Paulerspury People
Winter 2016
The Newsletter of The RREC Paulerspury Section Paulerspury People Winter 2016.pmd
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Paulerspury People
Winter 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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How Can a Classic Not be Green?
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Past Events
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A Slippery Slope The Restoration of a Bentley SI Continental - Part 2
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New Members
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Future Events Diary
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Committee Contacts
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Not a Lot of People Know That After their fairy-tale wedding, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco drove through the streets of the Principality in an open Silver Cloud, a gift from the loyal MonĂŠgasques. One of the Royal Rolls-Royces was second-hand. It was a Jubilee Laundaulette (Phantom IV) acquired in 1954.
The Royal Phantom VI was a gift. Commissioned for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 by the British motor industry. It was ironically the subject of a twelve month delay because of an industrial dispute at Mulliner Park Ward and was presented to Her Majesty on 29th March 1978. The man who goes to Pooles for his clothes, Purdeys for his guns and Hardys for his rods, goes to Rolls-Royce for his motor cars.
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The Chairman’s Bit It’s snowing outside, it looks very pretty and it looks like winter is here at last. So, 2016 and it’s a winter wonderland, I can see two snowmen, kids on snowboards, snowball fights. It ought to be Christmas! Our cars however are wrapped up for the winter. 2015 was a good year for the section, events well attended but your committee is not at all complacent. The AGM was well attended by 55 members and the Christmas lunch afterwards by 61 members and family. Alan Derek Freeman - Chairman Fogg, the Club’s Valuations officer represented the RREC Management Board and gave a refreshing and honest view of the Club without drawing on the predetermined hymn sheet from HQ. Some of us attended the Book Launch at the Saatchi Gallery in December, what an amazing event and a new format this year with Vicki Butler-Henderson and Quentin Wilson providing entertaining talks in the various galleries. Long may the Year Book continue, the revenue to the Club would be sadly missed. We have some fresh blood on the committee, David Hennessey has joined and Keith Davies has been co-opted. It’s great to have new people with fresh ideas joining us. We also have non committee members organising events which is really nice. Please don’t forget that if any of you have ideas for events please let us know. It is envisaged that Keith will become Treasurer allowing Kathy a rest after looking after the section’s funds for so many years. As most of you will know Jan Dolan has decided not to continue as events coordinator. A big thank you Jan for all your hard work, you will be missed. The committee has met twice since the AGM and the 2016 programme is well underway. The first event being a Sunday Lunch at Whittlebury Golf Club on the 24th January. We are having a new member’s lunch on Sunday 28th February at the Hunt House. This is held every two years giving those new members the opportunity to have a tour of the Hunt House and meet new and existing section members over some food and drink. There are still places available if you would like to contact me. Please look at the next few pages which give you the run down on the events to come and those we have organised so far. Please also don’t forget my request for any special articles that we could include in the PP which would be of interest to our members. Contact Barry or any committee member. Looking forward to a great 2016.
Derek Paulerspury People - Winter 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
New Members Lunch – Sunday 28th February 2016 Held every second year, our new members lunch is an opportunity to meet at the Club’s Headquarters, The Hunt House, in Paulerspury, Northamptonshire and discover what facilities are available there. The Hunt House contains a wealth of artefacts and information much of which is totally unique to the Club. After a brief welcome and introduction, members will be taken in small groups on a tour of the building to see for themselves the vast array of information and documentation the Club archives hold. If you have the chassis number of your car to hand, you may even be fortunate enough to view its build file. We will visit the library, the workshop, the engine room and tool store before returning to the conservatory where Sunday lunch will be served. For new members and joint members who have not attended before, there is no charge for this event, for all others the cost is £25.00 including wine. It is usually very popular therefore early booking is advised. The Hunt House, High Street, Paulerspury, Northants, NN12 7NA Organisers: Derek and Sylvia Freeman Email: derek.freeman@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Home: 01234 823255 Mobile: 07836 715351 Paulerspury People - Winter 2016
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Bedfordshire Lunch - Sunday 20th March 2016 Moore Place Hotel , Aspley Guise Village , Milton Keynes, MK17 8DW. Set in a redbrick Georgian manor house and annexe, this refined hotel is the venue for the Paulerspury Section’s three course Sunday lunch in March. A booking from is included with this edition of Paulerspury People. Please remember to include your menu selections on the reverse. Arrive at Moore Place for 12:30. Cost per person is £26.00. Please include your email address when completing the form. Organiser: Karen Hillier Email: karen.hillier@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Telephone: 07881 802904
