Prez Sez Vern Dale-Johnson (vern_dj@msn.com)

Our first central Canada event has come and gone -- Austin Healey Club of Southern Ontario / British Sportscar Club’s Ancaster British Sportscar Flea Market and Car Show on April 18. Started bright and sunny then the showers came. Great to know Marissa is now "of age" -- that is, she pulled up the toneau and did up all three zippers. Of course, for the wet coasters they’re laughing -- wipers have been going out there since mid January! Saw many of our members at Ancaster -- I talked to Malcolm Taylor, he was at his condo in Florida for two weeks. Met up with the GatorMog folks at a meet in Orlando and was impressed at how friendly they were -- I told him all Morganeers were like that! He is sending in some pics and a bit of a story for the Blurb (I think I recognized Perry Nuhn in one of the photos). Also talked to Greg & Cathy Kaufman, down from Ottawa to visit daughter Rebecca (also a Morgan owner). Greg is redoing one of his "pins" and of course, I’ve raided my personal account to buy a supply! Phil Whitehouse was there and indicated Peter Toma was supposed to be around but I didn't run into him, nor did I see Paul Whittaker, or Rick Andrews (but their cars were on the field). Another Mog was there as well (cream with brown wings -- might have been Steve Bridges??). Carlos Yep sent me an email acknowledging he was there and Tony Moon confirmed he visited the show. Hmmmmm.... almost enough to have justified putting up the MSCCC banner. OLBDII’s ran beautifully and was showing off her newly finished interior panels (until it rained!).

With regards to efiles, I’ve turned our list of onliners into a MSCCC mailing list and have been sending out info on events as they come to my attention. Means onliners get quick access to info that comes in to the club in between Blurb’s. If you haven’t supplied us with your email address, please do.

 

We are still holding June 13th open for an event with several "possibilities" in the fire. Those online can expect an announcement as we move through May, those offline may get a phone call.....

Martin Fisher called the other day prooffering his gorgeous Georgian mansion and pool in Rosedale as the destination for another try at our MSCCC "From Sunnyside to Rosedale" run through the city. Date has been set -- mark your calendars for Sunday, July 18th. As only Martin, Carlos Yep, and the DJ’s did the run last year, we’ll be recycling the route and instructions (coincidentally, even the date is the same). Assemble at 1532 King St West (King near the Jameson Ave Exit (going east) or Dunn Ave Exit (going west) from the Gardiner Expressway). There is lots of parking on both sides of the street with a great view of Lake Ontario just to prove living in the city does have some advantages. Run will be about 90 minutes through to Martin’s place at 61 Bin Scarth Road (Mount Pleasant and Bloor). If you miss the run, join us at the BBQ around 6 pm. Martin promises to clean the mouse nests out of the BBQ before we arrive, and to have a full propane tank. Those not wishing to risk the BBQ, bring your Kentuky Fried or try for "broiled salmon via exhaust manifold" as I’m sure the stop-and-go city traffic will keep temperatures up! Call the DJ’s at 416-530-4599 to reserve your parking space, or Martin’s at 416-961-9548 to reserve your pool-side lounge chair (for those not participating in the run but joining us for the BBQ & swim). There will not be any more announcements on this event so.... mark your calendar now!

Peter & Heather McCowan will be hosting our MSCCC summer "beefout" for Toronto area Morganeers (and invited guests). Date is August 14..... mark you calendars now and be prepared for a great afternoon and evening.

Received an announcement on the British Sportscar Club's "Wheels & Wings" event to be held May 16 at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Hamilton Airport, Mount Hope Ontario (403 to Ancaster, take "Fiddlers Green" and follow the signs or if coming from Niagara falls, turn off the QEW at Highway 20, Centennial Parkway [Stoney Creek/Hamilton] and follow the signs). Entry is $10 per vehicle. For more info call Paul Boydell at 905-318-5810. Emailers might want to try Scott Morris, Editor of "The Tribute" at jstmorris@yahoo.com or Don Pettitt, BSC Events Coordinator at weazal@execulink.com

Ashbridges Bay Community Day, May 16. The following invitation was sent by Bruce Stewart of the Specialty Vehicle Assn of Ontario to Fred, who has passed it on to me. I now nominate you as part of our group of "hand-picked good guys" (see below). If you are interested, a courtesy confirmation to Bruce (Fred & myself) would be appreciated:

"I've got an offer you can't refuse. The SVAO holds its executive meetings at my yacht club and the club has asked our help in getting cars for an impromptu car show as part of a thing called "Ashbridge's bay Community Day". The event is charitable with all proceeds going to Centre 55, a local seniors group and Variety Village. There's no charge and lots of room for picnics etc. Where else can you get a guaranteed parking spot in the ever trendy beaches with cheap food, cheap beer, boats, people and a whole lot of good stuff? Let me know if you can make it. Bruce". Address for the club is admin@abyc.on.ca . Bruce’s number 416-690-5094.

