January 2010

Happy New Year one and all from TaffMog.
The Ferndale soup kitchen was open on 12th November. To be more precise, Helen, helped a little by Neil, was serving freshly homemade cawl to the 30 or so TaffMoggers who turned up at their house for the noggin. The weather was grim, but that did nothing to deter David & Jean from driving all the way from Kington to the Rhondda in the +8. This appeared to have done great things for their appetites. Everyone else braved the elements in their tin-top. Those who hadn’t visited the chateau previously were treated to the customary tour, taking in the motorcycle museum and the snooker room. Thanks from us all to Neil & Helen for their great hospitality.

Well, it had to happen. Finally David & Jean left the Mog at home and arrived at the Usk Con Club in their tiptop. They must be congratulated on putting the rest of us to shame by turning up at every event, since joining us, in the +8 despite often atrocious weather and having to travel such a great distance.

We were very pleased to welcome Thelma back to the Usk noggin. She took advantage of Keith & Brenda’s kind offer of a lift and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. We hope to see more of her in 2010.

This report seems to be centred on David & Jean since I must also mention that they once again (!) won the raffle prize which had been kindly donated by Peter & Carol.

There was no run at the end of November as members were busy polishing their cars and shoes and straightening their dickies in readiness for TaffMog’s event of the year on the first weekend in December.

Registrations for the 2nd Wicked Welsh Weekend (28th/31st May) are coming in thick and fast. So, if you wish to come along, please register your intention with Paul & Lesley (tel: 01633 263574 email: trevorrick@gmail.com) and book your room directly with the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells, quoting “TaffMog Weekend” (01597 823700).

Finally, don’t forget this year’s AGM and planning meeting. Since a buffet is being provided, it is essential that, if you haven’t already done so, you let me know that you will be attending, as a matter of great urgency.





February 2010

The first weekend in December saw thirty TaffMog couples, together with some dear friends from far off England, converge on the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells for the annual Winter Weekend. This year we have Chris & Helen to thank for their valuable time, effort and travelling to make all the arrangements.

Fifty-five members arrived on the Friday and enjoyed an informal evening. After breakfast on the Saturday there was the choice of either a long or short run to Ludlow with its thriving market. Stuart & Jackie had a different agenda, however. It was back home to check on their rogue builder, or was it? They’d set out in their trusty 4/4 but returned in a sparkling new +4. The secret had been perfectly kept right to the end.

A light lunch of soup & sandwiches had been arranged at the Charleton Arms where we had a room of our own so that we would not disturb or offend any of the “proper clientele”. Luckily, the weather remained fine for our wanders around Ludlow, but that changed on the return journey, when it was back to the rain of recent weeks. There weren’t many mince pies or Welsh cakes remaining by 6pm so it was off to our rooms to prepare for the usual black tie evening. Well it was for most people. Stuart & Jackie didn’t fit into that group as they couldn’t get into their room – neither could the manager - and the maintenance man wasn’t due in until Monday! The situation was alleviated by smashing the door down so that our distraught members could prepare themselves – one at a time of course, while the other stood guard at the now open entrance to the room. An alternative room was found and the hapless pair arrived in the dining room a little late. Many members took serious advantage of the delay, enjoying extra drinking time. Others pondered further over Keith’s quiz. Who were those bright eyed and bushy tailed children whose photographs had been pasted on the board for all to see? It caused a great deal of discussion and amusement – especially when the results were announced. Thanks Keith for a very entertaining quiz. We’d like another one next year, please. Our Poetess Laureate, Caroline had again summed up the year’s activities in her, now traditional, Christmas Ode. We all look forward to this amusing start to the evening. Thank you Caroline. The meal was enjoyed by all, as was Chris’s slide show. Could this really have been his last? His presentations have always been enjoyed and much appreciated by those attending the Winter Weekend and it just wouldn’t be the same without them. He may well succumb to pressure, so it’s over to you, the members!

