President’s Report - July 2025
Greetings everyone
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 were entertained with everything from original sales brochures from pre-war cars to press kits and corporate style guides for more modern releases. Two of the highlights for me were the beautifully boxed continental touring kits available to Rolls-Royce owners and some of the letters between dealerships and the factory around cars that failed to proceed. A very entertaining and informative night was enjoyed by all. Our thanks to Howard. It was most enlightening to learn about the diverse range of things that the foundation had in the archive and I would certainly encourage all owners to approach the foundation around the service records that they may hold on their own vehicles.
It was fabulous to hear that the Ladies Lunch at Ballarat was a great success, I understand, there was much mayhem and madness on during the event and that the attendees who trained up and back may have been mistaken for naughty schoolgirls given the laughter and frivolity on the journey. Thanks to Louise Matthews for coordinating the group and Margaret King and Fiona Clarke for organising the event, I believe there will be more to come.
Many of us enjoyed the visit to the Austin 7 clubrooms and Austin 7 Heaven – a fabulous club and a wealth of knowledge on their vehicles. I think there is a lot to be learned from the technical model employed by the club and we are both very fortunate to have such knowledgeable people in our midst – thanks to Simon Roberts for organising and to the Austin 7 Club for their generous hospitality.
We do have some exciting events coming:
Our July meeting will feature an interview with Jimmy Bache and Tony Sammut on their experiences as apprentices. Jimmy recently was awarded the SHRF Apprentice of the Year award which was bestowed at the Newcastle Federal Rally. Tales from two gifted tradespeople from two different eras will certainly keep us entertained.
On August 2nd we will combine a Early Morning Run with a demonstration of some Leather care products organised by Simon Roberts from our technical team.
Our Regional Club meeting on August 9th is a very special event and one not to miss – featuring the central Victorian towns of Castlemaine, Maldon and Bendigo with a visit to the Maldon Machinery Museum and a private charter on the Victorian Goldfields Railway – further details in the newsletter.
We also have a very special High Tea at Marybrooke Manor to celebrate 60 years of the Silver Shadow – Lets see the Shadows and derivatives out in forces as we celebrate this most prolific model, further details within the newsletter.
Have you booked in for the Christmas Lunch and Club & Concours awards lunch?
Thank you to those of you have already paid your Membership renewal for the next financial year. The club appreciated your support and is committed to providing members with a great balance of social, technical and driving activities all aimed at the enjoyment of your Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars. I remind those of you with club permitted vehicles that you must be a financial member to enjoy the privilege of use under the VicRoads Club Permit Scheme.
Finally, a reminder that our AGM approaches in September and all committee roles are open to all members. If anyone is interested in a role within committee or looking to help assist and improve the running of this fabulous club, please reach out to me or other members of committee to better understand the roles. We also welcome you to share your ideas on how you want to improve the club and what you want from the club moving forward. These roles are voluntary but provide an amazing experience of learning collaboration and enjoyment.
Drive Safe and Stay Well
Keith Mortimer
