29 April 2012. Today we joined the Vauxhall Owners Club for morning tea at Pennant Hills before setting off to Oakville for the Moving Mannequin Magic Show. Chris & Maggie Green have opened their special effects workshop to the public and today we enjoyed the picturesque surroundings while Kasie (Chris & Maggie’s daughter) took us on a fun filled tour of robotic shows, skits and practical demonstrations of character creation. We celebrating 54 years of marriage
Barbara & Kevin Fahey 12 april 1958
sat back and let Dusty D Dog entertain us with Aussie songs and tales of the outback, and listened to Jojo Ivory sing the blues and visited a very unusual doll collection. Moving Mannequin Magic have specialised in award winning displays at shopping centers, exhibitions and club foyers for the past fifteen years. Thank you to the Vauxhall Owners Club for inviting us along and also to Maggie and Kasie for a tasty lunch and enjoyable day. celebrating 51 years of marriage
Ann & Eric Bourn Helen & Denis Quartly 6 may 1961
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
-
Non-Executive
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 It’s been ninety years since the baby Austin Seven was created and custodians are celebrating worldwide. Would you believe it’s estimated there’s still about 4,500 A7’s still roadworthy from more than 290,000 originally produced?
The Austin Seven has survived far beyond the early 1920’s when a middle-aged motor industry executive Sir Herbert Austin and his young apprentice Stanley Edge designed a small yet monumentally influential British car.
To celebrate it’s ninetieth anniversary Shannons Eastern Creek Classic 2012 will honour the Austin Seven as a featured car; as it will be at the Bay to Birdwood and the 90th Anniversary National Austin 7 Hub rally’s in South Australia.
Hopefully clubs like ours will continue to keep all these little Austin Sevens alive and roadworthy for at least another ninety years. Happy Sevening … Warren Gracie
Events Report The breakfast run to Mona Vale saw five A7’s and three moderns. Travelling along McCarrs Creek Road in the early morning ... on a beautiful day ... and going to breakfast in our Austin Seven’s ... is a great way to start the day. On the run were Trevor Hails & his son Stephen, Paul & Amy Pui, Bob & Judith Riches, Robert & Faye Yarroll, Mark & Joanne Wellington, Warren Gracie, Maureen & Mervyn Boatwright, Gordon Love and Ken Rolley who arrived too late at the departure point to catch us up. Our next main event is National Heritage Motoring Day and our Club together with the Austin Motor Vehicle Club will be visiting the Georges River and Port Hacking River during the day. I do hope you can join us for a relaxing, scenic and sunny autumn day. There are still more exciting events to come this year with the Mt.Victoria weekend, 90th Anniversary National Austin 7 Hub Rally in Tanunda, SA, the Club’s President’s weekend, Fairground Follies at St.Peters plus lots of other organised events like our Ladies Day. Please take note that some dates may have changed in Coming Events. Happy Austin 7 touring … Maureen Boatwright Page 3
Coming Events 6 May 2012 ... Wings Over Illawarra 2012 Cars will NOT be admitted to this event without an official sticker. Please contact Maureen on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending. 20 May 2012 ... National Heritage Motoring Day - Mystery Rivers Run The Austin Motor Vehicle Club will be joining us today. Departing NRMA carpark North Strathfield at 9:30am sharp. BYO morning tea, lunch, chairs and rugs. First stop is morning tea by a river. We will visit the Georges River and Port Hacking Rivers today. Please contact Maureen on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending so we will wait for you at our starting point. 27 May 2012 … Breakfast Run - South - Austinmer Departing NRMA car-park North Strathfield at 7:30am or Heathcote Railway car-park at 8:15am. Please contact Maureen on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending and advise your starting place. 10 June 2012 … Breakfast Run - North Departing NRMA car-park North Strathfield at 7:40am sharp. Please contact Maureen on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending. 23-24 June 2012 ... Weekend away at Mt.Victoria Booking are now CLOSED for accommodation at Mt.Victoria. Our Club has 13 en-suite rooms booked and 2 members are staying at a caravan-park. On Sunday we will be joining the Vauxhall Owners Club for lunch at the Guesthouse and enjoying Kitty & the Bagman at the Mt.Victoria picture show. Today you may wish to dress in the era of your car. 1 July 2012 … Breakfast Run - South - Austinmer Departing NRMA car-park North Strathfield at 7:30am or Heathcote Railway car-park at 8:15am. Please contact Maureen on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending and advise your starting place. 15 July 2012 … Don Avery Memorial Shield Run - To Be Advised 5 August 2012 … Breakfast Run - North Departing NRMA car-park North Strathfield at 7:40am sharp. Please contact Maureen on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending. 19 August 2012 … Shannons Eastern Creek Classic 2012 26 August 2012 … All British Display Day - Kings School Nth Parramatta 8-9 September 2012 … Presidents Weekend - To Be Advised 1 - 5 October 2012 … 90th Anniversary National Austin 7 Hub Rally - Tanunda, SA Make sure you have booked your Barossa Valley accommodation as there is immense interest in this Rally. 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 Maureen on 9822 8609 if you require an Expression of Interest form or further information. Entries CLOSE 30 June 2012. Page 4