The raffle was back with a vengeance, thanks to Jackie and her helpers, Kay & Dianne, for the benefit of our two nominated charities – MacMillan Nurses receive £700 and the Gwent Sparkle Appeal, £760. These sums represent a lot of hard work and generosity of members throughout 2009. As well as our normal complement of prizes, we were fortunate, and grateful, to receive a number of prizes from The Factory. Thank you all.

The evening was a great success and on the Sunday morning most members showed little, if any, after effects. It was noted, however, that one member had his cooked breakfast in a cereal bowl instead of on a plate - noticed by everyone except the culprit himself.

After breakfast it was a relatively short run to the superb Abbey Cwm Hir where we enjoyed our conducted tour. Graham couldn’t manage it after hurting his back so he was carefully laid out in his room with the TV remote in his hand. Then it was back to the Metropole for a 3-course lunch before saying our fond farewells and heading home. Graham managed to join us for the lunch and we have since learned that he is recovering well – in fact, he’d recovered sufficiently to relieve Joan of the driving of the Mog on the way home. I wonder!

Thanks to Chris & Helen, once again for organising another super weekend.

December’s Thursday noggin was in the far West at Humphrey & Caroline’s home in Rhossili. Twenty intrepid members braved the dark night and even darker lanes of Gower to attend Caroline’s “Birthday Bash”. We had a most pleasant evening and it’s a big thank you to Humphrey and Caroline for their great hospitality.

Our very successful 2009 Programme was completed the following Wednesday with the Christmas meal at the Con Club in Usk, which was again organised by Jackie. Thanks, yet again! Steward Bob and his wife, Annette, have done a great job in looking after us throughout the year and we thank them for this.

By the time you read this we should have a full and varied programme for 2010. We look forward to another year of enjoying our Morgans and the company they afford.





March 2010

The weather got the better of us in January so the AGM, planned for the 14th, had to be postponed for a month.

The snow had cleared sufficiently by 20th for us to have a noggin at the Con Club in Usk. Understandably, there were no Morgans to be seen in the car park.

Newtown Motors of Cwmbran, our local Morgan dealers have organised a whisky tasting evening at Peterston Court, near Brecon for March 16th. All TaffMog members are invited but are requested to confirm their attendance with Peter Constable, tel: 01633 487260. Just up TaffMog’s street, I would think!

Registrations for the 2nd Wicked Welsh Weekend (28th/31st May) have been coming in thick and fast and we expect our full complement of rooms in the Metropole Hotel, Llandrindod Wells, to be booked soon.





April 2010

A good number of TaffMoggers attended the MSCC AGM, dinner/dance and spares fayre at the Abbey Hotel and enjoyed themselves to the full. I don’t know about Mike Smith being a plumber – more like a market trader, the way in which he disposed of all his spares!

The TaffMog AGM & planning meeting was finally held at Simon & Natalie Griffiths’ Halfway Inn on Thursday, 11th February. Forty-eight members attended, lured, I’m sure, by the buffet rather than the official business. Who could blame them because it was superb? There were only three Morgans in the car park and the one that was selected by Simon’s staff to receive the prize belongs to Nigel Parker. He’s a lucky chap because he also won second prize in the raffle; the first prize, a meal for two, which was donated by Simon & Natalie, was won by Neil & Helen. Many thanks to Simon & Natalie for the superb buffet and for the prizes that they donated.

Life is full of surprises, as they say, and the incumbent officers were returned unopposed, with Jackie being voted in as third signatory on the chequebook. The rest of the official business was dealt with, and then it was down to the planning. By the end of the evening we had produced a full programme for 2010 and are looking forward to another enjoyable year. Thank you to all who have offered to organise events.

The Mellington Hall weekend, organised by Tony, Pam and Adrian was most enjoyable. Dianne and I were unable to travel to Mid-Wales with the rest of the party and by the time we arrived at the hotel the four Morgans in the car park (belonging to Tony, Pam & Adrian, Stuart & Jackie, Denis & Liz and Nick & Elizabeth) had all been bathed and were tucked up cosily for the night. We let the side down, being in our tin top. As we enjoyed our dinner we wondered whether we would be able to enjoy the scenic run that had been planned for the following day because the snow started to come down thick and fast. However, the Saturday dawned bright and clear. After cleaning the snow off the cars and negotiating the slippery drive, we were able to enjoy the snowy, picturesque scenery of the Welsh Marches on clear, ice-free roads.

