26 January 2012. Several members celebrated Australia Day at Flagstaff Hill Park (Wollongong) with folk from the Austin Motor Vehicle Club. Although our east coast, including Sydney, experienced torrential rain and widespread flooding the day before; in true Aussie style the sun came out and we all experienced a hot, humid and very enjoyable day.
26 January 2012. Following early morning phone calls both Eric and Anne Bourne with Brian and Deirdre Haywood decided to brave the uncertain weather and drive their Austin Sevens to Sydney for the Australia Day NRMA Motorfest. Luckily we only had a couple of heavy showers during the day and the sun came out in the afternoon.
There was something for everyone from a classic car display with seven Austin Sevens and seven various other Austins, to a thong-throwing competition on the beach, amusement rides, bands and entertainment; and stalls and more stalls. They say over 50,000 people were there!
There were less cars on display this year due to the wet weather but the crowd in Macquarie Street and the interest in our Baby Austins was probably as good as previous years. Indeed we heard that one group had been directed by friends outside St. Mary’s Cathedral to “go up
Continued on page 6
Continued on page 6
Committee Executive
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
Name
Home Phone
Mobile Phone
Events Team
Maureen Boatwright
(02) 9822 8609
0413 017 263
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
Faye Yarroll
(02) 9706 8007
0412 830 041
Editor / Webmaster
Robert Yarroll
(02) 9706 8007
-
Office Bearers
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
100008499
128875804
Account Page 2
Presidents Report The Kodak Company has recently filed for protection from bankruptcy. Even though they invented digital photography they mistakenly believed the technology would never succeed. It seems a similar scenario was played out in 1922 when it was forecast that Herbert Austin’s baby Austin 7 would not be successful! I guess everyone is capable of making statements that don’t come true. On another matter, Club members will have received notice of a Special General Meeting to be held immediately after our February General Meeting to hear an appeal by a Member under the provisions of our Club Constitution. This will be the first such action taken by the Committee this century or any other time that anyone can recall. It will be a test of our Clubs new Constitution that came into effect just last year. I hope everyone enjoyed their Australia Day celebration whether it was at our Flagstaff Hill Park Club Run, the NRMA Motorfest or just relaxing with family or friends. Happy Sevening … Warren Gracie
Tony & Sue Paull Singleton NSW We have a new account number at Laboratories Credit Union. Please use 100008499 for all transactions (see page 2).
Page 3
Events Report As usual, the Club’s Sausage Sizzle was a great success, and I can’t think of a better way to start off an Austin 7 New Year. There was plenty of time for chatting, eating and laughter; and even time for a game of catching. The only problem was the wild wind blowing away the heat from our BBQ’s while we were trying to cook. Somebody came up with an ingenious idea of placing containers around the hotplate to keep the heat in; and it actually worked. Our Clubs first outing for 2012 was a Breakfast Run to the Scarborough Hotel, and as usual lately, we encountered rain. The staff at the hotel had reserved a room for our group so everything went well. We saw twenty-one people on the day in six A7’s and five moderns; that’s not bad for a very wet morning. In attendance was Paul & Amy Pui, Mark & Joanne Wellington, Robert & Faye Yarroll, Paul, Sandra, Jessi-
ca, Katie & Jackie Boatwright, Warren Gracie, Eric Steinhaus & Cissy, Ken Rolley, George & Sue McGill, Bob & Judith Riches and Mervyn & Maureen Boatwright. There is still three Club Events yet to be organised for 2012. Club members are invited to contact me on 9822 8609 if you would like to suggest a location or organise a Run yourself. Hopefully Australia Day will be great weather wise and the Events Team wishes everyone a wonderful day full of fun. Our Club is expecting about twenty-eight people to participate in festivities. I hope everyone has a great Australia Day and I look forward to seeing many of you at Flagstaff Hill Park in Wollongong. Happy Austin 7 touring … Maureen Boatwright
