Paulerspury People Summer 2016

Paulerspury People

Summer 2016

The Newsletter of The RREC Paulerspury Section Paulerspury People Summer 2016.pmd

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Paulerspury People

Summer 2016

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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Future Events

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Formal Notice of 2016 AGM

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Past Events

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New Members

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Future Events Diary

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Committee Contacts

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Front Cover Photo: Flying Scotsman at York Station (Ruth Gallafent)

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Not a Lot of People Know That Field Marshall Sir Henry Wilson was driven in a Rolls-Royce at the front and at home.

His eccentricity was the hatred of London taxis. One of his favourite occupations was driving around looking for cabs and then trying to force them off the road

The first British cars to land in France at the start of the First World War (and on D-Day in the Second) were Rolls-Royces.

At Gallipoli British officers reversed up to the Turkish lines in their Rolls-Royces, threw grapling hooks over the barbed wire and drove away, leaving huge gaps in the enemy defences and some pretty enraged Turks.

In the Near East a Rolls-Royce armoured car chased a Mercedes staff car at 60 m.p.h. across the Al Jazirah Desert. The British eventually got close enough to the Germans to try a few bursts of fire. The Mercedes fuel tank was pierced and half-a-dozen German officers were captured.

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The Chairman’s Bit Here we are at the beginning of August and what a time it’s been. Waking up to the Cheshire Cat grin of Boris and his partner in lies Nigel, the blunt political tool of a referendum so loved by dictators and despots in the guise of democracy.

Then we have Donald T, he of Scottish golf course fame...........but what about the Paulerspury People.

Derek Freeman - Chairman

I must confess I am writing this overlooking my pool in Thailand, 30 degrees and a gentle breeze coming infrom the sea, it’s tough, but back to more temperate climes.

We have experienced cars, trams, trains and planes over the last three months. The Sidmouth rally took us through some beautiful Devon countryside and included a tram ride along the estuary which would have been stunning if it were not for the relentless rain. Taking the open top deck for a better panoramic view proved not to be a good idea.

We were bugged by more than our fair share of cars failing to proceed including our own extremely reliable Silver Cloud, I won’t mention the others!

Then there was the Flying Scotsman to York. What a great day to be hauled by one of the most iconic steam trains of its era. Great food and bubbly both ways in the old Pullman carriages. The trip was made all the more enjoyable by being met by Duncan Feetham at York station who took us on a tour of the famous and extensive York railway museum.

So then there were the cars, the annual rally. The weather had not been kind in the run up the the final day making the task of organising the event all the more difficult but the rain stayed away and we even saw some sun. It’s a wonderful venue and many of the teething issues of last year had been rectified. The annual gathering at the tailgate of Keith’s and Pippa’s Arnage helped make the day, meeting so many section members, and then there were the prizes, five in all awarded to section cars which was a great result.

Finally the planes, 70 plus club cars gathering at The Imperial War Museum Duxford, an event being a collaboration of the Paulerspury and East Anglia section together with attendees from many other sections.

We look forward to a number of events in August and into the Autumn, please see the details inside the PP. Some of us will be attending the International Rally to Normandy, it’s tough but we may have to sample the odd glass of French wine.

Let’s hope the weather stays kind to us and we get some really good motoring from our club cars in the coming month.

Look forward to seeing you at the next event.

Derek Paulerspury People - Summer 2016

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Find out here about upcoming Paulerspury Section events, when they are, where they are and who is organising them.

A summary of all future events can be found at the back of this edition and booking forms for all events are enclosed.

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

Paulerspury Section Annual Picnic - Sunday 21st August Champneys Henlow Grange Coach Road, Henlow, Beds. SG16 6BT This beautiful Georgian mansion nestling in 150 acres of parkland is the backdrop for our annual picnic this year.

Recommended by section members Roger & Pat Smith, we’re pleased to say that Champneys at Henlow have offered their lawns in front of the house for us to enjoy our picnics and you will be able to wander around the grounds at your leisure.

Please arrive between 11 - 11.30am and drive in through the main gates to the house for a group photograph on the drive after which you will be directed to our parking area.

Charge for this event is £15 per car and for the privilege of using their grounds we will donate £10 of this payment to their Charitable Foundation which supports numerous good causes, details of which can be found on their website www.champneys.com Organisers: Steve & Jan Dolan Email: janetdolan1@btinternet.com Home: 01327 351460 Jan mobile: 07841 989608 Steve mobile: 07739 848368

SIr Henry Royce Memorial Foundation Open Weekend Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September On Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th September, the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation will be holding open days at The Hunt House, the Club Headquarters.

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The weekend is designed to introduce anyone and everyone to the activities of the SHRMF in the interest of furthering the work the foundation does.

This will be a truly ‘open’ event and we are currently spreading the word far and wide.

We hope to have as many Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motor Cars as possible in the courtyard of the Hunt House on both days, not only for people to look at but to ride in if they wish, on a short circular route around the area.

