Centenary celebrations for one of Britain's best loved cars will begin in the Herefordshire village where the idea that grew into a world famous brand was born. The parish church at Stoke Lacy will be at the centre of events to mark a hundred years of Morgan Cars, the celebrated sports car made in nearby Malvern.

The Vicar - and self confessed 'petrolhead' Graham Sykes said: “It may surprise people to see loads of historic Morgan’s parked outside a small village church but Harry Morgan, the man who started the business, was born in the vicarage here. His dad and grandfather were both rectors of St Peter & St Paul’s church in the village so we have a real claim on being the birthplace of Morgan cars.”

More than fifty (50) Morgan Three Wheelers are expected at the Edwardian Church Fete on Saturday 25th July. The Church will be open daily from Monday to Friday with a lunchtime concert given by a variety of local musicians. The Morgan family grave is in the churchyard.

“We are probably the only village church in the country to have stained glass windows featuring Morgan Cars and Harry and Peter Morgan,” added Graham Sykes. “We are organising a walking history tour of the buildings and land associated with the family and the Old Rectory will be open daily for afternoon teas. Wye Valley Brewery will also be offering guided tours as they are producing a new Morgan Centenary beer.”

Throughout the week, roadworthy replicas of the prototype and of the first production model will be on display in Stoke Lacy which is a reason in itself to come along and enjoy what promises to be a memorable week! On Monday 27th July, Martyn Webb, author of Morgan, Malvern and Motoring, the newly published history of the car company will be presenting a slide show about the family, also in the church.

“There is so much going on – the local pub is providing an Edwardian style meal, and there’s a Variety Show in the village hall and we have a special church service on the Thursday evening,” said Graham. “But the most important things are the cars, they will be at the centre of our celebrations so anyone who yearns for a Morgan is more than welcome to come and join us.”

The week long event is from 25th July until the 1st August 2009. Stoke Lacy is on the A465 road between Hereford and Bromyard.

Note to editors: Press are very welcome at any of the events. Rev. Graham Sykes and others involved in the organisation can be available for interview,
A wide range of jpeg pictures of Morgan cars in Stoke Lacy, by the church,in the windows, outside the Old Rectory etc are available on request and there are numerous photo opportunities during the week long celebrations. Please contact Anni Holden below for further information, interview requests and jpegs.

An outline programme can be found below:


PROGRAMME

Saturday, 25 July at 2 pm Church Fete in the grounds of Stoke House

Monday to Friday (27 July to 31 July)
* The church and churchyard where the Reverend Prebendary H G Morgan was curate and vicar and where the Morgan family grave is located, will be open to the public
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* The old church at Moreton Jeffries where Harry Morgan’s father began his ministry will be open to the public, and from where it is possible to gain a view of the exterior of what was known as New House where Harry Morgan was born.

* At lunchtime each day a concert will be given by Herefordshire musicians followed by refreshments in the church. The entertainers will vary daily.

* A walking history tour of the buildings and land most associated with the Morgan family will be available for visitors and The Old Rectory where the family lived will be open daily for afternoon teas.

* Wye Valley Brewery will be offering guided tours and an insight into the production of their new Morgan Centenary beer.

* Monday, 27 July at 7.30 pm In the Church a slide show about the Morgan family in Stoke Lacy by Martyn Webb the author of the newly published “Morgan, Malvern and Motoring” .

Tuesday to Friday, 28 to 31 July the Plough Inn, Stoke Lacy will provide an Edwardian style meal.

Thursday, 30 July at 6.30 pm an original and very special church service celebrating the Morgan car and the Morgan family will be held.

Saturday, 1 August at 7.30 pm a Variety Extravaganza, will be held in the evening in Stoke Lacy village hall.

Cars on show all week.

Anni Holden, Director of Communications
The Diocesan Office, The Palace, Hereford HR4 9BL
Tel: 01432 373342 mobile 07889 186316
a.holden@hereford.anglican.org
www.hereford.anglican.org