A new event has come to our attention of interest to British Car enthusiasts in the Toronto area. I received a flyer from the Austin-Healey Club of Southern Ontario regarding a new all-Brit marque event -- "Life in the Past Lane" British Car Show, Sunday May 23, 9:30am to 3:30 pm, Black Creek Pioneer Village, Steeles & Jane, Toronto. (see flyer later in this Blurb -- registration was to close May 12 but, call to see if there is still room.....) Car registration is $25 (*includes 4 complimentary passes). Adult box lunches are $13 each, Children's box lunches are $10 each. You must pre-register by May 12. Send cheque for car registration and box lunches (made payable to the Austin-Healey club of Southern Ontario) to 1147 Carla Court, Oakville, Ontario L6J 5Z9. Include your name, addresss, phone, and car year and type. If you have questions call Frank or Sue Neill 905-339-3948 or email at fneill@sympatico.ca

Remember British Car Week is May 24-30 -- regardless of where you are, drive them! June is already gone in my calendar and I’m struggling to fit my business commitments around event dates in July and August. Many open event flyers are included elsewhere in the Blurb or appropriately listed. Not many flyers from out of central Canada -- a reminder to our far flung members to send those in or steer us to web-sites so we can download the info.

Other events of interest to our Morganeers include two annual events -- the 99 Spring Fling, May 28-30 in Peterborough organized by the Toronto Triumph Club (with an open invitation from both the MG and Triumph clubs to all British Sports Car owners), and the 14th Annual Canadian Classic, also organized by the Toronto Triumph Club, July 22-25 in Simcoe. Last year was the first year the Classic was opened to all British Marques, this year’s event builds on that "open event" format. Our thanks to Malcolm Taylor & Bob Bieler with the Toronto Triumph Club, and Martin Brassard of the MG Car Club of Toronto for their efforts to forge links with other British Clubs. registration forms and information on both events can be found elsewhere in this Blurb.

The annual Classics Against Cancer auto show, held in Georgetown’s Cedervale Park every Fathers Day (June 20) has been attracting more and more Brits. This year, due to the demand, there will be two classes with the dividing line at 1956. As this event attracts 400~500 classics, plan to arrive early, bring your chairs and a picnic lunch, and enjoy both the park and the sights, and if you have time -- lend a hand to a worthy cause. All proceeds go to the Canadian Cancer Society, you receive a charitable receipt for the entire $25 entry fee. So far no registration form has been received (and is not on the normal website). Mark the date on your calendar and arrive early!

There are several considerations for the July 1-4 weekend for those who are not venturing down to MOG 29 at Mount St. Mary’s College (see flyer elsewhere in this Blurb or visit the website at www.morgandc.org). First consideration for those in South Western Ontario is "Hail Britannia!" the 3rd annual Empire Day returning to 50 point on July 3. A day long celebration of British history and culture. Vintage British automobiles and motorcycles are the focal point of this celebration. Anyone arriving with British cars or motorcycles can win prizes during the event. Be among the first 25 car or motorcycle owners and receive a free British meal.

Empire Day takes place at Fifty Point Conservation Area, one of the most spectacular destinations on western Lake Ontario. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic basket, bathing suits and fishing rods because Fifty Point is a great outdoor experience for the entire family. In addition to its beautiful marina, licensed patio and family dining at The Landing Restaurant, Fifty Point has the cleanest, warmest beach on western Lake Ontario. Another popular activity is fishing for largemouth bass and rainbow trout at Fifty Point's stocked pond -- no fishing license is required.

Admission to Fifty Point Conservation Area is $7 per vehicle and driver, plus $1 per passenger, to a maximum of $10. Children under 12 are admitted free. Fifty Point Conservation Area is located on Baseline Road, east of Fifty Point and north of the Queen Elizabeth Way, in Stoney Creek. For more information, call 905-525-2187.

