to Rob & Kay for leading us and for providing the raffle prize. (Don’t drink it all at once, Mollie!).

The first Wicked Welsh Weekend was a great success with 45 cars attending. We were pleased to welcome fellow Morganeers from the length and breadth of the country to the Principality. The Metropole did us proud and the exceptionally good weather was a bonus. The feedback we have had to date is all extremely positive and we will be repeating this event over the late May Bank Holiday weekend next year. A special mention must go to Nick, Elizabeth & Catherine who, as well as knowing how to put the hood down, have now discovered how to remove the side screens (although stowing them proved to be a problem!). Peter & Carol were so impressed, they went home to practise removing their side screens. Hot off the press - this was accomplished the following weekend! A big thank you goes to Paul & Lesley for their unstinting efforts in organising this weekend and setting such a high standard for future events.

The Noggin at the Halfway was well attended as usual and Simon’s hospitality was again first class. Eight Morgans graced the car park and the veranda proved to be the ideal location on such a warm evening for pre-dinner drinks and to view the cars displayed below us. Adrian’s efforts (with a little help from Dad?) in washing and polishing the four-seater were worthwhile when Simon presented him with the bottle of wine for the most outstanding car in the car park. Well done, Adrian.

The Morgan Centenary Raffle event at Newtown Motors was well supported by TaffMoggers and the refreshments provided by Newtown were much appreciated. It was good to see Des attending in his Aero, and we hope that he will continue to recover from his op so that he can use and enjoy it more regularly.

The month ended with Morgans at Morgan’s, organised by Humphrey and Caroline. The weather was again just perfect as thirteen cars left Swansea for our scenic run around the highways and byways of Gower. We welcomed Chris & Jane from Rhiwbina and hope to see them at future TaffMog events. Our coffee stop was at Llangennith (after which we were joined by Ray & Diane), followed by a visit to the Gower Heritage Centre, before returning to Swansea for dinner at Morgan’s Hotel. Morgan owners Peter & Christine Douglas-Jones, who live in Langland, saw us driving through and followed us to Swansea, where they joined us for dinner. I think we have recruited two new MSCC/ TaffMog members. Thanks to Humphrey & Caroline for organising another fabulous TaffMog outing.




August 2009
The Barn noggin was replaced by an Arctic picnic at Ogmore followed by the welcoming warmth of the Golden Mile Inn. Haydn, Chris & Helen, Tony, John & Avril, John & Glenda, and Lyn & Elaine braved the elements while Neil & Helen, Dave & Linda and Rob met us afterwards in the cosy comfort of the inn. Could this be a possible alternative venue to The Barn?

We missed the noggin at Usk because we were enjoying the delights of Spain with Dave & Kay, Humphrey & Caroline and Tony & Pam. We had a good crossing from Plymouth and enjoyed the run down to Salamanca – the N roads are so quiet and a joy to drive when motorways have been built to take all the heavy traffic. The hotel in Salamanca was first rate, as was the city itself with its plaza major, old and new cathedrals and other interesting architecture. We spent a full day exploring the city and then another day driving the mountain roads in the national parks to the south. Unfortunately, Dianne & I then had to head towards home (via the Picos de Europa) while the others carried on to the Med and Moraira for more fantastic sunshine, fabulous scenic runs and, of course, plenty of great food and wine – what more could Moggers want or need! Many thanks to Dave & Kay for leading us along some stunning scenic routes.

The weather at home continued to be good for Dianne’s Longest Day Run at the end of the month. Five Mogs and a tin top met at the Honey Café, Bronllys for an early start on the 112 mile run northwards through the Welsh borders – well it was the longest day run so, as tradition dictates, it had to be a long run. When we arrived at Acrefair we were met by John & Glenda who had driven directly to N. Wales, having been delayed in the morning by problems with the car’s indicator lights. There was plenty of time for a leisurely picnic on the banks of the Llangollen Canal before boarding a canal boat for a trip across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The timing of this trip couldn’t have been more fortuitous as Telford’s famous aqueduct had received ‘World Heritage’ status the previous day, so there was quite an air of excitement and celebration all along the canal. We even had Sky News television cameras there to record the event.

