On Friday 19th April, Coleman Milne became the centre for Rolls Royce enthusiast for the day. Members of the Northern Section of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club visited the limousine and hearse manufacturing headquarters of Coleman Milne for a factory visit.
As would befit such a grand occasion, members transported themselves to the event in their finest Rolls Royce motorcars. Models ranged from a 1937 20/30, a 1954 Daimler Conquest, a 1955 Bentley R Type, a 1956 Bentley S1, with many more examples from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
Following a welcome cup of tea, members where welcomed by Group Sales & Marketing Director, Geoff Hudson. The visitors where then treated to a full tour of the Coleman Milne manufacturing facility, which proved enthralling to everyone. Comments like “this brings back the memories” where liberally flowing.
As an added interest to Coleman Milne, one member, listed as Hugo Milne, turned out to be the youngest son of Coleman Milne founder, Roderick Milne. Hugo explained he was 15 years old when his father sold the business to the Hawley group. A teenager he might have been, but his knowledge and passion for the business was astonishing, even knowing some members of staff as he took his trip down memory lane. Later in the day, Hugo e-mailed various links to internet websites showing clips of Coleman Milne vehicles from the past, the most famous being when Princess Diana left hospital with her first son William, she was collected in a Coleman Milne “Windsor” estate car.
As the tour concluded, a sandwich lunch was enjoyed by everyone. Section Chairman John Beecroft, thanked Geoff and the team at Coleman Milne on behalf of the members and donated a cheque to Bolton Hospice as thanks for the free time and effort provided by Coleman Milne.