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.
E ADVISED NEW 2013 VENUE TO B
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 Another year has almost gone and we’ve enjoyed some great events including the National Rally in SA. I thank all our Committee members and other members who have contributed to the continued success of our Club; and particularly to our lady members. Without their efforts our Club would not function. You will have received notice that our December meetings will be held at the Carnarvon Golf Club at Lidcombe due to our usual venue being unavailable. We will hold our Monthly General Meeting there
followed by our Annual General Meeting. At our AGM all Committee positions will be declared vacant. An election for these vacant position will take place according to our Constitution. If you intend nominating someone for any vacant Committee position please ensue the member is capable of executing the duties of the position in a business-like manner. I offer Seasons Greetings to all Members as we look forward to another good year of Austin 7 motoring. Happy Sevening ‌ Warren Gracie Ticket Number
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Our Club’s third Ladies Day was full of fun. The weather was brilliant, the company great and the food excellent as we have always found at these two restaurants. Robert Yarroll added extra fun to the games by lodging a protest. He said the finishing line kept moving away from him as he was closing in with his egg and spoon. The protest failed and Mark Wellington won the event. In attendance were Robert & Faye Yarroll, Mark & Joanne Wellington, Carolyn Thompson, Ken Rolley, Bob & Judith Riches, Paul & Amy Pui with their friend Chen, Helen Lewis, Warren Gracie and Mervyn & Maureen Boatwright in 4 A7’s and 4 moderns.
Events Report
Centennial Park saw many well dressed teddy bears competing for a prize. Please contact the Events Team if you would like to organise or help with an event in 2013. Don’t forget the General Meeting & Annual General Meeting will be held at Carnarvon Golf Club at Lidcombe. Finger food will be served at 7:30pm and the meetings will start at 8.00pm. Cost is $5.00 a person. I wish all members and their families a Joyful Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous 2013. Happy Austin 7 touring … Maureen Boatwright 25 November 2012. Displaying our cars at Centennial Park each year is a Club tradition. The British heritage of our baby Austin’s and the Victorian splendour of the Park create a scene reminiscent of the 1930’s. We attracted plenty of attention from passing walkers, joggers, cyclists and motorists … all thrilled to see todays gathering of pocket-sized automobiles.
Centennial Park Display Day
There was a lot of frantic washing and polishing of our little beasts prior to arriving this morning as we were voting today for Club Car of the Year. The award was presented to Paul Boatwright for his stunning 1929 Chummy. To add more fun to today’s event there was a Best Dressed Teddy Bear at the Party competition that encouraged entrants to bring along their dressed-up bears. As expected, this competition was a fiercely contested part of today’s proceedings. The winner will be announced at our Christmas Function. The Jacaranda Grafton Car Rally was just as good as the Barossa Rally. The parade was about 6 kilometres long with 15,000 people lining both sides of the street … just like the Bay to Birdwood Run ... only noisier. I’ll go again. My A7 got a big response at all the stops; as A7's always do. The Runs were ideal for Austin 7's using smooth back-roads with medium hills and perfect green countryside. We visited some backyard sheds and some of them were AMAZING; packed with all sorts of tools, cars, car equipment, planes and even horse buggies being restored. The Grafton Vintage Car Club did a great job! Article written by Cliff Stockley Page 4
Coming Events 13 January 2013 … 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. 26 January 2013 … Australia Day Festivities There are three options for this special day. 1. John Flower and the Australia Day Council of NSW are conducting the Australia Day CARnivale in Sydney CBD’s Macquarie and College Streets. This event replaces the NRMA Motorfest. Kits will be dispatched soon. For more information please call 9646 1005 or 1300 229 961. 2. Australia Day at Flagstaff Hill (Wollongong). The Austin Motor Vehicle Club has invited us to join them again. Please contact Maureen on 9822 8609 for more details. 3. Australia Day at Mollymook Beach (Ulladulla). This will be a long (or extra-long) week-end away with plenty to see and do. The MiltonUlladulla Vintage & Classic Car Club has invited us to join them again. Our Club has ten spaces available so please contact Maureen on 9822 8609 to secure your spot. Eight rooms have been tentatively booked at our usual Ulladulla motel. 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.