The run home was just as scenic taking in much quieter minor roads rather than the busy A483. We finished the day back at the Honey Café for an evening meal. Thanks to Dianne for organising the day.




September 2009
It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that our dearly loved friend and a true gentleman, George Williams passed away on July 23rd.

George loved his +8 and was an active, enthusiastic member of TaffMog. His last outing was with Thelma on TaffMog’s Longest Day Run at the end of June. Despite a recent operation, he coped well with the drive and they both thoroughly enjoyed the day. The following day he called to see us and we spent a few pleasant hours in the garden, enjoying the sunshine and putting the world to rights. He successfully underwent a second operation a few weeks later but tragically suffered a fatal heart attack afterwards.

We have very happy memories of George and shared many good times with him, including extended trips to Scandinavia and Switzerland. We were busy planning a second trip to Norway, which George was really looking forward to. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts are with Thelma and all of George’s family at this time.

Neil & Helen’s noggin at the Angel in Pontneathvaughan was an enjoyable evening when we welcomed back Dave & Kay, Humphrey & Caroline and Tony & Pam from their trip to Spain. We were also pleased to meet David & Jean, from Kington, for the first time. They came along in their +8 (one of only 3 Mogs in the car park) to suss us out as they thought they’d like to join in TaffMog’s activities. We must have made a reasonable impression because they decided to come along on Paul & Lesley’s run and BBQ the following week.

The weather had been horrendous for the previous 2 days, but it was sunshine and blue skies when we rolled into the car park at Abergavenny for the start of Paul & Lesley’s run on the 15th. Roger & Rosemary were already there, with the hood up. Had they been in contact with Derek the weatherman? No – they were demonstrating the beauty of their new mohair hood. That done, it was soon taken down while we awaited the arrival of another 12 cars. The big surprise was Rob & Kay turning up in the Series 1. Beautiful – and they didn’t look too bad themselves either.

Paul led us on a scenic run through some of the leafy lanes of Monmouthshire, ending up at his parents’ house at Llanhennock near Caerleon. Paul’s parents, John & Hazel greeted us as we arrived and directed us to the garden where Lesley had the BBQ waiting. The good weather continued throughout the evening, allowing us to explore and enjoy the splendours of the grounds. This is certainly an event we’d all like to repeat and a big thank you goes to Paul, Lesley, John & Hazel for their hospitality.

The noggin on 10th September will be at the home of Chris & Helen in Treoes. They’d appreciate your letting them know if you’ll be attending.
Also note the new venue for October 8th.




October 2009
I can safely say that we all thoroughly enjoyed the Centenary celebrations. It’s great to see a large number of Morgans at a MOG event but this was on a different scale, with so many Mogs (3,200 I’m told) from far and wide. It’s always a pleasure to meet friends, old and new, and Dave & Kay, Keith & Brenda and Dianne & myself were delighted to meet up again with our German friends, Heiner & Gisella from Spain. Thanks to everyone who helped organise the celebrations and congratulations on its great success.

Unfortunately the vicious rumour about two inebriated TaffMog ladies rummaging through the waste bins on the campsite at Cheltenham has proven to be true. In their defence, they claim they were trying to recover an essential part of a coffee percolator, which had been mistakenly thrown away. Said part was successfully retrieved but we are now confirmed tea drinkers – well, when we visit certain members (names available for a small fee).

It shows how much George Williams was liked and respected within our centre as 37 TaffMoggers attended his funeral in Hereford. The family had asked that as many Morgans as possible join the funeral cortege and 16 Morgans followed George on his final journey. It was very moving to see George’s +8, driven by his son Jeremy and with daughter Julie as passenger, following the hearse.

We decided to hold our Thursday noggin in August at the Golden Mile Inn instead of the Barn. However, the landlord must have heard we were on our way, so he closed the pub for the week and went on holidays! Chris & Helen did a serious pub-crawl of the area for an alternative and suggested the Barley Mow in Craig Penllyn near Cowbridge - a sweet little village of modest houses! Our August noggins are not usually well attended due to holidays, but in these austere times more people obviously stayed at home than went abroad and we filled the pub. The ambience was good and fortunately, everyone remembered to pay for their meal. They have a private room that we could use on other occasions. This could be a possible replacement for the Barn, which is proving a little unpopular.