Our first stop of the day was the Severn Valley railway depot, south of Bridgenorth, where the engines and carriages on display were well worth the visit - as was the restaurant, where we refuelled with coffee and cakes before carrying on to Stokesay Castle. More coffee and cakes kept up well stoked up to ward off the cold before we took the audio guide around this fascinating castle. The day ended with a delightful run back to the hotel. Well done everyone for having hoods down throughout the day.

We woke on Sunday morning to find that more snow had fallen during the night, but again, after slipping and sliding along the drive, the main roads were clear. Unfortunately, due to a family birthday celebration, Dianne and I had to set off home, but the rest of the group again enjoyed a lovely day’s drive before finally arriving at The Honey Cafe in Bronllys for dinner. The cafe lived up to its reputation for good food, with Stuart being particularly impressed with his chocolate desert. Thank you Tony, Pam & Adrian for all your hard work in organising the weekend.

Despite being a week later than usual, the Usk noggin was very well attended. Keith & Brenda proudly showed off pictures of their new +4 which they have recently purchased to replace their +8. I can feel a ‘Dai Cap’ run coming up shortly, when they’ll be able to show it off in the flesh (or should it be metal). We were sorry to hear that Jackie (Jones) has not been too well lately, and neither has Ronie. We send them both our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Details of Dianne’s Cake Break will be given closer to the date, but please let her know if you will be coming by Monday, April 19th - Tel: 01874 625620.





May 2010

The first noggin of the month, organised by Tony & Pam, was held at Cottrell Park Golf Club. It was good to see Gary there and also Mel, looking pretty good at his first noggin for some time. Suspicions should have been aroused when we were told that food had to be ordered by 7.30pm latest. They weren’t. We were caught out!The food service was prompt and efficient and the food itself was very good. However, at 8.55pm we were told that we had 5 minutes left in which to order drinks because the bar was closing at 9pm. It did - dead on time. Not even a cup of coffee was available for the rest of the evening, even though there was staff in attendance. This is NOT the place for a noggin on a winter evening.

Keith & Brenda arranged an impromptu run on Tuesday, 16th March when we met at The Weir, a National Trust property near Hereford. Dianne & I had a lift with Chris & Helen in their new tin-top while everyone else made the most of the sunshine with the hoods down. We had a picnic of coffee with cake and biscuits as well as the odd chocolate then wandered around the grounds for an hour or so, enjoying the wonderful display of snowdrops, before following Keith on a scenic run to our lunch stop. Not the one he had previously planned, as it was closed. Instead, we went to the Riverside at Aymestrey, where we met up with another pair of tin-toppers, Rob & Kay. This was a delightful little pub, which was very busy for lunch but managed to seat us all, though not together. The scenic route continued after lunch until individuals peeled off at appropriate points to head for home. Thanks to Keith & Brenda for a very pleasant day.

The Usk noggin on the 17th was well attended but there were only 12 of us at the Halfway in Nantgaredig on the 26th. Tony & Pam won Simon’s bottle of wine for the favourite Morgan in the car park. The second time they’ve won this, albeit with different cars.

Jackie and Stuart’s skittles evening proved popular again this year, although the miserable weather put paid to a scenic run beforehand. Brenda won the competition in a play-off against Jackie K, with Jackie H winning the wooden spoon. Thanks both for another well-organised and enjoyable evening.

Don’t forget to arrive as early as you can for the Pencoed Show on the 9th and please let Carl & Jean know if you intend going along to their noggin on the 13th.





June 2010

Well, at least the bar stayed open until 11pm for the noggin at Cottrell Park, unlike last month. Attendance was down, however. Only to be expected. Well done Tony & Pam for turning up in the Morgan on such a cold evening. Members will be given details of the noggin on June 10th as soon as a venue has been arranged.

