Paulerspury People January 2013
The Newsletter of The RREC Paulerspury Section
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Paulerspury People - January 2013
Paulerspury People
January 2013
The Newsletter of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club - Paulerspury Section
Contents Not a Lot of People Know That
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The Chairman’s Bit
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Annual Picnic at Wimpole Hall
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Little Gransden Air and Car Show
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Somerset House Party
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Autumn Road Run and Lunch
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Visit to The Colchester Oystery
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Bedfordshire Lunch
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AGM and Christmas Lunch
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Secretary’s Notes
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Cheerio from Chairman Minimus
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Our Committee Retirees
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Technical Corner
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Forthcoming Events
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Committee Contacts
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Front Cover Photograph: Taken at the Marriot Hotel, Northampton, following the 2012 RREC AGM
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Not a Lot of People Know That One of John Mills’ earliest films was ‘Car of Dreams’ (1935) with Robertson Hare. In it he plays the lucky hundred thousandth customer of a firm, who wins a beautiful Rolls-Royce Sedanca de Ville. The film ends on a note of fantasy with a trip through the clouds in the Rolls-Royce.
In ‘The Great Gatsby’ Robert Redford drives a Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer.
In ‘Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines’ Robert Morley is featured as the driver of an old Rolls-Royce. It was in fact the most famous Rolls-Royce of all, the original Silver Ghost
In ‘The Abominable Dr Phibes’ Vincent Price kills David Hutcheson by freezing him to death in an ice-making machine installed in the back of his Rolls-Royce.
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The Chairman’s Bit You may have noticed the face of the Chairman has changed. After four years in the chair, Chris Ball chose to stand down from the chair as well as retire from the committee, at the AGM in December. The forthcoming committee meeting brought about the election of a new chairman. My name is Barry Gallafent and I am delighted and honoured to take up the post. Chris has done a sterling job over the past four years and will be a tough act to follow but I shall endeavour to do my very best for the section at all times. Chris and Linda will now have a little Barry Gallafent - Chairman more time to enjoy some of their other leisure pursuits but assure me they will still be attending many Paulerspury Section events and organising the odd event or two in the future. I wish them well. The Section starts the year with a full calendar as always, some events are traditional and some new. It is the aim of the committee on-going, to provide variety in its programme, encouraging more members to join us at events, meet with friends old and new and to get the most from their club cars. In 2013 we will try to include some more technical visits, something a little out of the ordinary, affording a wider appeal to members. Whilst we cannot yet be certain when, we are on the waiting list to visit both the Bentley and Rolls-Royce factories and as soon as details and dates are available they will be circulated to members via the Paulerspury People and on our website. The Paulerspury Section makes use of all electronic and social media to convey what we are doing and what we have done, as and when it happens. This enables members to keep up with news and events between the quarterly printed publications. A lot of time and effort is spent by committee members in providing these facilities for you and I would encourage you to take a look at what has been done. Our website address is www.rrecpaulerspury.org.uk our Facebook Page is www.facebook.com/rrecpaulerspurysection and our Twitter feed is @RRECPaulerspury. When visiting our Facebook Page, do please, click on the ‘Like’ button and we will know you have seen us. Furthermore, you will automatically be made aware each time the Section posts anything of interest to it. It will also keep you informed of the main club activities and those of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Bentley Motors. Any Section is only as strong as its membership and we are delighted to have currently, 237 on our list. Throughout the year we will seek to review that list and to make contact with many that we do not see in order to ascertain their expectations of the Section, should it be that there is something we are not providing that we could perhaps, in order to attract more members to events. Paulerspury People - January 2013
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Throughout the lighter evenings, the committee will be looking to come ‘down your way’, where one or two committee members and I will visit a local pub inviting any members who wish, to come along and meet us for a beer and a chat. Details of venues and dates will be published in the March edition of the Paulerspury People, on the section website www.rrecpaulerspury.org.uk and on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/rrecpaulerspurysection. All that remains is for me to wish you all a happy and prosperous new year and to say I very much look forward to seeing you at an event soon.
Barry M Gallafent Chairman
Wimpole Hall Picnic - Sunday 19th August 2012 The weather makes or breaks these outdoor events, and after months of rain and a number of earlier in the year cancellations, the day started out in warm sunshine and remained so for the rest of the day, save for a few drops at lunchtime. I went, this time as a passenger in a Rolls Royce Corniche convertible instead of taking one of my own toys. We arrived a little later than intended and found that Maginificent Wimpole Hall on the hottest day of the year
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Just part of our splendid line-up
there were already of a mixture of some 20 plus Rolls Royce and Bentley cars of various models, together with their proud owners milling around, all arranged in front of Wimpole Hall in an almost complete circular display, the cars, not the owners. Shortly after arrival, we assembled in an allocated room to celebrate the occasion with a glass of champagne, some of us spilling outside to enjoy the sunshine, both renewing and making new acquaintances.
