Paulerspury People Autumn 2017

Paulerspury People Autumn 2017

The Newsletter of the RREC Paulerspury Section

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Paulerspury People Autumn 2017 The Newsletter of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club Paulerspury Section

CONTENTS The Chairman’s Bit

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Future Events

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Past Events

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Miscellaneous Mutterings

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A Slippery Slope - Part 6 Fact or Fiction

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New Members

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Food For Thought

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Committee Contacts

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Front Cover Photo: Chris Goddard and friend John Perkins, with the Bentley Continental GT all decked out for St. George’s Day. Paulerspury People - Autumn2017 2017 3 3 Paulerspury People - Autumn Paulerspury Newsletter Autumn 2017.indd 3

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THE CHAIRMAN’S BIT Welcome to the Autumn edition of the PP! The nights are drawing in and lately there has been a chill in the air, reminding us that summer is nearly over.

We have had a busy summer, and this newsletter is full of information about and photos from the past events and the fun we’ve had. A big “thank you” goes to all the organisers for putting together a great programme, and to all of you for your participation and attendance.

Derek Freeman Chairman

Thank you to Terry Weston for the next instalment of the continuing story of his Bentley restoration project! We would be very happy to include other articles about your experiences, so please get in touch with the PP Editor, Mia Murray, with any contributions or ideas that you may have. It’s nice to share!

It is nearly time to put our cars into their winter hibernation, but please look at the “Future Events” section of this newsletter, as there are still available places for some of the upcoming events. There is no “Future Events Diary” included in this edition, but the full programme for next year will be distributed at the AGM in December, so we hope to see you there to pick up your copy! As always, there will be some familiar favourites along with some new additions. Please contact any members of the committee if you would like further information. Do book your choices early to avoid disappointment! Don’t forget to look at both the section’s and the Club’s websites to give you more detail about what’s happening.

We would welcome any feedback on events, past and future, from you, the members. We are also always looking for volunteers to organise events with the help of the committee, and your help would be much appreciated.

Notice the Club logo on the opposite page - it is a special one designed for us to use this year as part of the RREC Diamond Jubilee!

I hope to see many of you in the very near future.

Derek

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FUTURE EVENTS Find out here about upcoming Paulerspury Section events, when they are, where they are and who is organising them. Booking forms for all events are enclosed.

Event information and booking forms can also be found on our web site www.rrecpaulerspury.org.uk

“War Notes from Woburn” Lunch - Sunday 12th November 2017 On this Remembrance Sunday, lunch will be a little different and start a little earlier.

The venue is the magnificent Sculpture Gallery at Woburn Abbey, where we have been granted permission by the Duke of Bedford to park Club cars around the old cedar tree outside the Abbey itself. Arrive around 11:00 a.m., an awkward time if you are wishing to observe a minute’s silence we know, so earlier will be perfectly acceptable.

At 11:30 tea and coffee will be served in the Sculpture Gallery whilst we listen to ‘War Notes from Woburn’, a poignant blend of vintage songs from a bygone era, plus letters sent to the Duke of Bedford from Bedfordshire soldiers in action, performed by ‘The Songbird of Trafalgar Square’ Lili la Scala accompanied on the piano by Tom Carradine.

140 people in total but as well as having privileged parking, our Section will be seated together for lunch, which will comprise of two courses and coffee.

This is a unique opportunity for the Section to enjoy a Sunday lunch in the Sculpture Gallery and to view the wonderful archive collection, whilst being ever mindful of those who gave their lives for us.

The Section charge for this event includes a donation to the Royal British Legion.

Please book early to avoid disappointment.

Organisers: Barry and Ruth Gallafent Email: barry.gallafent@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk

Included in the ticket price is a chance to view part of The Woburn Estate’s World War I private archive collection, which will be on display at The Sculpture Gallery. As a mark of respect, Woburn will not be making a charge for lunch for any attending WWII veterans.

At 12:30 p.m. we will be called for lunch at 1:00 p.m. This is an open event and will be attended by Paulerspury People - Autumn 2017 Paulerspury Newsletter Autumn 2017.indd 5

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RREC Paulerspury Section Members Please return your booking form to: Barry and Ruth Gallafent 222b Wolverton Road Milton Keynes MK14 5AB

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AGM and Christmas Lunch - Sunday 3rd December 2017 Our AGM and Christmas Lunch will once again be held at the formidable Box End Park. The facilities, food and service provided by the team here in previous years have proven to be first class and we have no doubt that we can look forward to the same this year.

If you haven’t been before, Box End Park is a privately owned and managed restaurant, bar and water sports complex and has become a destination venue due to the quality and professionalism afforded its clients, whether diners, drinkers, water skiers or wake boarders, by a recognisable team. This is our fourth function here in as many years and we are still working with the same team, banqueting manager and chef included.

Organisers: Barry and Ruth Gallafent

Arrive from 10:00 a.m. onwards for tea and coffee if you are coming to the AGM, which starts promptly at 11:15. Lunch will be served at 1:00 p.m. so if you are not attending the AGM, arrive around 12:30 p.m.

