Paulerspury People October 2014
The Newsletter of The RREC Paulerspury Section
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Paulerspury People - October 2014
Paulerspury People
October 2014
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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Classics On The Green
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Annual Picnic
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Little Gransden Air and Classic Car Show
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Treasure Hunt and Lunch
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Future Events
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Future Events Diary
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Committee Contacts
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Front Cover Photograph: Derek and Sylvia Freeman with their trophy from the European Rally, awarded by the hotel staff for the car they would most like left behind
Paulerspury People - October 2014
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An American motoring journalist once described the Rolls-Royce as being like the Englishmen who make it ‘ancient, square, strong and dependable’.
Before the days of artificially controlled temperature and humidity, the final varnishing of a Rolls-Royce’s paintwork could be done only on days when the weather conditions were perfect - approximately one day in every four.
At one time, the sand used in the casting of Rolls-Royce crankcases was all from the same quarry - Withington Sand Quarry, near Congleton, Cheshire - it was the only place in the world which produced the uniquely consistent and pure variety of sand required.
When Rolls-Royce cars were first exported to America, they were so quiet the licensing authorities refused to believe that they were petrol-driven cars, thinking that they must be electrically driven.
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Paulerspury People - October 2014
Another summer draws to an end. Will it be remembered as a good one or a bad one? It seems to me that summers have only been good when you look back on them and not always at the time. It’s a bit like the school holidays when we can all remember playing out every day until late. It never rained. Did it? One thing for certain is that the weather has been kind to us for many Section events involving driving our cars, when it can so easily make or break a good day. When you receive this edition of the PP we will have just one more event on the Section calendar before our AGM and that is a visit to Chris Lee’s workshop. The AGM will be held at a new venue this year so be sure to note the details. Your committee are currently working hard on events for 2015, some you will see in this edition of the PP and others are to come. Do remember this is your club and if you have any ideas and suggestions for Section events do contact any committee member and let us know. Section membership continues to grow as we make contact with new Club members as soon as they are notified to us by the Hunt House. It can be daunting turning up at your first Section event but new members are certain of a warm welcome at any of our events and the event organiser is always aware that a new member has booked for it. Following the success of the Annual Picnic and the combining for the day with the Austin Seven Owners Club, more such events are being considered. If you own a car of another marque and similarly belong to the owners club, why not talk to us about it? Members of both clubs were equally as fascinated by each other’s cars and valued the opportunity to drive them. Our website is updated regularly with news of our forthcoming events, events organised by other clubs or organisations that may be of interest and of course, the photograph gallery of previous events continues to grow. We have now almost as many people ‘Liking Us’ on Facebook as we have members. This has proven to be an excellent method of communicating news and information instantly and we are delighted with the reach some posts have. The Club will be exhibiting at the NEC again between 14th and 16th of November. Club members can get discounted ticket prices; see the Club website for more details. For general information on the show, visit www.necclassicmotorshow.com. I look forward to seeing you at a Section event soon. Drive carefully.
Barry Gallafent Paulerspury People - October 2014
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Classics On The Green (Croxley Green) - Wednesday 6th August The WDCVT Ltd (Watford & District Classic Vehicle Club Ltd) was formed in 1994 by two local enthusiasts, their aim to raise funds and awareness of local and national charities and deserving causes by exhibiting classic, veteran and vintage vehicles. They now organise several well attended shows in Middlesex and Hertfordshire. As former residents, Steve & I have been taking part in the Croxley Green event every year since it started thirteen years ago and it’s always been an enjoyable sociable event with a huge variety of classics to see and this year was no exception. The gathering is getting ever more popular with nearly a thousand vehicles of all types taking part. We had arranged for the Paulerspury contingent to meet up over lunchtime in a nearby village before driving ‘en convoi’ to arrive just after 4 o’clock and were amazed to find that hundreds of others had been there since early afternoon. Perfect really , our eleven Rolls- Royces and Bentleys were a spectacle to behold as we drove majestically across the Green for all to see. The inexperienced parking marshall was a bit confused when we started to park together but eventually left us to our own devices and it didn’t take long before we popped the champagne corks and opened the picnic baskets…what a great way to spend a beautiful Summers day! Thank you to everyone who took part. There are many such events held in and around our region, good examples this year were the Kimbolton Fayre (organised by Danny & Val Yates) and the Harpenden Gathering (organised by David & Raleane Morgan) and your committee is currently putting together the 2015 events programme so if you you’d like to organise a section visit to something similar please do contact me.