28 October 2012 … Canada Bay Museum / Fairground Follies at St.Peters Our Club will be joining the Vauxhall Owners Club today. This sounds like a great day out … many years ago we visited the Follies at another place and had a wonderful time. Please contact Maureen on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending. 11 November 2012 … Ladies Day 25 November 2012 … Centennial Park Display Day 9 December 2012 … Christmas Function / Presentation Day 29 March 2013 - 1 April 2013 … Austins Over Australia - Bendigo VIC This event falls over Easter. Please contact Maureen on 9822 8609 if you require an Expression of Interest form and/or Newsletter #1.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Gerry & Gail Hicks …….…. Cremorne Russell Linfoot ..……… Kings Langley John Moyes & Kath Cole ….... Laggan st
We the s in a ntly. w e tory er rec ntify s p a p is s Th ew ide you alian n ad Austr n: “Can the b d e v a tio r s b ” e ? o u Q wh tin 7 river e Aus mail if this d e his we ia in v r e w r. e kno weath edito m e h t le e…t m a n Please is now h you k
4 April 2012
Page 5
It’s quite a coincident that I came across this Daily Telegraph clipping from Tuesday 28 November 1989 at about the same time Doug Veel and Bob Riches attended our March 2012 General Meeting together. It’s great to see they’re still mates after all these years. And honestly, they hardly look a day older! …the editor Page 6
15 April 2012. Under the watchful eyes of new member Russell Linfoot two A7’s and two moderns left North Strathfield this morning to meet up with another A7 and modern on Mona Vale Road. Our destination was the Flying Fox Café in Winnererremy Bay Park at Mona Vale. We made our trip in glorious autumn conditions and when we turned into McCarrs Creek Road we drove many miles thoroughly enjoying the crisp air and beautiful scenery of bush rock, gum trees and wattle bushes; but we all had to be extra careful when approaching the many lycra-clad bicycle riders who were in plague proportions today. Why is it they think they own the entire road space? It was almost a case of the A7’s versus the Cyclist! Cafe
Flying
Fox
On arrival at the Flying Fox Café we met another A7 and yet another one arrived later. In attendance were Warren Gracie, Trevor Hails & Stephen (his son), Faye & Robert Yarroll, Maureen Boatwright who was joined by Mervyn later, Paul & Amy Pui, Bob & Judith Riches, Mark & Joanne Wellington and Gordon Love. We all enjoyed a morning of friendly chatter and tasty food. Ami Pui brightened everyone up by showing a holiday video of Paul ice skating in Edmonton (Canada). Naturally Paul had to now re-build his energy level after his recent strenuous activities abroad and wasted no time by consuming yet another Big Breakfast! After being fed and watered our group split up and went in various directions … some taking a walk through the parklands while others enjoyed a different scenic trip on their way home.
Page 7
Car of the Month ... a neat 1929 Latrobe Sports Seven Richard and Sandra Hubbard have met various Club Members at rallies and events over the years and decided to join our Club after attending the Pui’s Sydney Landmark Run last July. Richard and Sandra live about 124km east of Albury at Corryong in northeastern Victoria. When they’re not out touring in their Austin 7 named the little car they’re welcoming visitors to their Mother Hubbard’s Traditional Bed & Breakfast. Manufactured way back in 1929, the little car came to Australia as a rolling chassis and was fitted-out with a Latrobe Sports Seven body at Latrobe Body Builders (Melbourne). Although the early history of the car is not fully known it was converted to more practical use after its novelty as a sports car subsided. It became a Post Office work horse just before WW2 doing a run between Wodonga and Corryong. Apparently there were several owners of the little car up until the early 1970’s when Wodonga’s Wayne Styles purchased it in 1971. Wayne only kept the car for a short time and then sold it to Wayne Gould in 1972 to make way for another project. Other custodians owned and worked on the car over the coming years which resulted in an engine rebuild, a new wooden frame, new suspension and a complete body restoration. By this time about the only original panel left on the car was the top of the boot.
the little car … a neat 1929 Latrobe Sports Seven Page 8
Richard and Sandra It was September 2007 when Richard and Sandra purchased the little car. Richard enthusiastically started work (yet again) on various parts of the car to have it ready for the 2008 Echuca Steam Rally ... which turned out to be a fantastic event. Richard and Sandra thoroughly enjoy touring in the little car and most of the time it’s without the hood attached; so there’s many stories to tell about getting wet. They have attended several rallies at various places over recent years including Wagga Wagga, Albury, Wodonga, Winton, Orange and the 2010 Bay to Birdwood. The little car was also freighted to King Island to join an adventure with the Victorian A7 Club. The little car has recently undergone another motor and gearbox rebuild in readiness for Richard and Sandra’s busy touring calendar this year. We all look forward to meeting up again with Richard and Sandra in Tanunda SA at the 90th Anniversary National Austin 7 Hub Rally.