The SHRMF is requesting your help! It would be greatly appreciated if you would consider bringing your car along on one or other of the days and participate in the experience we are making available to those who may never before have been up close to our cars, let alone ridden in one.

It is hoped that the day will enlighten members of the general public as to the importance of the Foundation’s work and of the engineering quality that has gone in to these wonderful motor cars for over one hundred years, ensuring through interest, training and qualification that these skills may continue for many more years to come.

The Hunt House will open throughout the entire weekend and guided tours of the facilities will be provide for groups at regular intervals.

Please get in touch if you are willing to attend.

Organisers: Chris and Linda Ball Tel: 01525 860880 Email: lindarball@btinternet.com

Autumn Amble - Sunday 16th October Our ever popular Autumn Amble takes place this year in mid October in the hope of fine weather and catching plenty of seasonal colours during our drive through Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.

We meet for coffee tea and biscuits in the heart of Milton Keynes before departing for a scenic drive, ending up in rural Northamptonshire for lunch.

Cost: £30 per person. Closing date for booking 1 st October though please return your slip a.s.a.p.

Organiser: Kathy Martin Tel: 01234 714092 Email: kathryn.martin@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Paulerspury People - Summer 2016

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November Lunch - Sunday 6th November 2016 The Worlds End, Ecton, Northants,NN6 6QN Beginning and ending at the World’s End, this lunch with a twist will literally transport you back in time for a glimpse of aeronautical and military history during wartime Britain. Tea and coffee facilities will be available at our mid event location should you wish to sit for a while but most likely you will fascinated by all around you, working up a healthy appetite, ready for lunch.

Arrive in good time for coffee because you won’t want to be left behind!

Organisers: David and Sue Cooper Tel: 01604 511668 Email: david@bentley-mulsanne.co.uk

AGM and Christmas Lunch - Sunday 4th December 2016 Corner 5 Restaurant, Box End Park, Kempston Beds, MK43 8RQ Our AGM and Christmas Lunch will once again be held at the ever impressive Corner 5 Restaurant, where we will dine in a magnificently light and airy contemporary restaurantr, overlooking the stunning lakeside setting where we are usually entertained by some very keen water sports enthusiasts wakeboarding and water skiing.

The food and service at Corner 5 are both superb. This will be our third AGM here and if you have not experienced it thus far, dont miss out this year. Hurry and get your forms off as this event books up very quickly and has limited places.

Organisers: Barry and Ruth Gallafent Tel: 07785 398271 Email: barry.gallafent@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Paulerspury People - Summer 2016

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Formal Notice of the Annual General Meeting of the RREC Paulerspury Section Will take place at 11.30 pm on Sunday 4th December 2016 at Corner 5 Restaurant, Box End Park, Box End Road, Bedford MK43 8RQ Agenda 1. Welcome 2. Apologies for absence 3. Minutes of the AGM on 6th December 2015 4. Chairman’s Report 5. Treasurer’s Report 6. Approval of the Accounts 7. Motions for discussion or determination (as previously notified to the secretary) 8. Election of the Committee 9. Any other business Any Motion for discussion or determination at the AGM must be duly proposed and seconded by section members and submitted to the section secretary at least 42 days prior to the AGM Nominations for the Paulerspury Section Committee are invited (and positively encouraged) from members who wish to serve on the committee with effect from the 4th December 2016. Nomination forms and information are available from the section secretary.

A Section Member must be a fully paid up or life member of RREC who has registered with Paulerspury Section to be eligible to vote. Section members unable to attend the AGM may appoint the Chairman as their proxy.

For further information please apply to the secretary for a copy of the Section Rules.

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Past Events

Take a few moments to read through members’ write ups.

You may find you have missed out on something you wished you had attended.

You may even see someone you know!

St George’s Day Run – April 24th 2016 With Steven away so much now I needed to be organised with a checklist: · · · ·

St George & the Dragon Statue? Check England car flags? Check Red and white outfit? Check Steven (if in the country)? Check

Now we were ready for the St. George’s Day run and lunch! We went in the opposite direction of the meet in order to collect our passengers for the day – Bert and Wendy Gladwin. On the way, we passed Keith and Pippa and thought they might be wondering why we were going the wrong way. It was only later that Keith claimed to NOT HAVE NOTICED us passing by in the Lily Beament. Well, we have always said she looks smaller from the front, but she still stands out so we have no idea where he was looking. Anyway, with the Gladwins on board we set off for Knebworth to meet up for coffee before the road run. At the Knebworth Golf Course we were greeted by a team of parking monitors who were helping everyone into the car park. Once inside, we were treated to the usual tea, coffee, biscuits and lively chat with our fellow section members (oh, and a Knight, recently returned from the Crusades). We returned the St. George statue, which we were awarded last year and it was put on display for all to admire and wish for.

Instructions in hand, it was soon time to depart on the drive.