There was an excellent turnout for the Usk noggin, although Dianne was at home wrapped in blankets and hot water bottles, while Rob & Kay were in Devon, rather than Florence. Work that one out. It was a beautiful evening and it was good to see so many turning up in their Morgans.

There were several notable absentees from the Nantgaredig noggin due to holiday commitments – well it was the Bank Holiday weekend. Emyr & Janet won Simon’s bottle of wine for the most beautiful Morgan in the car park. They needn’t feel guilty about it!

The intransigence of the Royal Navy meant that Dianne and I had to be in Plymouth on 24th/25th April and so had to cancel her run of 25th. However, Keith & Brenda stepped in with a replacement run on 2nd May. Their bank holiday "Fore & Aft" special run started with a short visit to Thornbury stopping at the impressive St Mary The Virgin church, the main feature, which is an important landmark, is the tower measuring 130 feet and housing 8 bells dating from 1698. From the present chancel dating back to about 1340, the church offers a wealth of historical architectural details as it was rebuilt or restored through the centuries to its last restoration in 1988. The run then meandered through the western Cotswold's with far reaching views of Berkeley Vale before our lunch stop at the Sharpness Lock picnic centre.

The highlight of the day was at Purton to meet up with local Marine Historian Paul Barnett. Led by Paul, we set off on a "walk and talk" guided tour through the remains of the Purton Hulks, a fascinating and informative narrative delivered with a mariner’s sense of humour. We continued the run following the Sharpness Canal through rolling countryside to Whitminster where an excellent carvery awaited the starving Taff Moggers at the Fromebridge Mill restaurant. This pub with parts dating back to 1086 was in use as a flour mill until the 1960's and is in a picturesque setting with river and weir.

Please let Staurt & Jackie know if you will be attending their barbecue after the Tredegar House Rally on June 13th.





July 2010

The Pencoed Show on 9th May was a great success, with a good turnout of TaffMoggers enjoying the day. The gazebo was delivered to the site by Carl and was soon erected. It was dry all day but a chilly breeze ensured that the gazebo was put to full use. Our Morgan stand didn’t win the (not quite coveted) club stand prize, which, strangely again, went to the judge’s own club! However, we were mentioned as being a close second.

The Thursday noggin in May was generously hosted by Carl & Jean. There was a good turnout of members who thoroughly enjoyed the convivial evening, not to mention the sausages and mash and the array of delicious desserts. Thank you both for your hospitality.

The Usk noggin on the 2nd Wednesday is always well attended and May’s was no exception. We were joined by Phil & Julie Cripps on their first meeting with TaffMog and we hope to see a lot more of them in future.

The second Wicked Welsh Weekend over the Bank Holiday proved very popular with 59 cars in attendance, travelling from the length and breadth of the country. Several couples were making their second appearance at this event – either because they’d so enjoyed the first time or because they couldn’t believe how bad it was and they wanted to make sure. Of course, it was for the former reason! Hans & Joke Spaans travelled the greatest distance (from the Netherlands) to be with us and will return home with a genuine impression of Welsh sheep (on their car rather than their minds!).

It was a pleasure for TaffMog to welcome so many to this little part of Wales and we were pleased to hear their positive comments about the weekend. We are grateful to Paul & Lesley, (but particularly Lesley, since Paul has had the misfortune to turn his back on retirement) for all their hard work and excellent organisation, which ensured the weekend’s success.

Same time, same place next year! We look forward to seeing friends old and new.





August 2010

We had a good turnout for the noggin at the Barley Mow and welcomed new members, Les & Pauline Neville. We look forward to seeing them on some of our runs.

The weather was excellent for the Classic Car Run from Tredegar House and this year we were joined by Mollie & Brian for the first time. The run took us over some roads that Dianne & I hadn’t been on before and we couldn’t fail to appreciate the beauty of our own countryside. Chateau Griffiths was on the route and we arrived just as Neil was returning from a run on his Carl Fogarty Ducati. We were welcomed in by Neil & Helen for a pleasant chat and a refreshing coffee. Lunch was effectively in our own backyard at the National Park Visitor Centre in Libanus, before completing the run back at Tredegar House for the obligatory cream tea.

