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Magazine of the Austin 7 Club NSW Inc
Citation preview
greet the little cars were eleven
other members and friends. The
weather was cool and damp but
the greeting was warm. A large
tourist coach arrived minutes
after the A7’s, so about 50 unex-pected admirers enjoyed looking
at our babies too.
Sydney Harbour is vibrant and
colourful; and today’s overcast
skies didn’t distract us from hav-
ing a fun day and snapping lots
of photographs of our Austin 7’s
17 July 2011. Eleven club mem-
bers set off in six Austin 7’s for
Mrs Macquarie’s Chair on this
dark and misty Sunday morning.
Mrs Macquarie's Chair, also
known as Lady Macquarie's Chair, provides one of the best
vantage points in Sydney. The
historic chair was carved out of a
rock ledge for Governor Lachlan
Macquarie's wife, Elizabeth, as
she was known to visit the area
and sit enjoying the panoramic
views of the harbour. Waiting to Continued on Page 6
Pui’s
Page 2
Committee
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.
Magazine Deadline
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.
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
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 /
Registration Faye Yarroll (02) 9706 8007 0412 830 041
Editor /
Webmaster Robert Yarroll (02) 9706 8007 -
As a courtesy, please do not contact Committee Members after 9:00pm.
Banking Details
Austin 7 Club NSW Inc
Spare Parts Austin 7 Club NSW Inc
Bank Laboratories Credit Union Bendigo Bank
BSB 802-841 633-000
Account 0000009132 128875804
Page 3
Ian Nathan - Crows Nest
It’s pleasing to see the number of events our Club has had lately. The mix
of both Austin 7 and No-Car Social events makes for interesting and en-
joyable outings.
The Hawkesbury’s Riverboat Postman Run was an eye opener. It’s no
wonder the mail is delivered by boat as there isn’t road access to most of
the settlements along the river.
Our Sydney Landmark Run produced many photographs of our Austin
7’s at various landmarks around Sydney. These can be viewed at the
Events Gallery page of our website and should be of interest to local and
overseas Austin 7 enthusiasts alike.
Much of our Club’s success and longevity is due to the tireless contribu-
tion of Club members who have served on our Committee over the years.
Our Sydney Landmark Run was organised by Vice President Paul Pui and
his wife Amy; and culminated in a three course BBQ lunch at their home at Castlecrag.
On behalf of Club members and friends who attended, I congratulate Paul and Amy for organising this Run, and
thank them for the warm welcome into
their home and their generous hospitality.
With continuing efforts and an increased
membership base, our Club should con-
tinue as long as our Austin 7’s survive.
Happy Sevening ... Warren Gracie
Presidents Report
Page 4
Please note our Centennial Park Dis-play Day is now 18 September 2011 and our President’s Weekend is now 15-16 October 2011. There is one (1) ticket left for the All British Display Day and two (2) tickets for the 2011 Shannons Eastern Creek Classic. Con-
tact the Events Team on 9822 8609.
Our Sydney Landmark Run was a great success and it was wonderful to travel through the city without traffic problems. The views were spectacular and thanks to Paul & Amy’s son Jona-than and Faye Yarroll for taking some great photos. Our destination was Paul & Amy’s home for a BBQ ... and what a feast it was. I can’t begin to imagine the time involved in the preparation of all that food. Thank you Paul and Amy for your continued gen-erosity to the Austin 7 Club and it’s members. I know everyone who at-
Events Report
USE CAR’S EXHAUST TO CLEAN UPHOLSTERY
tended enjoyed the day immensely.
On the run were: Paul & Amy Pui, Robert & Faye Yarroll, Mark & Joanne Wellington, Bob & Judith Riches, Carolyn Thompson, Helen Lewis, George & Sue McGill, Brian & Deirdre
Haywood, Warren Gracie, Merv & Maureen Boatwright, Paul, Sandra, Jessica, Katie & Jackie Boatwright, Richard & Sandra Hubbard from the
A7 Club in Victoria. There were six A7’s and five moderns on the day.
Anyone interested in making special arrangements at the Barossa Motor Lodge at Tanunda SA (our Club’s ac-commodation), such as arriving early or extending your stay after the 2012 Rally, then please contact Maureen on 9822 8609 ASAP.
Happy Austin 7 touring ...
Maureen Boatwright
Coming Events
18 September 2011 … Centennial Park Display Day
Starting at 10:00am from just inside the Oxford Street Gates on the left hand side. Make sure you bring along your thinking cap! There will be questions to be answered to be in the running for an award to be presented at the end of this year.
