Updated October 19/98 While a sampling from this issue is available below, this Edition also contains: "A +4 On The Isle Of Man" article, Reports on the "All Brits Field Meet", Morgan event articles, event fliers, and News From The West, The East, & more! To subscribe to THE BLURB and get six complete issues each year - see the CLUB INFO PAGE. Click on an article below (or scroll down) to sample articles from "THE BLURB" THE CO-PREZ SEZ July & August/98 Edition. By F. Kuzyk SCUTTLEBUTT CORNER By Hairy "Winston" Hogmog SAND'S PIG-OUT REPORT By F. Art Sharpenwessel CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLES FROM THE PREVIOUS EDITION THE CO-PREZ SEZ THE CO-PREZ SEZ: Fred & Lynn Kuzyk (msccc@sympatico.ca) Fall is upon us! We'd like to welcome new member Stuart Clare of Nova Scotia. An MG owner, he covets Morgans! TO EVERYTHING, THERE IS A SEASON.... As Vern alluded to in the last issue, Lynn & I have decided to wind down a number of our duties at year's end. We've had the "we can do that" attitude for so long, we find lately that we "can't" much longer. We've worn so many hats that the head has gotten heavy! Seriously though, the following portfolios will be vacant: President, Regalia, & Events. Vern is considering taking the plunge & finally moving up to the "oval office". That will mean that a Vice-President will be required. So, there still remains a critical shortage of "people power" in this party. We've been paring down things of late: dropping a few club memberships, going to fewer events this year, opting out of the BCCI Representative gig, etc. But more rest is needed. Doing Regalia since sometime in 1990, Events since ‘91, and the Co-Prez since ‘95, I think it's time for new blood, ideas & energy. I will still continue on as Webmaster but updating the website less frequently than I have been. I'm sure that Hellen Hogmog, "Winston", & "Art" will make the odd contribution to the Blurbs next year. Lynn has suggested she will do an odd event, such as another one of the infamous Wine Runs, but certainly can't have her finger in all of them. I'm sure that we won't completely disappear into the woodwork, or the garage, & will pitch in where we can. After being the principal organizers of the last 6 Fall Weekends, if the event is to continue, we suggest that the position of Fall Weekend Co-Ordinator be created. Or at the least, a committed committee. Many clubs have a single person assume overall responsibility for a single large event. That's all they do - the one event. This makes life easier for the Events or Social Officers, not having to take charge of every project. We've been fortunate the last 2 years having Peter & Heather McCowan do much of the legwork in Collingwood. We learned from experience with the Spring Pelee Expedition & the Montreal Adventure, that not having "advance" people in those areas makes a lot of work & surprises for the "out of towners"! We were also fortunate to have Martin & Christine Brassard, from the Executive of the MG Club of Toronto, to not only participate but to pitch in where needed. We leave with the club coffers in excellent shape. All the expenses with the Fall Weekend & Toy Run are not yet in, but still there should be at least several thousand dollars in the kitty, according to Jenny. The reason this is possible is the long standing traditions of this group: Frugality of the Executive & Generosity of the Members. We hope that this tradition continues. For years, dues were $15. More recently they increased to $25, but you don't get rich on that, either. Regalia isn't a big revenue maker either. We don't have a big annual, money-making event. Membership has increased in recent years to around 100 homes - not huge either. How's it done? It's pretty simple. Since Audrey's days, the Executive looked for ways to scrimp, while they paid for a lot of little things out of their own pockets. Members too would host events & refuse or not expect to charge the club for their hospitality! The Executive would not indulge in such perks as several hundred dollar "liquid lunches" type meetings at the organization's expense, as had the Directors of the BCCI a few years ago, or pay for meeting places, etc. The Executive (more acurately the Beer family) has also engaged in currency profitability. American dollars were purchased when they were cheap for the US Account, and recently converted to Canadian, now that ours is at an all time low, yielding a whole bunch of loonies! We've avoided glossy magazines & frivolity and this is how a small club can be active, affordable, yet solvent. It's been suggested by Vern that if the club should fold due to lack of interest or "people power", that the money be placed in trust, until such time that someone is willing to re-start a Canadian Morgan Club with a national mandate. I would concur. Jenny has suggested that surplus funds could also be used to purchase regalia, such as T-shirts, which would be sold to members at a huge loss. I also agree, as long as someone else looks after the details. It's been awhile since we ordered such items as those infamously misspelled "Niagra" T-shirts that Lynn made! We've tried to push the open shop concept, the "come one come all" philosophy. If our own members can't come out for an event, others might. The opportunity was then there for net-working, joint endeavours, contacts, reciprocity. I can't remember the last time we did a clique event with just "friends". Everyone who came out, we regarded as our friends. I hope this philosphy continues. Inroads have been made but there are still many who cannot go beyond their own kin, clan & kind. At one time I thought a Constitution would be good thing. I'm glad we held off on that one. Policies lead to more opportunities for anymosity. Exclusion & restriction instead of whatever it takes to get the job done. The 4th Toy Run will also be the last that we organize. We had high hopes for the idea. Motivation of our members; unity, interaction, networking among the British Clubs; yadda, yadda. Interest & support has slowly grown, but we've run out of gas! Given that we are unlikely to find a Toy Run Organizer among our own ranks, I will "test the waters" for any individual, group, or firm, that may wish to continue the concept. A member of a club outside the British realm is looking into the "fit" for his club. In which case, the event would become the "5th Santa Claus Run", and would also be open to other segments of the hobby, like German, Italian, Japanese cars - maybe even Fords & Chevys! Hopefully, the idea of no age restrictions would prevail. I can't see any difference between say, a 1980 rubber bumper MGB & a 1990 Miata. Nor a 1994 Morgan & an early flat rad. I found it quite offensive that a group of grumblers from outside the club, took exception to the presence of the Miatas last year. (Even "Santa" was ready to give these "purist" spoilers a smack)! If no takers can be found, the event will live on in our memories. TOY RUN: We'd like to thank Hendrik Rens & his employer for the beautiful poster they created. We hope to sell these at the event for the sum of $2, with all proceeds going to "Jimmy's Kids". Vern Dale-Johnson & Trevor Easton also receive kudos for helping to distribute these around the area. Vern also receives my condolences about his car. The