Breakfast at Beautiful Brooklyn On Sunday morning 16 January 2011 five little Austin 7‟s and a modern set off from North Strathfield for breakfast at Brooklyn Marina. The weather was overcast and the traffic light for our enjoyable trip via Hornsby where two more cars joined us, together with some heavy rain. And even more members and three children were waiting for us when we reached Brooklyn making 28 people in all. Situated on the majestic Hawkesbury River, Brooklyn is just one hour north of Sydney. This magnificent waterway is nestled among spectacular Na-
tional Parks and is considered Sydney's hidden paradise. As usual, breakfast was yummy and everyone left the marina with a full belly. From Brooklyn we ventured up-hill making our way to Peat‟s Ridge where we stopped for more food at the Corrugated Cafe (late morning tea). The sun finally came out for our homeward journey via Cowan‟s Pie in the Sky Cafe in case anyone was still hungry. It‟s well known for its pies and pie related products and is a very popular lunch stop for tourists, weekend bikers, bus groups and many car clubs. A fun day was had by a great group of Members.
Committee Name President
Warren Gracie
Vice President
Paul Pui
Secretary / Public Officer
Home Phone
Mobile Phone
(02) 9569 2108
0417 417 826
-
0413 621 078
Maureen Boatwright
(02) 9822 8609
0413 017 263
Treasurer
Helen Lewis
(02) 9709 2344
0407 108 196
Spare Parts
Mervyn Boatwright
(02) 9822 8609
0412 940 001
Club Examiner
Warren Gracie
(02) 9569 2108
0417 417 826
Editor / Webmaster
Robert Yarroll
(02) 9706 8007
-
Membership / Registration
Faye Yarroll
(02) 9706 8007
0412 830 041
As a courtesy, please do not contact Committee Members after 9:00pm.
Club Meetings The Austin 7 Club NSW Inc meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 8:00pm in the NRMA Training Rooms, NRMA Building, George Street, North Strathfield. Parking is available in the NRMA car park opposite the building.
Magazine Deadline The deadline for all contributions to Baby Torque is ALWAYS the last Friday of each month. Contributions should be sent to The Editor, Baby Torque, 10 Lorraine Street, North Strathfield NSW 2137.
Banking Details Austin 7 Club NSW Inc
Austin 7 Club NSW Inc Spare Parts
Bank:
Laboratories Credit Union
Bank:
Bendigo Bank
BSB:
802-841
BSB:
633-000
Account: 0000009132 Page 2
Account: 128875804
Presidents Report The news of the moment is the Queensland and Victorian floods. A call to Trevor Moore, Secretary of the Queensland Austin 7 Club, indicated that he was unaware of any member‟s Austin 7‟s being affected by the floods. However, some members did move their Austin‟s to higher ground, including Trevor whose house was affected. I would hate to see a baby Austin drown. It was pleasing to see the Flood Fund Raising event conducted by the American Muscle Car Club, which seemed to indicate that Car Clubs are an accepted part of the Australian community, particularly in times of need. Our Club‟s website is getting plenty of attention and requests for information from here and overseas. This can only help our Club
and hopefully produce more members. It‟s nice to see our first events for 2011 were well attended. The January Pre-Meeting Sausage Sizzle at Bicentennial Park was very pleasant and the breakfast run to Brooklyn and other parts was well received. The new committee is settling down to the business of planning our Club‟s activities for the year. The Committee would be please to receive any suggestions for events from Members, or articles for our magazine or website. Happy Sevening. Warren Gracie
Repair & Restoration Services - Open Day 22 January 2011. Garth Selig, son of Club member Ron Selig, runs Repair & Restoration Services at Wetherill Park. Although Garth specialises in Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti and Hispano Suiza he also shares his Dad‟s fondness for Austin 7‟s, and is currently building an A7 Special. Ron was a recent winner at the All British Day at Kings School. The Repair & Restoration Open Day proved to be very enjoyable and informative.
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Presentation Day Recipients The list of recipients in last months magazine was incomplete. Please see the updated list (at right) for the names of all recipients.