The Section suitably parked
Janet Dolan Events Co-ordinator 6
Paulerspury People - October 2014
A superb turnout of all marques
Annual Picnic - With a Difference - Sunday 17th August The big worry was the weather. Would the forecast rain stay away or would it mean picnics in the cars or under the trees? A few spots came then went so goodish luck was with us. The sun shone albeit intermittently and the rain clouds drifted by. The setting for the Section’s annual picnic was the extensive grounds of the Royal Masonic School for Girls in Rickmansworth, a stone’s throw from J18 of the M25. Getting there for me and my Seraph was a dawdle as once parked up with the other 17 club cars, Irene and I looked over the Chess Valley to a view of our house! Now to the ‘with a difference’. Steve and Jan Dolan had invited the local Austin Seven Owners Club to join us for the day. (I wonder where that idea came from?) Once assembled there were 10 Austins all from the 1930s. The plan for the afternoon was that those willing - or daring enough – would swap cars for a drive round the school grounds. So, pre-picnic there was a general getting-to-know you and your cars session. For many of us it was the practicability of how to get into those tiny cars that occupied us most! Anyway we retreated to our picnics and soon the decibels increased, corks popped, wine bottles glugged and a very jolly picnic ensued. After lunch the day began in earnest. The first Paulerspury member to get the ball rolling appeared to be the redoubtable Peter N who nervously sailed past us in the passenger seat of the Bentley with a confident looking Austin owner at the wheel.
Paulerspury People - October 2014
A general view
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Your Secretary looks pleased to ‘nearly’ fit in a Swallow
8 Little and Large
Paulerspury People - October 2014
That set everyone off and the sight of our club members crouched behind the wheel of the Sevens was a joy to behold. Fortunately one of the Austins was of the larger variety so our weightier members could participate. As the day progressed we all got a little bolder and not only asked the Austineers but asked our fellow members if we could drive their cars. Colin Hughes and Mermie were there and Mermie’s sumptuous 1913 Ghost was one of the afternoon’s stars. A queue formed for trips around the grounds in this magnificent car and I lost count of the number of times Mermie made the rounds. Well done. Inevitably all good things come to an end and the day slowly wound down until the usual suspects were left downing the dregs of the bubbly, sauvignion blanc and merlot. An excellent day which was enjoyed by all. Many thanks to the Austin Seven Club for their enthusiastic participation and to Steve and Jan for organising it all. By the way, my journey home took under 5 mins!
Bill McGregor Annual Picnic - Organisers thoughts - A great day out, we had a superb turnout of cars, from a 1913 Silver Ghost and 1925 Phantom I Limousine to a modern Silver Edition Goodwood Phantom, with most models in between represented. There seemed to be a general consensus that this is something we could well do again, in a couple of years though as the calendar is so full already. The Austin Club organiser is in agreement so we look forward to the next event.
Paulerspury People - October 2014
These three don’t look too sure
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Little Gransden Air and Classic Car Show - Sunday 24th August 2014 With the Chairman out of the country on family business, it fell to me to fly the organisers’ flag for the Section, quite literally in this case. I managed to ‘burgle’ Baz’s house and then car, to retrieve the flag and the Section Leisure Tent was dropped off by Steve and Jan. So we were all set. As usual we set off at what seemed like the crack of dawn on a Sunday and arrived first on site at just after 8 am. There were the usual well drilled marshals who directed us to the section of the field allocated to the Club. Everything proceeded as usual, with various classic entries arriving and the procession of MX5s, who all met close by to arrive en masse. We erected the tent, but because of the glorious weather, it wasn’t really needed. As time wore on others of the Section cars arrived and very soon the field was filling up. David & Barbara Clarke made an impressive arrival in his brand new Flying Spur – a very nice piece of kit, to say the least. In fact the field was filling up rather too quickly! The event was sold out long before the day and in the end space was running out! However, everyone made it ok, but we did benefit from a no show on the day, which gave us the ability to host a Classic Car Hire business in the shape of a very nice Jensen Interceptor! Equally for a brief time, we were visited by a WW2 RAF ambulance! Unfortunately, some of the later arrivals found themselves in a very long queue to get on the site, but eventually everyone got established and the tables and chairs were out.
10 Section cars assembled prior to opening
Paulerspury People - October 2014
The phenomenal AVRO Lancasters
Paulerspury People - October 2014 Supermarine Spitfire
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CHRIS LEE’S LTD HAS BEEN GOING UP IN THE WORLD Well, a small hill in Bucks anyway!
