RREC NE Section

The North Eastern Section is an Affiliate of RREC Limited trading as the

The North Eastern Section is an Affiliate of RREC Limited trading as the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club that is an international organisation catering for owners and enthusiasts' who need not necessarily be owners of a Rolls-Royce and/or Bentley motor cars. The aims of the Club are to promote the use and preservation of such cars by providing members with various related benefits, chief among other which are technical assistance, historical archives and insurance benefits, plus many opportunities to meet other like-minded people at technical seminars and a multitude of rallies and social events. The club headquarters is situated in The Granary (Ground Floor), Pury Hill Business Park, Nr Alderton, Towchester, Northamptonshire, NN12 7LS and at the clubs previous headquarters The Hunt House located in Paulerspury near Northampton, houses a huge collection of historical artifacts and vehicle documentation, including the individual’s construction records of most of the cars built at both the Crewe and pre-war Derby Workshops, that members have access to. For a modest fee, members can have photocopies of the build records associated with their own cars.

North Eastern Section Website in affiliation with The Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club The International Club for Rolls-Royce and Bentley Enthusiasts

Model Registers There are 12 Model Registers the aim being to keep members in touch with one another to exchange information about their chosen cars, as well as promoting a social programme for their nominated model Register. Members are welcome to join a register but do not need to own a Register car but have an interest in them. The Registers consist of Silver Ghost, 20hp, (20/25, 25/30 & Wraith), Derby Bentley, Derby Phantom, Post War Sixes, Silver Cloud & S Types and Silver Shadows, T Types Corniche Camargue and all derivatives, SZ, Bentley Continental GT and finally Goodwood Rolls- Royce Motor Cars. These Registers provide members with technical support for, and contact with other members who have these models. The Club continues to maintain strong links with the management of both Rolls-Royce Cars and Bentley Motors.

Club Members Benefit’s The Club membership is divided into 40 sections of which 22 are overseas, whilst mainland Britain is sub-divided into 18 sections. Club members become members of their local section that is determined by the area postcode in which they reside. Members receive 11 issues of the club magazine Spirit & Speed each year, in which the publication contains the Chairman’s reports, club and section news. Trade advertisements are included in the magazine providing details, of specialist repair, servicing and full restoration companies who provide customer support to members. Classified adverts are included at the back of the magazine for members wanting to advertise ‘Cars for sale, Cars wanted, Spares for sale and Spares wanted. As a member of the club, you will receive a copy of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Clubs Year Book that will furnish you with a lighter and more elegant view of life and its pleasures.

The North Eastern Section is an Affiliate of RREC Limited trading as the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club and covers an area bounded by the Scottish Borders including Cumbria to the west, Northumbria to the east and County Durham to the south of the region. The section is managed by a committee which is elected annually by the members at the Annual General Meeting. The committee consists of up to ten members who assume responsibility for the Section’s own internal finances, as well as organising various events which bring the section members together. The main club affords the best opportunities for technical assistance etc., therefore the local area sections tend to concentrate their efforts towards social interaction through visits to places of interest, scenic drives, picnics and BBQ’s etc., and participation in vehicle rallies including multi-make classic car shows. Our Section has a reputation for being among one of the most active sections, and also being particularly friendly. We try to have occasional inter-action events with the neighbouring Northern, East Midlands and Yorkshire sections that includes the North of England Rally that has been held on the lawn in front of Harewood House, near Leeds, for over the last forty years, only made possible by the kind invitation of the Earl of Harewood. This annual event takes place over a weekend in early August, and usually has in excess of 250 cars on display. We welcome new members, and invite them to participate in everything the club and our own section have to offer.

How to join the RREC Membership of the club is open to everyone who owns, or has an interest in Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars. An annual membership fee is payable each year which then entitles you to become a member of the affiliated section in your local area. Most sections charge a small annual membership fee which helps to fund events and the production & distribution of a section Newsletter. We hope you will be interested in joining our section. Full details and Membership Application Forms can be obtained from the Club headquarters via the details listed below:

Rolls-Royce Enthuiasts’ Club, The Granary (Ground Floor), Pury Hill Business Park, Near, Alderton, Towchester, Northamptonshire. NN12 7LS.

