15 July 2012. Six Austin 7’s and two moderns set off for our annual Don Avery Memorial Shield Run on a glorious winters day. The weather was just perfect for touring to the Hawkesbury Region and Wisemans Ferry in our baby Austins. Todays event was organised and conducted by Club President Warren Gracie. Attending was Mervyn & Maureen Boatwright, Warren
Gracie, Helen Lewis, Paul & Amy Pui, Ken Rolley, Eric Steinhaus, Carolyn Thompson, Mark & Joanne Wellington and Robert & Faye Yarroll. After departing the NRMA carpark at North Strathfield we had a pleasant drive to our morning tea stop at the Hawkesbury Café opposite Richmond Air Base. The café staff were kept very busy and while our members sipped
on their coffee and soaked up the sunshine many of the locals and visitors took the opportunity to admire our cars.
Warren Gracie
It was soon time to take the planned scenic route to North Richmond and Freemans Reach; and then to Ebenezer and Sackville; and eventually on to Wisemans Ferry for lunch. However, sometimes playing follow the leader can be an adventure in itself; and todays scenic route was more scenic than originally planned. The Yarroll’s were tail 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
-
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 At our last General Meeting the subject of entry tickets for the coming Shannons Eastern Creek Classic and All British Display Day was discussed. Entry tickets for these two events are ordered and paid for many months in advance. The discussion centred on Club members cars that are Conditionally Registered with our Club as their primary Club; or another Club as their primary Club and our Club as a secondary club. Since we had to order and pay for these tickets without knowing how
many would eventually be needed, the Committee decided that members who had their car Conditionally Registered with our Club as their primary Club would received allocation preference. All available entry tickets were allocated to such members and none were available for other members who could probably obtain one from their primary Club. As these display days become more popular I can see a time will come when rationing of entry tickets will become necessary. Happy Sevening …Warren Gracie
we all know it’s a great little car … but Brian, you’ve got to be joking!
Page 3
Events Report Twelve people attended our Austinmer Breakfast Run and it was extremely cold on the beach. The Don Avery Memorial Shield Run was a great success with a beautiful run along the Hawkesbury River. We eventually arrived at the Wisemans Ferry Bowling Club for a big lunch. In attendance were Warren Gracie, Ken Rolley, Eric Steinhaus, Helen Lewis, Carolyn Thompson, Joanne & Mark Wellington, Faye & Robert Yarroll, Amy & Paul Pui and Maureen & Mervyn Boatwright. Our next Club run is breakfast at Brooklyn. If you are interested in attending please contact me ASAP so I can make a booking. If you are attending Shannons Eastern Creek Classic and require your orange Entry Ticket stamped then please bring it to the August General Meeting. Anyone interested in going to the Grafton Jacaranda Rally on 1-4 November 2012 (as listed in Correspondence In – July Meeting) please contact Maureen. Cliff Stockley has kindly offered to book your accommodation at Grafton plus you can stay at his house on your way up and return if you want (maximum four people, two spare rooms). See you at Brooklyn.
Fully Restored
Tel: 0427 676 167
Fully Restored
Tel: 0412 466 205
Happy Austin 7 touring ‌Maureen Boatwright
Page 4
Coming Events 5 August 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 Maureen on 9822 8609 if you are interested in attending. 19 August 2012 … Shannons Eastern Creek Classic 2012
If you are attending and require your orange Entry Ticket stamped then please bring it to the August General Meeting. 26 August 2012 … All British Display Day - Kings School Nth 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). 15-16 September 2012 … Presidents Weekend - Destination TBA Please note the new date for this event. Final details are not yet complete but will appear in next months Baby Torque magazine. If interested in attending please contact Warren Gracie on 9569 2108 or Maureen Boatwright on 9822 8609 for accommodation bookings. 30 September 2012 … Bay to Birdwood Run - SA 1 - 5 October 2012 … 90th Anniversary National Austin 7 Hub Rally - Tanunda, SA When entries CLOSED on 30 June 2012 there were 161 Austin 7 entrants. Everyone should have received their final newsletter from South Australia. 6-7 October 2012 … Vintage Collingrove Speed Hillclimb - SA 28 October 2012 … 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.