accident occurred following a meeting we had with Hendrik on the poster. Last but not least, I would like to thank those members who answered the call for volunteers on September 27: Doug Turner, Margot Heyerhoff, & the Balfours. And we'd like to thank those from other clubs who called to say that they would like to pitch-in: Isobel Greenfield (MG Club) & Brian Kavanaugh & friend John (BSC). IN PRINT & ON THE AIR: An article which appeared in the publication Jaguar Driver on the last Toy Run didn't make into the Blurb. I'll see if I can post this sometime on the website. Earl Band, President of the MOG Great Lakes club in Michigan passed on his sentiments regarding the website. He's quite taken with the vehicle, especially the extensive links. Bob Wright sent his regards to all at the Collingwood affair and his regrets that he would miss it. An invitation was received to come & visit sometime. The producers of a TV show are still courting Al Sands, as well as the Beer family, to appear on their show. It would be nice to see! I had the pleasure to lend my voice to Jim Kenzie's Toronto radio program, on July 11. I was asked to speak on the car club scene, with specifics on the MSCCC. Don't worry - all was rosy about the hobby! SPINNING THE WEB: Lots of emails, but not a lot new lately. I did receive a response to my posting of the Toy Run. A fellow wondered if there would be a lot of vendors present. I had to tell him there will not be. Yes, "cheap parts" is really the prime motivator in the hobby! I've added a message board on the website. Now all those folks from the four corners of the earth can post their own messages directly for cars/parts wanted or for sale. NEW REGALIA: Have just received 175 computer CDs on "Bed & Breakfasts In Canada" from software designer (& Ottawa MG enthusiast) Trevor Boicey. This is greatly appreciated & these will be in the Toy Run goody bags (I know Ray & Mary Shier could use a copy)! These retail for $19.95 & I test drove one on my hard drive. The set-up wizard works for both Windows 3.1 & 95. The program is a comprehensive database, with easy navigation. You can choose any province, region, or town to find info on B&Bs, or alphabetically by name. Photos of each (inside & out) appears, as well as relevant info. You can save favourites or print info. In Windows 95, you can even listen to music while you browse! Start planning that road trip! A new Morgan video, presented by the Company, is now available! The video is only available to clubs & owners and is only 9.99 pounds sterling from New Media Television in York, England. Call: +44 1904 621222 or email: giles@nmtv.demon.co.uk. I have been given the video sleeve, & it features Charles Morgan tracing the history of land mark cars, in the factory & surrounding countryside, from early days to the Plus 8. I'll have to snag a copy! RECENT EVENTS: I did make an appearance at Empire Day. A very English-like day in the weather department, with lots of rain. This didn't stop 4 Mogs from being there. Besides myself, there were the cars of: the Toma's, Heyerhoff's, & Shier's. Attendance was down about 100 vehicles. Ah, the vagaries brought on by whim & weather! Yet there was great entertainment. The organizers can take solace in the wide-spread club support this time. The British Sportscar Club picked up the tab for dash plaques & a Long Distance Award. The Healey folk did get their trophy event - with a separate field, until it was time for their judging, when they took center field. MGs & Triumphs were in respectable numbers. Land Rovers didn't get to off-road. And the Saloon Club had needed hardtop roofs over their heads. Next was the Sand's Pig-Out. "Art" has a full disclosure. Lot's of cars & people. Great time! I didn't do too much schmoozing, preferring to relax by the pool. A President's Award was presented to Marlies & Al for another superlative event, including the weather! Then came the Fall Weekend. Lynn was nodding off at the wheel of the support vehicle Saturn, both to & from the venue. Slept during the driving tour. She crashed (on the couch) on the Sunday afternoon & slept the evening away, but a good time was had! The facilities were outstanding & affordable. People enjoyed the driving tour, fun concours, banquet, & funkhanna (I hope). We particularly enjoyed the hot tub time, while the judges were doing their thing. Thanks guys! Except for the short drive to the banquet, everything centered around the chalets & resort - instead of being billeted 50 miles or so from the event! Our Executive never receives info on Watkins Glen, yet everyone seems to know about it. It's a BIG event that will always draw a huge number of cars & people. We don't see a small, Morgan specific event as "competition" against a juggernaut, but rather an "alternative" for the faithful. I'm prompted to say this, as a posting made to the Morgan internet newsgroup about our event received a response of: would like to come but your timing is bad, don't you know that the Glen is on & some other Morgan event (Jiminy Peaks) is too! Yep, there's always something else on somewhere. People don't realize factors such as weather, tradition, or other considerations. Well, the organizers of the other Morgan events mentioned don't seem concerned about the draw of the Glen & their bad timing, either! President's Awards were presented to: Chris & Gayle Taylor (new members with oodles of support), Ray & Mary Shier (Veterans with years of support), & Martin Fisher (Toronto Tour & BBQ). Winner of the People's Choice: Martin Beer, trike. Best Non-Morgan: Gerry Albano, MGA (BSC). Judge's Choice - Best Morgan: Earl Band (MOG Great Lakes). Gynkhanna Winners: Martin & Christine Brassard, MGB (MG Club Toronto). Martini Contest Winner: Vern Dale-Johnson. 50/50 Draw Winner: Reg Beer. Thanks to Head Judge: Vern Dale-Johnson, and Ray Shier, Orrin Geeting, & Chris Taylor. Thanks to the Martini Judges: Peter Toma, Martin Brassard (MG Club), & Wilf Wunderlich (Toronto Triumph Club). Thanks to: Peter Batt (MG Club), for the additional door prize items, Russ Balfour, and Rob Draper (Triumph Club) for their kind words, all the folks who helped out, and to everyone who came out! And a big thank you to Peter & Heather & the staff of the Mountain Springs Lodge. UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS: Sep 17-20 British Invasion. Stowe VT, USA. Info: Mike (508) 435-8007. Sep 18 Classic Car Drive-in Movie Night. Dusk to Dawn extravaganza of classic car movies. Hosted by the Classic Car Restorations TV Show. Takes place at the 5 Drive-In Theatre, Hwy 5 & Ninth Line, Oakville, ON. Limited space for all classic cars. Info: contact@classiccarrestorations.com Sep 19-20 "An English Car Affair in the Park" (ECAIP'98) at Fort Rodd Hill in Victoria BC -- entries are invited from owners of any age English cars, buses, vans, trucks and motorcycles, any condition. Contact John Beresford or call Chairman Stu Eastwood at (250)474-3956. Sep 20 15th British Car Day. Bronte Provincial Park, Oakville ON. About 900 cars last year. Hosted by Toronto Triumph Club. Largest 1 day Brit car show on this continent. Info: Gil (905) 274-0974. Sep 25-27 Austin-Healey Club "Fall Windup" Weekend. Healey weekend in Niagara Falls, open this year to other marques & clubs. Registration $35, Rooms $77.50/night. Contact