A veritable feast for some
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NT vistors admire the cars
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Lunchtime was soon upon us and unpacking the chairs and table which we placed on the grass near the car in front of the House, not realising at the time that remarkably, the grounds stretch to about 3,000 acres, and the House, the largest in Cambridgeshire, has been there for about 370 years, all of which imposed a certain elegance and privilege to the proceedings. After a pleasant lunch, we availed ourselves of the opportunity to inspect the inside of the House before departing at the end of a very pleasant way to spend a Sunday. Thanks must go to David Davis for his efforts in organising a splendid day.
Sean O’Connell Little Gransden Air and Classic Car Show August 26th 2012 This was a first visit for the Paulerspury section to Little Gransden Air and car show. It was the 20th Anniversary of the event. There were over three hundred exhibits including Classic Cars, Motorcycles, Forces Vehicles and Tractors. The weather although chilly and overcast initially bloomed into an amazing late summer sky with lovely puffy cumulus clouds and a brilliant blue backdrop which enhanced the spectacular show we witnessed. We set off early in the morning with strict instructions to be at our destination by nine thirty or we would not gain admittance. We were individually supplied with a route map depicting mileage and the expected There was a great deal to hold your attention time to cover the distance, supplied by the event co-ordinator Barry Gallafant. We arrived at our destination, on time, where we saw the RREC flag fluttering in the breeze and were duly marshalled into our positions by our host. Eleven club cars arrived dating from nineteen thirty nine to two thousand and eight. They made a wonderful sight and engendered much interest from the public. There were many things to see before the start of the air show at one o’clock. It was hard to estimate the number of people who attended but by midday it was evident that a large number of people were present to see the flying display and enjoy the many classic vehicles on show. 8
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The last Vulcan still flying
A Fearless Wing Walker Augusta Bell Helicopter in M*A*S*H livery
Two Pitts Specials (one, upside down!)
Has something caught Bert’s eye?
A very good turn out of Club Cars
The Austin Healey Owners Club
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BBMF Lancaster
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The SWIP Team in action
‘Sally B’ A B17 Flying Fortress
We all chatted, renewed acquaintances, peered under bonnets before we wandered around the large display field to view a vast array of Classics, old and not so old! A picnic lunch followed with a glass of wine (or two) before the flying display commenced. There were twenty one separate flying events for the afternoon. It was breath David Morgan telling a story taking to watch the skills of the airmen unfold before our eyes. The air show ran for four and a half hours. There were too many aircraft in the collection to name them all but we must mention the displays by a B17 Flying Fortress, the BBMF Lancaster of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial flight which is the type of Aircraft that flew on Pathfinder Missions and the fabulous Vulcan Bomber. This Vulcan is the last still flying after a recent restoration. It was truly magnificent. Made a long time ago, yes, but it still made us very proud to be British. A Memorial Service was held midway during the display and prayers said for those lost during the two Great Wars followed by the last post and a minute’s silence.You could hear a pin drop. It was a very memorable experience. We departed late afternoon and expressed our warm thanks to Barry and Ruth for introducing us all to such a fantastic show, commenting that it would be nice if it became an annual event. Next year strongly recommended for those that missed it this time.
Stella and Charles Holford
Editor’s Note: I took over 700 photo’s at Little Gransden, many of each of The Lancaster, The Vulcan and The B17. If you would like any of them, I will be happy to provide them for a donation to the individual trusts keeping these fantastic aircraft flying. 10
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Somerset House Party - Porlock - 21st to 24th September 2012 Day One - Friday In our briefing notes, Derek and Sylvia had advised us that we should not arrive at Porlock until 5.30 p.m., and therefore we did not need to leave home until after lunch. “Nonsense” said her Ladyship, “we’ll make the day of it and have a trip out somewhere on the way down”. And so, having cleaned and polished the car the day before, we set off bright and early to head to one of our favourite British cities, Wells. The sun was with us all the way down and we arrived in Wells in time for mid-morning coffee and for her Ladyship to explore every nic-nac shop in the town. (In the family we call them Pippa shops – you know the sort of places where it is knee-deep in candles, smelly things, cushions, table lamps, enormous curtain tie backs and all manner of things that are essential to most women but surprisingly unessential to most men !). Naturally, we managed to part with cash for two enormous wrought iron candle stands (apparently, just what you need if you live in a barn) and had great fun getting them back to the car. By now, my feet were aching and my stomach was in need of serious sustenance, so we managed to find a very pleasant Italian restaurant set in a picturesque location in the heart of the city for an exceptionally good lunch at a very reasonable price. After lunch, we strolled along the path that follows the moat around the Bishops Palace and then up around the cathedral and its grounds. If you have never been to Wells, it really is a quite lovely little city and well worth a day out at any time of the year. Back in the car, the sat-nav appeared to be having one of its joke days, and told us that although Porlock was only 53 miles away, it would take 1 hour and 46 minutes to get there via the A39. Confident that I would easily beat that, and that we would have time for a coffee stop on the way, we reluctantly left Wells and headed off along the said A39. Exactly 1 hours and 46 minutes later, we arrived at Porlock Weir, just a few minutes before Derek’s arrival time. My God, the A39 must be one of the worst roads in the UK and probably the most frustrating if you happen to be driving it in a Continental GT. After such an infuriation, it was good to be amongst friends again and we were enthusiastically greeted by both the Freemans and Chairman Minimus and his Lady. By the time we had unpacked the car (taking great care to repack the candle stands, of course) the bulk of the motley crew had arrived and amid the hugging and kissing, the usual Paulerspury banter and good humour was afoot. In seemingly no time at all, Chairman Minimus had declared the bar open – somewhat earlier than planned - and the rest of the night unfolded to the well-worn Paulerspury People - January 2013
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ritual. A splendid evening meal followed, somewhat marred by my appointment to the role of wine monitor. Apologies to those there present about the wine stains – I am sure they will wash out in time !