Your Club Committee extends a big THANK YOU to all Members who participated in our Supper Roster during 2012. Your help is very much appreciated.
Austin 7 Club NSW Inc
Your Club Membership renewal is due on 1 January 2013 Single Membership Fee for 2013 ………… $50 Family Membership Fee for 2013 ………… $55 Joining Fee ………………………………………………… $30 The Joining Fee applies to all new members and those who have not renewed their Membership by 31 January each year. Page 5
2 December 2012. The first day of summer was almost enough to melt the toughest Aussie. Thankfully this morning was a welcome relief from yesterdays extreme temperature and provided perfect touring conditions for those joining our scenic drive from Liverpool to the Camden Valley Inn. And it was very scenic indeed; as we toured via the delightful village of Cobbitty. This used to be a little place out-the-back of no-where; but nowadays it’s a village of very charming homes; many with stunning gardens. We drove past the Cobbitty Winery which undoubtedly helps to keep the locals happy! However, although our printed directions were supposed to be foolproof ... some members managed to interpret them differently from others. This resulted in more scenic touring than intended. But no matter which route was taken everyone came to the same sudden
Santa’s little helpers! Page 6
stop when we encountered a barrier indicating a road closure. Everyone had to turn their car around and with some quick thinking we worked out how to travel the final few miles to our destination. After parking our cars, and meeting other members waiting for us at the Inn, we found our quaintly named venue. The Loft is just one of many venues within in the Inn’s gardens. As the day got hotter we were very glad that the Loft was air -conditioned. After a few drinks and some friendly conversation it was time for our Christmas Buffet. Lunch was enjoyed and no-one went hungry. Dessert was very tasty and plentiful and some members went back for seconds. After lunch it was time for our President to announce the winners of our various Annual Awards. Warren Gracie, with microphone in hand, conducted the Presentations; the results are listed on the next page. There was also an impromptu and un-official Presentation awarded to Ex-President Mark Wellington. I’m sure Mark would be happy to show his award to anyone wanting to see it. So after an enjoyable drive, a tasty lunch and some worthy Presentations ... it was time to call it a day.
~ 2012 PRESENTATION DAY ~ SHIELDS Club Member of the Year …………………..…..…...……. Robert Yarroll Club Car of the Year ……………………………...……….. Paul Boatwright Don Avery Memorial Shield …..... Mervyn & Maureen Boatwright Most Enthusiastic Club Member ………...………………..….. Ken Rolley Longest Distance Travelled in an A7 ………....... Paul Boatwright
TROPHIES Club Member of the Year ……………………..……….….. Robert Yarroll Club Car of the Year ………..………...………..…….…… Paul Boatwright Don Avery Memorial Run ……….... Mervyn & Maureen Boatwright Most Enthusiastic Club Member …………………...……..….. Ken Rolley Longest Distance Travelled in an A7 ………....... Paul Boatwright A7 Point Score Co-Winner ………………….....……...….......… Ken Rolley A7 Point Score Co-Winner …………..... Joanne & Mark Wellington A7 Point Score Co-Winner ……………....…… Robert & Faye Yarroll A7 Point Score Co-Winner …..….. Mervyn & Maureen Boatwright Annual Display Day - Best Dressed Teddy ……….....… Faye Yarroll Best Dressed Teddy - Youngsters Award …... Age 3 - Jackie Boatwright, Age 6 - Katie Boatwright, Age 8 - Jessica Boatwright Crankshaft Breaker for 2012 ..…….... Graeme & Joanne Gullick In Appreciation of Best Ever Editor …………..……. Robert Yarroll Thank you - Club Raffle Sales Lady ………....………. Barbara Fahey Thank you - Door Prize Lady …………………......……….………...…. Amy Pui November 2012. Club members enjoyed meeting UK visitors Jim & Susan Blacklock recently. Jim is the Chassis Registrar for the Austin 7 Clubs Association. Brian & Deirdre Haywood hosted a lovely BBQ lunch where Jim and Susan met and enjoyed Austin 7 talk with them and Paul & Amy Pui, Bob & Judith Riches and Robert & Faye Yarroll. A few days later Merv Boatwright and Warren Gracie took our visitors on a scenic drive to Austi Beach Café at Austinmer for lunch. They detoured via Woronora Dam and Stanwell Tops where Jim & Susan were thrilled to see some hang gliders in action. We hope their Aussie Holiday was enjoyable and memorable. Page 7