I must mention Adrian who won a silver medal in the 100m freestyle swimming event at the recent Special Olympics. Also his friend Chris, who often accompanies him on Taffmog runs. He won a bronze in the 100m backstroke and a bronze in the 100m medley relay. Congratulations and well done from us all.

The usual members turned up at Usk and it was good to see so many Morgans in the car park. Thanks to Mollie & Brian for providing the raffle prize, which was won by Stuart & Jackie.

We had a good crowd meeting at Magor Services on the M4 for the start of Stuart & Jackie’s quizzical run. Jackie’s route instructions were explicit and well presented so we didn’t worry when Peter & Carol and their friends, Keith & Theresa, in the Lotus didn’t join on the tail of the convoy due to an urgent call of nature. Well, we should have been worried because within 1 minute of leaving the services they were lost! The ‘secret’ coding on the instructions, TL, SP, TR etc., meant nothing to them. The rest of us had a pleasant run via Chepstow to Tintern Abbey where we enjoyed ice creams while we waited…. and waited…. and waited. Eventually, they rolled in looking as if butter wouldn’t melt so we set off on part 2. Now, either TaffMoggers can’t read or they can’t see or they simply don’t care where they’re going as long as the road ahead is clear because within 200 yards of the car park half the group had gone wrong. The chances are that when the only alternative at a particular location is to turn left, TL probably means Turn Left! Once again however, true pathfinder qualities rose to the fore, and the group was re-united at the Angidy Ironworks. The remainder of the trip was quite uneventful with each of us keeping the cars ahead and behind in full view. We enjoyed the food and the skittles when our reigning champion, Jackie, became the evening’s wooden spoonist. However, the ladies kept their record intact with the prize for the best overall score going to Kath, with Dianne winning the prize for the quiz. David & Jean won the raffle. Since joining us they have attended all our events in their +8, despite the long journey from Kington. Well done, everyone. Thanks to Stuart & Jackie for another enjoyable event.

As always, the North Wales weekend, organised by Neil & Helen, was a resounding success. Ten cars with 21 members arrived at the Tynycornel Hotel on Tal y Llyn Lake for the Bank Holiday weekend, eagerly anticipating the scenic and challenging runs for which Neil & Helen are renowned. We were not disappointed. Additional excitement was this year provided by the route maps, which when ignored by our leader caused fragmentation of the group and much consternation until we were all reunited once more back at the hotel.

The weather was not particularly kind to us. On the Saturday, Dave & Kay proved to be the hardiest members, keeping the hood down in weather that would have put the wind up Noah. As a reward we set off without them on the Sunday morning but they managed to find us even without a route map or any idea of where we were headed. We all tried to emulate their stoicism of the previous day and were thoroughly drenched for our efforts. It was noted that Lesley chose to wear a Mercedes hat throughout the weekend – perhaps Paul had better have a word with Santa. Well done Tony for managing to stay up later than 10 o’clock on the last night.

We now appear to have a splinter group in the centre – people who choose to do strange things previously unheard of – strenuous power walking around the lake before breakfast – ych a fi! It was tiring just watching them from the comfort of our room.

Dogs, gates and the very friendly locals all added to the fun and enjoyment of this unforgettable holiday. Thank you Neil & Helen for all your hard work once again.




November 2009
TaffMog’s interests were divided at the beginning of September.

Ten TaffMoggers attended Fellmog's 25 years of the Windermere Weekend and joining them, with great enthusiasm, were Hazel and Steph from Wells. With the exception of Geoff and Jennie (who set off to tackle the Lakeland hills on foot) and despite the threat of rain, it was decided that they would all do the "Ten Passes Run". After a very wet start, and the disappointment of the first coffee break/comfort break pub being closed - (The King George IV at Eskdale Green) - Hardknott and Wrynose passes were safely traversed. After a refreshing lunch break in Elterwater they continued on to Buttermere where the last remaining tops came off - and despite more heavy rain, they stayed off for the remainder of the run and for the weekend. Congratulations have to go to Peter and Carol, partly for NOT getting LOST - not once, keeping the hood off in the most inclement weather and, primarily, for being awarded 2nd Prize for "The Car You'd Most Like to Take Home". CONGRATULATIONS!!!! (Thanks to John for this report).