15 - 16 October 2011
President’s Weekend ... Southern Highlands & South
Expressions of Interest are still being accepted for this great weekend. Please contact Warren Gracie or Maureen Boatwright so we can book your accom-modation.
20 November 2011 ... Ladies Day - TBA
__ December 2011 ... Christmas Function/Presentation Day - TBA
1 - 5 October 2012 90th Anniversary National Austin 7 Hub Rally - Tanunda, S.A.
There is immense interest in this Rally, so make sure you have booked your Barossa Valley accommodation.
The renowned Bay to Birdwood Run is for vehicles produced before 1956 and will be held on the day prior to the Hub Rally (Sunday 30 September 2012). Since Austin 7’s will be the featured car of the Hub Rally it would be pre-ferred if all participants could be in Adelaide for the Bay to Birdwood no later
than the evening of Saturday 29 September 2012. This will be the largest sin-gle-day vintage and veteran vehicles event in the world.
You could also consider arriving in Adelaide earlier to join some of the Motor-fest events during the week leading up to the Bay to Birdwood Run.
Those members who sent their Expressions of Interest to the Austin 7 Club SA should now have their June 2011 Update to read in detail. Please contact
our Events Team on 9822 8609 if you require an Expressions of Interest form or any further information.
Invitations Accepted
21 August 2011 ... 2011 Shannons Eastern Creek Classic
Special displays for 100 years of the Chevrolet, 60 years of the Renault Car Club in Australia and 50 years of the E-Type Jag-uar and Volvo P1800. If you like cars, motor bikes, trucks, buses or military vehicles, then this is the show for you and your family. Admission by Pre-Paid Entry Sticker ONLY.
28 August 2011 ... 31st All British Display Day - North 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). Breakfast available from 7am, lunch and wine tastings. Please contact the Events Team on 9822 8609 to purchase your entry ticket.
Page 5
Page 6
with a famous Sydney landmark or two in the background (cover photo-
graphs were taken by Faye Yarroll on the day).
As usual, everyone was issued with a map of where we were going and the
obligatory set of questions; the answers being relevant to the areas we were
about to visit. However, a consensus was reached by everyone attending the
Run that the questions were almost impossible to answer!
From Mrs Macquarie’s Chair we went to Luna Park via the Sydney Opera
House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Milsons Point. Luna Park Sydney is a
superbly restored 1930’s amusement park where “everyone goes … just for
fun”. Luna Park first opened in 1935 and has since become an outstanding and important feature of Sydney Harbour’s foreshore. Located near the
northern pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the face and towers of Luna
Park have become iconic to the people of Sydney, and the Park itself synony-
mous with fun.
Then we continued to Balls Head Reserve. It’s a pleasant little reserve north-
west of Sydney Harbour Bridge and a nice spot for morning tea or a picnic.
This headland was named after Lieutenant H. Lidgbird Ball (the Commander
of the First Fleet vessel “Supply”) who explored the area in 1788. And then we
went to see “the proof that Herbert Austin really did live in Sydney”. And see it
we did; a plaque in Thomas Street Waverton stating that Herbert Austin (later
Lord Austin) had lived in the street in about 1892.
Blues Point Reserve was our next stop for a full-span view of the Sydney Har-
bour Bridge. Chen Lim, a good friend of the
Pui’s, met us here in his bright yellow Porsche
Boxster and stayed with us for the rest of the
day. Then onto Tunks Park at Northbridge where
Warren Gracie gave us a guided tour of the park
and an interesting talk about the historic Cam-
meray Suspension Bridge above it.
By this time everyone was getting tired, so it was time to head for our BBQ
lunch via Clive Park at Northbridge, where those who hadn’t already worked up an appetite had the chance to do so.
Well ... talk about a lunch. The Pui’s must have spent a week preparing the tastiest and best BBQ ever. And
their desserts were yummy. To Paul & Amy, and their
children Jonathan and Marissa, and Jonathan’s girl-
friend Jady, our heartfelt thanks from everyone who
attended the inaugural Pui’s Sydney Landmark Run.
We all had a wonderful day and look forward to your
next Landmark Run.
Continued
Paul & Amy Pui
Page 7
For the first time in a long time, our Club recently held a weekday event.
Monday 11 July 2011 saw 29 members and friends travel to Brooklyn to
board a traditional timber vessel to cruise part of the longest river on
Australia’s east coast. The Riverboat Postman has been providing an es-
sential service to the river communities since 1920.