Visit to JCB - Wednesday 20th April 2016 We have organised a visit to the JCB plant in Rocester, Staffordshire, home of the World famous ‘Yellow Digger’ we all know as a ‘JCB’ but also home to much greater innovations that we are perhaps as yet, unaware of. This visit comprises lunch on arrival, a short audio visual presentation and then a tour of the working plant. PLEASE NOTE: The tour is a walking tour and is approximately three miles in length and two hours in duration. Whilst JCB is totally wheelchair friendly, the tour is NOT suitable for people with walking difficulties. Please arrive around 11.30 for lunch prompt at 12 noon. The cost is £27 per person. A booking form is enclosed with this edition of the PP. JCB, Station Road, Rocester, Uttoxeter, Staffs, ST14 5LS Organisers: Derek and Sylvia Freeman Email: derek.freeman@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Home: 01234 823255 Mobile: 07836 715351 Paulerspury People - Winter 2016
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St George’s Day Run & Lunch - Sunday 24th April 2016 Come join the section on its traditional jaunt out to celebrate St George’s Day and enjoy a drive around north Hertfordshire. We’ll meet at Knebworth Golf Club for tea, coffee and biscuits at 10.30am, depart for a drive at 11.15am and then return for a two course lunch at 1.30pm followed by teas and coffees. As we will be a large group we have been asked to pre-order our choices. Clearly, the main dish is roast beef but, understanding that some people may not eat beef, there is an alternative as well as a vegetarian option. If that does not cover your dietary requirements please let us know and we will try to satisfy your needs. Cost per person is £ 25.00. Decorating yourselves and/or your cars in recognition of St George is positively encouraged. Thanks to David and Margaret Wells for organinsing Knebworth Golf Club, Deards End Lane, Knebworth, Herts. SG3 6NL www.knebworthgolfclub.com. Organisers: David and Margaret Wells Email: davidewells1@googlemail.com Telephone: 01462 768479
Nineteenth Bedfordshire Classic Car Show - Sunday 1st May 2016 The Bedfordshire Classic Motor Show is the only place to be for motor enthusiasts this May Day Bank Holiday weekend. The show attracts some of the finest classic motor vehicles in the area. Turvey House is a gorgeous venue set in 150 acres of surrounding parkland by the river Great Ouse in Bedfordshire. Sunday is club awards day with new awards on offer for 2016. A live arena with commentary by a motoring historian hosts, ‘Parade of the Decade’ featuring vehicles from the 1940’s to 1980’s. Paulerspury People - Winter 2016
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Plus a selection of trade and craft stalls plus some fabulous food stalls cater for your foodie cravings! The Section will have a designated Club area with our event shelter erected, our flag flying and a warm welcome for you all. The cost is £5.00 per car including two occupants. Additional occupants charged on the day at £8.00 per person. Turvey House , High Street, Turvey, Beds, MK43 8EL www.turveyhouse.co.uk Organisers: Barry and Ruth Gallafent Email: barry.gallafent@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Telephone: 07785 398271
RREC Annual Rally and Concours Sunday 26th June 2016 This year the Paulerspury Section Tailgate Party will be hosted by Caroline and Andrew Sykes at the rear of their Phantom II in Class 3. Everyone is welcome, just look out for our flag and come along and join us for drinks and nibbles from 11:30 a.m.. Burgheigh House, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 3JY Organisers: RREC - The Hunt House
Kimbolton Country Fayre - Sunday 10th July 2016 Now in it’s 25th glorious year, this is a spectacular charity event for the whole family, organised by volunteers from The Rotary Club of Kimbolton Castle and The Sporting Bears Motor Club. It is held in the beautiful grounds of Kimbolton Castle in Cambridgeshire, the home of Kimbolton School which has generously supported this event for many years. The 2016 Fayre will again have a fantastic line up of showring events, stalls and entertainment as well as the usual tea tent, real ale bar, classic cars on display, plus many more attractions and activities for the whole family. Kimbolton Castle, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE28 0ER Organiser: Val Yates Tel: 01480 810395 3 Lymage Road, Perry, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE28 0OD Paulerspury People - Winter 2016
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Imperial War Museum Duxford - Airshow - Sunday 31 July The Paulerspury Section have been invited to join the East Anglian Section and others at the Imperial War Museum. Here you can get close to planes such as Lancaster, Spitfire, Concorde, and Vulcan. The American Air Museum will shortly reopen after extensive redevelopment, and includes B17 Flying Fortress, B52 Stratofortress, Lockheed Blackbird, F15A Eagle. The Land Warfare Hall houses tanks and military trucks; outside are several commercial airliners. We’ll be the only car Club at Duxford, and parked in prime position. It’s a bonus day for the airfield, with more flights than usual, and a flying day for Classic Wings. Dragon Rapides and Tiger Moths take off and land throughout the day, as well as several Spitfire arrivals and departures. Bring a picnic, or buy lunch from one of the on-site cafes. Surrounding Sections will also join us, and we have reserved space for 45 Rolls-Royce/ Bentley cars. Others are welcome to park in the general car park. Imperial War Museum, CB22 4QR (J 10 of the M11 10 miles South of Cambridge) Organisers: Derek and Sylvia Freeman Email: derek.freeman@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Home: 01234 823255 Mobile: 07836 715351
