Page 49 - MM_Sep Oct 2021

South Cheshire Syd Rimmer
Some of our members were delighted to attend the North Wales meeting at Tweedmill Shopping Outlet in Saint Asaph, combined with a trip to the ‘50s Museum, Cae Dai Trust, Denbigh. It was a super day out shared with our NW friends.
Because the MMOC Picnic in the Park was
a Sunday affair, our members arrived at various times over the weekend, rather than in our usual rally convoy. Sunday morning saw a big change in the weather. It was cold and damp as we set off for the picnic. It was quite early so we were on the front row of cars. As the time passed
it was uplifting to see more cars arriving onto the field. It brought back memories of bygone rallies. It was good to catch up with all our moggy friends from other branches and we
saw some lovely cars.
Our first live branch meeting for some time was scheduled for July, at the Tollemache Arms, Alpraham, Tarporley, CW6 9JE where hopefully, they were able to fit us in for future regular meetings. We also held a low-key branch rally at Blakemere Craft Village on August 15.
Branch Contact: Syd Rimmer
07484 182426, sydrimmer@hotmail.com
AREA 2
East Midlands
Leicestershire Owen Wright
In the June evening sunshine, we were able to gang up again at The Midland Railway Hotel, Syston, with a full array of Minors on the carpark. It was a joy to again indulge in the simple pleasures of meeting up for an evening
natter now that we’ve all been double-jabbed. We then had representation at the National rally picnic at Kelmarsh and it’s been a while since our banner has been raised anywhere. As the heatwave continued to rise in July it was a good time to have a ‘bonnets up’ night, at least to let the engines cool down and welcome some new members, who brought along some really excellent cars.
Branch Contact: John Hales
01509 813507, j.l.hales@btinternet.com www.leicestershiremorrisminorownersclub.org
Lincolnshire Bob Fletcher
I am pleased to be able to report that the Lincs Branch is now out of hibernation and getting out and about once more. At the beginning of June some of our members attended a local rally at a walled garden where more than 100 cars of all types and ages attended. Roger and Pat Buck’s car was one of those chosen for the display arena. We also supported the National picnic at Kelmarsh while carrying on the
food theme we had a ‘socially distanced’ BBQ thanks to Sandy and Rosie Hamilton where the weather behaved in spite of heavy showers all around.
We will shortly be holding our first Treasure Hunt in two years and we also have plans
to support other local events. Now that the restrictions have been lifted we are planning our first indoor gathering. We always welcome anyone interested in Minors to get in touch but please give Dave a ring first so he can give you the full details.
Branch Contact: David Charysz
01522 868437, dcharysz@btinternet.com www.theminorsite.mmoc.org.uk
Northants John Turner
At last I can say that our branch has had a busy few months. We had the second part of our Morris Minor villages tour organised by Adrian and Pat finishing with a socially distanced picnic at Harrold Country Park. Our June run started and finished at our meeting venue, the Overstone Manor. It has a large covered outdoor area with lighting and heating, so we were able to enjoy a drink at the end of the run. Another
Northants run
Sunday run was organised by Dave and Eve
on one of the hottest days of the year, ending at Thurleigh. The weather turned much cooler for the Kelmarsh picnic but 25 of our members enjoyed this successful weekend.
Our ‘welcome back’ buffet at the Overstone Manor was meant to be in July but had to be postponed because of a certain football match. Instead, we organised a fish and chip run for the following Wednesday where 13 Morris Minors (including an original 1930s Minor) and over 20 of our members sat down for fish and chips. This was followed by an hour’s run to the Bell at Odell for a drink on a lovely summer’s evening. This is what we have been missing over these long, difficult Covid-19 months!
Branch Contact: John Turner 01933 680695, john@eandjt.co.uk www.northants.mmoc.org.uk
AREA 3
The South East
North London & Middlesex
David Pittman
While the weather was not of the best, our first foray into the ‘relaxed’ world was to the Leighton Buzzard Railway at the end of June. Inevitably, Covid-19 rules applied, but the railway management was nevertheless happy with the number of vehicles on display.
In spite of overcast skies on our first meeting back at Whitewebbs Museum on
July 8, 12 Minors lined up, including two new members. While July has been otherwise quiet, we have been out to some of our usual events and shows in August, including the Uttlesford Branch Rally at Saffron Walden.
At the time of writing, after further easing of the rules, we have confirmation that our rally at Capel Manor (pre-book only) and the Classic Car Show will go ahead on 5 September,
details from the website to book on line. Also confirmed is Whitewebbs Museum Morris Minor Day on Sunday September 26, so a busy couple of months ahead. We look forward to seeing old friends again, hopefully all in good health.
Branch Contact: Roger Burrows 07768 734339, Mrs. C. Burrows, NLM MMOC, 271, The Ridgeway, Enfield, EN2 8AL christineburrows@btinternet.com www.nlm-mmoc.org.uk
Leicestershire Branch attended the National Rally picnic at Kelmarsh Hall
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