Sally Cochran – Chair
I joined the Committee as Events Secretary initially, and became Chair at the 2024 AGM. I’m very pleased and excited to take on this role and all its challenges, and will continue to arrange and manage events for the Club. If you have any suggestions about possible events, or improvements for the Club, please do let me know. You can email me at sallycochraniow@gmail.com or call/text/WhatsApp me on 07932225316.
I’ve had an interest in classic cars since the age of 14, when my Dad bought a 1969 MGB GT as a project car. I’ve owned several MGs myself, as well as a 1972 VW Beetle, and belonged to both local MG and VW Owners Clubs on the mainland. Classics made way for “sensible” modern cars once Paul and I started a family, that was until 2021 when we purchased a 1971 ex-RAF Traveller. “Rafferty” has seen a number of improvements, probably with still more to come.
The club has social meets every third Thursday of the month from 7.00pm at the Chequers Inn, Rookley. During the summer months our monthly meets take place at other venues, often outdoors in the hope we have proper summer weather to enjoy. This includes our Annual Fish & Chip Run to Totland, and a picnic on St Helen’s Beach.
We have lots of other events throughout the year, including drives to local places of interest and food venues for coffee, cake, cream tea etc and the occasional breakfast run. You are welcome to join us at any of these events. You can check what’s going on when and where in the Events Diary in the monthly newsletter, on our Facebook page and also on this page. Things may change and new events can be added throughout the year so it’s best to check regularly.
Also, during the spring and summer months at the weekends there are various rallies on the island and the other side of the water. These are also advertised in the newsletter and on our web pages. Moggyfest at Beaulieu is a popular event and we often have several cars going over for the weekend.
You are all welcome to attend any event even if you don’t own a Morris or your Morris Minor is off the road, just join us in your modern car.
I’ve saved the best till last, that being our Club Rally weekend held on the first weekend after the August bank holiday, usually at the end of August or the first week in September. Many Minors from the Island and our friends from mainland enjoy our drive out to a local attraction on Saturday afternoon followed by a BBQ in the evening at the amazing Havenstreet Railway events field. Then on the Sunday it’s Rally day in this glorious setting with the steam engines puffing and running all day long, as well as different attractions and stalls. We usually have The Old Girl open top bus with us providing mystery tours. It really is a fantastic day and free to attend!
The club has an official workshop manual and a half ton engine crane for its use of its members for a nominal fee for just £5 for a nine-day period; you can contact me or any other committee member to hire.
So, a very big welcome to the Isle of Wight Morris Minor Owners’ Club. I hope you enjoy being a member, with our annual membership being just £8 I think you’ll agree it’s really good value. You’ll be
with like-minded people and can enjoy company, knowledge and friendship as well as the chance to show off your car at our many events.
I look forward to seeing you at one of our events very soon.
Chair