Graham & Maria Burgess .. Speers Point Paul & Romona Kinder ….. Beverly Hills Robert Lang ………….…. North Lambton Page 5
continued from front page
end Charlie today and must have got every red light on their journey. As all the Austins were approaching the Windsor area the Run Sheet definitely told everyone to turn left into Wilberforce Road, but in true Austin 7 style most of the cars turned right. Oh no …. where are we all heading now? And this is where much of the fun and adventure started.
arrive. Wow … there was mouthwatering Calamari, scrumptious lamb shanks, a selection of fish and even enormous seafood platters, and that’s not to mention the Club burgers with chips. We’re quite used to a Big Breakfast but today it was definitely a Big Lunch instead. Some of our hungry members couldn’t even finish their meal.
Several drivers soon realised their mistake and looked for somewhere to turn around to get back to Wilberforce Road. Most cars did eventually head for the Sackville Ferry to cross the picturesque Hawkesbury River. However, some had to get to lunch any way they could. After crossing the river we embarked on the Wisemans Ferry meander and travelled along the winding and narrow River Road and took in the breath taking views of the river and the many beautiful properties along its shores.
Eventually everyone arrived at the Wisemans Ferry Bowling Club for lunch. Well, by this time we had all worked up a thirst and appetite; so after a refreshing drink our meals started to Page 6
So after our feed it was time to sit back and relax and enjoy the social company of other members until it was time for our Event Directors Q&A Challenge. Please make the questions a little simpler next time Mr President. After lunch everyone set off on their homeward journey. A big thank you to President Warren Gracie for organising such a wonderful days outing.
P.S. It was like Russian Roulette when we visited Hawkins Lookout on our way home. Although the view was gorgeous the carpark was crowded as about twenty cars tried to fit in a space designed for about ten. At least we survived reversing out onto the main road. That’s not something normally recommended.
1 July 2012. Nine Club members met at Heathcote Railway Station carpark this morning for a leisurely drive down to beautiful Austinmer Beach. And weren’t we treated to just about the sunniest day this winter. The skies were crystal clear and so too was the Tasman Sea. When we reached the beach some adventurous locals were already having a dip in the ocean pool while others were riding the waves on their surf-
some locals taking a dip in the ocean pool boards. Our group parked their cars in formation at the beach car-park and wasted no time in crossing the road and heading straight for the AustiBeach Café. Our coffee orders were taken first while we considered our breakfast options. Some younger male members seemed to spend more effort studying the waitresses than the Menu; but eventually we all placed our breakfast orders. Everyone was happy when their food arrived. As usual the Big Breakfasts were HUGE and all the other delicacies were scrumptious too. Our display of Austin’s in the car-park was an instant success and many people took the chance to take a close look at them. After breakfast we strolled over to the beach again and continued chatting until it was time to depart. But depart we didn’t! One of our Austin 7’s refused to proceed and it took the combined brain power of everyone present to finally get it going after about an hour of total confusion. I won’t nominate the embarrassed Club member who experienced the problem but Warren Gracie has asked me to especially thank Ken Rolley and Mark Wellington for all their valuable help. We had yet another wonderful fun filled day mixed with just enough drama to make things interesting. Our homeward journey proved to be as pleasant as our morning jaunt and everyone arrive home safely. … the Editor Page 7
Car of the Month ... Graeme & Bev’s 1935 A7 Ruby It’s great to feature an interstate member’s car this month. Graeme and Bev Logan purchased their 1935 Austin Seven Ruby Sedan in 1967 for a handsome price of $100. This little car was used as their second car and Bev could often be seen driving the children around, packing the car with groceries and doing regular trips to the local kindergarten. The little car certainly came in very handy and got plenty of regular use. Graeme and Bev also used their little Ruby on Border Runs and other Club events with the Melbourne Austin Seven Club. In 1973 the Austin was put into storage near the beach at Dromana as Graeme and Bev moved to Deniliquin for a couple of years. Then in 1976 they purchased a new family home in Merricks North and the little Austin was taken out of storage, dusted off and yet again Bev drove it to work each day. However, it was getting very tired and things were a bit loose and full of rust, so eventually Graeme and Bev decided it was time to buy a modern car that was more suitable for carrying their teenage children. The little Ruby was eventually taken off the road for restoration in 1985
1935 Austin 7 Ruby Page 8
Graeme and Bev and they then purchased a 1937 Austin Seven Tourer. It took about ten years to complete the Ruby’s restoration and it was put back on the road just in time for the 2007 Austin Seven National Rally in Mudgee. Since then the little Austin has travelled about thirteen thousand miles including a few times to the South Australia Border. Some of their travelling was not incident free and Graeme remembers braking two crankshafts in the Ruby. We hope Graeme and Bev have a safe and happy trip to the 2012 Austin Seven Rally at Tanunda and we look forward to catching up with them soon. Happy touring.
