Nineteen Morgan Centenary Roadster 100's Visit The Morgan Motor Company To Celebrate Their 10th Anniversary.

On Saturday the 18th May, 19 Morgan Centenary Roadster 100's began to gather for the 10th Anniversary Celebration of their Production in 2009 at the Morgan Factory in Pickersleigh Road, Malvern Link.

The Green Goddess No. 015 is seen her relaxing at Membury Services on the M4 Motorway on our way north.

As is my wont, I could not miss an opportunity to photograph the commemorative Car Badge already affixed to my Badge Bar. 

Arrival at the Hotel

Arriving at the Cottage in the Woods Hotel, in its gorgeous setting high in the hills at Malvern Wells.

The Cottage in the Woods reception, bar and restaurant.

The Hotel as seen across the hillside. 

The Cottage building can be seen on the right.

Terry caught Ann sorting out the car.

There was a wedding reception in process when we arrived to check in .

The best view I could catch of the busy bride on maximum zoom..

Stunning Floral Decor around the Main Doorway

The Lounge Fireplace.

Terry caught this view across the Vale of Evesham from the Garden.

From their Cottage Window.

Frog Mog nestling among the Rhododendrons.

Ann looking a little chilly in front of the Cottage.

The Saturday Pub Meal

 During our evening visit into Malvern for a meal I spotted that they have a Morgan Wall Decoration opposite the bar among the slot machines..

Their Three Wheeler Peddle Car could do with some air in the tyres - Something that all Spoke Wheel owners need to take care of.

Dodging through the Chicane.

Now here is little story that I still find incredible.

How many of us would fly to a foreign country hoping to find someone that you had never met before?

As we were sitting, waiting for our food a gentleman sat down beside me and introduced himself. 'I'm Bernd' 

Gogs whirring, stirring the Grey Matter, I suddenly realised who this could be. 

The last time I had been in communication with Bernd was a few years ago when he told me of a devastating accident that had almost destroyed their Roadster 100 Number 004.

Bernd had read about our event on the website and found a time opportunity to try and join us. 

Arriving in Birmingham by air and driving to Malvern by hire car he and wife Gitta began their investigating, first finding our hotel and then the Pub where we were eating. 

It was an unbelievable story but there they both were and enjoyed spending the whole visit with our group.

Bernd still owns 004 and had it completely rebuilt. He retained the Amazon Green colour but changed the steering to left side.

Here is No. 004 back home in Germany  

Bernd and Gitta, taken later during the visit.

Our Sunday Jaunt

While Ann & Sue chat

Terry and Sam road Test Sam's new Snood.

And I take a photo of our Rally Plaque.

On Saturday those of us who arrived early did their own thing.

We made a visit to Berrington Hall, a National Trust property near Leominster.

On the way there we made a point of driving through Ledbury town centre.

Terry and Nola stopped to walk the lanes and added the next few photos.

The Great Western Railway Signal Finial

Another Spoke'd Wheeler who is not keeping their tyres inflated.

Looking Up or Down?

Looking Down and i'd recognise those toes anywhere.

They only display the Empties.

Ledbury Watercolour

Gas Mask Artwork

Old Ledbury Businesses

The Boot Bath

Ledbury Pen & Ink Drawing or maybe it is an Etched Print?

Working in poor light with these sewing implements it would not be long before the Pince-nez were needed.

Beautiful Wild Flowers

The location of the resting place of Composer Edward & Lady Elgar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhnMd1Jl7SA

Elgar's Grave

I imagine, a delicious repast.

Our Entrance Gate into the Barrington Estate.

A Confusing Signpost 

I have often wondered what a Plane Tree looked like.

The 244 year old Giant Trunk.

A Side View of the Hall

Games were available on the lawn including Croquet, Cricket, Quoits and Badminton.

The massive Wisteria and the Pineapple Gazebo in The Walled Garden

The rear of the Hall from the Stable Yard.

The entrance to the Yard.

The linking steps between the basements.