Registration and the AGM are on the first floor of the complex but if stairs are a problem, there is a lift, just ask at reception.

The venue is light and airy and it is highly likely that you will be able to watch the thrills and spills of the water sports participants throughout the day.

This is event is usually very well subscribed so please book early in order to avoid disappointment.

Email: barry.gallafent@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk

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January Lunch – Sunday 28th January 2018 Our January lunch meet will be at the Wyboston Lakes Hotel just south of Eaton Socon. It is conveniently close to the A1 making it accessible to those of you living in the south of our section area.

main course including fish and vegetarian options. Dietary requirements can be catered for. Coffee/tea is included in the price.

The hotel is AA 4 Star in a very nice setting overlooking a large lake and the three-course lunch will have a carvery

Cost: £25 per person. Closing date for booking is 22nd December, but please return your slip a.s.a.p. Details and timings will be sent to you nearer the time.

Organiser: Kathy Martin

Email: kathryn.martin@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk

February Lunch - Sunday 25th February 2018 Moore Place Hotel, Aspley Guise Village, Milton Keynes, Beds MK17 8DW Moore Place Hotel, close to Junction 14 of the M1, is once again the venue for our February lunch. There will be a choice Organiser: Karen Hillier Mobile: 07881 802904

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of menus for a three-course lunch, which will cost £30 per person. Full details and menus will be sent out closer to the date.

Please complete and return the enclosed booking slip to reserve your place.

Email: karen.hillier@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk

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PAST EVENTS Take a few moments to read through members’ write ups. You may find something you wished you had attended. You may even see someone you know!

Royal Air Force Museum Visit – Friday 24th March 2017 On the 24th March we set off in the Bentley to visit the RAF Museum at Hendon. We arrived in good time for coffee having only got lost once! The Museum occupies a large site, which is also a large building site at the moment with expansion work going on. This is in preparation for the big celebration of 100 years of the Royal Air Force next year. Apparently the planes are taken into the hangars in sections and reassembled when inside – a Lego set I would hesitate to try.

Our guided tour covered aircraft dating from the dawn of military flight to the F-35, the Eurofighter Typhoon, which is the RAF’s latest addition to its fighter-bombers. The technology and engineering associated with military aircraft is impressive if not more than a little menacing. Our excellent guide, Roger Wilkins, had spent his entire working life in the RAF entering at age 18 to do his National Service. Seeing the plane he had flown as a qualified fighter pilot, a Hawker Hunter FGA9, somehow really brought the tour to life. The plane in which Prince Charles was taught to fly is also on display. The iconic Spitfire and Lancaster are there along with the Mosquito, all powered by the famous Rolls- Royce Merlin engine.

We were told that the Lancaster carried a heavier bomb load than the giant Vulcan delta winged bomber.

After seeing the planes we were taken to the 4D theatre, which was quite an experience. I was a bit of a party pooper when it came to the Eurofighter Typhoon Simulator because it made me feel seasick and decided not to join this trip but the rest of the party seemed to enjoy it.

The time went very quickly and after a morning with planes we left the Museum to find the Three Compasses pub in Aldenham where a very enjoyable lunch was provided.

A fascinating day! Many thanks to Karen for organising the trip and we now know far more about our Royal Air Force and the heroic pilots who flew with it than we did previously.

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Long Distance Driving Day – Wednesday 5th April 2017

This was the first of what hopefully will be a series of events majoring upon driving, using roads suited to our cars and travelling through beautiful countryside. Some 22 cars took part and we met at The Hunt House on a glorious spring day where the staff had laid on tea and coffee for us.

In a short briefing, Keith explained he and Pippa were imminently relocating to another part of the country, and that the route was an unashamedly nostalgic trip through the past 40 years of his life in this part of the world. The planned route took us through Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, covering

some 55 miles before arriving at the Red Lion at Long Compton for a very pleasant lunch break. The afternoon route, at another 55 miles was, if anything, even more scenic than the morning run with fabulous views over the North Cotswold hills and taking us out on to the Warwickshire plain, before heading back to Paulerspury.

From the e-mails received since the event took place, the day was judged to be an overwhelming success and universally enjoyed by all who took part. It is hoped that a similar driving day will become a regular feature in future years.

Keith Davies

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St Georges Day Run – Sunday 23rd April 2017 We arrived at Wadenhoe House in bright sunshine and were quickly joined by the other 54 Participants. We enjoyed coffee and tea in the house and on request were able to arrange for biscuits too.

Further on we passed Kirby Hall one of England’s greatest Elizabethan and 17th century houses and once owned by Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor to Queen Elizabeth I.

The cars were lined up in the car park and my two marshals, Paul and John ensured that the cars left every 5 minutes so that we were not travelling in convoy. Our route took us through the beautiful Welland valley.

Although the vast mansion is partly roofless, the walls show the exceptionally rich decoration that proclaims that its successive owners were always at the forefront of new ideas about architecture and design. The Great Hall and state rooms remain intact, refitted and redecorated to authentic 17thand 18th-century specifications.