Coming Events 12 February 2012 … Breakfast Run - 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. Page 4
Coming Events 19 February 2012 … Twilight Run - Mystery Destination - North Departing NRMA car-park North Strathfield at 3:00pm. BYO meal or buy at a shop near our destination. 4 March 2012 … Breakfast Run - South - New Venue Departing NRMA car-park North Strathfield at 7:30am or Heathcote Railway car-park at 8:15am. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending and advise your starting place. 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 and all these rooms have now been allocated. 15 April 2012 … April Run - Destination TBA 29 April 2012 … Breakfast Run - North 23-24 June 2012 ... Weekend away at Mt.Victoria Our Club will be staying at a very nice Guesthouse at Mt Victoria. So far eleven en-suite rooms have been booked - the remaining rooms do not have en-suites. On Sunday we will be joining the Vauxhall Club and other clubs for lunch at the Guesthouse and also enjoying Kitty & the Bagman at the Mt.Victoria picture show. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending. 1 - 5 October 2012 90th Anniversary National Austin 7 Hub Rally - Tanunda, S.A. Make sure you have booked your Barossa Valley accommodation as there is immense interest in this Rally. Remember, there’s only 10 months to go and more than 140 Austin 7’s will be attending. The renowned Bay to Birdwood Run is for vehicles manufactured before 1956 and will be held the day before the Rally starts (Sunday 30 September 2012). Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 if you require an Expression of Interest form or further information. Those staying at the Barossa Motor Lodge will need to leave for the Bay to Birdwood at about 5:30am on the Sunday.
Invitations Accepted 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. 6 May 2012 ... Wings Over Illawarra 2012 Cars will NOT be admitted to this event without an official sticker. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending. Page 5
Continued from front page
Continued from front page
The 2012 Hospital Bed Race saw several five-member teams run as fast as possible for 100 metres along Marine Parade while pushing a patient in a hospital bed. Wow … and they did it in just 11.5 seconds ... that’s probably quicker than an Austin Seven could cover the distance! The gold trophy was won by the Thomas & Coffey team and the event raised much needed funds for new medical equipment at Wollongong Hospital.
and see the two baby Austin Sevens outside the Mitchell Library”!
Today the AMVC welcomed a new member and car to the celebrations and we welcomed Eric Steinhaus to his second Club event in his 1935 A7.
It was a very enjoyable way to celebrate Australia Day.
Merv & Maureen Boatwright, Paul Boatwright, Warren Gracie, Eric Steinhaus, Paul & Amy Pui, Mark Wellington, Ken Rolley and Robert & Faye Yarroll attended from our Club. We had some unexpected excitement on our homeward journey when we encountered a very thick fog and visibility dropped to less than a car length … you could barely see your own hand in front of your face. This tested the skills of our drivers and wasn’t what we wanted when driving our Austin Sevens! Page 6
The day went very quickly with lots of interest in our cars. However, we did have time for coffee at the NRMA in the Mint; and a walk through Hyde Park and the rest of the display. The Haywood’s were pleasantly surprised to find another Annie. It was a 1928 Buick Tourer but very worthy as a step-sister.
Written by Brian Haywood
15 January 2012. Today we headed south to Scarborough for our first Breakfast Run for 2012. Two A7’s and a modern departed North Strathfield to meet another five A7’s, a Mini and three more moderns at Heathcote. Everyone welcomed Eric Steinhaus and Cissy to their first Club outing in their eyecatching Silver and Black 1935 A7 Sports Tourer. We then enjoyed a brisk drive to the Scarborough Hotel in what could only be described as great weather for ducks but terrible weather for touring in an Austin 7. Naturally, all this driving made us seriously hungry; so we satisfied our starved bellies with a huge breakfast. Of course, not all the meals were Eric and Cissy huge ... some were enormous! Although todays weather started out overcast and raining, it did improve for our return journey. It’s always a pleasure to drive our baby Austin’s in the Illawarra Region and today’s run didn’t disappoint anyone.
