President’s Report - March 2026
Greetings all, almost two months down already and coming into Autumn – doesn’t time fly.
I start this report with the sad news of the passing of Roger Cooke. Roger and his wife Beverley were colourful characters and great enjoyers of fine motor cars including Lord Casey 1935 Derby Bentley (B29EF) purchased at auction during Motorclassica as well as some other fine PMCs and examples from other marques. Roger, of recent years experienced health challenges and he will be farewelled in a private family ceremony. Our thoughts are with Beverley and the family at this sad time.
We are very fortunate to have some very talented members and Februarys meeting saw acclaimed Veterinarian Dr Wayne Fitzgerald entertain us with many tales (no not tails) from his career specialising in Veterinary dentistry. Certainly, a presentation with bite and something we could all get our teeth into. Our sincere thanks to Wayne.
Club sponsors Brooke and Osborne also presented on their systems of premium climate control systems and the club is grateful for the support of their sponsorship and support.
Our marques were well represented at the British and European Motoring Show at Yarra Glen Racecourse in February with approximately 30 cars present from all genres of Rolls-Royce and Bentley eras. Our display attracted much interest for the public and fellow enthusiasts and awards were won by Gary McMillan with his WO and Eddie Newton with the Nareeb Ghost. Congratulations to them both and thank you to all who attended.
The 68th Kalorama Rally will be held on Sunday 15 March, at the Kalorama Memorial Reserve and this will be our March club run. This event is a fundraiser for the Kalorama CFA and our club was one of the founding participants. There is a mystery tour to the display being organised by the Vintage Drivers Club commencing at the Manhattan Hotel Carpark, Heatherdale Road, Ringwood, 9.00 for a 9.30 departure. If this doesn’t suite, you can go straight to Kalorama but please arrive before 10.00. This display is focused on chrome bumper vehicles and it would be great for our club to have a good display of our prewar vehicles as well.
Our March meeting is our Ladies and Partners night, and we will be hearing about all things magical from another talented member, Ken Russell. Ken first became interested in magic at the age of 8 and became eligible to become a member of the Australian Society of Magicians at only 15 years of age. He later became the President of the society and was bestowed with Life Membership. Ken has performed at elite levels of an expansive career and his love of magic helped him throughout his professional career and, no doubt some of his experiences you will find amusing. Members are invited to ask questions and may want to explore some of the allied arts such as hypnotism, telepathy, ventriloquism, escapology, (a la Houdini) as well as fire eating. Certainly, a night not to miss and with something for everyone, please mark Thursday 12 March in your and your partners diary a magical night for all.
There will be many more exciting events throughout the year so please stay tuned. Till then drive safe and stay well,
Keith Mortimer