On leaving Wadenhoe we headed towards Oundle where we turned left towards Benefield and Corby. After 10 miles, we passed the beautiful home of the Brudenell family of Deene Park. Mr Robert Brudenell lives here with his wife Charlotte and son, William. The house, gardens and parkland are open to the public on Sundays and Bank holiday Mondays during the summer months. Our route took us around the perimeter of the estate showing splendid views of the lake and Hall.

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We passed the rear of Rockingham Speedway and then turned right towards Harringworth Viaduct. There is a spectacular view across the valley along this road. This is a viaduct crossing the River Welland between Harringworth, in Northamptonshire, and Seaton in Rutland.

At 1,275 yards (1.166km) long and with 82 arches, each of which has a 40ft (12 metre)

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span is the longest masonry viaduct in the United Kingdom.

2 miles on we passed Spanhoe Airfield 1944-1945 where there is a memorial which reads “THE SQUADRON OF 315TH TROOP CARRIER U.S. ARMY AIR FORCES FLEW FROM THIS SITE ON AIRBORNE MISSIONS TO NORMANDY, ARNHEM AND THE RHINE FOR THE LIBERATION OF WESTERN EUROPE AND THE DEFENSE OF FREEDOM” 10 Miles further on we entered Oundle again, a picturesque town, and on completing the 33-mile route arrived back at Wadenhoe House.

Time for drinks on the lawn before lunch was served in the magnificent Marquee. The service was excellent with all main courses

being served within 7 minutes! The food was also delicious. During lunch Paul set us a quiz, which was won by Andrew and Caroline Sykes.

The St Georges Day Cup was won by Terry and Sam McKeegan and it was presented by Chairman Derek Freeman. Everyone enjoyed the day and after lunch one member’s starter motor jammed and another had a puncture! Fortunately, Paul was on hand and able to sort it for them.

All that remains to be said is a very big thank you BB and Peter and their staff at Wadenhoe House. Sincere thanks also to two of my friends, Paul and John, who volunteered to help me on the day as marshals.

Chris Goddard

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Shuttleworth Air Show – Sunday 7th May 2017 For this joint event with the East Anglian Section we had been warned by organiser Kathy Martin that the venue, being an old grass runway aerodrome, could be cold and windy. A cloudy morning start and dressed accordingly we suffered the local authority road closure and confusing diversion signs to arrive eventually as the sun came out.

The Club had been allocated preferential parking and our twenty-seven cars had a front row position to view the flying action including take off and landing during the afternoon display. The morning was given to soaking up the atmosphere, investigating the many stalls, finding the coffee outlets and inspecting the fantastic display of the Shuttleworth Collection in the hangars which took us back to the early days of flight. There were three Edwardian buses giving transport to Old Warden House and the Swiss Gardens. The most spectacular was a 1913 Wellingborough double-decker, which progressed slowly but with purpose. A parade of vintage and 1940’s era cars and

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motorbikes ended the morning programme.

How did four adults ever squeeze into an Austin 7? The day had become warmer and picnics were out.

A Catalina Flying Boat, which had served in WW2, opened the Flying Display. Such an elegant aircraft! This was followed by a selection of biplanes and monoplanes showing the development of mostly war planes from the early 1900’s onwards to WW2. Then for most of us, and to use the words of the commentator, came ‘the most evocative sight and sound in aviation history’. A Spitfire followed by two Hurricanes took off from the grass strip runway. The sound of those Merlin engines together in close proximity was spine tingling. The Spitfire looked all the more menacing in black livery as it had yet to be a finished restoration in its final repaint of squadron camouflage colours. One of the Hurricanes, a MK1, was the only Hurricane still flying that had seen action at the beginning of WW2. The other was a

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Sea Hurricane adapted to take off and land on aircraft carriers. With a waggle of wings flying over the airfield the Spitfire flew off to its base at Duxford and the Hurricanes displayed just how manoeuvrable they were.

WW1. The early fighter pilots were indeed “a breed apart�. The party broke up and we all returned home - many with sunburned noses that we had not prepared for at the beginning of the day.

The afternoon ended with a display by those magnificent flying machines from

Jim & Pat Fleming

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North Wales Rally – Sunday 21st to Wednesday 24th May, 2017 Bodnant Garden Our first day started with a leisurely breakfast before heading off in the direction of Bodnant Garden. The garden has been cared for by the National Trust since 1949 and is totally awesome! The 80 acres surround a privately owned house and drop dramatically into a stunning dell of waterfalls, bridges and beautiful trees.

However, as someone sensibly suggested, “If we go down...we have got to come up!’

Above this and surrounding the majestic house are wonderfully colourful terraces and lawns with little paths leading to secluded nooks. Round every corner there is yet another feast of colour and maybe the most dramatic of these is the long and vivid yellow laburnum arch, which is visited from

miles around at this time of year. Weren’t we lucky to pick this week; clever planning on the part of our thoughtful rally organisers!

We particularly enjoyed the extraordinary collection of rare rhododendrons and azaleas, the handkerchief tree and stunning blue poppies.

Apart from a little confusion with Latin names we also seemed to have a problem with applying the word ‘prostrate’ appropriately to a plant. Well, ‘prostrate’ and ‘prostate’ are easily confused!

