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  • Winners - Fred Engish | hrfoundation

    Fred Engish Photography Award Winners 2024 Winner - Greg Coombes (QLD) 2023 Winner - Rodd Levy (VIC) 2023 Highly Commended - Larry Picker (VIC) 2023 Highly Commended - Damian Lester (QLD) 2022 Winner - Martin Cherry (NSW) 2022 Highly Commended - Gordon Hay (WA) 2021 Winner - Greg Coombes, QLD 2021 Highly Commended - Nancy Axe, NSW 2021 Highly Commended - David Prince, SA 2020 Winner - Sue Dunstan, QLD 2019 Winner - Bob Adby, NSW 2018 Winner - Mick Matheson, NSW 2017 Winner - Anderson Leong, NSW 2016 Winner - Liam Carson, QLD 2015 Winner - Michael Jeanes, QLD 2014 Winner - Don Grogan, VIC 2013 Winner - Lloyd Missen, NSW 2012 Winner - Jordan Carson, QLD 2011 Winner - Liam Carson, QLD 2011 Highly Commended - Patty Aiosa, NSW 2010 Winner - Brian Carson, QLD 2010 Highly Commended - Adam Griffiths, VIC 2010 Highly Commended - Peter Forbes, SA 2009 Winner - Brian Carson, QLD 2009 Highly Commended - Kerry Moorhouse, QLD 2008 Winner - Bryan Inder, NSW 2008 Highly Commended - Alan Dyer, VIC Click through to view 2025 Greg Coombes “The Spirit of Camaraderie” Sue Dunstan’s 1926 Dr’s Coupe & Brian Goodall’s 1925 Phantom II Photo taken at the 2024 QLD Branch Concours at Ormiston House Winner Picnic at Ironbark Station Kilsyth, VIC Photographer: Rodd Levy, VIC 2009 Highly Commended By Kerry Moorhouse, QLD 2025 Greg Coombes “The Spirit of Camaraderie” Sue Dunstan’s 1926 Dr’s Coupe & Brian Goodall’s 1925 Phantom II Photo taken at the 2024 QLD Branch Concours at Ormiston House 1/27

  • Trustee History | hrfoundation

    SHRF Trustees History The formal ‘Instrument Creating the Sir Henry Royce Foundation’ was signed by the four Founding Trustees: 1996 - David Jones, AM OBE KSJ appointed as a Trustee 1996 - Malcolm Johns appointed as a Trustee 1996 - Jim Kelso, OAM appointed as a Trustee 1996 - David Vann, OAM appointed as a Trustee All founding Trustees were former Federal Presidents and Honorary Life Members of the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club of Australia (RROCA). The signing was witnessed by two of the RROCA’s Foundation Members, Barrie and Margaret Gillings at the Federal Rally Presentation Dinner in Wollongong 29th April 1996. It came as a surprise to everyone there except the trustees. The signing was witnessed by two of the RROCA’s Foundation Members, Barrie and Margaret Gillings a t the first meeting of Trustees in Sydney on 16 August 1996: 1996 - David Jones † was elected the Inaugural Chairman. 2006 - Jim Kelso † resigned. 2007 - David Neely was appointed as a Trustee in 2007 and resigned in 2012. 2008 - David Jones, AM OBE KSJ † became Patron. 2008 - David Vann appointed Chairman and resigned in 2011. 2008 - David Davis appointed as a Trustee in 2008 and resigned in 2012. 2010 - Russell Rolls appointed as a Trustee 2011 - Russell Rolls appointed Chairman 2013 - Brian Crump appointed as a Trustee. 2013 - Eric Henderson appointed as a Trustees and resigned in 2025. 2016 - Frank Carroll appointed as a Trustee. 2017 - Jeanne Eve appointed as a Trustee and resigned in 2024. 2019 - Wallace Moorhouse appointed as a Trustee. 2022 - Brian Crump FRSA appointed Chairman 2022 - Russell Rolls remaining as a Trustee 2023 - Clare Gordon appointed as a Trustee 2024 - Ian Oliver appointed as a Trustee 2025 - Dr Howard Wraight appointed as a Trustee Gilbert Ralph, MBE OAM - Foundation's Honorary Archivist - 1996 to 2022 David Neely is the Foundation's Historical Consultant.

