July 1978

DORSET AUSTIN SEVEN CLUB

 

EDITORIAL

Last month’s evening run to the Bankes Arms at Studland proved a success with six Sevens, one Big seven, an A8 and an A10 present. John Page was "squeezed" on the back of the ferry in spite of his notorious bumpers and the spectacle of so many pre-war Austins on one ferry caused obvious delight to the many onlookers.

 

Sunday, 2nd July saw the annual pilgrimage to Beaulieu and Dorset A7C had a good day with Gary and Nigel "highly commended" and Glyn taking the M class trophy with his '34 Ruby. Our driving team of Bernard, John Page and Richard Hornby came 3rd. Yours truly, without a car, won 2nd prize in the draw.

Glyn tells me he has just acquired a '32 box as a project for the winter - hope it will be as good as the Ruby!

 

We are hoping to have an evening run to Lymington Quay on 19th August leaving the Cat & Fiddle car park at 7.30 pm.

 

On the Sunday before last when most members were at Blandford Engine Rally I went up to Oxford to represent the club at the A7CA meeting. We heard from Howard Annett of the A7OC about his visit to the RAC Club to represent the Association at the Historic Vehicle Clubs conference. (A yearly meeting to ensure that necessary steps are taken to protect old car enthusiasts from legislation preventing the full use of their vehicles.) At the conference it was stated that if you have a log book not registered in your name you should get it registered as soon as possible. It would appear that Swansea are sympathetic to old cars and probably would issue an unregistered vehicle with an old number if requested. There was also discussion on "type approval" for new parts manufactured for old cars.

 

It would seem that the A7CA spares side may need Parts Liability insurance in case of failure of a new part. Still on the spares it appears that the Chummy wings and running boards are not available yet and Seven Workshop are probably in a better position to supply them.

 

Joe Spalter reported that he is investigating the possibility of having some l6 mm negative copies made of the club films so that 8 mm copies can be made and sold to clubs etc.

 

Interest was shown when I passed on information from Bernard that Leyland Historic Vehicles are looking for people to restore their collection including the earliest known Swallow (1927), a 1935 side-valve works racer, and an Austin type Datsun saloon.

 

Later in the magazine I have published the list of A7CA films available so that we can consider them for the winter and also John Barlow's latest list of A7CA spares for your general information.

 

This month’s meeting Thursday 20th July. Short road run from Nags Head to the Alice Lisle. On arrival there will be a concours judged by those who haven't a Seven on the road - a free pint for the winner.

 

NEXT MONTH’S COMMITTEE MEETING Thursday 3rd August.  8.15 pm Tyrrells Ford Inn off Sopley/Ringwood Road.


 

 

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

 

21/23rd July    Netley Marsh A7 Rally (Solent A7C)

 

21/3rd July     Berkeley Castle Rally (Bristol A7C) - a DA7C supported event

 

6th August Alderholt Steam Rally - DA7C supported event

 

13th August     Longbridge Rally (Midlands A7C)

 

19th August     Dorset A7C Evening run to Lymington Quay.  Meet in Cat Fiddle car park at 7.30 pm and drive to Lymington Quay and from there to the Wagon & Horses.

 

 

Caldicot Castle Rally by Richard & Margaret Cowell

We set out on Saturday 10th for the Caldicot Castle Rally and had a good run up to and over the Severn Bridge into Wales. The car was very full as we had the four of us in the front of the Ruby and a large frame tent on the back seat and all the gear for a camping weekend.

The weather was good and the grounds of the Castle ideal for a Rally. Saturday evening saw several other Austins arrive for an evening dance which was very good. Ian Dunford representing BA7C was a parti­cularly colourful spectacle with his large beard poking out from under a large straw hat with poppies and roses decorating it.

Sunday, Rally day, was a very warm day and the S. Wales club had organised things very well in conjunction with the Caldicot Scouts. About 60 cars took part covering most models, one of which most people took note was a box saloon in black and beige with matching bikini clad girl, definitely very original!

We had a good run home and the car behaved itself most of the time. So we recommend  this rally to Members for a good weekend away for next year. The new tee shirts arrived just in time and they publicised the club very well, several people not knowing of our existence.

 

FOR SALE

Club still has some tee shirts in light blue for sale. Austin Ten handbooks and Ford handbooks and parts lists - Phil Whitter; Broadstone 694857

 

WANTED

Richard Cowell needs a good 6v wiper motor for a Ruby - pull and spin ­type - 10 The Laurels, Lead Park, Gillingham,

 

Phill Whitter needs pre-1930 handbrake and ratchet etc. and has plenty of early spares to swap or your price paid. 89 York Road, Broadstone Tel. 694857