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ReThe Wgorld of t Prersoanal Nunmber sPlatesf e Issue 51 rs

Jay Kay of Under the Hammer

Viruses and lockdowns may come and go live auctions impractical, so these last but the private number plate market three events all took place online. marches on! March’s auction offered 2250 lots for sale. Seriously, we have all experienced a very We saw some great opportunities for bargain hunters as a couple of decent worrying time and, no doubt, there are still 2250 lots were available for bidders to word numbers, HU57 LED and LUN 471C, challenges ahead but that makes it all the choose from and there was plenty of were snapped up for relatively modest more encouraging to see signs of activity. Highlights included 86 A, which prices. Both could prove to be worthwhile economic activity and indications that sold for £111,814, SUN 1A (£45,174), 9 YK investments. people are doing their best to live life as (£40,012), 1 NAB (£36,186) and 10 RA normally as possible. May’s auction of 1250 numbers produced (£33,104). September’s notable sales some spectacular results. Unassailable included 45 S (£66,861), IG 11 (£34,774), The personal registrations market has champion of the bout was J42 MES, 8 OSH (£33,618) and 80 SCH (£32,861). repeatedly proven itself to be surprisingly achieving an all-in price of £102,826. resilient during difficult times: the industry Elsewhere, two more spectacular private Runners up included 4 RS (£95,109), IG 5 sales were recorded: fared well in the aftermath of the 2008 (£87,739), 88 O (£57,899) and 8 YK On Saturday 26th September J4, a Jersey financial crisis and has remained very (£47,973). Once again, there were also registration, sold for a hammer price of active even during the Covid-19 pandemic. bargains to be found. 54 LAM (“Salam”) £380,000 at Glencoe Auctions. This sold for £23,860 but we can easily imagine This resilience has been demonstrated completely obliterated Jersey’s previous this one achieving a higher price should again in the recent DVLA auctions of newly record of £91,000, achieved by J68 in the right buyer be tempted. released numbers that took place in May, 2019. The second heavyweight was LFC 1. July and September of this year. Clearly, Continuing the upwards trajectory of There can be no better number plate for a public health considerations have made auction prices, July’s sale was a corker. Liverpool FC football fan, so this was always going to do well. While the auctioneer’s pre-sale estimate struck us as May 2020 July 2020 September 2020 being unrealistic, LFC 1 still made a higher J42 MES £102,826 86 A £111,814 45 S £66,861 price than we expected. £125,062 including fees is a fantastic price that, 4 RS £95,109 SUN 1A £45,174 IG 11 £34,774 once again, demonstrates the vitality that IG 5 £87,739 9 YK £40,012 8 OSH £33,618 continues to flourish in the private 88 O £57,899 1 NAB £36,186 80 SCH £32,861 registration market. Long may it continue! 8 YK £47,973 10 RA £33,104 360 A £26,428 1 YLA £39,255 ARJ 1S £32,629 XJM 1 £25,773 611 S £33,477 8 UV £30,780 4 XP £22,691 23 GTS £31,076 1 KVN £30,549 81 CKS £22,075 5 XP £25,773 72 OO £30,267 7 UO £22,062 54 LAM £23,860 XKS 1 £29,625 1 WOB £21,947

The Regtransfers Auction

Not to be outdone, we have successfully marketplace to ensure that the transfer registrations, it can be a daunting hosted our own online auction for many process is overseen securely and legally by experience for customers unfamiliar with years. Regtransfers staff. the industry. We aim to offer the most What is the number plate auction? If you have any questions, or need any straightforward, most secure and best help, please remember that we have staff overall online auction facility for buying The number plate auction is a premium and selling registration marks in the UK. online service that provides customers the here every day, who will be happy to speak www.regtransfers.co.uk/auction opportunity to list their plates in an online to you. auction for others to bid on. It also offers Why you should sell with us buyers an excellent opportunity to purchase Regtransfers have been trading since 1982 registration marks securely in an online and draw upon this immense industry auction environment. Our auction differs experience to deliver a safe and secure from many other online auctions in that we service. We understand that, with the rules specialise in selling registration marks and and regulations governing the transfer of draw on over 35 years experience in the Under the Hammer Jay Viruses and lockdowns may come and go live auctions impractical, so these last but the private number plate market three events all took place online. marches on! March’s auction offered 2250 lots for sale. Seriously, we have all experienced a very We saw some great opportunities for kay bargain hunters as a couple of decent worrying time and, no doubt, there are still 2250 lots were available for bidders to word numbers, HU57 LED and LUN 471C, challenges ahead but that makes it all the choose from and there was plenty of were snapped up for relatively modest more encouraging to see signs of activity. Highlights included 86 A, which prices. Both could prove to be worthwhile economic activity and indications that sold for £111,814, SUN 1A (£45,174), 9 YK Few musicians can boast a investments. people are doing their best to live life as (£40,012), 1 NAB (£36,186) and 10 RA silhouette so distinctive that it can normally as possible. May’s auction of 1250 numbers produced (£33,104). September’s notable sales be used as a logo or a trademark. some spectacular results. Unassailable included 45 S (£66,861), IG 11 (£34,774), A good hat can make all the The personal registrations market has champion of the bout was J42 MES, 8 OSH (£33,618) and 80 SCH (£32,861). difference to an image and there is repeatedly proven itself to be surprisingly no greater master of the hat than achieving an all-in price of £102,826. resilient during difficult times: the industry Elsewhere, two more spectacular private Jay Kay, frontman of acid-jazz Runners up included 4 RS (£95,109), IG 5 sales were recorded: favourites Jamiroquai. Even fared well in the aftermath of the 2008 (£87,739), 88 O (£57,899) and 8 YK On Saturday 26th September J4, a Jersey Mountie-headed Pharrell Williams must financial crisis and has remained very (£47,973). Once again, there were also registration, sold for a hammer price of settle for a distant second place where active even during the Covid-19 pandemic. bargains to be found. 54 LAM (“Salam”) headgear dominance is concerned. £380,000 at Glencoe Auctions. This sold for £23,860 but we can easily imagine This resilience has been demonstrated completely obliterated Jersey’s previous Despite the instantly recognisable horned this one achieving a higher price should again in the recent DVLA auctions of newly record of £91,000, achieved by J68 in outline of Jamiroquai’s famous ‘Buffalo the right buyer be tempted. released numbers that took place in May, 2019. The second heavyweight was LFC 1. Man’ logo - reportedly based on a sketch singer Jay Kay did of himself - you’d be July and September of this year. Clearly, Continuing the upwards trajectory of There can be no better number plate for a hard-pressed to find a photograph of Kay public health considerations have made auction prices, July’s sale was a corker. Liverpool FC football fan, so this was actually wearing such a contraption. All always going to do well. While the manner of elaborate titfers, yes: a Buffalo auctioneer’s pre-sale estimate struck us as Man hat… not so much, if at all. May 2020 July 2020 September 2020 being unrealistic, LFC 1 still made a higher Nevertheless, that silhouette has been the J42 MES £102,826 86 A £111,814 45 S £66,861 price than we expected. £125,062 enduring image of both singer and band including fees is a fantastic price that, since it first appeared on the cover of the 4 RS £95,109 SUN 1A £45,174 IG 11 £34,774 once again, demonstrates the vitality that 1993 debut album Emergency on Planet IG 5 £87,739 9 YK £40,012 8 OSH £33,618 continues to flourish in the private Earth. 88 O £57,899 1 NAB £36,186 80 SCH £32,861 registration market. Long may it continue! From the 1990s onwards, Jamiroquai supplied us with a highly successful stream 8 YK 10 RA 360 A £47,973 £33,104 £26,428 of relentlessly danceable tunes and some 1 YLA £39,255 ARJ 1S £32,629 XJM 1 £25,773 classic videos. Even now, the MTV Award-winning video for Jamiroquai’s 611 S £33,477 8 UV £30,780 4 XP £22,691 single ‘Virtual Insanity’ compares 23 GTS £31,076 1 KVN £30,549 81 CKS £22,075 favourably with big-budget current 5 XP £25,773 72 OO £30,267 7 UO £22,062 offerings. The baffling movement of the floor, the props and Jay Kay himself in that 54 LAM £23,860 XKS 1 £29,625 1 WOB £21,947 video were achieved using real-world, mechanical effects that are, somehow, at least as satisfying as any present-day CGI mock-up could be. We had the pleasure of visiting Jay Kay recently when we delivered the number The Regtransfers Auction plates for his new JAY 1K personal registration. As you probably know, especially if you’ve caught one of his Not to be outdone, we have successfully marketplace to ensure that the transfer registrations, it can be a daunting several appearances on BBC’s Top Gear, hosted our own online auction for many process is overseen securely and legally by experience for customers unfamiliar with the man is as famous for his love of cars, years. Regtransfers staff. the industry. We aim to offer the most especially supercars, as he is for his music. He is also a valued Regtransfers What is the number plate auction? If you have any questions, or need any straightforward, most secure and best customer, having purchased many terrific help, please remember that we have staff overall online auction facility for buying The number plate auction is a premium and selling registration marks in the UK. registrations from us over the years, online service that provides customers the here every day, who will be happy to speak including JAM numbers as well as www.regtransfers.co.uk/auction opportunity to list their plates in an online to you. name- and car-related registrations. We were delighted to be able to hand over yet auction for others to bid on. It also offers Why you should sell with us another set of fantastic personal plates. buyers an excellent opportunity to purchase Regtransfers have been trading since 1982 Although he has enjoyed a wide range of registration marks securely in an online and draw upon this immense industry models from different brands from BMW, auction environment. Our auction differs experience to deliver a safe and secure Audi and Mercedes to Lamborghini, from many other online auctions in that we service. We understand that, with the rules Porsche and, or course, Ferrari. One of his specialise in selling registration marks and and regulations governing the transfer of best known acquisitions was a bright green draw on over 35 years experience in the Ferrari Laferrari that he owned from new but then put up for sale in 2019 with just Jay Kay put his new JAY 1K plate on his Ferrari Lusso Shooting Brake. 1900 miles on the clock! Having owned over relates to the model of the car. It just The car left the factory 100 cars, when Jay Kay was asked in 2017 completes the picture.” wearing Grigio Ferro paint, which was his favourite of them all, he That same aversion to dullness and which is pretty cool, but picked his 1968, royal blue Porsche 911S. homogeneity and preference for character the frontman of “Before I could walk, I was playing with and variety drives Jay Kay’s preference for Jamiroquai took it over to cars. As a little boy, I spent a lot of time on supercars. He is attracted to that which is Topaz Detailing in London the road travelling with my mum [jazz more than ordinary. where they gave it a lick of Rolls-Royce Purple Silk. singer Karen Kay] to shows and, at that “1970s supercars were rare things and the time in the early 70s, the range of cars that people who bought them were invariably at So, is this a wrap or a new coat of paint? A bit of both. In a multi-stage process they called you could see and the differences in them the top of their game. They were far less Topazskin, the detailers have a sprayed-on were far easier to spot than today. These accessible then they are now, in terms of finish that’s also removable while protecting days they’re a little bland in my opinion. both cost and performance and there is the factory paint. I am from an era when they built some something magic in that.” great cars that were emotionally more Ferrari would have asked tens of thousands Jay Kay’s first car was a 1972 BMW 1602. inspiring and individual than they are of dollars for this look, but the custom respray Not only was it the car he learned to drive today.” is a fraction of that cost. Best of all, nobody in but it was, reputedly, also the car in else on the road has anything like it. Jay Kay isn’t a fan of contemporary which he composed many of the tunes that Jay Kay calls his car “Cosmic” and, while we registration numbers as issued to cars by would appear on Emergency on Planet agree, it does launch us into a completely default and much prefers something more Earth. It certainly sported styling that is different discussion. You see, this feels like a appropriate. “I find that today’s [format of] pretty far removed from today’s BMWs. throwback kind of look, and it immediately number plates can look quite ugly on cars Jay clearly had a significant emotional makes us think back to a purple Lamborghini and it is always nice to have a number that connection to the 1602 as he hung on to it Diablo he drove many years ago in the iconic music video for “Cosmic Girl.”