North Eastern Section Activities

http://www.rrec.org.uk

+44 (0) 1327 811788

membership@rrec.org.uk

By joining the R.R.E.C. you will find it’s a great place to socialise. It allows for people to meet up and share a passion with other avid enthusiasts. Joining the club and becoming a member of the North Eastern Section that is affiliated to the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club. It’s a great way of getting to know local enthusiasts who share your fascination of Rolls-Royce and Bentley Motor Cars. Other experienced owners can offer tips and advice on things they have learned the hard way. As well as seminars, the club has an online message board where owners can seek help and advice from members all over the world. The aim of the R.R.E.C. is to be an outlet to meet like-minded people who can swap stories, technical tips and enjoy a calendar of social events. The Annual Rally and Concours d’Elegance is the main club event of the year where facilities include trade stands, drinks and refreshments, bar facilities, members spares for sale and finally musical entertainment. Members will also benefit from a club magazine Spirt & Speed 11 times a year, access to a comprehensive and discounted car insurance scheme, club shop that stocks a variety of books and clothes that are either branded with Club, Bentley or Rolls-Royce logos and much more merchandise. Activities of the section haven't changed much over the years, road rallies and picnics, Sunday lunches form the core of outings with a monthly Noggin & Natter in the pub, where the conversation is not always car related. Human beings are social creatures and we love spending time in the company of people who want to talk about their enthusiasms and learn from others. That’s never more so than with car enthusiasts. So, what are you waiting for, join the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club today and enjoy what the Club has to offer: Click below to join.

The Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club is an International Club for enthusiasts of all things Rolls-Royce and Bentley

Secretary’s Report The Section Events programme has kicked off with the Blacksmiths Arms event and barbeque this weekend both a success and reported elsewhere in this Newsletter. The RREC has not held a conference for some years but hosted one at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon over the last weekend in March. Previous conferences were little more than talking shops where issues raised of concern by attendees did not appear to have much impact on the RREC Board. The pre-event hype suggested that this event would be different with input sought from attendees that would inform and influence the direction of travel of the Club in the forthcoming few years. Two representatives from this Section attended, Paul Tunnicliffe and me. Attendees were provided with a full and frank disclosure of the issues facing the RREC which could be summed up as “the financials are not sustainable”. Membership numbers at March 2026 were 5600 and losses of around £370K have been incurred over the last three years funded from reserves. Staff reductions have been made, and it is clear that operating costs will reduce when the break clause of the Hunt House lease takes effect in June 2027. There were four “break out” sessions where attendees were grouped and opinions sought with the stated intent of feedback being provided there and then. Feedback is still awaited but it may well be that outcomes require consideration by the Board before release. An update would be welcomed with a former Chairman making the point that delivery was the key to progress. My take on the present position is that 2026 is likely to another difficult year in financial terms with the prospects thereafter being onward and upward and there was definitely an air of positivity at the close of the conference. Rod MacLeod, Secretary.

Latest Section News

Chairman’s Ramblings It was a great meet up with members at our recent events, geographically we are widespread, world events and government legislation are making the use of older cars that we enjoy more difficult, making personal contact more important than ever. Roger Hall, Chairman.

Where we are going in 2026

Where we’ve been in 2026

Fri 26th-28th Jun: Annual Rally & Concours d’Elegance at Kelmarsh Hall, Kelmarsh, in Northamptonshire.