After a welcome stop in the cafe and for some, a visit to the garden centre, we set off towards the Evo Triangle, a famous car testing track. Someone did suggest a Le Mans start but in the end we took the route at a gentle pace enjoying the views while negotiating the twists and bends across the upper moorland past lakes and reservoirs.

We stopped at the visitor centre, which provided welcome refreshments with lovely views of Llyn Brenig Water.

The final part of the journey took us through Betws-y-Coed and although one or two cars got a bit lost, we all arrived back at the hotel safe and sound after a really lovely day.

Watch out for that one; it’s loose!

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Caroline Sykes

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Llandudno and The Great Orme On our second day a healthy group of us (twelve to be exact) set off for a visit to the Great Orme in Llandudno, after doubling up in club cars, we parked up and walked to the Tramway, where we were able to buy a return journey group ticket (we like a bargain!) All seated comfortably we commenced our journey up on Britain’s only cable hauled road tram, through the winding roads of the Great Orme. Chris Ball attempted to convince another visitor from Halifax that she was having a lovely time, while putting up with our banter! She was good-humoured, though. The views were breathtaking and as it was a lovely clear sunny day, we could see as far as the eye can see, the beautiful seafront of Llandudno and the lush green hills of North Wales. Half way up it was all change where we walked through to observe the powerful funicular tramway system in action, all aboard again for the second half of the journey to the top.

On arrival although a little breezy we took in the sights and enjoyed watching a farmer and his sheep dog rounding up bleating sheep and their lambs. It was now time for

some refreshment and a short rest, where some members enjoyed guessing and listening to some golden oldies playing in the summit restaurant and bar (while others checked the guesses were correct with the help of a smartphone!) It was now time for our descent and although we could have taken the cable car down, it was decided to return the same way on the tram (well it was already paid for!)

On our return to the bottom a few of us went for a little wander along the pier, the longest in Wales. The original, much shorter, pier opened in 1858 and the present pier, built for the Llandudno Pier Company using iron castings, was opened to the public on 1st August 1877, where there were plenty of people enjoying the lovely summer’s day.

Again with the help of a smartphone app we managed to track down a local public house called the Cottage Loaf, which is recommended by Camra’s good beer guide (well it would be rude not too!) After enjoying a drink and snack in the beer garden, we walked back to the car for our return to the hotel. A thoroughly good trip out!

Kay Warnock

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Visit to Longthorne Guns – Friday 26th May 2017 On a hot and sunny day 18 club members in 11 club cars and two other cars visited Longthorne Guns in St James Industrial Estate Northampton. Longthorne makes a shotgun in a revolutionary way by manufacturing the barrels from a single price of special Swedish steel. The company manufactures every single component of the gun in house. They even had to build 2 machines themselves, as there are no specialist engineering companies producing the appropriate machines.

We were greeted by James Longthorne Stewart, the founder of the Company, and Elaine his wife who is the Marketing Manager. James has an extensive interest in the manufacture of complex precision components including firearms components for over 30 years. We were given champagne on arrival with an excellent spread of food for those still hungry after breakfast. We then went on the factory tour where the process of manufacturing a totally British shotgun was explained and shown to us.

James originally started to develop his gun in 2006 in Lancashire. The gun and the machining process took 4 years to develop.

The gun was launched at the Game Fair in 2010 after a last minute proving of the barrels. James and Elaine moved the company to Northampton to take advantage of the technical skills especially CNC programming available in the area due to

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F1 engineering. The barrels are uniquely machined from a 27kg block of special steel and when finished the barrels weigh around 1.2 kg. The production of the barrels as one block makes them stiffer, stronger, and lighter with less recoil. Every single component down to the smallest screw is produced in house.

The stock of the gun is made from Turkish walnut from the densest part of the tree, which is beneath the branch level. Turkish walnut is especially dense due to the cold winters and short summers. We were shown the stock of walnut pieces that you choose from as the first part of the gun making process.

All guns are made to measure for the customer. Five Longthorne models are available at present. Longthorn produces over and under as well as a side by side and in sizes 12 bore to 20 bore. However 16 bore has taken off recently as an interesting intermediate size shotgun.

James has combined new engineering technology with traditional craft and design to produce an excellent English shotgun.

We all thoroughly enjoyed our visit and left with the knowledge that locally we have a company with excellent engineering ability and knowledge to produce a 100% English made shotgun Rodney Gunn

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Visit to The Menagerie at Horton – Saturday 8th July 2017

On a beautiful Saturday morning in July, RREC Paulerspury Section members visited The Menagerie at Horton.

Coming up the long drive from the main road (past the French Partridge at Horton), you think it is just a field, then between the trees emerges this fabulous, hidden garden.