www.topazdetailing.com

and didn’t sell it until earlier this year. We can’t help wondering if he would have been equally inspired to compose in a 2020 production Beemer. These days, Jay Kay has rather more comfortable songwriting facilities at his disposal but he still finds his focus wandering at times. “I get a melody in my head and then build it up with chords and hope it develops into something good, but when I’m writing and recording I just want to be out on the stage Jay kay Jay kay

Even before the enforced break imposed “There was a lot of The Beatles, by the virus, Jay Kay had endured a period Stevie Wonder and jazz in the house when of inactivity due to a back injury he I was young and my mum sang a lot of sustained in 2017. jazz. To be honest there was a bit of “I am not sure how it happened but it could everything going on, from Elton to Elgar.” have been jumping on the trampoline with With the period of inactivity following his my daughter. Now that I am 50, I realise injury and the performance hiatus due to that I shouldn’t be doing that again in a the pandemic, Jay Kay must have found hurry! It was heartbreaking to have to himself listening to a lot of music. What postpone the dates but people were great comprises his day-to-day playlist? about it and came to the rescheduled “Well, I’ve got a broad range including shows.” anything from rock to classical. My When he eventually did get back onstage, favourite stuff is jazz-funk but it can be Jay Kay found his movement somewhat anything: Latin, jazz, hip hop, disco, rock. limited by the injury, at least early on, but To relax these days, however, I am very into every cloud has a silver lining and the my classical stuff.” singer realised that dancing a little less The break from the day job has also given energetically left him with more breath for Jay Kay more time to be a family man. singing, so his vocal performance actually While accepting the Broadcast Music Inc benefited to some extent. President’s Award in 2017, he finally ended The influence of Jamiroquai has been cited speculation by confirming that he and his by a range of artists. Pharrell Williams (in partner Maria had married. The couple doing it live. On the other hand, when I am whom the influence appears to have been have two daughters; the eldest is named in the middle of a tour, which can be very in headwear as well as music), Tyler the Carla and the youngest is Tallulah. tiring, I just want to be back in the studio.” Creator and Calvin Harris have named the Jay Kay’s song ‘Carla’ from Automaton was band. In turn, Jay Kay has acknowledged Touring has been an interrupted process written about his eldest daughter and the those who provided inspiration for him, for Jamiroquai over the last couple of lyrics, a promise of care and protection, including funk and jazz legends Sly Stone, years. Obviously, as with all touring music hint at how profoundly the arrival of Roy Ayers and Herbie Hancock, ‘godfather artists, the band’s plans have been children has affected the way Jay Kay sees of rap’ Gil Scott-Heron and others. ravaged by the global Covid-19 pandemic. the world. Although Jay Kay has denied that Performances in front of live audiences Interview: Angela Banh Stevie Wonder was a strong influence - have been impossible and restrictions on Story: Rick Cadger presence in the musical mix that formed personal contact between band members Photography: Stan Thompson, Amy England the soundtrack to his early life. despite a have made even rehearsal impractical. certain, coincidental, similarity in vocal “At the moment, with the lockdown, the quality- despite a certain, coincidental, future is definitely on hold until I can get similarity in vocal quality - he readily admits back into the studio later in the year,” Wonder’s presence in the musical mix that Jay Kay says. formed the soundtrack to his early life.