  • Winners - Engineering | hrfoundation

    Winners - Automotive Engineering Sir Henry Royce Foundation Award Australian Apprentice of the Year 2025 - James Bache 2023 - Michael Pickup 2025 SHRF Award Australian Apprentice of the Year Winner James (Jimmy) Bache Sir Henry Royce Foundation Award for Excellence in Automotive Engineering 2025 - Beaudon Nash (below) 2024 - Phillip Nguyen 2023 - Deakin Fegan 2022 - Joshua Chessum 2021 - Patrick Gammoh 2020 - Bradley Reynolds 2019 - James Simpson 2018 - Thomas McQualter 2017 - Nicholas Spencer 2015 - Conner Sharman 2014 - Emily Stebbing 2013 - Chris Couwenberg 2012 - Scott Sommer 2009 - Daniel Kostakakis 2008 - Thang Vo 2007 - Stuart Aisbett 2025 SHRF Excellence Award Winner Beaudon Nash Presented by SHRF Peter Jordan-Hill. Kangan Institute, Victoria Apprentice of the Year Award Automotive Lionel Gell School of Instruction 2025 - Michael Mercer 2024 - Samuel Carmody (below) 2023 - Jackson Marriott 2022 - Caleb McLaughlin 2021 - Thomas Coppock 2020 - Mehmet Topalhasan 2018 - Benjamin Schutz 2025 Apprentice of the Year Winner Michael Mercer Presented by SHRF Peter Jordan-Hill

  • Evelyn Maud | hrfoundation

    Evelyn Maud Mill; from servant to socialite. Lover, mistress, wife and widow of Claude Goodman Johnson,'the hyphen in Rolls-Royce'. Evelyn Maud Mill; From servant to socialite. By Paul Tritton Who wouldn't love to open a long lost suitcase to find love letters, photographs and more? This is how renowned researcher Paul Tritton discovered family papers, photographs, memorabilia and love letters not published previously to reveal the identity of the elusive 'Mrs Wigs'. Anyone interested in the story of Rolls-Royce or the influence of a strong minded woman in the fast living 1920's will enjoy this biography. Tritton details how Evelyn Maud Mill, who was born into impoverishment in London, began her working life scenes ‘in service' to become the lover, mistress and then stylish second wife of the famous English business man and socialite, Claude Goodman Johnson. It is a true love story about Claude, who's often referred to as 'the hyphen in Rolls-Royce' and his passionate affair then lifestyle with 'Mrs Wigs' until his death. To date, only Claude's successful business prowess in motoring ventures and enterprise is known, not the supportive woman in his life and the sensitive, musical, family and fun loving world behind the scenes. All this when he was promoting the R-R Silver Ghost; 'the best car in the world' fame. Paul Tritton has illuminated the social history of the 1920's in England and the south of France in this highly readable book. Evelyn and Claude come alive on the pages and enrich the human side of the major personalities in the Rolls-Royce story. It will appeal to any reader of social or business history, to Rolls-Royce and motoring aficionados and anyone desiring insights on how women contributed to successful business ventures a century ago. Paul Tritton is the renowned British author and historical researcher especially within the world of Rolls-Royce. He was the feature writer for Rolls-Royce Motors "Journal" and has written several books about Rolls-Royce; "John Montagu of Beaulieu: Motoring Pioneer and Prophet" in 1985, "The Godfather of Rolls-Royce: The Life and Times of Henry Edmunds" in 1993 and finally "When Rolls and Royce made history on Dover's White Cliffs" in 2016. Paul has written several books ranging in topic from the first sound recording made by Queen Victoria, the loss of a wartime RAF Stirling bomber in the battle of Holland, to several books on the city of Canterbury and how a small town in Kent prepared for a possible Nazi invasion. Paul has been interested in the personal life of Claude Johnson since the 75th anniversary of Rolls-Royce when he was researching Henry Edmunds who famously introduced Henry Royce and Charles Rolls to each other in 1904. Claude Johnson also played a major role in the Rolls-Royce company and is often referred to as the ‘’hyphen in Rolls-Royce’’. But who was “Mrs Wigs’’ by his side? From wide research and consultation with family descendants, Paul has now found Mrs Wigs and revealed Evelyn Maud Mill’s influential life. Initially Paul was uncertain whether to include Claude’s deeply personal love letters to Mrs Wigs. But social life has become more liberal over the decades and personal lives are entwined with the public persona. Paul is a biographer with a thirst for detail and accuracy and writes with sensitivity. Review by SHRF Trustee - Jeanne Eve