Keith Davies Day Two - Saturday After a bit of a grey day on Friday, we awoke to a beautiful sunny day. Chris went off to clean the car, as he does, and I went down to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, to find things in full swing for breakies. The plan for today was to take a gentle jaunt across Exmoor, through pretty villages and to end up for lunch at Hunters Inn. Chairman Maximus and his Lady joined us in the S1 and we set off on the route expertly typed up by Sylvia. We drove along some very narrow, windy roads and got to Hunter’s Inn in good time. Some decided to go for an early lunch and a pint, whilst the rest of us went for a lovely walk to Heddon’s Mouth. The group walked to the limekilns situated at the Mouth and some of us walked on the beach. We then made our way back to the pub, some via the stepping stones placed in the fast flowing stream, while other scardy-cats took the route over the little bridge. Disaster struck when we reached Hunters Inn there was a wedding taking place and lunch service had stopped at 1pm. However, as we’d had a splendid breakfast back at the Vale, the decision was taken to carry on with the gentle jaunt and return back for afternoon tea and eat some of the delicious cakes and biscuits on offer.
Minimus checks the stones...
The return trip took in the majestic Valley of the Rocks, including the beautiful Lee Bay. Perfect for smuggling! This small rocky cove, with its imposing coastline on either side, is regarded by 12
Paulerspury People - January 2013 ...and others consider it safe to follow
Maximus however, is not so sure
some as the jewel in the crown of Lee. It is a refreshing change to find such a spot that has, as yet, remained untouched by the hand of time. There was a little chapel hewn into the rock face and we entered through a huge oak door and found a barrelled ceiling structure with a little altar and gas lamp in the walls. Not sure who worshiped there, perhaps it was the fisherman and their families.
We then made our way back to the Vale via Lynton and Lynmouth. Driving up Countisbury Hill and taking in the magnificent views of the North Devon Coast and the Bristol Channel. Once back at the Vale we had our afternoon tea and then relaxed in readiness for another superb dinner.
Linda Ball Day Three - Sunday What a contrast to Saturday...gone were the bright blue skies replaced now with dark low clouds and rain! As we gathered on Sunday morning there was much discussion as to what the day had in store for us weather wise and it looked like today’s gentle jaunt over Dunkery Beacon onto Wimbleball Lake then onto Raleigh Cross was going to have to be put on hold. Derek had kindly ‘offered’ to pick up the Sunday papers on his way to Porlock Vale House so after breakfast we settled down to read for an hour or two in the hope that the weather would brighten up. By late morning most of us had decided to brave it and we went our various ways, some to visit Cleeve Abbey or Selworthy village or to acquaint themselves with Porlock before returning to watch the Formula One at lunchtime. Being a bit of a steam buff myself, the lure of West Somerset Railway was irresistible even on a bad day like this so we donned our wet weather gear and set off for Minehead. The station is like stepping back to yesteryear and as the engine puffed its’ way down the line we were amazed to see so much rolling stock , most of it restored, as we left Minehead and headed for Dunster. We had opted to take the trip to Watchet stopping at Dunster, Blue Anchor and Washford enroute. On arriving at Watchet..... in pride of place parked right next to the ticket office was Paulerspury People - January 2013
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Hector! Our illustrious chairman had had a ‘do you know who I am ‘ chat with the staff and they had been only too willing to allow the Bentley to be parked there ....we should have known! The torrential rain didn’t relent as we made our way to the harbour so we headed for a harbour side pub for some lunch followed by a walk around the town before going back to the station for our return journey and who should alight from the next train in from Minehead? Yes, you guessed it, Chris and Linda had done the same journey as us but in reverse ...a bit like the clock (right) in the platform waiting room.
Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway 7F Class 2-8-0
Back in the warmth of our country house hotel we settled down with tea and cakes in front of the cosy log fire to exchange stories of the day and the champagne that evening was provided by the chairman to celebrate Linda’s birthday. 14
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Our thanks to Derek and Sylvia for organising our return to Porlock Vale, as always it’s the people that make it work...who cares about the weather.
