I commence writing this report in the last days of August, looking forward to the spring season ahead. I acknowledge the passing of three of our own in the last month. Gary Ayre, almost a household name in the PMC and Jaguar parts and maintenance world, was farewelled earlier in the month, and it was heartening to see so many of the motoring fraternity paying their respects.

It has been another busy period for the Victoria Branch, with our recent events once again demonstrating the strength of our Club and the enjoyment that comes from getting our cars out, catching up with old friends and welcoming new faces.

It’s August and more than two months into another Victorian winter. Whilst we are good at keeping warm, what about your cherished Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars? The only way to keep our cars warm is to run them!

The Australian automotive landscape continues to evolve at an extraordinary pace. While our passion remains firmly rooted in the timeless engineering and craftsmanship of Rolls-Royce and Bentley, it is always worth taking a moment to reflect on the broader industry that surrounds our hobby.

I’m writing this report whilst on the Bentley Drivers Club, Winter Solstice event and my outlook today is the beautiful Marysville hills, green with a splash of fire red from some late changing trees. We live in a beautiful country but there are still reminders of how quickly things can turn with the effects of Black Saturday still visible through parts of the bushland.

As we move deeper into winter, it is pleasing to see that the enthusiasm of our members remains undiminished. While the colder weather may encourage our cherished Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars to spend a little more time tucked away in their garages, there are still many opportunities ahead to enjoy the companionship that makes our Club so special.

Welcome to Winter, comes around quickly doesn’t it, however every season has something to enjoy, maybe a glass of red grape “juice” and an open fire. It’s certainly no excuse though not to drive your PMC, after all they come from England and are quite familiar with winter – and just think they shouldn’t overheat. (notice I said shouldn’t)

Winter is now well and truly upon us after one of the most pleasant autumns that I recall, yet despite the current challenges surrounding fuel and oil shortages, it has been pleasing to see such strong support for recent Branch activities and events.

Welcome to one of my favourite times in Victoria – how can you not enjoy that period where the trees start turning and the Autumn colours start exploding forth. It also is a great time to get out and do some driving and here we hit the first speed hump. 

As we move into May 2026, it’s important to acknowledge it has been a quieter period for our club calendar.

Can you believe a quarter of the year has passed already – I guess we must be having fun because time certainly is flying.

Greetings all, almost two months down already and coming into Autumn – doesn’t time fly.

As we enter March and the beginning of the autumn motoring season, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the continued strength and enthusiasm within the RROCA Victoria Branch.

Happy 2026 everyone and welcome to the 69th year of the RROCA Victoria Branch. I trust you all had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year and are ready to get back into our club activities. Firstly, a big thank you those of you who attended our January picnic meeting at Ironbark Station.

As we turn the page on a new year, it is heartening to reflect on such a strong and spirited beginning for the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Victoria. Our calendar opened with two outstanding events—the Evening Picnic at Ironbark Station and the Festival of Motoring at Cruden Farm, both of which were very well attended and enjoyed by members.

It doesn’t seem like that long ago that we were preparing for Christmas 2024 but here we are in 2025 – has it actually been a year? In my final report for the year, I’d like to acknowledge all of our club sponsors and supporters, in particular our Gold Sponsors Zagame and Shannons, you are all vital to our club and all that we do.

As we come to the close of another rewarding year, it is a pleasure to reflect on the passion, camaraderie and commitment that continue to make the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia (Victoria Branch) a truly special community.

Greetings Everyone. Where has 2025 gone, November already and Christmas around the corner. A big thank you to the committee for holding the fort whilst Cath and I travelled last month.

While the cat is away, the mice are hardly at play! Far from it, as this is the car club that does not sleep! Thank you to those Members who turned out in impressive numbers to celebrate the legendary Walter Owen Bentley and his magnificent “sports cars”! at the September General Meeting.

As I write this final editorial, I feel both gratitude and pride reflecting on my journey as Editor of our Rolls-Royce Newsletter. It has been an immense honour to serve in this role over the past years, sharing stories, updates, and memories that celebrate not just the marque we cherish, but also the remarkable community that brings it to life.