Wed 9th Dec: Christmas Party at The Old Mill, Metal Bridge, Coxhoe Co. Durham,

We were treated to a very dank and dismal Sunday morning as members travelled to Headlam Hall Hotel near Gainford on the outskirts of Darlington in Co. Durham, this years venue for the North Eastern sections 2025 AGM. This was a new venue for the AGM but not for the section. Headlam Hall was the base for our very successful Autumn Break in 2025 celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The hotel dates back to the 16th century when it was a family home but in this day is a privately owned and run country house hotel. Headlam Hall was purchased by John and Ann Robinson in 1997and was in a poor state of repair. They spent a number of years renovating the building and converting the outbuildings to create what was once a family home in to a luxury country hotel. On arrival, members gathered in the coach house for a cuppa and a catch-up with other members prior to the AGM getting underway. Attendees then proceeded to the conference room and once seated Chairman Roger Hall welcomed everyone to the AGM and at 11:15 am prompt, called the meeting to order. Roger ensured the proceedings ran efficiently by adhering to the agenda and maintained order throughout, after all lunch was at 1o clock. Rod MacLeod, Secretary gave his report and stated, the section had ticked over throughout 2025 with all the organised events being very successful. In particular the Autumn Break organised by Nick and Anita Clark, Rod thanked them for their hard work in organising the event and not least, Nicks calm cool and collected responses to last minute difficulties created by the SD&R event organisers. Rod then changed hats and as Treasurer, he reported that the North Eastern sections finances are in good order but due to a small deficit the scope for event subsidies will be limited for 2026. As there were no questions from the floor, the meeting moved on to the reports from the section Webmaster, Membership Secretary and finally the Newsletter Editor, John Harrison. Webmasters Report: The section websites popularity has improved over the last year. In 2024 we had 794,000 hits. As of the 1st January 2026 the website has attained just over1.5 million hits. The majority are from the UK and USA with some of the more obscurer ones coming from Afghanistan, Vietnam and Iran. I also update the Club website North Eastern Section page with news and event details. Memberships Secretary: Last year saw the North Eastern section membership increase from 100 to 114, this figure includes joint memberships. Our numbers were boosted by 12 existing club members who were transferred from the Northern Section (Cumbria area) on the instructions of Andrew Whittaker, the then club Chairman. Newsletter Editors Report: In September 2025 Peter Charlton made the decision to step down as editor. He had been in the post since late 2017, producing his first Newsletter in January 2018. Thanks go to Peter for his efforts in producing the section Newsletter over the last 7 years. As of January 2026 I will be producing 6 Newsletters a year in the hope of keeping members better informed of events and where possible booking forms will also be included in the publication. I hope you find the Newsletters informative and enjoyed reading the publications. Roger then presented Paul Tunnicliffe with The Ray Hornsby Trophy, in recognition for ‘Best Section Members Car of the Year, chosen by the Chairman’. Paul’s car is a 1994 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit III that he rescued from a hotel car park in Nottingham. Follow Paul’s journey on the recommissioning of Paul’s Silver Spirit on his YouTube Channel ‘Life on Cars’. Congratulation goes to Paul for a well-deserved award. Next, Roger presented Nick and Anita Clark with The McGarr Trophy in recognition for their hard work in organising a very successful Autumn Break at Headlam Hall to celebrate the S&DR 200th Anniversary. Many thanks to you both for organising such a successful event. David Wyld our Hunt House representative gave a presentation on behalf of the RREC management committee informing members of the present situation between the RREC and the Foundation. Unfortunately this seems to be an ongoing saga that we all hope will be resolved in the not-too-distant future. On conclusion of the AGM, we moved back in to the dining room of the coach house for lunch. The menu choices consisting of either pate, soup or goats’ cheese for starters, beef, fish or chicken for mains. This was followed by ‘sweets to die for’ and you probably will, sticky toffee pudding and custard, cheese and biscuits or fruit compote with double cream laced with brandy, all washed down with either tea or coffee. The day concluded with a raffle consisting of approximately 25 prizes. Andrew Carter from Penrith bagged a copy of The Rolls-Royce Motor Car, Alice Ward from Wallsend a bottle of red wine and Audrey Gray of Darlington a bottle of Prosecco. Unfortunately Paul Tunnicliffe had to be told the candelabra on the table were part of the hotel’s furniture and not donations to our raffle, just be satisfied with your set of books you won, he looked so disappointed. Headlam Hall Hotel was an excellent venue with all members thoroughly enjoying the day, the North Eastern section would like to thank the staff of the hotel for making our AGM a very successful and enjoyable event.

Sun 12th July: Post 1960 - 2000 Classic Car gathering at Middlesbrough & District Motor Club.