Car of the Month ... Rob & Fay’s 1928 A7 Roadster We’ve had Tiny Tim II since 1965. I followed up an advertisement in Saturdays SMH and bought a large trailer load of unrestored Austin Seven bits and pieces from Rockdale for £50. Thanks to years of TAFE courses I was able to rebuild the body and then paint and re-trim the car. The only outside help I needed was some engine work by Peak Rebores (whose machining is still amongst the best in the trade). I was a Foundation Member of the Vintage Vehicle Club and Tim II was registered 009. We participated in some of their early rallies and our most memorable event was the Harbour Bridge Fifty Years Procession in 1982. I joined the Austin 7 Club NSW soon after but life happened to get in the way; and when we moved to the Southern Highlands at the end of 1987 I let my membership lapse. One hears of stories supposedly attributed to old cars but rarely can these be verified. However, Tim II did have some motor-sports involvement having CAMS Corroboree 1961 Official Car painted on its doors. I did take a photo but can no longer find it; although I still have the 1965 purchase paper-work and old RTA permits. Unfortunately I no longer have my first car which I had at College in Wagga in 1958. Tiny Tim I was a 1929 coil ignition A7 Chummy. At that time it used to take me three days to get to Wagga with overnight stops at Moss Vale and Canberra. Our family is amused by Tim I stories including the
Rob & Fay Page 8
Tiny Tim II ‌ a 1928 Austin 7 Roadster special switch that I used to cut-out one headlight whenever I travelled on the Hume Highway because the generator was so weak. I sold Tim I and bought a 1935 Austin 6 cylinder sedan which in turn I replaced with an MO Morris Oxford. I deeply regret having sold any of them. I re-joined the Austin 7 Club NSW a few years ago and recently dragged Tim II out of hibernation; but not without some protest on his part although he is now conditionally registered. Hopefully the triumph of human over machine will prevail and Tiny Tim II will be as reliable as all those wonderful little cars at Mount Victoria recently. My wife Fay has also had a long involvement with old cars having worked with museums, car model shops and rallying. Both of us have thoroughly enjoyed meeting the delightful people of the Austin 7 Club and look forward to further contacts and outings. Written by Rob McCarthy
Welcome New Members Lyall & Dianne Price - Mona Vale Page 9
28 October 2012. Today we joined the Vauxhall Owners Club at Cabarita Park. A big thank you goes to Stuart Sheldon and his merry band of helpers for a breakfast of barbequed sausages, bacon and eggs, bread rolls, tea and coffee; all cooked perfectly.
waiting to entertain us. It was like being in an old fairground filled with magnificent pipe organs with hand carved facades and animated figures dating from the early 1900’s; and even an old merry-go-round.
It was a great way to start a Sunday morning; watching the children playing with the Parramatta River in the background. We enjoyed a walk around the Park before setting off via Parramatta Road for St.Peters. We finally reached our destination and found a parking space. Nobody really had any idea of what to expect but it wasn’t long before Craig Robson welcomed us into his magical world of Fairground Follies. Wow … a whole new world of ancient and beautiful mechanical music machines was Page 10
included an explanation of how they worked and a recital or two from each one. Many of the mechanical music machines used punched paper or board to supply the music while other used metal discs, heavy weights, wax cylinders and, believe it or not, even chocolate records. There were also some more modern music machines from the 1950’s. We even saw robotic musicians and machines that could play violins. Our Fairground Follies experience took us into a wonderful world of make believe and the day was full of fun.
There was something here for everyone. The young and not so young climbed aboard the merry-go-round and mounted their horses or jumped into a sleigh to enjoy the music and the ride. A tour of all the organs
Thank you Craig for allowing us to share your passion and see firsthand some of the fascinating Fairground masterpieces you’ve been able to collect over the years. We’ll fondly remember today for a long time!