Events Report The year started with a PreMeeting Sausage Sizzle at Bicentennial Park at Homebush Bay. A great time was had by all. Our first event of 2011 was breakfast at Brooklyn Marina followed by a drive to the Corrugated Cafe at Peats Ridge. In attendance (in alphabetical order) were Merv & Maureen Boatwright, Paul & Sandra, Jessica, Katie & Jackie Boatwright, Bill & Pam Clifton, Cliff Edwards, Kevin & Barbara Fahey, Warren Gracie, Helen Lewis, Carolyn Thompson & their friend Irene, George & Sue McGill, Paul & Amy Pui, Bob & Judith Riches, Ken Rolley, Cliff Stockley, Mark & Joanne Wellington, Robert & Faye Yarroll. There were eight Austin 7‟s, five moderns and one family travelled by train. Australia Day saw five Austin 7‟s and two moderns attending Cattle Duffers and enjoying the breeze from the Georges River. We had a fun game of cricket and Robert produced a list of trick questions for the day. In attendance were Robert & Faye Yarroll, Mark Wellington, Paul & Amy Pui, Carolyn Thompson, Helen Lewis, Warren Gracie and David, Paul, Sandra, Jessica, Katie & Jackie Boatwright, Merv & Maureen Boatwright. On the way from North Strathfield to Cattle Duffers three Austin 7‟s were pulled over and their drivers breathalysed. I‟m sure that was an unusual sight. Unfortunately our editor did not get a photo of the event. The events special reporter said seven Austin 7‟s attended the NRMA Motorfest. Don’t forget if you would like to organize a club run, or you have an idea for a run, then please contact the events team. We really would appreciate your ideas. Happy Austin 7 touring … Maureen Boatwright
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Coming Events 20 February 2011 ... Breakfast Run - Mystery Destination Departing from NRMA Car-park North Strathfield at 7:45am. BBQ breakfast with Bubbly will be cooked by the Committee. Mystery Destination. $5 per adult and children FREE. RSVP to a Committee Member by 16 February if you will be joining us on this run. 20 March 2011 ... Twilight Run - Oatley Park Departing from NRMA Car-park North Strathfield at 3:00pm. BBQ‟s are available if you want to cook. Bring your own food. 17 April 2011 ... Club Run - Details to be advised 1 - 5 October 2012 90th Anniversary National Austin 7 Hub Rally - Tanunda, S.A. The Headquarters for the National Rally will be at the Tanunda Show Grounds Hall which is in a very nice setting and has plenty of parking available. Prior to preparing and issuing entry forms the Austin 7 Club SA need to get an indication on how many people are likely to enter the 2012 National A7 Rally. Consequently they need your help by completing and returning an Expression of Interest Form as soon as possible. Also, please give a form to anyone else you know who may be interested in attending this rally. Forms may be obtained by:
logging onto the 2012 Rally page on the Austin 7 Club SA website at www.austin7clubsa.com.au, asking your Events Director for a hard copy, asking Ralph Drage (2012 Rally Secretary) to send a hard copy. Page 5
Invitations Accepted 22 - 25 April 2011 ... Austin's Over Australia - Forbes, NSW For those attending this event, please contact the Secretary if you have not received Newsletter No. 4 which includes the Registration Form. 6 - 8 May 2011 ... Central Tablelands Autumn Tour - Orange, NSW Eligible Vehicles – Manufactured Pre 1931. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 to get an Entry Form and Accommodation List. Entries Close on 20 April 2011.
Other Events of Interest 12 - 13 February 2011 ... 36th Berrima Rally at Mittagong Berrima District Historic Vehicles Club A weekend of country hospitality and motoring through the Southern Highlands. Contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 for more information. 20 February 2011 ... Sydney Super Swap - Hawkesbury Showground Car Parts & Collections. Veteran & Vintage Cars. Sports & Classic Cars. Hot Rods & Customs. Street Machines. Motorbikes. Vintage Tractors. Stationary Engines. Information 0410 447 927. 27 February 2011 ... Wings Over Illawarra Open Day 2011 Albion Park Rail Over 500 Car Club vehicles are expected on the day. Contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 for more information. 12 March 2011 Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Motorfest - Myall Park Sports Reserve Located off Yamba Street, Hawks Nest. Arrival 8:00 am - 9:45 am. Official Opening 10:00 am. Entrants fee of $10 per vehicle. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 for an Entry Form and more information.
