Two years of Site Visits to Blenheim Palace and many Planning Meetings culminated with our team arriving at The Wroxton House Hotel, near Banbury, on Friday 29th June in readiness to prepare for Sunday's big event.
Frog Mog & The Green Goddess at Blenheim during our first planning meeting during 2017.
While we were there we happened to meet with Winston Churchill, wife Clementine and Clement Attlee, who were also making an unscheduled visit to Winston' Birthplace.
Part of our quest on that day was to seek out ideas for our 2018 Car Badge Design to be created for us by Tcherek Kamstra and Hermen Pol, our badge selling colleagues.
Our Roadster 100 Car Badge design incorporating The 1st Duke of Marlborough's Crest.
Hermen Pol of Morgan Car Badges also produced the Embroidered Cloth Badge
Our Pin Badge.
The theme is followed through to the Rally Plaque sponsored by Barry Wynne of Insurance Brokers Gott & Wynne.
And again onto the Goody Bags provided by Register Member Steve Pickering and his company, Leangate Valves.
The Green Goddess arriving at Wroxton House Hotel.
Some of our group's cars are already tucked up for the night.
Early Arrivals enjoying refreshments and catch up in the afternoon sunshine.
Saturday would be a very busy day following a morning of free time touring the area.
We took The Green Goddess to MOG18 at Heythrop Park to join the other group of Morgan Sports Car Club Members who would hopefully be joining in with our weekend in the morning.
The Williams Morgan Trades Display featuring their new Trailer Display.
The Concors, Pride of Ownership & Innovations Competitions judging was underway.
The Hotel, New & Old.
A very oriental décor inside of the hotel building.
Gill Bevan and her Membership Gazebo will be joining us at Blenheim along with Williams Morgan.
A Roadster 100 discovered in the car park, one of a couple here which will be at Blenheim.
This unusual Radiator Grill on this old Morgan will also be seen on the Bridge Drive at Blenheim in the morning.
Meanwhile, we had to be heading back to Wroxton for 2pm to be ready for the afternoons preparation activities.
Some of the group would be staying at the Hotel to pack the Goody Bags.
Very Quickly Goody Bag Packing Teams formed and were in action while others folded the Event Programmes to be placed inside.
Even our Hotel Guests Peter & Kevin Vanderpol from Austria joined in without question. The rest of us headed for Blenheim Palace to set out the Parking Areas, put up Banners & Warning Signs and to erect some Gazebo's.
The Complete Parking Area to be marked out.
Once the rest of us arrived at Blenheim, following a short action meeting, we each set about our separate tasks.
Once the rest of us arrived at Blenheim, following a short action meeting, we each set about our separate tasks.
The Trades Area this year was massive and here, David & Gerald measure while Ian, Robin and Dominic peg the boundary lines and individual pitch space markers.
91 meters x 32 meters, spilt into 21 areas of various size to suit each dealership presenting there tomorrow.
The Trades Park Plan
While we were busy working, the whole area was surrounded by visitors from mainland China who had arrived in this line of luxury coaches.
The visitors became quite a nuisance as they took each others photo's in front of our Morgans. Some of the details they were snapping made one wonder if some copying may be undertaken back home.
Even before we were ready for them, Barry and his Gott & Wynn team were erecting their own Gazebo ahead of the game.
Gerald & Robin having Fun with the Mallet and Border Tapes.
Some of the Chinese Photographers.
The Electric Car fleet are a new facility at Blenheim. Would they get in our way as the Morgans stream in during Sunday?
We had been asked to be considerate as a Wedding Reception would be taking place inside the Palace during the afternoon.
This line of Bentleys had just delivered the family and Bridesmaids.
This line of Bentleys had just delivered the family and Bridesmaids.
I was on a mission to establish if the Morgan Motor Company Routemaster Bus had arrived early only to find that there were three of them in line after delivering the Wedding Guests.
The owner of the bus on the left told me that it was he who had sold the Routemaster to the Morgan Motor Company recently.
The owner of the bus on the left told me that it was he who had sold the Routemaster to the Morgan Motor Company recently.
When you are looking out for a Bus to catch, it is likely that three will come along all together.
Then the Bride & Groom arrived in the two tone Rolls Royce.
Robin & Dominic are chasing the Chinese away from climbing on their Morgan.
Scary Stuff - We needed to steer these family groups of Canada Geese away from our trades area lest they leave their large packages for everyone to tread in tomorrow.
Ian's target was soon off its mark to join its mates as they all ran back to mum.
Then Harold the Pheasant arrived to add nuisance value.
Jobs all completed and a quick walk about to view the main drive and we were all ready to head back to the Hotel for the final briefing meeting.
The Triage Area which would be utilized in the morning.