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 7
men clad only in lioncloths, with long black hair hanging round their shoulders; a little farther on were others who looked like Arab sheiks, dressed in beautiful robes of red, orange, and violet. It seemed to me that changes like this took place every few miles, the inhabitants altering not only in countenance and dress but also in demeanour.
Luck favoured me, for at the next dak bungalow, I was able to buy one for five rupees – a dear little baby who soon became a keen motorist and great friends with his mistress. He was most intelligent and tame and when, every now and then, I stopped and gave him a run, he would climb a few trees, but always with a wary eye on the car, to which he would return directly he saw I was ready to start again. He proved an asset in another way, too, for he served as an introduction to the native villages I entered. The natives like monkeys, and the fact that I was kind to this one immediately put me in their good graces.
Muratgang, Khaga, Fatepur, Azafpur, and Cawnpore followed in quick succession, and as I sped along I was fascinated by the antics of the monkeys in the trees. Some of them came quite close, grimacing and chattering as if asking me what I was doing in their domain, and as I watched them it struck me what a jolly pet a tame monkey would make. I determined, if possible, to take hold of one.
At Delhi I visited the romantic Palace of Rajahs, being particularly charmed by the tiny stream of rosewater which runs through the palace-rooms and ends in a pond of lotus flowers. Could anything express more beautifully the spirit of the romantic East?
Actually I only saw partridge quail, and pea-fowl, but I confess that I spent a good deal of my time wondering whether the tigers ever came out in the daytime to feast off lonely maidens driving “baby” cars! My night at Allahabad stands out in strong conAnd the heat! I cast off trast to the awful hours stockings and other items spent in the dak bungauntil I was wearing little lows at Baraker and Kumore than a sleeveless dra. This was civilisation, shirt-blouse and a shan- and I was able to discard tung shirt and still I re- my faithful old Burberry for mained limp and exhaust- the joys of a real bed and ed. bed-clothes. From Kundra I drove through Muthani and over the Karamasa River to Moghal Serai, where the River Ganges is crossed by a bridge of boats. Seven miles farther on I reached the holy city of Benares. One thing that struck me as I went along, all the way from Calcutta to Bombay, was the constantly changing types of people one met on the road. Here I would encounter short Page 10
In order to take advantage of the cooler hours, I left Delhi at four a.m., and while it was still dark I saw in front of me what looked
like two bicycle lamps on the road. They proved to be the eyes of a jackal, which bounded away at my approach. “Anyway,” I said to myself, “thank goodness it wasn’t a tiger.” I reached Agra about seven in the evening, and the monkey and I were resting after dinner when a charming Austin owner at my hotel offered to take me to view the Taj Mahal by moonlight. It proved to be the sight of a lifetime, and I cannot express the beauty of the wonderful building seen under these conditions – the shadowy cypress trees, the exquisite red poppies, made of precious stones, that embellish the tombs, the carved marble lilies, all bathed in the wonderful radiance of an Indian moon. From Agra to Mhow the run was uneventful, the chief event being when I ran out of food, and master Monkey and I dined off a tin of pineapple, which he simply adored. He was a most polite little beast, and ate his meals with the utmost decorum. I was now on my last three hundred miles before reaching Bombay, but had one more thrill before entering that city. Just as evening was coming on I