In 1790 the Hawkesbury
River, 50 kilometres north of
Sydney, became the lifeline of trade between the farming
communities and the strug-
gling colony of Sydney. Trade
flourished but then declined
during the 19th century. Today
the river is still a vital link to
unique water-access-only set-
tlements scattered along the
magnificent river. The Riverboat Postman provides the daily needs to the
river community like milk, groceries and newspapers.
Maureen Boatwright, our event organiser said, “I think everyone enjoyed
the skipper’s knowledgeable commentary on the river’s many features
like Tumbledown, and some of the unique waterside dwellings such as
Blotto Grotto”.
All this adventure on such a glorious winters day created quite an appe-
tite; and the smorgasbord lunch helped to keep our energy levels up. So
much sightseeing is very draining.
The area’s natural beauty is a great attraction for some people; however
it’s seclusion creates some difficulties. The
homes that dot the waters edge have elec-
tricity connected, but must collect and
store their own water supply. And it can’t be an easy journey to work or school, or
even just to buy a screw from the hardware
store, when every trip must start with a
boat ride just to reach the mainland.
Nevertheless, the Hawkesbury River region
must be one of the most naturally spec-
tacular places on earth.
Page 8
This month we are featuring Anthony and Kim Harte’s green and black
1929 Austin Seven Meteor.
Anthony’s father Kevin, who is a foundation member of our Club, pur-
chased this car back in the 1960’s before Kevin and Helen were even mar-
ried. The car needed a full restoration and sat idle for many years before Anthony and Kevin started on the big job ahead of them. Anthony told his
father that he wanted the car ready for the 2006 Mudgee Austin Seven
Rally, so it was all hands on deck and the hard work started.
Kevin worked alone in the garage day and night during the week and then
Anthony would join him every weekend working too. Well, Anthony’s
dream came true when the car was finally fully restored just in time for the
rally ... and didn’t it look great!
Easter 2006 arrived and on Good Friday morning the Harte’s trailered
their Meteor to the Mudgee National Austin Seven Rally. The next morning
they set off for a short run in their new Meteor and afterwards made a few
small adjustments ... and the car was now running just perfectly. Anthony
and Kevin were very happy now the restoration was complete. This mo-
ment was worth the long wait, seeing the car looking pristine and running
like a bird. Anthony’s son Thomas had his first ride in a sports car and
immediately fell in love with his dad’s new passion.
Car of the Month ... Anthony & Kim Harte’s A7 Meteor
Anthony’s 1929 Austin Seven Meteor before restoration
Page 9
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” avail-
able from the Editor.
After a week of touring around Mudgee, and thoroughly enjoying them-
selves, it was time for the Friday Presentation Night. Anthony said “it was
an excellent night, and to top it off we won the People’s Choice Award! How
special was that?”
So after many long hours restoring the little Austin it was very rewarding
for the Harte’s to receive this award.
Kim gave birth to baby Will following the nights celebrations. He entered
this world six weeks prematurely, so the 2006 Mudgee National Austin
Seven Rally will always be remembered for many reasons to everyone in
the Harte family.
Anthony and Kim’s boys Thomas and Will are growing up quickly and are
sure to follow in their dad’s and grandad’s footsteps by one day having their own Austin Sevens.
and look at it now .. simply stunning!
Page 10
In the 1936 Honours List Sir Herbert Austin was created a Baron and
elevated to the peerage. He took the title of Lord Austin of Longbridge. At
the age of 69 he accepted the Chairmanship of the Government spon-
sored shadow factory scheme for air-
craft production, and during the next
few years devoted much time to his new responsibility. Therefore the East
Works was built for assembling air-
craft, aero engine test cells and other
facilities. The first aeroplane to be
built was a Fairey Battle.
In March 1938 Leonard Lord joined the Company as Works Director. At
the early age of forty-two, having been Managing Director of the Morris,
Wolseley and M.G. Company he had earned respect for his management
skills. It was also decided to re-enter the light commercial vehicle field
with a complete new range in January 1939. As the shape reflected the
contemporary Bedford's of the time these became known as the Birming-ham Bedford’s.
The most popular car produced at Longbridge at this time was the Austin
Seven. In 1939 the 8HP version was introduced, and continued until
1947. A 10HP version came in 1939 and paralleled the 8HP until 1947.
At the same time as the 10HP version a 12HP version was announced
just before the second World War in August 1939.
With the outbreak of war the factory soon had to change production to
supply the war effort. The same machines and hands that a short time
previously turned out highly finished cars took in their stride the produc-
tion of a whole miscellany of intricate parts for the nation's war machine.