Mia takes advice from June Brown

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Margaret Wells at her registration desk Paulerspury People Summer 2016.pmd

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We had a lovely, sunny drive through some great villages in North Hertfordshire. We ended up in a bit of a convoy, which was not a bad thing, really as there were some narrow roads so when the leader of our group forced a car to the side they were stuck there until we all cruised past. No one seemed to mind though as we looked elegant in the Spring sunshine in the country lanes. In St Paul’s Walden (where the Queen Mother grew up) we did notice the Strathmore name dotted around the place. We were also treated to a fantastic drive through some woods, which were completely carpeted in bluebells. Lovely, but also cluttered with cyclists (one of whom cycled up next to our car and forgot to put their foot down when they came to a stop so just fell over – rather like a 5-year-old learning to ride!)

In Whitwell, we passed a watercress farm and progressed to Shaw’s Corner before heading back to the Golf club where the 28 club cars parked up in the sunshine for a well-deserved rest whilst their occupants went in to have lunch overlooking the course.

Over lunch, it was entertaining to see people teeing off right outside the windows.

The food was great (Steven was doubly happy as Bert gave him his Yorkshire pudding by way of payment for the ride) and afterwards we were treated to Keith reciting, in

All flying the flag of St George

Paulerspury People - Summer 2016 Alright Bertie... Your’e nicked!

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Alan Goddard heads this line up 15/08/2016, 07:52

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Do NOT follow the Bentley in front

Mark and Kay delighted to win the St George’s Tropy

his best thespian voice, the famous soliloquy from Henry V (very apt seeing as it is 400 years since Shakespeare’s death) with the whole section joining in for the final cry of “Cry ‘God for Harry, England and Saint George!’” (I may have been here for over 20 years now but I hold back on these rituals of English jingoism.)

The final act of the day was the presentation of the St George and the Dragon statue to Mark and Kay Warnock for the fun of seeing Mark in his Crusader outfit, and then the thanks to our wonderful arrangers and hosts – David and Margaret Wells who did a terrific job to organise the very enjoyable day for us all.

Mia Murray Nineteenth Bedfordshire Classic Car Show – Sunday 1st May 2016 Building started on Turvey House in the 1790s and the house was heavily remodelled in the neo-classic style in the 1830s. It stands in 150 acres, bisected by the Great Ouse.

13 Paulerspury People - Summer 2016 Keith Davies’s Bentley MVI and Robert Hutley’s Rolls-Royce 25/30 Sports Saloon by Mulliner A look along the Pit Straight Paulerspury People Summer 2016.pmd

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George Nason’s Bentley Continental

Oops! It’s Robert’s 25/30 again

Contrary to the long-term forecasts, the First of May started sunny, albeit cool. Sue & I arrived at 10:15 to find fifteen other RREC Paulerspury Section cars lined up in front of the house. Eventually, this totalled eighteen.

The show comprised several hundred classic cars ranging from the ubiquitous to the rare and exotic. The display was supplemented by an extensive autojumble, plus purveyors of fast, if not fine, food. I thought that the autojumble offered particularly good value for money. So much so that I was found walking around the village in search of a cash machine by eleven o’clock! On our way, we passed the village’s church, which includes a mausoleum for the house’s (deceased) family members.

The master of ceremonies had an encyclopaedic knowledge of classic cars. At noon Paulerspury cars were invited to be displayed in the arena. These included two Bentleys and five Rolls-Royces (Cloud III, two 20/25, 25/30 and a Corniche). Barry Gallafent accompanied (and corrected) our host while he interviewed the respective owners. After this, it was time for the Paulerspury Section to do what it does best, wine and dine.

It was time to take a look at the cars in attendance. We have owned a diverse selection of cars since I caught the classic car bug in 1987, mainly sports cars/GTs. It is fascinating to contemplate why owners follow a marque or genre.

Picnic Paulerspury style. Food?

Some say... he is the Chairman of the Paulerspury Section but we just know him as Derek!

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Probably the rarest were a 1960s Standard (Triumph) camping car, which was accompanied by 3 Vanguards, a tow truck, a Standard Fireworks van and a shooting brake, a Tatra T600 and a lovely period caravan, towed by a Citroën Traction.

There was a large showing of 50s and 60s American cars, original and customised. We followed a Dodge Charger into the event and were consoled by the fact that it was probably consuming more petrol than our car.

It was also nice to reacquaint myself with cars, a Vauxhall Viva HB SL, my first car. A Triumph Spitfire Mark 2, which was my second and the car I drove my wife to her home on the first night we met. Then there was the Volvo P1800S, which handled a little bit like a boat i.e. you pointed it in the general direction.

Some cars, which are now probably quite rare had at some stage been modified/souped up, which, to me now looks wrong, as I prefer totally original cars. There was a late sixties Vauxhall Ventora, which looked a little wrong with its wide alloy wheels.

The “highlight” of the afternoon’s entertainment was the loudest engine contest, which included a beach buggy and an assortment of American exotica. I cannot be precise, because Sue and I moved to the farthest point of the field to avoid the cacophony.

The finale for us was a chance to be photographed with the Stig or was it to be photographed with Paulerspury Section’s esteemed chairman?

