11th and 12th September 2026
Friday 11th September was a splendid day. We loaded our Morgan with our finest glad rags and a couple of toothbrushes and set off for Lincolnshire. Jan and I broke our journey at Belton House NT where we were able to share a lunch table with Richard & Jenny. After a good look round the house and grounds, we resumed our journey to Woodhall Spa. Arriving at the Petwood Hotel, we were greeted by an assembly of Morgans on the lawn. After checking in and finding some liquid refreshment, we joined everyone on the patio to supervise the later arrivals. Before long, we had 14 Morgans parked up and the DonMog feather flag flying proudly at the centre of the row in preparation for the obligatory photograph session. Throughout this period, there was a constant stream of other hotel guests pausing to admire our cars. I only counted one “did you build it yourself” – other accounts may vary.
At 18:30, DonMog members started to assemble in the function room where Revival had already set up. The 60’s and 70’s themed dress code had been interpreted in a variety of ways with trousers varying from bright yellow to Pink Floyd themed and frocks ranging from floor length to very flouncy. A number of wigs were on display too – they must have been a bit warm by the end of the evening.
Our meal was served promptly and was excellent. When all had finished eating, Revival took their places and played to a packed dance floor for the rest of the evening. At one point, every single one of us was on the floor.
Saturday 12th was a lovely day. Morgans (and the odd tin-top) soon headed off to see the sights of Lincolnshire. One group headed to Metheringham and the air museum there (together with a Dakota that people were able to go inside). Others flexed their NT cards. One couple even braved Skegness – not sure they will ever go back!
Our group of Morgans headed to the Bubble Car Museum for a trip through the nostalgia of our pasts. The cars, furnished rooms and other items on display triggered many conversations about our youth – misspent or otherwise.
We then headed to East Kirkby for lunch and a visit to the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre where NX611 (Just Jane) the Lancaster is displayed and being gradually restored to airworthy. The extensive museum kept our group busy for the rest of the afternoon.
Saturday evening was designated as a formal dinner. Interpretations varied from black tie and best frocks to strange blazers. Everyone looked very smart.
Another splendid meal followed. It was soon time for Chris Lewis to make the traditional card and charitable collection presentation to our excellent organisers (the Pawleys and the Woods). We had raised £130.00 which our organisers are donating to Treetops Hospice. Chris also proposed a toast to Absent Friends.
We re-assembled for Sunday breakfast and to say our farewells as people started to head for home. Whilst at breakfast, an incident occurred. Fortunately nobody was hurt, although one of those loathsome hotel coffee pots with the annoying valve arrangement that never works may never be the same again.
The whole event was wonderful. We assembled 14 Morgans and 33 people (sadly there were some unfortunate late cancellations – here’s hoping people are soon back to full strength). We had two lovely evening meals, great company and the Fab Four of Revival playing all the songs we knew. The area around Woodhall Spa proved to be very interesting to explore and we were fortunate to have much better weather than had been forecast.
Thank you so much to everyone who made it such a special celebration – especially David Pawley and Carol Wood for all the organisation. Thanks are also due to Roger Pullen for creating the anniversary book and to Richard Smith for organising printing and binding.
Words: Paul Fileman
Pictures: Many of us