At the Flagstaff End of the drive, David's team have placed the Register Banners in the perfect positions.
During my return trip to Wroxton I had to record the famous Banbury Cross
And the Fine Lady on her White Horse, as the poem goes.
Ride a cock-horse to Banbury Cross,
To see a fine lady upon a white horse;
Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes,
And she shall have music wherever she goes.
This ornate church tower would also make a useful landmark for the journey to Woodstock tomorrow as there is not one single signpost to Oxford on our route from Wroxton to Woodstock.
The Big Day has arrived as early on Sunday Morning, Peter & Kevin prepare to leave for Blenheim while Gerald and Mary, have already gathered their Packed Breakfasts and head for their Roadster 100.
By the time we arrive on site the Roadster 100 Welcome Line has already formed with Robin Hill's 'Prince Orlofsky' Plus 8 positioned as our end of line marker.
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In the distance the Morgan Motor Company Routemaster has also arrived and the Trades Area dealers are setting up their stands
The Williams Team's new sales wagon has arrived , Bell & Colvill are set up and in position and in the foreground the Brands Hatch Motors M3W in House Yellow is in its place.
Our Official Photographer, John Barry, was busy all day with his camera. Capturing the Bell & Colvill M3W with his first shot.
The Williams Plus 8 was coveted by Mrs L. after first seeing it at the Heythrop MOG on Saturday
The Morgan Motor Company Team are busy here, setting up their stalls.
A fine stack of their 50th Anniversary of the Plus 8 Mugs
Relaxed calm appears to be the order at the Roadster 100 Gazebo as some of the 600 Goody Bags are laid out ready for the distribution rush which will ensue after 8.30 when the Booked Morgans begin to arrive.
As I would be Parking Cars, based in The Great Court, I nipped along there at 7.45 am to park Register Member Steve's Roadster. Steve would also be parking cars in the area just over that wall.
As I waited for Steve I spotted this one piece of rubbish left on the Cobbles - A Chinese Matchbox with one used match inside.
When I worked in China for a spell during the 1980's with so many chain smokers we used to say that if every smoker there used just one more match they would soon deforest the planet.
A few moments later the First Car appeared through the Great Court Side Entrance, normally restricted for use by The Duke of Marlborough?
They had arrived early from the MOG just 9 miles along the road west of Woodstock and found an open gate.
Soon others began to arrive and were quickly placed in their lines and Drip Trays or Mats located under. My first four are neatly in place.
Across the Court Ian is forming his first line.
MSCC Chairman, John Savage and wife Jane caught arriving in their new M3W, complete with loose headlamp.
In the Gate Side Arcs we begin to line the Three Wheelers, with BUV's headlamp now nicely straightened.
The first of Geralds Centre lines is almost complete with our two regular visitors from Newtown Motors in Cwmbran and their distinctive Dragon Mog.
The view from the Cross Road Sign Post where Gerald is lining the Aero's and Plus 8's on the left and the more Vintage Morgans on the right.
The right hand arc is also filling nicely now.
There still seems to be plenty of space as we wait for another 50 cars to arrive.
Every time I look at this area it seems to grow larger with so much underutilised space
Outside of the gates the West Ha Ha or old OxMog area, where Carol , Steve and Malcolm are filling their rows nicely.
The East Ha Ha area is also filling nicely. I am not sure who was allocated for this job?
There seems to be space for second line of cars of cars on the left?
Two very neat lines have been formed down to the Vanbrugh Bridge by Stephen & Alan.
The new parking area is here and Derek & Geoff have also given it an extra row.
This idea could provide the extra space we would need as we aim for up to 700 cars to all be displayed 'In Front of the Palace' next time.
Our Traffic Director, Robert, could be planning some exercise with that ball as he reaches for his welcome supplies of water.
Another extra row, not planned, has been introduced on the left side in an area avoided before.
The first of the New Rows Opposite the old OxMog area
I don't like the look of these cars as the steep slope increases this far along this new row with not much chance of stopping a run away car.
Enjoying the sunshine in the East Ha Ha area.
John Barry captures the Roadster 100 line before the other Morgans arrive.
Most of the photos from here onward are Johns good work.
Ian's line in The Great Court is nice and straight.
My line is a little longer now
This one is heading for me to park.
Gerald in Consulting Mode.
More photos of those first two cars to arrive.
These two have their Drip Mats nicely in place.
The first car on Gerald's 'Vintage Line.
The Dust Cloud which unfortunately kept some owners away from The Great Court
Terry, checking on proceedings, in the background
Smiling faces are a good sign.
Donna, directing the cars to each area.
A M3W Pilot approaching his landing strip.
Carol & Malcolm lining them up in the West Ha Ha area.
My first line seen from the other end
Mmm. A bit of a curve in my line seen from this angle?