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Cattle Duffers Flat. Three Austin 7‟s departed NRMA car-park for Cattle Duffers Flat picnic area at the Georges River National Park, and were swiftly pulled over by NSW Police for a random breath test. After our short detour we continued on to meet other Club members at the Park. Although the weather was hot and humid, the gum trees at Cattle Duffers provided welcome shelter and a gentle breeze wafted from the river. The children found the little sandy beach the perfect place to build a sand castle and have a swim. The adults sat around chatting while some set off on a short bush walk. An Australia Day Quiz followed with a consensus being achieved for most answers. Lunch was needed to build up our energy for the obligatory cricket match. Well .... I don‟t think any of us will ever wear a baggy green .... but it was fun. “Man or Woman of the Match” was awarded to Carolyn Thompson for her outstanding bowling effort. Amy Pui‟s unusual batting style improved when she was shown the correct direction the bat should face.
NRMA Motorfest. All the participants in this years‟ NRMA Motorfest met at the usual place in North Ryde, and drove together to the Domain car park for the obligatory annual Lions Club sausage sizzle breakfast. It was good to have Paul and Amy Pui „buzz‟ the convoy in the Harbour Tunnel on their way to Cattle Duffers run. We were almost the last group to be taken to our spot this year, outside the Mitchell Library in Macquarie Street and under the watchful eye of Matthew Flinders and his cat Trim. It was a leisurely start, unlike previous years when we have had to be up at the crack of dawn. The seven A7 crew members were Sue & George McGill, Eric & Ann Bourne, Anthony Harte, Kevin Harte, Brian & Deirdre Haywood, and Trevor & Jim Dunn on his first run in his newly restored Special. It was good to see Gordon & Marilyn Love, John & Robyn Ikin who brought along Gary Cottle, Don & Barbara Scanes, Craig Davies and Bob & Judith Riches come along to give support amongst the record crowds who thronged the city. There were over 1000 veteran, vintage and classic vehicles lining College Street, Hyde Park, Macquarie Street and down to the Conservatorium of Music. A special Chevrolet display marked the centenary of the company. Page 7
These minutes are to be confirmed at the next General Meeting
Minutes of the January 2011 General Meeting Held on 12 January 2011. The meeting was opened at 8:10 pm by Warren Gracie who welcomed all Members to the meeting. Minutes taker: Maureen Boatwright Attendees and Apologies There were 20 Members in attendance and guest speaker Brett Baxendale. Apologies: Joanne Wellington, Ann and Eric Bourn. Moved. Cliff Edwards
Seconded. Maureen Boatwright
Minutes of previous meeting read and accepted Moved. Bob Riches
Seconded. Judith Riches
Business arising from minutes Nil Brett Baxendale from Sta-Bil gave an interesting talk on fuel stabilisation and donated the door prize for the evening. Correspondence Membership renewals 37, Repair & Restoration Pty Ltd (by email), 31st British Car Display 28 August 2011, The Depender, Baby Torque Western Australia, Willyâ€&#x;s Whippet Overland Knight Restorers (change of address for mail), Mail returned to sender (Paul Stephens), MuseumTrackside Restaurant, Annual Swap Meeting-Hawkesbury Showground 20 February 2011, Ultimo College – Training for a Job Treasurer Report Warren read the Financial Report Moved. Mark Wellington
Seconded. Faye Yarroll
Spare Parts Merv read the Spare Parts Report Moved. Mark Wellington
Seconded. Bob Riches
Editor Website has attracted overseas interest. Events Gallery & Coming Events show Page 8
most interest. Please look at website as it is always changing. Anything of interest for magazine please forward to Editor. Any photos taken at NRMA Motorfest would be appreciated for February magazine. Membership Renewals coming in, fees due January. Membership data up to date and Members Mate ready to go. Fill in form details of car of the month and forward with photo. Public Officer Paperwork lodged with Fair Trading by Joanne Wellington on behalf of club for year end 2010 and new constitution passed, total cost $89. A sign on book for members will be available starting February meeting for those interested in borrowing books or magazines from the Club Library. Welfare Warren Tite is recovering from another knee infection. Events Team Events Calendar for 2011 will be included with February magazine. Coming events as listed in magazine. Any member interested in organizing a run or if anyone would like to let the Team know of an outing they would like to assist the team with, please contact the team on 9822 8609. Moved. Cliff Edwards