While this excitement went on, twenty two TaffMoggers, joined by Paul & Glenys Bompass from Poole, went West for the Pembroke County Run, having been led to believe that Morgans would lead the run out of Milford Haven in this the Centenary Year. Alas, no! That honour was given to the Minis – can you believe it? Whippersnappers that were only celebrating 50 years, and certainly not with the original company. Enough griping. The forecast was not good, but the weather remained kind to us for the duration and we enjoyed the run, as usual.

Chris & Helen hosted the noggin on the second Thursday of the month. While Helen stayed at home preparing our supper, Chris met 9 Morgans at J33 of the M4 to lead us on a delightful run through the lanes of the Vale of Glamorgan, ending at Nash Point, near St. Donats, just in time to witness a magnificent sunset over the Bristol Channel. It was then just a short run back to their home at Treos, where Stuart & Jackie and Keith & Ronnie joined us, for some delicious home cooking. Thank you both for your hospitality.

The noggin at Usk on the third Wednesday of the month was also well attended, and we welcomed four Morganeers from Ross on Wye - sorry chaps, I can’t remember your names but do remember your complaining about the lack of Morgans in the car park! We look forward to seeing you again.

TaffMog interests were again divided on the third weekend of the month, with Tredegar Park Vintage and Specialist Car Rally having to compete with the Goodwood Revival. The weather for Tredegar Park was fine and sunny and attracted many cars and vehicles of different manufacture and from various eras. Six Morgans were in the club enclosure with three others elsewhere in the field, including Gerwyn Griffiths in his beautiful upgraded 4/4. Although few in number, everyone had an entertaining time, often discussing the pros and cons of Morgan cars and comparing them with other makes and models. (Thanks to John & Glenda for this report).

TaffMog was well represented at the Goodwood Revival by a number of suave gentlemen and very elegant ladies. The weather was extremely good for the whole weekend, with everyone enjoying all that the Revival has to offer. The ladies are already planning their outfits for next year and the gentlemen are also scouring the charity shops for the clothes they have only recently discarded!

Two years of misery for the village of Colwall, near Malvern, ended this month. The village had been split in two while work was carried out on the bridge, which carried the B4218 over the railway. To mark the official opening of the bridge MSCC were invited to attend and provide a parade of Morgans. Eight TaffMog Morgans were pleased to attend, together with Morgans from other centres, and after driving over the bridge the cars were put on display on the village green while we all enjoyed refreshments in the local school.

The noggin at the Halfway on the last Friday of the month was not as well attended as usual, due to many regulars being away on holidays. However, it was good to see Colin & Vickie again after a long absence while they’ve been working on their newly acquired house. We hope to see more of them now that they’ve moved in and most of the work is complete. Congratulations to Ivor & Alison for winning the bottle of wine, kindly donated by Simon and Natalie, for the shiniest Morgan in the car park.

The day dawned bright and sunny for Chris & Helen’s Summer Swansong Run on the last Sunday of the month. Twelve Morgans met at Swansea West services. We were joined by Emyr & Janet at our coffee stop at Ferryside, and then continued on our way through the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside and along the Towy valley for lunch, again at The Halfway. The run ended with an exhilarating sprint over the Black Mountains (within the speed limits of course). Thank you, Chris & Helen for organising a splendid day. Thanks also to Simon and Natalie for again donating a bottle of wine as the prize for a well presented Morgan, this time won by David & Jean. Congratulations.

Please inform Neil & Helen and Humphrey & Caroline if you intend being at their noggins. Also, Jackie needs to know if you are going to the Usk Christmas Dinner by December 6th at the latest.




December 2009
At the beginning of the month, a group of TaffMoggers was in the Charente and our secret correspondent sent the following report –

“Saturday morning and it was still dark as we left the ferry at Caen and headed for nearby Café Gondre at Pegasus Bridge for breakfast. After numerous croissants and several cups of strong coffee we headed south, guided by our trusty sat nav.