Looking into the Courtyard Well

The Front of the Hall.

An artistic exhibition of eyes in the only furnished bedroom

More eyes hanging from the ceiling.

The Basement Laundry Room

Galvanized Wash Tubs with their Dolly Poles

Tripple Tap Sinks with Scrubbing Washboards.

An array of oven heated irons

Drying Ovens for bedding.

The Hall and Stables from the gardens

It is time to leave and return to Malvern Wells.

This flowering tree is quite common at the coast on our beach.

I find a Kindred Spirit in the car park.

Bernd & Gitta even managed a visit to the Morgan Pub.

Back at the Hotel we see Chris & Rosemary's and Peter & Emma's Roadsters parked in front of the Coach House building. 

We noticed that Gerald's Wheels were particularly Sparkling.

On Sunday evening we held a group dinner for those staying at the hotel however no one seems to have taken any photos then.

The Factory Visit on Anniversary Day.

Monday 20th was soon upon us to and the weather report was excellent.

Terry captured the weather forecast on his phone.

The view across the Vale of Evesham with a sky only marked by aircraft vapour trails.

Frog Mog is ready to go.

We set off in convoy down the hotels winding road.

Heading for the Pickersleigh Road Morgan Factory Visitors Centre.

Gerald is in the lead promising us a scenic route to Malvern Link, which he did.

Nola is providing the photos from Frog Mog. 

Turning onto the road to into Malvern.

Arriving at the Malvern town welcome.

Geoff & Diane sporting our Celebration Rally Plaque. 

Even Organiser, David Harris welcomed us at the gate and directed everyone to our display area, as we line up on the Visitor Centre Green.  

17 of the 19 Roadster 100's arrive together.

What a stunning sight they all make.

Time for meeting friends and comparing journeys.

Mary chats to Janet & Nick - Carol and Geoff watch on while Diane takes photos - Dawn, Michael, Robert and David hold their own conversation.

Terry chats to Nicola while James checks his camera and Brian listens to the topic under discussion.

Gitta and Bernd seem to be enjoying Robert's camera work.

With such a risk of not finding us now behind them, they both seem very happy.

Gitta & Terry admire Grahams unusual Passenger.

While Terry is in conversation, it transpires that Bernd and Gitta have met two other friends also from Germany. 

While I am dealing with the Admin, Gerald, Chris and Michael battle with raising our Register Banner.

Ah, Alan and Lyn arriving in a gleaming No. 002

Graham has brought along a new member, it seems, but conversation proves a little limited.

Very Happy to be here.

Everyone has arrived with No.100 here on the right.

When Robert was taking these photos I wonder if anyone else noticed the No Parking sign?

It appears that no one else noticed the sign.

Frog Mog still appears to be comfortable in the middle.

While in the kitchen paying Manageress Lizzy for our lunches, I notice this box containing our Anniversary Cake.

The cake that David and I helped design with guidance by Catering owner Tracey Bishop and her Cake Maker.

Nicky Riley from Three Bears Bakery – nicky@threebearsbakery.co.uk is the star baker!

This was the first time I had seen it. We each donated a Morgan Model and the result is superb. 

Once everyone was gathered, David gave us a very amusing talk, in his inimitable style. 

He reminded us about the way we owners first met and created our Register and our All Morgans' Day events, despite significant negativity within the wider Morgan Community. 

Sam seems to be amused.

Plenty of smiles around the audience.

Our tables are set and nicely decorated for our lunch.

Our Table Reservations.

Meanwhile David, in good form, is still presenting. 

The cake is out of the box for everyone to admire before being dissected for when we have coffee following our factory tours.

I just love the design of the cake - such a shame to cut into it.

Right on time at 11.45, Marketing Director, Mark Ledington, arrived to deputise for Managing Director Steve Morris who was attending a Board Meeting.

David repeated a part of his tale by way of an introduction. 

Mark can't believe what he is hearing.

Terry has caught David showing Mark the Plaque.



It was then Davids role to present the Commemorative Plaque to the Morgan Motor Company.

