Over the years other regional groups formed and it was reported in Miscellany in May 1979 that the North West Norfolk Centre had had an encouraging start with its first meeting on March 16th. Two Morgans were present but various other members attended, including Roger Comber who later went on to become the centre secretary. The organisers for this inaugural meeting were Betty and John Fillingham from Wisbech. By June, Iain Warner, who is still a member, had joined and along with Ian Steele who was a regular until his move up north a few years back.
Centre events centred around the joys of owning Morgan's and motoring, with convoys to MOG events, motor races supporting the Morgan series, participation in sprints and trials, and visits to the Mildenhall Air Show, Worstead Festival and similar mechanical and motoring related happenings. The Christmas do's and 'Meals on Wheels' were a huge success.
Eastern Counties Morgan owners tended to be somewhat eccentric characters, at least in the early days! This led to all sorts of diversions; a hat stand was always prominent at track-side picnics and there was a shared interest in all things mechanical, such as gramophones. The enjoyment of playing records grew (no downloads in those days), and members became very fond of the comic records of Frank Crumit, who was an American Vaudeville performer and an inspiration for our own George Formby. As the Centre lacked a distinctive name and other areas had adopted catchy brands names such as JockMog, BogMog and SexMog, a decision was made to become CrumMog!
The centre has had its ups and downs and was in a low period in early 1995 when the secretary ship passed to Chris Dady. It was agreed at this time to change the name to 'FolkMog', representing the folk in Norfolk and Suffolk and much more appropriate to the area.
The meeting register was begun so there is now a detailed log of events stretching back to March 1995 - the latest book is always available at meetings and members and visitors are encouraged to note their attendance!
Our fabulous badge was designed in early 1996 by the late Colin Bruce, and produced for us by Gladman and Norman who had advised against the original shape (the original sketch is below) on economic grounds - hence our round badge. The first numbered batch of 50 soon sold out!
In the 1980's 4 or 5 cars was a good turnout for the centre. Under the direction of Chris followed by a long and diligent stint by Maurice Cook and his wife Eileen, the centre went from strength to strength with meetings having 30 cars on occasions. When Maurice retired, the Centre Secretary role was taken by Alan Biddlecombe for a three year period. He was succeeded by Ian Charity and now Alan Braithwaite, who is in post today. Together those secretaries have taken our membership role to 70, individuals and couples, and some members have more than one Morgan!
We run around 28 events every year and that includes a FolkMog holiday to another area of the UK or to a European destination. Our meetings are held all over Norfolk and Suffolk, and sometimes further afield. The social side has developed over the years, and the early focus on motor sport reduced, although there is still a gymkhana, the occasional track day and mystery drives.
Our members together own the full range of Morgans by both model and age: from elderly Morgan Three Wheelers to Aeros, with Flat Rads, 4/4s, Plus 4s, Plus 8s and Roadsters. Just possibly eccentricity is no longer an essential qualification for membership - but only others can make that judgement.