MINOR MARATHON

 

The IOW Branch of the Morris Minor Owners Club recently completed our leg of a long journey from John O'Groats to Land's End.

A 1963 four door Morris Minor was bequeathed to the Club, with the stipulation that it be used for a charitable purpose. To this end, the car was prepared for a trip that would encompass every Branch of the MMOC, including Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Isle of Wight. The event would take 30 days to complete, and collections would be made along the way, all proceeds going to Marie Curie.

Malcolm Jones and Dave Gilliam picked the car up in the evening of Thursday 22nd of September

 

Dave and Malcolm in their official jumpers with the Marathon car!
 

 

from the Surrey Hills branch, and brought the car to the Island. It was actually early at Gunwharf, where we were also met by representatives of Marie Curie. During the crossing a collection was made, and we were invited to the bridge to meet the Captain. Not exactly a new experience for Dave as he worked on the route!

It was then displayed at Havenstreet Railway Station for a couple of hours on Friday morning; this was a little disappointing as it was a non running day, so only a few visitors there, but several Club members turned up.

 

 

 

When we picked the car up, we noticed that several branches had adorned the car with Branch stickers, so we of course added our own. Dave then drove it to Yarmouth, followed by Malcolm in his Traveller for the ferry to Lymington. The ferry had been delayed due to a medical emergency at Lymington on their last trip, so we were late leaving by about 40 minutes. Once again we were lucky to secure a spot that enabled us to get off the ferry quickly, and also were allowed to make another collection. On landing, we met up with members of the Hampshire Branch, who were displaying it at Beaulieu.

In total  IOWMMOC  raised £391.40 towards the National Appeal.

The Marathon  finished  at Land's End on 2nd October, after covering over 4,000 miles.