Sun 19th July: N.E.C.P.W.A. Newby Hall Classic Car Rally & Autojumble near Ripon in North Yorkshire.

Sun 26th July: Ripon Old Cars Classic Car show at Ripon Racecourse in North Yorkshire.

Sun 2nd Aug: North of England Rally at Harewood House near Leeds in Yorkshire.

Sat 29th Aug: Ingleby Arncliffe Classic Car Show near Northallerton in North Yorkshire.

Sun 30th Aug: 1900 - 2000 Classic Car gathering at Middlesbrough & District Motor Club.

Wed 15th July: Noggin & Natter at the Old Mill Metal Bridge Coxhoe, Co. Durham.

Wed 19th Aug: Noggin & Natter at the Old Mill Metal Bridge Coxhoe, Co. Durham.

Wed 16th Sept: Noggin & Natter at the Old Mill Metal Bridge Coxhoe, Co. Durham.

Wed 21st Oct: Noggin & Natter at the Old Mill Metal Bridge Coxhoe, Co. Durham.

Wed 18th Nov: Noggin & Natter at the Old Mill Metal Bridge Coxhoe, Co. Durham.

Sun 4th Oct: Beam in Steam at Tees Cottage Pumping Station in Darlington Co Durham.

North Eastern Section AGM at Headlam Hall Hotel near Darlington in Co. Durham Sunday 25th January 2026

Paul Tunnicliffe discovered a 1994 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit III that had been abandoned in a car park, left sitting out in the British weather for a number of years. With great trepidation he made the decision to buy the car with the intention to restore and recommission the car back to its former glory. Follow. Paul’s journey on his YouTube Channel ‘Life on Cars’.

Follow the recommissioning journey of a 1994 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit III

Click below to enter ‘Life on Cars’ menu page

Lunch at The Blacksmiths Arms in Swainby North Yorkshire Saturday 21st March 2026

Twenty section members enjoyed a delightful afternoon at The Blacksmiths Arms in Swainby, North Yorkshire where great food, good company, and the cosy charm of a classic village pub were the order of the day. From the moment everyone arrived and after a team photo, the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. The staff at the pub had prepared a lovely space for us and their friendly service set the tone for the afternoon. Conversations flowed as people settled in, catching up with familiar faces. Cars of the marque in attendance were a 1929 Bentley Chassis No: FB3307, Coach Builder Freestone & Webb owned by Frances Dodd, Nick and Anita Clarks 1929 Rolls-Royce 20hp, Chassis No: GEN 75 fabric bodied Sportsman’s Coupe’ also by Freestone & Webb and Paul and Sophies 1994 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit III. The meal itself was the highlight of the afternoon. Plates arrived generously filled and beautifully presented with roast beef Yorkshire pudding and veg, chicken breast in a creamy sauce all finished off with either sticky toffee pudding or apple and raspberry crumble with lashings of custard that showcases the pub’s reputation for hearty, well crafted dishes. Whether it was a traditional favourite or something a little different, there was plenty of praise around the table with more than a few people commenting that it was one of the best meals they’d had in a while. As the afternoon went on, the room filled with laughter, stories being told that makes gatherings like this so special. It was the kind of day that reminds us why shared meals are such a simple way to bring the members together. A big thank you go to the staff of The Blacksmiths Arms for looking after everyone so well, and to all who came along and helped to make the afternoon such a success. Here’s to many more enjoyable outings in the months ahead.