Mark examining the Plaque.

The Plaque

COMMEMORATING ANOTHER UNIQUE MORGAN DOUBLE

110 years since the foundation of Morgan Motor Company 
1909 - 2019

10 years for the Morgan Centenary Roadster 
2009 - 2019

Presented by The Morgan Centenary Roadster 100 Register
At Pickersleigh Road Monday 20th May 2019 

The finger suggests that David is relaying more of our story, reminding Mark that there is also another plaque presented by the Register to MD Steve Morris during our 2014 All Morgans' Day at Waddesdon Manor.

It resides in a pigeon hole display unit in the Car Display building at the top of the factory.

Mark showing the plaque, containing our new Car Badge, to those who had not seen it before.

Bernd captures the scene.

with another view of the Plaque for the cameras.

Now to ask Mark to draw our Free Raffle while Peter & Gerald listen intently. 

The prize is a beautiful leather travel bag donated by The Morgan Motor Company

Now for the strangest of coincidences. 

As Mark drew the ticket for Car No. 100, owner Lyn Clarke was just coming through the door having been delayed in Malvern.

Now! Mark told me later that he and David made two practice draws earlier and No. 100 also came out both times. 

That Bag was destined to go to Lyn.

One very embarrassed Lyn taking her prize to a round of applause.

Terry catches Carol consoling the embarrassed Lyn.

Speeches completed, Mark bid his farewell and Lunch was served.

Lizzy serves Nola while Ann waits her turn.

Soon everyone was eating.

Bernd and Gitta were busy changing into their new Morgan Polo Shirts. 

Gerald spots Terry's Phone Camera.

Posing in their new Shirts

The Ice Melts.

The full set of smiles

Robert caught Graham and Sue in conversation.

Lyn was in full swing as his lens caught the action.

Alan listening intently to Janet's conversation.

Ann & Gerald hold their own discussion but Michael is busy with his lunch.

Nichola listens to Brian's words.

What could David be saying to Gerald? Could it be his 'Jones the Spy' joke?

Geoff caught between taking his own photos.

What could Ann be saying to Sue?

The Factory Tours

At one o'clock prompt we are ushered into the presentation room where Michele and Graham, our Tour Guides, are waiting to show us the corporate video before taking us to the factory in two groups. 

Terry catches Sam pondering over the Plus 6 Chassis.

Graham is testing his listening devises ahead of the tour.

Even Rosemary is caught studying the new construction.

With a Rolling Chassis of the New Morgan Plus 6 in front of us I cannot resist checking the Ground Clearance.

In the Visitor Centre Showroom is the last of the BMW V8 Engined Plus 8's

Also, a couple of Three Wheelers, along with a range of basic colours, Dashboards and Leather samples.

Graham leading our group towards the factory

Steve Morris did pop by to say hello between meetings. 

Some of the Factory Demonstration Cars 

The Promotional Police Car in Panda Blue now stripped of its signage and blue lamps.

A quick photo of our line as we pass by. 

It was just here that I met French Tour Leader Claude Lauze as he dashed by to catch up with his party. 

Again no photo.

Ann and Nola just deciding that they will return to the visitor centre for a coffee.

Gwyn also takes the opportunity of a photo from this end.

I spot Willie's car with his new BOO5 Registration 

Peter and Emma's car seen next to Frog Mog.

The Morgan Bus with Carol trying to exit left.

As we pass I spot these almost finished cars.

Another quick shot of the final inspection area. 

Passing by the door I also notice part of the final assembly area.

Our tour begins in the New Three Wheeler Assembly Area.

We noticed that there seems to be a lack of bodies here?

Here Graham gave us an interesting overview of the variances that have to be provided to succeed in the USA and Australian markets. 

On our left is the Parts Store.

Terry's close up of the very successful American V twin S&S Engine 

and this close up of the Headlight and LED Indicator.

No Sliding Pillar on this King Pin and front Disc assembly.