Les (905) 639-4829. Not known if the Healeys will attend the Toy Run on Sunday (as did the MGs for the "Brit Wheels & Wings"). Sep 27 MSCCC 4th British Car Toy Run. Proceeds to "Operation Santa Claus" charity. Christmas theme driving tour, show and party. Open to all British marques & guests. Awards, goody bags, dash plaques, door prizes, etc. Sep 29-Oct1 CAARGB North American Rally arrives in the Toronto-Niagara area. Approximately 25 European cars of all description on a tour from Nova Scotia to Florida. Sept 29: Arrives at the Oshawa Holiday Inn. Sept 30: Toronto to Niagara. Oct 1: Rest day in Niagara, staying at the Best Western Inn On The River, 7001 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, NY. All are welcome to join the participants. Possible winery stop in Niagara area. OCTOBER Oct 4 MSCCC Pub Brunch. Queens Head Pub, Brant & Elgin Streets, Burlington, ON. From 12:30 PM. Guests welcome! Oct 3 or 4 Glenn Nigh has proposed attendance at the Welland Food Fest & his home. No further details at this time. Oct 4 Morganeers are also invited to participate in a Fun Rally hosted by the MG Club. Starts at the Fortino's lot (Hwy 10 & 7) Brampton. First car away at 10 AM. About 2 hours, 100km. Brunch follows. Info: Bill (905) 472-5535. Oct 25 British Car Autojumble. International Centre, Airport Rd. Mississauga, ON. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Entry fee: $5.00/person. Hosted by the Toronto MG Club. Info: Martin Brassard (416) 410-5464 NOVEMBER Nov 8 MSCCC Pub Brunch. Queens Head Pub, Brant & Elgin Streets, Burlington, ON. From 12:30 PM. Guests welcome! DECEMBER Dec 6 MSCCC Pub Brunch. Queens Head Pub, Brant & Elgin Streets, Burlington, ON. From 12:30 PM. Guests welcome! Dec 12 The Balfours Christmas In Cambridge is a go. Members only. RSVP to Russ & Sylvia at (519) 621-1772. "Thanks for the memories" -Fred Kuzyk SCUTTLEBUTT CORNER. By Hairy "Winston" Hogmog SCUTTLEBUTT CORNER By Hairy "Winston" Hogmog Fall greetings! Where has the year gone? I understand that Oliver Dawson is spending September in Europe, leading a "Beer tour". Good stuff. Some people like to visit tourist traps & castles, but I would rather drink my way around the old world at famous breweries, too! "If it's Tuesday, this must be Heinekin"! Meanwhile, the Shiers have completed a solo expedition of Newfoundland in Mog. Well, "Lord tunderin', stay where you're to & I'll come where you're at, bye"! 5000 miles & the only problem encountered was a burnt bulb! Perhaps Ray & Mary will act as guides for Hellen & Hairy on the "Maritime Adventure" in 2000? Have a kipper in the meantime! It's also come to my attention via my buddy "Art" (see his write-up on the infamous "Pig Out") that Alan Sands celebrated his 65th birthday at the beginning of August. Well, all I can say is that I hope now that Big Al will be collecting Canada Pension, he will finally have the time & means to start to enjoy life! Paul Whittaker has become the Club's unofficial photographer, providing photos of every event he attends. Keep up the good work, Paul. I ‘m told they've tried to have someone fill the shoes of an "official" photographer for years with no takers. Bob Wright (owner of the "invisible trike" - I've never seen it) & family have relocated to Maine. They'll be having a lobster dinner during the Fall Weekend & thinking of us. The seafood will certainly be fresher there! At the Fall Weekend, a rubber chicken somehow managed to find it's way into Martin Fisher's car. Martin says: "It just flew in there". He adds that such a thing is good to avoid driving offenses. You throw out the chicken and say: "Officer, I swereved to avoid it"! Also at the Fall Weekend, it's almost impossible to believe that 3 cars could develop mechanical problems on a two hour tour. Only two of these cars were Morgans, however. Flash! Beer brothers defeated as Gymkhanna champs by an MGB! Read the Report by Art! I see in the Blurb that the Healey Club has resurrected their Fall Windup weekend in Niagara. All clubs & marques are invited, and the Blurb has publicized this, which is commendable. Despite an increased presence on the British Car Council by the Healey Club, they seem to have scheduled the affair on the same weekend as the British Car Toy Run. Oh well, Healeys were never out in large numbers at the Toy Run, I suppose we'll expect even less (but not Les) this year! Scuttlebutt has it that one of their Executive proposed a donation from their club after last year's Run, but that went nowhere. I also hear that Fred & Lynn have decided that this will be their last Toy Run. This will probably mean that there will be less choice next year on which event enthusiasts will attend, but decisions will be easier. OK, you win! You can't fight the conflicts, I mean "alternatives" or "choices" of the "unifed" Car Council Clubs! What "Winston" wants to really know is: will "Austin-Healey" be the "Featured Marque" for yet a THIRD straight year at their "British (or is it Healey) Wheels & Wings" event in 1999! If they'd like to try something DIFFERENT, I hear Morgan is celebrating 90 continuous years of production in 1999 or 2000 (depends on who you talk to). Not just the anniversary of some dead guy's birthday. I mean really, even Elvis would be 60 or something by now! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clinton & Nixon Compared Major Scandal during their presidency.... Nixon: Watergate Clinton: Waterbed The President's biggest fear.... Nixon: The Cold War Clinton: The Cold Sore Complaints toward the President..... Nixon: Carpet-Bombing Clinton: Carpet-Burns Their Vice-Presidents... Nixon: His was Greek Clinton: His is a Geek. Presidential qualities..... Nixon: Couldn't stop Kissinger. Clinton: Couldn't stop kissing her. Things the President couldn't explain.... Nixon: The missing 18-minutes on the tapes Clinton: The 36D bra in his briefcase Presidential Nicknames.... Nixon: Tricky Dick Clinton: Slick Willy Submitted by . . . Parent @juno.com ----------------------------------------------------------------- Here's a follow-up to the Hazardous Material Report in the last edition...... MATERIALS SAFETY DATA SHEET MEN - A CHEMICAL ANALYSIS ELEMENT: MAN ATOMIC WEIGHT: Accepted as 170 lbs, known to vary from 98 to 360 lbs SYMBOL: EGO DISCOVERER: Eve. Discovered by accident one day when she had a craving for ribs. OCCURANCE: Large quantities in all populated areas. Highly concentrated deposits at all sporting events and areas known as "singles bars". Extremely low quantities can be found in any location where cleaning up is required. (See Women and Slave Labor) PHYSICAL PROPERTIES: 1. Surface often covered with hair--bristly in some areas, soft in others. 2. Boils when inconvenienced, freezes when faced with Logic & Common Sense. 3. Melts if treated like a God. 4. Can cause headaches and severe body aches; handle with extreme caution. 5. Specimens can be found in various states ranging from deeply sensitive to extremely thick. 6. Becomes stubborn and unyielding when pressure is applied; yields only when subtlety, subterfuge, flattery are applied. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES: 1. Is repelled by concentrated quantities of precious and semi-precious metals and stones (See Jewelery Store). However, is attracted to small quantities of these when viewed worn against the skin of a woman. It is believed woman's skin combines with the aforementioned to create a highly magnetic attraction for this element. 