Road Run and Sunday Lunch at The Queens Head in Finghall near Leyburn, 2nd April 2023
The new event season got off to a good start today, good weather, good food
and good company. To meet up, we all descended on Klondyke and Strikes
Garden Centre in Northallerton. Some members went looking for inspiration to
create their perfect garden this summer, but for the non-gardeners, they headed
for the restaurant to sample some of the delights that were on offer. There was
everything from a full hearty Yorkshire breakfast to a ham and piccalilli
sandwich. As we were heading to Finghall for Sunday lunch, most of the party
had either a cup of tea or a cappuccino and a toasted teacake. Jim Clark handed
out the route instructions, with the words “better luck this year” and with that
comment, off we went, heading into the bright blue yonder for a scenic drive
into the Yorkshire Dales. We arrived at our destination, The Queens Head, in
beautiful spring sunshine and after a long drive, we were all ready for Sunday
lunch. After gathering in the bar to get refreshments, we were shown to the
dining room where the view out of the windows looking across the Yorkshire Dales was stunning. Our menu choices had been pre
ordered, so the meals were served in good time, all were all piping hot and I must say, absolutely delicious. After the sweets had
been consumed, we had to take time-out to make room for tea or coffee to complement the meal. The standard of food and
service was second to none, everybody thoroughly enjoyed their lunch, making it a section event to remembered. I would like to
thank the management and the staff at The Queens Head for making our first event of the season such a memorable day. Well
done and well done to Jim for organising a great day out.
Pie & Pea Lunch at Busby Hall in North Yorkshire 14th May 2023
On a bright sunny day, both the North Eastern and Yorkshire Section members
descended on Busby Hall, situated on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors,
to enjoy the delights of a traditional pie & pea lunch, followed by a tour of the
hall and gardens. As members arrived, they were treated to an outstanding
display of arm waving and hand gestures from Peter Charlton who I think was
trying to hone his skills as a car park attendant. That said, his efforts were
well rewarded in providing a fine display of both pre-war and post war Rolls-
Royce and Bentley motor cars. Once parked, members gathered on the lawn
for a catch-up, then made their way to the coach house for lunch. For anyone
expecting fine dining they will have been disappointed, seating arrangements
consisted of fold-away chairs, with trestle tables to eat from, it all adds to the
experience boasted our catering manager, Allan Fishburn. Dinner was served,
pork or steak pie with a dollop of mushy peas on the top, garnished with either
brown, red or mint sauce or all three if you so desired. To round off, a selection of sponge, chocolate or fruit cake were on offer
with either a cup of tea or coffee. Everybody enjoyed their meal with the odd one or two going back for seconds. The section
thanks Allan, ably assisted by his brother Peter for providing the catering, and helping to make the event a success. After lunch
some members toured the gardens and some toured the hall, to round off what turned out to be a very enjoyable day.
Stokesley Classic Car Show in North Yorkshire 17th June 2023
This is the 11th year that Stokesley Rotary Club has hosted ‘Classics on Show’, a
classic car, truck and agricultural vehicle show in Stokesley North Yorkshire. The
show is held on a large open display area in the town that has been the home of
Stokesley’s Agricultural Show for over the last 130 years. There were over 500
vehicles on display including a fine display of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars
provided by North Eastern Section members. On display were Nick Clark’s and Tom
Horner’s 20 hp’s, John Harrison’s, Allan Fishburn’s and Peter Carlton’s 20/25’s,
David and Elizabeth Younger’s immaculate Silver Cloud III, Graham Blackburn’s
Silver Shadow 1, Janet & Ken Lech’s unique Mark V Bentley and a recently acquired
1988 Bentley Eight, owned by new member Chris Durham. Classics on Show 2023
was supported by Mathewson’s Classic Vehicle Auctions of Thornton-le-Dale (you
may have seen the TV programme). All funds raised from this year’s show are
going to a number of local charities, first one being the ‘Headlight Project’ founded in the memory of Russ Devereux. This
charity supports bereaved families affected by the death of a loved one by suicide in the Tees Valley area. Also to benefit is the
National Association of Blood Bikes who are unpaid volunteers who provide a life-saving service to the NHS. Finally, Childline, a
nationwide charity who have been providing help and support to children and young people for over 35 years. Stokesley classic
car show organised by the Rotary Club, is now a well-established annual event that provides an opportunity to raise funds for
local charities. The North Eastern section members of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club enjoyed our visit to ‘Classic on Show’
and we would like to thank the organisers for a very enjoyable day and we look forward to next year’s event.
