COCKTAIL BAR MASTERCLASS
COCKTAIL BAR MASTERCLASS Make your own creation Contact Central Reservations Pall Mall, Cocktail BarSaturday 20 September, Saturday 18 October and Saturday 15 November, 3.30-5.00pm Join us each month for an interactive cocktail making experience led by our very own mixologist team. Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival before getting hands-on creative. With each masterclass being a different theme, our mixologists will be letting you in on their expert secrets and will be guiding you through making two of your own cocktails, before sitting back and enjoying your drinks. Price: Member and Guest £45.00Includes: Welcome drink on arrival, masterclass and two cocktails to make and enjoy For further information or to book, please contact the Central Reservations team on 020 7747 3474.
ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB ANNOUNCES FINALISTS OF MOTORING BOOK OF THE YEAR
ROYAL AUTOMOBILE CLUB ANNOUNCES FINALISTS OF MOTORING BOOK OF THE YEAR The Club has revealed the finalists for its 2025 Motoring Book of the Year Awards, widely regarded as the most prestigious accolades in motoring and motor racing literature. Now in their twelfth year, the Awards continue to celebrate excellence across the entire spectrum of motoring publishing – from autobiographies and marque histories to technical works and even a children’s book. The winners, including the coveted overall Motoring Book of the Year, will be announced at a special ceremony at the Club’s historic Pall Mall clubhouse on Wednesday, 29 October 2025. Jeremy Vaughan, Head of Motoring at the Club, commented: “We founded these Awards in 2013 to recognise excellence and celebrate success in the motoring literary world. They have become the Oscars of the motoring book world, and each year we are thrilled by the quality and breadth of entries. Our sincere thanks go to the judges, who had an especially tough task this year narrowing the field to this exceptional shortlist.” Books published between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025 were eligible, with categories covering both motoring and motor sport subjects in affordable and premium editions. In addition to the category winners, the judges will present the overall Motoring Book of the Year Trophy to the single title they believe stands above all others, while the Graham Robson Trophy will honour the Best Debut Author. The Lifetime Achievement Award will recognise an individual’s outstanding contribution to the world of writing and publishing about motoring and motorsport. Simon Taylor, Chairman of the judging panel, added “This has been a bumper year for entries, the biggest in the Awards’ history with fifty books submitted from major publishers to independents and self-published authors. The debate was lively, with each title judged for originality, research, writing style, illustration quality, and production values. It has been a delight to see such impressive and diverse titles across all categories, and the calibre of the finalists is exceptionally high.” In strictly alphabetical order, the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Book of the Year 2025 finalists are: Books About Motor Cars & Motoring (under £50.00) DeLorean: The Rise, Fall and Second Acts of the DeLorean Motor Company – Matt Stone (Motorbooks, £30.00) Ford Mustang 60 Years – Donald Farr (Motorbooks, £40.00) Meyers Manx 1964–2024 – Basem Wasef (Hothouse Media, £49.50) Super3 Design by Adventure – Andy Plumb (Lead-in Design Ltd, £49.99) Books About Motor Cars & Motoring (no price limit) Joseph Figoni: Le Grand Couturier de la Carrosserie Automobile Vol. II–IV: Bugatti – Peter M. Larsen & Ben Erickson (Moteurs!, £650.00) Power Unleashed: Trailblazers who Energised Engines with Supercharging and Turbocharging – Karl Ludvigsen (Evro Publishing, £395.00) Spy Octane: The Vehicles of James Bond (Vol. 1) – Matt Field & Ajay Chowdhury (Porter Press International, £99.00) The Magic of a Shadow – Davide Bassoli (Nubes Argentea, £215.00) Motor Sporting Subject (under £50.00) A.J. Foyt – Vol. 1: Survivor, Champion, Legend – Art Garner (Octane Press, £37.00) Forever Young: Six Lost Talents of Motor Racing – Ian Wagstaff, Andrew Marriott, Jon Saltinstall and Darren Banks (BHP Publishing, £40.00) Racing Legends: Lando Norris – Maurice Hamilton (Macmillan Children’s Books, £6.99) The Grand Prix Year: An Insider’s Guide to Formula 1 Racing – Phillip Horton (Bloomsbury, £20.00) Motor Sporting Subject (no price limit) On the Prowl: The Definitive History of the Walkinshaw Jaguar Sports Car Team – Neil Smith (David Bull Publishing, £100.00) My Travels On Racer Road: Can-Am and Formula 1 in their golden age – Pete Lyons (Evro Publishing, £70.00) Texas Legend: Jim Hall and his Chaparrals – George Levy (Evro Publishing, £60.00) Ultimate Ford GT40: The Definitive History Vol. 1 – Ronnie Spain (Porter Press International, £325.00) Best Debut Author (Graham Robson Trophy) De Tomaso: Racing Blue Blood – Alejo Pérez Monsalvo & Marcel Schaub (McKlein Media, £295.00) Driving the Dragon: The Rise of the Chinese Car Industry – Mark Andrews (Veloce/David & Charles, £19.99) Le Mans 2000-09: The Official History of the World’s Greatest Motor Race – John Brooks (Evro Publishing, £70.00) On the Prowl: The Definitive History of the Walkinshaw Jaguar Sports Car Team – Neil Smith (David Bull Publishing, £100.00) Judging Panel The Awards are judged by six experts who are independent of the Royal Automobile Club, and represent the UK’s most informed motoring literary critics, including Mick Walsh (Classic & Sports Car), Damien Smith (Motor Sport), Mark Dixon (Octane), Ian Titchmarsh (British Racing Drivers’ Club) and representing the retail sector Ben Horton (Horton’s Books), and Christian Whitehead (Blackwell’s). The judging panel is chaired by respected motorsport writer, commentator and historian Simon Taylor. The Awards form part of the Royal Automobile Club’s London Motor Week (27 October – 2 November 2025), which culminates with two landmark public events. On Saturday 1 November, the St James’s Motoring Spectacle will see Pall Mall closed to traffic for a free, one-day celebration of motoring past, present and future, showcasing the latest in automotive technology and career opportunities while also acting as a preview to the following day’s RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Held on Sunday 2 November, the Run is the world’s longest-running motoring event, now in its 129th year, and begins at dawn in Hyde Park.
ARCHIE CHATWIN TAKES ON WOODCOTE PARK SQUASH PROFESSIONAL ROLE
ARCHIE CHATWIN TAKES ON WOODCOTE PARK SQUASH PROFESSIONAL ROLE Starting Monday 8 September We are excited to announce Archie Chatwin will be taking over as our new Woodcote Park Squash Professional starting Monday 8 September. Archie has worked at the Club since January this year as Pall Mall Squash Professional with notable success in building the Junior Squash Programme, providing member lessons, coordinating Club Nights, introducing HIIT programmes, organising interclub Junior Team matches and representing the Club Team in the Surrey Cup. He has achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 604 and holds a Level 2 Squash Coaching qualification. Prior to joining the Club, he served as Head Coach at Surrey Sports Park, where he refined his expertise in coaching players across a broad range of abilities. Archie is enthusiastic about working with our members, whether they are new to the game or seeking to elevate their performance. His energy and enjoyment of squash coaching will enable us to continue the strength in the Cedars Sports squash programme for the future. We are delighted to have Archie as part of our team at Cedars Sports and look forward to the valuable contributions he will make to our squash programme. Warm regards, Patrick Foster Head Squash Professional
WOODCOTE PARK FESTIVE FAIR
Woodcote Park Festive Fair Now a festive favourite in the Club calendar, all are welcome to come along to browse the fabulous selection of stalls selling crafts, jewellery, clothing, quirky gifts and unique items. To add further festive cheer, why not drop into our children’s craft workshop and finish with a visit to Father Christmas and his elves? This is a complimentary event. Due to parking restrictions, we ask members to book in advance into one of the sessions to ensure an even spread of attendees throughout the day. Book 11.00am-12.30pm Book 12.30-2.00pm Book 2.00-3.00pm
AUTUMN PERSONAL TRAINING
AUTUMN PERSONAL TRAINING Whether you want to gain muscle, lose weight or increase your mobility, our professionals are here to support you. Pall Mall and Woodcote ParkThroughout September and October Motivation can be a struggle at this time of year, so why not take the pressure off and allow our Personal Trainers to create a tailored training package that is right for you. Expect guidance and support throughout your fitness journey. Three 60-minute Sessions: £168.00Eight 60-minute Sessions: £432.00 (Woodcote Park only) Please note, these packages are only available with the Club’s in-house trainers. For more information or to book, please email Pall Mall Sports or Cedars Sports.
ALL ABOUT THE GLOW
ALL ABOUT THE GLOW Book our All About the Glow facial for your post-summer skin transformation. Pall Mall and Woodcote ParkThroughout September and October This advanced treatment turns up your glow with instant and visible results for brighter and healthier looking skin. Book this facial and receive a complimentary Most Revealing product worth £40.00. For more information and to book, please telephone Pall Mall Sports on 020 7747 3365 or Cedars Sports on 01372 229 266.
TASTE OF SRI LANKA WITH CHEF CHARITH MALLAWA
Taste of Sri Lanka by Chef Charith Mallawa Book Now Woodcote Park, Fountain BrasserieThroughout September Our very own Chef Charith Mallawa and the Fountain brigade will be showcasing the cuisine of his Sri Lankan homeland. Choose from dishes such Jaffna spiced lamb with devilled potato gratin or pan-sealed hake fillet with masala potato cake and grilled broccoli. Please view the menu. Three courses: £37.00 For further information and to book, please visit the Booking Centre or telephone the Central Reservations Team on 020 7747 3474.