Andrew Napier Editors Note: During the event I was approached by the Estate owner Mr Daniel Hanbury. Mr Hanbury enquired of probably the most famous Rolls-Royce of all time, the Silver Ghost - AX 201. Many years ago when Rolls-Royce’s Claude Johnson had finished trialling AX 201 and it had performed its last duty for the company in ferrying potential clients to the Earls Court motor show, it was restored to ‘as new’ condition and Mr Hanbury’s Great Uncle, also Daniel Hanbury, became its first owner.

AX 201 remained in the Hanbury family for many years and was mainly used and abused as the ‘luggage car’ when the family travelled to their villas around Europe. Eventually her back was broken and AX 201 fell in to disrepair, left unused and unloved until in 1948 one of Mr Hanbury’s heirs persuaded Rolls-Royce to take it in part-exchange for a Mk V Bentley.

Apparently he was very happy with the deal at the time!

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All at sea with the Paulerspury Section - Sidmouth Rally 8th - 11th May 2016 We decided to leave for Sidmouth the day before everyone else was due to arrive. We would miss the traffic and wake up fresh for when our guests arrived on the Sunday.

We left home in a heat wave, but it soon became apparent it was not to last the journey to the south west. It started to rain when we reached Bristol and it, more or less, set the pattern for the next four days.

Guests started to arrive at the Victoria Hotel on the Sunday afternoon just in time for tea and cakes. Unfortunately, there were a few ‘fail to proceeds’ - that’s the cars not the guests. No names, no pack drill, though.

That evening we kicked off with a welcome reception followed by a sumptuous dinner.

The Victoria Hotel is a beautiful place, which certainly lives up to its reputation. Its situation is stunning with panoramic views over Lyme Bay and the rolling green hills of the glorious Sid Valley. All the staff are delightful and nothing is too much trouble for them.

Monday morning, after an excellent breakfast, we had our first outing to a most unusual and intriguing National Trust property. We decided to use the smaller country roads so that we really knew we were in Devon! We were not disappointed. Near Finn Barton, we were ushered to a stop to allow hundreds of sheep and lambs to cross the road into a field. They just kept coming and coming.

A La Ronde is a hexadecagonal (16 sided) house and is set in a superb, elevated position looking out over the sea and Exmouth Bay. After the mandatory coffee, we were greeted by a characterful guide who explained that she would give us a brief talk and allow the ‘riff raff’ to go through before we started our tour. Or maybe we, as the R-R group, were the riff raff! The house was the brainchild of two very wealthy cousins, Mary and Jane Parminter and it was built around 1796. The rooms were designed and positioned so that the two ladies would be following the sun throughout the day. They would wake to sunshine and end the day with the evening glow. (Some of us can do this after

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A La Ronde

Lakeside at Bicton House Paulerspury People Summer 2016.pmd

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a few pre-dinner bevies in the bar say the organisers). They then proceeded to fill the house with the most extraordinary collections from their travels, the most notable being the thousands of shells, which they used to decorate furniture and walls! The house was full of nooks and crannies, tiny doorways and unusual shaped rooms but was very quaint and cosy as long as you didn’t have to dust it!

Some of us took our lives in our hands and walked up the narrow lane, avoiding the odd Rolls-Royce and Bentley, to the very pretty and obviously cherished ‘ Point in View’ chapel which the two sisters built and where they are buried. Apparently, some years ago, parishioners were perturbed to hear knocking sounds coming from their tomb.

On further examination, it was found to be flooded and the noise was caused by the two coffins knocking together. How very spooky.

Unfortunately it started to rain and we decided to make tracks for Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, Budleigh Salterton for lunch.

We had special parking by St Mary’s Church in front of the Mirror pond. As we walked up to the Orangery for lunch in the rain, we read the Gardener’s Rules plaque dated 1842 listing fines for disobeying, the largest being 6d for defacing the rules!

Looking down from the Orangery the Italian garden can be seen built by enthusiastic plantswoman Hon. Louisa Trefusis daughter of 17th Lord Clinton and second wife of Lord John Rolle descendant of Henry the 1st Baron Rolle. The Italian Garden was designed by French Designer Andre Le Notre (of Notre Dame fame) and remains the centrepiece of Bicton Park to this day.

After lunch we had a look at the large Conservatories containing various plants from cacti to geraniums before going on the Bicton Woodland Railway. This 18" Narrow Gauge Covered Train explores the 63-acre park. There are over 1000 trees the tallest being a 41m high Grecian Fir Conifer brought from China in 1910 and Chestnut trees that are over 200 years old. The train takes us to the Hermitage Station opened in 1976. The Hermitage Summer House can be seen, built in 1839, for Lord John and Lady Louisa Rolle who were the driving force behind establishing Bicton Park as one of the finest formal gardens and plant collections in the UK. We next visited the Countryside Museum, which has a large collection of exhibits including traction engines, tractors, wooden wagons, Victorian kitchen, sewing machines etc. dating from the 1850s. This collection was put together by Noel James, Land Agent to Lord Clinton a prolific landowner in South Devon and then the owner of the Bicton Estate. James visited several hundred tenanted estate farms to search out redundant and surplus everyday items and the collection was opened to the public in 1963.