Visit to Kiplin Hall and Gardens in Scorton, North Yorkshire 2nd July 2023
This event was a joint venture with the North Eastern and Yorkshire sections to visit Kiplin Hall
situated two miles from Scorton, North Yorkshire. The hall was built by George Calvert, Secretary of
State to James 1st and the Founder of Maryland USA in the early 1620s. As a hunting lodge, Kiplin
Hall is a unique Jacobean house filled with the furniture, portraits, paintings, and the personal
belongings of the four families who have owned the Hall in the past 400 years. The Hall has
undergone many changes over the four centuries, and now plays host to no end of fascinating stories
revealing a rich history with an international flavour. With 23 club cars in attendance, that had
transported some 70 club members to the venue, it looked like it was going to be a very lively day
for a catch-up, chit-chat and banter. Our cars were parked in front of the hall, providing an
unexpected attraction for other visitors who took a great interest in the assembled display. Once our
picnic lunch formalities were complete, members headed off for a guided tour of the hall or some just
wandered from room to room, enjoying the treasures on display. Some members also chose to
savour the sights and scents in the formal gardens and others took the lake side walk to the folly. For
the less energetic, they simply took a seat in front of the hall to soak up the views across the lawned
garden and lake. Before departure, some headed to the café to savour a cream tea, served in quaint
mismatched china that was so adored by Bridget Talbot, Kiplins last family owner. A late afternoon heavy shower brought
proceedings to an end with most members heading off for home. Kiplin Hall & Gardens is an excellent venue to visit, so the Rolls-
Royce Enthusiasts’ Club Yorkshire and North Eastern sections would like to thank Kiplin Halls staff for providing us with excellent
parking facilities and for making our visit so interesting and enjoyable, we look forward to returning in the not-too-distant future.
North of England Rally at Harewood House near Leeds - 6th August 2023
The 43rd North of England Rally was held in the grounds of
Harewood House near Leeds. The house sits in the heart of
Yorkshire and is one of the treasures of England. It was built in
the 18th century by Edwin Lascelles the first Lord Harewood,
who inherited the Harewood estate on his father's death in
1753. Edwin devoted his energies to creating a grand country
house. He chose as his architect the young John Carr, of York,
with assistance from Robert Adam. Carr used local millstone grit
for the house exterior, and even the interior bricks creating a
house composed of a central block joined by single-storey links
to wings on either side. The front entrance is through a massive pediment supported on six Corinthian
columns that still exist today. The Harewood Estate is owned by David and Diane Lascelles, the Earl and
Countess of Harewood, who manage the everyday running of the estate and the surrounding countryside.
After a week of rainy days, we were treated to an overcast start to Sunday, so it was fingers crossed for it
to stay fine. As members arrived, approximately 200 cars were directed to their designated parking place
by Jim Clark and his merry band of marshals. As lunch time approached, car boots were opened, tables
erected, chairs unfolded and picnics arranged in preparation for the ‘faint from hunger’ members to
partake in refreshing sustenance. As the day progressed individuals spent the afternoon socialising with
friends and members of the public who enquired about the cars. Fortunately, the weather held for the
presentation of the 8 trophies to the winners, then came the parade of cars to round off the day. Thanks to
all participants, especially to all those hard-working members for organising and directing such a
successful event. Here’s looking forward to the 44th North of England Rally next year.
Ingleby Arncliffe Classic Car Show in North Yorkshire 26th August 2023
Ingleby Arncliffe is a village in the Hambleton district of North Yorkshire. It is
situated to the north of Northallerton and south east of the small market town
of Stokesley. The village is conjoined to its smaller neighbour, Ingleby Cross,
they are both on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. The Ingleby
Villages Classic Car Show take’s place on the cricket ground that is adjacent to
the village pub The Blue Bell Inn, where Wainwright’s famous 'Coast to Coast'
walk passes right by the front door. The show is organised in conjunction with
Teesside Yesteryear Motor Club that assembles a wide variety of motor transport with all proceeds from the show being donated
to various local charities. Weather wise, the day dawned with bright blue sunny skies and a gentle easterly breeze wafting across
the show ground making it a very pleasant start to the day. The Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club were well represented and provided
a fine display of the marque, including David & Elizabeth Youngers 1963 Silver Cloud 3, Nick Clarks 1929 20hp Sportmans Coupe’
by Freestone & Webb, Allan Fishburns 1934 20/25 Coupe’ by Hooper, Tony Grays 4.25 Bentley by Park Ward, Chris Durhams 1988
Bentley 8, Peter Kitchings 1936 25/30 Limousine by Park Ward, John Harrisons 1965 Silver Cloud 3 and finally Graham Blackburns
1971 Silver Shadow 1. All the cars were parked in line around the edge of the show ground on a slight incline making for an
excellent display. As the day progressed and lunchtime approached some members headed to the local hospitality venues to
replenish calories and others tucked into their picnics. Unfortunately, towards mid-afternoon, the skies started to darken with
some very ominous black clouds. Within twenty minutes a few spots of light rain transformed in to a torrential down pour with
thunder and lightning that could only be described as monsoon conditions. Needless to say, this signalled a rather abrupt end to
the event. The North Eastern Section of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club would like to extend our sincere thanks to all parties
involved in organising and providing an excellent venue and facilities for a classic car show. Here’s hoping for better weather next
year.
