Pui’s
17 July 2011. Eleven club members set off in six Austin 7’s for Mrs Macquarie’s Chair on this dark and misty Sunday morning. Mrs Macquarie's Chair, also known as Lady Macquarie's Chair, provides one of the best vantage points in Sydney. The historic chair was carved out of a rock ledge for Governor Lachlan Macquarie's wife, Elizabeth, as she was known to visit the area and sit enjoying the panoramic views of the harbour. Waiting to
greet the little cars were eleven other members and friends. The weather was cool and damp but the greeting was warm. A large tourist coach arrived minutes after the A7’s, so about 50 unexpected admirers enjoyed looking at our babies too. Sydney Harbour is vibrant and colourful; and today’s overcast skies didn’t distract us from having a fun day and snapping lots of photographs of our Austin 7’s Continued on Page 6
Committee Name
Home Phone
Mobile Phone
President
Warren Gracie
(02) 9569 2108
0417 417 826
Vice President
Paul Pui
(02) 9958 1791
0413 621 078
Secretary / Public Officer
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 Examiners
Warren Gracie Mervyn Boatwright
(02) 9569 2108 (02) 9822 8609
0417 417 826 0412 940 001
Membership / Registration
Faye Yarroll
(02) 9706 8007
0412 830 041
Editor / Webmaster
Robert Yarroll
(02) 9706 8007
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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 the 2nd 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
Bendigo Bank
BSB
802-841
633-000
0000009132
128875804
Account Page 2
Ian Nathan - Crows Nest Presidents Report It’s pleasing to see the number of events our Club has had lately. The mix of both Austin 7 and No-Car Social events makes for interesting and enjoyable outings. The Hawkesbury’s Riverboat Postman Run was an eye opener. It’s no wonder the mail is delivered by boat as there isn’t road access to most of the settlements along the river. Our Sydney Landmark Run produced many photographs of our Austin 7’s at various landmarks around Sydney. These can be viewed at the Events Gallery page of our website and should be of interest to local and overseas Austin 7 enthusiasts alike. Much of our Club’s success and longevity is due to the tireless contribution of Club members who have served on our Committee over the years. Our Sydney Landmark Run was organised by Vice President Paul Pui and his wife Amy; and culminated in a three course BBQ lunch at their home at Castlecrag. On behalf of Club members and friends who attended, I congratulate Paul and Amy for organising this Run, and thank them for the warm welcome into their home and their generous hospitality. With continuing efforts and an increased membership base, our Club should continue as long as our Austin 7’s survive. Happy Sevening ... Warren Gracie
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Events Report Please note our Centennial Park Display Day is now 18 September 2011 and our President’s Weekend is now 15-16 October 2011. There is one (1) ticket left for the All British Display Day and two (2) tickets for the 2011 Shannons Eastern Creek Classic. Contact the Events Team on 9822 8609. Our Sydney Landmark Run was a great success and it was wonderful to travel through the city without traffic problems. The views were spectacular and thanks to Paul & Amy’s son Jonathan and Faye Yarroll for taking some great photos. Our destination was Paul & Amy’s home for a BBQ ... and what a feast it was. I can’t begin to imagine the time involved in the preparation of all that food. Thank you Paul and Amy for your continued generosity to the Austin 7 Club and it’s members. I know everyone who at-
tended enjoyed the day immensely. On the run were: Paul & Amy Pui, Robert & Faye Yarroll, Mark & Joanne Wellington, Bob & Judith Riches, Carolyn Thompson, Helen Lewis, George & Sue McGill, Brian & Deirdre Haywood, Warren Gracie, Merv & Maureen Boatwright, Paul, Sandra, Jessica, Katie & Jackie Boatwright, Richard & Sandra Hubbard from the A7 Club in Victoria. There were six A7’s and five moderns on the day. Anyone interested in making special arrangements at the Barossa Motor Lodge at Tanunda SA (our Club’s accommodation), such as arriving early or extending your stay after the 2012 Rally, then please contact Maureen on 9822 8609 ASAP. Happy Austin 7 touring ... Maureen Boatwright
USE CAR’S EXHAUST TO CLEAN UPHOLSTERY