The Museum also houses the Reg Imray collection of Motorcycles and Cars on display spanning 70 years of motoring restored by Reg Imray himself. He owned a Honda C50 motorcycle and took a 2000 mile journey across central & eastern Europe with two friends. Quite an achievement as all were deaf.

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Guess what? Bucketing down with rain and becoming cold - we decide to return to the hotel for afternoon tea and cake, followed much later by another lovely dinner and then to bed. Although, as is the Paulerpury section’s want, some did retire to the bar for a few snifters.

Tuesday was our day off (makes it sound like a penance, doesn’t it?) The weather was looking up and the sun was shining. (Don’t get excited) A little group of us were invited to meet friends of Derek and Sylvia Freeman to take a look at their beautiful home Chanters at Ottery St Mary. In 1645, with the country split in half and fighting each other, Ottery St Mary became a busy garrison town under the command of Sir Thomas Fairfax. The history books indicate that Oliver Cromwell visited and stayed in the town when he came to survey the progress of his army in the south west of England. He allowed his troops to remain there after their campaigns, in order that they should have some rest and recuperation. During his stay, he and Fairfax set up their campaign HQ in Chanters House where they plotted the next stage of their campaign. After our visit, we went to a lovely Devon pub close by Ottery for lunch. The sun was still shining – well then!

Back to the hotel for a quiet snooze and yet another lovely dinner.

The next day it was our misfortune to have arranged a ride on the Seaton Tramway. We thought well, that’s ok, because we’ll all be inside the tram all snug and dry – How delusional were we - read on: The ray of light through the crack in the curtains was irresistible and at six o’clock, I was up and looking out through that crack. Overnight, our sea view room had turned into a mist view room, with no sign of the sea at all. “This doesn’t look good,” I said to the mound under the duvet. “B*!!*! off” came the reply. My days often start like this, although usually they improve; today happened to be an exception.

Things weren’t much better by the time we had breakfasted and were ready to leave the hotel. We motored the 10 miles along the coast road from Sidmouth to Seaton through the mist, thick in places and wispy elsewhere, but once we found Tesco’s car park in the centre of Seaton, it was at least dry, if somewhat grey and chilly. Mike and

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Outside the ‘Seaton Cathedral’

Chris did their usual hi-vis thing and we all parked up in a pleasingly straight line, beautifully ignoring the immaculate lines that somebody had thoughtfully painted on the nice new tarmac. The bright and cheerful lady from Tesco’s was a joy, but even her demeanour couldn’t hold off the gentle drizzle which had sneaked up on us within minutes of parking.

Once assembled and head counted, we set off on a short walk around the outside of the brand spanking new Tesco store (which the local wags have renamed The Seaton Cathedral), and to the terminus of the Seaton Tramway. There was a bit of cover, but not much, and by now, the drizzle was somewhat stronger. Tickets sorted, the Fat Controller marshalled our two trams. The customary RREC politeness disappeared as a scramble to get the best seats took hold, and perhaps in the rush, most of the group missed the sage advice from the Fat Controller that the second tram had windows and was mostly enclosed – we and just a few wise others took advantage.

Our friendly driver told us that we couldn’t follow the first tram too closely because it stole all the power from the overhead cables. Once we got going, I could see what he meant as his ammeter showed us drawing a staggering 300 amps from the 120v dc supply. So, feeling a bit like second class citizens, we followed the first tram (with most of the group aboard) at a distance, but it did give us a perfect view of those on the open top deck. At first they all seemed happy in their coats and hats, but it wasn’t long before the umbrellas came out, some held high and, to my mind, rather too close to those cables with all that power, especially in the rain which by now was fairly pouring down. As the journey went on, those umbrellas got lower and lower until all we could see appeared to be a rash of mushrooms. Safe and dry in our enclosed tram, we had a great view of the River Axe, the Seaton Marshes, the village of Colyford, and on to our turnround point at Colyton. There, we alighted for what was supposed to be a tea break, and only then did it become apparent just how wet it was on the top deck.

Drowned rats did not seem a polite description, but was probably apt in many cases.

Such was the state of some of the group that our break was curtailed and we were all rapidly escorted back onto the trams. Strangely, our nice dry cabin was much more crowded on the way back to Seaton, and the windows steamed up very quickly, denying us the delightful views we had on the outward trip. We stopped off at the tram servicing depot on the way back to see trams in various stages of restoration and servicing, but the enthusiasm had slipped away and damp had set in, probably both physically and mentally. Even a short talk about the history of the tramway fell a bit flat.

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Once back at the Seaton terminus, the group rapidly broke up and we all headed off in differing directions, no doubt searching for warmth and towels. We took Andrew and Caroline Sykes for a very pleasant lunch to a recommended pub in the middle of Beer (well you have to, don’t you), and when the rain had finally stopped, we then spent the rest of the afternoon in Lyme Regis. Although the sun was still absent, we had a dry and bright stroll around the Cobb and the town, invoking boyhood memories of family holidays in the 50’s.

