Driving Lessons At 80

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28161, 27 December 1956, Page 2

Driving Lessons At 80

(By SUSAN VAUGHAN) Among those upset by Britain’s oil shortage is Baroness de Stoeckl, who lives in a cottage on the Duchess of Kent’s estate at Iver, Bucks. At the age of 83. she has recently begun taking her first driving lessons. Now. with petrol rationing, the Baroness can have few lessons, and has no hope of a driving test in the immediate future. Baroness de Stoeckl had never driven a car until recently, but then she is accustomed to taking up new activities late in life. At the age of 78. she wrote her first book; now, five years later, she is an established author. Having just completed her fourth book, a biography of Louis Philippe, she is starting on a fifth. The Baroness, who was the wife of the Controller to the Grand Duke George of Russia and a friend of King Edward VII, is a close friend of members of the Royal Family.

■ ENGAGEMENTS (Engagement Notices must be signed by both parties.) Hercus—Rankin: The engagement is announced of Barbara, only daughter of - the late F. G. Rankin, and Mrs Rankin, 146 Pine avenue, Christchurch, and Charles Murray, younger son of Sir Charles and Lady Hercus. Dunedin.