The Menagerie was built in the 1750s as an ‘eye catcher,’ or focal point, to be seen from the large grounds of the now demolished Horton House by Lord Halifax. Halifax went on to have it as his own private zoo, hence

the name, the Menagerie. What the modern visitor gets to see is simply unique. As well as formal lawns, fountains and numerous beds of roses, there is a well stocked walled garden, impressive ‘mounds’ affording breath taking views, and most astonishingly of all, two tiny thatched ‘arbours’, like hobbit homes, clad in tree stumps tucked away in the dense planting. One is a guest bedroom, and the other an incredible consecrated Catholic chapel. Under the main ‘house’ of the Menagerie building itself is a grotto accessible only by steppingstones across a hidden stream, and clad inside by thousands of seashells. To visit the Menagerie is almost like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale.

The owner of the house and gardens, Hugues Decobert, who owns a Bentley Mark VI, has restored many of the gardens. He and his gardener are constantly developing new themes to this wonderful array of gardens.

Carole Gunn

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Classics on the Common, Harpenden - Wednesday 26th July 2017 Classics on the Green, Croxley Green - Wednesday 2nd August 2017 Classic car events abound each summer and Paulerspury Section, not wanting to miss out, has attended both the Harpenden and Croxley Green car shows for a few years now.

In previous years there were some problems in Harpenden with traffic chaos but this time we were able to easily enter the rally field during the late morning and then proceed to the Harpenden Arms for lunch. This proved to be an excellent venue and we were back with our cars afterwards watching the field fill up with a fantastic selection of motorbikes and cars.

Whilst lunching it rained quite a bit but later on it cleared enough for us to enjoy the afternoon.

Croxley Green has a similar format for our section group, meeting at the pub in Sarratt and driving in convoy to the green so we could park together.

Thanks to Caroline Sykes for co-ordinating on both days!

Kathy Martin

Section Summer Picnic – Sunday 13th August 2017 This years’ annual get together was kindly hosted by Keith and Pippa and due to their recent house move, we all met locally to them at Kelmarsh Hall, near Market Harborough. Keith had secured the Orangery for our exclusive use in case of bad weather, which fortunately wasn’t needed as it turned out to be glorious picnicking bright sun.

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Keith and Pippa greeted us with a lovely glass of bubbles and the area of private parking was just right.

Kelmarsh Hall is a Grade I listed country house built in 1732. The Kelmarsh Estate is now in the care of a charitable trust, charged with maintaining it in perpetuity for the benefit of the nation. We also had the chance to stroll around the gardens and enjoy a game of ‘What’s That Vegetable’.

No answers and no prizes, but a fun game nevertheless.

We returned to enjoy our picnic supplemented by one of Pippa’s now legendary cupcakes.

Only one slight problem was that Andrew Sykes’ Phantom II had a bit of an issue with a break in the cable linking the battery to the starter motor. Fortunately, a kind soul was able to provide some jump leads, which got the car going again, but unfortunately took them home when they left leaving Andrew with the same problem later. Andrew was clever enough to bring his mechanic with him who with the aid of Keith’s jump leads, retrieved from home, and some petrol very kindly obtained by John Kelly, managed to get them home safely.

All good fun and part of a great day out with the Paulerspury Section!

Mark Warnock

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Grand Union Canal Trip – Sunday 20th August 2017 After careful planning to try to avoid the notorious Magic Roundabout in Hemel Hempstead, the Rolls-Royces and Bentleys congregated at the boatyard ready for our canal trip aboard Sheldrake III. Andrew volunteers for the Waterways Experiences charity, which organises affordable boat trips, particularly for those disabled or disadvantaged, and is run entirely by volunteers who want to share their passion for the waterways. After a quick coffee, we sauntered down the path to take our seats on the wide-beamed canal boat that was to transport us for the next seven hours up to Aspley Marina and then down the canal to Hunton Bridge. Our Boatmaster Andrew gave us the obligatory health and safety warnings along the lines of ‘no dancing on the roof of the boat’ and ‘here are the emergency exits’, which enabled several of us to do our best airline hostess impersonations. We were then introduced to our crew for the day: Nigel, Ian and young Joseph jauntily attired in his canal boat regalia of waistcoat, red neckerchief, fob watch etc.

Suitably excited, we cast off on what was to be our idyllic canal journey through

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beautiful countryside on a warm summer’s day. The area we were to travel through was once home to four paper mills in the heyday of Hemel’s papermaking industry.

John Dickinson helped to bring mechanised papermaking to Hemel Hempstead as far back as 1809 and built his pioneering business into a key part of the local economy. Two of our shipmates had spent part of their working lives there, so we learned a little more of the history of the area, as well as hearing reminiscences of that time. The mills manufactured all types of paper, but the best known was probably Basildon Bond, on which millions of thank you letters were dutifully written with a fountain pen and sent to relations every Christmas.

We set off from an area known as Nash Mills, but this was to be no ordinary run of the mill journey. This stretch of the Grand Union is wide, but locks are narrow and surprisingly enough a wide-beamed boat is, well, wide, so everyone admired Andrew’s skill in negotiating the first lock with only inches to spare. The champagne came out and the second lock hove into view after

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another couple of minutes. Unfortunately, what didn’t also hove into view was another means of transport, no doubt stolen and then thoughtfully dumped into the canal by some local oik. As we entered the lock there was an ominous grinding noise, closely followed by a view through the windows of poor Ian straining as he pulled the boat through the lock and into the side by rope. Where’s a horse when you need one?