Seconded. Barbara Fahey
General Business George Murray from Cams, one of the founders of Oran Park, died 2 months ago. Morrie Monk a founder of Cams, died in January aged 90 years. Helen Quartly won the door prize donated by Brett Baxendale from Sta-Bil. The meeting 9.25pm
closed
at
Recent Happy Snaps
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Car of the Month Robert (Bob) and Judith Riches have been members of our Club for about 20 years. And although they‟ve owned many different cars and motor cycles this article will cover just one little car, a 1930 Sports Two Seater Type EA Ulster affectionately called the Ulster or the Red Car, and even Jane by their daughter. Bob and Judith can‟t remember exactly when they bought their little red and black car, but it was a long time ago. It was in good condition then but naturally some modifications have been made since. All Club runs are fun and travelling moderate to long distances has never been a problem. In fact, some rallies have been about 2,000 miles return trip. Phew .. that‟s a long way in an Austin 7. The 2001 Tassie Tour is one of their most memorable trips with almost 1930 Austin 7 Sports Two Seater Type EA
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empty roads allowing good viewing opportunities of the wonderful scenery. And their fellow tourers were simply the best. Always wanting to help out wherever possible, the chance arose for Bob and Judith during our Presidents Weekend in the Southern Highlands where their jet-black Smart car was seen racing around helping out fellow Club members and keeping everyone together. Their efforts were recognised recently when they were awarded the Tail End Charlie “Presidents Run” 2010 trophy at our recent Presentation Day (see picture at right).
The Ulster at Bruny Island Tasmania 2001
Bob and Judith just love travelling in their Judith and Bob with their Tail End Charlie Austin 7. If an event is “Presidents Run” 2010 trophy organised then they want to be part of it. I think Bobs‟ motto is along the lines of , “have cars ... will travel”. We all hope Bob and Judith, their little Ulster and all their other cars, keep on travelling for a long ... long ... time to come.
Information Sheet If you would like to see your Austin 7 featured in this magazine please complete and return the “Car of the Month - Information Sheet” available from the Editor. Page 11
The Austin History - Part 1 Herbert Austin was born on 8 November 1866 at 3, Mill Cottages Little Missenden, Buckinghamshire, England. His father, a farmer, was Giles Stevens Austin and his mother was Clara Jane Simpson. He was educated at Rotherham Grammar School and Brampton Commercial College, where he studied Architecture. Aged sixteen he emigrated to Melbourne, Australia, to join an uncle who was The Governor Works Manager of Langlands Foundry, a Melbourne engineering firm. During the following years he worked with various engineering companies, the last one being a subsidiary of the Wolseley Company of Great Britain. He married Helen Dron, daughter of James Dron on 26 December 1887 in Melbourne. Herbert Austin, later had two daughters, and a son who was killed in France in the First World War. At the age of 27 he had an invitation from Frederick Wolseley to return to Birmingham, England, to supervise the manufacture of sheep shearing equipment. He always had a passion for cars, partly because the long journeys into the Australian outback gave him an insight into the need for petrol driven vehicles. Two years on he built a tiller-steered three wheeler car. Spurred on by this vehicle he carried on experimenting with various designs. It was in 1900 he Wolseley Autocar 1895 won first prize in the 1,000 Mile Great Britain Trial with a four wheeler vehicle powered by a horizontal single cylinder engine. In 1901 the Wolseley Tool and Motor Car Company was founded at Adderley Park, Birmingham, with Herbert Austin as Manager. Under his direction Wolseley cars of the next few years won international renown. In the early summer of 1905 he resigned and looked around for somewhere to start up on his own? ... this story will be continued in a future Baby Torque magazine ... Copyright on the article/pictures belongs to John Baker www.austinmemories.com or the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk
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Valentine’s Day
Show your little Austin 7 how much you care this Valentine’s Day. It’s the perfect time for that overdue vacuum, polish, oil change and thorough grease job.