Other consideration for the July 1-4 weekend, especially for those who like the smell of Castrol R and sound of well tuned engines, is to take in the VARAC Vintage Festival "50". Celebrating 50 years of sports car racing in Canada, the event will take place at the scenic Mosport Park road racing circuit just north of Bowmanville. As many as 200 vintage racers are expected (with, we hope, more than a smattering of Morgans present). See the article further on in the Blurb. Weekend tickets can be purchased at the track for $25, or you can buy a single day pass for $15. Tickets are only available at the gate. The weekend starts with the Lotus Club "driving school" on July 1 (see registration and info later in the Blurb). Part of the weekend activities is a "Rally of the Small Pines", running from the track north through the forested acres towards Lindsay (a picturesque town with many local motels/guest houses but, reserve early -- you will be in the centre of Saturday evening’s activities!). Saturday & Sunday will include races, a flea market for new & used parts, automobilia, and automotive art. There is also an opportunity for sports car enthusiasts who pre-register to take a few touring laps of Mosport circuit.

This year a new (at least to me) British Club -- Bolton British Cars under the stewardship of George Temple will be be working with Malcolm Taylor (TR3 driving member of the MSCCC, among other clubs) to organize the British Cars for the Canadian Carriage Driving Classic, July 10 & 11 at Tralee Farms in Caledon. Information on this event can be found in this Blurb -- a few more details from Malcolm for those who have attended previous Carriage Classics: "Both days are open for British Cars, with awards being offered each day. You can present your window card from Saturday for 1/2 price entry on Sunday. The horsie people seem to think it looks impressive to have everyone arrive at the same time (they must like confusion) hence the 9:00 am +/- start. (Damn, the dew isn’t off my melon at that hour!). You are free to exit at any time! (Did I mention there is a Pub this year??). The "Classic" gave the BBC the job of organizing the car show with the intent of filling the field both days. With that in mind Geoge and I decided to offer discounted re-admission, mix the marques both days, and open the show to any group (Miata, Poorcha, Historic Vehicle Society, motorcycles, etc...) but we hope British marques will be prominent both days". Now, Malcolm, there is a challenge worthy of local British Car owners!


The British Car Toy Run will be organized by the British Saloon Car Club of Canada (BSCCOC). Date has been set for Sunday Sept 26th. They will need help -- those who can please contact Roger Tipple 905-632-6582 tipple@procor.com or Dave & Elva Allen 519-367-5854 elva@log.on.ca A worthy cause will be supported and a guaranteed great time will be had by all.

Mountain Springs Lodge in Collingwood is again the destination for our MSCCC Fall Weekend. Dates are October 1-3. Later than usual to get around conflicts with the Sept 11-12 Watkins Glen Weekend, Sept 19 British Car Day, and Sept 17-19 British Invasion in Stowe. After discussions with Martin Brassard of the MG Car Club of Toronto, who hold their Wayne McRae Memorial Weekend in the fall, it was decided to take the Oct 1-3 weekend for a combined event. Prices for accommodation have risen from the bargain basement rates of previous years but are still very affordable for the luxury accommodation offered. Look for more details to follow, if you want to book early call 800-704-8633 and mention the "Morgan Car Club".

For the millennium we have rerun a series of 50 badges with a "yellow" Morgan, number M01 to M50, and dated 2000. So far 14 of the 30 the club has purchased have been snapped up, the other 20 are being sold through Melvyn Rutter. If you haven’t got your order in, do so now. Badges will arrive in late May and will be sent out to those who have sent in their cheques. Lapel pins, this run 1 inch in diameter and of the same quality as the badge are available -- most with "brooch" closing, some with "tack" closure. Badges are priced at C$80 (US$55) plus shipping while the pins will be C$12 (US$8) plus shipping. Orders should be sent to VDJ (see back for address). Also, don’t forget you can still have your favourite shirt or other item of clothing embroidered with the MSCCC badge. Send this in to VDJ, with $10 and return postage, and we’ll have it embroidered. If you can’t wait, we’ve some crests available, assorted colors, for $10 each again, plus postage.

Now.... a few notes from the Past Prez. A Celebration of 90 Years of Morgans!

"Evening Vern. Received word today from the organizers at the British Saloon Car Club of Canada, that Morgan will be the "Featured Marque" at this year's 5th British Car Toy Run for Operation Santa Claus, on September 26, 1999. As you know, this event was founded by the Morgan Sports Car Club of Canada for the betterment of children & the less fortunate at Christmas. And while Morgans were recognized each year, Morgan was not actually featured during one of the years (Triumph, Jaguar, & Land Rover having the honour). Santa actually rode in a Rolls the first year. On behalf of the MSCCC, we're pleased that Morgan has been chosen by the new organizers, particularly during this 90th anniversary year for the marque!

