Roadster 100's Run for the Hills - Malvern 2017 - Day 1

Roadster 100's Run for the Hills - Malvern 2017

Day 1

Friday 25th August was travelling day for most of us visitors to the event in Malvern, Worcestershire.

Having had a awful journey lasting 5 hour within quite a few tailbacks of almost stationary traffic I was also blessed with a Battery which had failed just after leaving home.

I needed to get to the Friday Factory Open Day before closure as I needed to purchase a new Banner Battery and where better to obtain one.

My first photo opportunity came as I relax a little at red traffic lights just as I was leaving Upton on Severn so too the opportunity to have a go at one of my overhead shots of the famous tower there. It worked well.

 When I arrived at the factory This Parking field was Bumber to Bumper, full of Morgans.

Once I had purchased my new battery, many of them had left for their accommodation.

I needed to get on and eject the old one and fit this new one before I also was ejected.

Not the easiest of tasks on a hot afternoon.

 The Old Battery waiting to be collected.

 The New Battery there in the foreground, with most of the contents of the car, including the Tool tray, scattered on the grass out of frame.

 Once fitted and working I quickly re fitted everything and filled the spaces with my luggage, Banner etc. etc. and quickly headed for the Visitors Centre Café.

The kind ladies there made me this oh so welcome mug of coffee.

I had unfortunately missed the food they had sold and I also missed the last of the Factory Tours.
I must make another visit for that pleasure sometime soon, hopefully.

 Empty Seats in Empty Halls.

I did spot this interesting Book Advert.
I must try and obtain a copy as I have been involved in both now. 

People were still buying in the New Shop opened here.
Therefore, a few photos to give you a flavour if you have not been there yet.

The Three Wheeler has been moved into this corner from the museum next door.

 A popular corner for relaxed discussion - bound to be occupied during buy times.

 The opposite side of the shop viewed from the rear.

A display of some of the Dampers in use.

The Visitor Centre Entrance 

 The last few Cars are still leaving as I reboard my own car.

 A quick reverse in front of the entrance door for a photo and then away to the hotel.

 I have always wanted to have this photo taken here.
I pull up opposite the  'Pickersleigh Avenue' sign and nip across the road.

And here it is. Outside of the Original Pickersleigh Factory Door

At our Hotel, Morgans are gathering and have been prepared for the night.

The superb weather would prove that the rain covers were not needed.

These are 3 of our 4 Roadster 100's staying here with the Hotel Annex visible at the rear.

Not part of our group.

The Cottage Annex with two Dog Friendly rooms, I was later told.

Gerald and I heading for the main building, 

As has become my tradition, I have to photograph the facilities.

 The bedroom with bed which will soon prove to be very comfortable.

The en suite shower room - perfect for me but Ann, if she were here would prefer a Bath. 

The view from the bedroom. I would later find the Binoculars located in a chest of drawers.

Back outside again, the view from the Hotel looks across the Severn Valley with the Three Counties Showground.
Our venue for the event, in the foreground.

This 1950's 4/4 four Seater was fully restored by its owner here over 40 years ago after recovering it from Jersey.

This 'Lawrence Tune' Racing engine only achieves 18 MPG and the car has only travelled just over 8k miles during that time.

Morgan Legend Chris Lawrence will be celebrated during the event with a diplay of some of his Racing Car developments.

The next morning ' preparation ' of Frog Mog by Nola is the order of the day.

Member 'Sam' has provided what will prove to be his 'Daily Bucket of Water' for the use of.

Sam & Gerald just cannot resist a lark about with that wet sponge.

Action Stations but Mary seems to doubt the need.

At the showground the double queue of Morgans stretched back to the gates and down the road.
We were told by a few owners that we should not worry about or Blenheim Jam.
This one was far worse.

Another of my Overhead shots proves the point, with Sam & Sue just behind me.

 Frog Mog with Terry & Nola are just following Same & Sue.

We are all heading for our pre identified Display Location.

However, Sods Law prevails and we are sent to a different location nearby.

We were soon forming our line and Terry speedily erected the new Flag Banner.

Robert and Gerald help relocate the Flag as our line increases 

A Gleaming line of Ten Roadster 100's Hoods Down all enjoying the warm Worcestershire sun.

Carol & Robert enjoy their Picnic Lunch.

Blowing our own Trumpet with our bright new Flag and Register Banners 

A Very Special man - another Robert is one of the Morgan Factory Volunteer Tour Guides

Robert, is third from the left, seen the day before with his colleague volunteers during a retirement presentation for John Stride (Jays) following a busy day giving free factory tours to the RFTH visitors.

Ah! and here he comes, proudly leading the Three Wheeler Cavalcade.

It has made its way through Malvern all the way from the Morgan Factory.

Heading the group is Managing Director Steve Morris driving the All Electric MV3

Models from the current M3W's

To some of the very Oldest Models that HFS Morgan built in the town.