This appears to be the same hub used on the Traditional 4 wheelers?

Unlike the Gel Filled Model used for our Roadsters, and judging by the filler caps, this Banner Battery appears to use standard liquid electrolyte. 

The now temporarily abandoned All Electric EV3 alongside the traditional Trike.

The Battery Supplier ceased trading leaving MMC's supply High and Dry.

The Spare Parts and Service Centre where I would need to go later for my Insurance Valuation.

Robert alongside Peter Morgans original Plus 4 Plus (+4+).

 One of only 26 of these Fiberglass Bodied cars built.

The Historic Car Display, and the pigeon Holes where our other plaque is displayed. 

The Last of the BMW V8 Plus 8's

I spotted these two signatures on this Racing +8 

Our Car Badge Designer, (Tch) Tcherek Kamstra and her father Bill Fink.

The AeroMax and an early Aero 8

A Racing Aero 8 with Hard Top.

The Very Last Plus 4 Plus 4 seater to be made.

More Graffiti among the multiple louvers on the Bonnet.

The view down the road outside.

Moving into the Chassis Shop we spot this array of new BMW Plus 6 Engines waiting to be fitted.

A Plus 6 Rear Axle assembly waiting to be fitted.

The engine details of the V6 Ford 3.7ltr. Mustang engines used in the current Roadsters.

The Roadster rolling chassis in build with that Mustang Engine.

Also, with the reformed engine bay side plates needed to fit the giant engine in.

The Roadster's Sliding Pillar and Shock Absorber.

I noticed the massive size of these Brake Reaction Stays, almost half as fat again as the Mulfab ones I fitted to our R100.

It is interesting that these stays, needed to prevent the X Frame flexing during heavy braking, are fitted as standard on the Roadster now. 

The early stages of assembly of Two Traditional Chassis.

One fitter assembles the whole unit.

Once the assembly is completed the Rolling Chassis is pushed manually into the Body Shop in the next building. 

As we move to the Body Shop we pass this store of Splined Front Hubs 

And these Roadster Rear Axles with their Limited Slip Differentials.

Immediately we enter the Body Shop we are introduced to the reason that there were no bodies in the Three Wheeler Assembly area.

Apparently the external supplier suddenly increased their prices recently to make supply prohibitive.

MMC have taken back their molds to begin their own production.  

Two fitters working on the rear mold panel.

A Line of New Plus 6 Rolling Chassis.

The new All Aluminium Plus 6 Body from above.

The New Roadsters Multiple Linkage Rear Suspension System. 

A Closer View of the Components.

An Array of Superform Roadster wings waiting to be fitted.

A very neat and tidy workshop.

Terry's piece of Morgan Art 

Roadster Bodies nearing completion.

Wiring a Spare Wheel location panel.

Bench Working, 'Tailoring' the Bonnet Panels to each car.

Entering the frame shop we are all confronted with the Morgan 50p piece. 

Don't try and pick it up as it is bonded to the step.

In the Frame Shop they build each Ash Body Frame from parts pre cut in their Wood Shop.

Terry captures this completed frame which now ready for dipping in the Preservative Tank.

A completed Plus Ash Frame.

The New Plus 6 has brought with it many new construction requirements. 

The Wooden Frame has to be assembled on a complete Aluminium Chassis requiring each fitter to have their own Chassis for a former.

Glue, Clamp & Screw in action.

Applying the Rear Panels to a dipped Traditional Frame.

More Plus 6 Frames sitting on their Chassis.

Two Fitters Preparing to lift the Ash Frame from the Chassis

On the floor is this box of Ash Off-cut Souvenirs which we are allowed to take

Later in the tour Graham prints them with a Morgan Car

Operating the dangerous 'Band Saw' to trim a door frame.

Various stages of completion.

Spotted lurking up in the roof.

Also spotted was this old staff photo with Peter and Charles Morgan in the centre of the group.

Work in Progress waiting to be moved.

One of the first Plus 6's

Terry spotted this  New Plus 6 Filler Cap and Rear Lamp Cluster.