Others returned to the hotel, most actually looking like drowned rats, for drying out; hot showers; warming hot chocolate and brandies followed by lunch. After walking, afternoon snoozes and packing, everyone prepared for the Gala Dinner, the theme of which was James Bond.

Everyone took this to heart and a good few males came dressed as the man himself – white tux - or with a gun (toys!), mini Aston Martin, etc. But the stars of the evening were Jim Fleming in his Cossack hat (you know, From Russia with Love – keep up) and Barbara Clarke dressed as Jane Bond. On arrival each couple was ‘papped’ by Margaret Fuller the official photographer and after much hilarity and following another fizz reception, we were played into the dining room by the hotel’s resident pianist playing Diamonds are Forever, or we think that’s what it was.

Another pleasant duty was to present an award for the ‘Favourite’ car of the Rally.

The hotel staff were asked to choose the car and the worthy winner was the beautiful Bentley S2 belonging to Jim and Pat Fleming.

After another lovely dinner and copious amounts of wine, a Bond quiz was held followed by presentations to some dubious Bond characters listed opposite Pinewood Studious being plundered for the awards.

Better than a wet tram Jim believes if you want to get ahead, get a hat!

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‘Q’ The Inventor

Terry Weston

Mensa puzzles. Believe he’s still trying to work them out!

Jaws

Keith Davies

Mechanical teeth & plaque – no, that’s not dental plaque, dear.

Miss Moneypenny

Joyce Parsons

Notepad & pencil – take a letter Miss MP

Pussy Galore

Barbara Clarke

Babs always wanted her own aeroplane.

Goldfinger

Derek Freeman

Golf clubs - practice makes perfect.

Odd Job

Steve Dolan

Bowler hat - sure that name will stick.

Nick Nak

Mike Martin

Tick Tac rhymes with Nick Nak.

James Bond

Bert Gladwin

Our very own Bond presented with a bubble gun because he can’t be trusted with the real thing.

The Rally was over all too soon and there was much hugging and thank yous at breakfast from our guests the next morning. The Victoria hotel would eventually go quiet and the staff heave a great sigh of relief. Judging from the lovely emails and cards received, it seems everyone enjoyed themselves.

All that remains to say is: thank you to Caroline Sykes, Sylvia Freeman and Keith Davies for their contributions to this write up and another heartfelt BIG thank you to all for supporting us in our endeavours. Also many thanks for the generous donation to the Chairman’s Charity the Macmillan Nurses. Ideas on a postcard please, for future rallies to the Committee, not the organisers.

We thought you might be interested in some facts about rain: Aunt Lucy told me that the English have 45 different ways to describe rain.’ So announced Paddington Bear upon his arrival on our soaking little island. Only a few are appropriate for a family newsletter: ‘coming down in stair rods’; ‘pouring’; ‘chucking it down’; ‘raining cats and dogs’. Precipitation seems to define the UK though, apparently, we don’t even scrape into the top 10 wettest places on the planet. (Is that so) Still, rain – or rather the need to moan about it – is forever linked to our national identify. There’s nothing we like more than a good old whinge about the weather. Keep smiling!

Chris and Linda Ball Mike and Kathy Martin Paulerspury People - Summer 2016

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Steam Hauled to York by The Flying Scotsman Saturday 4th June 2016 Built in 1923 The Flying Scotsman remains an icon of days gone by and the golden age of steam, so when Barry & Ruth Gallafent from Paulerspury section of the RREC organised a journey from Bedford to York on a special outing hauled by this newly restored piece of our history, tickets were soon snapped up.

During the week prior to our departure date of 4th June 2016, the weather was truly awful with rain, wind and daytime temperatures of only 14 degrees. So it was that 27 members of the RREC arrived at Bedford station with cloud and mist still lurking around.

8.00 am and the station was heaving with folks who had travelled to Bedford in the hope of catching a glance of the beautiful monster. Platform one was jammed full of excited people.

Mums, Dads, children and even babies in arms thronged the platform. Just a few minutes after 8.30 the distinctively shaped green and black lines of the Flying Scotsman throwing out clouds of smoke & steam appeared from around the bending track to the applauding of all who had turned out and the train then gently pulled up at our feet.

Memories came rushing back to us older ones, the noise, the smell. This used to be the way things were every day until steam was replaced by diesel in the mid 1960s, but even in those halcyon times the Flying Scotsman was the one train which we all wanted to see and add to our ever increasing log of “trains spotted,� a common hobby in our old school days.

Jona Desselberger meets the Tomalins

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They think I have their tickets!

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We must have been the envy of those who were not travelling as we climbed aboard and settled into our First Class carriage, they were the original ones from that era, which having been restored still retained all the genuine features.

