Hello – This is my first attempt at a blog. It’s set up to
be a simple record of all the great people I have met during the research and
publication of my biography of Charlie Rolls
(www.charlesrollsofrollsroyce.com).
My travels before publication – eventually in September –
have introduced me to a whole new world. Not a car person – but I now realise
the enormous interest worldwide in the motor industry and it’s heritage.
Sure – I chose to write about Charles Stewart Rolls (the
Richard Branson of his day) because little had been published about his varied
life.
However the consequent interest; the letters and comments I
have received and the willingness of motoring enthusiasts to share their early
motoring stories with me led me to think that an ongoing open diary might be of
general interest.
Having been gently coerced into buying my first Rolls-Royce
by other RREC enthusiasts I hope to entertain those who care to follow this
blog.
There will be no going back to the past few months to events
such as the visit of the man with 16 or so beautiful Rolls-Royce cars though
obviously only driving one of them at the time, or the enthusiastic and kind
welcome received from the Bristol Car Club in Stratford a few weeks ago. Thank
you Norman Shirlaw and Michael Barton and others.
However a lot is happening - so moving forward here we go.
110th Anniversary
A celebratory lunch is being held at the former Midland
Hotel in Manchester, where Rolls met Royce on 4th May. Looking forward to
attending and meeting other motoring historians – gosh am I really one of those
now?
Nicolas Joseph Awards
Have put the book in for a North American prize award – the
2014 Cugnot (in English). Have sent a book to Ontario for consideration. You
never know!
St.Patrick’s Day
Off to Ireland, with Jo for some Guinness and hopefully to
back some winners in the Cheltenham National Hunt Festival. Back soon.
