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.