The platform crowds waved us off as we chuffed our way gently out from Bedford station, quickly and smoothly we picked up speed and crossed the River Ouse. Every garden backing on to the railway line was full of train spotters and every bridge that we went under was packed with folks wanting to see this part of British history.

As for us on board, our steward was soon coming around serving Bucks Fizz. Quite suddenly the skies began to brighten and the mist appeared to get thinner, I was thinking the early morning alcohol must be making things look different, but no, the weather was actually beginning to change.

Heading towards our stop at Kettering where we would pick up more passengers, we crossed over the twisting River Ouse four times during which we encountered a three mile climb along one of the steepest parts of the track between London and Leicester before going into a tunnel which was just over one mile long. The day was getting brighter as we headed North, the early morning mist had burnt off and a hazy sun looked promising as we began our decent from the summit and along a viaduct crossing The River Nene . At every vantage point along the way people had turned out to catch a glimpse as we passed by, they cheered and waved, it all reminded me of the movie “The Railway Children.�

Yes, I really am the driver. Now...

Gleaming and Steaming Ready for breakfast

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Spectators lined the whole route

It’s a ‘High Five’ from Peter

Meet Phil, one of our stewards

Alan Goddard and Sue Knighton

We steamed through the countryside with the track now running alongside the River Ise before arriving at Kettering where we juddered to a halt for 12 minutes and took on water. Passengers were allowed off the train where some of us took advantage to see how it was all done. We were soon puffing our way along the track again, the train stewards came around and served us a grand full English breakfast with lashings of tea or coffee, we really were being treated like Royalty today.

We came to another steep gradient but whilst the Flying Scotsman took it all in her stride the fireman on the footplate had his work cut out in keeping the boiler supplied with coal.

Not that we noticed of course. Soon we reached the summit and it was back downhill. By now the skies had cleared and the day turned into a beautiful June morning as we passed under the A43 and arrived at Corby. A short stop and we were off again towards Oakham passing through another tunnel which again was more than a mile long. The track then dropped down to a viaduct supported by 82 arches, which having been built during a five year period between 1874 and 1879 was a major feat of engineering at the time.

A short stop at Oakham and we were soon underway towards our destination, we passed the now defunct canal and ironstone mines which used to be such a hive of activity in years gone by. Passing over the River Eye we made a short stop at Melton Mowbray, still famous for its pork pies and cheese. By the time we arrived at Loughborough we were running about half an hour late. The cause of the delay was that some members of the public had actually walked on parts of the track with the hope of getting a better view!

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Arrived in York

It’s a dirty job but someone has to do it

The boiler fully fired

Off to the museum to park up

On our way again but we were disappointed that no stop was made at Kegworth as there was a collection of derelict vintage motor vehicles in the station yard. We did not spot any Rolls Royce or Bentley’s amongst them otherwise someone may well have pulled the emergency “stop” cord and risked paying the displayed £5 penalty for improper use.

Passing through Leicestershire and into Derbyshire we got glimpses of the River Trent and The Grand Union Canal. We made a quick stop at Trent Junction before we passed under the M1 motorway and into South Yorkshire carrying on towards Chesterfield, famous for its crooked church spire.

After stopping at Chesterfield we shunted off towards Swinton but on the way we had to make several involuntary stops due again to folks walking on the track. This trespassing had now put us a full hour behind our scheduled timetable. After Swinton the final leg of our journey was into York.

Trying to make up for some lost time our driver put The Flying Scotsman into full speed mode which is now limited to 75mph due to health & safety reasons and a long way short of the 100mph capability. In fact we touched 76mph at one point and it was fortunate that the fireman was young enough to keep the coal going. As we sped through the cutting the smoke and steam were really pouring out from the engine and it must have been a truly impressive sight to those watching from the embankment sides.

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DUCK! No, Mallard

Duncan entertains the Ladies

When the Royal train arrives YOU will stand here

A Great Train Robber’s paradise

We whizzed through Pontefract at such speed the town was hardly noticed and soon we passed the huge cooling towers of Ferrybridge and into North Yorkshire maintaining our speed, this was steam travel at its best!

After this high speed run and approaching York we began slowing down, along the whole route the crowds had been out in force and coming into York was no exception.

The platform was a mass of folks wanting to see this wonderful feat of engineering, and to think that we had actually had the opportunity to travel as passengers with The Flying Scotsman was a rare treat indeed.

John Petrie Editors Note: Upon arrival in York we were met by immediate past Club chairman, Duncan Feetham, who very kindly led those interested across to the National Railway Museum and gave us a ‘whistle stop’ tour.

This is a truly magnificent facility which we had sadly little time to enjoy to its full extent but is well worth a visit.

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RREC Annual Rally - Burghley House - Sunday 26th June 2016 Perched high on the hill looking across at the stunning house that epitomises Burghley, gathered behind a pair of Bentleys, could be found the Paulerspury Section. The Rally tailgate party hosted by Keith and Pippa and ably assisted by Mark and Kay was in full flow. The weather was kind to us enabling Section members to come and go without fear of being soaked.