Classics on Harpenden Common - Wednesday 27th July This fantastic gathering of Classic vehicles of all kinds takes place annually on Harpenden Common and is organised by the local Rotary Club there. If you would like to attend, it is necessary to book direct with the show organisers to obtain a vehicle pass (I will let you know when applications are open). This is a strictly no ticket, no entry event as numbers have to be restricted. We plan to have lunch at a pub in Harpenden before travelling on to the Common. Please complete and return the attached form and i will keep you informed. Harpenden Common Organisers: Caroline and Andrew Sykes Email: cmsykes17@gmail.com Home: 01582 713839
Classics on Croxley Green - Wednesday 3rd August 2016 Free Entry ….just contribute to the charity fund as you drive on to the green. The WDCVC aims to raise funds and awareness of local and national charities and deserving Paulerspury People - Winter 2016
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causes by exhibiting classic, veteran and vintage vehicles. Although the event organisers do not request pre-booking, we plan meet at a nearby pub beforehand and arrive ‘en convoi’ to show what a superb show the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club can put on. This way, we should get to park together. A picnic is the norm but you can always rely on the myriad of food vendors, the local pubs or the chippy, they are all within easy reach. See: www.watfordclassics.co.uk. If you’d like to participate please let us know before Wednesday 20th JULY and we’ll get back to you with the meeting point and time details. Sat Nav Postcode for The Green is WD3 3HN Organisers: Steve and Janet Dolan Email: secretary@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Tel: 01327 351460
Bentley Drivers Club Race Day at Silverstone – Saturday 6th August 2016 This year marks the 80th anniversary of the BDC so a perfect opportunity to join them for their annual race day at Silverstone on Saturday 6th August 2016. We have an allocated parking area for up to 50 vehicles and for those of you who are also BDC members and driving a Bentley on the day, you will have the opportunity to join the parade lap around the track. This will be an informal day watching the various races with the normal trade and food stands. No provision will be made for lunch so we suggest you bring a picnic. Tickets may be purchased on the day and you can park alongside other RREC cars in our allocated space. Please complete the enclosed form and return to Karen Hillier karen.hillier@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk by 1st March to secure your place. Price is £10 per person, payable on the gate. You must mention that you are with the RREC and ask to be directed to our reserved parking. Organiser: Karen Hillier Email: karen.hillier@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Telephone: 07881 802904 Paulerspury People - Winter 2016
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How Can a Classic Not be Green? Given the recent Volkswagen debacle caused by their problems with diesel emissions, I thought I would return to my theme of questioning the so called ‘green’ credentials of modern cars. Our politicians and leaders would have us believe that the old cars we enjoy are serious polluters of the planet. However, this does not represent the whole story. Most cars classed as classics were made pre-1990 which obviously means the majority of the vehicles are at least 25 years old. In comparison, most volume cars have a probable maximum lifespan of 10 to 20 years, and given that they are effectively too complex to be worked on by anyone other than the main dealer networks, it means their working life is relatively short. As they become older, less efficient and more expensive to maintain, they will inevitably be scrapped whereas our classic cars could still potentially be running whether 20, 50 or 100 years old. The motor industry tells us that the newer the car the less polluting it is, but conveniently this does not factor in the actual production costs of the vehicles. The production of the raw materials, metals, plastics and glass that go to make new cars is a costly exercise. The reality is that our classic cars have already left their ‘green footprint’ years ago. They do not deplete anything further in raw materials other than the ongoing maintenance and restoration costs. Even that is proportionate as the majority of the components can be rebuilt, refurbished or recycled. There is also an argument that the relatively low mileage undertaken by our classic cars produces less pollution than a ‘rep-mobile’ thundering up and down our motorways. Unfortunately, the ‘green lobby’ always tends to look in the wrong place for answers to some of the world’s problems and I firmly believe that the classic car market is actually beneficial to the planet, as well as providing employment to thousands of people worldwide, and revenue for the governments who spend their time trying to undermine it. You might have gathered from this article that I’m a fully paid up member of The British League of Cynics and, controversially for some no doubt, I don’t believe in global warming either!