Janet Dolan
Day Four - Monday Monday morning dawned looking as wet and miserable as the day before. We expected our planned Exmoor Safari to be called off. Not a bit of it. Exactly on time, down the driveway of Porlock vale house roared this four wheel drive. Out jumped our guide, Richard, a larger than life chap who just knew the weather would get better. And it did! So, six intrepid travellers, the Flemings, the Davies & the Nightingales climbed (literally) into the beast. Richard then gave us a talk about Exmoor & the things to be seen. Safely strapped in we were off. As we passed through Porlock, Richard gave us some of its history. Then we started to climb and climb the substantial hills .The route followed much of the journey of the stagecoach era into Porlock before the roads were rerouted and the infamous Porlock Hill came into existence. Many of the tales Richard had to tell about the hazards of those journeys. Many were the swings off the road to see one magnificent view after another. Poor Pat and Pippa, seated in the back, were very glad of seatbelts. A group of running deer with its stag was seen early on. On to Dunkery Beacon at the highest point on Exmoor. The mount was covered with purple heather and was the inspiration for the famous hymn “all things bright and beautiful” written by a Porlock lady who rode her horse up there. We saw a “river running by” as we were taken to the hidden reservoir where the heavy rains had caused the water to flow over the Damn wall like a miniature Niagara, very beautiful. (The hydroelectric power generation feature is now unused as Nuclear is close by) On again and suddenly not 100 yds. from us the most magnificent red deer stag with his harem of hinds. His antlers were a glory to behold and there was a young stag just showing a small set. We were off again on the old stagecoach road with 100’s of wonderful views of the hills all the way down to the Bristol Channel. After 3 hours we were back at Porlock Vale House. Shaken but also stirred by the adventure. Many thanks to Richard (the driver) but also to Derek and Sylvia for creating, arranging and looking after us all on this great House Party.
Audrey Nightingale Paulerspury People - January 2013
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Autumn Road Run and Lunch - Sunday 21st October 2012 After such appalling weather for so long perhaps everybody was on a prayer mat of some kind leading up to this event, in a way it worked, as although it was damp on the ground when we set off, at least we managed most of the Road Run without further rain. Most found Sarratt without trouble, and then found somebody local who was pleased to give a direction to The Boot. We arrived early and managed to park easily, but getting out of the car park was another matter. We were 22 cars (43 people) in total. Thank goodness it was not too cold or wet because the small marquee would have been hard pressed to cope. The tea and coffee were very hot and biscuits a plenty, some said we had to “keep space for lunch” so most of the biscuits remained. On leaving The Boot we aim for The Golden Eagle in Ashley Green which is north of Sarratt, so as we leave The Boot we turn left, which just happens to be south. My navigator reassures me there is method in the madness, she also thinks it will be a good idea to go just a little faster to catch up with that dark blue Arnage in front which might make her job a lot easier, “good thinking that man”.
Destination, The Golden Eagle
As we leave Sarratt we come to the Holy Cross Church on our right, the driving instructions we have been given give a good historical rundown on the church, but today we feel a need to keep pace, however the information we have been given is sufficient to encourage us to return at a future date. The Chenies, Flaunden and Latimer villages turn out to be very attractive, particularly the latter, which I feel certain has at some time appeared on the top of chocolate boxes, probably in the 1950’s. We had been warned of a dragon in this area, but obviously St. George got here before we arrived. We were advised that there would be a lot of cyclists and hikers, which was true, but at times there were so many one wonders if anybody has a lie in on a Sunday. Is this the “Olympic effect”? Hang on a minute! We have been on the road for about ten miles now and we see a sign off to the right to Sarratt. Are we going round in circles? 16
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We have been following an Arnage for some time, so why is it going straight on, when the remainder of the convoy in which we now find ourselves are all turning right, I am assured by memsahib that a right turn is correct, so we go “right”. We drive for a few miles when, as though it had never been away, the dark blue Arnage just reappears from a road on our left and takes up station as though synchronous driving were part of the day. We come to a T-junction and my navigator says “left”, but my antenna says “right” for The Golden Eagle. Left wins because that is where the sheet tells us to go and we just follow the leader. Now it looks as though we are in for some Initial Training at RAF Halton, that could be fun at our age, disappointment as we drive past without even a salute, but wait a minute, something even better. We have to stop at a zebra crossing for a young man with his little son, it is obvious that dad is telling son that something special has just stopped for him, they both turn with a big grin and wave, I respond, how could I not? Now we are aiming for Hemel Hempsted, is that the place you go through to get to Sarratt? Less than three miles later we arrive at Mornington Crescent, sorry, I mean The Golden Eagle, Ashley Green. Phew, where is the bar…?
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We filled the cosy dining room
The Paulerspury fleet all neatly arranged. Steven wouldn’t have it any other way.
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One amazing thing, there are plenty of staff on duty in the bar, all lined up to take our order, some just go straight through to the loo without even giving an order. It was not really that long, was it? Can you remember what we ordered for lunch? My navigator remembers everything. We sit next to Bert and Wendy Gladwin and Bill and Irene McGregor, there is a lot of laughter and interesting serious conversation, only interrupted by food arriving followed by, “can you pass the mint sauce please” or “have you got the horseradish”. We learn about owning a racehorse, sponsorship of a University, unhappy car breakdowns, the multi-coloured odd sock society and much more, the time passes quickly and before you know it, coffee is being passed round.
