15-16 October 2011. It had been a wet and dismal October week, but the sun finally came out on Saturday morning as we assembled at the Liverpool Regional Museum. We were ready for the start of the 2011 Presidents Weekend in the Southern Highlands. Twelve people in seven Austin 7‟s made their way from Liverpool to Warren Tite‟s property at Tahmoor where we met up with some country members. As a few cars were being unloaded from their trailers, Ross Bell had the chore of changing a flat tyre before he could unload his baby. So after a nice cuppa, and a few lamingtons, twenty people set off for a great weekend in twelve A7‟s.
retail therapy. After some cars had a petrol top-up, we departed from Mittagong railway station and headed towards Fitzroy Falls. This spectacular waterfall was discovered in the 1820‟s by Charles Throsby, pioneer settler of Bong Bong, whose property extended as far as the falls itself. The falls were a favourite place for the Throsby‟s to picnic and they used to invite many guests to see them, which became known as Throsby’s Waterfall. Many years later the falls were named Fitzroy Falls after NSW Governor Fitzroy who visited the falls in 1850. The falls are created by the Yarrunga Creek dropping 80 metres down the escarpment and which then flows into the Kangaroo River. Jim and Merilyn Dunn‟s little yellow chummy refused to proceed on the way to the falls, and was trailered back to our base at the Mittagong RSL by some helpful members.
… beautiful Mittagong ... First stop was Mittagong for our lunch, and a stroll through the local markets and antique shops presented us with some leisurely
After leaving the falls, we toured through some of the southern highlands most beautiful and lush country side while enjoying the delightful views and finally reached the quaint little town of Burrawang. It was here we visited the home of club members Rob and Fay McCarthy for the most glorious 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
-
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
Presidents Report Having just organised the 2011 President‟s Weekend run, I was reflecting on the recent dozen or so events organised by our Club and the help that was given by volunteers for every one of these events. It‟s fortunate for Clubs like ours to have access to these volunteers as there is a vast pool of ability and expertise available to assist with our activities. Nothing would happen without the efforts of these people. As is often the case within many Clubs, it seems that only a few regular members volunteer their services to organise and/or co-ordinate the Club‟s activities whether it involves a small or large amount of work. Naturally, it‟s a disappointment for an organiser to only see a few members attend their event. I was very pleased to see twelve Austin 7‟s turn up for the 2011 President‟s Weekend in the Southern Highlands, more about this will appear in the Events Report in this issue and on our website. During this run we stopped at the Burrawang estate of Club members Rob & Fay McCarthy. Together with their local car enthusiast friends Ian & Kerrie Steer, the McCarthy‟s provided us with a homemade afternoon tea of gigantic proportions. A great example of volunteering and very much appreciated and enjoyed by our entire group. So, to keep our Club volunteers happy please try to attend as many events as you can, especially our upcoming Christmas Function / Presentation Day and our Ladies Day in recognition and appreciation of the ladies efforts during the year, without whose contributions our Club would not be as successful as it is. Happy Sevening … Warren Gracie
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Events Report Our Club‟s first regular monthly breakfast run started off with bad weather. The wind was roaring and the rain was heavy. Organiser Mark Wellington made the right decision to change our venue from Scarborough to Menai. As usual a delicious breakfast was had by all. In attendance were Joanne & Mark Wellington, Paul & Amy Pui, Paul & Sandra, Jessica, Katie & Jackie Boatwright, Warren Gracie, Ron Selig, Helen Lewis, Carolyn Thompson with two friends, and Merv & Maureen Boatwright. Ken Rolley set out in his Austin 7 but the weather forced him to returned home. Attending were 7 Austin 7‟s and 2 moderns. It was brilliant to see twelve Austin 7‟s chugging along through the Southern Highlands. The 2011 President‟s Weekend was truly great, so enjoyable and relaxing. The weather was magic and our babies thoroughly enjoyed the outings. There was one baby on its initial weekend run and unfortunately fell ill and spent the second day travelling on a trailer. Jim has found the problem and all should be OK for its next outing. There were definitely three, or maybe even four, ladies seen having a big spend at the Lavender Cottage; and a few guys were seen enjoying the home made lavender and ginger cakes. Thank you Warren for a wonderful
weekend and a special thanks to our Club members Rob & Fay McCarthy for showing our members over their property; and through their shed filled with a collection of cars and parts; and providing the most delicious afternoon tea for our members with the help of their friends and car enthusiasts Ian & Kerrie Steer. Please contact our Events Team on 9822 8609 ASAP with your booking details for: 27 November 2011 Christmas Function/Presentation Day 6 November 2011 Breakfast Run 11 December 2011 Ladies Day 23-25 March 2012 Crookwell Also make contact if you will be displaying your Austin 7 at the Padstow North Public School Spring Fair on 12 November 2011. All types of stalls and a great day out. Keep up the good work everyone. The more Austin 7‟s we have on the road the more fun we can have together. See you on the breakfast run. Happy Austin 7 touring … Maureen Boatwright