BBQ at R.S. Hall Engineering in Thirsk North Yorkshire Saturday 18th April 2026

This was a first for the section, a visit to RS Hall Engineering the proprietor being Roger Hall our section Chairman. The factory is situated on Thirsk Industrial Estate in North Yorkshire and they are the UKs leading independent supplier of root crop web and web drive components. These items are used on agricultural harvesters and cleaners for root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, and sugar beet during the harvesting phase. This allows soil and other debris to fall through, and they are also customizable for use on an array of harvesting machines. On Saturday the 18th April. 22 members of the North Eastern Section gathered for their highly anticipated technical visit and BBQ. The visit provided members with look into the operation of a company renowned for its precision manufacturing and offering us all classic North Yorkshire hospitality. After a planned visit to Twisted Performance was unfortunately cancelled, Roger & Janice stepped up as dedicated hosts in making the BBQ into a social event. With the roller shutter door to the main workshop open, the outside BBQ omitting wisps of blue and white smoke curling around the food giving off an aroma big enough to titillate everyone’s taste buds. With tables set inside the main workshop surrounded by lathes, radial arm drill and a machine beavering away in the corner, this provided an ambience that could only be described as a hands-on introduction to industrial With plates at the ready, members headed to the BBQ to fill them with either chicken or steak served with wobbly sausages and a selection of sides salad. There’s a specific kind of quiet happens at a BBQ—not the awkward kind, but the one where everyone is too busy enjoying that "golden plate" of food to do anything but nod in approval between bites. It was all rounded off with apple tarts and carrot cupcakes decorated with a layer of icing. Someone said “We should do this more often,” and everyone agreed, knowing full well that’s part of the charm is to get a BBQ wobbly sausage that makes a day to remember. First on the grid, John Harrisons, 1965 Silver Cloud III, Paul Tunnicliffes 1994 Silver Spirit III, John Potters 1930 25/25, Allan Fishburns 1934 20/25, Nick Clarks 1929 20HP, Frances Dodds 1929 Bentley and finally Tony Grays 1936 Derby Bentley providing a fine display of cars of the marque on display in front of RS Hall Engineering’s facility on a bright and sunny day in Thirsk North Yorkshire. Everyone would like to thank Roger and Janice for organising and hosting the BBQ and for providing the members with ‘to say at least’, a unique and very interesting venue. Thank you once again.

Paul Tunnicliffe takes on a new role.

I’ve been offered and accepted the position as the new SZ Registrar for the club. The Rolls-Royce SZ Register welcomes every owner or enthusiast of these special cars. Please join the register and feel free to get in touch with me. You can contact me via email: sz@rrec.org.uk. Since recommissioning my own SZ Silver Spirit III (RCH54999) I’ve found the SZ range incredibly interesting, and I’ve learned so much in such a short space of time. I’ve had a great response to my YouTube channel and have met many owners of SZ vehicles, some at RREC rallies and others through online platforms, many of which have become new friends, happy to share their knowledge and interest with me, along with their own experiences and maintenance work. These cars are some of the last Rolls-Royce and Bentley Crewe made vehicles. Any Rolls-Royce or Bentley that has a “Z” in the fourth position of the chassis number and was built between 1980 and 2003 is an eligible car. My Uncle also worked at Rolls-Royce Crewe from 1967 to 1992 as a development test driver, so he was also part of the SZ introduction starting in 1980. I’m excited to resurrect the SZ register and I will shortly share my plans. I’ll need to learn how to use the RREC website software to update the SZ page and after that, I’ll be looking at supporting SZ owners with future news, technical support and eventually SZ events.

Members of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club North Eastern and Yorkshire Sections enjoyed a prestigious day out on Sunday 10th May 2026, visiting the Yorkshire Charity Clay Days at the historic Duncombe Park Estate in Helmsley, home to Jake Duncombe and his family. The Yorkshire Charity Clay Days is a cornerstone of the regional social and philanthropic calendar, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds annually for local charities. For 2026, the event continued its tradition of supporting vital local organizations including: The Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Martin House Children’s Hospice, Leeds Children’s Charity at Lineham Farm and Yorkshire Cancer Research. By participating, the RREC contributed to an atmosphere of community and shared purpose that has seen the event raise record-breaking totals surpassing £575,000 in previous years. The visit saw a magnificent fleet of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars gathered on the lawns of the Duncombe Park estate. Arranged prominently in front of the main event marquee, the club's display provided a striking visual centrepiece for visitors attending the charity shoot. The bright, sunny afternoon offered the perfect conditions for club members from both sections to showcase their vehicles while enjoying the picturesque North Yorkshire countryside. Members cars on display were John Potters, 1931 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Sports Saloon by H J Mulliner, Nick & Anita Clarks 1929 Rolls-Royce 20hp Sportsman Coupe by Freestone & Webb, Alan Fishburns 1934 Rolls- Royce 20/25 Coupe’ by Hooper, Paul & Sophie Tunnicliffes 1994 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit III, David and Elizabeths Youngers 1963 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III and John Harrisons 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III with many more examples from the Yorkshire section. This event underscored the North Eastern and Yorkshire Sections commitment to blending a passion for classic motoring with meaningful charitable support. Thanks go to Allan Fishburn for organising this event and we look for to supporting next year’s Yorkshire Charity Clay Days.