2. May explode spontaneously if wallet is opened. 3. Requires copious quantities of substances known as attention, reassurance, and stroking. 4. When saturated with Alcohol will be fairly inert and will repel most other elements. 5. Is repelled by most household appliances and common household cleansers. 6. Is repelled by small children clothed in diapers, particularly those of the malodorous variety. 7. Is rendered non-functional when confronted with the items in #5 & #6. 8. Is neutral to common courtesy and fairness. 9. Is impervious to embarrassment. 10. Most powerful embittering and aggravating agent known to woman. submitted by...Donald J. Engelman SAND'S PIG-OUT REPORT Sands' PIG-OUT Report by F.Art Sharpenwessel Saturday, August 1st. Piper's Hill in the Caledon Hills. Once again, the MSCCC had superlative weather for yet another event. Someone counted an unconfirmed 94 cars in the laneway - what is surely a record! Several clubs were represented, including a goodly number of MG folk. Non-Member guests were invited from those that attended last year's Toy Run. Interestingly, there were a few gate crashers! It must have been a slow weekend for some marques! Billed as a joint GoMoG/MSCCC affair, the Ottawa participation was capably represented by Ed Burman & his 4-Seater. Among the first to arrive at about 3PM, was a convoy from Burlington. Consisting of: the Taylor's Spitfire & support vehicle pick-up truck; Caver's Jag; Toma's & Kuzyk's Mogs; & guest Albano's MGA. The MGA was experiencing over-heating at speed, not able to keep up with the Mogs, etc; it took a more liesurely position at the rear. Attendees arrived to the sight of the huge ham roasts, merrily turning on the motorized spit. The Sands & McCowans greeted us while they made preparations. For some of us, the pool beconned, while for others - the first stop was Al's garage & its many toys. Al had lined up the mobile specimens outside their stable, providing an "honour guard" for those that passed. Even a neighbour's red Mercedes convertible joined the fleet for the day, fitting in well with the Allard, Morgans, & others. After receiving my "My Name Is" tag, I settled down at the poolside for a refreshing dip & some refreshments. Others had the same idea, including my associate "Winston" Hogmog. We soon discovered that our amiable host Al is the eternal jokester. An "out house" by the pool had some surprizes - a barking dog, sandpaper, & when one lifted the lid they found a sign that stated "don't you dare!". Women were to use the facilities in the house, while men were to use the great out doors in the woods. We also found that in the Men's Rest Area ("over the bridge & thru the woods to the loo we go") a female mannequin was part of the scenery. By the next morning, said lady would be found in a most unflattering state, with her pants pulled down (Oh those bad boys)! Many more of the Morgan faithful would arrive through the course of the day. Apart from those of the convoy, they included: the Beer family, Ghizlanzonis, Rodens, Morgans, Shiers, John Collins & Sonia Kokal, Heyerhoffs, Birchs, Clarkes, Dale-Johnsons, Farmers, Smiths, Rens, Balfours, Yeps, Paul Whittaker, Peter Pfahl & friend Otto. If I've missed anyone - my apologies, as there were a lot of familiar faces! A bounty was served up. Plates & plates of various gastronomic delights offered a variety to sample. To say that no one went hungry is a fair assessment! Some of glutonous "hogs" went for seconds! Some of the MG guests played hosts & brought trays of finger foods to serve the Morganeers by the pool. As darkness fell, many began to bid adieu. However, an intrepid band had set up a "tent city" on ultra-lite hill ("Kitty Hawk"). These were not gypsies nor vagabonds! You see, this long weekend was chosen so that out-of-towners might spend the night & have the time to return home leisurely. Although there were no game folks from abroad, some local folk decided to accept the invitation, and get into the spirit of "roughing it" by camping over, so that the intended revival of many moons ago would transpire. So, tents were erected (excuse me, "hoisted" as Mary Shier properly corrected). A camp fire was built. Thus civilized man got closer to his primitive roots, although no Morgan chassis was sacrificed to the fire god! Banjo & guitar were produced for a mercifully short sing-song. Which included a rendition of "Happy Birthday To You", as Big Al celebrated his 65th birthday this weekend. Al was amazed that Fred could not only play guitar but remember lyrics! Neither performer is union talent & could use lessons from Martin Fisher, Paul Whittaker, or the Spice Girls. I think the song is supposed to be Girl Power, not Girling Power! Eyes eventually grew heavy & the last of the revellers finally passed out. Not the most comfortable sleep mind you, with a couple of buzz saws working overtime. Some awoke with a big head. Myself & Winston for certain & we also saw Fred by the pool at day break, a little worse for wear. Nonetheless, everyone was up for breakfast. Marlies had no shortage of ham! Although we did finish off the last of it, as well as muffins, fruit, eggs, etc. After packing up, the 8 cars took off for a scenic tour. It was warm & a lot of water was consummed - the beverage of choice, unlike the previous day! The teams consisted of: Sands, McCowans, Kuzyks, Tomas, Taylors, Shiers, Whittakers, & Albanos. At a stop in Creemore, Pete McCowan was witnessed as he bought a "traveller" of Cremmore Springs brew. Appers that some were still in fighting trim! Continuing on, one section of the tour had a spectatcular view & a grade that befitted a Land Rover! Eventually, we arrived at the Orangeville Kelsey's for lunch. Thus the weekend concluded. Triumphs were scarce this year. The choice of date conflicted with the Triumph weekend in Sarnia. One must conclude that almost every Triumph in Southern Ontario was there. A few other clubs were also not represented. But a record turnout was achieved. Although no cheap parts were available, stacks of old car magazines were placed out by Al, free for the taking. Indeed by the next morning, almost all found new homes & Marlie's basement was successfully cleaned! A President's Award was presented to Marlies & Al for their hospitality. This author would also like to add his thanks! I remember talking with the Ghizlanzonis about previous affairs at Piper's Hill. Many happy memories center around this special place. Melissa reminisced fondly of skating on the pond, many years ago. Indeed, it is special, as are the people, and only happy memories surround us. Click Here for NEWSLETTER EDITION 5 Click Here for NEWSLETTER EDITION 4 Click Here for NEWSLETTER EDITION 3 Click Here for NEWSLETTER EDITION 2 Click Here for NEWSLETTER EDITION 1 HOME CLUB INFO EVENTS PHOTOS NEWSLETTER MORGAN CARS REGALIA LINKS TOY RUN TECHNICAL FALL WEEKEND MESSAGE BOARD
Updated October 19/98
While a sampling from this issue is available below, this Edition also contains: "A +4 On The Isle Of Man" article, Reports on the "All Brits Field Meet", Morgan event articles, event fliers, and News From The West, The East, & more!