The Jamiroquai Funkography Year Album Peak UK Chart Position ______1993 Emergency on Planet Earth 1 1994 The Return of the Space Cowboy 2 1996 Travelling Without Moving 2 1999 Synkronized 1 2001 A Funk Odyssey 1 2005 Dynamite 3 2010 Rock Dust Light Star 7 2017 Automaton 4 Anglia Holdings

nutritional products in the UK. We own Tree Even before the enforced break imposed “There was a lot of The Beatles, of Life Ltd, The Health Store, Higher Nature by the virus, Jay Kay had endured a period Stevie Wonder and jazz in the house when vitamins, minerals and supplements brand of inactivity due to a back injury he I was young and my mum sang a lot of and Peppersmith confectionary.” sustained in 2017. jazz. To be honest there was a bit of The Anglia Holdings Ltd group also “I am not sure how it happened but it could everything going on, from Elton to Elgar.” comprises machine tool trading, property have been jumping on the trampoline with With the period of inactivity following his and asset management and business consultancy. my daughter. Now that I am 50, I realise injury and the performance hiatus due to that I shouldn’t be doing that again in a the pandemic, Jay Kay must have found Away from work, Michael’s personal hurry! It was heartbreaking to have to himself listening to a lot of music. What number plate collection includes two postpone the dates but people were great comprises his day-to-day playlist? splendid matching MJC plates about it and came to the rescheduled (incorporating his middle initial, J for John) “Well, I’ve got a broad range including shows.” on a brace of Rolls Royces, “MJC 60 is on anything from rock to classical. My the latest model of the Phantom” he tells When he eventually did get back onstage, favourite stuff is jazz-funk but it can be us, “and 60 MJC is on my Wraith.” Jay Kay found his movement somewhat anything: Latin, jazz, hip hop, disco, rock. limited by the injury, at least early on, but To relax these days, however, I am very into www.angliaholdings.com The Staffordshire-based Anglia Holdings the group’s other companies and XL 4 on every cloud has a silver lining and the my classical stuff.” group of companies is owned by Michael a Porsche, pictured here with Harminder singer realised that dancing a little less The break from the day job has also given Cole, who has equipped two of his prestige Chahal of XL Associates Accountants. energetically left him with more breath for Jay Kay more time to be a family man. cars with Anglia Holdings Ltd number singing, so his vocal performance actually “And there’s more,” Michael says, “my While accepting the Broadcast Music Inc plates branded with the company initials. benefited to some extent. Range Rover SVO 550 model has DDZ 34. President’s Award in 2017, he finally ended “F1 AHL is on my Virage special limited The vehicles are used when visiting on The influence of Jamiroquai has been cited speculation by confirming that he and his model and F2 AHL is on my Vanquish business” he explains, “and they clearly by a range of artists. Pharrell Williams (in partner Maria had married. The couple Carbon Black version,” he says. “I also have an impact. We don’t promote them doing it live. On the other hand, when I am whom the influence appears to have been have two daughters; the eldest is named have M1 AHL on a GTR.” ostentatiously, but they do suggest a in the middle of a tour, which can be very in headwear as well as music), Tyler the Carla and the youngest is Tallulah. Other business-themed initial plates in degree of success.” tiring, I just want to be back in the studio.” Creator and Calvin Harris have named the Jay Kay’s song ‘Carla’ from Automaton was Michael’s collection include F2 MSL and band. In turn, Jay Kay has acknowledged written about his eldest daughter and the The range of business interests that reside Touring has been an interrupted process F3 MSL for Machinery Systems Ltd, one of those who provided inspiration for him, under the Anglia Holdings umbrella is fairly for Jamiroquai over the last couple of lyrics, a promise of care and protection, including funk and jazz legends Sly Stone, diverse. “Under an investment in Health years. Obviously, as with all touring music hint at how profoundly the arrival of Roy Ayers and Herbie Hancock, ‘godfather Made Easy Group,” Michael tells us, “we artists, the band’s plans have been children has affected the way Jay Kay sees of rap’ Gil Scott-Heron and others. are the leading distributors of health and ravaged by the global Covid-19 pandemic. the world. Although Jay Kay has denied that Performances in front of live audiences Interview: Angela Banh Stevie Wonder was a strong influence - have been impossible and restrictions on Story: Rick Cadger presence in the musical mix that formed personal contact between band members Photography: Stan Thompson, Amy England the soundtrack to his early life. despite a We don’t promote them have made even rehearsal impractical. certain, coincidental, similarity in vocal ostentatiously but they do “At the moment, with the lockdown, the quality- despite a certain, coincidental, suggest a degree of success.” future is definitely on hold until I can get similarity in vocal quality - he readily admits “ back into the studio later in the year,” Wonder’s presence in the musical mix that Jay Kay says. formed the soundtrack to his early life.

Some years ago, Russell Carman worked The first plate Russell acquired was for a butter packing company. The business RCO 28, which was the best he could had been in existence for 113 years, but afford at the time. Early issues with ceased trading in 1989 at which point “creative” spacing of the number plate Russell took it over. He invested in a new characters resulted in Russell being pulled factory and expanded the operation. over twice by the police, so he reverted to the regulation spacing! “I bought butter from all over the world,” says Russell, “blended and packed it and “I also have a Porsche with the number began supplying the UK market as well as SYC 12 and a Mercedes with 22 DC on it.” exporting back to many countries in packet Of course, Russell also owns the splendid form. As a business, maybe not that 29 RC and 3 RC pictured here. exciting but it kept the wolf from the door.”

Russell’s son and daughter now own and run the business although, these days, the packing is outsourced. A few years ago, Alan Keenan bought Airport, was taken over by British Airways in OneHigh Young Fliers a Range Rover for his sister, Anne. The December 1987. following year, as a Christmas gift, he gave Anne and Jonathan decided to stay in the Anne her splendid ANN 3 private number world of aviation and a few years after their ANN 3 plate. You’d Butter Believe It! time at British Caledonian, they decided Anne, a former air hostess, and her to start their own small, executive airline. husband, Captain Jonathan Gordon LyddAir, operating out of Lydd Airport in [pictured here], met while working for Kent. the Scottish airline British Caledonian. At Some years ago, Russell Carman worked The first plate Russell acquired was ‘ANN’ registrations were first issued in one point, Jonathan was the youngest for a butter packing company. The business RCO 28, which was the best he could 1933 by Nottinghamshire County Council. captain the airline had ever had. British had been in existence for 113 years, but afford at the time. Early issues with Caledonian, which operated out of Gatwick www.lyddair.com ceased trading in 1989 at which point “creative” spacing of the number plate Russell took it over. He invested in a new characters resulted in Russell being pulled factory and expanded the operation. over twice by the police, so he reverted to the regulation spacing! “I bought butter from all over the world,” says Russell, “blended and packed it and “I also have a Porsche with the number began supplying the UK market as well as SYC 12 and a Mercedes with 22 DC on it.” exporting back to many countries in packet Of course, Russell also owns the splendid form. As a business, maybe not that 29 RC and 3 RC pictured here. exciting but it kept the wolf from the door.”

Russell’s son and daughter now own and run the business although, these days, the packing is outsourced. “I look forward to your magazine,” says “The process was super easy and very Jonathon King from Tadcaster in North professional,” he says. A Robust Yorkshire. “I really like the stories showing “What made this number extra special people and their prized numbers.” was that my little boy, Jenson, shares my Investment For as long as he can remember, Jonathon initials, which he thinks is great. It was has had an interest in personalised number a considerable investment, but I shall plates. “I’ve still got a couple of JDK plates, never sell it. I will pass it on to Jenson JDK 61N - for my wife, Virginia (‘Gin’) once he drives and it will also be a robust - and JDK 98N, but when I saw 700 JK investment. What other investments advertised on your website. I just had to give so much joy?” have it.” Jonathon bought the number on retention until he could display it on his new pickup.