Having made an exploratory visit to the popular Kop Hill Climb event at Princes Risborough in September 2013, Beaconsfield-based Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialist Chris Lee’s Ltd decided to become a sponsor of this year’s meeting. Not a company to do things by halves, it took the ‘Gold’ option, with which came a display plot of no less than 30 x 15 metres – ie the same size as the BMW one and bigger than Citroën’s! How to fill such a grand space had the directors’ grey matter whirring for a while, but they came up with the answers in the end - helped by the fact that, by their very nature, Rolls-Royces and Bentleys tend to be quite large vehicles! The focal point of the resulting display was a fully logoed hospitality unit, complete with Chris Lee’s flags flying in the breeze. The supporting exhibits included fine representatives of the:
Phantom VI, Silver Cloud III Continental, R-Type, Bentley Special and Arnage T. For the more technically-inquisitive there was a ‘Barn Find’ Silver Cloud III that’s in line for a ground-up restoration and a fully refurbished example of Rolls-Royce’s ubiquitous 6.75-litre V8 engine. Kids made a bee-line for the firm’s unique little Rolls-Royce-grilled Daihatsu advertising van.
Another aspect of the sponsorship package was the chance to parade cars on the hill and the Chris Lee’s team wowed the crowds with the Bentley Special and the mighty Phantom VI. A competition was run throughout the weekend, the winners of which got to ride in the cars and the Phantom (piloted by Chris Lee himself, resplendent in Chauffeur’s hat) is thought to have created a hill record by having seven passengers on board at one stage; not to mention a lady and her pet dog on another. Said Chris: ‘We had a great weekend, during which we certainly increased awareness for the company and what it does. It was a very pleasant way of helping to entertain the local public and raise money for charity. We very much hope to return again next September.”
38 London End, Old Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 2JH Tel: +44 (0)1494 675211 email: info@chrislees.co.uk www.chrislees.co.uk
The mighty Vulcan
14 Keith Davies ready to snap away
Paulerspury People - October 2014
Where?
Eager viewers have left their seats empty
The Section were delighted to host this Jensen
What can you spot in the boot?
As the day proceeded, we were treated to another awesome flying display from Mustangs, Pitts Specials, the Red Sparrows and a Spitfire and Hurricane. As ever the highlight was the formation flypast of the only 2 remaining flying Avro Lancasters – one from the BBMF and the other from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. Equally we were again treated to another fly past from the other Avro – the Vulcan XH558. Time is now running out to see her fly, as 2015 is to be her last year in the air as it is proving ever more difficult to meet airworthiness standards and remanufacture of key parts becoming impossible. The day is organised to raise money for Children In Need and in 2013 they raised more than £25,000 and with the massive interest this year, I’m sure that total will be topped. We decided to not try to exit too soon and enjoyed a nice glass of something with friends at the end of the day until the crowds dispersed. Another cracking day.
Mark Warnock Paulerspury People - October 2014
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Treasure Hunt and Lunch Sunday 14th September 2014 Nestling in the quiet village of Oakley Bedfordshire, is the Bedford Arms, a traditional pub with a contemporary twist. This was the chosen start point for our treasure hunt and where we would finish for lunch. Kathy and Mike Martin had taken time to put together a very testing route for all comers, requiring some excellent detective work en-route if you were to be a winner. Ruth and I had organised the lunch. I should point out for those of you who have not taken part in a treasure hunt with us, that it is an ideal opportunity to see parts of the countryside you would not otherwise see, passing through villages you may never even have heard of. Whilst the clues can be a little cryptic, none of them involve stopping or getting out of your car. There is nothing to collect and if you miss a clue or two… You won’t be the only ones. Club cars began to assemble at 10:30 and members were welcomed inside for a coffee (or tea). The clue sheets were handed out and soon cogs were whirring as ‘treasure hunters’ tried to guess the answers. None of them managed a single answer and conceded that driving the route was the only way to do it and by 11:15, they were on their way. Derek and Sylvia Freeman arrived in their Silver Cloud III, clutching a trophy they had been awarded on the European rally (from which they had returned just the day before), awarded by the hotel staff as the car they would most like left behind.
16 Half our turnout neatly aligned
Paulerspury People - October 2014
The route was designed to take about an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half. Kathy and Ruth waited anxiously in the car park for entrants to return and about 12:50, the gleaming ‘Continental R’ of Keith and Pippa Davies could be seen approaching. As mentioned earlier, clues could be missed but this was not acceptable to team Davies, so they went back and forth until they had collected them. Members mingled between the bar and the conservatory as was to be our private dining room for lunch, exchanging clue answers and European rally stories, whilst Kathy and Ruth fastidiously marked the answer sheets. Lunch was served. Pre-orders had been taken at the time of booking and the choices as presented on each table were, as always, a surprise to some. Bowing to the organisers printed table plans, all were convinced they now had what they had ordered as their eyes opened wider and wider. Generous portions are served at the Bedford Arms and vegetables and potatoes are served separately. I cannot recall one table emptying all their tureens! Desserts were similarly as mouth-watering and enjoyable. As lunch concluded, there seemed to be a reluctance to leave. Was it the food, the company or both? Given the feedback on the food and service received since the day, I am sure the venue will feature again in future events.