11 November 2012. After some very severe storms this week we were relieved to awake to a gloriously sunny Sunday. After initially meeting at Heathcote Railway Station we set off for breakfast at the Grissini Ristorante at Menai. It was great to see Chen Lim (a Club Business Card Sponsor) arrive in a cute yellow Austin 7 instead if his usual yellow Porsche! Some members chose a hearty meal while others preferred a lighter choice of pancakes and coffee. No matter what cuisine was chosen everyone received a generous serving. Amy Pui was pleasantly surprised when her café latte arrived in a very styl-
ish mug that looked more like a vase than a cup! And then her breakfast arrived … served in a cast iron fry pan! Drinking from a vase and eating from a pan? We all shared a good laugh or two or three at Amy’s predicament. Then husband Paul’s Big Breakfast arrived. He might be a little guy but he’s got a mighty big appetite. After our visit to Grissini’s some members observed one minutes silence (Remembrance Day) before we headed off to Burnum Burnum Sanctuary Park. This park is nestled on the banks of the Woronora River and has several picnic and playground areas. This is where the real funny stuff started today. Can you imagine the fierce competition between the young and not so young members in the egg and spoon race? We also had to select the correct nut
from several nuts to match a small bolt (we must have been NUTS to simply do these tasks), we then threw tennis balls into a distant bucket and were quizzed about our exact speedometer readings. All participants put an enormous effort into completing these grueling games. It was later revealed that a protest could be raised after it was alleged the finishing-line rope in the egg and spoon race was deliberately moved further away from some contestants as they approached it. After all this energetic fun it was time to visit Riverwood’s Club Rivers where we enjoyed a friendly chat and a few more laughs. Members present today were Maureen & Mervyn Boatwright, Warren Gracie, Helen Lewis, Amy & Paul Pui (and friend Chen Lim), Judith & Bob Riches, Ken Rolley, Carolyn Thompson, Joanne & Mark Wellington and Faye & Robert Yarroll. Page 11
These minutes of the Austin 7 Club NSW Inc are to be confirmed at the next General Meeting
Minutes of the November 2012 General Meeting Held on 14 November 2012 at NRMA Training azine (early, as I will not be present at our DecemCentre, George Street, North Strathfield. The meet- ber Meetings. ing was opened at 8:05pm by Warren Gracie who Welfare: Nil welcomed all members to the meeting. Public Officer/Secretary: Thank you to Brian Minutes taker: Maureen Boatwright Haywood and Warren Gracie who have offered to Attendees: 27 entertain UK visitor Jim Blacklock and his partner Apologies: Joanne Wellington, Don Scanes and Susan on 2 separate occasions during their stay in NSW. An external audit will be carried out ASAP Romona Kinder after the year-end close off on 30/11/2012 and this Visitor: Nil should be presented to the Club members at the Moved: Robert Yarroll Seconded: Bob Riches ASGM. Raffle tickets $5.00 tonight to be drawn at Minutes of previous meeting read and accept- AGM. Tickets will also be sold at Centennial Park and Christmas Presentation Day. ed: Run Log: Nil Moved: Mark Wellington Seconded: Bob Riches Business arising from minutes: Nil Correspondence: Inwards: 4 membership renewals. Magazines from Lightshaft, Baby Torque WA, Broken Spoke - Goulburn, Drive Chatter - Berrima and Overland Telegraph. Invitations from Hawkesbury Model & Hobby Show at Clarendon on 6-7 July 2013, Dorset Steam Fair 12 Aug - 2 Sep 2012, Motorfest 9 Mar 2013 Hawkes Nest. Letter from Gasket Solutions. Correspondence Outwards: Thank you letter to organisers of SA Rally, letters to Vauxhall Owners Club & AMVC (reciprocal rights with A7 Club). Moved: Bob Riches
Seconded: Mark Wellington
Events Team: Venue for AGM is the Carnarvon Golf Club at 65-95 Nottinghill Road, Lidcombe – commencing at 7.30pm (coffee/tea can be purchased at bistro), finger food followed by General Meeting at 8.00pm and then AGM – cost is $5.00 per person covering food & hire of area. I would like to thank Bob & Judith Riches and Paul & Amy Pui for coming to breakfast on the ladies Day and then rushing home for other engagements. Sunday 25/11 Centennial Park. Winner of the games on Ladies Day was Mark Wellington. Christmas Party – last chance to book. Australia Day has 3 venues. Moved: Bob Riches
Seconded: Mark Wellington