Any minor hiccups experienced in the previous year had certainly been ironed out this year and the Rally was truly magnificent.

Tailgate party in progress

Now it seems to have become tradition that Paulerspury Section members walk away with a trophy or two and this year was no exception. Mike and Kathy Martin’s Silver Shadow won the Touring Prize in Class 14 as well as the P & A Wood Trophy for the Best Touring Car in Show.

Steven and Mia Murray’s SIlver Wraith was awarded Elegance in Class 11 and Robert and June Brown tell us their own story of Henry’s achievement below.

Mike and Kathy Martin’s Silver Shadow

WOW HENRY! - A Rosette - A Trophy and a Presentation by the Club Chairman at the Annual Rally no less!

Henry, just in case we haven’t told you (several times) is our 1969 Silver Shadow, who much to our amazement was awarded the Shu Shahid Memorial Trophy for the ‘Most Elegant Shadow in Class 14’ at this year’s Annual Rally.

Steven Murray with his ‘Elegant’ Silver Wraith

We could not believe it! We think he’s handsome, elegant if you like, but then we are as biased as most enthusiast owners. Henry gets cleaned, polished,

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Henry on his way to the trophy tent

and generally cared for by us but the credit for his underlying condition belongs to Colin Ayres and his team at Colbrook Specialists.

When we found Henry in January ’99 he had had so much TLC that he had been polished through to the metal in places so a ‘bare metal re-spray’ was necessary – rather costly!

I talked to Colin, (who had supplied our previous R-R) and he generously offered a corner in his workshop where I could do the unskilled work and his team would apply their expertise. They all taught me so much, and did such a good job, still in evidence seventeen years on!

The finishing touch was Colin’s suggestion when I began re-fitting parts that “if it is not quite good enough look for a better one in the store and we will part exchange it” We still don’t quite believe it ! Our thanks are due to whoever judged Henry on that sunny Sunday, and to the many friends who waved and cheered and clapped, and to Rodger Morgan who took this photograph. What a day!!

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M

New Section Members The Paulerspury Section are delighted to welcome the following new members and look forward to meeting them at an event soon.

Name

Car

Mr & Mrs Manners

Bentley MK VI

Chassis

Year

Reg. No.

1948

Tom Sergeant Joshua Eames (age 3)

Articles Required If you would like to write an article for the Paulerspury People or perhaps have a feature included on your car, it doesn’t have to be Rolls-Royce or Bentley, email it to editor@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk or contact any committee member.

If your Rolls-Royce or Bentley has a famous or colourful past, tell us about that too.

Many will have been seen in films and on TV. If yours was, maybe we can help find out some more information for you. Who knows what we might turn up?

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Rimtec Limited 112 Tanners Drive, Blakelands, Milton Keynes,People - Summer 2016 Paulerspury MK14 5BP Paulerspury People Summer 2016.pmd

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Future Events Diary Sunday 21st August 2016 Section Summer Picnic Venue: Champneys, Henlow Grange, Beds.

Organiser: Janet and Steve Dolan Tel: 01327 351460 Email: secretary@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Saturday and Sunday 17th - 18th September 2016 Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation Open Day Venue: The Hunt House, Paulerspury, Northants.

Organiser: Chris and Linda Ball Tel: 01525 860880 Email: lindarball@btinternet.com

Saturday 11th March 2017 Leather Conservation Seminar Venue: The Leather Conservation Centre, University Campus, Boughton Green Road, Northampton, NN2 7AN Organiser: Kathy Martin Tel: 01234 714092 Email: kathryn.martin@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk

Sunday 16th October Autumn Amble Venue: TBC Organiser: Kathy Martin Tel: 01234 714092 Email: kathryn.martin@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Sunday 6th November 2016 Northamptonshire Lunch Venue: Worlds End, Ecton, Northants, NN6 6QN Organiser: David and Sue Cooper Tel: 01604 511668 Email: david@bentley-mulsanne.co.uk Sunday 4th December 2016 AGM and Christmas Lunch Venue: Corner 5 Restaurant Box End Park, Box End, Kempston, Beds Organiser: Barry and Ruth Gallafent Tel: 07785 398271 Email: barry.gallafent@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Paulerspury People - Summer 2016

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Paulerspury Section Committee Chairman

Membership

Derek Freeman (Sylvia) The Plantation, Village Road Bromham, MK43 8LL Tel: 01234 823255 (Home) Mobile: 07836 715351 derek.freeman@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk chairman@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk

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

Secretary

Karen Hillier (Ray) Mob: 07881 802904 karen.hillier@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk

Kathryn Martin (Mike) Tel: 01234 714092 kathryn.martin@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk secretary@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk

Treasurer

David Hennessy (Catherine) Tel: 01234 342473 david.hennessy@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk

Keith Davies (Pippa) Mob: 07771 704835 keith.davies@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk treasurer@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk

Editor 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

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

Section Website Standard Terms & 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 and personal injury caused by my vehicle(s) or driver(s) thereof whilst taking part in this event or journeying to and from this event. 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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