What other investments “give so much joy?” “I look forward to your magazine,” says “The process was super easy and very Jonathon King from Tadcaster in North professional,” he says. A Robust Yorkshire. “I really like the stories showing Nearly Complete “What made this number extra special people and their prized numbers.” was that my little boy, Jenson, shares my For as long as he can remember, Jonathon initials, which he thinks is great. It was Neil Brown, from Holt in Wiltshire, has I sold both 33 JYD and NBO 367 through Neil. “Although that would be highly unlikely Investment been a cherished numbers fan since, Regtransfers in order to finance its unless I won the lottery.” has had an interest in personalised number a considerable investment, but I shall as a teenager, he used to peruse the purchase.” plates. “I’ve still got a couple of JDK plates, never sell it. I will pass it on to Jenson “Being in the garage business,” Neil says, registration listings in Exchange & Mart. JDK 61N - for my wife, Virginia (‘Gin’) once he drives and it will also be a robust As some readers will know, when issuing “I have, with the help of Regtransfers, Years may have passed but Neil’s - and JDK 98N, but when I saw 700 JK investment. What other investments a series of numbers, the DVLA occasionally helped a lot of clients buy some great enthusiasm for number plates has not advertised on your website. I just had to give so much joy?” holds back selected numbers for various numbers over the years.” diminished. have it.” reasons: they may be numbers that are And Neil still hasn’t finished buying private “My first number was 33 JYD,” he deemed potentially offensive, or there may Jonathon bought the number on retention registrations himself. He recently bought remembers, “which I purchased from a be numbers identified for sale at auction until he could display it on his new pickup. N8 VGG and N8 VCG for the company’s friend who acquired it from an elderly lady at some future time. In April 1999, DVLA matching courtesy cars. who lived at the Royal Crescent in Bath. released one of these numbers, 17 NB. The number was the original Somerset “It had both my initials and my birth date,” registration issued to her Austin A40. It says Neil. “I had to have it, and I’ve kept it went on my Ford XR3 followed by many to this day on retention.” cars after that. I still have the original steel number plates even though I no longer 22 N followed in 2008. Some readers may own the registration.” recognise that registration from a previous article in issue 28 of this magazine. One day, while driving past the Morris Recently, Neil also secured 222 N. Minor Centre founded by Charlie Ware in Bath, Neil noticed the registration “If it ever became available it would be NBO 367 and he managed to persuade nice to complete the set with 2 N,” says the proprietor to sell it to him. “Not long after that,” Neil says, “I saw that Regtransfers had 367 NB for sale.

What other investments “give so much joy?” Austin Metro VDP. Showing my age aerobics. “But her biggest passion, Passion now!” next to me,” he says, “is cars!” Tony has his initials [Anthony Charles That said, Jill seems to have Jill ScottVery and her impressed husband, Tony, with live in Scott] on his H6 ACS number plate, saved some of her enthusiasm for Lincolnshire where Jill is the director of currently displayed on his Mercedes Regtransfers, “I was very impressed,” Regtransfers.a plumbing and heatingStaff engineeringwere very SLK. “I bought him that in 1990 for she tells us. “Staff were very helpful, company.helpful, The couple polite have and two sons. Christmas,” says Jill. Tony also has polite and professional.” “Her two splendid ‘JIL’ plates, JIL 38 Jill’s initials on V1 GES, which is on his professional. and JIL 588, were birthday presents VXR Corsa. “Tony’s still a boy racer,” from Tony on separate occasions. says Jill. “I wonder if he’ll ever grow out Registrations issued in Northern of it!” Ireland, unlike those from the rest “My ideal plate would be J1 LLY,” says of the UK, may contain the letter Jill, “and, no doubt, Tony will buy me Tony tells us that Jill enjoys restaurants I, as in JIL 38. Additionally, they whatever he sees first.“My first car was and travelling, especially on holidays contain no obvious year code and a Mini Clubman 1275 GT,” Jill recalls, to the Caribbean and South America. so are considered dateless, which makes them very popular. “and my first private number plate was She spends a lot of time working out, A7 GES (Gillian Elaine Scott) on an swimming and taking part in water Headline Gillian ‘Jill’ Scott lives in Lincolnshire and is the director of a plumbing and heating engineering company. She is married to Tony and the couple have two sons, both of whom drive nice cars. Her two splendid ‘JIL ‘ plates were birthday presents some years ago.

“Jill enjoys restaurants and travelling,” says Tony, “especially holidaying in the Caribbean and South America, and spends a lot of time working out, swimming and taking part in water aerobics. Her biggest passion - next to me, her, husband and best mate - is cars.” Jill has been driving for many years now. “My first car was a Mini Clubman 1275 GT,” she recalls, “and my first private number plate was A7 GES on an Austin Metro VDP. Sorry, showing my age now.”

Jill and Tony were members of the RS Owners Club for several years when they had an RS Turbo Escort , RS Turbo Fiesta and a Fiesta ST

In closing, Jill kindly tells us that she was, “very impressed with Regtransfers,” and that our staff were, “very helpful , polite and professional.”

Very impressed with Regtransfers. Staff were very “helpful, polite and professional.” retail outlets, hair and beauty salons and and some actually find it easier to focus. pubs, restaurants and hotels have been far The elimination of the daily commute is Austin Metro VDP. Showing my age aerobics. “But her biggest passion, Keep Calm and more severely disrupted. universally appreciated and, obviously, now!” next to me,” he says, “is cars!” Passion The Regtransfers IT department has the temporary reduction in the number of Tony has his initials [Anthony Charles That said, Jill seems to have Buy Number certainly had its work cut out but the tech cars on the roads has resulted in fewer Scott] on his H6 ACS number plate, saved some of her enthusiasm for Jill Scott and her husband, Tony, live in chaps have stepped up and equipped accidents and less pollution. Every cloud, Very impressed with currently displayed on his Mercedes Regtransfers, “I was very impressed,” Lincolnshire where Jill is the director of team members to keep uniting people as they say, has a silver lining. Regtransfers. Staff were very SLK. “I bought him that in 1990 for she tells us. “Staff were very helpful, Plates a plumbing and heating engineering with their perfect personal number plates. Our IT department has also added Christmas,” says Jill. Tony also has polite and professional.” company.helpful, The couple polite have and two sons. 2020 has been one of the most Where essential, our employees have functionality to our website enabling us to “Her two splendid ‘JIL’ plates, JIL 38 Jill’s initials on V1 GES, which is on his challenging years in living memory, both worked in offices adapted to ensure accept uploaded registration documents, professional. VXR Corsa. “Tony’s still a boy racer,” and JIL 588, were birthday presents for the UK’s population as a whole and safe distancing and a range of other retention certificates etc. As well as says Jill. “I wonder if he’ll ever grow out Registrations issued in Northern from Tony on separate occasions. for British businesses. Obviously, the precautions to guard against infection. offering a convenient option to customers of it!” Ireland, unlike those from the rest “My ideal plate would be J1 LLY,” says of the UK, may contain the letter issue of universal concern has been the Where it has been possible for team in general, the document upload facility Jill, “and, no doubt, Tony will buy me Tony tells us that Jill enjoys restaurants I, as in JIL 38. Additionally, they Coronavirus pandemic. Its impact and members to work from home, they have means that vulnerable people who may be whatever he sees first.“My first car was and travelling, especially on holidays contain no obvious year code and consequences are both profound and been provided with laptops and secure shielding or isolating are able to send us a Mini Clubman 1275 GT,” Jill recalls, to the Caribbean and South America. so are considered dateless, which ongoing and, with no real end in sight, connections to the computers and servers their paperwork without leaving the house makes them very popular. “and my first private number plate was She spends a lot of time working out, it’s impossible to count the human or they need to access. As the saying goes, to buy stamps or to post envelopes. swimming and taking part in water economic cost. Despite the unprecedented isn’t it amazing what they can do these A7 GES (Gillian Elaine Scott) on an It remains to be seen which of the situation, people and businesses are days! measures adopted during the pandemic finding ways to carry on with life. With Meetings take place by video or telephone will be retained long-term, through ‘normal’ a distant memory, the story has conference and employees have said that necessity, and which will be retained Headline become one of learning, adapting and they really look forward to seeing each because they have actually proven innovating. other on video meeting platforms. While it’s beneficial to team members and the Gillian ‘Jill’ Scott lives in Lincolnshire Like many other businesses, Regtransfers not quite a face-to-face interaction, seeing business. At the moment we are just and is the director of a plumbing and is grateful for the technology that has one’s friends and colleagues certainly relieved and grateful that we have found heating engineering company. She is enabled us to stay in touch with friends provides contact that many people really ways to continue serving our customers married to Tony and the couple have two and colleagues and to continue providing missed during furlough. In some respects, and that the spirit of our fantastic team has service to customers. We are fortunate the enforced changes to working practices endured through these difficult times. sons, both of whom drive nice cars. Her that all our transactions take place online have actually been beneficial. For many two splendid ‘JIL ‘ plates were birthday or by telephone. We are very aware that people, working from home provides a presents some years ago. businesses such as ‘bricks and mortar’ quieter environment than a hectic office

Jill and Tony were members of the RS Owners Club for several years when they had an RS Turbo Escort , RS Turbo Fiesta and a Fiesta ST

In closing, Jill kindly tells us that she was, “very impressed with Regtransfers,” and that our staff were, “very helpful , polite and professional.”

