Appeal for return of Silver Cloud hub cap (From Knutsford Guardian)

Appeal for return of Rolls Royce Silver Cloud hub cap formerly owned by George Formby

9:00am Thursday 13th December 2012 in News By James Wilson

A ROLLS Royce that plays a key part during Knutsford Royal May Day, and was once owned by a famous entertainer, has lost one of its hub caps – and its owner is appealing for help in finding it.

The 1957 Silver Cloud, owned by Meller Braggins estate agent Rick Dallimore, carries the May Queen from her home to the Sessions House each year.

The car was originally owned from new by entertainer George Formby, of When I’m Cleaning Windows fame.

But as Rick took a newly wedded couple to Arley Hall on Saturday at 3pm, he lost one of the hub caps on Budworth Road.

He told the Guardian he was very keen to find the missing hub cap, as it makes up a key part of the history of the car, which he has owned for 12 years.

“I went over a big bump in the road and I didn’t hear it come off, but it must have fallen off and gone in the gutter,” he said.

“I was then told the hub cap was found by a walker on the Budworth Road by Curbishley’s Nursery, who placed it on a bale of hay at the side of the road, but sadly when I got there it had vanished.

“The car is used for a number of charitable events and, of course, transports the May Queen to and from the May Day proceedings.

“It’s a big shame and, if someone has it, I would be delighted to be re-united with it and am prepared to offer a reward to the finder.”

If you know the whereabouts of the hub cap, call the Guardian office on 01606 813617, or call Rick on 01565 658115 or 07801 456462.

Talk about this on our website at knutsfordguardian.co.uk.