Barry Gallafent
And here is the other half
Paulerspury People - October 2014
Steve Dolan teaches Derek Freeman the Hokey Cokey
17 Spot on answers only with Kathy and Ruth marking
Future Events Northamptonshire Sunday Lunch - 25th January 2015 The first of the 2015 Sunday Lunches coincides with Burns Night, so why not add a touch of tartan to your outfit that day and join us for a three course carvery lunch in the Atrium at Whittlebury Park Golf & Country Club which is situated in a stunning elevated position in the middle of the park and enjoys spectacular, panoramic views of rolling parkland which contains hundreds of ancient oak trees and a dozen lakes, at one time forming part of the Royal hunting grounds of Whittlewood. Knowing how popular these lunches are, we have arranged a private dining area and bar and with luck the weather will be kind to us so we encourage you to arrive in your Rolls-Royce or Bentley as we will have reserved parking for club cars. Jeff Sargeant, owner of Whittlebury Park, is a car enthusiast, we understand that he has a variety of prestigious cars including a Rolls-Royce and we’re pleased to say that he and his wife Carol will be joining us for lunch. More details can be found on their website www.whittlebury.com. When you arrive follow the signs for the Atrium.
Steve & Jan Dolan
Whittlebury Park Atrium
18 Stunning views across the golf course
Paulerspury People - October 2014
Future Events Buckinghamshire Lunch - With a Lift - Sunday 22nd March 2015 This really is a lunch with a difference! We will be dining at the renowned Old Swan at Astwood, a favourite of ours and indeed of many Section members. But first you will have the opportunity to take to the air for a 10-15 minute helicopter flight in a Bell 206 Jet Ranger, powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C30P Turbine engine. We have organised our very own private helicopter to take members wishing to fly, on a choice of two routes, either across the city of Milton Keynes or Northwards towards Castle Ashby, from and to a temporary helipad adjacent The Old Swan. You may fly with your husbands, wives or partners or fly on your own should they not wish to accompany you on this exciting adventure. Whilst flying is not a compulsory part of the lunch, as the restaurant has a maximum capacity of forty-four diners, we will initially reserve places for members where at least one half of a couple wishes to fly and we are ideally seeking sixteen or twenty-four passengers. If you have never flown in a helicopter before, do not miss this exciting opportunity to see places otherwise only familiar to you on the ground. We will be weather dependent and the final decision on flying will be taken by the helicopter company on the day. All flight fees will be fully refunded should flying not be possible. If sufficient interest remains, we may be able to reschedule the flights for those still wishing to fly, for another day. Two course lunch followed by coffee ÂŁ25.00 per person Helicopter flight ÂŁ65 per person We do hope you will join us on the day. Please book early to avoid disappointment.
Barry and Ruth Gallafent
Paulerspury People - October 2014
The Old Swan at Astwood
19 Bell 206 Jet Ranger
Obituary - John Cowley John Cowley died on 31st August 2014. He spent all his life in Stony Stratford, as had his father and grandfather, and so was he was very much a part of the local community. John’s grandfather had established a building and undertaking business, and John inherited this at the age of 16, due to the early death of this father. John was friendly with the late Peter Baines, and in 1973 Peter persuaded him to join the RREC. During the next 5 years John and Peter toured the country in search of a suitable car for John. In 1978 they came upon OV 20, a yellow and black 20/25 limousine (GOS 27) which was to be a very familiar site at RREC events for the next 30 years. This was the first of five Rolls-Royce cars that John owned, including his muchloved Silver Wraith (WZB 54) in which he and Wendy enjoyed many overseas tours. When the semi-derelict Hunt House was acquired in 1977, Peter Baines asked John to carry out the renovation. We all owe a lot to John for the high standard of work, and the sound advice that he gave. John and Wendy lived opposite the Cock Hotel in Stony Stratford, where many members stayed during the early seminar weekends. When the bar closed at 11:00pm, the Cowley residence was open-house to all members, who were often there well into the small hours. John will be sadly missed, not only by his many friends in the Club, but by the Stony Stratford neighbourhood generally. We offer most sincere sympathy to Wendy, their two sons Simon and Piers, and their daughter Jenny.
