President’s Report - May 2026
Welcome to one of my favourite times in Victoria – how can you not enjoy that period where the trees start turning and the Autumn colours start exploding forth. It also is a great time to get out and do some driving and here we hit the first speed hump.
We have all been impacted by the current fuel situation, some more than others and I’m sure many have been frustrated by the cancelling and postponement of tours, runs and activities. This is not assisted by the lack of clear information from our leaders and the typical media spin that come forward in times of crisis. These are very difficult and challenging decisions to make, please spare a thought for the organisers, who in many cases have invested much time, effort and dollars into planning these activities. I do hope our world leaders will do a little more collaboration and communication as many in Australia are hurting. Please consider our farmers, and transporters whom we all depend on, as they are really feeling the pressure of diesel supply and price.
In news hot off the press, information on the 2027 Federal Rally hosted by Victoria Branch in Hobart Tasmania has been released It can be found here: https://www.rrocavictoria.org.au/s/Federal-Rally-2027.pdf I would encourage you to book early, in particularly for the Spirit of Tasmania sailings and Wrest Point Accommodation. Thanks to Tony Wood and his team for their work to date – it has really been a fantastic effort plan a rally that all members can be proud of.
In coming events, we have:
May Technical session – a presentation from Phil at Motoscrub who specialises in restoration and refurbishment of automotive, motorcycle and industrial components using Hydro blasting to clean and restore all types of components
Sunday 17 May – Bentley Drivers Club Coffee and Cannoli at Yummy Cannoli, 10/66 Willandra Drive, Epping from 9.00am - all Victoria Branch members are welcome to attend.
Sunday 24 May – Our May run will be a Ladies and Partners Run – Led by the First Lady – we are strongly encouraging (not mandating) that this is a run where women or partners are the drivers of our marque and club cars. The run is titled from G to G and will start from the Heidi Gallery in Templestowe, journey to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery then to the Tarrawarra Gallery in the afternoon – more details in the newsletter. All members are welcome as passengers we are just encourage partners and ladies to be the drivers, you never know when you may need to drive in an emergency.
I would also like you to lock in two dates towards the latter part of 2026:
Concours and Display Day at Cruden Farm – Sunday 22 November
Club Christmas, Concours and Awards Lunch – Tuesday 8 December
Finally, I look forward to seeing you all at our May meeting where one of our National Treasures Ralph Plarre OAM will be entertaining you (even more than usual) on 4 generations of baking — & adventures in Timor Leste & Uganda.
Until then, please drive safe and stay well.
Keith Mortimer
