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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In the early 20th century, a Rolls-Royce representative in Scotland received a letter from a customer complaining that their car wouldn’t start in cold weather.

I am writing my President’s Report on June 22, the shortest day of the year and in the middle of a cold snap. However, looking back over the month I can see that our appetite for all things automotive remains as burning and passionate as ever!

The highlight for the merry month of May was of course the recent Federal Rally held in Noosa Heads, where the pristine beaches, vibrant culinary scene, and lush national parks intersect with so many Victorians you would think you were in tropical Armadale or South Yarra!

As we move further into the year, we look back over the great events that have taken place within our club over the past month and look forward to some equally engaging attractions coming up.

March marks the transition from the scorching heat of summer to the milder days of autumn. As the days gradually become shorter, the temperatures begin to cool. It’s a time when nature undergoes a subtle transformation, with trees shedding their leaves in preparation for the cooler months ahead, and the landscape adopts hues of amber and gold. In this context we enjoyed some great events during March. Starting off with a deep dive into the mysteries of the SU Carburettor at a well-attended technical section Sunday.

As we reflect on the events of February, it brings me immense pleasure to recount the array of enjoyable gatherings and activities that have enriched our club. February began with our technical workshop, led by Noel Baker and Neil Matthews and provided invaluable insights into the maintenance and care of our cherished vehicles. This was followed by a convivial evening at our club’s headquarters, where members gathered to share an enjoyable and informative evening with Rodney Smart from Scotchman’s Hill Winery. More than a few of us were impressed with the quality of the wines, especially their Cornelius Chardonnay!

As we embark on a new year filled with the promise of exciting adventures, it is with great pleasure that I welcome each and every one of you to another remarkable year in our illustrious history. The Rolls- Royce Owner’s Club has always been a beacon of elegance, camaraderie, and a celebration of the timeless craftsmanship embodied by our cherished vehicles. In the coming months, we anticipate a calendar brimming with exclusive events, captivating drives, and interesting meetings that will undoubtedly deepen the bonds of our club and our wonderful community.

October was a month packed full of club events, starting with the two day run to Portarlington in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Derby Bentley, followed by our General Meeting also dedicated to the same anniversary.

October was a month packed full of club events, starting with the two day run to Portarlington in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Derby Bentley, followed by our General Meeting also dedicated to the same anniversary.

Another year has passed since our last AGM and I am pleased to report that the club continues to thrive and grow. We have elected a new committee to steer the club through the next twelve months with current office bearers being elected unopposed.