Philip Hall
I was first introduced to John when I was a young teenager as my father was in contact with John at that time. I did not see John again until I became a member of the club and we met John and Wendy on many rallies. John and Wendy were always the life and soul of the party. John was instrumental in helping to rebuild the local church after a devastating fire and was involved with his father in the building of Bletchley Park in the war. He enjoyed his life as a undertaker and was always ready with kind and gentle words. 20
Paulerspury People - October 2014
In later year’s John suffered ill heath which he bore with fortitude. Wendy was always at his side. Our thoughts are with Wendy and the family.
Rodney Gunn
Occasionally life propels a character into the arena who has no immediate equal. John in my opinion was just such a man. Imbibed with a fabulous memory, wit and a genuine humility he added to any occasion with his recollections from his extensive repertory, which inevitably livened the occasion. I first met John and Wendy at one of their Saturday before Stowe picnic events, hosted at their home in Stony Stratford 30 odd years or more ago. I had not met such a larger than life couple before and was blown away by their good humour, generosity and genuine warmth. Later when John was treasurer on the Paulerspury Section committee, his hilarious handling of the office was a joy to behold. Other more frumpy members did not see the funny side however! John will be remembered, among other things, for his work on the dilapidated Hunt House, which his company refurbished before the club could move in. Accomplished with no fuss or fanfare. He will forever be remembered by me for his amusing tales of his pal Stumpy Clayton which had me in fits on more than one occasion. John is a genuine loss to the club, to the section, to his myriad friends, his family, and of course, and most acutely, to Wendy, to whom I send my sincerest condolences. A man of warmth, fun, and generosity, of a breed no longer produced. A real character. Rest easy John, you deserve it.
Mike Martin. One of your many mates. Paulerspury People - October 2014
21 Dirt it may be Murmie says but it wasn’t there when I left home!
Future Events Diary Sunday 9th November Visit to Chris Lee (R-R & B Repairer and Restorer) followed by Lunch nearby Venue: Chris Lee, London End, Old Beaconsfield, Bucks. Organisers: Barry and Ruth Gallafent Sunday 7th December AGM and Christmas Lunch Venue: Corner 5 Restaurant, Box End Park, Nr Kempston, Beds Organisers: Barry and Ruth Gallafent
Sunday 17th - Tuesday 19th May 2015 Three Day Break in the Beautiful Vale of Dedham **Fully Booked - Applications Invited for Waiting List** Venue: Dedham, Suffolk. Organisers: Chris and Linda Ball
If you have any suggestions for a Section event, do contact any member of the committee to discuss it
Sunday 25th January 2015 Northamptonshire Lunch Venue: Whittlebury Park Golf Club, Whittlebury, Northants. NN12 8BW Organisers: Steve and Janet Dolan Sunday 22nd February 2015 Hertfordshire Lunch Venue: TBC Organisers: TBC Sunday 22nd March 2015 Buckinghamshire Lunch and Helicopter Flight Venue: The Old Swan, Astwood, Beds, MK16 9JS Organisers: Barry and Ruth Gallafent April (Date TBC) Overnight Stay Visit to DAF Trucks and The Commercial Motor Museum Venue: Leyland, Lancashire Organisers: Barry Gallafent Note: If you have already advised me of your interest, there is no need to re apply. Sunday 26th April St Georges Day Run and Lunch Venue: TBC Organisers: TBC 22
Paulerspury People - October 2014
Paulerspury Section Committee Chairman and Editor
Derek Freeman (Sylvia) Tel: 01234 823255 (Home) derek.freeman@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk
Barry Gallafent (Ruth) 222b Wolverton Road Blakelands Milton Keynes, MK14 5AB Tel: 01908 216804 Mobile: 07785 398271 chairman@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk editor@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk
Attention Smart Phone Users
Secretary
Scan any of these QR codes to find out more about what the section is up to.
Steve Dolan (Janet) The Old Stables Heathencote, Northants, NN12 7LE Tel: 01327 351460 Mob: 07739 848368 steve.dolan@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk secretary@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk
Treasurer
Section Website
Kathryn Martin (Mike) Tel: 01234 714092 kathryn.martin@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk treasurer@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk
Events Coordinator Janet Dolan (Steve) The Old Stables Heathencote, Northants, NN12 7LE Tel: 01327 351460 Mob: 07841 989608 janet.dolan@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk events@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk
Membership Coordinator Mark Warnock (Kay) Tel: 07792 906771 (Mobile) mark.warnock@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk
Committee Members Ruth Gallafent (Barry) Tel: 07900 523152 ruth.gallafent@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Paulerspury People - October 2014
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