| Some eighty members, friends, and assorted neighbours of the Gray's assembled outside Elmstead House at 11.30am for a short service conducted by the Reverend Clifford Hankins, (alias Friar Tuck!), to celebrate the life and skills of Sir Henry Royce.
Having 'skipped' a year, ( in 2011 the date fell at Easter), there were some new faces at this year's event. A particularly warm welcome therefore to all those who were 'first timers'!
The display of vehicles was up to the usual standard, ranging from two 1926 20hp (Messrs Johnson and Niblett) to a 2007 Goodwood Phantom owned by Jim Fox. Also, this year RRMC Ltd was represented by Peter James and Morris Best. Our particular thanks to them for taking 'time out' on a Sunday to join us at this event, and of course for bringing a Goodwood Phantom Drophead Coupé to add to the collection of cars!
After the service held in sunshine as usual! - all were invited in to Hattons, (next door to Elmstead House) to join the Section Chairman and his wife for a glass of wine and canapés. Ted Meachem presented David and Jackie with two rose bushes, as a thank you for organising this party again. This was the ninth year that the sun has shone whilst everybody has been in the garden at Hattons.
Having then arrived at West Wittering Cricket Club for lunch, the rain was falling within ten minutes of sitting down for the two course lunch. The Chairman observed this was probably 'the devil looking after his own'. Clifford begged to differ! In general all seemed pleased with the outside catering company, and the meal provided at this new lunch venue.
David Gray - Section Chairman |