Ray Hillier Paulerspury People - Winter 2016
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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!
Behind the Scenes at Silverstone Experience was Everything! This was a first for the section, in the past we’ve attended the Classic Car Event and hope to do so again in the future but on this occasion twenty four members and friends climbed aboard the aptly named Stewart and Hill minibuses for a conducted tour to see all that this fabulous site has to offer. Our driver was more than just a ‘tour guide’. As an Instructor his vast experience in the world of motor sport helped us to appreciate each area and where it all fits in. Inside Race Control
Time for a coffee first
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Not much to work with here
Our winning ladies
The circuit was first used in 1948 so starting off with a brief stop outside the original house that’s still in use today, we went on a guided tour of the Grand Prix Circuit, The Paddock and The Wing, which is over 10,000 square feet of premium conference and exhibition facilities and incidentally has some very distinctive pictures of legendary & modern racing drivers which are quite special and very clever, to appreciate them you would need to see them for yourself. Race Control and the commentary boxes for television and radio are also part of the Wing and we even got the chance to sit in Bernie Ecclestone’s private box. A visit to the Winners’ Podium was next on the agenda and a chance to take some photos whilst imagining (without the Champagne) the atmosphere on major race days. Then through the area where all vehicles are tested before they are allowed on to the racing circuit and onto the workshops before returning to the visitors centre. But it wasn’t finished there, Aston Martin were holding a race meeting that day so some of us took advantage of the free entrance to take a look at some of the veteran and modern cars taking part……a great way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon. Thank you to everyone who supported this event.
Janet Dolan Visit to Siemens Train Care Facility Being a rail enthusiast, I was truly grateful to be invited by David (Clarke) on behalf of the RREC to attend the tour of Siemens rail maintenance facility in Northampton. An unlikely venue for some, maybe, but for those with an interest in such matters, a great opportunity. Siemens, a German company with offices and factories throughout the UK, is a leading global engineering and technology service company employing nearly 13000 people nationwide. Its rail systems’ division provides expertise and technology for rail vehicles. From heavy rail to metro trams and light rail vehicles. Paulerspury People - Winter 2016
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A slick operation from the structured workforce at Northampton oversees the maintenance of 77 class 350 Desiro EMU’s of which 30 are designated class 1, 37 class 2 and 10 class 3. Seating variations being the most obvious difference between classes. Services range from Liverpool (Lime Street) in the North West to London (Euston) in the South. 4 class 319 dual voltage EMU’s are also maintained to cover Watford Junction to St. Albans services. The facility comprises 4 roads each capable of taking a 4 car unit. 24 hour operation is covered by 4 teams of technicians and associated managers. 73 diagrams are required from the 77 available units which undergo service every 16000 miles. A clean mode of operation employing state of the art principles of ‘housekeeping’ , recycling, stores & management all create an environment where objectives are met on a timely basis in order to maintain the fleet to a very high standard of reliability which, in turn, filters down to the travelling public. I would personally like to thank everyone at Siemens on behalf of the RREC for their hospitality and most informative presentation which I believe was enjoyed by all who attended. Many thanks.
Bob Smith
Paulerspury People - Winter 2016 A Class 319 in for routine maintenance Paulerspury People Winter 2016.pmd
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Visit to Siemens Train Care Facility - Continued Privatisation of the railways in the early 1990’s saw a sea change in the way that railways were run. Whatever the view on the success or otherwise of rail privatisation, there was an infrastructure in place which had an ethos that had its roots in the great days of British engineering. With privatisation, much of this infrastructure was opened up to change and with these changes many of the skills and knowledge passed down through generations of railwaymen went with them as they left the industry. As with many industries during the 1990’s the economic and political climate of the time resulted in a significant skills vacuum. Apprenticeships became a thing of the past and training was downgraded as a general requirement. Manual skills were lost and the inevitable happened in that one day somebody woke up and asked where the next generation of skilled engineers might be coming from. It has taken some far sighted thinking from one of the train providers, who happens to be the German company Siemens, to make a significant investment in training for the future and upgrading and providing a state of the art maintenance facility in the town of Northampton. It is also gratifying that one of the men in charge at the Kings Heath Traincare Facility is Gordon Virgo, one of the last of the “railwaymen” who served an apprenticeship at Alexandra Palace depot in North London in the 1980’s. It is heartening to think that one of the last generation trained in the old ways is now having an influence on the new generation. Kings Heath depot, where do we start? How about a clinically clean four road (track to you and I) facility. The depot has been designed and worked out such that four trains can be worked on at any one time. The facilities are truly impressive. One road has a drop away section of track with a traverser which allows bogie sets and individual wheels and traction motors to be removed, lowered and moved across to a parallel set of tracks in the adjacent workshop to be repaired and maintained. This includes everything from routine maintenance through to machining wheel sets. This is done on a sunken computerised wheel lathe which can accommodate all four wheels on a bogie at the same time. The computerised stores has most parts in stock ready to fit at any given time.