Barry Gallafent seems to have caused a titter
Barry Gallafent addressed kind words to Mia on behalf of us all for her organisation of the whole event, and in particular the map and driving instructions, and to Steven for being Doyen of Car Parks for the day. We all say our good-byes to excellent lunch conversation partners and express our wish to join them again soon.
David Wells 18
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Visit to the Colchester Oystery - Friday 2nd November 2012 In 1189 King Richard 1 granted the Borough of Colchester the fishery rights to the River Colne in return for sending Colchester men to help build Dover Castle. In 1964, following a disastrous period of disease in the oyster beds, the Colchester Oyster Fishery Company bravely took on the lease. Since then it has built up a reputation as one of the premier suppliers of native (Colchester) and rock oysters, clams, lobsters, langoustine and crabs to select London restaurants, markets across the UK and to countries as diverse as China and France. The Fishery is based on Mersea Island, 8 miles south of Colchester and is connected to the mainland by a causeway that is covered at springtides. Overlooking the Pyefleet Creek and surrounded by unspoiled salt marshes and a bird sanctuary they grow, grade and store shellfish. When we read about an RREC trip to the Oystery we decided to join up as it sounded a great venue and apart from a couple of Autumn road runs we hadn’t got very connected with the Club in the two years we had owned an appropriate car. Thoughtfully, for those travelling a longish way, organisers Linda and Chris Ball (who seems to have the nickname of minimus – I didn’t like to ask why in case it was too personal) had arranged a special overnight dinner and room deal at Seckford Hall in Woodbridge near Ipswich. 22 people took up the option and it gave us a great opportunity to meet members over afternoon tea, later at dinner and later still in the bar. The next morning there was frost on the cars but at least it had stopped raining. The excellent route instructions then took us into darkest Essex and over the causeway to East Mersea. At the oystery we were joined by another 10 people so the RREC contingent numbered an impressive 32 people and 11 club cars. Arriving late morning we were just ahead of the tide but were warned there was little point in leaving before 3.00pm as the causeway wouldn’t be open! A good excuse for an amazing lunch comprising the oystery’s best products, all enjoyed with wine chosen by Chris and Linda and served in a room with views across the river and salt flats. But first we enjoyed a conducted tour of the Fishery with its state of the art lobster tanks and oyster purification process. The outside tanks were stocked with all kinds of shellfish and apparently a stock check the day before valued the tank contents at £30k. The mind boggled at how one could count the stock as it wasn’t exactly static and apparently lobsters have a bad habit of eating their dead or merely weak colleagues. Sounds like some car club committees I have known. A huge hairy man, who predictably rejoiced in the name of Tiny, fished out several specimens for our inspection. However, Tiny’s main role was packing the live oysters into seaweed lined boxes for the start of their journey to a consumer’s plate via a busy fleet of vans. Prior to this, they spent 42 hours in special boxes Paulerspury People - January 2013
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Section Member’s cars outside the oystery
with filtered seawater from the adjacent lagoon flowing through to remove any toxins that might be present on the river bed. In the tour we learned a lot about shellfish - if you weren’t that keen on them in the first place then this would have probably done for you completely. For, instance, oysters are asexual and fertilise themselves in a process known as spatting, lobsters breed in a slightly more conventional way by fertilising eggs carried under the rear shell of the females and the crabs have a key tendon snipped when caught to stop them taking fingers off when handled in the fishery. Even so, one man’s rubber glove didn’t look completely full to me. Apparently top class lobsters are about 25 years old but can live to over 100 by which time they are useless for eating. So the old ones get their tails “notched” and if caught again are returned for breeding purposes which is one benefit of getting old not apparent on dry land. Female lobsters are recognisable by having broad flat bottoms which of course passed entirely without comment. After a starter of smoked salmon, the lunch gave us the opportunity to try native and rock oysters, the aficionados trying to guess who didn’t like oysters and sit next to them. Then platters of half lobsters and dressed crabs were brought to the tables, entirely for research purposes of course. Having arrived in cold but sunny conditions we were treated to a downpour of Biblical proportions and some attendant spectacular double rainbows across the river. The causeway was clear as we headed back to Colchester but the journey home gave us a great opportunity to try out our MkV1 in a number of new conditions including, but not limited to, heavy rain, flooding, darkness and bitter cold. From 20
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this experience we have concluded that serious attention needs to be given to the lights, wipers and heater, or alternatively, move to the South of France. We certainly had a great time and were made very welcome by the other members. Our thanks go to Linda and Chris for organising such an interesting trip and we will certainly be back for more. But if it’s in November, then only once we’ve fixed the lights, wipers and heater!