Helen and Jessica
11 January 2012. Twenty-five people attended our Pre-Meeting Sausage Sizzle at Bicentennial Park on what should have been a pleasant summer evening … but instead we experienced strong gusty winds that occasionally reached gale-force. Members had to keep a firm grip on their sausages and salad to prevent their dinner from being blown off their plates. But all this commotion just added to the fun and created quite a few interesting hairstyles. A game of T-ball kept the kiddies active (both young and young at heart) while others enjoyed a good chat and a few laughs. After we filled our tummies with tasty tucker it was time to depart for our January meeting at North Strathfield. A big thank you goes to Maureen and her merry band of helpers. Page 7
Car of the Month ... Jim & Merilyn Dunn’s Chummy Jim and Merilyn Dunn’s blue 1937 Austin 7 Special was featured as November 2011’s Car of the Month. Well, now we have the latest addition to their car family … a bright yellow 1928 Austin 7 Chummy. Jim and Merilyn have been married for 17 years. During this time restoration work and tinkering around with cars and spare parts has been a favourite hobby for Jim; so it wasn’t unusual for him to buy yet another car. Jim purchased the bright yellow 1928 Austin Chummy in February 2011 after hearing about it from a fellow car-club member. The little Austin had been owned by Ed Yabsley of Kempsey; and was looking a bit dusty and tired after being stored in a shed since 1993. As the present custodian of the bright yellow Austin 7 Chummy it was appropriate to give the little car a thorough health check. The motor seemed to be in good condition and all that was replaced was two valves. Overall ... the car was mechanically sound and in good working order. As we all know, an Austin 7’s brakes can sometimes be unwilling to stop the car when required to do so … and this can destroy an otherwise enjoyable touring experience. Jim has now got new cast iron rear brakes drums, and has replaced the rear brake cams and bushes and added new cables. Well done Jim!
Jim and Merilyn Page 8
… and their bright yellow 1928 Austin 7 Chummy Much to Merilyn’s relief, the Chummy now has brakes that can stop the car when required. What next you might ask? Well, after about six month of fiddling and tinkering Jim was ready to register the Chummy. Off to the RTA he goes and promptly returns with a set of sparkling new Historic number-plates. This was just a week before the Dunn’s first big adventure in their new Austin. Jim and Merilyn live near Maitland NSW, and have to travel quite a distance to reach Sydney to attend our Club events and displays. It was an overcast Sunday morning when Jim loaded the little yellow car onto his trailer for its trip to the big smoke … Sydney. This was the cars first display and it proudly lined up against 13 other little Austins at the 47 th Annual Shannon’s Eastern Creek Classic. It was great to see Jim and Merilyn on the day; and we all had a good chat and catch-up. Jim and Merilyn are looking forward to doing more rallies with us in the future. Editors’ Note: Jim and Merilyn ... this is your second story in our Baby Torque magazine. Have you got any more Austin 7’s you can tell us about?
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
Round the World in a “Baby” Car by Gladys de Haviland Part 1
A modest account of a wonderful journey, Miss de Haviland is the first woman to accomplish a world-tour in a midget car, and her narrative will be found extremely interesting.
Zealand, Australia, Ceylon, India and Europe. The A.A. had mapped out a route for me, and I may say at once that I do not know what I should have done at times without their valuable guidance. There were two of us to begin with, for I had with me Miss Eley, who I hoped might be able to accompany me for the whole trip.
