The Surrey Hills
Didn’t even know there was such a District as “Surrey Hills” – but now we do!
The weekend was superb – I didn't even hear a “Yes but” on anything from anyone in the group.
Everything wassuperbly organised for which we all say a big “Thank You”.
We now move onwards, and it was really fantastic to see so much enthusiasm for future events when we all chatted at Mole Valley Motors.
Well done R and C – you are both a credit to our R100 group.
Cheers – David Harris (Our Founder Member)
Comments made our Morgan Centenary Roadster 100 Register Founder after enjoying the weekend away for 10 Morgans organised by colleagues Chris & Rosemary Attwood.
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On the way there Ann & I stopped at the lovely Park Hatch Hotel near to the town of Cranleigh.
Parking in place number 08 was our 08
The Park Hatch, Cranleigh
The Burford Bridge Hotel
The Burford Bridge Hotel near Dorking in Surrey was the base the second of our lovely Register Weekends away.
This year Chris and Rosemary Attwood organised the event in their ideal location of the famous Surrey Hills.
Just after lunch on Friday we were all gathering at the Hotel and neatly Parked in a well organised fashion, thanks to Rosemary's excellent planning, securing us with our preferential parking location in this busy spot alongside the River Mole located beneath the famous Box Hill.
An Almost Perfect Line & Ready To Go.
It was not long before we were all 'Checked In' to our rooms and presented with our 'Rosemary Constructed' Goody Bag and Program.
We then had to quickly muster again as we were to go straight out again to our cars for an unexpected treat.
There was much organising of Cars and Contents before setting off in procession.
Chris getting ready
Geoff & Diane Brim setting off
Stephen & Elizabeth Moore were next in line
Philip & Linda Loring follow up
Malcolm and Hazel Matheson were close behind
Gerald & Mary Ladkin were soon to follow
Derek & Carolyn Wright in close procession
Terry and Nola Seymour follow in their 'Frog Mog'
Davids Car brought up the rear, then it was our turn to leave.
Arranged by our two organisers Chris & Rosemary, and following instructions from Chris we were back in the Cars ready to head of for a pre dinner jaunt up the famous Box Hill. Bye the way! Where is Rosemary?
Box Hill was featured in Jane Austins 'Emma' and was recently the focus of the 2012 Olympic Games Men's and Ladies Cycling Road Races.
One cannot visit Surrey in a Morgan and not take a drive up Box Hill. Box Hill was also featured in the 1920 Autocar list of Noted British Test Hills.
Sadly for me my passenger refuses to allow me to take any photos when on the move, (something I do all of the time when on my own) .
I did however rebel and quickly (too quickly) took this shot on the hill featuring Terry and Nola Seymour and some very odd Graffiti, associated with the cycling fraternity who use the hill in their droves every day.
The Frog Mog and some Cycling Fraternity Graffiti
Caught by Philip putting our hood up.
The Box Hill Viewpoint with Linda, Rosemary, Philip and Chris with bottle in hand.
Arriving at the National Trust Car Park, Chris ushered us along the road to a Viewpoint where we discovered Rosemary, complete with Table laid neatly with Canapes and a Sparkling Wine Treat
Chris is busy doing the the honour with the Wine Glasses, watched with interest by Rosemary. Elizabeth and Ann look on and I notice that they are already were well into their wine.
Dorking, viewed from Box Hill
The following morning we were free to make our way to chosen locations around the area and The Green Goddess to us to the Claremont Landscape Gardens near to Esher.
Following a short break again for coffee in the gorgeous sunshine we all set of for the village of Capel and Mole Valley Specialist Motors where we were to have our lunch and display our cars.
A Peddle Car among the Morgans and the NG among the cars in the Showroom
Owner Chris and our Chris presenting the history of The Mole Valley business.
Our founder David asking for feedback on the Register and of future R100 Events.
Magnificent Morgan Window Display
All too soon, we were back with our cars and setting of for a visit to Denbies Vineyard located on the hillside of the River Mole Valley just outside of the town of Dorking.
Arriving at Denbies we were expecting our ow parking area so I parked nose first against the trend. It proved not to be the case so I remained out of order.