  • Photo Gallery | hrfoundation

    Photo Gallery These photos are a just a tiny selection from our extensive archives. ** Click on the photos below to view the full gallery of photos. Sir Henry Royce Plaque Located at Derby. 5VF155 Taken during the visit of the King of Nepal in 1971 is 5VF155 with registration ZSF-570. Note the Crown above the number plate is covered. Photo courtesy of National Archives of Australia Sir Henry Royce Memorial Window Located in Westminster Abbey is a memorial window for Sir Frederick Henry Royce, engineer and car designer. Designed by Sir J. Ninian Comper It was unveiled by Lord Kindersley, chairman of Rolls-Rolls Ltd., on 23rd October 1962. The inscription at the base reads: In memory of Frederick Henry Royce O.B.E. Baronet, Engineer. Born 1863. Died 1933. Sir Henry Royce Plaque Located at Derby. 1/13

  • Home | hrfoundation

    The Sir Henry Royce Foundation The evolving role of Henry Royce engineering

  • Walter Owen Bentley | hrfoundation

    Walter Owen Bentley Born: 16 September 1888, Hampstead, England Died: 13 August 1971 (aged 82), Woking, England Nationality: English Occupation: Engineer In 1931 Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley, the small sports/racing car maker and potential rival, after the latter's finances failed to weather the onset of the Great Depression. Rolls-Royce stopped production of the new big Bentley 8 Litre, which was threatening sales of their current Phantom, disposed of remaining Bentley assets and made use of just the Bentley name and its repute. After some years of development Rolls-Royce produced a new quite different ultra-civilised medium-size range of Bentleys advertising them as "the silent sports car". They were very much in the Rolls-Royce mould. From soon after World War II until 2002 standard Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars were often very nearly identical apart from the radiator grille and minor details. Interesting snippets .... The famous “Winged B” hood ornament was designed with forgers in mind. As a counter to the red-hot faux hood ornament market, there’s actually a different number of feathers on each side, in the hopes that forgers wouldn’t notice. Headquartered in Crewe, England, the company was founded as Bentley Motors Limited by W. O. Bentley in 1919 in Cricklewood, North London—and became widely known for winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, and 2003. Woolf Barnato was a wealthy playboy who raced cars for fun. He ran at Le Man three times, winning all three, then took over as CEO from W.O. Bentley after Rolls-Royce took over the company. Rolls-Royce took over the assets of Bentley Motors (1919) Ltd and formed a subsidiary, Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd. Rolls-Royce had acquired the Bentley showrooms in Cork Street, the service station at Kingsbury, the complex at Cricklewood and the services of Bentley himself. Bentley had neglected to register their trademark so Rolls-Royce immediately did so. They also sold the Cricklewood factory in 1932. Production stopped for two years, before resuming at the Rolls-Royce works in Derby. The Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the resulting Great Depression throttled the demand for Bentley's expensive motor cars. On 10 July 1931 a receiver was appointed. The British Central Equitable Trust made a winning sealed bid of £125,000. British Central Equitable Trust later proved to be a front for Rolls-Royce Limited. In 1934 Barnato was appointed to the board of the new Bentley Motors (1931) Ltd. Until some time after World War II, most high-end motorcar manufacturers like Bentley and Rolls-Royce did not supply complete cars. They sold rolling chassis, near-complete from the instrument panel forward. Each chassis was delivered to the coach builder of the buyer's choice. The biggest specialist car dealerships had coachbuilders build standard designs for them which were held in stock awaiting potential buyers. All Bentleys produced from 1931 to 2004 used inherited or shared Rolls-Royce chassis, and adapted Rolls-Royce engines, and are described by critics as badge-engineered Rolls-Royces. W. O. Bentley was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1995. " . . . In the eyes of those who own, have owned, or aspire to own, one of the 3,040 Bentley cars designed and built by the 'old' Bentley company under the leadership of "W. O." he was admired and respected—indeed, I think, loved is not too strong a word—for to know his cars was to know him. During his working life "W. O." suffered a series of ups and downs which might have broken a lesser man. It certainly marked him and it was a disillusioned "W. O." I first met 25 years ago [1946]. . . . "W. O." has said that the pleasure he derived in the post-war years from Club activities; from making new friends among its members; and from seeing the loving care bestowed upon 'his' cars has more than compensated for all his earlier disappointments." "The six years during which I worked for "W. O." were a period of education and pleasure. His modesty, lack of pretension, mental honesty and reasonableness endeared him to those in contact with him, and his over-riding interest in the improvement of the car provided the education in a period which included the post-war 2 1⁄2-litre Lagonda development, schemes for 4 and 8 cylinder derivatives, for the pursuit of shorter strokes in engines, for a small transverse-engined front wheel drive car and for a performance engine for the Morris Minor in place of the 850cc side valve engine it then endured. Though normally of reflective habit his experience showed him when swift action was necessary, and he could be very determined in pursuing it. Big enough to admit mistakes when they had occurred, he also knew when to modify and when to start afresh in remedying them. It is a pity that circumstances prevented his influence on car development from being greater than it was. Though motoring and motor cars were his life he retained a keen interest in locomotives." Mr Donald Bastow.