Ian & Margaret Coomber Bedfordshire Pub Lunch Woburn Golf and Country Club Sunday 16th December 2012 Deep in the woods and high over Bow Brickhill can be found the Woburn Golf and Country Club. It is a most renowned Golf Course as you may be aware but is also a beautiful venue at which to enjoy Sunday lunch.
The Woburn Golf and Country Club
Members gathered from 12.00 noon in the car park allocated to us exclusively and a myriad of club cars began to arrive. Some we had not seen before! There was much renewing of acquaintances as well as admiration of vehicles by the gentlemen but many ladies now feeling the cold, moved inside to the bar. Albeit our Sunday lunches are usually informal affairs, dress rules at the golf club caught one or two members unaware and they found themselves being pursued by the duty manager waving spare pairs of the Duke of Bedford’s trousers in his hand for them to change in to!
An impressive turnout of Club Cars
We were called in to lunch at 1.00p.m., taking up the seating arrangements as Paulerspury People - January 2013
Some walkers fascinated at the contents 21 of the car park, being enlightened
Keith and David admiring a new Club Car (Keith’s)
shown on the table plan. There followed a three course carvery lunch with even the vegetables being served by the chefs. The dessert table had members spoilt for choice and there was cheese too, should you have been able to manage it. Formalities were kept short but it would not be right if the chairman did not address us at least once. His words were few as he explained this was actually his penultimate address as the chairman and that he would be standing down at the forthcoming AGM. After lunch, one or two retired to the bar as others headed for home, making the best of the light. In all, another very enjoyable section outing which was very well supported by members, producing a super turnout of club cars, undoubtedly encouraged by the weather on the day. Our thanks are due to Kathy and Mike for organising this event.
Barry and Ruth Gallafent AGM and Christmas Lunch – 2nd December 2012 Our AGM and Christmas lunch were once again held at the Mitchell Hall Cranfield, a super venue for the purpose. Being centrally located, the venue provides excellent facilities, including a private meeting room for the AGM, and very good value. The AGM was very well attended; we were joined by Club Chairman Jim Fleming together with his wife Pat and Trevor Baldwin from the Management Committee and his wife Patsy. The meeting was chaired by Chris Ball at which he announced this would be his last AGM as the chairman as he was standing down after four very enjoyable years. Not only did Chris stand down from the chair but he has retired from the committee too, in order to allow himself and Linda to spend some more time 22
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enjoying their other hobbies and interests. The membership present wished him well. Other retirements after many years’ service on the committee were Mia Murray (events co-ordinator) and Robert Kennedy (secretary).
Peter and Audrey receiving the Tom Shanks Rose Bowl
Peter and Audrey Nightingale were awarded the Tom Shanks’ Rose Bowl for attending the most ecvents. When committee business had been concluded, Club Chairman Jim Fleming spoke, thanking Chris and wishing him well. Trevor Baldwin followed, who filled us in on the latest between the RREC and the SHRMF, as well as the 2013 Annual Rally and Concours. The meeting concluded and those present retired to the bar area for an aperitif before Val Yates called us all through to lunch.
Members chatting in the bar pre-lunch Nice hats!
The usual Christmas joviality unfolded in quite short order, as Adrian Denham scattered a good supply of flying balloons amongst us. Several ‘engineers’ amongst us manufactured paper aeroplanes from whatever looked suitable and the waiting staff took their lives in their hands as they set about delivering our meals. Some had traditional Christmas fayre and others, the meat pie. There was of course, a vegetarian option. The food was enjoyed as the wine, provided by the committee, gradually diminished. Club Chairman Jim interupted proceedings briefly in order to present Section Member, Andrew Beer, with his fifty year badge. Paulerspury People - January 2013
23 Jim presents Andrew with his Fifty Year badge
Shortly after our meal, Santa arrived. No elves this year unfortunately, they have grown a little too tall to qualify and were very kindly substituted by Val’s grandchildren. Each lady present received a small gift and some chocolates. Our very own Santa (Peter Parsons) was not happy to find a young rascal had stolen his work clothes!
The Two Santa’s
Purely for fun, a quiz sheet had been placed on each of our tables. The sheet listed some twenty-five sets of letters representing the first letters of a each word in the title of a nursery rhyme. It had been a long time since many of us had heard any and this made it quite tricky. I cannot say who but it had been drawn to the attention of the organiser that an element of cheating had occurred involving the use of the internet on mobile phones. Despicable! Undercover agents working for Mitchell Hall had spotted this activity and conveyed its happening to Val. The culprits were immediately disqualified. Rather unfair I thought as all eight on our table had got every answer right! In all, we had a very enjoyable time and the suitability of the same venue for next years AGM was endorsed. Our thanks are due to Val Yates for organising another splendid event.
Barry Gallafent Section Facebook Page What is this? It’s The Section Facebook Page and it needs more ‘Likes’ please. Simply find us on Facebook and click on ‘Like’ as I have highlighted below.