Eighteen Morgans graced our club stand on the Sunday and everyone had a great day. Denis was in his element when he appeared back at the centre gazebo with some odd-looking plastic items and a broad smile. Liz looked appropriately puzzled. The weather forecast was spot on and it remained dry until 4.15pm. Then it was a downpour and a mad rush to leave, foiled by a breakdown that blocked the exit for about 20min. After that, most of us made our way to Stuart & Jackie’s where Jackie had been working hard to prepare a feast for us. It was a little different this year with professional cook Nigel in total control of the BBQ and a good job he did too. Honorary TaffMoggers, Hans & Joke Spaans from the Netherlands, were there with Paul & Les. They’d originally come over for the Wicked Welsh event a fortnight earlier but were obviously enjoying themselves too much to go home. We won’t mention a word about that poor, sacred, Welsh sheep on a lonely hillside! Thank you, Stuart & Jackie, for your kind hospitality.

There were a number of new faces at the Usk noggin. Robin Harries, a new TaffMogger soon made himself at home. He’ll fit in. Also, Peter and Theresa Constable brought along Bob Lloyd and his son, Brian, from Bristol. Bob had recently acquired his new +4 from Newtown Motors and he came along to suss out what we get up to on our side of the Severn. They went home with smiles on their faces, so they may be back.

Without exception, the TaffMog members who went to Buxton had a great time and were justifiably impressed with the area. All the hard work that went into organising the event is greatly appreciated.

The numbers were back up at the Nantgaredig noggin with most of the regulars in attendance and the superb weather ensured that we were all in our Mogs. It was the first time we’d seen Colin & Vicky for a while so they caught up with all the news and went home with Simon’s bottle of wine.

David & Jean joined Dianne & myself at the Shobdon Food and Flower Festival where we were given free entry by joining, or rather forming, the classic car display. The weather was excellent as was the event.

The Longest Day Run, organised by David & Jean, was worthy of the title. It was the first event they’d organised for TaffMog and we sincerely hope it won’t be the last. The start was delayed somewhat by a traffic jam at a local car boot sale. John & Glenda were stuck in that – they were NOT LOST, as someone unkindly suggested. Stuart & Jackie didn’t arrive at the start but managed to get the message through that the dreaded fuel pump gremlin had struck again. They’re making sure that their shares in Morgan Rescue are doing well. Tony & Pam took advantage of the fine weather by removing the windscreen and fitting the aero screens – pity they forgot about the tax disc!

The run took us along open and, in one case, closed Welsh roads. We pushed our luck in blissfully passing three signs that said ROAD CLOSED AHEAD but eventually, we had to pay the price and double back on a detour. We arrived at Moccas a little later than anticipated. However, the ladies of the local WI were most welcoming having opened the village hall and prepared tea/coffee and biscuits for our elevenses.

Super roads with fantastic views led us to our lunch stop at Caer Berris Manor where we were joined by Stuart & Jackie in the tin top. A quick, informal committee meeting allowed them to eat with us. Suitably replete, we continued to enjoy the run. Later, rather than sooner, we reached our final destination, the Dragon Inn at Crickhowell. What can I say? The sponge, bara brith, Welsh cakes and scones were superb and plentiful, as was the tea and coffee. All in all, it was an excellent day. Thank you David & Jean, for your time and effort in organising such an enjoyable event.

We have been invited to display our cars at the Three Cocks Steam and Vintage Rally to be held at Boatside Farm, Hay on Wye on August 8th. If you haven’t registered with me for this event, you may still want to come along as it promises to be a good day out with the world record steam car on display, as well as Runningblade, which recently broke the world land speed record for a lawnmower at Pendine Sands and plenty of other attractions.

Please note: the noggin on 12th August will be at The Barley Mow, Craig Penllyne. If you intend eating here, please let me know by Monday, 9th.