  • Trustees | hrfoundation

    SHRF Trustees Brian Crump FRSA (Chairman) Brian Crump is a member of the RROCA and of the RREC and RROC as well as the Royal Automobile Club of Australia. He is a past President of the RROCA NSW Branch Inc., and is passionate about all types of mechanical devices that demonstrate excellence. Brian’s favourite possession is his 1933 Phantom II Continental sports saloon with body by J Gurney Nutting. He is fascinated by the history of motoring in Australia and enjoys nothing more than engaging in a long run in the Australian bush. Brian is engaged in International Education at the tertiary level and holds post-graduate degrees in philosophy. Chairman : chair@henryroycefoundation.com Russell Rolls Russell Rolls is a professional mechanical engineer with a life-time interest in engineering heritage. He has been a member of the RROCA, the RREC and the RROC Inc for over 50 years. He is a regular participant in classic and historic car events both in Australia and internationally. He is a former Federal President of the RROCA, a former President of the Victoria Branch of the RROCA and is an Honorary Life Member of the RROCA. Russell held the position of Chair of SHRF for eleven years, 2011 to 2022. Clare Gordon Clare Gordon is a member of RROCA and RREC. Actively associated with supporting the servicing, maintenance and sales of Rolls-Royce motor cars, her firm is the only Australian member of the Rolls-Royce and Bentley Specialists Association (RRBSA). Clare is passionate about the engineering and design excellence which is the undeniable thread that runs through all aspects of Sir Henry Royce’s pursuits. Her exposure to the Trades has resulted in a strong, practical commitment to supporting the recognition and transfer of knowledge and skills which capture the craftsmanship and culture that is Sir Henry Royce. Dr Howard Wraight Dr Howard Wraight is a medical doctor with an extensive career in pharmaceutical medicine and clinical research. He is a past President of the RROCA (Victoria Branch) and a long standing member of the RREC, the RROC Inc as well as the 20-Ghost Club. Howard is a passionate admirer of Sir Henry Royce and his dedication to engineering excellence and also the history of the Rolls-Royce Company. He has a keen interest in the Foundation archives and is dedicated to see the SHRF fulfill its objectives.. Frank Carroll Frank Carroll is a retired Solicitor in Queensland, with decades of work in charities and community organisations enriching our society. Now the custodian of several Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars, he is a member of the RREC(UK) and serves in the Queensland Branch of RROCA, where he is Chief Judge. Inspired by the engineering genius of Charles Rolls, W.O. Bentley and especially Sir Henry Royce, Frank is keen to see this Foundation fulfill its objectives, with an active presence in Queensland at the "Coolum Showroom" since October 2018. Wallace Moorhouse Wallace Moorhouse is a Foundation Member of the Queensland Branch (1969). Served on Branch Committee including periods as President, Secretary, Treasurer and Registrar. Assisted in organising several Annual Federal Rallies in Queensland and participated in most “Overlander” runs since 1997. Served as Federal Delegate on numerous occasions. Served as Federal Secretary from 2009 to 2014. Honorary Life Member 2007. Established the Current Federal Member and Car Database in 2010 and been Federal Database Administrator since and assisted in preparation of Chassis Plate. Ian Oliver Ian is a long-time member of RROCA ACT and brings an accounting and commercial background to the SHRF. Ian is currently the treasurer of RROCA Ltd. Ian’s has a serious interest in motoring and includes many different unique makes and models in his collection. His first Bentley was a 1951 Bentley Mk VI bought over twenty years ago and from that time onwards his passion for Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars grew to be a passion. Ian became a Trustee of the SHRF in 2024 and has also established the SHRF Canberra Showroom in Fyshwick ACT along with a display of his other makes in Ollies’ Garage. Ian and Tina Oliver are truly committed to the engineering excellence of Sir Henry and Ian has a particular interest in the past history and provenance of Rolls-Royce motor cars. In 2018 Ian shipped his Bentley Mark VI Park Ward Drophead Coupe to the UK for the RREC Rally and won much acclaim for its outstanding presentation. In Memoriam June 2021: Malcolm Johns was an initial Founding Trustee. Malcolm died in Sydney on 8/6/21. His legal knowledge and advice was instrumental for the Foundation's structure in 1996 and he remained a Trustee for eighteen years - read more.... Please CLICK HERE to read our list of past Trustees.

