It was a chilly but bright and sunny morning as we and The Green Goddess are ready to leave for our 60 odd mile dash up the A3 to Brooklands.
It was Gerald & Mary Ladkin's 45th Wedding Anniversary and here they are being presented with a card beautifully crafted by Nola who presented it on behalf of everyone here today.
Eight Roadster 100's would be gathering for this our annual gathering at Brooklands Museum for Morgan Day which would be our last event for 2018.
Sadly our good friends Carol & Robert Jobson could not be here today as planned due to family circumstance. We all have them in our thoughts hoping for their Son's speedy recovery.
The Register Banner is lashed to the nearest borrowed fencing heralding our 2018 arrival.
Some of the other Morgans are being tucked away near to the relocated Wellington Hanger who's new display as an Aircraft Factory has recently opened.
In usual manner a visit to inspect the plumbing is an early priority, taking a few general snaps along the way.
But first our Meet & Greet session as friends unite for a lovely day out together.
The famous Brooklands Clubhouse where on the left hand Club Room Balcony the saxophonist will be playing his amplified jazz for most of the day.
A group of specially selected Plus 8's line the wall in celebration of their 50th anniversary this year
Not to everyone's taste as I always try to capture some toilet art whenever possible, provided no one else is around!
In the entrance hall of the Cafe is the one of the Motorcycle displays.
A better view of the Plus 8's with Kevin Doyle's car but once again, no sign of Kevin again today.
A crowded area in front of the old Pit Garages.
An accessories dealer on site is a first for today.
Matti Rogers, of MOG Magazine seen here doing a selling job on a potential customer.
A fine display with the Plus 8 included as this months magazine features the 50th Anniversary with a lovely piece by Tcherek Kamstra about her dad Bill Fink and his original Red Plus 8 'Dolly'
More by special selection located in 'The Paddock'
The recently re installed Score Board just inside the paddock fence, in its original location
It was another 'Doh!' Moment for me as I was reminded that my camera battery had not been recharged as it expired at this point. Thankfully the Mobile Phone came to the rescue.
Following a quick gathering for a photo we headed for the cafe and our 11.30am coffee meeting.
Most of our group minus those taking photos.
Here we all are parked right across the recently re opened Brooklands Finishing Straight where once the Wellington Hanger entrance doors would have been open.
We departed leaving our eight Roadster 100's, One very large Donation Cheque and Register Banner ( where only six spaces were allocated by Brooklands ?).
This year Morgans seemed to be scattered all over the site making it appear as though not many had turned up. Very odd planning.
Coffees at the ready, Ann & I set off for our gathering in the little room at the far end of the cafe.
Fortunately we were able to occupy the whole room for ourselves, being 18 people in total.
Meanwhile, The Test Hill was open ( Not recommended for our Roadsters with their low sump) with the queue formed ready for their second run.
A very orderly queue.
However, it was past 12 noon and we had a task to perform.
Today we would be presenting the fruits of our Fund Raising labours to Laura McIntee, representing Combat Stress, The Veterans Mental Health Charity.
Today we would be presenting the fruits of our Fund Raising labours to Laura McIntee, representing Combat Stress, The Veterans Mental Health Charity.
Our team were joined by Nigel Bradford, with camera, Editor of MOG Magazine who we hope will cover the event next month.
Our All Morgans' Day Bookings Supremo, Rosemary Attwood, presents our cheque for £16000.00 to Laura McIntee from the Combat Stress Head Office in Leatherhead, Surrey
( Laura seen here in her splendid new Combat Stress Cap which is on my list to buy for our next St George's Day fundraiser. )
( Laura seen here in her splendid new Combat Stress Cap which is on my list to buy for our next St George's Day fundraiser. )
Nigel, seen recording the speeches for later use.
The Test Hill 'accelerations' begin to interfere with our presentation speeches
Terry Seymour, our leader, makes his presentation speech on behalf of our Register Membership.. .
Laura provides a detail synopsis of the treatments provided for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder patients and how our donations will be used for a specific Sensory Modulation project related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment.
After the presentation I spot this Bow Tie addition to Gerald's Badge Bar.
Before doing anything else it was time for a very light sandwich lunch and another coffee.
Now for a short tour of the museum before heading for the new Aircraft Factory display.
These sheds opposite house the collection of vintage Motor Cars and other motoring memorabilia.
The Famous old fuel station which features often in Brooklands Photos.
Seen here featuring the Railton Special from the Brooklands Collection.
Turning 180 degrees is the outside seating for the Sunbeam Cafe.
The staircase access to the upper floors and the Brooklands Club Members Bar and Restaurant.
A better view of the side gates to the Paddock also featuring the recently restored Race Entrants Boards.
The view inside one of the Car Displays taken through the open doorway.
Following the road around brings us to the original Garages where the Racing Cars were serviced and stored.
Another Morgan display area in front of the garages
On the opposite side of the roadway are the most famous of the Garages, individually named.
The Display of Formula 1 cars from years past.
Here in the corner is the Mercedes F1 Simulator where visitors can drive a lap of the original Brooklands Circuit flat out.
The Circuit plan and the screen shot as the driver takes instruction waiting for the video to roll. The speed is controlled by the driver's accelerator and today's record was standing at 45. seconds
Before doing anything else it was time for a very light sandwich lunch and another coffee.
Now for a short tour of the museum before heading for the new Aircraft Factory display.
These sheds opposite house the collection of vintage Motor Cars and other motoring memorabilia.
The Famous old fuel station which features often in Brooklands Photos.