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Coming Events 18 September 2011 … Centennial Park Display Day Starting at 10:00am from just inside the Oxford Street Gates on the left hand side. Make sure you bring along your thinking cap! There will be questions to be answered to be in the running for an award to be presented at the end of this year. 15 - 16 October 2011 President’s Weekend ... Southern Highlands & South Expressions of Interest are still being accepted for this great weekend. Please contact Warren Gracie or Maureen Boatwright so we can book your accommodation. 20 November 2011 ... Ladies Day - TBA __ December 2011 ... Christmas Function/Presentation Day - TBA 1 - 5 October 2012 90th Anniversary National Austin 7 Hub Rally - Tanunda, S.A. There is immense interest in this Rally, so make sure you have booked your Barossa Valley accommodation. The renowned Bay to Birdwood Run is for vehicles produced before 1956 and will be held on the day prior to the Hub Rally (Sunday 30 September 2012). Since Austin 7’s will be the featured car of the Hub Rally it would be preferred if all participants could be in Adelaide for the Bay to Birdwood no later than the evening of Saturday 29 September 2012. This will be the largest single-day vintage and veteran vehicles event in the world. You could also consider arriving in Adelaide earlier to join some of the Motorfest events during the week leading up to the Bay to Birdwood Run. Those members who sent their Expressions of Interest to the Austin 7 Club SA should now have their June 2011 Update to read in detail. Please contact our Events Team on 9822 8609 if you require an Expressions of Interest form or any further information.
Invitations Accepted 21 August 2011 ... 2011 Shannons Eastern Creek Classic Special displays for 100 years of the Chevrolet, 60 years of the Renault Car Club in Australia and 50 years of the E-Type Jaguar and Volvo P1800. If you like cars, motor bikes, trucks, buses or military vehicles, then this is the show for you and your family. Admission by Pre-Paid Entry Sticker ONLY. 28 August 2011 ... 31st All British Display Day - North Parramatta In conjunction with The King’s School Art Show. Bring the family and have a great day at the Kings School, Pennant Hills Road, North Parramatta (entry via Masons Drive). Breakfast available from 7am, lunch and wine tastings. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 to purchase your entry ticket. Page 5
Continued
with a famous Sydney landmark or two in the background (cover photographs were taken by Faye Yarroll on the day). As usual, everyone was issued with a map of where we were going and the obligatory set of questions; the answers being relevant to the areas we were about to visit. However, a consensus was reached by everyone attending the Run that the questions were almost impossible to answer! From Mrs Macquarie’s Chair we went to Luna Park via the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Milsons Point. Luna Park Sydney is a superbly restored 1930’s amusement park where “everyone goes … just for fun”. Luna Park first opened in 1935 and has since become an outstanding and important feature of Sydney Harbour’s foreshore. Located near the northern pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the face and towers of Luna Park have become iconic to the people of Sydney, and the Park itself synonymous with fun. Then we continued to Balls Head Reserve. It’s a pleasant little reserve northwest of Sydney Harbour Bridge and a nice spot for morning tea or a picnic. This headland was named after Lieutenant H. Lidgbird Ball (the Commander of the First Fleet vessel “Supply”) who explored the area in 1788. And then we went to see “the proof that Herbert Austin really did live in Sydney”. And see it we did; a plaque in Thomas Street Waverton stating that Herbert Austin (later Lord Austin) had lived in the street in about 1892. Blues Point Reserve was our next stop for a full-span view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Chen Lim, a good friend of the Pui’s, met us here in his bright yellow Porsche Boxster and stayed with us for the rest of the day. Then onto Tunks Park at Northbridge where Warren Gracie gave us a guided tour of the park and an interesting talk about the historic Cammeray Suspension Bridge above it. By this time everyone was getting tired, so it was time to head for our BBQ lunch via Clive Park at Northbridge, where those who hadn’t already worked up an appetite had the chance to do so.
Paul & Amy Pui Page 6
Well ... talk about a lunch. The Pui’s must have spent a week preparing the tastiest and best BBQ ever. And their desserts were yummy. To Paul & Amy, and their children Jonathan and Marissa, and Jonathan’s girlfriend Jady, our heartfelt thanks from everyone who attended the inaugural Pui’s Sydney Landmark Run. We all had a wonderful day and look forward to your next Landmark Run.
