Greetings everyone, trust you are all keeping warm and well and those of you who travelled to the Newcastle Federal Rally have returned safely and have dried out!! Many of us enjoyed a fantastic presentation from our Past President and now SHRF Trustee Howard Wraight and his tantalising tales from the archives.

We are living in one of the world’s most turbulent times politically and in the motoring industries with combustion engines using petrol or hydrogen, then Hybrid and finally EV. There is much debate on the future of all energy types, Hydrogen Production for Cars: A Clean Fuel Future Hydrogen is emerging as a promising clean fuel for cars, especially in the push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Can I start by extending congratulations to the Rolls-Royce and Bentley Car Club of New South Wales on the completion of the 67th Federal Rally in Newcastle. Australia is a land of contrasts and from a weather perspective the NSW team were faced with extremes, but they had a back up plan for everything and managed to keep everything just ticking along, just like a PMC.

This edition is really an information sharing on what is happening in the wider world rather than focusing on the local club events. The 67th Federal Rally was recently held in Newcastle with members returning as this is being prepared for publication. A full update on the federal Rally will be published in July.

I’m going to start this report with a line that my late Father-in-Law, Graeme lived by – “Aren’t we lucky” as we move further into Autumn this really pops into mind. Trees changing colour, a great club trip to the zoo, a great clubroom, a forthcoming Federal Rally, fabulous friendships, amazing cars (even when they don’t behave) – we do have so much to be grateful for and I for one intend to get out and enjoy every bit of it.

As I reflect on the last month, I remember a quote which I have used before, “The only constant in life is change” what we have seen locally and globally has highlighted this, however the speed at which change in our lives has happened is challenging every aspect of our lives.

Greetings everyone. Well Melbourne is certainly full of weather surprises – from a beautiful day for our early morning run to UK Motors to a more precipitous day for our Drive and Be Driven – Bring your other car. What can we say – Melbourne’s weather always keeps you guessing and laughs at any attempts to plan.

Recently I was looking on a forum for a solution for one of my Lotus and came across some interesting discussions on: Many EU countries are severely limiting use of classics on the roads. Many EU cities are banning their use completely.

We are seeking more membership articles that make for some great reading, this month and next Rod Cuthbertson has provided an insight into his passion, really a good read.

It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Geoffrey May. Geoffrey, an Ian Dodd recipient and 50-year member passed away, peacefully on the night of our last general meeting after a long and brave battle with cancer. Geoffrey was certainly a character of our club and will be fondly remembered and missed.

Firstly, can I say a big thank you to those members who supported our first two events for the year. Our January picnic meeting at Iron Bark station was enjoyed by many and was just right.

We are already a month into the New Year and as I have been told several times we are celebrating the best summer for some years. Some may go to the beach; others create the perfect charcuterie board with a glass of their favourite wine or even have a picnic!

President’s Pondering: Every year I think what a busy time the run up to Christmas has been and this year is no different. Melbourne outdid itself in producing all 4 Seasons and a few in between for our annual Concours and Display Day.

Another year has passed by and we have seen some fantastic events and some great drives to various parts of Victoria and many travelled to Queensland to the Federal Rally.

President’s Pondering: Greetings all, to quote the words of Andy Williams “It’s the wonderful time of the year” and I’m not specifically referring to Christmas. To me this is a really exciting time in the life or our club and below are just a few reasons that I’m excited.

As we enter one of the busiest times for the club, I urge you to attend two of the most important events on our calendar. The Concours d’Elegance to be held at Cruden Farm and our Christmas Luncheon, both these events will display our marques in the most ideal locations, Cruden Farm and Bill Templer’s property on the Peninsula.

Greetings one and all and welcome to my first President’s report. Firstly, I want to extend thanks to our immediate past President Dr Howard Wraight, Howard has done an amazing job leading the club for the last 3 years and every one of us that has worked with him on Committee over this time have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and are very proud to call Howard a great friend. I also wish to extend thanks to all the committee and appointees that have worked tirelessly on your behalf over the last year to sustain this wonderful club that we enjoy, it is fabulous for us as a club, that these committed members are also willing to continue in service to keep delivering outcomes that all of us as members appreciate.

There is an old poem that we remember about spring. “Spring is sprung , the grass is ris . I wonder where the birdies is !” Whilst its origins are unclear it appears to be from New York, we should change this to..

Another year has passed since our last AGM our invitation to attend on September 12 is included in this Edition. You may ask why it is important to attend, this year it is very important as it will be an opportunity to thank Howard Wraight for his tireless efforts as President for the last 3 years!

As I conclude my three-year term as President of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club (Victoria Branch), I am filled with a deep sense of pride and gratitude. It has been an extraordinary journey, one that has allowed me to connect with so many passionate and dedicated members who share a love for these magnificent automobiles.