The Denbies Flag
I would love to know what this Fabulous Tree is
Our visit began with an hour long tour of the vineyard on the Road Train.
Everyone is onboard and ready to go
My 'Selfie' with Ann, Linda and Philip
Chris giving someone a pointed finger?
Is that a 'National Trust' Bus Stop I see there?
Signs Everywhere, something for everyone.
Our Guide and Driver giving the outline of the tour.
A look Backwards at the Visitor's Centre as we pull away.
VInes to the Left of us Vines to the Right as we progress up the hill.
The Single Track Road winds around the hillside.
The East of Dorking seen across the Valley of Vines.
The Centre of Dorking with the Church Spire visible on the left.
Box Hill and the view towards Reigate
As we climbed the hill we stopped at a viewpoint half way up to enjoy a glass of the Denbies Sparkling Wine.
Our Drivers Assistant has everything in hand
Terry, Gerald, Mary and Rosemary waiting Glass in Hand for the Pop to arrive.
Terry, looking forward to his sample of the Frizz.
Philip taking one of me taking one of him.
Our Landi Bar.
Relaxing and enjoying the view. But it was a little cold for Chris.
Our Driver and Tour Guide with the Winery in the valley below.
The Vistors Centre, Winery and Guesthouse seen from the hill.
At the top of the hill and the turning place is the home of the owner of the Denbies business.
The original house there was a mansion, subsequently burnt down, probably to avoid death duties, it is said?
The Original Mansion.
Beautiful Views in all directions from here
In the valley among the vines are these two trees.
Denbies land was occupied during WW2 by a force of Canadians who excavated a Tank Trap along here.
After the war, they had three tanks which would not start so they just buried them where the tree are planted.
One Tank was excavated some years ago and now resides in the Bovington, Dorset, Tank Museum.
Box Hill seen from Denbies Hill
The other Envious but Patient Passengers not involved in the Champers Treat
Almost Back at base as we reach the end of the road.
The Lift inside the Visitors Centre
An Art Exhibition is underway on the Gallery Platform
Some Scenes on the Stairwell
I wonder if this is my daughters friend Jo?
I come across this mysterious stairwell. I must investigate it.
Not a clear shot, but its is a Wedding Reception in full swing in the Basement.
Inside the Denbies Atrium Cafe.
The Denbies Wine and Gift Shop
Still Busy even though it is near Closing Time
Back at the Hotel just in time for Sunset
Back at the Hotel the cars were ready for the night
The following morning we were ready to leave the Hotel for the last time as we headed off for the NT House at Polesden Lacey where Chris and Rosemary had arranged for us to display our cars in front of the house.
Chris gathered us for a briefing before we dispersed around the estate
Three of us asked a passing visitor to take a group photo but unfortunately he did not press the shutter button correctly on my camera so I have borrowed this one from Geoff. His Photo has a Blue tinge.
We all have to have our NT Membership Cards 'swiped' before we can escape.
Half of the Cars in Line In Front of the South Wing
I realised, in the above picture, that this little chap was keen to take Davids Mog for a spin all on his own.
The Panorama Shot of all Nine Cars
Ann is probably telling Rosemary how I am always taking photos
Gerald having his photo taken by Mary while Lind studies the Notice Board
Our Excellent Organisers, Chris & Rosemary, with their R100 among the other Mogs.
More Car Discussions over by the South Wing
The Clock Tower in need of someone to wind the Clock
Here is Ann busy fighting the wind by pegging down the Register's Banner
The South Wing Garden Terrace
The Front from a different angle
The Visitors Entrance Gate Tower
The House and Gardens Plan
Inside Half of the NT Gift & Book Shop.
A Beautiful Wood Carving in the Courtyard
The North Wing from behind the hedge.
A Yawning Statue Guards the Gate.
Shots of the cars taken from the Upstairs Windows
Most of the Cars in view
It appears that Chris & Rosemary have stood guard for the whole day
Our Grandsons William & Jacob came to meet us for Lunch and some Golf Chipping on the lawn.
Here Chris seems to be enjoying sharing his knowledge with interested visitors.
Some Magnificent Tulips
I hope that you enjoyed the Tour with me
Frank
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