For the first time in a long time, our Club recently held a weekday event. Monday 11 July 2011 saw 29 members and friends travel to Brooklyn to board a traditional timber vessel to cruise part of the longest river on Australia’s east coast. The Riverboat Postman has been providing an essential service to the river communities since 1920. In 1790 the Hawkesbury River, 50 kilometres north of Sydney, became the lifeline of trade between the farming communities and the struggling colony of Sydney. Trade flourished but then declined during the 19th century. Today the river is still a vital link to unique water-access-only settlements scattered along the magnificent river. The Riverboat Postman provides the daily needs to the river community like milk, groceries and newspapers. Maureen Boatwright, our event organiser said, “I think everyone enjoyed the skipper’s knowledgeable commentary on the river’s many features like Tumbledown, and some of the unique waterside dwellings such as Blotto Grotto”. All this adventure on such a glorious winters day created quite an appetite; and the smorgasbord lunch helped to keep our energy levels up. So much sightseeing is very draining. The area’s natural beauty is a great attraction for some people; however it’s seclusion creates some difficulties. The homes that dot the waters edge have electricity connected, but must collect and store their own water supply. And it can’t be an easy journey to work or school, or even just to buy a screw from the hardware store, when every trip must start with a boat ride just to reach the mainland. Nevertheless, the Hawkesbury River region must be one of the most naturally spectacular places on earth. Page 7
Car of the Month ... Anthony & Kim Harte’s A7 Meteor This month we are featuring Anthony and Kim Harte’s green and black 1929 Austin Seven Meteor. Anthony’s father Kevin, who is a foundation member of our Club, purchased this car back in the 1960’s before Kevin and Helen were even married. The car needed a full restoration and sat idle for many years before Anthony and Kevin started on the big job ahead of them. Anthony told his father that he wanted the car ready for the 2006 Mudgee Austin Seven Rally, so it was all hands on deck and the hard work started. Kevin worked alone in the garage day and night during the week and then Anthony would join him every weekend working too. Well, Anthony’s dream came true when the car was finally fully restored just in time for the rally ... and didn’t it look great! Easter 2006 arrived and on Good Friday morning the Harte’s trailered their Meteor to the Mudgee National Austin Seven Rally. The next morning they set off for a short run in their new Meteor and afterwards made a few small adjustments ... and the car was now running just perfectly. Anthony and Kevin were very happy now the restoration was complete. This moment was worth the long wait, seeing the car looking pristine and running like a bird. Anthony’s son Thomas had his first ride in a sports car and immediately fell in love with his dad’s new passion.
Anthony’s 1929 Austin Seven Meteor before restoration Page 8
and look at it now .. simply stunning! After a week of touring around Mudgee, and thoroughly enjoying themselves, it was time for the Friday Presentation Night. Anthony said “it was an excellent night, and to top it off we won the People’s Choice Award! How special was that?” So after many long hours restoring the little Austin it was very rewarding for the Harte’s to receive this award. Kim gave birth to baby Will following the nights celebrations. He entered this world six weeks prematurely, so the 2006 Mudgee National Austin Seven Rally will always be remembered for many reasons to everyone in the Harte family. Anthony and Kim’s boys Thomas and Will are growing up quickly and are sure to follow in their dad’s and grandad’s footsteps by one day having their own Austin Sevens.
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 9
The Austin History - Part 5 In the 1936 Honours List Sir Herbert Austin was created a Baron and elevated to the peerage. He took the title of Lord Austin of Longbridge. At the age of 69 he accepted the Chairmanship of the Government sponsored shadow factory scheme for aircraft production, and during the next few years devoted much time to his new responsibility. Therefore the East Works was built for assembling aircraft, aero engine test cells and other Fairey Battle facilities. The first aeroplane to be built was a Fairey Battle. In March 1938 Leonard Lord joined the Company as Works Director. At the early age of forty-two, having been Managing Director of the Morris, Wolseley and M.G. Company he had earned respect for his management skills. It was also decided to re-enter the light commercial vehicle field with a complete new range in January 1939. As the shape reflected the contemporary Bedford's of the time these became known as the Birmingham Bedford’s. The most popular car produced at Longbridge at this time was the Austin Seven. In 1939 the 8HP version was introduced, and continued until 1947. A 10HP version came in 1939 and paralleled the 8HP until 1947. At the same time as the 10HP version a 12HP version was announced just before the second World War in August 1939. With the outbreak of war the factory soon had to change production to supply the war effort. The same machines and hands that a short time previously turned out highly finished cars took in their stride the production of a whole miscellany of intricate parts for the nation's war machine. The variety and quantities of articles produced were staggering, from steel helmets to aircraft and everything in between. Lord Austin died on 23 May 1941 after a short illness at the age of 74, and is buried in Holy Trinity Church, Rose Hill North Worcestershire; usually called Lickey Church.