A nice shot with the lake in the background
Dave Wellings must have noticed the dust as his cover is neatly in place.
A Great photo of the Luggage Racks as most will be heading for home later.
The Crowds gathering around their cars
And it is time for a Picnic among friends
Meanwhile, back in The Great Court
John captures an early leaver.
Filling Up Nicely
This shot indicates the importance of our aim to provide a Palace Backdrop.
And Here.
And Here.
The good view to the obelisk is not bad either.
Patiently waiting
Our Traffic Director Robert keeping an excellent flow going to all areas.
Negotiation is not an option
I'll tell you as I told your friend, put your Morgan over there!
One Very Smart Aero.
Peter Jenks arriving in his 'Tarka the Otter Mog' Plus 8
The Perfect Palace Backdrop
The View from the East Arc
Just three in a row.
Nicely parked along the Red & White Tape line.
What a Stunning View
With Green as the most popular colour among the bookings there is plenty of Red here.
One of the Gracious Ladies arrives
The view from the Palace Steps.
Peter Chapman's lovely 'Henrietta' complete with her distinctive Morgan Brick.
At the MOG on Friday & Saturday. At All Morgans' Day on Sunday.
Le Man's Style just a week before the Classic takes place in France.
I am so pleased to see the Oldest Trike here again this year even if it does need to travel on a trailer.
It is good to see Plus 8 Owners celebrating their half century.
The very neat Vanbrugh Bridge Drive
An interesting Paint Job, all we need is the some Tonic.
Just two cars up the line, I spot that the owner of this unusual Radiator Grill, seen at MOG18 yesterday, is also with us today
True to form, a Social Day Out with the weather for the many Picnics.
Another MOG18 Visitor.
The Old OxMog area filled to perfection.
As I left the Great Court after completing my duty there, with 100% of cars using drip mats, I could not believe my eyes.
Just a couple of feet away from our Drip Mat Boxes, was this pool of fresh oil?
Picnicing Groups are in abundance this year
Across the Drive, over Carol's head, the Trades Area is massive this year.
Back in the Trades Area, the Brands Hatch Motors stand, here for the first time, looks excellent.
The Morgan Motor Company merchandise stand is, as always, very busy which is a good sign.
Across the Park, Williams, Gott & Wynne and Bell and Colvill.
Off at an angle are Leather Travel Bags, Classic Car Tours and Luxury Hampers, all gaining much interest among the visitors.
Next to Mulfab & Wolf we can just see the Orange Tops of the Bikers 4 Veterans Team.
A fine photo of the Combat Stress Fundraising Team with local MP Robert Courts, in the centre.
The Williams Stand has a fine array of cars for sale. I wonder how many orders they booked this year.
John captures one of the first to leave from The Great Court.
The other Gracious Lady Three Wheeler
One of the Water Cooled Jap Engines.
It is mid afternoon and the leavers begin to increase as many have long journeys home.
With around 600 Cars on display this view of around half of them provides a good idea of how well they are presented.
Compare the scene with the 2011 vista at Waddesdon Manor during our first ever All Morgans' Day event there, with just 200 cars on show.
Areas are emptying.
White ' Bone Dome' Helmets match this lovely old White Flat Rad.
This French car is about to set off on this years Travel Club Cotswolds Tour.
A Real Party Car with Both MOG18 and All Morgans' Day Rally Plaques, England Car Badge and Colourful Balloons.
Just one of our 600 Gott & Wynne Sponsored Rally Plaques.
I made my way back past the Roadster 100's noticing that one or two were missing already.
I was not aware of exactly which members were there and I certainly did not get the opportunity to meet those recent new members who were.
The main drive overspill area seems to be extending back towards the crossroads.
The Register Banner
The All Morgans' Day Welcome Banner
The Busy Refreshment Area as people gather for The Grand Raffle.
I suppose that the extra 'Porta Loos' have to be emptied sometime?
My first sighting of an All Morgans Day Car Badge on new register member Nicola's R100.
Our Register Founder and Honorary President David Harris looking very relaxed following his long session greeting arrivals.
The view along the Williams 50th Anniversary Plus 8. I wonder if they sold it?
Our Trades Area is by far the largest being more that twice the size of 2016.
The Bikers 4 Veterans stand supporting Combat Stress with their great display of Motorcycles.
Simon's SiFab stand displaying his Fabrications including Radiators, Sumps and Fuel Tanks.
The Morgan Three Wheeler Club are with us for the first time and hopefully well supported by members, as the number of trikes on display increases with every event.
The Popbangcolour stand was busy with artist Ian Cook producing this wonderful and massive commission during the day using his large collection of remote control and other model cars to appy the paint.
The Aero Commission.
The Luxury Hampers & Gifts stand.
Scenic Car Tours were arranging more trips for the Club.