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Steve and Ray marvelling at the facilities Paulerspury People Winter 2016.pmd
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General repairs to the exterior and interior of the train are also dealt with at Kings Heath. Gordon took us on a tour of the facility and explained the management structure, maintenance programmes and shift patterns. The organisation is complex but highly efficient. The skill set surprised me insofar as the bulk of the engineers employed were ex services with many coming from the RAF. Gordon alluded to the fact that the guys say that trains are just planes without wings, hence the seamless skills transfer! I’m not sure Gordon entirely agreed with the sentiment but as an ex BR apprentice I suppose his view has a significant bearing. Apart from the work being undertaken on the trains, the facility is impressive in many ways. Light meters monitor the natural light available through the skylights and adjust the workshop lighting accordingly. The heating and air conditioning are computer controlled to provide a stable working temperature. If a light bulb needs changing the fixture descends from the roof to allow the bulb to be changed rather than acrobatics being performed at great heights by any of the workers. Safety is paramount and all four roads are controlled such that power can be switched off to allow for work at roof height. Fairly obvious I suppose when the trains are running on 25,000 Volts! The entire operation operates a full recycling programme with almost 100% of waste being recycled. The facility has been built and designed such that there is sufficient land (railway track) to extend the building by the same length if required, thereby doubling the maintenance capacity. The last place we visited was the Visualisation Room. This was truly impressive with computer screens all around the room and video conferencing facilities to enable efficient planning and organising of the day ahead. A meeting takes place every morning in order to maximise the efficient use of the available trains and to adapt to any changes brought about by breakdowns (which are very infrequent) and day to day maintenance requirements. Siemens Kings Heath provide and maintain trains for the London Midland franchise which stretches from Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston. The new class 350/1 and 350/2’s are able to run at 110mph which allows them to be used on the high speed lines normally used by the Virgin Pendolino and Voyager fleet. This was a truly impressive visit and the skills and new training facilities are bringing young people back to the industry. We weren’t able to see the Siemens Academy but any company that is looking to reintroduce traditional and new skills back into the UK workforce has to be applauded. Well done Siemens and a big thank you to them for allowing us to arrange an exclusive visit.
Ray Hillier Paulerspury People - Winter 2016
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AGM and Christmas Lunch Corner 5 was again the venue of choice for our 2015 AGM and Christmas lunch and both elements were very well attended. We were joined for the ocassion by RREC Board member Alan Fogg (Club valuations officer) along with his wife Liz. Alan enlightened us as to the current happening within the Club itself and reassured us that progress was still being made. He, like many of us felt that there are too many rules and regulations appearing for a car club. Alan was very complimentary of our Section, in its friendliness, its range of activities and its level of organisation. The AGM welcomed David Hennessy to the committee and said farewell to Janet Dolan as events coordinator as she stood down. Janet was thanked for her service and then presented with a bouquet of flowers by the Chairman. All other committee members were re-elected enbloc. Minutes of the AGM providing more detail can be obtained from our Secretary Steve Dolan or downloaded from the Section website. The AGM concluded fairly swiftly with a final and now annual, thank you to the committee by Alan Goddard which was supported by a round of applause. Members moved downstairs to the light and airy bar area to mingle and chat. They could also marvel at some very hardy people participating in water sports outside on the lake. Perhaps if we return to Corner 5 again, we might offer this as an option to our members before lunch! Some members had been put off from dining with us at last year’s AGM because of a less than satisfactory experience they had suffered at Corner 5 previously. Fortunately the very same members had booked and stayed for lunch this time and
Paulerspury People - Winter 2016 Happy diners - that’s what we like
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Pre lunch drinks in the bar Paulerspury People Winter 2016.pmd
The Chairman reports on the year
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seemed jolly glad they did. The team at Corner 5 really do pull out all the stops. Whilst many of their menu items are familiar to all, Corner 5 presentation is not. When your plate arrives, it is likely that you will not even recognise it as anything you had ordered but when you begin to eat, you know it is and only then can you appreciate what skills and care have gone in to providing this first class fayre at such an unbelievable price. Coffee followed during which the Chef, kitchen and waiting staff were gathered together to be thanked by us all. Next was the raffle with deliberately fewer prizes this time in order to shorten its duration! I am delighted to say the net proceeds of the raffle amounted to £198, rounded up to £200 by John Petrie offering an extra £2. This will be (has been) donated to MacMillan Cancer Care. Two Crown Princes on this table
I guess it is indicative of how comfortable people have been when their departure is drawn out. There certainly appeared to be no rush to leave. Ruth and I were delighted with the day and our job in organising it was made easier thanks to the sheer professionalism and consistency of the management and staff at Corner 5.