ran out of petrol near a village whose inhabitants seemed extraordinarily stupid, for I could not make them understand what I wanted. The upshot was that the monkey and I had to sleep in the car that night, an eerie proceeding when the slow-passing hours are punctuated by the howling of jackals, and one does not know what else – or who else! – may be prowling around. However, daylight came without untoward incident, and I managed to obtain some petrol from a lorry-driver and resume my way. Near Nampur there are two steep ghats, with hairpins bends, where oxcarts toiling up and down the hill made progress very slow. It was four in the morning when I finally reached Bombay, with just enough energy to put the monkey to bed, tumble into a bath, and then go to bed myself. My impression of Indian roads is that they are wonderful, in spite of the fact that I was dogged by puncture – eight of them! – all the way across. The heat and the mosquitoes, however, as well as the inferior accommodation at the dak bungalows, are drawbacks, which take the edge off the enjoyment of even the most enthusiastic
motorist. Still, I suppose one can never get roses without the thorns! From Bombay I went by sea to Venice. To my real grief I had to part with my little monkey before I left, for I was informed that European conditions would be fatal to him. However, I left the dear little beastie in good hands. I wonder if he still remembers his travels in the car? Venice saw me on the road again with only one thought in my mind – to get home as soon as possible. I travelled via Milan, Genoa, Bordhighera, St. Raphael, Avignon, Beauvais, to Calais, and at Dover was officially welcomed home by the Mayor being afterwards escorted to Folkestone by a bevy of “Austin Sevens,” recalling my New Zealand and Australian experiences. Another Mayoral reception followed at Maidstone, and the final scene of my seven months’ tour took place in London, where I was entertained to luncheon at the Connaught Rooms. Sir Herbert Austin presided and Lord Riddell was present and proposed one of the toasts.
… the end … Page 11
These minutes of the Austin 7 Club NSW Inc are to be confirmed at the next General Meeting
Minutes of the July 2012 General Meeting Held on 11 July 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: 28 Apologies: Joanne Wellington, Brian & Deirdre Haywood, Carolyn Thompson, Helen Lewis. Visitors: Paul & Romona Kinder Moved: Mark Wellington
Seconded: Denis Quartly
Minutes of previous meeting read and accepted: Moved: Eric Steinhaus
Seconded: Bob Riches
Business arising from minutes: NIL Correspondence: Inwards: 2 new memberships, 1 new sponsorship, Magazines: Lightshaft Vic, The Depender, Whippet Overland Knight Restorers Inc., Veteran & Vintage Car Club of Goulburn. Invitation from Power House Museum-Castle Hill, Highlands Motorfest-Sunday 28/10/2012, Grafton Vintage Motor Vehicle Club-Jacaranda Rally l-4 November 2012. Emails Inwards: S.A. National Rally requests. Correspondence Outwards: 2 Letters to Eric Steinhaus 26/06/2012 & 6/07/2012. Emails Outwards: Austin Seven Register of Queensland. Moved: Bob Riches
Seconded: Mark Wellington
Treasurers Report: Paul Pui read the Financial Report in the absence of Helen Lewis. Moved: Cliff Edwards
Seconded: Mark Wellington
Spare Parts Report: Mervyn Boatwright read the Spare Parts Report. Moved: Bob Riches
Seconded: Mark Wellington
Editor: Robert Yarroll. Mt.Victoria great weekend. Cliff Stockley won award up north. Ted Johnson had A7 many years ago, very happy about story in magazine. Membership Officer: Faye Yarroll. Faye reported we have 2 new memberships & 1 in mail (Paul & Romano Kinder) & 81 memberships. 35 hits after Mt.Victoria, Page 12
1400 hits May, 1675 June, More cars of month required. Welfare: Deirdre Haywood broke her leg while touring in the Kimberly and had to be airlifted to Broome and then via the Flying Doctor onto Perth for surgery. We all hope she has a quick recovery. Public Officer/Secretary: Thanks to Faye & Robert Yarroll for preparing the new booklet for all members. This booklet now contains the amendments to the constitution and includes the Club Rules along with the Members Mate. Events Team: I have had many calls on the weekend at Mt.Victoria asking when are we going again? Don’t forget to book in for Fairground Follies at St.Peters on 28 October 2012. 161 entries at 30 June 2012 for S.A. Rally, email requesting 3 things from the S.A. Austin 7 Club to be completed by NSW Austin 7 Club. Those requiring letters to cover movement of their HCRS vehicle during Rally in S.A. should contact Maureen with details such as: dates and your registration number. Tickets are selling fast for Eastern Creek & All British Day, only a few left. Moved: Robert Yarroll