BACK TO BUSINESS
Back to Business Host your next meeting in the Simms Business Centre Book Now Pall Mall, Simms Business CentreThroughout September The summer holidays are over and children are back to school – so bring your team together for an off-site meeting at your Club. Book a meeting for six or more people in the Simms Business Centre to take place during September and receive a 15 per cent discount on a full or half day room hire. A minimum of six people per booking is required for the discount to apply. Alternatively, book the Day Delegate Rate which includes a one-course lunch with soft drinks in the Long Bar. Our fully equipped, air-conditioned meeting rooms are designed to meet all your offsite needs. For further information about the meeting rooms or to make a booking, please email the Simms Business Centre Reception Desk or telephone 020 7747 3349.
VICTOR RILEY 1935-2025
Victor Riley 1935-2025 Victor Riley was one of the last genuinely direct links with the founding fathers of the British motor industry. He knew his grandfather William Riley when the old man was 90 and Victor was five in 1939, and even then found the Victorian industrialist a little intimidating. William Riley Jnr was the latest in a long line of Coventry weavers when, in 1890, he joined the goldrush in bicycle manufacture that was sweeping Coventry. Yet it was his five sons (including Victor’s father, also known as Victor) who transformed the business into car-making 15 years later, initially against his will. This soon led to the exceptional Riley Nine in 1927 that brought commercial success and motor racing laurels. Victor Riley, born in 1935, was too young to join the family firm, which was sold to Lord Nuffield in 1938, instead following a career in component manufacturing with what became a part of GKN. But his passion was always the Riley marque, which he expressed through owning the cars and campaigning unceasingly to keep interest in them alive. In the 1990s, his efforts almost succeeded in a revival of the marque under BMW. He did, however, help establish a permanent home for The Riley Archive in Coventry’s Canal Basin, pouring his energy into raising funds and promoting it at dinners and in local schools. He also initiated a replica of the very first car (the original having been lost) that was designed by his Uncle Percy when he himself was a 16-year-old schoolboy. Victor carried this same sense of tradition into his daily life. He travelled the country by train, right up until last year, and never owned a mobile phone or used email. Everything with Victor was done by letter or by telephone call – even event reservations. Victor became a Club member on 24 November 1958 at the age of 23, when his family purchased Life Membership for him. In January 2016, he proudly joined the Senior 100. Over the years, he was a vibrant and dedicated presence at Club events – full of energy and warmth, generous with his time, and always enthusiastic about keeping the Riley spirit alive. We will remember him not only as a custodian of the marque’s history, but as a kind and engaging friend whose enthusiasm drew others in. Our condolences go to his family and friends.
CLUB CONTRIBUTES TO NEW POLICIES AT DVLA THAT SUPPORT THE CLASSIC CAR INDUSTRY
Club contributes to new policies at DVLA that support the Classic Car industry This is great news for owners and enthusiasts anxious to keep their car’s identity after major restoration or conversion work. The Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has listened to genuine concerns highlighted by the Royal Automobile Club and other organisations on behalf of the historic car sector and reframed its policies, rewarding what Minister for the Future of Roads Lilian Greenwood calls the “love, time and effort” that goes into keeping veteran, vintage and classic vehicles on the road. The Club has engaged with the DVLA since 2020 and was a Founder member of the Historic Vehicle User Group (HVUG) that has been central in developing the new changes in policy. For cars that have been repaired or restored back to their original working specifications, owners are no longer required to notify the DVLA of the work. This is on the condition that components or body panels are replaced on a strict like-for-like basis, and that the appearance of the car is faithful to how it was when brand new. It is also dependent on none of the Vehicle logbook (V5C) details being affected. Meanwhile, cars that have received major modifications must still have these alterations – such as cutting into the structure, bodywork changes, non-standard engines, or conversion to using an electric drivetrain – notified to the DVLA. However, such vehicles will now be able to keep their original Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) and registration numbers. The new policies come into effect on Tuesday, 26 August, and are seen as a vote of confidence in the wider historic car industry and modern restoration techniques. The DVLA says the revised policies make it ‘significantly easier for enthusiasts to register repaired, restored and modified vehicles.’ “These changes are about cutting red tape and making life easier for enthusiasts, whether you’re restoring a vintage gem or converting it to electric,” added Lilian Greenwood. “It’s all about celebrating the UK’s amazing motoring heritage and helping the industry thrive well into the future.” “The Royal Automobile Club is delighted that it can still support motorists 128 years after it was founded and welcomes these positive measures that will support the Historic Car movement”, said the Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, Duncan Wiltshire. Further Information