To subscribe to THE BLURB and get six complete issues each year - see the CLUB INFO PAGE.
Click on an article below (or scroll down) to sample articles from "THE BLURB"
THE CO-PREZ SEZ July & August/98 Edition. By F. Kuzyk
SCUTTLEBUTT CORNER By Hairy "Winston" Hogmog
SAND'S PIG-OUT REPORT By F. Art Sharpenwessel
CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLES FROM THE PREVIOUS EDITION
THE CO-PREZ SEZ
THE CO-PREZ SEZ: Fred & Lynn Kuzyk (msccc@sympatico.ca)
Fall is upon us! We'd like to welcome new member Stuart Clare of Nova Scotia. An MG owner, he covets Morgans!
TO EVERYTHING, THERE IS A SEASON....
As Vern alluded to in the last issue, Lynn & I have decided to wind down a number of our duties at year's end. We've had the "we can do that" attitude for so long, we find lately that we "can't" much longer. We've worn so many hats that the head has gotten heavy! Seriously though, the following portfolios will be vacant: President, Regalia, & Events.
Vern is considering taking the plunge & finally moving up to the "oval office". That will mean that a Vice-President will be required. So, there still remains a critical shortage of "people power" in this party. We've been paring down things of late: dropping a few club memberships, going to fewer events this year, opting out of the BCCI Representative gig, etc. But more rest is needed. Doing Regalia since sometime in 1990, Events since ‘91, and the Co-Prez since ‘95, I think it's time for new blood, ideas & energy.
I will still continue on as Webmaster but updating the website less frequently than I have been. I'm sure that Hellen Hogmog, "Winston", & "Art" will make the odd contribution to the Blurbs next year. Lynn has suggested she will do an odd event, such as another one of the infamous Wine Runs, but certainly can't have her finger in all of them. I'm sure that we won't completely disappear into the woodwork, or the garage, & will pitch in where we can. After being the principal organizers of the last 6 Fall Weekends, if the event is to continue, we suggest that the position of Fall Weekend Co-Ordinator be created. Or at the least, a committed committee. Many clubs have a single person assume overall responsibility for a single large event. That's all they do - the one event. This makes life easier for the Events or Social Officers, not having to take charge of every project. We've been fortunate the last 2 years having Peter & Heather McCowan do much of the legwork in Collingwood. We learned from experience with the Spring Pelee Expedition & the Montreal Adventure, that not having "advance" people in those areas makes a lot of work & surprises for the "out of towners"! We were also fortunate to have Martin & Christine Brassard, from the Executive of the MG Club of Toronto, to not only participate but to pitch in where needed.
We leave with the club coffers in excellent shape. All the expenses with the Fall Weekend & Toy Run are not yet in, but still there should be at least several thousand dollars in the kitty, according to Jenny. The reason this is possible is the long standing traditions of this group: Frugality of the Executive & Generosity of the Members. We hope that this tradition continues. For years, dues were $15. More recently they increased to $25, but you don't get rich on that, either. Regalia isn't a big revenue maker either. We don't have a big annual, money-making event. Membership has increased in recent years to around 100 homes - not huge either. How's it done? It's pretty simple. Since Audrey's days, the Executive looked for ways to scrimp, while they paid for a lot of little things out of their own pockets. Members too would host events & refuse or not expect to charge the club for their hospitality! The Executive would not indulge in such perks as several hundred dollar "liquid lunches" type meetings at the organization's expense, as had the Directors of the BCCI a few years ago, or pay for meeting places, etc. The Executive (more acurately the Beer family) has also engaged in currency profitability. American dollars were purchased when they were cheap for the US Account, and recently converted to Canadian, now that ours is at an all time low, yielding a whole bunch of loonies! We've avoided glossy magazines & frivolity and this is how a small club can be active, affordable, yet solvent. It's been suggested by Vern that if the club should fold due to lack of interest or "people power", that the money be placed in trust, until such time that someone is willing to re-start a Canadian Morgan Club with a national mandate. I would concur. Jenny has suggested that surplus funds could also be used to purchase regalia, such as T-shirts, which would be sold to members at a huge loss. I also agree, as long as someone else looks after the details. It's been awhile since we ordered such items as those infamously misspelled "Niagra" T-shirts that Lynn made!
We've tried to push the open shop concept, the "come one come all" philosophy. If our own members can't come out for an event, others might. The opportunity was then there for net-working, joint endeavours, contacts, reciprocity. I can't remember the last time we did a clique event with just "friends". Everyone who came out, we regarded as our friends. I hope this philosphy continues. Inroads have been made but there are still many who cannot go beyond their own kin, clan & kind. At one time I thought a Constitution would be good thing. I'm glad we held off on that one. Policies lead to more opportunities for anymosity. Exclusion & restriction instead of whatever it takes to get the job done.
The 4th Toy Run will also be the last that we organize. We had high hopes for the idea. Motivation of our members; unity, interaction, networking among the British Clubs; yadda, yadda. Interest & support has slowly grown, but we've run out of gas! Given that we are unlikely to find a Toy Run Organizer among our own ranks, I will "test the waters" for any individual, group, or firm, that may wish to continue the concept. A member of a club outside the British realm is looking into the "fit" for his club. In which case, the event would become the "5th Santa Claus Run", and would also be open to other segments of the hobby, like German, Italian, Japanese cars - maybe even Fords & Chevys! Hopefully, the idea of no age restrictions would prevail. I can't see any difference between say, a 1980 rubber bumper MGB & a 1990 Miata. Nor a 1994 Morgan & an early flat rad.
I found it quite offensive that a group of grumblers from outside the club, took exception to the presence of the Miatas last year. (Even "Santa" was ready to give these "purist" spoilers a smack)! If no takers can be found, the event will live on in our memories.
TOY RUN:
We'd like to thank Hendrik Rens & his employer for the beautiful poster they created. We hope to sell these at the event for the sum of $2, with all proceeds going to "Jimmy's Kids". Vern Dale-Johnson & Trevor Easton also receive kudos for helping to distribute these around the area. Vern also receives my condolences about his car. The accident occurred following a meeting we had with Hendrik on the poster. Last but not least, I would like to thank those members who answered the call for volunteers on September 27: Doug Turner, Margot Heyerhoff, & the Balfours. And we'd like to thank those from other clubs who called to say that they would like to pitch-in: Isobel Greenfield (MG Club) & Brian Kavanaugh & friend John (BSC).