Historic Race Weekend at Croft Circuit 2nd - 3rd September 2023
Croft Circuit is a motor racing venue that is located near Dalton-on-Tees in North
Yorkshire. The circuit has a history of racing dating back to the 1920s although the track
officially had its first racing meeting in 1964. The circuit is just over 2 miles long and is
based on the land of an ex-RAF airfield that was used during the 2nd World War. Croft
Historic Race Weekend and Classic Car Show took place over the weekend of the 2nd &
3rd of September 2023, the event being one of the highlights of the racing calendar in
the region. The on-track races saw historic touring cars with the likes of Mini Coopers,
Ford Anglia’s, Lotus Cortinas and Ford Mustangs in action, saloon cars that were in
production before 1966. Other races featured powerful Formula 5000 and Formula 3
single-seaters that were built and raced between 1967 and 1979. There were also road-
legal production sports cars produced in the 1970’s that provided a varied field with
Porsches, Datsuns and MGs among other marques. There were also a series of track parades of classic cars that took place
throughout Sunday morning, whilst away from the circuit, around 600 vintage vehicles and classic cars of all makes, shapes and
sizes were on display. The majority of cars being displayed by North Eastern section members were all pre-war with the exception
of David & Elizabeth Youngers 1963 Silver Cloud III. The oldest car in the line-up was Nick Clarks 1929 20hp Sportsman Coupe’ by
Freestone & Webb, John Harrisons and Allan Fishburns 20/25’s both with Hooper bodies, Peter Kitchings 1936 25/30 Limousine by
Park Ward, Tony Grays 4.25 Bentley also by Park Ward and finally Dave Berrys 3.5 Bentley with coachwork by Thrupp & Maberly,
providing a fine display of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars.
Other entertainment throughout the day were steam lorry and tractor live displays, aero engine running demonstrations and
fairground attractions with music from a Gavioli organ and a galloping horse carousel that proved very popular with some NE
section members. We were blessed with bright sunny weather all day making the event very enjoyable.
Christmas Party at The Old Mill near Coxhoe in Co. Durham 13th December 2023
The North Eastern sections Christmas Party was once again held at The Old Mill in
Metal Bridge, just outside of Coxhoe Co. Durham, and as usual the venue did not
disappoint. Even though most members live in easy travelling distance from the
Old Mill, seven members who are all renowned partygoers reserved overnight
accommodation, meaning their Christmas party started mid-afternoon. The Old Mill
affords a conservatory that is situated at the front of the pub of which we had the
exclusive use of for the evening. With the room being decorated with Christmas
adornments, this gave a seasonal ambiance for our up-and-coming event. There
was also a magnificent view from the window of an illuminated Christmas tree
situated at the entrance to the car park of The Old Mill that I am sure it would
surpass the tree in Trafalgar Square. The majority of members and guests arrived
from around 6.45pm, firstly having drinks at the bar and a chat before moving to the conservatory to enjoy their
Christmas Fayre. Some members attending were Rod & Dylis MacLeod, Francis Dodd & party, David & Elizabeth Younger,
Jim & Janet Clark, Nick & Anita Clark (not related) and importantly Margaret Blacklock, the wife of the late Gordon, a past
President of the North Eastern Section and a great stalwart of the RREC. Roger Hall, John Harrison, Tony & Audrey Gray
and Mr Colin Bayley, a new member who recently joined the RREC at the end of October 23 were all there adding to a total
of 30 members attending the event.
Once we were all seated, the waitresses performed miracles in delivering everyone’s meal in excellent order. The starters,
mains and sweets included pate’ smoked salmon or soup, then for mains, steamed salmon, beef or turkey with all the
trimmings and finally cheese cake, Ice Cream and not forgetting Christmas Pudding with brandy sauce or custard. The meal was rounded off with
mince pies, after eight mints washed down with a cup of tea or coffee, or in some cases something a little stronger. The staff at The Old Mill must
be congratulated in providing an excellent service in making our Christmas Party the great success it was. All section members and guests really
enjoyed the food and especially the company of section members and old friends therefore, we all very much look forward to next year’s events
and in particular the Christmas Party at the Old Mill.
The North Eastern Section of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club would like to wish all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.