You can now become a
Business Card Sponsor for just $1 per week. There has always been a lot of interest in Austin 7’s, and it seems every month more people are surfing the web and discovering our Club’s website. Businesses and individuals are now invited to become a Business Card Sponsor on our website for just $1 per week on a 52 week sponsorship. So don’t wait, simply visit our Business Card Sponsors page at www.austin7clubnsw.org.au and print off a Business Card Sponsorship Form. Send your completed form to us together with your business card and sponsorship cheque and we’ll do the rest. Page 13
Spare Parts All Spare Parts correspondence should be addressed to: Mr Mervyn Boatwright, P.O. Box 1055, Menai Central. NSW 2234 Tel:/Fax: (02) 9822 8609
Email: m.boaty@bigpond.com
Spare Parts will NOT be brought to meetings unless requested beforehand due to the vast number of parts in stock nowadays. Please contact Merv by the Wednesday evening prior to the meeting with details of the parts you need. All Members choosing to pay by cheque for parts should read the instructions at the bottom of their invoice. Please make all cheques for Spare Parts payable to Austin 7 Club NSW Inc Spare Parts.
REMEMBER 2nd WEDNESDAY Our Club Meetings are now the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Please note this change on your Club Calendar. Five 19� AVON SIDE CAR TYRES (3.5 x 19) $80 EACH Contact Merv Boatwright (on behalf of a Club Member) on (02) 9822 8609 or at m.boaty@bigpond.com
It’s a Small Small World Club President Warren Gracie was recently referred to a Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon to correct problems with his right eye lid. The surgeon turned out to be former Club member Ross Benger who sold his Austin 7 to Club member Gordon Love. Gordon is now working hard on restoring his new car. Page 14
Bad Weather If bad weather conditions are looming, please contact Maureen Boatwright on Saturday evenings or from 6:30am on the Sunday of the run in question (H) 02 9822 8609 (M) 0413 017 263 or Warren Gracie (H) 02 9569 2108 (M) 0417 417 826. And please remember to always carry the following documents in your Austin 7:
Comprehensive Insurance Policy Clubs‟ Certificate of Currency Baby Torque Magazine
Point Score Trophy Don‟t forget the Austin 7 Club NSW “Point Score” program. Our aim is to see as many people as possible attending events and meetings (including monthly general meetings). Participation in an event or outing from the starting point to the finish will score you 2 points, while attending a general meeting will score you 1 point. These points are awarded whether you attend in your Austin 7 or modern car. The person with the highest points tally will receive a trophy at our Christmas Luncheon / Presentation Day. So come along and get involved.
2011 Supper Roster 9 February 2011
Faye & Robert Yarroll
9 March 2011
Amy & Paul Pui
13 April 2011
Warren Gracie
11 May 2011
Joanne & Mark Wellington
8 June 2011
Maureen & Merv Boatwright
13 July 2011
Helen & Denis Quartly Page 15
Member of The Council of Motor Clubs, Inc
Austin 7 Club NSW Inc "Dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of all types of Austin Sevens" Postal Address: P.O. Box 6009 North Ryde NSW 2113 Email: info@austin7clubnsw.org.au Website: www.austin7clubnsw.org.au
The Austin 7 Club NSW Inc has been active for over 25 years and aims to bring together people with the common interest of restoring, preserving and driving Austin Sevens. We are an informal family club that regularly takes our "Babies" to the road for some fun social touring. Spare parts are available to Club Members through the Club Spares Division and our technical people will give advice, where possible, in regard to the restoration of these cars.
Conditional Registration Any Member using a vehicle on RTA Conditional Registration (HCRS) and attending a Secondary Club Run or any event listed under Invitations Accepted or Other Events of Interest MUST contact a Committee Member to advise your vehicles movements PRIOR to attending the event. The committee of the nominated primary club on your conditional registration must be aware, and approve of, all movements of
your vehicle. If you wish to attend invitational events outside Club runs, you MUST contact a Committee Member to log the trip, otherwise your registration and insurance is NOT valid. You should carry a copy of the Clubs‟ Certificate of Insurance (Public Liability) in your Austin 7 at all times together with the most recent copy of this “Baby Torque” magazine.