What gave me the idea? I hardly know. It just occurred to me at breakfast one October morning in 1928. Why, I said to myself, shouldn’t I go round the world in my little car? The notion was probably due to a combination of emotions – distaste at the prospect of the approaching winter, and the wanderlust that periodically seizes me. At all events, I acted upon my brain-wave before it had time to cool, and October 20th saw me driving down to Southampton in my “Baby” Austin car en route for New York and the real start of the long journey which was to take me across the American continent to Los Angeles and San Francisco, and thence to the South Sea Islands, New Page 10
New York required little comment, save that at first I found the necessity of having to drive on the “wrong” side of the road from the British point of view, a little trying, although one soon got used to it. Early on Sunday morning, November 4th, I drove the tiny car out of the great city on the commencement of my long trek. I say early advisedly, for news of our effort had got about and I learned that a regular army of “movie” camera-men intended to film our departure. Neither my companion nor myself, however, felt any inclination to face this ordeal, so we breakfasted at seven and stole away while the coast was clear. There are two ways of crossing the Hudson River, one by
the Weehawken Ferry, and the other through the Holland Tunnel. Not wishing to have the bother of getting the car aboard the ferry, I chose the tunnel, where the police kept traffic moving at thirty to thirtyfive miles an hour in order to prevent congestion. Throughout America, in fact, I found the words “speed limit” were almost unknown; if a limit did exist it was generally in the neighbourhood of forty miles an hour! One of the first things that struck me on emerging into the open country was that from the motorist’s point of view America approaches the ideal. Good garages and excellent inns abound, not to mention tourist’s camps. Moreover, quite small villages have good accommodation, provide really nice coffee, and almost invariably boast a room or rooms where one may dance to the strains of an electrically driven gramophone, the records of which are changed by mechanical means. One of the first inns we sampled was near Baltimore. “Tumble Inn” was its engaging name. We couldn’t resist it, and had no reason to regret our choice. Two days after leaving New
York we were among the mountains of Maryland – the Alleghenies – two of which, South Mountain and Fairview Mountain, we had to climb. Our “Baby” took them gallantly, and was quite cool on reaching the top. The tiny car had hitherto been looked upon as rather a joke, but she now began to change ribaldry into respect. The Americans have a genius for “catchy” notice boards, and we now found ourselves advised to: “Change your oil for the big mountains ahead,” while at the beginning of each descent one read something like this: “Second gear; only use brakes to snub speed.” THE “SHADES OF DEATH” We were now in the land of romance, and we were told that one stretch of road, overshadowed by pines, is known as “The Shades of death.” Many hold-ups occurred here in the old stage-coach days, and there are legends of dark and terrible deeds. Nowadays, however, the highwaymen are no more, “flivvers” flit swiftly by all day long, and the penetrating odour of gasoline mingles with the scent of the whispering pines. “Dixie Tavern” was the name of one of our stopping-places in this region, and like most of the American hostelries it was scrupulously clean and up-todate, with a good bathroom and electric light. This absolute cleanliness is typical of the American country inns,
even the humbler ones. At “Dixie Tavern” there was a cage of silver foxes just outside our bedroom window, and we were told that in this part of the country the animals were bred for their pelts. The garage here was run by a genial coloured gentleman. He wore a small bowler hat and an orange-coloured sweater, and looked exactly as if he had stepped out of a musical comedy. He was intensely interested in the Austin, which he called “My cute chicken!” Travelling through Ohio the weather turned bitterly cold, and after one long run of a hundred and sixty miles we were glad to find sanctuary at Greenfield farm, where the farmer and his wife received us with true American hospitality. I remember I ate a simply enormous supper that evening – bacon, sweet potatoes, baked apples, and coffee – but the more we ate the more our hosts pressed food upon us. All along the roadside that day I had noticed little white crosses, and on asking the farmer what they were he told me that they had been erected in memory of people who had been killed in motor accidents, and as a warning to others! As I had counted no fewer than eight of them in a stretch of three miles mishaps appeared to have been fairly numerous, in spite of the per-
fectly straight road, and I can only conclude that they were caused by skids. Oil seeping up beneath the surface from subterranean springs makes the roads in this neighbourhood terribly treacherous; and warning signs are placed at the spots where it oozes up particularly badly. I have already mentioned tourists’ camps. Ever since leaving New York these had interested me, and finally I made up my mind, in spite of the lateness of the season, that we must try one. They have the most enticing names – “Moonlight Cabin,” “U Smile Cabin,” and so forth. The place we selected was Log Cabin Camp, consisting of two rows of cabins about twelve feet apart. Each shack is roughly built of pine logs and contains a bed, two chairs, a small table, and a stove. From one’s bedroom door one looked out across vast stretches of the wildest country. A camp restaurant supplied everyone with food. We had ours sent down to our cabin, and did not tumble into bed until midnight – and then it was not to sleep. All night long mice frolicked and squeaked about the floor, entering, I suppose, though the chinks in the pine logs. In the morning we found that one unfortunate had drowned himself in the tin basin on the floor which formed our bath.