Very impressed with Regtransfers. Staff were very “helpful, polite and professional.” Rob Lansdowne, from Wadhurst in East Sussex. Determined Regtransfers offer a great, fast service for a very “reasonable price.”

When Stephen Close, from Hartlepool in prices were very high. “I was offered a I am now back to sports cars as long as Cleveland, bought his Aston Martin three Ferrari 430 for £48k nine years ago,” he my arthritis will allow me.” years ago, he paid a lot of attention to recalls. “The same car is now £68k!” The luxury of his nice cars is something detail before parting with his money. Expensive or not, Stephen hasn’t given up Stephen has worked hard to afford. His “I did 18 months of research on Vantage on the idea and he says that his next lack of formal educational qualifications V8s before I found the right colour and ‘Sunday car,’ as he puts it, will be a Ferrari has never deterred him from pursuing his transmission,” he says. or a Lamborghini. “It will be second-hand, ambitions. Owning his own business That same attention was the order of the of course. The thought of all that manufacturing and selling blinds has day when Stephen went in search of a depreciation on a new model almost provided the financial security he has dateless number plate to mask the exact makes my eyes bleed!” needed. age of the car. “I selected EFZ 232 Stephen has never been one for run-of-the- Stephen believes that it is not the end of because EF were the original letters issued mill cars. “I bought a convertible Triumph the world if a child doesn’t do well to cars registered by West Hartlepool Spitfire when I was 16 and learned to drive academically. “It just made me more County Borough Council over a century in it. Then a convertible TR7 and, when I determined,” he says. ago. Regtransfers offered a great, fast ‘grew up,’ a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow 2. service for a very reasonable price.” Stephen also explored the possibility of buying a Ferrari but the second-hand Determined Regtransfers offer a great, fast service for a very “reasonable price.”

The Icing on the Cake

Grainne McPherson, from Sunbury-on- Thames, Middlesex was really pleased to receive her new Range Rover Evoque. Her husband, Steve, provided the icing on the comments on what a great plate it is. “It “After buying GR14 NNE from you guys at cake with the number plate GR14 NNE, from looks so good on the Evoque,” she says. Regtransfers, we receive the magazine through Regtransfers, for her birthday. Grainne is mum to two-year-old Rory the post. We couldn’t believe it when we saw Originally from Monaghan in Ireland, and enjoys cooking as well as regular ROR 2S and had to buy it. We’ve put the plate Grainne regularly travels between London visits to the gym for yoga and swimming. on the Porsche Cayman that I have; and Southern Ireland and often receives “Rory’s nickname is Rors,” his dad tells us. I hope this will be Rory’s car when he is 18.” Unorthodox

Nikhil Patel is a pharmacist by profession. He qualified from university in 2004 and now owns his own pharmacy in London. Josh Nikhil Patel When Nikhil passed his driving test and bought his first car, he didn’t waste any time kitting it out with its own private “After our first date, I kind of knew she was number plate. the one, so I searched for her number plate. “I immediately acquired the reg N1 XHL, I came across KE55 HAL and I bought it Regtransfers arranged for my name, as I wanted my car to stand straight away, after knowing her for less out and be unique. I had that number on a than a week. We got engaged in 2008 and for the number to be released few cars as I used to change them every married in 2009. We celebrated our 10 year into“ auction for me and one of 18 months on average. My first was an wedding anniversary in August 2019. Keshal Audi A3 followed by an Audi TT, an Audi A4 has had her plate on two Mini Coopers, an your team bid on my behalf.” convertible and, lastly, on my Porsche 997 Audi Q5 and currently on her VW Beetle.” C2S. I later sold that number plate. Nikhil’s policy of getting in early when “I purchased 29 NP for myself a few years buying plates for family members seems to are his initials (Josh Nikhil Patel). That has ago as those are my initials and my birth be well established. been replaced by JNP 6 which is currently on my 996 C4S. I am now on the hunt date is the 29th of June. It is currently “I bought K43 LAN for my eldest son, for KNP 6 to complement JNP 6 so both on my Range Rover Vogue, which I got Kaelan, from Regtransfers two years sons will have matching plates. Hopefully wrapped in matt black last summer.” ago. He has just turned nine in June. someone out there has it or can source for In 2006, Nikhil met his wife, Keshal. Nikhil’s Regtransfers arranged for the number to be me. approach to romance was unorthodox to released into auction for me and one of your say the least, but it seemed to work... team bid on my behalf to acquire the plate. I “I also bought 9 NDP, including my middle think it would be helpful to let readers know initial D for Dinesh, which is currently on my this is possible, just in case they search and other black 996 C4S. Both Porsches are can’t find the plate they are looking for. identical.” “I also bought 15 JNP for my youngest son, That’s quite a collection Nikhil has Josh. The 15 had no meaning, but the JNP gathered for his family!