September 2010

The 2nd Thursday of July saw a crowd of voracious TaffMoggers descending on the home of Humphrey & Caroline at Rhossili. The weather was excellent and all except one couple arrived in their Mog. The culprit is the author. He tried, with little success to put forward his reason. We sat out on the patio until late, enjoying the glorious views and the sumptuous buffet. Thank you both for a most pleasant evening.

We don’t normally have two runs in any one month but how can one turn down Keith when he’s in full swing? He and Brenda organised a run to Bristol and a tour of the SS Great Britain led by Brunel himself – well, a lookalike anyway. Twelve Morgans, including Tony & Jen Ryall for the first time, and two tin tops met at Magor services and set off in pursuit of Keith & Brenda for the short run to Bristol. We only just had time for a coffee (because the service was so slow) before meeting Mr. Brunel at the stern of the ship. He entertained us with a lively and amusing talk about the history of this great vessel. Most enjoyable. Afterwards, we set off for our late lunch at the Walton Park Hotel, Clevedon. No need for a convoy as Keith & Brenda had provided quite explicit directions. The trouble was that Carol said, “turn right” and Peter promptly turned left -and we thought that their navigation had been improving. Obviously not! However, they arrived in time for lunch so it all turned out well in the end. Thanks to Keith & Brenda for organising the day.

Not many TaffMoggers made it to Madresfield, I’m afraid to say but, our honorary member, Geoff can be relied upon to keep his end up and came 2nd to Greg Dixon Smith in the +4 class. Could do better!

Dave & Kay, safely back from Le Mans, organised a short scenic run through the Gwent countryside before the noggin on 21st July. Bob Lloyd and his son, Brian, turned up again, all the way from Bristol. Unfortunately a mishap en route meant they had to return home so they were unable to join us on the run. New member, Robin Harries brought a friend along in his new pristine +4. The skies looked threatening at the outset but the hoods were down and off we set. It was an exhilarating run with the tail-enders having to put their foot down to keep up. About a quarter of an hour from the Con Club, the heavens opened. The usual dilemma – put the hood up and get soaked in the process or just go for it. We went for it! Well, all but two couples who struggled with their easy-up hoods. On our return we were pleased to see Chris & Helen getting tucked in to their meal. It’s good to see Chris getting back to top form after his surgery. We were also pleased to see Thelma, who’d come along with Keith & Brenda. Thanks go to Dave & Kay for leading us on a pleasant run and for their challenging, yet entertaining, quiz.

Fifteen Morgans arrived at the Penllergaer services, J47 of the M4 on Sunday, 25th July for a run around the glorious Welsh countryside. The route was organised by Emyr & Janet, well, Janet really with Emyr just nodding in agreement. We set off at 11.30 am but weren’t supposed to be at our destination, Simon & Natalie’s house until 6pm. How do you make a run of 57 miles last 61/2 hours? Simple really. You cater for all those members with prostate problems by visiting all the comfort stops in the area – job done! Surprisingly, we travelled along some roads that were new to Neil. The sun shone brightly and the cars and their occupants behaved impeccably, even on the A4069! We had a pleasant stop at Carreg Cennen Castle where many of us climbed the crag to the castle so that we wouldn’t feel too guilty about the cream tea afterwards. When we eventually arrived at Simon & Natalie’s they were well prepared for us with an endless supply of drinks, a choice of curry or salad with a lovely Eton mess to follow. All this was enjoyed to the accompaniment of a young, but most proficient quartet. It was an excellent day out and a big thank you goes to Janet & Emyr for the run and to Simon & Natalie for their gracious hospitality.

The noggin at the Halfway, Nantgaredig was a great and most pleasant surprise, organised by Caroline & Jackie. Many members, including quite a few who don’t normally venture that far west, were present to help Dianne and myself kick off the celebrations to mark our Ruby Wedding Anniversary. We were delighted and are very appreciative of everyone’s best wishes, gifts and cards, as well as the delicious cake that Natalie had made. Thank you, one and all.

We shared the evening with Gary & Kath who were also celebrating their Ruby Wedding Anniversary that weekend and they too wish to pass on their thanks to TaffMog for all the good wishes they received.