Barry Gallafent
Paulerspury People - Winter 2016 June Brown collects her beautiful raffle prize Paulerspury People Winter 2016.pmd
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A Slippery Slope - Part 2 The Restoration of a 1958 Bentley S1 James Young Continental It would be pretty foolish to undertake a restoration to “factory fresh” condition without giving the trades involved a clear specification. My definition: Mechanics: everything outside tolerance to be replaced, and critical components that are only just within tolerance to be replaced too. Obviously repairs to as-new condition are impossible with some parts and re-manufacturing is called for. Electrics: on a car more than 50 years old, it is essential to fit a new loom, and components which have been in frequent use such as motors for heater blowers and electric windows should be checked and refurbished to as new. Switches, relays, and instruments to be replaced with new or refurbished to as new condition. Coachwork: essentially everything should be removed right back to the body shell. Only then can panel alignment, corrosion and previous repairs be assessed. Structural woodwork on traditional coach built bodies will often be in a poor state, and rather than splice in repair sections, it’s preferable to have new members made. Trim: it’s most unlikely that the trim – carpets, leather – can be brought back to as-new condition, so both must be replaced by new. Cabinet work will be in a poor state through water ingress, and the effect of sunlight and heat, but generally can be restored to new condition. Chromium, cadmium and other plating should be renewed. Body on her specially made rolling frame
The implications of my definition are only just becoming clear … The car went off to the main restorer, Norfolk premier Coachworks (“NPC ”) and everything that could be removed has now been checked, photographed and listed. Some frame parts such Paulerspury People - Winter 2016
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Rotten ‘B’ posts Paulerspury People Winter 2016.pmd
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as the steel inner wheel arches had been repaired with aluminium sheet riveted in place, with the inevitable consequence of electrolytic corrosion. Everything that was suspect has been cut out and new parts have been fabricated. In fact all of the floor and inner wheel arches are new. James Young was one of the last coachbuilders to use traditional wood framing for the coachwork, and over the years water ingress has caused some rot. The B posts are made from wood but the lower ends had rotted and been badly repaired in the past, so rather than splice in fresh wood, new posts have been made. The posts are structural, so before removal, steel tube bracing was welded in place to maintain the integrity of the shell. Similarly, the rear leg of the nearside chassis had been bodged (“repaired” is too kind!), and had to be removed so more tubular struts were welded in place within the boot. Some of the wooden framing around the rear window had deteriorated, and to gain access, the lower part of the body has been cut off. Over the years the continuing strain on the doors when opened to their full extent had caused much distortion to the hinge faces where the check straps act, and at some time pieces of angle iron had been bolted inside the doors to better take the load. Not the best repair, but to do a proper repair and make stronger structure, the door skins have been removed, and the original aluminium structural parts have been replaced by replicas in steel, which is a permanent fix. It all looks rather grim right now, but it’s the only way to do it! I’ve undertaken some of the very time consuming restoration jobs such as rebuilding the electric window lifts fitted to the front doors. These were notoriously unreliable, and even in its first year the car was returned to James young to have them fixed, and again at least four times subsequently. Moreover, the units are very awkward to get at, and the inner aluminium door panels had been severely hacked about to get access to the units, so new panels have been made.. Fundamentally the lifts were very badly designed, and I set about resolving the main problems. Firstly, the original motors had field coils and consumed an excessive current, frequently overheating and failing. Initially I tried new motors from Flying Spares, but the motors took 8 Amps with no load, so clearly most of the energy was being used just to turn the motor! Later motors (Shadow, I think) Paulerspury People - Winter 2016 A refurbished window lift Paulerspury People Winter 2016.pmd