Kaelan with his plate on the family’s latest addition, a BMW i3 Unorthodox

Kaelan with his plate on the family’s latest addition, a BMW i3 when I tell her they’ve doubled or even earlier, and had gathered enough money together to buy the number.” SS 2 is now proudly displayed on one of Your sales advisers Simon’s numerous cars, an Aston Martin tripled in value since I bought them she’s a Vanquish Volante. The plate was first Jemma and Rachael, made the registered in 1904 and so is technically an “whole experience a real antique and, Simon tells us, has a significant pleasure and kept me very long-term investment value. well informed at every stage tad less bothered by them.” “I think you’ll agree that it sets the Aston off perfectly,” says Simon. of the process. At the same time, the plate 1 TVS also became available and, as those are Tanya’s initials, Simon decided to acquire that number plate too. Like SS 2, 1 TVS is RS16 TOY currently resides on Simon’s assigned to an Aston Martin Vanquish. Simon has a real passion for cars and, coming from the print and graphic design industry, he has the perfectionist’s eye for Ford Focus RS MK III. The car was another detail. To him it seemed natural to combine that love of cars with those professional traits and skills, so he formed a new company, SecondSkin PPF Ltd, which applies self- healing paint protection film to cars. PPF impulse purchase that Simon describes as provides the original paintwork with a buffer against the elements and offers protection from bird mess, light scratches and stone- chip impacts. a sort of mid-life crisis. “It means that you don’t have to keep getting your car resprayed,” Simon said. “It helps keep the car in its original condition which, with many cars these days, can often add significantly to the resale value.” Having previously been very dissatisfied “It was a nostalgia trip back to my early with the workmanship he had experienced at various Aston Martin and Porsche main dealers, Simon wanted to take the industry “Mr Nine-Lives.” to a new level and do things properly. Simon twenties when I would drive my black, acquired a 7,000 square-foot freehold unit in Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford, adjacent to imon Stevens, from Bishop’s Stortford ‘I wish I had spent more time in the office’. London Stansted Airport. The premises in Hertfordshire, has acquired the That really got me thinking.” sits about halfway between London and H reg Escort RS Turbo around Milton S nickname ‘Mr Nine-Lives’ among Having worked hard and having been Cambridge with easy rail and road access. friends. In 2008 he was diagnosed with reasonably fortunate in his career, Simon This accessibility, and the company’s testicular cancer. Simon fought back and, had previously owned a number of supercars growing reputation, ensures a steady stream after surgery and some months of gruelling and with them, personalised registration of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Porsches and Keynes with my arm hanging out of the chemotherapy treatment, he beat his illness numbers. almost every other supercar brand you can and began a return to health. Just two years “While the cars often depreciated in value imagine, as owners beat an eager path to later, on his way to hospital for what had over the years, the plates have steadily ensure that their cars retain their pristine increased and have become a significantly become one of his then regular blood tests, beauty. worthwhile investment,” Simon told us. window.” The Ford is another choice that a careless driver knocked Simon off of his Trust and confidence are essential factors That astute observation, coupled with a when it comes to reassuring the owners of 1,000cc Honda SP1 motorcycle. This near- zest for life that may only be experienced such exclusive and valuable vehicles, and fatal accident left him in a coma, fighting for by someone who has been forced to starkly Simon has been able to win the trust of a his life once again. confront their mortality twice in rapid grateful clientele. “Many of our clients drive has met with a degree of scepticism from In 2011 Simon decided to sell the succession, contributed to Simon’s decision majority stake in his successful marketing to treat himself to a very special number the car to us then fly off on holiday so we can communications business, Symbian Create, plate. store it safely indoors. Others simply get the which he had built-up from scratch over “When the reg number SS 2 came onto train home and leave the car with us to work the previous 15 years. He was determined the market, I knew I had to buy it even on,” Simon said. Tanya who, according to Simon, wouldn’t If you’d like to know how Simon and his to take the long break he so badly needed though it was way above what I would really company can help you keep your beloved after a period that had been physically and consider as a sensible investment from my car looking brand new, he may be contacted emotionally exhausting. perspective. In my early days as a sales rep by email at [email protected] or Simon who is married to Tanya with whom in the printing industry, back in the early be seen dead in it. ‘90s, I remember seeing SS 1 on a Bentley by telephone on 01279 271 122. he has two sons, Jacob (12) and Reuben in north-west London and thinking, I’ll never (8), told us: “You just sometimes get to the ever be able to afford that. Then, around 25 point in your life when things can suddenly years later, the next best number came onto change in priority and the importance of the market.” spending more time with your family shoots Having had a couple of exceptionally “After 20 years of marriage,” Simon quips, right to the top of the tree. Everything else dramatic reminders that one only lives once, simply fades into the background.” and after much deliberation, Simon decided “I recently heard a friend say that you don’t to bite the bullet and acquire the number. “I often get people on their deathbed saying, had sold two of my businesses a few years “maybe it’s actually time to trade her in for Issue 41 The World of Personal Number Plates 7 a new model instead.” We can see why 41_TOM_HARTLEY_JNR.indd 7 03/02/2017 12:09:32 Tanya might not share Simon’s sense of humour. With jokes like that he may soon find he needs his self-defence skills. No Stranger When the couple’s first son, Jacob Oliver Stevens was born in 2004, 11 JOS became available, so Simon bought it as an investment. “It might even become Simon Stevens is no stranger to our pages. part of the deposit for Jacob’s first house He previously appeared in issue 41 of one day,” says Simon. The registration is The World of Personal Number Plates currently displayed on the Porsche 991 relating the tale of his successful recovery GT3 RS that previously sported SS 2. from serious illness and the way the A51 MON (A SIMON) was yet another late experience affected his outlook on work, night online impulse buy around 12 years family and life in general. ago (We see a pattern emerging here), but At the time of that last article, we featured Simon estimates that it has almost tripled Simon’s SS 2 personal registration: a in value. The registration now sits proudly terrific number which, in its time with on a stunning, blue Aston Martin Vantage Simon, graced an Aston Martin Vanquish V12S. Volante and a Lamborghini Aventador Another splendid pairing in Simon’s Roadster. Impressive though SS 2 was, collection is his Range Rover Simon eventually decided that it was time Autobiography with its S 76 registration: to cash-in that investment and replace it a combination that Simon describes with a plate that was a little more fun, so as “blooming great”. The number that SS 2 was sold. previously graced the Range Rover, 97 SS, That replacement was SSB 1G (SS BIG). is currently retained: a situation that Simon “It is somewhat accurate too,” says Simon. considers may justify another addition to “As well as having the initials ‘SS’, I’m also his stable. 6ft 3ins tall and around 100kg in weight. “I don’t like having great numbers left on Actually, I am trying to get back to my ideal retention collecting cobwebs in a filing knock-down fighting weight of 85kg.” cabinet,” says Simon. “It just seems like The fighting weight to which Simon refers such a waste. I’ve got 14 good plates and was in his younger days as an exponent of only nine cars to put them on. A classic Kyokushinkai karate: a tough, full-contact Bentley would make a nice round 10!” style developed in the 1950s by a larger Simon, from Bishop’s Stortford in than life character named Mas Oyama, Hertfordshire, runs SecondSkin PPF Ltd, who was reputed to have won bullfights by specialists in applying self-healing paint defeating the animals with his bare hands. protection film to cars. Another of Simon’s number plates, While the cars often RS16 TOY, was, he admits, “a late-night depreciated in value over the eBay moment after a few glasses of red years, the plates have steadily wine. My wife, Tanya, isn’t a big fan of it “ and she dislikes SSB 1G too. Her humour increased and have become a is in a different place to mine. She hates significantly worthwhile anything too showy, so she may have investment.” married the wrong guy! Having said that, While the cars often depreciated in value over the years,“ the plates have steadily increased and have become a significantly worthwhile investment.” The Registration Numbers Club is the A word from only traditional UK based club catering for enthusiasts of the RNC personalised vehicle by Rod Lomax registration numbers. Joining us costs very little and the benefits could be substantial. We were originally founded in 1977 and currently produce a quarterly dealerships possibly laying off staff, there Green number plates trialled newsletter, RNC News, which is the original are concerns that reduced consumer on electric vehicles independent club publication and is confidence could halt future sales. However, available free to subscribing members. despite the recent rise, registrations for the For further information, please contact: whole year are expected to be around 30% Steve Waldenberg lower than in 2019. RNC News - Editor 2a Far Moss, Alwoodley, Leeds LS17 7NR Five-minute DVLA update could Tel: 0113 267 8193 • Mob: 07774 808444 Email: [email protected] save a £1,000 fine