Yorkshire Charity Clay Days at Duncombe Park in Helmsley North Yorkshire Sunday 10th May 2026

Thornton-le-Dale Sports Association (TDSA) holds an annual Classic Car Show as part of its Spring Gala, a popular event featuring various classic vehicles, motorcycles, and tractors. All proceeds from the show are used to for the provision sports equipment for the local community. It's a friendly, family-oriented gathering with informal judging and awards, attracting enthusiasts from across the country to see a wide range of historic vehicles. I’d been looking forward to this show ever since attending last year with my daughter. Last year, I’d only just got the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit III back on the road and was still shaking the car down after its recommissioning. This year didn’t disappoint, the weather gods were looking down and gave us a lovely warm and sunny day, just about perfect, the day before the May bank holiday record temperatures. It was definitely shorts and t-shirt weather, along with factor 50 on standby. After turning up early and getting the RREC flag up, the show field soon started to fill up. A short while later, Rob and Alice Ward arrived in their lovely 1998 Bentley Turbo RT LWB. We were then joined by Yorkshire members Keith and Jane West in their lovely 1976 MPW Corniche. A short while later, we were joined by a couple in their 1980 Gold Silver Shadow II. This was an unusual car, having been specified from new with green velour interior, rather than the usual leather. The owners spent a while chatting with us and are now thinking of joining the club, after enjoying the friendly car natter. After refreshments, it was time to have a look around the display. One of the reasons I enjoy this show, is the range of classic cars are very diverse, and alongside horse, pony and dog displays there is always plenty to look at during the day. One of my favourite cars was this lovely Rover 12 P2 Tourer number 109 of 200 built by APA of Coventry between the years 1947 and 1948. After a picnic, ice cream and great conversations with friends, it was time to head home. It was such a lovely afternoon weather wise, I decided to take the long way home, and drive over the North Yorkshire moors and through Grosmont, the home of the North Yorkshire Moor Railway. It was still blue sky and 26 degrees outside, however, inside the Silver Spirit was super chilled with the air conditioning working well, leaving me to reflect on another great car show and further adventures ahead for 2026.

Thornton-le-Dale Sports Association Classic Car Show in North Yorkshire Sunday 24th May 2026

Visit to Kiplin Hall near Scorton, Richmond in North Yorkshire Sunday 7th June 2026

This event was a joint venture between the North Eastern and Yorkshire sections, held at the historic Kiplin Hall, located just two miles from Scorton in North Yorkshire. Built in the early 1620s by George Calvert, Secretary of State to James I and Founder of the State of Maryland, the Hall began life as a hunting lodge. Today, Kiplin Hall stands as a remarkable Jacobean house, filled with furniture, portraits, paintings, and personal belongings from the four families who have called it home over the past 400 years. The building has evolved significantly through the centuries and now offers visitors a wealth of fascinating stories with a distinctly international flavour. With 24 club cars transporting around 70 members to the venue, the day promised plenty of lively conversation, catching up, and good natured banter. Our cars were lined up on the grassed area at the entrance to Kiplin Hall, creating an unexpected attraction for other visitors who took great interest in the impressive display. Among the vehicles were John Harrison’s 1934 20/25 Sports Saloon (GNC 7) by Hooper, Peter Ostle’s 2015 Bentley Continental GTC (FC050405), John & Andrea Potter’s 1931 20/25 Sports Saloon (GTR 23) by H. J. Mulliner, Nick & Anita Clark’s 1929 20hp Sportsman Coupé (GEN 75) by Freestone & Webb, David & Elizabeth Younger’s 1963 Silver Cloud III Saloon (SCX 743) by and finally Andrew Carter’s 1996 Silver Spirit (TCH 57948). After picnic lunches were enjoyed, members set off either on a guided tour of the Hall or chose to wander freely from room to room, taking in the treasures on display. Others explored the formal gardens, while some opted for the lakeside walk to the folly. Those preferring a more relaxed afternoon settled into seats in front of the Hall to enjoy the views across the lawns and lake, while several members visited the newly opened café to enjoy cream teas in the sunshine. Kiplin Hall & Gardens proved to be an excellent venue, and the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts’ Club Yorkshire and North Eastern Sections would like to extend their thanks to the Kiplin Hall staff for their warm welcome, excellent parking arrangements, and for helping make the day both interesting and thoroughly enjoyable. We look forward to returning in the not too distant future.