Coming Events 6 November 2011 … Breakfast Run to Hawkesbury River Marina - Brooklyn Departing NRMA car-park North Strathfield at 7:40am. Our Destination is the Hawkesbury River Marina, Dangar Road (Lot 501 McKell Park), Brooklyn. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending. 12-13 November 2011 … Bendigo National Swap Meet - Bendigo Any members wanting to sell their second-hand car parts at this Swap Meet please give them to Kevin Harte at our November General Meeting. All parts must include a clearly marked price tag. 27 November 2011 ... Christmas Function/Presentation Day Staring place TBA. Destination is Twin Creek Golf & Country Club at Luddenham. Private Function Room with buffet available at Adult $39.00 and Children $19.50. There is also a two course selection for the kids from the Dining Room for just $12.95. Buckets of golf balls and clubs will be available just for fun (at a small cost). Don‟t forget to bring along your shoe box full of goodies for our Christmas Auction. Family and friends are very welcome. Please contact Page 4
Coming Events the Events Team on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending. Booking and payment is required NOW. 11 December 2011 ... Ladies Day - Lunch at a Club Departing NRMA car-park at North Strathfield and visiting places along the way including Oatley Park. Lunch will be at a Club and bookings are essential. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending. Bookings required NOW. 15 January 2012 … Breakfast Run - Scarborough Hotel - Scarborough Departing NRMA car-park North Strathfield at 7:45am or Heathcote Railway car-park at 8:30am. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending and advise your starting place. Our destination is the Scarborough Hotel, 383 Lawrence Hargraves Drive, Scarborough. 26 January 2012 … Australia Day Celebrate this great day at the NRMA Motorfest or South Coast festivities by the ocean. 23-25 March 2012 ... Sydney Vintage Car Restoration - Crookwell This will be a long-weekend based in Goulburn. Ten rooms have been secured at our motel. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 NOW if you are interested in attending. 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. Members staying at the Barossa Motor Lodge will need to leave between 5:30am-6:00am on Sunday to drive to the Bay to Birdwood event.
Invitations Accepted 12 November 2011 ... Padstow North Public School Spring Fair Enjoy a great day out at Watson Road, Padstow. There will be stalls, rides, displays, entertainment, cakes and raffles, etc. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending in your Austin 7. 13 November 2011 ... Razorback Crankhandle Association 30th Annual Fisher’s Ghost Tour This will be approximately 100 kilometres of scenic touring. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending. 4 February 2012 ... Leura’s Automobile Picnic in the Mall A great display of cars from the 1920‟s. This event is part of a month long Festival of 1920‟s nostalgia throughout the Blue Mountains. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending. Page 5
Continued from front Page
Garden Tea Party you could imagine. Car enthusiasts, and McCarthy friends, Ian and Kerrie Steer also joined us for an afternoon of conversation that we‟ll remember for a long time to come. A big Thank You goes to Rob & Fay and Ian & Kerrie for their warm welcome and generous hospitality.
made cooking with a taste of lavender as well. Yum. Then off we went to view the deepest rail cutting you will ever come across before travelling to the newest and biggest railway experience in Australia, the NSW Train Works Museum at Thirlmere. We parked our babies inside the museum grounds, took a brief lunch stop and then enjoyed a conducted tour of the many and varied trains and carriages and learned about their history. After the tour we took a ride from Thirlmere to Buxton and return on the 2705 steam train. We had now finished our 2011 President‟s Weekend and some members departed Train Works for their homes but ten other members returned to Mittagong RSL for one more night‟s stay.
After such a wonderful and varied day it was time to head back to Mittagong RSL where we enjoyed the 2011 President‟s Dinner in the Dining Room and had a few more laughs together before eventually retiring for the night. Sunday morning brought plenty of sunshine and things warmed up quickly. First stop today was Belle Fleur Lavender Cottage at Hill Top which is about 600m above sea level. This altitude allows the successful cultivation of a wide selection of lavender varieties. Our female members really enjoyed this stop and went home with a variety of lavender specialities. The hosts put on a lovely morning tea for everyone and we had the opportunity to taste some homePage 6
On Mon d a y morn in g th e lo n gweekenders travelled to Tahmoor again so some could retrieve their moderns and trailers. Then, it was off to the Tahmoor Men‟s Shed for some fellowship, a good look-around and another morning tea. The final stop on our journey back to Sydney was Warragamba Dam. A h e a r tf e lt Thank You goes to President Warren Gracie for arranging such an enjoyable event in the Southern Highlands and to all our members who participated in this fun weekend.
