A Brief History of the Beginnings of the Club

Condensed from a 2002 article by Mark Babidge

The Rolls-Royce Owners' Club of Australia, Western Australia Branch, was officially founded on Saturday May 6, 1965. Before this, there had been some preliminary discussions among a number of Rolls-Royce enthusiasts, led by the great enthusiast and tireless Veteran Car Club identity the late Percy Markham.

Percy at that time owned several Rolls-Royce cars: 3 Silver Ghosts, a 20 hp, a 20-25, and a Phantom 3. The idea was taking hold that there ought to be a WA Club dedicated the R-R motor cars. Earliest discussions were between Markham, Dick Williams, Brian Meegan and famous cartoonist Paul Rigby.

Markham approach the then Federal President of the R-ROC, Gavin Sandford-Morgan, and the project got the green light subject to enough members signing up to make the Branch viable. The foundation meeting was held at the OBH, with the following making up the complete attendance roll:

Not all of the membership was able to attend this meeting: membership actually amounted to 22. A few weeks later the first General Meeting was held, with Arthur McComb, Con and Val Keogh and Vin Warrender joining. Touring rallies began almost immediately, first to Yanchep and then to Canning Dam.

Forty years on, the Club membership is well over 100, and, miraculous as it may seem, we still have at least 3 of those 1965 members still active in the Club. Arthur McComb still has the 20-25 he drove on the first club-run, and of course Con Keogh and Val Keogh have been very active in many roles, both having a turn as Club President.

The Presidential Roll of Honour

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