funeral cortege passing K gate
E. L. Payton, interim chairman then retired four years later on 28 November 1945, whereupon Leonard Lord became Chairman and Managing Director. ... 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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Recent Happy Snaps
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These minutes are to be confirmed at the next General Meeting
Minutes of the July 2011 General Meeting Held on 13 July 2011 at NRMA Training Centre, George Street, North Strathfield. The meeting was opened at 8:10pm by Warren Gracie who welcomed all members to the meeting. Minutes taker: Maureen Boatwright Apologies: Mark & Joanne Wellington, Paul Boatwright, Don Scanes and Ken Rolley. 22 members in attendance. Moved: Bob Riches
Seconded: Carolyn Thompson
Minutes of previous meeting read and accepted: Moved: Faye Yarroll
Seconded: Maureen Boatwright
Business arising from minutes: Nil Correspondence: Inwards: Willy’s Whippet Overland Knight Restorers Inc., Veteran & Vintage Car Club of Goulburn Inc., MSG Auction - Stepney - South Australia, The Sebel Harbourside Kiama, Peter L Mathews, The Light Shaft - Victoria, Baby Torque - Western Australia, Drive Chatter - Berrima District Club, Liverpool Super Swap Meet - 17/7/11, FOSC - Festival of Sporting Cars (email), Chevalier College - Highlands Motorfest 30/10/11, 1 x Membership. Outwards: Austin Motor Vehicle Club NSW Inc., Vauxhall Owners Club of Australia - NSW Branch. Moved: Robert Yarroll
Seconded: Helen Lewis
Treasurer Report: Helen Lewis read the Financial Report. Moved: Merv Boatwright
Seconded: Helen Quartly
Spare Parts: Mervyn Boatwright read the Spare Parts Report. Moved: Faye Yarroll
Seconded: Bob Riches
Editor: Robert Yarroll reported that Page 12
our magazine and website are going well. Membership Officer: A new member named Ian Nathan. Another new member Richard Lane to deposit membership fee by bank deposit. Welfare: Nil Public Officer: Nil Events Team: Maureen reported, Tickets/Stickers for Eastern Creek ($12), All British Display Day ($5). Good weather and great time at our Riverboat Postman Run - 24 adults & 2 children. Not many Expression of Interest for South Australia received from NSW. Moved: Robert Yarroll
Seconded: Faye Yarroll
General Business: Bob Riches discussed Bay to Birdwood for 2012. Austin 7 will be the featured car, the run starts at 9.00am, and we should get to Glenelg by 6.00am. (Bob as previously discussed - week before events). No overtaking on track at Eastern Creek. Haul to Hume finishing at Yass on 27/08/11. The meeting closed at 8.45pm. Door Prize - won by Kevin Harte Raffle - 1st Prize won by Faye Yarroll Raffle - 2nd Prize won by Ann Bourn
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All Spare Parts correspondence should be addressed to: Mr Mervyn Boatwright, P.O. Box 366, Casula Mall. NSW 2170 Telephone: (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 Thursday 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.
Does your Austin 7 need NEW brake linings?
1” sets $55 Page 14
1¼” sets $68
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 (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.
Supper Roster 10 August 2011 14 September 2011 12 October 2011 9 November 2011 14 December 2011 11 January 2012
Faye & Robert Yarroll Sandra & Paul Boatwright Amy & Paul Pui Judith & Bob Riches Members to bring a plate To be advised 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.
RTA Conditional Registration Any Member using a vehicle on RTA Historic Conditional Registration Scheme (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 move-
ments 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.