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 4
The “hoboes” were experts on peanuts, and one of them told me solemnly that he considered half the enjoyment of them lost if they were ready shelled. “Have you noticed that?” TWO BAD CHARACTERS he asked, and I had to We met two wonderful confess I hadn’t. “hoboes” or tramps out in They were certainly a the desert – just the sort wonderful pair, and I was of fellows shown in Ameri- moved to tell them that if can films, unshaven and they went to Hollywood smiling, fairly oozing good- they would surely make nature, and driving the their fortunes. They, howinevitable dilapidated ever, weren’t so confident Ford. Every American about it as I was, being tramp seems to possess a perhaps better informed. “Lizzie” of ancient vintage. We parted from this odd “I simply must make their couple with genuine reacquaintance,” I told Miss gret, and arrived at San Eley, so I stopped the car Bernardino without further and peered into the bon- adventure, to find ournet with a worried expres- selves installed in a wonsion, hoping the wander- derful hotel – a mixture of ers would offer to help in Spanish architecture and my supposed difficulty. Californian futurism. Little Sure enough they did, and Japanese waiters in black they were so enthusiastic velvet jackets, black trouwhen they heard about sers, and red sashes flitour trip that we shared our ted about luxurious rooms lunch with them, and a which were decorated in a curious white liquid they colour scheme of russetcalled “Scotch whisky.” I gold and jade-green. We don’t know what is really ate a heavenly dinner, was but as it trickled bathed in alluring bathfiercely down my throat I rooms, and went to bed. wondered whether it was the fluid people put in radi- “Los Angeles, thirty-eight ators to keep the water miles,” was the thrilling from freezing! Page 10
legend which caught my eye on a signpost early next morning, and I looked forward with eagerness to seeing the famous film colony, of which I had heard so much. The road from San Bernardino was lined with most beautiful orange groves. Here and there the golden fruit had fallen from the trees into the road, but Miss Eley informed me that it is a penal offence to pick up an orange and eat it! Nevertheless I ran the gauntlet of the law, for forbidden fruit is always sweetest, and no lurking “cop” sprang from the shelter of the trees to hail me ignominiously to jail. Los Angeles, of which I shall have more to say in my next article, held a disappointment in store for me, for here I was destined to lose my companion. She had been prostrated with sea-sickness during the voyage, and had remained very seedy ever since. She was obviously none too strong, and the prospect of her falling ill later on, when we might be far from help, worried me considerably. Therefore, although I was
sorry to lose her companionship, I thought it better to deliver her safely into the hands of an aunt of hers in Los Angeles and continue my journey solo. This, therefore, I did trying hard not to think of the thousands of lonely miles that lay ahead of me.
Say Miss, do you get them at Woolworths? Thus a small boy, anent my outraged “Baby,” as I drove her through the streets of Los Angeles toward Hollywood. I found Los Angeles a most lovely city, and since I had to drive right across it – it covers an area of one hundred square miles – it took some time to find the way. The traffic is speedy, like all American traffic, and there is a great deal of it. When we reached Hollywood – Miss Eley was still with me for the present – I took a walk on the famous Boulevard. This is certainly a most fascinating thoroughfare – a street of temptations, full of the most wonderful shops imaginable, displaying old
Chinese ivories, marvellous silks stocking, pyjamas that would give even the Lido ones an “inferiority complex,” crystallized fruits and divine hats. I wanted to buy everything I saw! At night it was lit up in an ultra-modern way, with violet, jade-green, blue, and cherry-red electric lamps giving a futuristic but very lovely effect. It made me realise that a modern city can be just as beautiful as an ancient one, though in a different way. It was the third week in December when I arrived and in Hollywood they have a charming custom of placing Christmas trees, ten feet high, along the edge of the pavements every few yards down the Boulevard, making an avenue which is decorated with coloured fairy lights, glass bulbs, and quaint toys. At seven o’clock every night, Father Christmas – a film star – drives down the street in a motor-car drawn by reindeer. I saw several film stars out shopping one morning – Gloria Swanson, driving a little French car; Greta Garbo, looking too magnetic for words, and Mr Lupino Lane. English people, by the way, will be
delighted to learn that Lupino Lane is a great success in the States, not only as a film star, but also at his theatre, ”The Music Box.” I had a talk with Mr. Lane while his new revue was being rehearsed, and watched some lovely girls in bathing costumes going through choruses. I certainly enjoyed the short day or two I spent in Hollywood, lunching at Montmartre Café, walking down Peacock Alley, and going into raptures over Los Angeles as seen by moonlight from the hills above Hollywood, where some friends motored us one evening after dinner. The buildings in Hollywood and Los Angeles are designed by famous modern architects, and are dreams of futuristic beauty – slights skyscraperish, perhaps with a touch of cubism. But at last I could not postpone my departure any longer, so I saw Miss Eley safely into her aunt’s care, and then, feeling rather lonely, I settled down to study my route to San Francisco – four hundred and ninety miles and two mountain passes to negotiate.