More details will be posted on the MSCCC website, as they become available. As far as we know, the format will remain the same as previous years - that is, a driving tour, car show, & party - with all toys & proceeds to charity. We hope that "Morganeers" & all British marques will choose to join in this celebration & good cause. Cheers, Fred Kuzyk, MSCCC Webmaster. Visit the MSCCC Web site at: http://members.xoom.com/msccc/

Notes from the Far West (and Far South):

During our recent visit to Australia, I had the opportunity to spend an afternoon with Ken Ward, local Morgan racer rebuilder and reseller. We had the normal great chat and walk about his place -- garages for 3-4 cars plus a carport complete with a "lift". Ken had recently purchased an early 50’s "slabbie" +4 DHC from New Zealand, had a beautiful low-mileage late 70’s +8 on consignment -- asking A$70,000 (I was tempted!), numerous well-worked Morgans, and a Aston Martin DB4 there for eventual restoration. As I was leaving Ken pulled out his photos of his 4/4 -- wrecked during a 60’s sports car race. Hard to believe he walked away from the wreck -- the car had been split lengthwise as it mounted and then hurtled over the Armco. Not to be deterred, it was rebuilt and back on the track later that season! Here is a thought obtained in Oz during our recent trip you might appreciate. Len Evans is one of Australia’s most prominent wine masters (in Oz -- in Canada the honour goes to Amanda D-J!).

"The Len Evans Theory of Capacity"

The JabberMoggy by Michael Jhon (61 +4 "MOGNFIQ")

'Twas brillig, and the sliding pillars
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the damping levers,
And the luckless Lucas outgave.

"Beware the JabberMog, my son!
The clutch that binds, the hood that tears!
Beware the drip-drip bird, and shun
The frumious tandem spares!"

He took his vorpal swag in hand:
Long time the Matchless trike he sought--
So rested he by the Malvern tree,
And stood fourwheel in thought.

And, while in thoughts of ashen wood,
The JabberMog, exhaust aflame,
Came whiffling through the neighborhood,
And burbled as it came!

To buy! To fix! To drive! He cried.
The vorpal swag went snicker-slack!
His account now red with folly bled,
He went galumphing back.

"And hast thou slogged the JabberMog?
Come to my arm, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Who cares what you pay!"
He chortled in his toy.

'Twas brillig, and the gudgen pins
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the rusty shims,
And the luckless Lucas outgave.

END

 


And the last word for this issue as there seems to be a paucity of information from our Eastern Scribe, our Western Scribe, and our Interclub Events Coordinator -- all must be polishing & tuning in preparation for a full year of Morganeering.

As the story goes........ a gynaecologist had a burning desire to change careers and become a mechanic. So she found out from her local tech college what was involved, signed up for evening classes and attended diligently, learning all she could. When time for the practical exam approached, she prepared carefully for weeks, and completed the exam with tremendous skill.

When the results came back, she was surprised to find that she had obtained a mark of 150%. Fearing an error, she called the instructor, saying "I don't want to appear ungrateful for such an outstanding result, but I wondered if there had been an error which needed adjusting."

The instructor said, "During the exam, you took the engine apart perfectly, which was worth 50% of the total mark. You put the engine back together again perfectly, which is also worth 50% of the mark. I gave you an extra 50% because you did all of it THROUGH the muffler..."

Central Canada Morgan Events:

May 16 Ashbridges Bay Community Day, Bruce Stewart 416-690-5094 or admin@abyc.on.ca

May 16 BSC Wheels & Wings, Mount Hope, (Paul Boydell 905-318-5810 orweazal@execulink.com)

May 23 Black Creek British Car Show , AH Club of Southern Ontario, (Frank or Sue Neill 905-339-3948 or email fneill@synmpatico.ca)

June 5 British Car Classic, London Ontario (Bob Plante, 519-472-4586)

June 19 "Rhinemog 99", Rhinebeck, NY (contact Jim Nichol 914-229-5088, or jhalfdime@aol.com)

June 20 Classics Against Cancer, Georgetown Ontario (info: 905-877-2203)

July 1-4 VARAC Vintage Festival "50"

July 3 Empire Day at 50 point Conservation Area, (info call Marty Walters at 905-544-6083)

July 10-11 Carriage Classics -- British Car Day, Caledon Hills Ontario

July 18 MSCCC "From Sunnyside to Rosedale" tour (Vern Dale-Johnson 416-530-4599, Martin Fisher 416-961-9548)

August 14 MSCCC "Beef Out", McCowan’s, Stouffville. Call Peter or Heather at 905-888-1151 to confirm.

Sept 19 British Car Day, Bronte Creek Provincial Park (Toronto Triumph Club, Gil Caratin 905-274-0974)

Oct 10 Fall Foliage Run -- start @ Nyal Wilson’s in Ancaster at 12 noon, Call Nyal at 905-648-0888 to confirm.