Seconded: Mark Wellington
General Business: Kevin Harte took the floor and asked the President to write to his son Anthony and explain to him why he was on the waiting list for a ticket to Eastern Creek. Ron Selig thanked those who helped him when he had car trouble at Lithgow (23 June 2012). Eric Steinhaus said although it was a little late he wished to thank Ron Selig for helping him when he broke down on his first run - Brooklyn (6 November 2011). Eric also addressed the meeting wanting to change the Club Rules which had been unanimously accepted at a Special General Meeting on 9 May 2012. The President then requested Eric to put his request to the Committee in writing. The meeting closed at 9.41pm Door Prize - Won by Ken Rolley Raffle - Won by Mark Wellington
Recent Happy Snaps
Page 13
C. Lim Consulting Pty Ltd has in-depth and broad experience in pharmaceutical and veterinary GMP consulting to the pharmaceutical and animal health industries. The consultancy has worked with many multi-national companies to bring them to TGA, EU/ PICS, FDA, SFDA, APVMA (Australian) and ACVM (New Zealand) GMP requirements. This consultancy has also provided consultancy services to the Medical Device Board and the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau, Ministry of Health, Malaysia. The consultancy provides broad-range consulting for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Pharmaceutical Validation, Pharmaceutical GMP audit, GMP training and documentation, Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) requirements and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) for TGA (Australia), New Zealand, US FDA, SFDA (China), EU, Asian and WHO GMP.
If you own a car, motorcycle or scooter that’s more than 15 years old and keep it for recreational purposes you could consider Veteran, Vintage and Classic Vehicle Insurance from NRMA. David Snape, an Ambassador/ Consultant with NRMA Insurance, has recently become a Business Card Sponsor of the Austin 7 Club NSW. Whether your pride and joy is a classic (15 years or older), vintage (made between 1919 and 1930) or veteran (pre1919), David can help you with information regarding cover for its agreed value against accidental damage, theft, fire, storm, flood and more. Page 14
Supper Roster 8 August 2012
Denis & Helen Quartly
12 September 2012
Warren Gracie
24 October 2012
To Be Advised
14 November 2012
Faye & Robert Yarroll
12 December 2012
Christmas … members bring a plate
9 January 2013
To Be Advised
All Spare Parts correspondence should be addressed to:
Mr Mervyn Boatwright, P.O. Box 366, Casula Mall. NSW 2170 Tel: (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. 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. Parts.
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.
!
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.
RMS Regulations & Club Rules Members are to observe all RMS Regulations and Club Rules as contained in our current Constitution and Members Mate booklet. If this Club is nominated as your Primary Club under the RMS Historic Conditional Registration Scheme (HCRS) then the following documents MUST be carried in your vehicle at all times. a copy of your RMS Certificate of Approved Operation of Vehicle a copy of this Clubs Certificate of Insurance (Public Liability) a current or recent Baby Torque magazine If bad weather conditions are looming please contact Maureen Boatwright (Home) 02 9822 8609 (Mobile) 0413 017 263 or Warren Gracie (Home) 02 9569 2108 (Mobile) 0417 417 826 Saturday evenings or from 6:30am on the Sunday of the run.