We arrived at Lyn and Graham Peek’s “Rose des Vents” near Cognac, in the Charente region, where we joined up with Paul, Lesley, Nigel and Max(ine). Both couples had already been in France for a week. Paul was exhausted after a week on the golf course and Nigel, on his first Morgan trip, had spent a week acclimatising in the Loire region.

Within a short time of our arrival we were tucking into food and drink followed in the evening by an excellent four-course meal prepared by Lyn. This was a foretaste of what was to come: a week of eating, drinking (in moderation!) and driving.

The daily drives were along routes suggested by Lyn and Graham and for these we were assisted by the copious notes that were provided, which were both thorough and informative. The problem was that some among us did not have time to read them properly before setting off and the week was one long mystery trip, always ending somewhere interesting. Among the highlights were the visit to Chateau Chesnel, where we were given a guided tour by the Comtesse de Roffignac, the Hennessey distillery in Cognac, and a visit to Rochefort where we met up with a group of ex-pat Morgan owners and saw a replica of the 18th Century frigate “Hermione” being built.

All too soon the week was over and we headed north for the ferry home. En route we stopped in the village of Beaussais for a comfort break. There being only one loo and a long queue the mayor kindly put his own convenience at our disposal! He also offered us a guided tour of the village but time was pressing on and we had to leave.

After stopping off in Saumur for lunch we set off again: well four cars did. Unfortunately Humphrey and Caroline’s car didn’t want to go home and had a sulk, being reluctant to start and misfiring when it did. Paul, Lesley, Tony, Pam, Nigel and Max had an earlier ferry to catch and they continued their journey leaving us to wait for assistance. After the now familiar trip on a low loader to a garage we managed to carry out some running repairs, thanks to the garage owner giving us the run of his workshop (it was a Saturday afternoon and the place was deserted). After an overnight stay in Saumur we continued our journey, uneventfully, back to South Wales the next day.

A big thank you to Paul and Les for organising a memorable trip. Where to next year?”

The noggin at Cottrell Park was a great success and we were delighted to see some members put in their first appearance for a long time. We shall be returning to this venue for noggins in February, March and April next year. Thanks to Simon & Natalie for providing the raffle prize.

The usual crowd enjoyed themselves at the Usk noggin and thanks go to David & Jean for providing the raffle prize.

Tony & Pam’s run started on time from Abergavenny when 9 Morgans and a tin-top set off along quiet Gwent roads to the Forest of Dean. It would have been 10 but Nigel had a pressing engagement and went home. It was good to see Des joining us for this run – it’s the first time we’ve seen him for quite a while. The weather wasn’t particularly kind to us, but most persevered with hoods down until the lunch stop. After an excellent lunch at the Harts Barn Craft Centre, Longhope, the run continued through the Forest of Dean, ending at Clearwell Caves, where a guided tour had been organised. Tony & Pam and Nick & Elizabeth stayed on for a cabaret concert in the caves. Many thanks to Tony & Pam for organising another interesting day.

The last noggin of the month (and the last at this venue for this year) was at The Halfway, Nantgaredig. Despite there being only ten of us, it was a very pleasant evening. Well done, Carol, not only for attending while suffering a broken foot and being on crutches but also for managing the stairs to the dining room. There were only two Morgans in the car park (well done Tony & Pam and Ray & Diane) and since both couples had already won Simon’s wine for best turned out car, he decided instead to donate two bottles to our Christmas raffle. Thanks to Simon & Natalie for their generosity throughout the year.

Don’t forget we will be returning to the Halfway on January 14th for our AGM and planning meeting. The club will be providing a buffet again this year, so please let me know by the end of December if you will be attending.

2009 has been another busy and successful year for TaffMog, due to the hard work of the members who have arranged runs and holidays and also hosted noggins. Our thanks go to everyone who has volunteered their services. Now is the time to get your thinking caps on and come along to the meeting in January with plenty of offers for organising runs and noggins again next year.

The noggin on December 10th will be held at Humphrey & Caroline’s home in Rhosili. Please let them know if you will be attending. The noggin at Usk on December 16th will be the usual Christmas Dinner. If you haven’t already done so, please let Jacqui know if you will be attending ASAP.

Best wishes to everyone for a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy and peaceful 2010– Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda.