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.
,br/> 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 the 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, the group 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. The run continued, 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.