Page 5 - MM_Sep Oct 2021

Noticeboard
RAY’S
ramble
I trust that with the easing of restrictions many of you
will have been able to get out to local events and use
your Morris Minors. I was delighted to be able to take the 1949 Series MM Tourer to the Morris Vehicles Association Rally held in conjunction with the Morris Register that was celebrating 60+1 years as a club at Thoresby Hall, Nottinghamshire in August. We had to cope with the vagaries of the British weather but in spite of indifferent conditions on the main day of the event, it was brilliant to be able to meet with ‘old’ friends and share the joy of being out and about and being able to reminisce about times past.
Interest in Morris vehicles is what brings us together but the friendships established through a common interest, transcend the vehicles themselves. I know from shared experiences that friendships established years ago have provided mutual support and, in some cases, a lifeline in what has been a challenging time over the past couple of years. Branch networks have come to the fore and it is a credit to the officials who have worked so hard to establish and maintain contact with branch members during the lockdown periods and in some cases to provide essential support for those who found themselves in the vulnerable category.
The MMOC is known for its friendly, outgoing and supportive aspirations but it is individual members who deserve credit for their endeavours to support others whether it is in providing personal support, technical assistance on motoring matters or ensuring
that there is a listening ear available when required. In the East Midlands there is a campaign to recognise those individuals who have ‘Made A Difference’. I am sure that within the MMOC there are many worthy nominees who have done just that during the last two years.
Recent events elsewhere in the world have focussed attention
on a myriad of problems. I have been conscious of the problems faced by many overseas members who share our passion for Morris Minors. It is pleasing to see that events such as those involving
the Amicale Morris Minor France in France, reported in this
issue, have taken place. The upcoming 25+1 Anniversary of the Morris Minor Register Deutschland due to be held in Hamburg
on September 17 is scheduled to take place but it is worrying that colleagues in Australia are subject to rigorous lockdown regimes which limit the extent to which vehicle transport is permitted. Nevertheless, it is reassuring that, when possible, events continue to be staged, vehicles used and friendships renewed. It is also encouraging to note that forward planning continues.
My good friend Tony Burgess from the Morris Minor Registry in North America is planning a trip to the UK in 2023 to share
in the celebrations of the 75th Anniversary of the launch of the Morris Minor. No doubt our colleagues in the Netherlands and
in Scandinavia will be planning their trips too, as will many individual members from across the world. If we need a focal point and a positive thing to aim for let that be one of them. Be assured the National Committee here in the UK will be focussing on finding a suitable venue and advising of confirmation of the dates in the very near future. Meanwhile, let’s hope for a sustained return to normal activity and forward planning for branch, national and international events without undue interruption.
Ray Newell
ww.facebook.com/groups/
morrisminors
This picture by Andy Gibbons is the winner of the MMOC Facebook group’s photo competition
Andy took it of his car about which he says “The car is called Megan and has been in the family for 30+ years. This pic was taken in 2017 when we successfully completed Land’s End to John O’Groats for three charities, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Macmillan and Cancer Research. The location is the amazing Glencoe.”
2022 National Rally
We were hoping to move to another venue for 2022 to celebrate the 20th year of the National Rally team.
Unfortunately despite finding a site and having agreed a date, the venue recently advised that they have offered all dates to organisers who booked in 2020 and 2021, but whose events were cancelled due to Covid 19. This means the planned MMOC event cannot proceed. We have contacted a number of other venues that could hold the National Rally and their fees have risen sharply. Therefore we have booked Kelmarsh Hall for the National Rally in 2022 on the following dates to secure a venue: 25-26th June 2022 (camping opens on Friday June 24 at 11.00am. More details to follow.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 MINOR MATTERS | 5