The Luxury Travel Bags stand
The Combat Stress gazebo with much depleted team, hopefully out selling Raffle Tickets.
The Bell & Colvill team in conversation.
The NanKang Tyres Team brought along their Mad Max Mustang Complete with Potato Gun Supercharger.
I wonder what all of those Knobs and Switches actually do?
The Rear End Pushing Bars.
The only photo I have of Hermen Pol's Morgan Car Badges stand is this Magnified Crop taken from the previous photo.
The Brands Hatch M3W.
Homeward Bound
Saluted with grateful thanks by the Roadster 100 Line.
After 3pm a steady trail of cars begin to leave the event.
The extended front spoiler is unique.
As another leaves I see Steven making a welcome return to base.
A pretty special photo, I am sure.
As Raffle Drawing time approaches, we hold a Team Strategy Discussion with Steve Morris and Robert Courts about who will select the winning tickets.
The display of prizes, numbered ready for selection.
Our Leader, Terry Seymour, introduces the guests and explains the process.
Steve Morris, drawing the first ticket.
A Team Act, seeking out the winners.
Does anyone want to claim this beautiful Case donated by Classic Travel Bags.
Robert selected the prize tickets and Steve draws the winning numbers.
I wonder what was in that large box? A Complete Car Detailing Kit, I believe
The look of concentration on Roberts face that he must have developed when in The House of Commons.
What a Team
Gerald accepting Willi Austin's Coffee Prize.
Rosemary is looking up the missing winner on her laptop,
Ah! he is here after all.
Steve Morris in control.
The Delicate Morgan Cake, donated by the winner to a Lymington Hospice.
The Cake
Delivered to the Hospice
Donna, in the background with Sellotape in hand, ready to attach the tickets to any unclaimed prizes.
A beautiful piece of Morgan Artwork
With over 40 Prizes to draw, it was a well executed team process.
After the draw, Nola laughing at Ann, caught bouncing on the empty boxes.
Reminiscent of that 'Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima' scene, What is Chris trying to do with our Banner?
Any ideas of what to do with this table?
Hands on the Hips? What can be going on here?
The Williams Caravan heads for home.
Meanwhile, The Party carries on.
On Sunday Morning as we prepare to leave for home we were busy organising a photo shoot for the Hotel when we were descended upon by an American Women's Football Team who had just arrived at the hotel
Their interest in the cars was soon turned into a Selling Opportunity once they knew that we were fundraising in Support of Combat Stress.
We collected another £115.00 in donations selling our Wristbands and Pin Badges.
Lyn and Friend using Alan's Car
The Whole Team from Maryland with their Coach, seen on the left end.
More personal snaps.
Eventually we cleared the area for our photo.
Then it was the turn of Wives & Partners to get in the photo.
Mary, Ann & Nola
Diane & Nola complete the pictures and my Blog.
I hope that you enjoyed our journey.
Frank
……………
Less than two weeks after we there, in our footsteps, this event took place.
Photos thanks to my TV & Channel 4 News.
Ride a cock-horse to Banbury Cross,
To see a fine lady upon a white horse;
Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes,
And she shall have music wherever she goes.
/
The Routemaster Hospitality Bus
Our Official Photographer, John Barry, was busy all day with his camera. Capturing the Bell & Colvill M3W with his first shot.
The Williams Plus 8 was coveted by Mrs L. after first seeing it at the Heythrop MOG on Saturday
The Morgan Motor Company Team are busy here, setting up their stalls.
A fine stack of their 50th Anniversary of the Plus 8 Mugs
When I worked in China for a spell during the 1980's with so many chain smokers we used to say that if every smoker there used just one more match they would soon deforest the planet.
They had arrived early from the MOG just 9 miles along the road west of Woodstock and found an open gate.
MSCC Chairman, John Savage and wife Jane caught arriving in their new M3W, complete with loose headlamp.
This idea could provide the extra space we would need as we aim for up to 700 cars to all be displayed 'In Front of the Palace' next time.
The first of the New Rows Opposite the old OxMog area
Donna giving her instructions.
Just a couple of feet away from our Drip Mat Boxes, was this pool of fresh oil?
Compare the scene with the 2011 vista at Waddesdon Manor during our first ever All Morgans' Day event there, with just 200 cars on show.
I was not aware of exactly which members were there and I certainly did not get the opportunity to meet those recent new members who were.
A pretty special photo, I am sure.
Our Leader, Terry Seymour, introduces the guests and explains the process.
Does anyone want to claim this beautiful Case donated by Classic Travel Bags.
We collected another £115.00 in donations selling our Wristbands and Pin Badges.
Frank
……………
Less than two weeks after we there, in our footsteps, this event took place.
Photos thanks to my TV & Channel 4 News.