IN PRINT & ON THE AIR:
An article which appeared in the publication Jaguar Driver on the last Toy Run didn't make into the Blurb. I'll see if I can post this sometime on the website. Earl Band, President of the MOG Great Lakes club in Michigan passed on his sentiments regarding the website. He's quite taken with the vehicle, especially the extensive links. Bob Wright
sent his regards to all at the Collingwood affair and his regrets that he would miss it. An invitation was received to come & visit sometime. The producers of a TV show are still courting Al Sands, as well as the Beer family, to appear on their show. It would be nice to see! I had the pleasure to lend my voice to Jim Kenzie's Toronto radio program, on July 11. I was asked to speak on the car club scene, with specifics on the MSCCC. Don't worry - all was rosy about the hobby!
SPINNING THE WEB:
Lots of emails, but not a lot new lately. I did receive a response to my posting of the Toy Run. A fellow wondered if there would be a lot of vendors present. I had to tell him there will not be. Yes, "cheap parts" is really the prime motivator in the hobby! I've added a message board on the website. Now all those folks from the four corners of the earth can post their own messages directly for cars/parts wanted or for sale.
NEW REGALIA:
Have just received 175 computer CDs on "Bed & Breakfasts In Canada" from software designer (& Ottawa MG enthusiast) Trevor Boicey. This is greatly appreciated & these will be in the Toy Run goody bags (I know Ray & Mary Shier could use a copy)! These retail for $19.95 & I test drove one on my hard drive. The set-up wizard works for both Windows 3.1 & 95. The program is a comprehensive database, with easy navigation. You can choose any province, region, or town to find info on B&Bs, or alphabetically by name. Photos of each (inside & out) appears, as well as relevant info. You can save favourites or print info. In Windows 95, you can even listen to music while you browse! Start planning that road trip!
A new Morgan video, presented by the Company, is now available! The video is only available to clubs & owners and is only 9.99 pounds sterling from New Media Television in York, England. Call: +44 1904 621222 or email: giles@nmtv.demon.co.uk. I have been given the video sleeve, & it features Charles Morgan tracing the history of land mark cars, in the factory & surrounding countryside, from early days to the Plus 8. I'll have to snag a copy!
RECENT EVENTS:
I did make an appearance at Empire Day. A very English-like day in the weather department, with lots of rain. This didn't stop 4 Mogs from being there. Besides myself, there were the cars of: the Toma's, Heyerhoff's, & Shier's. Attendance was down about 100 vehicles. Ah, the vagaries brought on by whim & weather! Yet there was great entertainment. The organizers can take solace in the wide-spread club support this time. The British Sportscar Club picked up the tab for dash plaques & a Long Distance Award. The Healey folk did get their trophy event - with a separate field, until it was time for their judging, when they took center field. MGs & Triumphs were in respectable numbers. Land Rovers didn't get to off-road. And the Saloon Club had needed hardtop roofs over their heads.
Next was the Sand's Pig-Out. "Art" has a full disclosure. Lot's of cars & people. Great time! I didn't do too much schmoozing, preferring to relax by the pool. A President's Award was presented to Marlies & Al for another superlative event, including the weather!
Then came the Fall Weekend. Lynn was nodding off at the wheel of the support vehicle Saturn, both to & from the venue. Slept during the driving tour. She crashed (on the couch) on the Sunday afternoon & slept the evening away, but a good time was had! The facilities were outstanding & affordable. People enjoyed the driving tour, fun concours, banquet, & funkhanna (I hope). We particularly enjoyed the hot tub time, while the judges were doing their thing. Thanks guys! Except for the short drive to the banquet, everything centered around the chalets & resort - instead of being billeted 50 miles or so from the event! Our Executive
never receives info on Watkins Glen, yet everyone seems to know about it. It's a BIG event that will always draw a huge number of cars & people. We don't see a small, Morgan specific event as "competition" against a juggernaut, but rather an "alternative" for the faithful. I'm prompted to say this, as a posting made to the Morgan internet newsgroup about our event received a response of: would like to come but your timing is bad, don't you know that the Glen is on & some other Morgan event (Jiminy Peaks) is too! Yep, there's always something else on somewhere. People don't realize factors such as weather, tradition, or other considerations. Well, the organizers of the other Morgan events mentioned don't seem concerned about the draw of the Glen & their bad timing, either!
President's Awards were presented to: Chris & Gayle Taylor (new members with oodles of support), Ray & Mary Shier (Veterans with years of support), & Martin Fisher (Toronto Tour & BBQ). Winner of the People's Choice: Martin Beer, trike. Best Non-Morgan: Gerry Albano, MGA (BSC). Judge's Choice - Best Morgan: Earl Band (MOG Great Lakes). Gynkhanna Winners: Martin & Christine Brassard, MGB (MG Club Toronto). Martini Contest Winner: Vern Dale-Johnson. 50/50 Draw Winner: Reg Beer. Thanks to Head Judge: Vern Dale-Johnson, and Ray Shier, Orrin Geeting, & Chris Taylor. Thanks to the Martini Judges: Peter Toma, Martin Brassard (MG Club), & Wilf Wunderlich (Toronto Triumph Club). Thanks to: Peter Batt (MG Club), for the additional door prize items, Russ Balfour, and Rob Draper (Triumph Club) for their kind words, all the folks who helped out, and to everyone who came out! And a big thank you to Peter & Heather & the staff of the Mountain Springs Lodge.
UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS:
Sep 17-20 British Invasion. Stowe VT, USA. Info: Mike (508) 435-8007.
Sep 18 Classic Car Drive-in Movie Night. Dusk to Dawn extravaganza of classic car movies. Hosted by the Classic Car Restorations TV Show. Takes place at the 5 Drive-In Theatre, Hwy 5 & Ninth Line, Oakville, ON. Limited space for all classic cars. Info: contact@classiccarrestorations.com
Sep 19-20 "An English Car Affair in the Park" (ECAIP'98) at Fort Rodd Hill in Victoria BC -- entries are invited from owners of any age English cars, buses, vans, trucks and motorcycles, any condition. Contact John Beresford or call Chairman Stu Eastwood at (250)474-3956.
Sep 20 15th British Car Day. Bronte Provincial Park, Oakville ON. About 900 cars last year. Hosted by Toronto Triumph Club. Largest 1 day Brit car show on this continent. Info: Gil (905) 274-0974.
