Rolls 'Rapide' Automatic Twin-Tub Washing Machine

We became the proud owners of a Rolls washing machine, a mass-produced twin-tub machine and a limited boon to women’s washdays as they still required the ladies to stay in close proximity.

— John Watts

My parents bought this machine. They could afford either a washing machine or a fridge, and they chose the washing mahine becuase my mother had back problems. Previously she used a hand-operated mangle. The washing machine used to 'dance' across the kitchen floor, and the outlet house would get pulled out of the sink if you weren't careful.

— Christine

My Father bought this same model for my Mother in the early sixties and she used it continuously until the mid seventies, when she had to replace it with a Hoovermatic twin tub. I can remember using the machine myself when I was older. I remember the spin dryer was very quiet in use and was a boon to my Mother, who before this only had a wringer type single tub washing machine. We used to carry the washing next door to my Aunt's house, where she would spin everything in her Hoovermatic. Although I have an automatic now, I still have a Hotpoint twin tub which I use occasionally.

— Brian Billingham Weston-super-Mare, Somerset

My Mother bought a Rolls Rapide washing machine about 1963. The cheaper model with only one motor sold for 39.Gns. My Mother chose the superior model two motors and costing 69gns. However at that time there was an offer from the company and if you bought the dearer machine you got a FREE Prestcold Fridge, I remember this as my brother was getting married and they got the fridge.

— Boyd Northumberland

This is the finest twin-tub washing machine, built to last top quality. They dont make them like they used to.

— adam geisheimer

Yes I do remember my Rolls Rapide washing machine and more particularly because we lived at Orpington, Kent and travelled up to London to the head office there to arrange to buy it on the never never. The offer was that if we purchased the washing machine then we would be given quite a large fridge for free. Delivery occurred amazingly promptly and three days later the firm went broke. We never ever did receive any further correspondence from them and there was no word from any Administrator. Months went by and we realised we had been blessed with a free Rolls Rapide and Fridge which we gave away prior to coming to Australia.

— Sheila Hale, Ulladulla, NSW

I remember well my Rolls Rapide washing machine, it was my first washing machine and such a boon with a baby girl just 4 months old. The year 1963, and suddenly I was washing nappies in a machine instead of by hand (no disposable nappies worth buying then). The Rapide was arduous by today's standards, but it was efficient an d the spin-dryer really good. I used it for many years and was really surprised when the firm went broke. Todays machines are not built with such easy, lasting efficiency.

— Jean Askew, Hastings, E. Sussex