I have stopped for you so please take a photo.

Past and Present together.

On and On they came and went.

Too busy taking photos I forgot to count how many?

Nearing the end

The Original flat rad 'Runabouts'

A Water-cooled Model

And another.. brining up the rear.

And then they all came back again. Meanwhile the queue to get in grew longer & longer.

The Artist 'Popbang Colour' in his own wrapped artwork.

Scary Headlights on The Grim Reaper.

We managed to gather our group of Roadster 100's in line here thanks to Carol & Robert staking our claim as organised.

Gwyn & Joan here just arriving.

Everyone else seemed to be miles away, but that would soon change when the rest arrive.

 Roberts photo of his Golden Oldie is a replica of the first Morgan built by HFS Morgan. It is usually on show in the Factory Museum and was built by its owner Steve Webb, the Museum Manager and Morgan Archivist.

Terry caught its driver here bringing it right up to date with his ear to his Mobile Phone.

It could be seen buzzing about all over the weekend driven by Steve sporting his Striped Blazer and Reverse Cap

In the Arena:

Already in the Live Action Arena the first of three displays by the Bold Dog Motorcycle Display Team was in action with one of many of these crazy leaps up into the sky

The Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides provided a colourful background with the occasional Whoosh of the burner to add to the fun.

The stage was set for the many activities headed by the Worcester Male Voice Choir later in the afternoon.

The Ferrari Wagon with its six racing simulators was never unoccupied. 

Live Bodywork demonstrations would take place here including some Coopering from the Balvenie Whiskey Company.

Balvenie now have a 'Wood & Whiskey' connection with Morgan through their Beautiful Belvenie Morgan.

In this massive marquee relax on these innovative Morgan Tyre Seats and listen to the music or get a free haircut from Barbertown or some ladies beauty treatment. 

If you were really special, and were invited, you could also attend the VIP Drinks sessions on the left where the crowd has gathered.

Another Roadster 100 look alike on the Allon White Stand.

Our group reconvened at 1pm to share the distribution for 1000 advertising flyers for our next All Morgans' Day.

Sam here is ready but is enjoying the sound as he is distracted to play with John's Klaxon Hooter.

While Sam, John, Carol, Robert, Joan and Terry confer, I suddenly spot yet another quirk of the Roadster 100 which gathers some interest.

Both John's and Gwyn's cars have different badge locations than everyone else.

The 100 is set beneath the Roadster exactly as it is on our Car Badge. I will now have to investigate why the variation.

The study continues as Terry captures me taking the photo above.

This display, with photo opportunity, is to commemorate 1st WW Fighter Pilot Captain Albert Ball of the Royal Flying Corps.

He was a Morgan Owner who died and is interned as the only British person in a German Cemetery in France

Here pictured in his Morgan

I just had to chat with the Town Crier of Bromsgrove in his splendid regalia. He seemed to be a lost soul when I saw him previously.

Caught by Robert elsewhere in the showground.

Here he is later in full swing announcing the afternoons program activities

The Morgan Transport team were busy ferrying to & from the Car Park  

I spotted Peter Chapman, MSCC Chairman being interviewed, also showing on the large screens

I love this colourful poster of Ken Kilpatrick, the Popbang Colour Artist

Here he is seen at work surrounded by his array of paints, model cars and other paraphernalia he uses to create the effects

Using one of the Remote control cars to create a particular pattern.

Good Spatial Awareness need to participate successfully in the Auto Solo.

The Marshalls were doing a grand job keeping the flow of entrants in check.

I sense a little disappointment.

Miscellany Editor Charles Neal waiting his turn.

 It is great to see the fine display of cars created or tuned by the now legend Chris Lawrence.

Particularly this line of three of the six Morgans SLR's built by Chris.

 Also here is TOK258, that also legend Le Mans Class Winner now owned and raced by Keith Ahlers.

Two more Racing Flat Rads often seen during the annual competition round featured in the Club magazine.

The Morgan Historic register also put on a fine display of vintage Morgans.

Two beautiful Drophead Coupe's

 During the afternoon the Worcester Male Voice Choir provide a spectacular entertainment.

If only I had sound to go with the photos, so I have added an example from YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGmyjZmnAtk

Back at the Hotel we meet Keith Hofgartner, OxMog Secretary in his finery.

Keith & Rita are about to set off for the Gala Dinner in the Showground.

Rosemary & Chris have just arrived from Surrey to dine with our group before setting for home again.

Chris has delivered our sets of Roadster 100 Regalia as we meet to discuss All Morgans' Day planning.

Terry explains the features of a new Car Badge Design that we will be selecting during the weekend.
Gerald listens intently.

Down Below the Sun shines on the Three Counties Showground as preparations are underway for the gala and tomorrows activities.

Sadly, no one took a photo of our dining group.
Just the important stuff like Nola's desert.

And, Mary's Cheese Board.

More Run for the Hills in Tomorrows Blog.