October 2010

The Three Cocks Vintage & Steam Rally was a magnificent affair with plenty to keep everyone interested all day long. We had four cars from TaffMog as well as David Harman from Hereford who joined us in his 3-wheeler to augment the numbers. Keith & Brenda and David & Jean also put in an appearance, though not in their Mogs. We were pleased to see George’s daughter, Julie who called by to say “Hello”. She told us that she’d taken the +8 out a few times but needed some encouragement to use it more often. We obviously need a scenic run in the Glasbury/Hay area!

A word of warning to anyone who fancies this event next year – the two unavoidable sleeping policemen are absolutely lethal, at all speeds and angles of approach. My poor sump!

The noggin at the Barley Mow on 12th August was a great success and we were pleased to meet three couples for the first time - Peter & Sarah, Malcolm & Gill and Ross & Maureen, who, for some reason, turned up in a Z3. We were all on our best behaviour so we should see them all again!

Friday the 13th dawned with no obvious signs of portent and some of us set off to join OffaMog on their visit to the Westonbury Mill Water gardens at Pembridge in Herefordshire. We thought it was an ideal opportunity to support the new centre, as we had always wanted to visit these gardens. We received a warm welcome and look forward to seeing them again.

The usual crowd enjoyed themselves, as well as the food, at the Con Club in Usk, although Brian & Mollie were absent. They were enjoying the Cornish countryside, no doubt. I’m sure, had they been present, there would have been one Morgan in the car park! The weather was to blame, so everyone said.

A lack of response (strange for TaffMog) meant that Neil & Helen had to cancel their North Wales adventure over the Bank holiday weekend. No one stepped into the breech so there was no organised run at the end of August. Well, who wants to be out on the roads on a Bank holiday anyway?





November 2010

A number of TaffMoggers again went north to thoroughly enjoy the Morgans at Windermere event. Interestingly, they bumped into another TaffMog member who’d never been seen until then – Brian Jones from Treharris. He was convinced of what a wonderful group we are and has since committed himself to next year’s Wicked Welsh. Let’s hope we see him before then!

The Pembrokeshire County Run was again held over the same weekend as Windermere and consequently suffered a much-reduced turnout of TaffMoggers.

Five couples attended the noggin at The Barley Mow, Craig Penllyn. It seems to be a good venue for future noggins in that area with a wide variety of meals at sensible prices.

Eight couples travelled down to Goodwood for the Revival. As ever, everyone enjoyed dressing for the occasion and, of course, observing closely the period attire of others. Some of us found out about the cricket match at Goodwood House on the Thursday afternoon. All the drivers were present, as were a number of “celebs” and, with the never-ending supply of refreshments and a brilliant Spitfire aerial display it proved to be an excellent afternoon. The Revival event itself was also superb with some spectacular racing and a fitting tribute to John Surtees. It was really good to see Sterling Moss in such good condition after his unfortunate accident earlier this year.

The Nantgaredig noggin was very well attended and we were pleased to present Simon & Natalie with some TaffMog regalia as a thank you for looking after us so well. Simon then went home early to relieve his Dad, the baby-sitter. Unfortunately, he took the keys of the upper car park with him after locking the barrier with my car still there. The rest of our members then set off home blissfully unaware that they’d left Dianne & myself to camp out in the car park overnight. Well, that’s what would have happened if Natalie hadn’t still been there and managed to find a spare set of keys. Lower car park only in future!

It was a glorious day for Ivor & Alison’s run on the 26th, although very cold in the morning. David & Jean arrived at the Crosshands Little Chef frozen stiff in their newly acquired 4/4 (previously belonging to Bernard Williams of the Midland Centre). They couldn’t find the switch for the heater fan! Once the elusive switch – squarely in the middle of the dash - was revealed to them they were able to defrost as the day wore on.

As usual, Ivor & Alison had prepared an interesting run. They’d even produced detailed route instructions. However, these were best ignored. The authors themselves didn’t seem to take a lot of notice of them either! The run took us to Newcastle Emlyn for a coffee stop and then on to the Webley Hotel near Poppett Sands for lunch. Here, Neil had “pallipatations” (Rhondda dialect!) as he reminisced about some earlier life-threatening incident. Colin & Vicky set off home from here while the rest of us continued on to the place of interest – Y Felin, a working water mill at St. Dogmael’s.