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used permanent magnet motors with lower current consumption, so I replaced the motors by model boat motors at £25 each compared with about £125 for the originals. These are continuously rated at about 14 Amps and easily able to lift the windows. But … another problem was that in the original design the motor axis was 2mm misaligned with the rest of the mechanism and a rather clumsy and badly made coupling exacerbated the misalignment, resulting in vibration, noise and loss of power. I made adaptors to correct the misalignment, and the new drive units are super smooth. The window lift frame was re-cadmium plated, and assembled with new bearings worm wheels, chain and rubber supports. Now better than new. I spent a lot of time on this because I didn’t want the hassle involved if they failed. Yale locks had to be dismantled for re-chroming, something I’d never attempted before, so now I have to work out how to reassemble all the little springs and pins that fell out. Probably not very difficult, but certainly will be tedious. There were three different types of Smiths cigar lighters – two in the back arm rests and the other in the dashboard. None was correct and it’s proving very difficult to find the right ones (or very, very expensive at £450 for one!) Another electrical item that was inoperative was the direction indicator switch. This has a clockwork mechanism, which had seized through corrosion and dirt build up. I’ve managed to get the thing working reasonably well, but it’s 20 seconds in one direction and 30 the other. I’ve found a new one at £145; these suppliers of old car bits certainly know how to charge. Talking of which, I’d decided to get new Marchal B post lamps, since the old ones, although restorable, probably wouldn’t reach as-new quality. But the new ones have cost £300 each … The gearbox has been sent off to Whitehouse for a full overhaul, and they’ll do the brake servo at the same time, Norman Geeson is going to restore the rear axle and the cabinet work is with Joe Crabtree. All of these people are recognised as being among the best in the business. The chromium plating parts are due to be sent to Derby Plating. Although the front windscreen was serviceable, there were many tiny nicks and evidence of wear by the wipers, so a new one is on order from Pilkington (yes, they had a tool for it!) .
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New rear floor section Paulerspury People Winter 2016.pmd
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New Connolly hides have arrived, as has the velvet Wilton pile carpet from Louis de Portiere in Belgium. Much of the carpet available for cars is of questionable quality, and sadly the best is now made overseas. The quarter light seals were a concoction of domestic draught excluder and various rubber sections. They didn’t leak water, but the windows wouldn’t close neatly and looked terrible. I tracked down the correct section, which is no longer available, and had an extrusion die made by Walker Rubber & Plastics, so now have forty metres of moulding. I need only about two metres, so if anyone needs some, (it was used on some MkVI coach built cars as well) do get in contact The extrusion measures 7mm x 12mm. One thing I’ve noticed is the wide variety of threaded fasteners used. In 1958 the motor industry was emerging from the BSF and BSW era, and switching to the American UNF thread form. However, many parts were stock items and had the older threads, electrical parts still used BA, and during its ten years in Holland the car had picked up some metric screws. I’ve been very impressed with NPC’s meticulous approach and high quality workmanship: I doubt that it’s possible to get better, so my pre-restoration search for a suitable restorer near to home has paid off. Cost of restoration so far: £75K. Mustn’t lose my nerve!
Terry Weston Regular Maintenance - The Key to Keeping Your Car on the Road Thirty year RREC Member and director of Hillier Hill in Olney, Ray Hillier sent us these photographs taken after investigating some lesser maintained vehicles. The captions are actual comments from the owners.
Paulerspury People - Winter 2016 “I’ve always thought the brakes felt pretty good......!” Paulerspury People Winter 2016.pmd
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“So it’s no good for the spare then......?”
“Can you have a look underneath please? I 23 car heard a bit of a pop and a scrape and the dropped a bit on the left hand side...........” 25/01/2016, 11:21
OBITUARY DAVID MORGAN 1945 – 2015 David Morgan was an enthusiast with a true passion for Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars. He assembled an eclectic collection over the years and kept all of them “on the road” and in immaculate condition. In the 80’s and 90’s he was active in the Club with his Silver Shadows and then withdrew on account of the pressures of work. As an accomplished photographer he built up a very successful business in the Brookmans Park and Barnet area. This was extended into providing wedding cars, hence his reason or excuse for buying so many vehicles. It could be unnerving to attend an auction with him as he would suddenly take a liking for a particular car and immediately reach for his wallet! Coming on the Irish tour in 2008 re-connected him with the Paulerspury section so he and Raelene became regular attenders at the Section Events and Tours. We all enjoyed their company and made long-lasting friendships with them both. His collection of cars ranged from a faithful 20/25 to modern Bentleys and included Barbara Cartland’s all white Silver Cloud. Their favourites were probably the pale blue Azure and the white Phantom 11 cabriolet but all were in regular use and had their outings. His funeral was held at the beautiful church of St Mary’s in North Mimms and was very well attended by his family, many friends and members of the Paulerspury Section. We will have lasting memories of a very decent man who made many meaningful friendships and was inspired by a love of proper motor cars. Our sympathy is extended to Raelene who we wish to support and help towards acceptance of his sudden and unexpected death. He will not be forgotten.