... to be continued ... Page 11
These minutes of the Austin 7 Club NSW Inc are to be confirmed at the next General Meeting
Minutes of the January 2012 General Meeting Held on 11 January 2012 at NRMA Training Centre, George Street, North Strathfield. The meeting was opened at 8:12pm by Warren Gracie who welcomed all members to the meeting.
Moved: Mark Wellington
Minutes taker: Maureen Boatwright
Membership Officer: Faye Yarroll thanked members for being prompt in paying Membership Fees, approximately 60 paid already. Inside magazine covernote bank account details for Club have changed. Our printer has changed paper type causing creasing, cost of postage $1.20 or 60c. Judy Ellis sent letter regarding the passing of Russell Ellis.
Attendees: 26. Apologies: Joanne Wellington, Brian & Deirdre Haywood, Don Scanes. Moved: Mark Wellington Seconded: Carolyn Thompson
Minutes of previous meeting read and accepted: Moved: Bob Riches
Seconded: Paul Pui
Business arising from minutes: Maureen Boatwright contacted TCIS regarding Insurance Policy and Club is providing necessary copies to members. Correspondence: Inwards: 16 memberships, The Depender, Broken Spoke (Veteran & Vintage Car Club Goulburn), Kidney Kar Rally 14-24 August, 2012 W.A.-Bendigo, letter from C. Stockley asking why membership renewal fees increased and why bank balances are not included in Baby Torque. Outwards: Letter to K. Harte explaining Committees decision in his absence, letter to C. Stockley explaining that the Club no longer includes financial figures in our Baby Torque magazine since it is published worldwide via our website. Thank you letters to Graphic Awards & Twin Creek Golf Club, letter regarding Australia Post Stamps for A7’s 90th Anniversary. Moved: Ken Rolley
Seconded: Paul Pui
Editor: Robert Yarroll explained new movie on Club website that has nothing to do with A7’s, check website for our new sponsor etc.
Welfare: Barbara Scanes is recovering from eye surgery. Public Officer/Secretary: Year-end reports from AGM lodged with Fair Trading at a cost of $49. Events Team: Final bookings for Crookwell and Mt.Victoria now to be made. Moved: Bob Riches
Seconded: Mark Wellington
General Business: Question arose regarding NRMA Insurance renewal stating two runs per month allowed, members to report back on this at next meeting. The meeting closed at 8.53pm Door Prize - Won by Ken Rolley Raffle - Won by Helen Quartly
Where Is This Car Now ?
Seconded: Robert Yarroll
Treasurers Report: Helen Lewis read the Financial Report. Moved: Helen Quartly
Seconded: Mark Wellington
Spare Parts Report: Mervyn Boatwright read the Spare Parts Report. Page 12
3
photographed at the art gallery of new south wales on sunday 29 april 1937 (NSW 164-340)
Recent Happy Snaps
Page 13
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.
Front Brake Cables 1923-1927
$70 each Page 14
Chummy Door Handle (outer) 1925-1931
$51 each
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 8 February 2012 14 March 2012 11 April 2012 9 May 2012 13 June 2012 11 July 2012
Faye & Robert Yarroll Maureen & Merv Boatwright Helen Lewis & Carolyn Thompson Amy & Paul Pui Ken Rolley Bob & Judith Riches 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 29 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.