Now in its 15th year, Classics on Show once again transformed Stokesley into a celebration of motoring heritage. Hosted by the Stokesley Rotary Club and Middlesbrough Erimus Rotary Club galvanising even more energy and community spirit. The event fills the town’s historic showground the home to the Stokesley Agricultural Show for more than 130 years. There were over 600 classic cars, trucks and agricultural vehicles on display and with so many vintage machines in one place it is truly a remarkable sight, a display that instantly transports you back to the golden age of motoring. Our club display was an exceptional collection of motor cars by members of the North Eastern Section of the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts’ Club. Their line up offered visitors a rare opportunity to admire some of the region’s finest examples of Rolls Royce and Bentley craftsmanship. Featured vehicles included: Nick Clark’s elegant 1926 20hp Saloon by Park Ward (GUK 18), John Harrisons 1934 20/25 Hooper Sports Saloon (GNC 7) alongside Allan Fishburns 1934 20/25 Coupe’ (GMD 41) also by Hooper and Peter Kitchings 1936 25/30 Limousine (GRM 23) by Park Ward. Also on dislay were David and Elizabeth Younger’s immaculate 1963 Silver Cloud III, Chris Durhams 1988 Bentley Eight, Paul Tunnicliffes 1994 Silver Spirit III, Robert Wards 1998 Bentley Turbo RT LWB, Graham Armstrongs 2002 Bentley Arnage R and finally Frances Dodds 1914 Silver Ghost open drive Limousine by H A Hanshaw Limited, Chassis No: 2BD. True to Rotary Club tradition, Classics on Show is more than a celebration of engineering excellence, it is a major fundraiser for local charities. Proceeds from this event are being shared among several organisations. Some being, The Headlight Project who offer support to families bereaved by suicide across the Tees Valley, The National Association of Blood Bikes whose volunteer riders provide an essential life saving service to the NHS and Childline, who support children and young people nationwide. Today, our section celebrated two very special birthdays. Nick Clark’s 1926 20hp by Park Ward turns 100 this year, an extraordinary achievement for a truly iconic vehicle. We also celebrated Mr Howard Armstrong, father of our section member Graham Armstrong. We warmly congratulate Howard on reaching this wonderful milestone. Stokesley Classic Car Show has firmly established itself as a highlight of the region’s summer calendar in combining community spirit with a passion for motoring history. Members of the North Eastern Section thoroughly enjoyed their visit and extend warm thanks to the organisers for another superbly run event. We are already looking forward to next year’s Classics on Show.

Stokesley Classic Car Show in North Yorkshire Saturday 20th June 2026

9th December:

Section Christmas Party at The Old Mill, Metal Bridge, Coxhoe Co. Durham, DH6 5NX.

Events for 2026

26th-28th June:

Annual Rally & Concours d’Elegance at Kelmarsh Hall, in Kelmarsh, Northamptonshire, NN6 9LY.

19th July:

NECPWA Classic Car Rally at Newby Hall near Ripon in North Yorkshire, HG4 5AE.

26th July:

Ripon Racecourse Classic Car Gathering in North Yorkshire, HG4 1UG.

1st-2nd August:

North of England Rally at Harewood House near Leeds in Yorkshire, LS17 9LQ.