Morris Minor Owners Club

Some of you may have read my report from Sunday’s Branch Liaison meeting in the ‘members only’ area mentioning a number of activities that will be taking place at the National this year. This is just to see how much interest there is in taking part as if we leave it too late to book we won’t get entered

I am intending to book a spot on 'Branch Avenue' for the website as this has proved popular over the last few years. It helps to publicise the messageboard, drum up some new members and gives existing members a chance to put names to faces. There is usually some free tea and cake on offer too There will be space for 3 or 4 cars (although we squeezed a few more in last year!) and different cars can be displayed over the course of the weekend to demonstrate the variety of cars owned by website members. As usual, there will be a fairly relaxed approach to deciding which website cars go on branch avenue so no need to all rush now - this can be decided nearer the time.

This year the inter-branch challenge, although not yet finalised, will possibly consist of a competition to see which branch can change some wheels in the fastest time - the wheels will be fixed to a frame rather than a car. Are there any website members who would be interested in taking part in this? I don't know what time / day this will be taking place but if there is sufficient interest I will enter the 'Website Branch' as a team (I think it is usually 4 people per team). No need to give a definate yes or no at the moment but if it look's like we'll be able to rustle up at least 4 volunteers then I'll book us in now and those who will actually take part can be decided nearer the time.

Additionally, more use is going to be made of the arena this year and branches are invited to book a half hour slot which they can use to show off their cars, talk about restos, provide information about their branch etc. Slots will be available on a 'first come, first served' basis so I wondered if there was any interest in booking a slot for website members? Perhaps we could use this to show additional vehicles to those already on branch avenue?

Harewood House will be providing the marshalls this year but there will still be a need for volunteers to help out in various ways during the course of the weekend. I'll be posting a request for volunteers a bit nearer the time and names will then be forwarded to Andrew Stone (rally co-ordinator).

Lou

Although I am unable to attend this years event. Both activities sound great

After absolutely zero, zilch, interest previously, here's your last chance to say if you want to take part in the inter branch challenge or have a slot in the arena at the National (I have booked us a spot on Branch Avenue). Details below:

Branch Events at the National Rally Saturday 26th + Sunday 27th June 2010.

The theme of the National Rally at Harewood House this year is ‘Pioneers - How the West Was Won’ and as always each branch is invited to participate in the competition for the best stand on Branch Avenue. There will be space for a maximum of 3/4 cars representing your branch (these may be different cars on each day). If you wish any of the cars entered into the judging categories they should be exhibited with their bonnets raised.

The Interbranch Challenge entails ‘changing wheels’ when teams of 4 persons will be asked to do this against the clock. The event will have its own stand space and will be organised to run at certain times during the day on both Saturday and Sunday.

The Arena Events include an opportunity for the branches to bring a selection of their ‘special interest’ cars into the arena to speak about them on either Saturday or Sunday. Or perhaps you may decide on some other form of entertainment; first come first served for a 20 minute slot in the arena.

If no interest, no moaning after the event

Thanks for booking the Branch Avenue, Louise. This year's IBC sounds rather uninspiring to me.

Hi Louise, Stevey, Andrew, Chris and I will enter the inter branch challenge as the Northern Ireland Branch. In the past we have had great crack with the boats on the lake and Winston the driving challenge, looking forward to it![frame][/frame][frame][/frame]

People really entered into the fun of it, hopefully they will again this year!

Hi David. The details have been sent directly to your Branch (Joan McGregor?) so it's probably best if your entry goes to Rosie via Joan. Looking forward to seeing you all in action again