The Registration Numbers Club (RNC) held its annual summer gathering at the premises of A.W. Lymn in Nottinghamshire on Sunday 28th of June, 2026.
A different kind of gathering
Unlike previous years, the club opted for a more relaxed get-together rather than a full rally. With preparations already underway for the club’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2027, this year’s priority was to unite members for a day of camaraderie and charity.
While there were fewer trophies to compete for, there was certainly no shortage of enthusiasm. Sharing not just lunch, but a persevering love for unique plates, the gathering was yet another opportunity to renew old acquaintances and enjoy what brings members back together year after year.
A.W. Lymn’s warm welcome
The afternoon was made possible thanks to the generosity of A.W. Lymn, the fifth-generation, family-run funeral directors and chauffeur service, who kindly opened the doors to their Nottinghamshire premises and treated their attendees to a lavish two-course lunch. The meal was served in the company’s heritage showroom, where members were invited to make a voluntary donation instead of paying an entry fee.
A.W. Lymn is well known among registration enthusiasts for what is arguably the largest and most valuable private number plate collection in the country. Their fleet consists of over 200 number plates, with an estimated seven-figure worth. The company’s passion for private plates stretches all the way back to the 1970s, with the purchase of NLR 1. Today, every vehicle they own displays a private registration, from traditional hearses and chauffeur-driven limousines to electric vehicles. Some exceptional examples include 1 NLR, 11 NLR, 1 JLR, 7 JLR and 1 UG.
Throughout the afternoon, RNC members were treated to company drives around Nottingham; chauffeured in the flagships of a Rolls-Royce Phantom V111S to the convertible Bentley Azure, which the RNC notes proved particularly popular.
Reflecting on the success of the event, RNC’s Rod Lomax praised the goodwill of those attending, whose donations raised a considerable sum for the A.W. Lymn Centenary Foundation, supporting individuals and communities in need throughout Nottinghamshire.
Adding a touch of on-brand, friendly competition to the day, representatives from A.W. Lymn selected their two standout registrations, with Richard Conway’s coveted 3 OO taking the title of Registration of the Day. With the honour of runner-up going to Mark Knight for the other impressive dateless plate, M 116.
While this year’s gathering moved away from the usual competitive rally format, RNC members still had the chance to share their beloved registrations and enjoy not only one another’s collections, but also the pinnacle of automotive luxury. The sit-down nature of a meal gave everyone the chance to linger a little longer, catch up, listen to the RNC’s knowledgeable archivists and enjoy plenty of laughter along the way.
Looking ahead to 2027
This event might have changed its usual rally pace, but it still perfectly captured the spirit of the RNC, ahead of what promises to be a landmark year for the club. With the guild preparing something special to mark its impressive 50th anniversary next year, this year’s lavish get-together served as a reminder of the strong sense of community that has been cultivated over the last forty-nine years.
The Regtransfers team extends its thanks to both A.W. Lymn for their hospitality and the RNC for organising another day for fellow number plate enthusiasts. We look forward to seeing what next year’s celebrations have in store.
