MINOR HEADLINES MORRIS MINOR Owners club (Johannesburg) December 2016 Hi Folks. FROM THE CHAIRMAN We have come to the end of a long and difficult year. I went on pension in June, have been busy renovating our house and sorting out spares. The club had some great outings this year, with our weekend away to Olifants River Lodge. The outings were not as well attended, not sure why. New members were also down from previous years. This year, we sadly lost 5 members. They will be dearly missed. The National rally is getting closer. We have 14 months left. The committee has met several times, and we are making progress in the planning thereof. I would like to take this opportunity to thank club committee members for all their support and dedication. A Merry Christmas and prosperous new year to all members and their family. If on the roads, take it easy and arrive home safely. Looking forward to a great and successful 2017. OUTINGS 28 to 30 October Weekend away Olifants River Lodge This year s weekend away was at the Olifants River Lodge, located between Witbank and Middelburg, an oasis hidden in the river gorge. The weather was extremely hot and forced all parties present to relax and have a lazy weekend, making sure not to dehydrate. (MOST IMPORTANT).
The Lodge caters for all from camping, log cabins, rondavels and of course our luxury AIR-CONDITIONED VILLAS S. The grounds and gardens are superb and lush, adding to that relaxing feeling. Some of us ventured out on a long walk which resulted in finding out more about the birth of this resort some 33 years ago, Alex challenged the river and managed to get a small bass, not enough to feed us hungry vultures. We wined and dined in the restaurant on Saturday night, leaving all even more relaxed no cooking and cleaning! 27 TH November Year End Function at Ramkiki Country Lodge After a nerve wrecking arrival, due to all the traffic lights in the area not working, we arrived at Ramkiki where we once again had a special parking area allocated to us. Drinks were bought and we just socialised until a very delicious meal was served. The very talented Adele kept us entertained with her beautiful voice. Thank you, Adele, for the music, and John and Colleen for the arrangements. The group was a little smaller this year with only 8 cars but as always, the Morris s attracted much deserved attention. A BIG THANK YOU TO Colleen and all those who helped to arrange yet another wonderful weekend away. - by DEBBIE SILK.
MEMBER S PORTFOLIO JOHN WEBB Most of us know John Webb s green 2 door Morris Minor. How he obtained it is interesting. John was working as a confectioner at a bakery in Howard Street Benoni, where he served his apprenticeship. It was in 1976 when he saw his Morris for the first time. When he finished his days work at the bakery, he walked outside, and there were three Morris Minors. One belonged to his father, a clipper blue 4 door, the second one belonged to his brother, a siege green 2 door and of course the little green Morris which belonged to a Mrs Nava. Mrs Nava s husband bought the Morris as a xmas present for her in 1955, but it was only registered in January 1956. John asked Mrs Nava, if she ever wanted to sell the car, to let him know. TO BE CONFIRMED FUTURE EVENTS Outings will be held on the last Sunday of each month. It was only in 1980 that dear Mrs Nava came into the bakery and asked John if he still wanted to buy her Morris. John said yes, but she laid down certain conditions. One of the conditions was that he was to keep the car original, no modifications. John paid R 200.00 for this little Morris. In 1989 John stripped the car down for restoration. The car was sprayed the original colour. His brother helped him overhaul the motor. After the restoration, the car was assembled, and the product is what you see today. The inside of the car is still original except for the carpets. In 2006 John had the engine ceramic coated to allow for lead free petrol. The only regret that John has, is that he never had the opportunity to show Mrs Nava what this beautiful little Morris looked like afterwards, as she had passed on. John has been a member of the Piston Ring club for 36 years. He has been a member of the Morris Minor Owners Club for 11 years. He joined
the Jhb MMOC at the Piston Ring Club on the day of the Jhb MMOC club s 21 st birthday celebration. JAN FEB MARCH Peter Vickers Lawrie Bartle Colleen Bowes Mandie Brits Andre Beetge Norma Del Frate Mabel Campher Antoinette Kapp Ivor Foster John Cheney Gillian Leathers Charles Gardiner Gary Dodds Mark Payne Kelvin Cavanaugh Joke Meyer John Webb Phillip Gordan Clive Surtees Andrew Langham Marius Van Biljon Lieb Bossenger William Rooken Smith If you have any special memories or projects that you would like to share with us, please forward pictures, and details to the following email address, we would love to share it with you. Sharon.smith4271123@gmail.com / tommymorris948@gmail.com REGALIA Men s V Neck Ladies cardigan R220.00 Shirts men s/ladies R170.00 Butting badge R50.00 Key ring R100.00 Car badge R100.00 Caps R50.00 Beanie R50.00 Patch R20.00 Contact John Webb on 073-625-1052
LETTER FROM THE SPCA CONDOLENCES Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of: - Bertus Botha Ben Calitz. We had several outings to Ben s bass farm. On every occasion, it was special. Their hospitality was something we will never forget. SPECIAL THOUGHTS Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ian Juszkiewicz and family. His daughter had head surgery to have a tumour removed. We hope you are on the mend and feeling much better. Andrew Shackleton Michael Mullins C. Eybers NEW MEMBERS COMMITTEE MEMBERS Chairman Tommy Smith 083-308-9840 Vice Chairman Charles Gardiner 082-824-9731 Events Rusty Clover 083-264-6240 Assistant events Colleen Bowes 083-625-0282 Secretary Sharon Smith 084-453-3320 Treasurer Tommy Smith 083-308-9840 Assistant treasurer Dave Stewart 082-784-6427 Regalia John Webb 073-625-1052 Editor Sharon Smith 083-453-3320 Membership Gertie Van der Merwe 082-409-0817 Technical Aldo Marcon 084-772-6526 Technical Phil Holgate 082-667-4934 Gary Klinkert Webmaster 082-974-4540 Charles Gardner S.A.V.V.A. representative 082-824-9731
Until we meet again YOU MEET THE NICEST PEOPLE IN A MORRIS MINOR