Treasurers Report: Helen Lewis read the Finan- General Business: Further discussions took place regarding proposal for Austin 7 Club NSW Inc. cial Report. starting up a Yahoo Group Website. Bob Riches Moved: Bob Riches Seconded: Mervyn Boatwright said there is no need to hurry with the decision Spare Parts Report: Mervyn Boatwright read the regarding this proposal. Two members did not Spare Parts Report. understand the nomination procedure for AGM’S. A discussion followed explaining the procedure which Moved: Bob Riches Seconded: Robert Yarroll is the same as in all Clubs. Kevin Harte has second Editor: Robert Yarroll: Hope everyone enjoyed -hand parts for sale prior to Bendigo Swap Meeting 90th edition magazine, so many photos on website. on behalf of someone, please contact Kevin Harte. 48 brand new visitors to website. Meeting closed: 9.25pm Membership Officer: Faye Yarroll: 7 renewals, thanks for being early. All notices and change of Door Prize - Won by Paul Kinder venue for December included with November Mag- Raffle - No draw tonight Page 12
Recent Happy Snaps
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itor A message from your Ed Baby Torque mags Christmas edition of our thi t tha ced oun ann ly ent I rec ilege to produce this Editor. It’s been my priv azine would be my last as ellent magazine and issues. I inherited an exc magazine for the past 24 ting my own twist on or and I have enjoyed put website from my predecess mindful that “We le over the past 2 years. I’m their design and content sty to the road
bies” that regularly takes our “Ba are an informal family club ted on the social tra cen con ” and deliberately for some fun social touring concerning Austin 7’s.
than technical issues aspect of our Club rather just a magazine. It’s Baby Torque is more than For many of our members n our Club and them. of communication betwee sometimes the only form a variety of other t location, poor health or Whether it be their distan attend our events. sible for some members to pos ays alw not is it s son rea t of what’s hapto keep all members abreas way a es vid pro que Tor Baby pening within the Club. abroad receiving an be popular both locally and Our website has proven to of our Club’s activihits. A historical snapshot ever increasing number of record is availat 2 years and this permanent pas the r ove lved evo has ties site’s Events Gallery pages. ble to everyone via our web ial events it offered. this Club by the many soc I was initially attracted to come bonus. The registration fee was a wel However, a reduced vehicle s of our Club (and ation Scheme allows member istr Reg al ion dit Con ic tor His ially at a very to enjoy driving our cars soc nce cha the s) club ilar sim other age and classic car serves many veteran, vint minimal cost. This scheme ting unlimited driving unsuitable for those wan owners well although it’s independence. que magazines. Natuoyed reading my Baby Tor enj e hav you e hop I , ally Fin design styles and e his or her own writing and rally our new editor will hav e entertaining reading. I’m looking forward to som
Robert Yarroll
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Supper Roster 12 December 2012
$5 per head Finger Food
9 January 2013
Committee
13 February 2013 13 March 2013 10 April 2013
Faye & Robert Yarroll Maureen & Merv Boatwright Helen Lewis & Carolyn Thompson
8 May 2013
Amy & Paul Pui All 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 I sincerely thank members for supporting our Club this year by purchasing Spare Parts. It gives me great satisfaction knowing I can supply members with the parts they need to get their "baby" back on the road quickly. Our Club sources quality parts locally, interstate and from the UK. I wish all members and their families a Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 2013.
Merv Boatwright
FOR SALE Originally published by Castrol and titled ''AUSTIN SEVEN LUBRICATION''. It has not been reprinted in over 80 years and not likely to be again. In fact, Castrol weren't even aware of it's existence until permission was sought to be reprinted. This 3 colour 20 page booklet is fully illustrated and ''simply explained''. A must for any Austin 7 collector. Available from Wayne Styles (03) 9592 1672 @ $20 plus $5 post and packaging within Australia.
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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.
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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.