Dominic Chandler Number plates with a green band to signify Membership Secretary a zero-emission vehicle (featured in the last 11 Grassington Drive, Whitestone, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 6WE issue) are being trialled by Nissan dealers Tel: 024 7635 3091 • Mob: 07951 595306 on new electric vehicles in their showrooms Email: [email protected] to give motorists a preview of what they Rod Lomax could look like when they are launched. Publicity Officer The plates have a distinctive green 5 Bank Top, Baldingstone, Bury, Lancs BL9 6RY rectangle on the left-hand side to highlight Tel: 0161 764 8180 • Fax: 0700 345 1177 that a vehicle is emission-free and are due Email: [email protected] A new digital DVLA service means to be issued across the UK this autumn as John Harrison customers can now update the address part of the Department for Transport’s bid Archivist & Advisor on both their driving licence and logbook to encourage more people to change to 175 Hillyfields, Loughton, Essex IG10 2PW (V5C) in only a few minutes on the zero-emission cars. Tel: 020 8508 8851 (evenings/weekends only) Government’s website without needing to With the new 70 registration plates post documents to the DVLA. This change released this September officials are means that the waiting time for new hoping it will make it clear that the cars documents will be reduced to five working are eligible for incentives such as cheaper days rather than the usual six weeks. In parking or bypassing congestion zone addition to driving licences, around 1.5 First rise this year in new charges. And to mark the latest registration million V5C certificates are updated with a issue Nissan dealers are showing car registrations new address each year and failing to tell customers what their cars could look like DVLA of your new address could land you with a green plate. It is hoped that seeing with a £1000.00 fine. them shown off in dealerships for the first DVLA service manager Anthony Bamford time will give customers confidence that said, ”Our online service will always be the they are arriving on the road very soon. quickest way to keep your address up-to- Many car buyers have spent time during date with us, which helps make sure you lockdown researching electric vehicles and don’t miss important correspondence once dealers are reporting a surge in interest. you’ve moved house. Millions of drivers Pure electric vehicles took a 4.7% share of change the address on their driving licence the new car market during the first seven New UK car registrations went up in July this way, and you can now update your months of the year, compared with 1.0% for the first time this year, according to vehicle’s V5C online too.” There is no cost during the same period in 2019, according the Society for Motor Manufacturers and to update your details using either service to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Almost 175,000 cars were which can be accessed at: Traders. registered this July which is an 11.3% rise www.gov.uk/tell-dvla-changed-address on the same month in 2019. The last time RNC Rally there was an increase was in December 2019. Sadly our 2020 rally scheduled for 12 July had to be cancelled due to the Coronavirus There have been several months of decline John Harrison, the pandemic. This was to have taken place due to the coronavirus pandemic which RNC’s Archivist at the Lakeland Motor Museum near closed car factories and showrooms. and Advisor has a Ulverston in Cumbria and whilst we know However, it is believed that the increase new book about that many of you were disappointed, the just reflects demand from consumers who number plates. safety of our members, guests and the were planning to buy a new vehicle earlier The Number museum staff were more important. We in the year but were unable to do so. July Plate Book by are trying to arrange an event at the same was the first time UK dealers had been John Harrison is venue for 2021 and full details will appear open for a full month since February. available through in this magazine and on the club website at www.ghsmithbookshop.com and But with the Government’s job retention www.TheRNC.co.uk as soon as they are other online outlets Paperback 152 Pages £7.95 scheme ending in October and many finalised. The Registration Numbers Club is the only traditional UK A word from On the Ball based club catering for enthusiasts of the RNC personalised vehicle by Rod Lomax registration numbers. Joining us costs very little and the benefits could be Mike Morley from Harpenden in The Paint Caddy, providing a high-class, each step easy, including ordering plates substantial. We were originally founded in Hertfordshire has a diverse professional bespoke decorating service in his local to fit on the van.” dealerships possibly laying off staff, there 1977 and currently produce a quarterly Green number plates trialled life. His first love is golf and Mike is a area. So, Mike the golf caddy and founder of newsletter, RNC News, which is the original are concerns that reduced consumer on electric vehicles professional caddy. independent club publication and is confidence could halt future sales. However, “The Paint Caddy is now run by Sam so The Paint Caddy has a ‘caddy’ number “It was the obvious route to pursue,” he I now get told what to do in both of my plate on his… VW Caddy van. We’re not available free to subscribing members. despite the recent rise, registrations for the says. “I started caddying in 2006 and jobs! But that works perfectly for me.” sure but we think we see a theme For further information, please contact: whole year are expected to be around 30% I absolutely love it. Travelling the world with For a long time, Mike was looking for the emerging here! Steve Waldenberg lower than in 2019. a sport that you love is an amazing feeling. perfect number plate for his business. RNC News - Editor I visited 20 countries in 2019.” 2a Far Moss, Alwoodley, Leeds LS17 7NR Five-minute DVLA update could He eventually ended up at Regtransfers Tel: 0113 267 8193 • Mob: 07774 808444 Mike decided that he wanted to set up a where he found his CAD 551Y registration. save a £1,000 fine business that would be flexible enough Email: [email protected] “I was really impressed by the way in which to work around his touring commitments Dominic Chandler the business was conducted and found Number plates with a green band to signify so, together with his son, Sam, he set up Membership Secretary a zero-emission vehicle (featured in the last 11 Grassington Drive, Whitestone, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 6WE issue) are being trialled by Nissan dealers Tel: 024 7635 3091 • Mob: 07951 595306 on new electric vehicles in their showrooms Email: [email protected] to give motorists a preview of what they Rod Lomax could look like when they are launched. Publicity Officer The plates have a distinctive green 5 Bank Top, Baldingstone, Bury, Lancs BL9 6RY rectangle on the left-hand side to highlight Tel: 0161 764 8180 • Fax: 0700 345 1177 that a vehicle is emission-free and are due Email: [email protected] A new digital DVLA service means to be issued across the UK this autumn as John Harrison customers can now update the address part of the Department for Transport’s bid Archivist & Advisor on both their driving licence and logbook to encourage more people to change to 175 Hillyfields, Loughton, Essex IG10 2PW (V5C) in only a few minutes on the zero-emission cars. Tel: 020 8508 8851 (evenings/weekends only) Government’s website without needing to With the new 70 registration plates post documents to the DVLA. This change released this September officials are means that the waiting time for new hoping it will make it clear that the cars documents will be reduced to five working are eligible for incentives such as cheaper days rather than the usual six weeks. In parking or bypassing congestion zone addition to driving licences, around 1.5 First rise this year in new charges. And to mark the latest registration million V5C certificates are updated with a issue Nissan dealers are showing car registrations new address each year and failing to tell customers what their cars could look like DVLA of your new address could land you with a green plate. It is hoped that seeing with a £1000.00 fine. them shown off in dealerships for the first DVLA service manager Anthony Bamford time will give customers confidence that said, ”Our online service will always be the they are arriving on the road very soon. quickest way to keep your address up-to- Many car buyers have spent time during date with us, which helps make sure you lockdown researching electric vehicles and don’t miss important correspondence once dealers are reporting a surge in interest. you’ve moved house. Millions of drivers Pure electric vehicles took a 4.7% share of change the address on their driving licence the new car market during the first seven New UK car registrations went up in July this way, and you can now update your months of the year, compared with 1.0% for the first time this year, according to vehicle’s V5C online too.” There is no cost during the same period in 2019, according the Society for Motor Manufacturers and to update your details using either service to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Almost 175,000 cars were which can be accessed at: Traders. registered this July which is an 11.3% rise www.gov.uk/tell-dvla-changed-address on the same month in 2019. The last time RNC Rally there was an increase was in December 2019. Sadly our 2020 rally scheduled for 12 July had to be cancelled due to the Coronavirus There have been several months of decline John Harrison, the pandemic. This was to have taken place due to the coronavirus pandemic which RNC’s Archivist at the Lakeland Motor Museum near closed car factories and showrooms. and Advisor has a Ulverston in Cumbria and whilst we know However, it is believed that the increase new book about that many of you were disappointed, the just reflects demand from consumers who number plates. safety of our members, guests and the were planning to buy a new vehicle earlier The Number museum staff were more important. We in the year but were unable to do so. July Plate Book by are trying to arrange an event at the same was the first time UK dealers had been John Harrison is I was really impressed venue for 2021 and full details will appear open for a full month since February. available through in this magazine and on the club website at by the way in which the www.ghsmithbookshop.com and But with the Government’s job retention www.TheRNC.co.uk as soon as they are business was conducted.” other online outlets Paperback 152 Pages £7.95 “ scheme ending in October and many finalised. There’s a Plaice For Us

Phil Coltherd is the From their prime location, Phil’s Plaice sells scoured the lists of cherished plates and driving force a variety of locally caught fish and seafood. found PH11 COD, which was an obvious behind Phil’s The produce comes from sustainable choice.” Plaice on the sources and is as fresh as it gets, coming, The next purchase was their Volkswagen North Shields as it does, directly from the boats working Beetle, which Phil had sign-written with an Fish Quay in out of North Shields Fish Quay. adjusted version of the company logo that Tyne and Wear “My goal is simply to supply the freshest, would fit with a “Herbie” vibe. A private Phil began working on the quay more sustainable fish to my customers,” Phil plate was also required for the VW and than 30 years ago and, in October 2018, says. PH11 BUG fit the bill perfectly. became the proud owner of the very shop “With the continued growth of the Phil’s latest number plate acquisition was where he first started out when he was just business,” he says. “We bought our first the family name, CO17 ERD, which is on eighteen years old. vehicle, a Fiat van. One of my team the Audi driven by Phil’s wife, Pauline. We are both extremely happy with the service we The X Men “have received and will be recommending Regtransfers.”

Matt Stephens is a self-employed shop “My dad is the main reason I’m into cars,” 2009 XKR v 5.0 Supercharged V8 and it fitter from Northampton. “I have always Matt says. “I remember being very young is an absolute weapon! I’m 21 and my been into cars since I was very little,” he and him having cool cars and bikes. dad is 57. We purchased our plates from tells us. “In the four years I’ve been driving, He has owned more cars than I think I Regtransfers around the same time and we I’ve had 12 cars as I just can’t settle with ever will: several Porsches, a couple of chose these plates because they seemed one. However, I think my current car will be Maseratis, BMWs, Mercedes, Range like good value for money.” staying for a while. I have owned it since Rovers and many more.” Son and father’s initials are actually ‘MJS’ October last year. It’s a 2011 BMW 335i Dave also has a passion for Ducati and ‘DJS’ respectively but the ‘X’ replacing DCT and I am very impressed with it so motorbikes and has owned three the middle initial was not only a cost- far. I have owned a few Civic Type Rs, an Multistradas and a 916. Dave has had a effective substitute, but it also provides Integra Type R and a Honda Legend to few number plates in the past, which he a novel and distinctive touch to the name a few. I’m mainly into Japanese cars, now regrets parting with: FRS 5, DS 7849 registrations. however, the BMW makes a nice change. I and V8 DSM, which was on his Maserati “We are both extremely happy with the also currently have a Civic Type R EP3 that 3200 GT. I plan to take to the track this year.” communication and service we have “He currently has T2 LJS on the Range received,” Matt concludes, “and will Matt’s father, Dave, is also self-employed Rover Evoque,” Matt says, “which my be recommending Regtransfers. The and has been a plumbing and heating mum drives. The Jag in the photo is a transaction was very swift and easy.” engineer for over 40 years. Raising a Few Eyebrows

Twenty-year-old Sophie Draper from Draycott in Derbyshire received this great registration for her 17th birthday. Sophie, originally an actress by profession, attended Trent College in Long Eaton, Derbyshire and also trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London. In order to earn some income between auditions, Sophie began doing eyelash extensions from home. The business took off to such a surprising extent that Sophie was able to open her own beauty salon, Sophie Laura Beauty in nearby West Bridgford. The salon is now a very successful business that employs four additional beauty specialists. With her name on a plate, we are sure that Sophie’s personal registration will prove to be good promotion for her salon and will certainly raise a few eyebrows in the area. www.instagram.com/sophielaurabeauty Here is a selection of some great number plates that have been spotted by our followers. To see more pictures follow @regtransfers on Instagram,Facebook and Twitter.