Sep 25-27 Austin-Healey Club "Fall Windup" Weekend. Healey weekend in Niagara Falls, open this year to other marques & clubs. Registration $35, Rooms $77.50/night. Contact Les (905) 639-4829. Not known if the Healeys will attend the Toy Run on Sunday (as did the MGs for the "Brit Wheels & Wings").
Sep 27 MSCCC 4th British Car Toy Run. Proceeds to "Operation Santa Claus" charity. Christmas theme driving tour, show and party. Open to all British marques & guests. Awards, goody bags, dash plaques, door prizes, etc.
Sep 29-Oct1 CAARGB North American Rally arrives in the Toronto-Niagara area. Approximately 25 European cars of all description on a tour from Nova Scotia to Florida. Sept 29: Arrives at the Oshawa Holiday Inn. Sept 30: Toronto to Niagara. Oct 1: Rest day in Niagara, staying at the Best Western Inn On The River, 7001 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, NY. All are welcome to join the participants. Possible winery stop in Niagara area.
OCTOBER
Oct 4 MSCCC Pub Brunch. Queens Head Pub, Brant & Elgin Streets, Burlington, ON. From 12:30 PM. Guests welcome!
Oct 3 or 4 Glenn Nigh has proposed attendance at the Welland Food Fest & his home. No further details at this time.
Oct 4 Morganeers are also invited to participate in a Fun Rally hosted by the MG Club. Starts at the Fortino's lot (Hwy 10 & 7) Brampton. First car away at 10 AM. About 2 hours, 100km. Brunch follows. Info: Bill (905) 472-5535.
Oct 25 British Car Autojumble. International Centre, Airport Rd. Mississauga, ON. 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Entry fee: $5.00/person. Hosted by the Toronto MG Club. Info: Martin Brassard (416) 410-5464
NOVEMBER
Nov 8 MSCCC Pub Brunch. Queens Head Pub, Brant & Elgin Streets, Burlington, ON. From 12:30 PM. Guests welcome!
DECEMBER
Dec 6 MSCCC Pub Brunch. Queens Head Pub, Brant & Elgin Streets, Burlington, ON. From 12:30 PM. Guests welcome!
Dec 12 The Balfours Christmas In Cambridge is a go. Members only. RSVP to Russ & Sylvia at (519) 621-1772.
"Thanks for the memories"
-Fred Kuzyk
SCUTTLEBUTT CORNER. By Hairy "Winston" Hogmog
Fall greetings! Where has the year gone?
I understand that Oliver Dawson is spending September in Europe, leading a "Beer tour". Good stuff. Some people like to visit tourist traps & castles, but I would rather drink my way around the old world at famous breweries, too! "If it's Tuesday, this must be Heinekin"!
Meanwhile, the Shiers have completed a solo expedition of Newfoundland in Mog. Well, "Lord tunderin', stay where you're to & I'll come where you're at, bye"! 5000 miles & the only problem encountered was a burnt bulb! Perhaps Ray & Mary will act as guides for Hellen & Hairy on the "Maritime Adventure" in 2000? Have a kipper in the meantime!
It's also come to my attention via my buddy "Art" (see his write-up on the infamous "Pig Out") that Alan Sands celebrated his 65th birthday at the beginning of August. Well, all I can say is that I hope now that Big Al will be collecting Canada Pension, he will finally have the time & means to start to enjoy life!
Paul Whittaker has become the Club's unofficial photographer, providing photos of every event he attends. Keep up the good work, Paul. I ‘m told they've tried to have someone fill the shoes of an "official" photographer for years with no takers.
Bob Wright (owner of the "invisible trike" - I've never seen it) & family have relocated to Maine. They'll be having a lobster dinner during the Fall Weekend & thinking of us. The seafood will certainly be fresher there!
At the Fall Weekend, a rubber chicken somehow managed to find it's way into Martin Fisher's car. Martin says: "It just flew in there". He adds that such a thing is good to avoid driving offenses. You throw out the chicken and say: "Officer, I swereved to avoid it"!
Also at the Fall Weekend, it's almost impossible to believe that 3 cars could develop mechanical problems on a two hour tour. Only two of these cars were Morgans, however.
Flash! Beer brothers defeated as Gymkhanna champs by an MGB! Read the Report by Art!
I see in the Blurb that the Healey Club has resurrected their Fall Windup weekend in Niagara. All clubs & marques are invited, and the Blurb has publicized this, which is commendable. Despite an increased presence on the British Car Council by the Healey Club, they seem to have scheduled the affair on the same weekend as the British Car Toy Run. Oh well, Healeys were never out in large numbers at the Toy Run, I suppose we'll expect even less (but not Les) this year! Scuttlebutt has it that one of their Executive proposed a donation from their club after last year's Run, but that went nowhere. I also hear that Fred & Lynn have decided that this will be their last Toy Run. This will probably mean that there will be less choice next year on which event enthusiasts will attend, but decisions will be easier. OK, you win! You can't fight the conflicts, I mean "alternatives" or "choices" of the "unifed" Car Council Clubs! What "Winston" wants to really know is: will "Austin-Healey" be the "Featured Marque" for yet a THIRD straight year at their "British (or is it Healey) Wheels & Wings" event in 1999! If they'd like to try something DIFFERENT, I hear Morgan is celebrating 90 continuous years of production in 1999 or 2000 (depends on who you talk to). Not just the anniversary of some dead guy's birthday. I mean really, even Elvis would be 60 or something by now!
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Clinton & Nixon Compared
Major Scandal during their presidency.... Nixon: Watergate Clinton: Waterbed
The President's biggest fear.... Nixon: The Cold War Clinton: The Cold Sore
Complaints toward the President..... Nixon: Carpet-Bombing Clinton: Carpet-Burns
Their Vice-Presidents... Nixon: His was Greek Clinton: His is a Geek.
Presidential qualities..... Nixon: Couldn't stop Kissinger. Clinton: Couldn't stop kissing her.
Things the President couldn't explain.... Nixon: The missing 18-minutes on the tapes Clinton: The 36D bra in his briefcase
Presidential Nicknames.... Nixon: Tricky Dick Clinton: Slick Willy
Submitted by . . . Parent @juno.com
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Here's a follow-up to the Hazardous Material Report in the last edition......
MATERIALS SAFETY DATA SHEET
MEN - A CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
ELEMENT: MAN
ATOMIC WEIGHT: Accepted as 170 lbs, known to vary from
98 to 360 lbs
SYMBOL: EGO
DISCOVERER: Eve. Discovered by accident one day when
she had a craving for ribs.