The boat had caught against a sunken bike, which had wrapped itself around the propeller. Although our boat master donned a rather fetching pair of over-the-elbow blue plastic gloves, it was Nigel who went into the weed hatch to try to free the propeller.

A trip back to base for bolt-cutters and a lot of strenuous work meant that a little while later, we were free and the owners of a red bicycle, there fortunately being no sign of the original cyclist.

The next part of our journey was indeed idyllic and we soon arrived at the picturesque Aspley Marina, now surrounded by desirable canal-side residences. Turning the boat around, we headed back to base to collect our caterer and the all-important food. It was at this point, that Andrew, taking a phone call from Claire to check on timings, gave a whole new meaning to the term ‘hands-free call’ by steering the boat hands-free with only his posterior - something that is, according to another very experienced canal-boater amidst our number, often done, but was somewhat disconcerting for a novice to watch.

about the lunch was interrupted by a lively rendering of the ‘We are the Ovaltineys’ song. The old Ovaltine factory, the facade of which is more usually seen from the train window, is home to a huge number of luxury apartments whose owners must regularly curse the boats sailing past blaring said song, but we enjoyed it. Meanwhile Andrew and Claire really had pushed the boat out, as lunch was indeed an amazing feast - a huge salmon, prawns, quiches, cold meats, salads, potatoes - all prepared in the tiny galley kitchen. Absolutely delicious.

Afternoon tea was served with warm scones, cakes and, after a rendering of Happy Birthday, we also tucked into Mia’s birthday cake which Steven had sent as he was away in Detroit - his work happily coinciding with the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit which sees a million people attending a 10 mile long cruise of thousands of classic and custom cars. It might just about compete with the impressive array of Rolls-Royces and Bentleys back at the boatyard car park.

We arrived back to the sight of supermarket trolleys laden with provisions, which were quickly brought on board. Precisely what happened to the trolleys afterwards is anyone’s guess! Sailing on further down a beautiful, peaceful section of the canal, the wine came out on most tables and the RollsRoyce Eating Club prepared for a veritable feast. However Claire’s announcement Paulerspury People - Autumn 2017 Paulerspury Newsletter Autumn 2017.indd 23

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As we continued along the canal, several people hopped off the boat to walk, ‘help’ with locks or just talk to the crew. It was such a relaxing journey as we mingled and discussed everything imaginable - having seven hours meant much longer to chat than usual. Along the way, we saw the expected waterfowl and were just commenting on what a very realistic looking heron there was at the side of the canal, when it took flight. Other sights worthy of a mention were the beautifully maintained gardens at King’s Langley, one of which contained a full-sized knight in armour (don’t ask!), the Yorkshire terrier dressed in a bright orange life-vest aboard the boat ‘Stay Cool’ and the Loch Ness Monster.

Nessie was obviously down here on holiday, but remained equally elusive as some people managed to miss seeing her too. We then sailed under the M25, adorned with a tremendous amount of scaffolding, a sight normally out of view for the thousands of

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people who cross that bridge daily. Canal boats, trains, motorways, bicycles - never let it be said that RREC members aren’t interested in a variety of transport.

Turning round at a beautiful white-fronted, neo-gothic house with large garden and jetty in Hunton Bridge, we yet again came to the conclusion that you can’t choose your neighbours. It must be difficult for theirs in the next mooring to see out of the windows of their boat due to a profusion of greenery, which looked to the untutored eye suspiciously like cannabis plants. Chugging back up the canal, we waved to the man in his garden who we were told doesn’t like canal boats - rather like people buying houses near church bells or farmyard smells and then complaining.

The afternoon passed all too quickly, with only a few Timothy West style bumps into the side of locks, which is amazing considering the size of the boat, but did enable a bit of good-natured joshing. The crew did an amazing job and we were fortunate to be able to enjoy a great day with no effort on our part - apart from those who took a gentle stroll or who enjoyed helping with the locks. A peaceful Sunday motoring in our favourite cars, and then cruising along an idyllic canal, with good company, food and wine whilst someone else does all the work. What could be better?

So our huge thanks to Andrew for organising and we wish the charity every success in the future. Our thanks also to the crew and to him for all their hard work and friendliness during the day, to Caroline for all her time in the galley providing teas and coffees and to Claire for the food. It was a fabulous day and will be remembered for some considerable time to come.

Sharon Dunn

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MISCELLANEOUS MUTTERINGS I have always been very proud to tell people that I passed three driving tests at the first attempt – in a three-wheeler, a car and an HGV. This was a very long time ago, before the computer age, and in those days, each test involved correctly answering a series of verbal questions from the examiner on the Highway Code. As a result, it was necessary to brain up on the code in advance of your driving test to give yourself a good chance of passing. I obviously must have done a reasonable job of banging the information into my head, and despite the memory loss that accompanies my older age, I can still remember most of that code some fifty years later. But as I understand it, the modern version of the driving test involves a theory test which appears to be somewhat like Who Wants to be a Millionaire, in that you get multiple choice answers, but can’t ‘phone a friend. There is actually a significant chance in this test that you can pass based upon nothing more than luck in your choice of answers. And if you fail, you can come back as many times as you like until you do eventually succeed. But that’s progress I suppose.