Raising a Few Eyebrows

Smooth

Richard Hay, from Caterham in Surrey, inherited his enthusiasm for private number plates from his late father, Douet, who is pictured below with 402 CUW on his beloved Thames van. “My dad got me into cars and taught me to drive at the age of 17.” Richard says. “My brother Ronnie also had a passion for so I decided to purchase another personal for her middle name, Tamara, and the 8 private plates, mainly on his convertibles.” registration from Regtransfers and I must signifies her date of birth. Richard himself previously owned a say it was a very smooth transaction.” “My son, Anthony [pictured above], is not convertible too, a paprika red Mk2 VW Golf, RAH 362 is now displayed on his BMW. interested at the moment,” says Richard, to which he assigned the number SIA 579. Richard likes the way a personal number “but he may get one for his next special “Everywhere I went I got admiring glances plate adds a certain something different to birthday.” his vehicles. “I cannot afford a supercar so Richard takes pride in his car’s appearance the next best thing is to make the car you and clearly considers a personal number can afford stand out.” plate has a part to play in making the In addition to featuring his initials, Richard’s most of it. “I think this registration plate will plate contains numerical links to family. “I remain in my family,” he says. “I have no have three sisters,” he says, “there are six intentions of selling it.” brothers, including myself, and I have two children.” Richard’s daughter, Nadine, also owns a I must say, it was a very very nice private number plate. Nadine got smooth transaction.” T8 NAD for her 21st birthday. The T stands “ Car-Mad

Nigel Rostron, Jilli Walker and their son, Steven Rostron are, by their own admission, a car-mad family. Originally from Rochdale, they now live in a little village called Scholar Green on the The 480 Bug Cheshire/Staffordshire border. The smaller photo shows Steven in 2002, aged just six, with dad Nigel’s Edie Fox from Lincolnshire is a big fan of first Porsche 996 Turbo and POR 55H Volvo cars. Her favourite is the Volvo 480: plate. Steven has always loved his dad’s one of the Swedish company’s sportier cars and is a big fan of Porsches so it models that was produced in the 1980s seemed inevitable that he would also become a Porsche driver. and 1990s. “Once you’ve got the 480 bug, The larger, more recent photo shows you’ll never shake it off,” Edie says. Steven with his very own Porsche 718 Edie has purchased several private Edie’s surname is Fox and her 11-year-old Boxster S and his first personal plate. Edie attends regular meetings of a group son’s first name is also Fox. There is a of enthusiasts from The 480 Europe registrations from Regtransfers, one of “Steven is car mad,” mum Jilli says. “He which was ED13 FOX. That one was perfectly good reason for this seemingly spent his childhood racing go-karts. He Forum to talk about all things relating to baffling arrangement of monikers but we’ll now goes on as many track days as his their favourite car. She also takes part in acquired with the intention of putting it on a work allows and loves supercar track have to leave the reader to speculate for a convoy of around 15 cars which travels Volvo C30: an intention so strong that Edie experiences.” themselves, as space doesn’t permit us to hundreds of miles, visiting places of bought the plate before securing the car! Jilli has her own J11 YYE plate and the share such a long story here! The younger interest for photo opportunities quirky WH15 SSH, whilst Nigel also has Edie considers the C30 to be the “son” of Fox has a different surname - his begins NRO 609. Steven is reportedly on the “This is my fourth 480,” says Edie “I always her beloved 480 model. As she already with a B - and it was for him that Edie hunt for his next car and is currently considering the Porsche Carrera 4S. said, if I was going to get another, it would owns the daddy in white she has her purchased FOX 480B. “He would be thrilled to be be the best one I could find, to love and heart set on a matching C30. “It has to be “I thought I’d get it for him so he could included in The World of preserve. This was on a G plate when I got white,” she insists, “and it has to be a ‘13’ also be involved in the ownership of the Personal Number Plates,” it, so I started looking for a registration as plate, of course. This narrows my options 480 and, for the future, as his own plate to says Jilli. “He reads it from cover to cover.” soon as I’d put a deposit on the car and considerably as the C30 actually ceased remember his dear old mother’s love for soon found FOX 480B.” production in 2013.” the Volvo 480.” Fire!

Retired firefighter Keith Roszell now its name to Fire Fighters Charity and was amongst them, so I purchased lives on a farm in Cornwall with his is the foremost organisation caring it. I kept it on retention until 2007 partner, Linda. Keith joined for UK firefighters’ families in times when I bought a 2004 Rover 75 Club Hertfordshire Fire and Ambulance of need. In May 2007, Keith received SE which I still have today. an MBE for services to Fire and Service (now Hertfordshire Fire and “Last September I purchased Rescue and, in 2012, a Lifetime Rescue Service) in 1964 and he RO62 ELL from Regtransfers. It was Achievement award from the Fire soon began fundraising for the Fire an easy, no hassle procedure and Fighters Charity. Services National Benevolent Fund something I would certainly (FSNBF), a registered charity “Having an unusual surname makes recommend. And thank you, originally set up during the Second it difficult to find a registration Regtransfers, for this great World War to provide for widows and number that properly represents it,” publication!” orphans of firefighters killed during says Keith. “But in 2002, when new the blitz. In 2008, the fund changed plates were being issued, RO52 ELL www.firefighterscharity.org.uk

Such an easy, no-hassle procedure and something I would“ certainly recommend.” Recommending your company would be a June’s Baby “ pleasure.”

Fred Blakey, from Spennymoor in County On the subject of vehicle age, Fred Robert’s registration, G2 REB, represents Durham, has always liked the idea of especially likes the way that his ‘dateless’ the initials of his full name, Robert Elwen owning a private number plate so, for his 69 FB registration masks the real age of Blakey. The occasion was captured in the 60th birthday, his wife, June, surprised him year of his Range Rover. photo you see here. with the gift of 69 FB which she purchased Browsing The World of Personal Number “I wish to thank Regtransfers for the service from Regtransfers. Plates, Fred found himself inspired to find they have provided in helping me obtain The number in the registration is a a private registration for the van that he my cherished registrations,” says Fred. reference to 1969, the year of their keeps primarily for his golfing activities. “Recommending your company would be wedding, and the letters are Fred’s “My son, a single-handicapper, suggested a pleasure.” initials. Since that birthday, June has that an apt and humorous registration also purchased B14 YKY for her Mazda would be FB03 PUT. “Yes,” Fred concedes, MX5. June’s car is 13 years old, has “I am not a good putter.” 27,000 miles on the clock and still looks When Fred first displayed 69 FB, it was on immaculate. In fact, Fred informs us, the a silver Mercedes. Coincidentally, Fred’s condition is so good that people who have brother, Robert, turned up to visit driving guessed at the car’s age have all assumed his own silver Mercedes bearing its own that it was much younger than it really is - private registration. even a couple of Mazda dealers. Fred calls the MX5 June’s baby!

Recommending your company“ would be a pleasure. ReThe Wgorld of t Prersoanal Nunmber sPlatesf e Issue 51 rs

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