... 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 April 2012 General Meeting Held on 11 April 2012 at NRMA Training Centre, George Street, North Strathfield. The meeting was opened at 8:03pm by Warren Gracie who welcomed all members to the meeting. Minutes taker: Maureen Boatwright Attendees: 24 Apologies: Joanne Wellington and Phil Pratt Visitor: Kevin Lewis Moved: Mark Wellington
Seconded: Robert Yarroll
Minutes of previous meeting read and accepted: Moved: Bob Riches
Seconded: Mark Wellington
Business arising from minutes: Nil Correspondence: Inwards: 3 x memberships. Magazines from Bent Wire, Lightshaft, Drive Chatter, Baby Torque W.A., letter from Cams regarding membership products for Car Clubs not currently affiliated with Cams. Invitation to Ulladulla Harbour Classic 28/9. Moved: Bob Riches
Seconded: Carolyn Thompson
Treasurers Report: Helen read the Financial Report. Moved: Maureen Boatwright
Lewis
Seconded: M Wellington
Spare Parts Report: Mervyn Boatwright read the Spare Parts Report. Move: Mark Wellington
Seconded: Robert Yarroll
Editor: Robert Yarroll reported that the Easter Bunny has visited our Website. The Club is still averaging about 1,000 visits each month to our site. We have attracted a few new members through our site which is great news. Events gallery lots of photos taken at Crookwell & Goulburn, Austinmer breakfast bigger Page 12
than Paul Pui’s big breakfast at Brooklyn, spare parts for sale see magazine, Miss Hollie good story. Membership Officer: Faye Yarroll reported that a Disclaimer has been added to Baby Torque magazine. Constitution / Members Mate booklet will be late due to amendments to the Constitution to be voted upon at the May Special Meeting. Public Officer/Secretary: Nil Welfare: Nil Run Log: Nil Events Team: Last chance is tonight to put your name down for Breakfast Run 15/04, Run to Oakville with Vauxhall Owners Club to Moving Mannequin Magic Show 29/04 and Mt.Victoria weekend away 23-24/6. Coming Swap Meets at Blacktown (Holden FX-FJ Club) Sunday 1/07 and Liverpool (Chrysler Restorers Club of Aust) 15/07. Both held at Fairfield City Showground. Moved: Mark Wellington
Seconded: Amy Pui
General Business: Warren Gracie spoke about May’s Special Meeting where amendments to the Constitution will be voted upon by members. Meeting closed at 8.38pm Door Prize - Won by Amy Pui Raffle - Won by Robert Yarroll
FOR SALE
“ car in the tree ”
Contact: John Bates Home: (02) 9420 0190 Mobile: 0418 433 643 Email: jbin333@hotmail.com
Recent Happy Snaps
Page 13
Austin Seven 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.
I
I ď‚Š MY AUSTIN 7
ď‚Š MY AUSTIN 7 car stickers in various colours. Only
WANTED by members 1 x 1937 A7 Hand Brake
$3
each.
1 x set Cam Followers (standard)
Contact: Mervyn Boatwright on (02) 9822 8609 Page 14
Bad Weather If bad weather conditions are looming please contact Maureen Boatwright (H) 02 9822 8609 (M) 0413 017 263 or Warren Gracie (H) 02 9569 2108 (M) 0417 417 826 on Saturday evenings or from 6:30am on the Sunday of the run. And please remember to always carry the following documents in your Austin 7:
Comprehensive Insurance Policy RMS Certificate of Approved Operations 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 May 2012 13 June 2012 11 July 2012 8 August 2012
!
Amy & Paul Pui Ken Rolley Bob & Judith Riches Denis & Helen Quartly
12 September 2012
Warren Gracie
10 October 2012
To Be Advised
DISCLAIMER: The Austin 7 Club NSW Inc (the Club), its Officers and the Committee cannot be held liable for any errors and/or omissions in items that are published in good faith in this Baby Torque magazine. It should be noted that the publication of an advertisement or expression of views in articles and reports in this magazine does not necessarily imply endorsement by the Club.
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.