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Paulerspury People - January 2013
Secretary’s Notes A hearty welcome to the new Paulerspury Committee. Many of you will have heard who is doing what in the new line up and those who have consulted the Paulerspury Website, (easily accessible via the main Club website, www.rrec.org.uk), will have seen the new photographs and contact details. You can also go directly to the Paulerspury website at http://www.rrecpaulerspury.org.uk. For you all, the complete list is as follows: Chairman, Barry Gallafent (also Editor of the Paulerspury People), Secretary, Stephen Dolan, Treasurer, Kathy Martin, Events Coordinator, Ruth Gallafent, Membership Coordinator, Mark Warnock The supporting Committee members are Val Yates, David Davis and Derek Freeman and ensure the smooth running of the Section, so rest assured, we will all be doing our utmost to ensure the high standards of the Paulerspury Section are continued. Please contact any of us with any Club related bits and pieces, we will be pleased to help. I don’t expect to be writing any great amount in this, new look, Paulerspury People as there are many far better than I at this particular skill. I intend to restrict myself to the more technical details of the Club and how any decisions taken by the Management Committee may affect the sections. Chairman and Editor Barry will have written a more newsworthy report and I can only recommend that you read the PP and look at both the main Club and Paulerspury Section Websites as often as you can as there is a wealth of information on there about what has and what is happening in this wonderful Club of ours.
Stephen Dolan Cheerio from Chairman Minimus Having been on the Committee for over eight years, including Chairman for four, I greatly enjoyed my time but felt it was time to move on. I therefore decided to step down and retire just before Christmas. I would though, like to take this opportunity to thank you all for supporting the Committee and me during that time. You will have seen earlier in this publication that the section has a new Chairman, Barry Gallafent, and I hope you will support him and the Committee in all their endeavours. There are some great events lined up for 2013 and I hope to catch up with many of you at these. For now, Linda and I are ‘resting’ from organising events, but who knows what will happen in the future. Warmest regards to you all and happy motoring.
Chris Ball Paulerspury People - January 2013
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Chris Ball - Retiring Chairman
Linda Ball receives a bouquet
Mia Murray - Retiring Events Coordinator
Robert Kennedy - Retiring Secretary
Technical Corner Bentley Continental GT Scuttle Drains We have now had numerous instances of the scuttle drains becoming blocked on several of the Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur models that we service and maintain. Despite this not being part of the scheduled service procedures we now routinely make sure that these drains are properly cleared every time that a car comes in for service. The drains are situated under the heater box in the engine compartment and are all but inaccessible. We have made a special tool up to allow us to access and clear the drains and allow us to further clear them with compressed air. You may wonder why it is of such importance to clear these drains. Well, the fact is that most of the important electrical equipment for the engine management and air conditioning systems is located in our around the scuttle area. We have seen, in the most severe cases, several inches of water covering some of the electrical 26
Paulerspury People - January 2013
Scuttle filled with water
Water drained from the scuttle
equipment and components which has resulted in costly and time consuming repairs. So, by keeping these drains clear you avoid unnecessary and avoidable hassle. As the old saying goes “Prevention is better than cure.â€? Twin Distributor Drive Belts If your car was built between 1988 and 1993 it is most probably fitted with a tandem Bosch distributor system. The distributors run four cylinders each, one driven directly by the engine and the other remotely via a toothed drive belt. This belt should be changed every 36,000 or 3 years whichever is the sooner. In fairness with the relatively low mileage covered by most of the cars nowadays this schedule is often held over for a longer time period or mileage interval. However, we have had a number of cars recently where the bearing inside the distributor casing for the belt driven distributor has seized or partially seized thereby causing the drive belt to break. The symptom of the broken belt is a major and fairly instantaneous power loss as you are effectively running on four cylinders! The cost of the drive belt is only ÂŁ7.37 and it takes around 2 1/2 hours to change it and retime the ignition. Once again a lot cheaper and more convenient than calling out a recovery truck!
A shredded distributor belt
Radiator Warning Sign If your vehicle runs hotter than you would expect then the chances are your radiator may need a rebuild. We have had instances where the flow rate is within manufacturers specifications but the core is partially blocked. Paulerspury People - January 2013
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Although it is not very easy to make an external judgment on radiator condition, a good guide can be found by looking at that radiator core from inside the engine compartment. You can often see a white line across a proportion of the core which is indicative of the area below that line being blocked or partially blocked. We had one memorable occasion where a customer with a Bentley Arnage Red Label had complained that his car seemed to be running a little hot only to find when the radiator was checked that the core was 70% blocked! In essence he was trying to cool his engine with a third of the required cooling capacity. We replaced the radiator, filled it with the requisite antifreeze/inhibitor and distilled water and he has gone on to complete many more miles without incident. This principle applies across the board to all models of Rolls-Royce and Bentleys as well as your everyday vehicles. Once again - prevention is better than cure!