OCCURANCE: Large quantities in all populated areas. Highly
concentrated deposits at all sporting events and areas known as
"singles bars". Extremely low quantities can be found in any
location where cleaning up is required. (See Women and
Slave Labor)
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:
1. Surface often covered with hair--bristly in some areas, soft in others.
2. Boils when inconvenienced, freezes when faced with Logic & Common Sense.
3. Melts if treated like a God.
4. Can cause headaches and severe body aches; handle with extreme caution.
5. Specimens can be found in various states ranging from deeply sensitive to extremely thick.
6. Becomes stubborn and unyielding when pressure is applied; yields only when subtlety, subterfuge, flattery are applied.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:
1. Is repelled by concentrated quantities of precious and semi-precious metals and stones (See Jewelery Store). However, is attracted to small quantities of these when viewed worn against the skin of a woman. It is believed woman's skin combines with the aforementioned to create a highly magnetic attraction for this element.
2. May explode spontaneously if wallet is opened.
3. Requires copious quantities of substances known as attention, reassurance, and stroking.
4. When saturated with Alcohol will be fairly inert and will repel most other elements.
5. Is repelled by most household appliances and common household cleansers.
6. Is repelled by small children clothed in diapers, particularly those of the malodorous variety.
7. Is rendered non-functional when confronted with the items in #5 & #6.
8. Is neutral to common courtesy and fairness.
9. Is impervious to embarrassment.
10. Most powerful embittering and aggravating agent known to woman.
submitted by...Donald J. Engelman
SAND'S PIG-OUT REPORT
Sands' PIG-OUT Report by F.Art Sharpenwessel
Saturday, August 1st. Piper's Hill in the Caledon Hills. Once again, the MSCCC had superlative weather for yet another event. Someone counted an unconfirmed 94 cars in the laneway - what is surely a record! Several clubs were represented, including a goodly number of MG folk. Non-Member guests were invited from those that attended last year's Toy Run. Interestingly, there were a few gate crashers! It must have been a slow weekend for some marques! Billed as a joint GoMoG/MSCCC affair, the Ottawa participation was capably represented by Ed Burman & his 4-Seater.
Among the first to arrive at about 3PM, was a convoy from Burlington. Consisting of: the Taylor's Spitfire & support vehicle pick-up truck; Caver's Jag; Toma's & Kuzyk's Mogs; & guest Albano's MGA. The MGA was experiencing over-heating at speed, not able to keep up with the Mogs, etc; it took a more liesurely position at the rear. Attendees arrived to the sight of the huge ham roasts, merrily turning on the motorized spit. The Sands & McCowans greeted us while they made preparations. For some of us, the pool beconned, while for others - the first stop was Al's garage & its many toys. Al had lined up the mobile specimens outside their stable, providing an "honour guard" for those that passed. Even a neighbour's red Mercedes convertible joined the fleet for the day, fitting in well with the Allard, Morgans, & others.
After receiving my "My Name Is" tag, I settled down at the poolside for a refreshing dip & some refreshments. Others had the same idea, including my associate "Winston" Hogmog. We soon discovered that our amiable host Al is the eternal jokester. An "out house" by the pool had some surprizes - a barking dog, sandpaper, & when one lifted the lid they found a sign that stated "don't you dare!". Women were to use the facilities in the house, while men were to use the great out doors in the woods. We also found that in the Men's Rest Area ("over the bridge & thru the woods to the loo we go") a female mannequin was part of the scenery. By the next morning, said lady would be found in a most unflattering state, with her pants pulled down (Oh those bad boys)!
Many more of the Morgan faithful would arrive through the course of the day. Apart from those of the convoy, they included: the Beer family, Ghizlanzonis, Rodens, Morgans, Shiers, John Collins & Sonia Kokal, Heyerhoffs, Birchs, Clarkes, Dale-Johnsons, Farmers, Smiths, Rens, Balfours, Yeps, Paul Whittaker, Peter Pfahl & friend Otto. If I've missed anyone - my apologies, as there were a lot of familiar faces!
A bounty was served up. Plates & plates of various gastronomic delights offered a variety to sample. To say that no one went hungry is a fair assessment! Some of glutonous "hogs" went for seconds! Some of the MG guests played hosts & brought trays of finger foods to serve the Morganeers by the pool.
As darkness fell, many began to bid adieu. However, an intrepid band had set up a "tent city" on ultra-lite hill ("Kitty Hawk"). These were not gypsies nor vagabonds! You see, this long weekend was chosen so that out-of-towners might spend the night & have the time to return home leisurely. Although there were no game folks from abroad, some local folk decided to accept the invitation, and get into the spirit of "roughing it" by camping over, so that the intended revival of many moons ago would transpire.
So, tents were erected (excuse me, "hoisted" as Mary Shier properly corrected). A camp fire was built. Thus civilized man got closer to his primitive roots, although no Morgan chassis was sacrificed to the fire god! Banjo & guitar were produced for a mercifully short sing-song. Which included a rendition of "Happy Birthday To You", as Big Al celebrated his 65th birthday this weekend. Al was amazed that Fred could not only play guitar but remember lyrics! Neither performer is union talent & could use lessons from Martin Fisher, Paul Whittaker, or the Spice Girls. I think the song is supposed to be Girl Power, not Girling Power! Eyes eventually grew heavy & the last of the revellers finally passed out.
Not the most comfortable sleep mind you, with a couple of buzz saws working overtime. Some awoke with a big head. Myself & Winston for certain & we also saw Fred by the pool at day break, a little worse for wear. Nonetheless, everyone was up for breakfast. Marlies had no shortage of ham! Although we did finish off the last of it, as well as muffins, fruit, eggs, etc.
After packing up, the 8 cars took off for a scenic tour. It was warm & a lot of water was consummed - the beverage of choice, unlike the previous day! The teams consisted of: Sands, McCowans, Kuzyks, Tomas, Taylors, Shiers, Whittakers, & Albanos. At a stop in Creemore, Pete McCowan was witnessed as he bought a "traveller" of Cremmore Springs brew. Appers that some were still in fighting trim! Continuing on, one section of the tour had a spectatcular view & a grade that befitted a Land Rover! Eventually, we arrived at the Orangeville Kelsey's for lunch.
Thus the weekend concluded.
Triumphs were scarce this year. The choice of date conflicted with the Triumph weekend in Sarnia. One must conclude that almost every Triumph in Southern Ontario was there. A few other clubs were also not represented. But a record turnout was achieved. Although no cheap parts were available, stacks of old car magazines were placed out by Al, free for the taking. Indeed by the next morning, almost all found new homes & Marlie's basement was successfully cleaned! A President's Award was presented to Marlies & Al for their hospitality. This author would also like to add his thanks!
I remember talking with the Ghizlanzonis about previous affairs at Piper's Hill. Many happy memories center around this special place. Melissa reminisced fondly of skating on the pond, many years ago. Indeed, it is special, as are the people, and only happy memories surround us.
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