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.