We were shown around by an enthusiastic young lad. He knew all the answers to our questions and actually ground some wheat for us. Then it was off again for a short stop and a tasting, of course, at a micro-brewery. The owner had recently set up this business with the proceeds from the sale of his livestock – all apart from a couple of pigs. Tony & Pam’s 4 seater refused to start and had to be given a helping hand – a number of helping hands actually. It burst into life and kept going long enough to get them home before finally giving up the ghost. The run continued on to Rosebush for tea and everyone agreed that they’d had a great day out. Thank you, Ivor & Alison, for the organisation and a very enjoyable day.

The Usk noggin had to be delayed until the end of the month but this didn’t deter the usual crowd. For some reason, though, Rob & Kay preferred to be in Florence!

Sadly, we lost a very popular and active member of TaffMog this month with the untimely death of Christopher Morgan, Chris, as we all knew him. He was well liked and respected by us all as evidenced by the attendance at his funeral in Bridgend of almost 50 TaffMoggers, past and present. He would have been thrilled to see 16 Morgans in the cortege joining him on his final journey. His passing will leave a void in the life of TaffMog. Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife, Helen and their children, Joanne, Claire and Ben.





December 2010

The Barley Mow noggin was enjoyed by those who attended, as was the Usk noggin the following week. The noggin on the 29th was the last at Nantgaredig for 2010. We look forward to resuming these early in the new year.

Some of the usual crowd were missing from the Halfway noggin. However, the turnout was quite good and we welcomed Phil Harry to his first noggin. As is customary, with no heed to the weather, he turned up in his Morgan. He was appropriately rewarded with a bottle of wine from Simon & Natalie for having the best turned out Morgan in the car park. It was the only Morgan in the car park! This was not a bribe to get him to come again as we simply expect our jovial nature to do that! It appeared, at first, that Emyr had shaved off the beard– but on closer inspection, it turned out to be his son, Dylan, who’d accompanied Janet while Emyr revelled in an obviously serious bout of “Man-flu”. Dylan is a real chip off the old block and made himself at home with no difficulty. All he needs to do now is get rid of that Vauxhall thingy and buy a Morgan!

The last monthly run of the year was Carl & Jean’s Hallowe’en Run. Thirty of us turned up in thirteen Morgans and a tintop at the appointed time in Morrison’s car park in Carmarthen, all having remembered to put the clocks back. It was raining slightly as we left the car park and headed for The Nag’s Head, Abercych, for a coffee stop with excellent bacon sandwiches. The service was faultless. Henry Ford’s production line couldn’t have matched this place. We then continued on via Cardigan and Aberaeron to Tregaron for lunch. This was such a leisurely affair that there weren’t many hours of daylight remaining by the time we’d all finished. The group dispersed from here, with some heading home while the hardy members continued on to Rhayader and around the Elan valley where they were rewarded with a glorious sunset and a wealth of Autumnal colours. (Quite poetic that!). Thank you to Carl & Jean for organising the day.

2010 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 and appreciation go to everyone who has volunteered their services.

It is the time for me to remind you about the AGM in January. As usual, we are looking for nominations of willing members for the positions of secretary and treasurer. The incumbents are prepared to continue if necessary. Also, you need to be thinking about the interesting runs and events that you are going to offer to organise for next year.

It would be good to have some fresh input into this, the most important aspect, of centre activity. So, if you’ve never organised an event before, or you haven’t for some time, now’s your chance.

The noggin on December 9th which was due to be held in Nick & Elizabeth’s will now be held at Kathryn’s home. Please let them know, well beforehand, if you will be attending. (Tel: 02920 758816)

The noggin at Usk on December 15th will be the usual Christmas Dinner. If you haven’t already done so, please let Jackie know if you will be attending ASAP. Her number is 01633 213756.

Best wishes to everyone for a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy and peaceful 2011– Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda.