EDITORIAL
Hallo Everyone,
As you will read below, the
AGM has been and gone. You were spared my report as I was late in arriving.
That denied me the opportunity of thanking John Weaver and Gary Munn for all
their work in printing and distributing the Newsletter. It is due to their
stalwart support that you get your monthly offering. John was also drafted in
to cover for my absence on holiday. I would like to thank them and all the
contributors who make the newsletter what it is. That makes it all the more embarrassing that the first award of the
Editor's Cup went to me, when you had a pretty thin edition for the month!
SECRETARIAL
Well Folks!
The AGM over for another
year, it seemed to run smoothly and was wrapped up within a reasonable
timescale. To re-cap, first and foremost, largely due the prudence of your
committee and the success of our Swanage Rally, subs are to be held at 15.
Don't forget they are now due!
Paul
Mainzer asked to stand down from the Committee. His work with the Club Library
is to be taken on by Pat Llewellyn who in turn is standing, down as Social Sec, mainly due the apparent
lack of potential support for the events she has offered. We feel a quiet year
on the social side may be called for. However, should a decent number of
members suggest a "do", she and Glyn would consider running it. I am
pleased to say that Pat will be running this year's Christmas Dinner and will
also co-ordinate next year's rally.
VISIT
TO BEAULIEU
Sunday 13th. October 1996
"Didn't
we have a loverly time, The day we went to Beaulieu...." when eight
Dorsets,
their friends and relatives joined the Wessex Triumphs for a
Beauliful day out behind the scenes at Beaulieu National Motor Museum. What we
hadn't expected was that the staff had put on special presentations just for
our benefit - an insight into the collection policy of the Trust by the Head
Curator Michael Ware, a couple of old films and a demonstration of modern
transposing techniques to turn faded monochrome film into full colour video by
a youthful Steve Vokins; visits to the shambolic book and handbook library, the
pristine but uninteresting photographic library and the Shell Collection where
the manager had put on a special display of old Shell posters "Things go
well with Shell" and the original art work by now famous British artists.
The
highlight of the morning was, for me and most of the Seveners, an intimate
visit to the embryonic and highly touchable 30's Garage Display and Beaulieu's
own spares department. Shelves and shelves of a heady mixture of both
priceless and useless bits and pieces. (Just like home some said!)
In
the afternoon we were shown round the Beaulieu workshops. Luckily, I had been fore-warned so the disappointment was lessened a little, but
many an Austineer has a bigger and better equipped set-up at home. However,
they had cleared space just for us and on display were two of the motors (an
1899 Daimler and the oldest Fiat in the country) being prepared for the
Brighton Run. Also, in bits, were the Vauxhall Prince Henry of the famous Paris
Run and an 1897 D E Deitiich. So I was told.
An
unexpectedly full day out and very good value at £6.75 (free for Friends) -
Bootiful, really Bootiful.
David Whetton
TOURING DEVON – 1939 LATE
SPRING
We had on board our
second-hand Austin 7, four adults and one toddler with the baby's pushchair
tied on top of the large wicker basket full of crockery, utensils
and tinned food on the back plus a large suitcase. On each side of the bonnet,
a rolled-up tent and various camping equipment such as Primus stove, kettle, saucepan and teapot. [See
cover picture - Ed] Inside, round our feet were clothes, towels, blankets and anything else we thought we would need.
In those days, with no
motorways and the 'A' roads not being brilliant either, we set off from
Southampton in trepidation, wondering if our overloaded car would make the
journey all the way to Devon, knowing that if anything went wrong, we could
push it on to a verge or maybe a garage as it was very light when unloaded.
We motored through
Bournemouth, Dorchester, Bridport and prayed that it would make it up Chideock
and Charmouth Hills. But we need not have been concerned as we sailed up them
and heaved a sigh of relief. Proceeding through Honiton and Exeter, we finally
arrived, camping in a large field at Violet Farm just off the main road between
Dawlish and Teignmouth.
Were we chuffed that our
"Pride and Joy" had made it with no trouble at all - and took us all
over Dartmoor and Exmoor during the fortnight we were there, not turning a
hair! In fact, she seemed to enjoy the experience as much as we did. At the end
of the holiday, she was even more overloaded for the return trip due to the
presents we had bought, but took the whole thing in her stride, delivering us
safely back home.
Our friends thought our
Austin was a wonderful car and we were sorry to let her go but with the War and
the incendiaries falling in our garden, we sold her to someone who lived in the
countryside. We have had other cars since, but she is the one we shall never
forget.
Editor's Note:
This article was
supplied by Geoff Tibbert to whom go our thanks. A note at the bottom of the
original states that the owner of the overladen Chummy was Mr. F Atkinson who
lives in Swathling, Southampton and that 'the owner was very proud of engine I
think "Hotchkiss". I am not sure whether he thought that the engine
was not an Austin or whether a transplant had taken place.
AUSTIN CLUBS ASSOCIATION MEETING 13 OCTOBER
I did the dash to the
Belfry at Milton Common last month to represent the Club at the Association
meeting. As always, there were some interesting issues raised. Association
Officers reported the progress they had made, the key point being that the
Association is solvent, with about £17,500 on deposit and roughly £2,200 in the
current account.
The
topic which caused a great deal of interest was the fate of Lickey Grange. It
is apparently safe from destruction but is in the hands of developers. Planning
permission has been granted to redevelop the 27-acre site which includes
'restoring' the Grange by removing the modem additions and offering it as a
large family home with 2 acres for 'more than £450,000. Local papers carried
the story and apparently there may be an article in the November issue of
Classic Car Mart. The next point is what to do with the £2389 raised from
various sources some 5 years ago.
There
is news on the attempt to borrow the prototype, OK3537, from the Science Museum
for the 75th Anniversary Rally next year. The issue of its
originality arose. OK3537 was presented to the Science Museum in 1953 by the
then newly formed BMC, having been refurbished by the apprentices after storage
in unknown conditions since 1922. It has only once been loaned out since 1953 -
for the Golden Jubilee rally in 1972. Earlier this year, a request to borrow
the car again met with a flat refusal but the persistence of Phil Baildon, the
Association Archivist, has resulted in visit to Wroughton where the car
currently resides. The Association has made 3 requests:
1. To borrow the prototype for
the Gaydon Rally.
2. To restore the car to
original specification.
3. To run the car!
The first appears almost
certain to be granted, confirmation was awaited. The second is likely to be
accepted as we put up £2500 to fund the project which would be matched by the
Museum. Sadly, the last is unlikely to be permitted as the Museum is afraid of
damage to irreplaceable parts. It was agreed that the Association puts up the
£2500 from the deposit account, provided we get the car for the Rally. Use of
the Lickey Grange fund for this was also discussed but there are legal
complications over such use.
GAYDON -1997
Once the Association
Meeting was over, the meeting considered progress with preparations for the
Rally. It was reported that Rover Group are not in a position
to support the Rally. Heritage had recently taken a decision to support Club
anniversaries and a further Board meeting was due to take place (21 Oct) to set
a policy for any possible support. This meeting may impact on the prices for
the rally. Details will be circulated as soon as they are known.
It was confirmed that
camping would be permitted inside the Gaydon site, in other words, not across
the road on the wind-swept field. This will give added security and allow pass
outs for those wishing to go on road runs or just take a break from the
jollities.
The
range of attractions was not yet finalised. Heritage may provide the Aerobatics
Team and Donington was to be asked to lend the Twin Cam and Side Valve racers.
An event is planned for
the Sunday evening but the format has not been
decided. Options discussed included a hog roast, buffet, quiz or just a bar.
Decisions at the next meeting. It was hoped that some guests could be invited
to the dinner on the Saturday. Suggestions included Bob Wyatt, Val Biro, Bill
Boddy, John Ward and several relatives of famous A7
people. Terry McGrath's jazz band had been booked for the night.
A
number of other Jubilee
events are planned. A7OC are hoping to do a South Coast run ending at our Rally
at Swanage, Pre War are planning a Pennine Run, date
not yet known and there is also a proposal for Fosse Way Run. Details of all
these should be in the next Association Mag. The meeting ended at 4.15 p.m. The
next session is on 1Dec. If you have any bright ideas you
want me to take to the meeting, please let me know!
Miles
This picture of Eric Capon's 29/30 Chummy was taken in the late
30's, somewhere in Scotland, possible the Corrin Narrows Ferry. The
registration number does not appear on the Association chassis register so the
car may have been scrapped. If you know anything about this car, please let
Geoff Tibbert know. He can be reached on 01425 277022
A reminder that the
Committee will once again be making donations to a charity rather than giving
Christmas Cards. If you wish to do the same, you can make your donation at the
Christmas Dinner. The charity will be announced at the November Club Night.
For Sale
Need a new 6-volt battery? 6-volt heavy duty Lucas batteries are
available from "Early BBB's" who specialise in MGB parts. At Beaulieu
Autojumble they were £28 dry charged and £32 wet filled. Give they a ring on
01202 814602. They are at Unit 5, 7 Blackmoor Road on the Woolsbridge Industrial
Estate.
Regards, Phil
Early Notice!
Friday 14th February,
DA7C St Valentines 50s and 60s Evening. With Bernies Roadshow Disco (No
relation to the Main Man!) Optional fancy dress, Bar with Ringwood Ale, Raffle,
American Supper. All this fun for only £3:50 per person. Entry forms later. See
Dusty for further details. To be held at Pamphill Village Hall, near Wimborne.
Club Library
Books and videos are
available each Club Night. They are lent out on a monthly
basis. The following are available:
Title Hire
charge Deposit
Books
The Restoration of Vintage and Thoroughbred cars £1 £5
Guide to building reproduction Austin Ulsters (by Chris Gould) £1 £5
Austin Seven Specials (by Bill Williams) £1 £5
The Auitin 7 (by Bob Wyatt) £1:50 £5
Austin Seven Source Book (by Bryan Purves) £3 £10
The Austin Seven Companion £2 £5
The Austin Seven (by Chris Harvey) £2 £5
The Austin Seven Manual (by Doug Woodrow) £3 £10
Videos
Miles Ahead £2 £5
The Austin 7 Library 1 £2 £5
The Austin 7 Library 2 £2 £5
Deposits can be by cheque which will be returned
on return of the book or video
EVENTS
November
Thursday 21 Nov Clubnight. Its auction night once
again. Bernard will be auctioneer, assisted by Phil. Book in with Jackie and
don't forget to mark you lot with your reserve. Sort out your excess spares,
label them with your name and any reserve price and bring them along on the night.
Don't forget that the Club takes a 10% cut! Always an enjoyable evening, and
you never know what you'll find! Some Club regalia will be included, to make
room for new stock.
Sunday 24 Nov Club Run. This is Bernie's Run, meet at the Queen
Elisabeth Leisure
Centre
Car Park at 10:15 for a 10:30 start.
Thursday 28 Nov Committee
Meeting. The committee
will gather at about 9 p.m. at the Tyrell's Ford.
December
Thursday
7 Dec Eightish till Late-ish. The early monthly gathering
will be at the Avon
Causeway,
on the Ringwood to Christchurch Road.
Saturday
14 Dec Christmas Dinner Full details and booking
forms are shown on page 6 .
Book
early to avoid disappointment!
Thursday
19 Dec Club Night. We'll have a quiet noggin
and natter for the final Club Night
of 1996.
Sunday
22 Dec Club Run. Gary will be leading our
final run of the year, gathering at the
Queen
Elisabeth Leisure Centre Car Park at 10:30 for a 10:45 start.
Wednesday
1 Jan
First Run of the Year! This is just about he best
supported run of the year. Last time we had more than 30 cars out. Glyn usually
lays on a gentle scatter rally/treasure hunt ending at a New Forest hostelry.
Meet at the Ringwood Cattle Market car park-at 10.30 for a 10:30 start. See you
there!
Thursday 2 Jan Committee Meeting. Held over from Boxing Day, your committee meet
at
the Tyrell's Ford to ponder the 1997
season.
Other Events
Saturday 7 Dec VSCC Winter Driving Tests, Westcott Venture Park on the A41 between
Bicester
and Aylesbury.
Saturday 25 Jan VSCC New Year Driving Tests. Brooklands Track, Weybridge
Details
of both these events are available from your Editor.