Eighteen brave souls set off for Shropshire on Tuesday 16th April for a gastronomic and ultimately eventful journey down to Malvern.
First stop was Shropshire. Perilously close to Wales, the home of the 'will it/won't it be a 20 mph speed limit?' Some did venture over the border, but not for long!
Ellesmere was the first port of call. A charming little market town with several Mere's (lakes). this was a gentle introduction to the 3 days that followed.
Our first stopover was at The Bear in Hodnet, just outside Market Drayton. This was quite a find, and they looked after us really well. The 'staged photo' was initially spoiled by a pl*nker in a BMW parking right in the middle of a line of Jaguars. Luckilly by morning he had disappeared, and photo's were duly taken once Geoff had repositioned the XK into the vacant space. A great pub with superb rooms and we will be back!
Wednesday dawned clear and partly sunny. A 9.30 roll call for the photo shoot (see below) and off we went to Ludlow. Amazingly, we didn't seem to loose anyone en route. On the Recce with Nigel and Sue we got seriously off route and this required a change in the roadbook, aided by Google Streetview to check out suitability. They really do send the camera vans down all the country lanes (thankfully).
Coffee was taken at Ludlow Farm Shop where visits were made to replenish stocks of provisions (whether essential or not!). Then on to Ludlow for more food and appreciation of this very nice market town. The route down to Ludlow provided some great motoring (even if I do say so myself!). Amazingly there were no reports of anyone getting lost (well, no reports to me anyway!). Everyone seemed to enjoy the drive.
And then on to Malvern. The approach to Malvern was via 'B' roads as much as possible, and everyone arrived in time for pre-dinner drinks. This was followed by another excellent meal in the Hotel.
Thursday was the tour of the Morgan Factory. We were joined by Dave Hogwood and guest for the Factory Tour as Dave couldn't make the full trip.
As soon as we exited the cars in the car park we were assailed by a passer by accusing us all of trying to run him over. This was a scandalous accusation without merit, but we all got the same treatment so I assume he was jealous of our cars!
No sooner had we been seated for the introductory chat in the visitor centre, the Fire Alarm went off and we all had to evacuate the building! Poor Candy then tripped over a change in floor height, and once back home on friday this was diagnosed as a likely hairline fracture. We hope you get well soon Candy.
Eventually the tour commenced and the pictures (below) tell the story. What an Icon Morgan is and continues to be. Rita was really impressed by an Aero 8 in the factory (see photo) so perhaps Glyn will have to add to the fleet?
Thursday afternoon was 'free time'. Some of the ladies went to Cheltenham, or Hungerford, or Malvern. Nigel and Hartley headed for the Bugatti Museum at Prescott (see separate post) and Lionel and Brenda headed for a Boat Trip.
Thursday night saw another excellent meal at The Cotford Hotel. Unfortunately, Geoff and Angela had to return home after the Morgan Tour when Geoff's old war wound started playing up. Some say this dates back to The Somme, but this is unconfirmed. Get well soon Geoff. Roger did an impromptu 'end of event speech' which, without Geoff's script and more importantly Jokes, took only 3 minutes, which ensured everyone got to bed before midnight!!
Friday and time to head back home to Derbyshire. From the comments received, everyone seemed to enjoy the event and we look forward to our next trip away to the Forest of Bowland in October organised by Roger and Joan.
Photo credits: Ken Rawson, Roger Prince, Nigel Mitchell, Roger Wood, Mike Overend, Hartley Jenkinson
