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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

We are delighted to share the successes and exciting developments within RROCA Victoria over the past months. Our recent General Meeting at Maldon Victoria was a resounding success, providing an excellent platform for members to connect, share ideas, and plan future initiatives.

“Preserving Elegance in a Changing World: Classic Cars and the Industry in Flux”. As custodians of motoring history — whether through the whisper-quiet grace of a vintage Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud or the stately power of a Bentley Turbo R — we are more than collectors. We are stewards of legacy. But in 2025, the automobile industry is changing faster than ever, and our community faces both challenges and moments of opportunity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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..