… all aboard ...
Three A7‟s carrying the Haywoods, Hartes and Bournes assembled early on Saturday morning in Eastwood. They were there to take part in the Grand Parade at the opening of the annual Granny Smith Festival. This has been a popular local event since 1985.
The Festival attracts about 100,000 people and is run annually to commemorate the 19th century pioneer Maria Ann ‘Granny’ Smith. She is credited with having grown the first Granny Smith apple which has brought great prosperity to local orchards and communities over the years.
Church before joining the crowds to check-out the stalls. We also took in the performances of local groups on the two stages which had been set up in Rowe Street and the pedestrian shopping mall.
The Grand Parade is featured before the official opening of the Festival. Leading the parade was a float carrying an enormous green apple; and this was followed by about ten cars including our three A7‟s, marching bands and local community groups. We drove down Rowe Street which was lined with colourful stalls and people standing five or six deep on each side, and then passed the official dais where there was a commentary on each of the participants and groups.
The weather was very threatening early in the morning, but cleared to a sunny and hot day. It was a shame that Anthony Harte was unable to attend due to work commitments.
After the Parade we parked our babies and enjoyed a coffee at the Uniting
Article by Brian Haywood Page 7
Car of the Month ... Jim & Merilyn Dunn’s A7 Special Jim and Merilyn Dunn have been members of our club for some time, but can only join us occasionally at Club events as they live near Maitland in country NSW. It was about 1998 when Jim located various Austin 7 parts under a house at St. Ives. The parts were from an Austin 7 Special that Frank Dedenham built in 1949. Now the proud owner of these many bits and pieces, Jim decided to replicate the original car as much as possible and commenced the huge restoration job around 2005 - 2006. And thatâ€&#x;s when the real fun began. Jim stripped and repaired lots of component including the chassis and brakes, and what he couldnâ€&#x;t repair himself he either fully refabricated it or purchased new parts where possible. Very little of the frame was in good condition, so he had to re-make quite a bit. He used and modified the original bonnet and finished the panels in aluminium to reduce weight. In 2010 Jims gleaming blue Austin 7 Special rolled out of his garage after a full restoration and a lot of hard work. The car has since proven to be a
Jim and Merilyn Page 8
Jim and Merilyn‟s blue Austin 7 Special good performer and very reliable. Jim and Merilyn‟s first big outing in their newly finished Austin 7 Special was the 2010 Shannon„s Eastern Creek Classic Car Display. After this memorable day they displayed their little blue beauty at the 2011 Australia Day Display, and then in March 2011 set off to Myall Park at Hawks Nest for the Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Motorfest. Jim and Merilyn attended the Shannon‟s Eastern Creek Classic Car Display again in August 2011 in their newest addition to their car family, a bright yellow Austin 7 Chummy. And one week later they switched back to the blue Austin 7 Special for the 31st All British Display Day at Kings School at North Parramatta. After an early 6:00am start to get to Kings School by 8:00am, the Dunn‟s had a great day and went home with a very wide smile on their faces. That‟s because their Austin 7 Special was chosen by the Judges as best Austin 7 displayed that day. “Wow … this is our first award ever and very unexpected”, Jim said. It was great to see Jim and Merilyn having so much fun with their little blue Austin 7 Special. It‟s funny how any Austin Seven, no matter what type it is, is guaranteed to put a wide smile on everyone‟s dial!
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
Obituary
Bill Boddy
1913-2011
Bill Boddy has died at the age of 98. Boddy was editor of Motor Sport magazine from 1936 until 1991 but continued to be a contributor to the magazine until this year. Amazingly, he wrote his first article for the magazine in 1930, when just 17 years of age. Boddy‟s fascination with automobiles began in the 1920‟s when he visited a wealthy relative who had two cars and a chauffeur. His own upbringing was rather more austere, his mother being a war widow. He left school at 14 and worked in a motorcycle shop. He started visiting Brooklands that year and indeed lost his job when he called in sick in order to attend a race meeting and unfortunately bumped into his boss at the track. His boyhood hero was Parry Thomas, who was killed attempting to break the land speed record in 1927. He worked for various publications in the years that followed including the Brooklands Track & Air and competed in the late 1930‟s when he had more money available. His adventures included being a competitor at the first Prescott hillclimb in 1938 and being thrown out of a car driven by Sydney Allard during the Horndean Speed Trials. By the late 1930‟s he was writing much of Motor Sport, and continued to do so during the war years when he was employed at Farnborough working on technical publications for the Royal Air Force. After the war, he returned to Motor Sport and recruited Denis Jenkinson to provide race reports and every edition carried weighty articles signed off “WB”. He wrote many books during his career, including a number on Brooklands, about which he was the undisputed expert. He was appointed an MBE for services to journalism.