West Coast Events for MSCCC and MOG NW:

May 29-30 All British & Classic Run to the Gorge, Bellevue WA to Hood River OR (Arnie Taub 425-644-7874)

July 1-4 Rally in the Valley (Okanagan), Vernon B.C. (Peter Moore 205-545-2432)

July 17 Western Washington All British Field Meet, Redmond, WA (425-644-7874)

July 30-31 MOGWest, Cambria California (Bill Buttons 206-935- 3616)

Sept 18-19 Vancouver to Whistler British Car Run (Mike Powley 604-261-0901)

Eastern Canada Events for MSCCC and GoMoG:

June 20 Richmond Car Show, organized by Ottawa Valley Triumph Club, check with Steve Bourne 613-253-0739
July 1 Arnprior Car Show. Contact Greg Kaufman 613-832-3620 for more info on this one.

July 15 Malone N.Y Car Show Greg Kaufman has details for anyone interested.
August 20-22 Moggies on the Grass, Phantom Farms, John Bowles coordinating.

Sept 17-19 British Invasion IX. Stowe Vermont, contact Mike Gaetano 508-497-9655 for event info, Ed Burman for coordination of the Canadian contingent.

Other Events of interest:

May 24-30 British Car Week -- regardless of where you are, drive them!

June 6 Vintage Car Show, Victor N.Y. info Linda (B’n’B Club, Kingston) at 613-542-8110)

June 9-14 Les Vingt Quatre Heurs (contact Dallas Jones, CRANMOG, 011-44-1908-542719)

July 2-4 VARAC Festival, Mosport, Ontario

July 21-23 Brits in the Park, Lindsay Ontario, (call Little Brian Motor Co, 888-228-9299)

July 25 Positive Earth Drivers 2nd Annual British Car Show, Lavallette, NJ. Doug Higgins 732-505-0778

August 15 St George’s Society, London Ontario (details from Stu Brownlow at 519-453-0068)

Morgans, ready for the Millenium......

Did you see the article on Y2K by Dennis Simanaitis in the May issue of R& T? The article had a neat graphic of Dennis’s +4 4 seater wheeling away from the Y2K "stall" that befell more modern machinery. Actually, the June issue of R& T (arrived yesterday) was even more enjoyable -- Dennis has a "road test" of the new US federalized +8. This test is so new it didn’t even make the cover comments of the issue. For us Canucks, will make you cry -- a new +8, delivered at Isis (Cantab prices the same?) will only set you back US$65,000. I understand Steve Beer is making a treck to the factory (about now) to discuss Canadianization of the +8. Don’t expect a similar price (ie US$65K = C$96,000 at today’s exchange rate) but something significantly higher. The pricing on new Mogs will definitely have an effect on the older stock as well -- look for price rises as we move through the millenium.

However, having said all that this pricing of new Mogs is attracting a different group. Consider the successful lawyer friend of mine who finally took delivery of his new 'long door' Plus 8 Morgan (in the US of course, from Cantab by the way), after what seems like years of waiting! I was lucky enough to be invited to go with him to pick it up. On our way home we decided that he should stop buy his office to show the car off to his colleagues. Well, his office is on a one way street and as he got out, a truck came along too close to the curb, and completely tore off the drivers door! Jim went ballistic, he immediately grabbed his cell phone, dialed 911, and almost before he'd hung up the phone a cop arrived.

Well, before the cop had a chance to ask any questions, Jim started screaming hysterically. His Morgan, which he had been waiting years for and had finally got, was completely ruined and would never be the same, no matter what specialty shop tried to make it new again. When Jim finally wound down from his rant, the cop was shaking his head in disbelief. "I can't believe how materialist you are" he said. "You are so focused on your possessions, you don't notice anything else". "How can you say such a thing" asked Jim. "Well didn't you know your left arm is missing from the elbow down? It must have been torn off when the truck hit you!" replied the cop. "MY GOD!" screamed Jim, "Where's my Rolex?" (thanks to Jeff Webster from the chatline).

The Morgan Sports Car Club

"Beef out"

McCowan Farm, Saturday August 14, 1999 -- 2 PM onwards

(Peter & Heather)

Location: 14152 Warden Ave

1 km north of Bloomington, west side of Warden Ave

Stouffville-Whitechurch

Food: Beef supplied by hosts. Salads & desserts -- pot luck.

(Call Heather for suggestions).

6:00 - 6:30 start.

Beverage: Bring your own

Activities: Tech Session by Stephen & Martin Beer

(call 905-857-3210 with suggestions)

4:00 - 5:30

Volleyball and other outdoor activities. Bring your toys.

Music: Live band for listening and dancing from 4 pm onwards (for you indoor types).

Phone: 905-888-1151 (Please RSVP)