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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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..

Another year has passed since our last AGM our invitation to attend on September 12 is included in this Edition. You may ask why it is important to attend, this year it is very important as it will be an opportunity to thank Howard Wraight for his tireless efforts as President for the last 3 years!

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.

As winter is passing and we start to think about Spring, all the growth, the spring blooms, checking in our case the bee hives, cleaning out the house for the new season “Spring Cleaning” it has origins dating back many thousands of years, references occur in biblical times, the Chinese clean before Lunar New Year, Japanese changed from mid-December to December 31.

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.

Spring is just around the corner! Let’s be positive about the weather it will pass and we all should look forward to the change of season. Not to worry we have an active club and there are some very interesting events coming up, check your diary.

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!

The year is fast moving into winter conditions and many of us will be thinking of laying up our cars but there are plenty of exciting events coming up where you can still enjoy a run in your PMC.