Ray Hillier The Final Hurdle The Empress had arranged a surprise present for Her husband of a visit to the Boxing Day Meet at Towcester Racecourse. After a very pleasant afternoon, disaster struck in the carpark. Over 50 cars had got stuck in the mud including our award winning Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit III. The light was fading and the Towcester tractor appeared. “I’ll attach a rope to the Mascot” cried the driver, “I don’t think so” said the Empress. There is no obvious safe place to attach a rope. It was now pitch dark and raining! I rang the insurers 24 hour rescue service “Oh that requires specialist equipment and that’s not covered”. The RAC also said they could not help. The car was sinking deeper and deeper, despite the best efforts of cardboard and umpteen carpark attendants pushing, it was now alone, cold and wet. This is when a mobile phone with a built in torch is a gamesaver. Ray Hillier (Hillier Hill in Olney) was reached at home and was able to direct the tractor driver, who was now on the floor in the mud, as to where to safely attach the rope. We were all out in minutes but what felt like hours as the car was driven into the dazzling headlights of the tractor for what seemed an eternity. and then we were home with an awful lot of mud.
Safe to attach a rope here
We would hate for this to happen to anyone else with a modern Rolls Royce or Bentley, but now you have the answer.
Miss Bigley 28
Paulerspury People - January 2013
Forthcoming Events Sunday 24th February - Northants Lunch The Red Lion - East Haddon Organiser: Kathy Martin Sunday 24th March - Herts Lunch The Rising Sun - Halls Green Organiser: David Davis Sunday 21st April St George’s Day Run and Lunch Highgate House Hotel, Creaton, Northants Organisers: Margaret & Alan Fuller Sunday 28th April - Thurs 2nd May Cotswold Trip Organisers: Rodney & Carole Gunn Sunday 19th May Signals Museum Visit and Lunch RAF - Henlow, Herts Organiser: David Davis Friday 14th - Sunday 16th June RREC Annual Rally and Concours Organisers: Hunt House Sunday 23rd June Driving Day and Picnic Broadwell House, Warks Organiser: Adrian Denham July - Midweek (TBC) Visit to Hook Norton Brewery Organiser: Derek Freeman Sunday 18th August Annual Picnic Venue: (TBC) Organiser: Steve Dolan Paulerspury People - January 2013
Sunday 25th August Little Gransden Classic Car Show and Vintage Air Display Little Gransden, Cambs. Organisers: Barry & Ruth Gallafent Sunday 20th October Autumn Road Run Organisers: Barry & Ruth Gallafent Sunday 17th November Bedfordshire Pub Lunch Venue TBC Organiser:David Davis Sunday 8th December AGM & Christmas Lunch Mitchell Hall, Cranfield Organiser: Val Yates PLEASE NOTE: The Club’s standard terms and conditions of entry apply to all events and these can be found on the back of all event booking forms.
Obituary - Michael Maskell Michael was the owner of H Maskell & Sons engineering company, a well-known section member and a Bedfordshire businessman who was highly regarded in the engineering/ boiler making industry. Sadly, Michael passed away in October 2012 at his home in Scotland. His loss is deeply felt by his friends and members of the section and our sincere condolences go to his wife Carol and son Richard.
Christopher Ball 29
Paulerspury Section Committee Attention Smart Phone Users Chairman and Media Editor
Scan any of these QR codes to find out more about what the section is up to.
Secretary
rrecpaulerspury.org.uk
Barry Gallafent (Ruth) 222b Wolverton Road Blakelands Milton Keynes, MK14 5AB Tel: 01908 216804 Mobile: 07785 398271 barry.gallafent@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk editor@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Steve Dolan (Janet) 191 Baldwins Lane, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth Hertfordshire, WD3 3LL Tel: 01923 778207 (Home & Fax) steve.dolan@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk
Treasurer
Kathryn Martin (Mike) Tel: 01234 714092 kathryn.martin@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk treasurer@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk
Events Coordinator
Ruth Gallafent (Barry) Tel: 07900523152 (Mobile) ruth.gallafent@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk events@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk
Membership Coordinator
Mark Warnock (Kay) Tel: 07792 906771 (Mobile) mark.warnock@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk
Committee Members
David Davis (Diana) Tel: 01462 674347 david.davis@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Val Yates (Danny) Tel: 01234 708513 val.yates@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Derek Freeman (Sylvia) Tel: 01234 823255 (Home) derek.freeman@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk 30
Paulerspury People - January 2013
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FREEPHONE 0800 085 4881 Paulerspury People - January 2013 31
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We recognise that the ownership of a Rolls-Royce or Bentley is a lifestyle choice rather than a necessity. We have revised our service prices to make it more cost effective for you to keep your Rolls-Royce or Bentley correctly serviced and maintained.
Stop Press - New Service Prices for 2013 at Hillier Hill
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Hillier Hill Sales, Service & Restoration Specialists
Serving the heart of England Unit 18, Stilebrook Road, Yardley Rd Industrial Est, Olney, Bucks, MK46 5EA Tel: 01234 713871 Out of hours: 07500 700584 Visit our newly revamped website at
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Our new service prices are listed by model on our website at www.hillierhill.com However, if you do not have access to the web please call and speak to Rob Preece, our Service Manager on 01234 713871.
For email enquiries contact - rob@hillierhill.com