Seen here featuring the Railton Special from the Brooklands Collection.
Turning 180 degrees is the outside seating for the Sunbeam Cafe.
The staircase access to the upper floors and the Brooklands Club Members Bar and Restaurant.
A better view of the side gates to the Paddock also featuring the recently restored Race Entrants Boards.
The view inside one of the Car Displays taken through the open doorway.
Following the road around brings us to the original Garages where the Racing Cars were serviced and stored.
Another Morgan display area in front of the garages
On the opposite side of the roadway are the most famous of the Garages, individually named.
The Display of Formula 1 cars from years past.
Here in the corner is the Mercedes F1 Simulator where visitors can drive a lap of the original Brooklands Circuit flat out.
The Circuit plan and the screen shot as the driver takes instruction waiting for the video to roll. The speed is controlled by the driver's accelerator and today's record was standing at 45. seconds
Our Daughters 42.3 second average run in 2011
Another famous Brooklands Racer is this Morgan Three Wheeler.
Trying to start his Austin Seven
The Brooklands Fire Engine about to undergo some refurbishment it would seem?
Through the Workshop window.
In the Brooklands Shop there is a fine array of goods on sale including these replica posters.
Goody Bags at £4.00 a throw.
Another famous Brooklands Racer is this Morgan Three Wheeler.
Trying to start his Austin Seven
The Brooklands Fire Engine about to undergo some refurbishment it would seem?
Through the Workshop window.
In the Brooklands Shop there is a fine array of goods on sale including these replica posters.
Goody Bags at £4.00 a throw.
A beautiful depiction of the Brooklands Track as you dry the glasses.
With the real thing just around the corner you can have your own Concorde.
One for the Study wall.
It is early afternoon and I am amazed at how many Morgans have already left?
Lots of spaces in the Pits Straight now
Heading back to the Clubhouse.
The Test Hill is open again for the afternoon session.
In this 2012 Video, Events Manager Donna Hopton marshals cars onto the Test Hill.
I spot Peter Scott and his grandson waiting their turn for the Hill.
Being located at he far end under the Chestnut Trees I realised that I was alongside the old Fuel Store building.
We can just see Concorde peeking between the new and old buildings.
At last we make it for a visit into the new Aircraft Displays with this Hurricane as the first exhibit.
Terry pointed me to the Pilots name under the cockpit. Some research needed.
A youngster enjoying the Bomb Release demonstration.
The tight organisation of the aircraft makes individual shots impossible.
The White Monoplane
One of the Harrier Vertical Take Off 'Jump' Jets
The Wellington Bomber Nose Cone
We have now crossed into the mezzanine of the Wellington Hangar 'Aircraft Factory' Display
Looking down into the factory area.
The Second Harrier Jet raised high above the displays
An 'Aircraft In Flight Refueling' video is playing on the Hanger wall
The Factory Design Office
An array of Drawing Instruments used for the working drawings. ( Of interest to me as I collect such Drawing Instrument Sets )
A Side Elevation of a Hawker Hurricane.
An Aircraft Designer in action.
Looking down into the Tinsmiths Shop where it is possible to use the small machine, seen in use, to make a model aircraft.
A Full Sized display of Propellers.
Below us is the Full Size Port Wing, Frame and Engines of a Lancaster Bomber which I believe was restored after being discovered in a lake somewhere.
The Starboard Wing
Another view of the Tinsmiths and the Engine Shops.
Almost all of the Wellington seen from this angle.
Another video of assembly work playing on another wall.
Suspended from the Roof Beams
A Drawing of a Vickers Biplane
There were a large number of model aircraft on display.
A BAC 1-11 Open Sided Model.
Another Superb Concorde Model.
The Glass Case of Flight 1
The Glass Case of Flight 2
The Lancaster Tail Gunner Pod.
Another Drawing in the Drawings Desk Drawer
About as much of Concorde visible at any one time.
The Bus Museum Building in front of a stretch of Brooklands Banking.
In the foreground ,under covers, are the vehicles used to give Test Hill & Banking Rides during School Holidays
In the foreground ,under covers, are the vehicles used to give Test Hill & Banking Rides during School Holidays
Part of the Outside Aircraft Display
More Aircraft and Items
Another attempt to get Concorde in one frame fails.
I now imagine that a complete shot is only available from the Mercedes World side of The River Wey.
It is time for us to head for home so we take a shortcut through the Club Pavilion where more museum exhibits are available to view.
Dame Barbara Cartland used to pilot her own aircraft from Brooklands and this room is her own personal lounge.
One of the Site Office Exhibits.
Vehicles on display in the passageways
The route to our exit and our cars
One last look at the Clubhouse with the Saxophonist still playing on the Members Balcony.
The Bell & Colvill Display is still attracting attention.
Before we leave I needed to investigate where I had seen people disappear behind these two walls, previously hidden behind the Wellington Hangar when in its original location.
Mmm. Concrete Lined Tunnels
Obviously some kind of Air Raid Shelter ? - Curiosity Satisfied for now.
Looking up the Finishing Straight to the north curve of the banking.
The afternoon light is already beginning to fade and it is only 3.30pm.
Almost a Black & White result looking towards our cars.
Meanwhile Ann & Diane are busy collecting fallen Sweet Chestnuts from the trees that surround the track here.
My last photo today was pointed out to me by Nola.
The South East Corner Locator of the original position of the Wellington Hangar.
There is also a line of circular Stainless Steel Dots along the location of the walls, all over the Finishing Straight, recording it for posterity.
Another lovely visit to this stunning Location full of Motor Racing and Aviation History.
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