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 8^th. 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 12^th August will be at The Barley Mow, Craig Penllyne. If you intend eating here, please let me know by Monday, 9^th.