However, one vital piece of information contained in both the new computerised theory test and the old 1960’s Highway Code is that you should always drive in the left-hand lane. Since we choose as a nation to drive on the left-hand side of the road - unlike most of those European chaps - this seems blindingly obvious to me. But, I’m afraid to tell you, it is not at all obvious to many drivers I encounter nowadays.

Now in case you hadn’t noticed, since the 1960’s, roads seem to have got quite a bit wider in a whole lot of places. Most of the old A roads have become dual carriageways, and sometimes even have three lanes or more. We now have motorways with loads of

lanes, and the M25 down by Heathrow has so many that a new one seems to have been added every time I pass by. So why is it that so many drivers, when confronted with a vast choice of lanes, always choose to travel in anything but the left-hand lane? A fair few seem to gravitate automatically to the outermost right-hand lane, even when there is no sign of a vehicle in the lane to their left. Do they think that the left-hand lane is the sole preserve of the articulated lorry limited to his 56 m.p.h.? Perhaps they are too busy on their mobile phone calling the office or a client? Or are they just too lazy to bother to go back to the left-hand lane?

Once upon a time, this lane hogging used to be to be the sole preserve of the BMW driver, but I have noticed that it now seems to be a pursuit undertaken by drivers of pretty much any car, with the only exception being the Toyota Prius, inevitably driven by a bearded tree hugger, who seem to struggle to get up to the necessary speed for right lane adventures. The ubiquitous “white van man” has almost made outside lane hogging into an art form.

It is my personal theory that these lane hogging drivers are closet “remainers”, so enraptured by all things Europe that they feel they should show solidarity with their soon to be lost European friends by driving on the right at all times. Or is it that nowadays, people just don’t give a stuff?

Until next time,

Left-handed Fred

The opinions voiced by Left-handed Fred are his own and not necessarily the view of the Paulerspury Section Committee, or the RREC.

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A SLIPPERY SLOPE - PART 6 Once again the deadlines have slipped and the latest forecast is that the car will be finished in 20 weeks – sometime in March. The main cause of the delays has been the re-alignment of doors, which was lost because new A-posts were made, and apart from the door skins, the rest of the doors were new. Without the original manufacturer’s drawings and jigs, this turned out to be a considerable challenge.

However, plenty of other work was done on components. On the doors of most cars there are check straps to prevent the door from opening too far. S1s and Silver Clouds had “door assisters”, which I originally took to be conventional check straps. It turns out that they are spring-loaded devices that help to push the door open. When a door is being closed a “clock” spring in the assister is wound to store energy, which is released on initial opening of the door to help the

presumably weak passenger finish opening the door. The assister pushes on the strap, and when the door is fully opened, it then acts as a check to prevent the door opening further. A clever device that I’ve never before encountered in the 70+ cars I’ve owned. And useless – it doesn’t work if the car’s facing uphill! Nevertheless, in the sprit of my as-new restoration I decided to restore the assisters.. Fairly straightforward, except that the assisters have a rubber buffer to cushion the door when it fully opens. The buffers were in a bad state, and new ones are unavailable, so I replaced the rubber by “die springs”, costing about a fiver for four from Amazon. These proved to an excellent alternative – probably better than the original rubber. But … the restored assisters were remarkably efficient, and the doors now opened on their own very smartly indeed. I could see how this could be unfortunate if parked in a typical supermarket car park, so I then designed a detent device using rollers acting on the check straps to hold the door partially open.

Original assister

Computer image of check strap with detent slot

Restored assisters

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Most of the many rubber grommets had deteriorated, and most replacements are fairly standard and readily available. Some, though, are impossible to find, and one such is the grommet fitted on each side of the bulkhead through which pass the

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bonnet release operating rods. The only replacements were second-hand and not much better than the swollen ones on my car. I had a mould tool made to produce a small batch of polyurethane grommets.

the small radius bends, and the brass pipes had to be annealed first, then plugged and filled with dry sand before bending. Much trial and error was involved to get it right.

After fifty years the aluminium undertrays are showing signs of impact damage from stones and sloppy re-fitting and causing the fixing holes to be enlarged. Replacements are unavailable, so once again the only option is to have tools made. Cheap tools made from rubber give poor definition and require much hand finishing, whereas steel tools, although expensive (about £7,000) will produce much better parts with little final trimming required.

Shock absorbers (or dampers) have a tough life and these were completely dismantled and re-assembled with new seals, and then calibrated.

Some of the pipework was sent for replating, but disintegrated in the stripping bath! New pipes were beyond the abilities of the average plumber and standard bending tools. I had to make a bending tool to get

Corroded drain pipe

New pipes cadmium plated

Two aspects of the one-shot lubrication system have been the subjects of much discussion over the years: one is that when working properly, oil is deposited freely on the garage floor; and the other is lack of lubrication resulting in premature wear in steering and suspension bearings. The first you have to live with – the oil won’t flow into the bearing unless it can escape from it; so if your garage floor is spotless, it’s not working. When the oil distribution pipes were removed from my car, most were found to be partially or fully blocked with lumps of congealed oil which could be ejected by compressed air . We fitted new pipes, but found it difficult to force oil through the bearings. This was partly because some drip plugs were blocked.