As we passed the old staff cafe (where Ann & I had lunch during our first visit in 2009) I noticed that it was full of seats waiting their leather-work.

While heading for the Paint Shop I spot these two Trad Morgans just Painted and being rebuilt for Trimming.

Those Seats seen through the side door.

Now that we are in the Trim Shop we see two of the first Plus 6's in work here.

The traditional Morgan on the left has no engine. 

This is for the American Market where Car and engine need to be shipped separately to meet regulations.

Up in the eaves I spot  this piece of artwork of the Aeromax.

Found on the Internet but I cant see the Artist's Name.

In this area the Hood is being fitted to measure.

The leather parts are assembled using this giant Industrial Sewing Machine.

These parts seem to construct a seat covering.

This Roadster with it Ivory Leather-work seems to still be a long way from being finished

A second machinist is working on more of the Burgundy panels.

Two more fitters working on separate cars. 

This Track or Race Car's Roll over unit seems to be far too high to take a Morgan Roof.

Another Bespoke Morgan in the final checking area 

Last minute stuff as the Headlamp Bezels are still missing.

In the Final Inspection area we see what must be one of the most expensive Morgan Developments.

When MMC developed its 'one off' prototype Hydrogen Powered 'Life Car' with Warwick University they made a spare body which resided in the roof of one of the sheds.

Morgan Collector, Brian Voakes spotted it during a visit and asked if he could have a car built to fit it. 

Special Projects 1 (SP1) was created.

Here it is undergoing its final inspection following a change of Tailor Made Door Hinges and some associated paintwork.

Fitting a Headlamp Unit while the wing is still off of the car.

It seems that Morgan will go to any lengths to ensure that cars leave the factory in perfect condition.

One more added to that almost finished group.

Advertising the tours on the bus. 

Our tour is over and we head back to The Visitor Centre for Coffee and a slice of our lovely cake, now committed to the knife while we have been away..

I take the opportunity to photograph our line of Roadster 100's from this end.

Passing through the Museum one of the early three wheelers with a model of The Life Car balancing on an oil drum.

Visit Over and it was time to leave as Gerald and Mary head back to Leicestershire.

Once everyone had left for home I had one more thing to do. I needed to visit the Service Department to have our R100 Valued for its insurance.

While waiting I took these advertisements seem on the waiting area wall.

Waiting for inspection.

My MER Car Polish seems to be retaining its luster.

While he valued the car, Service Manager Mike Baldwin showed significant interest in the history of The R100, the creation of our Register and our search for the missing cars.

One thing is for sure. The Roadster 100 may be 10 years old but it left its mark on the Morgan Motor Company during this important day.

Climbing The Malvern Hills

Behind The Cottage in the Wood we found this network of footpaths which zig zag there way across the hillside gradually rising to the top of the hills and the Ridge Path.

A the first clearing in the trees the view across the Vale of Evesham would be stunning on a clear day.

From the Ridge Path at the top we could see towards Wales and the Black Mountains.

Fortunately we both had Golf Umbrellas with us as it began to rain.

Now it was raining quite hard.

We took a different root down and could clearly see the Three Counties Showground from this path.

Also at the top we came across these Water Bowsers used to feed the two drinking troughs for any cattle roaming up here.

This is exactly where we were.

The view on the way down.

That evening, following the rain we experienced a most spectacular Rainbow which, for the first time for me, its Arc came complete with a Radius line

Returning Home

As National Trust Members, we decided to call into Mottisfont House near Romsey for Afternoon tea.

From the footbridge, the Rainbow Trout swimming in the River Test are clear to see.

Mottisfont House.

A Cloud of Midges are clear to see from the Bridge.

Desperate for that coffee we stride out for the house.

We know that the the cafe is on the lower level.

Through the once vaulted hall the cafe is just inside.

My last photo of the Trip.

This almost 1 mtr long Rainbow Trout - Fishing is not permitted here, thus they live a very happy life in the Test.

Frank.