Robert Kennedy Paulerspury People - Winter 2016
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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
Chassis
R Davy Northants
Silver Spirit
KCH24656 1988
F20 RJD
-
-
-
C Leath Northants
Year
-
Reg. No.
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 T.V.. If you yours was, may be we can help find out some more information for you. Who knows what we might turn up?
RIMTEC 01908 614482 Alloy wheel refurbishment specialists • Repair
• Resealing • Refurbishment
If the alloy wheels on your pride and joy have been damaged, are cracked or buckled or just tired and lack lustre, we can restore them to as new condition for far less than the cost of replacements. We offer a fixed price for straightforward refurbishment and competitive prices on all repairs. We quote you before we start work and that is the price you will pay. Visit our website to find out more www.rimtec.co.uk
Rimtec Limited 112 Tanners Drive, Blakelands, Milton Keynes,People - Winter 2016 Paulerspury MK14 5BP Paulerspury People Winter 2016.pmd
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Future Events Diary Sunday 28th February 2016 New Members Lunch Venue: The Hunt House, High Street, Paulerspury, Northants, NN12 7NA Organisers: Derek and Sylvia Freeman Tel: 01234 823255 Email: derek.freeman@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Booking Form Enclosed Sunday 20th March 2016 Bedfordshire Sunday Lunch Venue: Moore Place Hotel, Aspley Guise, Milton Keynes, MK17 8DW Organiser: Karen Hillier Tel: 07881 802904 Email: karen.hillier@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Booking Form Enclosed Wednesday 20th April 2016 Visit to JCB Venue: JCB Station Road, Rocester, Uttoxeter, Staffs ST14 5LS Organisers: Derek and Sylvia Freeman Tel: 01234 823255 Email: derek.freeman@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Booking Form Enclosed Sunday 24th April 2016 St George’s Day Run and Lunch Venue: Knebworth Golf Club, Deards End Lane, Knebworth, Herts SG3 6NL Organisers: David and Margaret Wells Tel: 01462 768479 Email: davidewells1@googlemail.com Booking Form Enclosed Sunday 1st May 2016 Bedfordshire Classic Car Show Venue: Turvey House, High Street, Turvey, Beds MK43 8EL
Friday 24th June to Sunday 26th June 2016 RREC Annual Rally and Concours Venue: Burghley House, Stamford Organiser: Main Club Event Sunday 10th July 2106 Kimbolton Country Fayre Venue: Kimbolton Castle, Kimbolton, PE28 0ER Organiser: Val Yates Tel: 01480 810395 Booking Form Enclosed Wednesday 27th July 2016 Classics on Harpenden Common Venue: Harpenden Common Organiser: Caroline and Andrew Sykes Tel: 01582 713839 Email: cmsykes17@gmail.com **Booking Direct with the Show Organisers is Required** Please email Caroline for information Sunday 31st July 2016 Imperial War Museum Air Show Venue: IWM, Cambridge, CB22 4QR Organisers: Derek and Sylvia Freeman Tel: 01234 823255 Email: derek.freeman@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Booking Form Enclosed Wednesday 3rd August 2016 Classics on Croxley Green Venue: Croxley Green, Herts Organiser: Steve and Janet Dolan Tel: 01327 351460 Email: secretary@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk EVENTS CONTINUE ON NEXT PAGE Paulerspury People - Winter 2016
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Organisers: Barry and Ruth Gallafent Mob: 07785 398271 Email: barry.gallafent@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Booking Form Enclosed
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Saturday 6th August 2016 Bentley Drivers Club Race Day Venue: Silverstone Circuit, Northants, NN12 8TN Organiser: Karen Hillier Tel: 07881 802904 Email: karen.hillier@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Booking Form Enclosed
Paulerspury Section Committee Chairman 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
Secretary 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
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 Karen Hillier (Ray) Mob: 07881 802904 karen.hillier@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk David Hennessy (Catherine) Tel: 01234 342473 divid.hennessy@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk Keith Davies (Pippa) Mob: 07771 704835 keith.davies@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk
Attention Smart Phone Users Scan either of these QR codes to find out more about what the section is up to.
Treasurer Kathryn Martin (Mike) Tel: 01234 714092 kathryn.martin@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk treasurer@rrecpaulerspury.org.uk
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. Paulerspury People - Winter 2016
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