(The drip plugs allow a controlled flow or leak of oil through bearings and have tiny metering holes to balance the distribution evenly.) The plugs are impossible to remove intact and have to be drilled out – which is what we did. Just as well: the amount of Paulerspury People - Autumn 2017

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trapped debris accumulated in fifty years would have prevented oil reaching the bearings.

New plugs are unavailable, but Norman Geeson again came to the rescue, and suggested a remedy that he’d used on his R-Type, which was to fit screw-in plugs with a small flat filed on the thread. A test to check for even oil distribution will reveal any plugs that require further “adjustment”. It sounds a bit crude but is a sensible solution, with the great advantage that a plug can be removed at any time to ensure no build-up of debris.

New brake drums, shoes, master cylinders, wheel cylinders and associated pipework have been fitted. The brake drums are proper Crewe parts comprising a steel core and cast iron drum, costing about £3500 for the four, but the cheaper alternatives are one-part cast iron – to my mind not worth the compromise.

After final fettling of the bodywork, such as testing the door locks, alignment, panel gaps and smoothness of contours, the bodywork has received epoxy primer and 4 filler coats (plus guide coats), each rubbed down, and topped with dark grey primer. The wiring loom and all mechanical parts have to be fitted before the final colour coats can be applied. Fitting the new wiring loom is a daunting undertaking:

Er –hmm …

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Yes – well …

Engine and gearbox mated and ready to be installed.

I’ve mentioned the high costs several times to emphasise the consequence doing a job properly and without compromise. £350K and still counting!

Terry Weston

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NEW SECTION MEMBERS We warmly welcome these section members who have joined since the last “Paulerspury People” publication:

Name Mr. & Mrs. M. Bailey W. Dales, Esq Mr. & Mrs. P. Cowley H. Morgan, Esq

County Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire Buckinghamshire Hertfordshire

Club Car Bentley Mulsanne Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II Rolls-Royce 20HP

FOOD FOR THOUGHT....

1 The Rolls-Royce “R” engine is the only engine to obtain land, air and water speed records.

2 There are no known photos of Charles Rolls and Henry Royce together.

3 Henry Royce disliked the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine, stating that it ruined the car’s lines.

4 Glove box humidors are a Rolls-Royce factory option for the Phantom.

5 Rolls-Royce has been present in North America for over 100 years. The company is a leading industry supplier in the U.S., and today employs over 9,000

people across the North American region. Today, more Rolls-Royce products are built in Indianapolis, Indiana than anywhere else in the world. Approximately 4,000 employees work in Indianapolis in manufacturing, assembly, test, engineering and a variety of staff support roles in the defence, civil small & medium engines, marine, and helicopter business lines.

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PAULERSPURY SECTION COMMITTEE Chairman

Derek Freeman (Sylvia) The Plantation, Village Road Bromham, Bedfordshire MK43 8LL Tel: 01234 222333 Mobile: 07836 715351 Email: derek.freeman@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk

Treasurer

Keith Davies (Pippa) Windsor House, The Paddocks Clipston, Leicestershire LE16 9US Mobile: 07542 181277 Email: keith.davies@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk

Media Editor

Barry Gallafent (Ruth) 222b Wolverton Road, Blakelands Milton Keynes MK14 5AB Tel: 01908 216804 Email: barry.gallafent@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk

Secretary

Kathy Martin (Mike) 13 St Josephs Close, Olney Buckinghamshire MK46 5HD Tel: 01234 714092 Email: kathryn.martin@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk

Membership Secretary

Mark Warnock (Kay) Culver, Police Row, Therfield, Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 9QE Mobile: 07792 906771 Email: mark.warnock@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk

Newsletter Editor

Mia Murray (Steven) Tattenhoe Hall Farm, Tattenhoe Milton Keynes, MK4 3AA Tel: 01908 504606 Mobile: 07956 074859 Email: miamurray1@gmail.com

Andrew Sykes (Caroline) 17 Kirkwick Avenue, Harpenden Herts, AL5 2QU Tel: 01582 713839 Email: asykes@rhgib.co.uk Karen Hillier (Ray) 27 Coneygere, Olney Buckinghamshire, MK46 4AE Mobile: 07881 802904 Email: karen.hillier@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk

Attention Smartphone Users Scan either of these QR codes to find out more about what the section is up to.

Section Web site Standard terms and Conditions of Entry I declare that during the whole period of this event, my entries will be covered by the full third party risks. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the organisers of this event from any claim for any damage or personal injury caused by my vehicle(s) or driver(s) there of whilst taking part in the event or journeying to and from it. I also agree to produce the insurance documents and MOT certificate if so required. There will be a working fire extinguisher in my car.

The Small Print Please be aware that any payments made should not be viewed as refundable as there is often a need to make payments in advance to secure bookings. Event organisers will do their best to facilitate cancellations but this is not always possible.

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