  • Foundation Archives - VIC | hrfoundation

    Foundation Archives - VIC To download the current register of Australian Archives please click HERE . Updated May 2024. To contact the Sir Henry Royce Foundation Archivists, please click HERE to email. The Archive Register is a list of donated items and property held by the Sir Henry Royce Foundation - Australia. The purpose of this Register is to properly record, and maintain, a list of all items donated to, and acquired by, the Sir Henry Royce Foundation, Australia (SHRFA). It provides for donors’ names to be recorded and each item numbered, identified, described, categorised and valued. Items acquired by the Foundation are included in the Register under the category of Property. Every item will bear a unique Accession Number which will consist of a Code Letter followed by a chronological Item Number and in some cases a Sub Number where a particular donation contains a number of separate items. The Accession Number will be written on the item or attached to the item on a sticker. A reminder of the Research Prize for use of the Archive Register - please click HERE for the entry form. SHRF - Royce solenoid (as told by Gibert Ralph) Play Video Our Oldest Archive Watch Now Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Share Channel Info Close

  • Sir Henry Royce Foundation

    Sir Henry Royce Foundation (Australia). Created to preserve the heritage of the past in relation to items manufactured by Rolls-Royce and Bentley, the history of the Founders and all printed material relating to the Company’s automobiles and aircraft engines. The Sir Henry Royce Foundation The evolving role of Henry Royce engineering. Enter Site

  • Sir Henry - Short Stories | hrfoundation

    Sir Henry - Short Stories The Foundation's Historian David Neely , has written a set of 10 short stories covering important aspects of Sir Henry's life. David's research is, as always, meticulous. We hope you enjoy this series. 1. His Early Years 2. Career 1877 to 1897 3. Sir Henry's Statue 4. Sir Henry's Motto 5. The Schneider Trophy 6. His Portrait 7. Baronetcy 8. Coats of Arms 9. The Memorial Window 10. His Funeral

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The archival resource and repository for all Rolls-Royce and Bentley heritage material in Australia.

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