Austin 7 Club NSW Inc
Changed Membership Fees Single Membership Fee for 2012 ………… $50 Family Membership Fee for 2012 ………… $55 Joining Fee (effective immediately) …… $30 The Joining Fee applies to all new members and those who have not renewed their Membership by 31 January each year.
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Recent Happy Snaps
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These minutes of the Austin 7 Club NSW Inc are to be confirmed at the next General Meeting
Minutes of the October 2011 General Meeting Held on 12 October 2011 at NRMA Training Centre, George Street, North Strathfield. The meeting was opened at 8:20pm by Warren Gracie who welcomed all members to the meeting. Minutes taker: Maureen Boatwright Attendees: 21. Apologies: Mark & Joanne Wellington, Paul Boatwright, Deidre Haywood, Helen Lewis and Carolyn Thompson Moved: Faye Yarroll
Seconded: Judith Riches
Minutes of previous meeting read and accepted: Moved: Robert Yarroll
Seconded: Faye Yarroll
Business arising from minutes: NIL Correspondence: Inwards: Baby Torque (WA x 2) September & October, The Bent Wire, Drive Chatter, The Depender, The Lightshaft (Vic), Australia Post, Queanbeyan Swap-Meet, The Vauxhall Ownersâ€&#x; Club of Aust.Inc., Cams Club Affiliation for Sporting, Non Sporting & Enthusiast Club. Outwards: NIL Moved: Helen Quartly
Seconded: Barbara Fahey
Treasurers Report: No report available. Spare Parts: Mervyn Boatwright read the Spare Parts Report. Moved: Bob Riches
Seconded: Robert Yarroll
Editor: Robert Yarroll congratulated Brian & Deidre Haywood who received a trophy at the Bull & Bush display. He also congratulated Cliff Edwards who won the Car of the Year at our Austin 7 Display day. Membership Officer: Faye Yarroll Page 12
reported 78 Financial Members plus Richard Lane. Secretary/Public Officer: TCIS Insurance Certificate of Currency & copies given to members with Historic Vehicle Registration Plates. Cams Insurance discussed, year-end 2011external audit to be carried out by Joanne Gullick. $4.20 outstanding amount on postage to be paid by Club. Welfare: NIL Events Team: Next breakfast run is 6/11/2011 to Brooklyn. Extended weekend planned for Crookwell/ Goulburn is on 23-25 March 2012. Events Calendar will be sent with November magazine. NRMA Motorfest closing date 21/10/2011 or earlier. Moved: Robert Yarroll
Seconded: Bob Riches
General Business: Kevin Harte told meeting 4 members have given him their parts to sell at Bendigo Swap Meeting and the new site number for our club stall is 307. Book on loan to Faye Yarroll to use for our magazine. Bob Riches spoke about William Boddy who died in July 2011, he was the instigator of the A7 movement. The meeting closed at 8.55pm Door Prize - Won by Ken Rolley Raffle - Won by Helen Quartly
2 October 2011. Everyone was looking forward to a fun drive south to the Scarborough Hotel for today‟s first regular Breakfast Run. Our Committee was blown away with the good attendance … and our Members were almost blown away by the atrocious blustery conditions. It was awful weather for the NRL‟s Grand Final games and definitely not conducive to an enjoyable and safe Sunday tour in our Austin 7‟s. So Mark Wellington, the event organiser, proved that no Club decision is ever cast in stone and quickly changed todays venue to the Grissini Ristorante at Menai, where the food is always yummy and the atmosphere cosy. Although this was an excellent decision by Mark, he was duly crowned Chicken of the Day for not having the courage to brave the weather in his own Austin 7! In attendance were Mark & Joanne Wellington, Ron Selig, Carolyn Thompson, Helen Lewis & two friends, Mervyn & Maureen Boatwright, Ashley Cottell, and Paul & Sandra Boatwright with their children Jessica, Katie & Jackie. Unfortunately for Ken Rolley, he only reached Gymea before returning home drenched as his open Austin 7 Special had become a bath-tub on wheels. Let‟s hope the weather gods will be kinder to us at our next Breakfast Run to Brooklyn‟s Hawkesbury River Marina on 6 November 2011. See you there!
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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.
Fan Belts #43 and #45
Engine Mounts 1933-1939
$22.00 each belt
$22.50 each set
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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 9 November 2011 14 December 2011
Judith & Bob Riches Members to bring a plate
11 January 2012
Your Committee
8 February 2012
Faye & Robert Yarroll
14 March 2012 11 April 2012
Maureen & Merv Boatwright Helen Lewis 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 Clubsâ€&#x; Certificate of Insurance (Public Liability) in your Austin 7 at all times together with the most recent copy of this Baby Torque magazine.