The variety and quantities of articles produced were staggering, from steel helmets to aircraft and everything in between.
Lord Austin died on 23 May 1941 after a short illness at the age of 74, and is
buried in Holy Trinity Church, Rose
Hill North Worcestershire; usually
called Lickey Church.
E. L. Payton, interim chairman then
retired four years later on 28 Novem-
ber 1945, whereupon Leonard Lord
became Chairman and Managing Di-
rector.
... this story will be continued in a future Baby Torque magazine ...
The Austin History - Part 5
Copyright on the article / pictures belongs to John Baker www.austinmemories.com or the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk
Fairey Battle
funeral cortege passing K gate
Page 11
Recent Happy Snaps
Page 12
These minutes are to be confirmed at the next General Meeting
Minutes of the July 2011 General Meeting
Held on 13 July 2011 at NRMA Training Centre, George Street, North Strathfield. The meeting was opened at 8:10pm by Warren Gracie who welcomed all members to the
meeting.
Minutes taker: Maureen Boatwright
Apologies: Mark & Joanne Welling-ton, Paul Boatwright, Don Scanes and Ken Rolley. 22 members in at-tendance.
Moved: Bob Riches Seconded: Carolyn Thompson
Minutes of previous meeting read and accepted:
Moved: Faye Yarroll Seconded: Maureen Boatwright
Business arising from minutes: Nil
Correspondence:
Inwards: Willy’s Whippet Overland Knight Restorers Inc., Veteran & Vintage Car Club of Goulburn Inc.,
MSG Auction - Stepney - South Aus-tralia, The Sebel Harbourside - Kiama, Peter L Mathews, The Light Shaft - Victoria, Baby Torque - West-ern Australia, Drive Chatter - Ber-rima District Club, Liverpool Super Swap Meet - 17/7/11, FOSC - Festi-val of Sporting Cars (email), Cheva-lier College - Highlands Motorfest - 30/10/11, 1 x Membership. Out-wards: Austin Motor Vehicle Club NSW Inc., Vauxhall Owners Club of Australia - NSW Branch.
Moved: Robert Yarroll Seconded: Helen Lewis
Treasurer Report: Helen Lewis read the Financial Report.
Moved: Merv Boatwright Seconded: Helen Quartly
Spare Parts: Mervyn Boatwright read the Spare Parts Report.
Moved: Faye Yarroll Seconded: Bob Riches
Editor: Robert Yarroll reported that
our magazine and website are going well.
Membership Officer:
A new member named Ian Nathan.
Another new member Richard Lane to deposit membership fee by bank deposit.
Welfare: Nil
Public Officer: Nil
Events Team: Maureen reported, Tickets/Stickers for Eastern Creek ($12), All British Display Day ($5). Good weather and great time at our Riverboat Postman Run - 24 adults & 2 children. Not many Expression of Interest for South Australia re-ceived from NSW.
Moved: Robert Yarroll Seconded: Faye Yarroll
General Business: Bob Riches dis-
cussed Bay to Birdwood for 2012. Austin 7 will be the featured car, the run starts at 9.00am, and we should get to Glenelg by 6.00am. (Bob as previously discussed - week before events). No overtaking on track at Eastern Creek. Haul to Hume fin-
ishing at Yass on 27/08/11.
The meeting closed at 8.45pm. Door Prize - won by Kevin Harte
Raffle - 1st Prize won by Faye Yarroll
Raffle - 2nd Prize won by Ann Bourn
Page 13
Page 14
All Spare Parts correspondence should be addressed to:
Mr Mervyn Boatwright, P.O. Box 366, Casula Mall. NSW 2170
Telephone: (02) 9822 8609 Email: [email protected]
Spare Parts will NOT be brought to meetings unless requested before-
hand 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.
Does your Austin 7 need NEW brake linings?
1” sets $55 1¼” sets $68
Page 15
If bad weather conditions are looming, please contact Maureen Boat-
wright on Saturday evenings or from 6:30am on the Sunday of the run
(H) 02 9822 8609 (M) 0413 017 263 or Warren Gracie (H) 02 9569 2108
(M) 0417 417 826.
And please remember to always carry the
following documents in your Austin 7:
Comprehensive Insurance Policy
Clubs’ Certificate of Currency
Baby Torque Magazine
Bad Weather
10 August 2011 Faye & Robert Yarroll
14 September 2011 Sandra & Paul Boatwright
12 October 2011 Amy & Paul Pui
9 November 2011 Judith & Bob Riches
14 December 2011 Members to bring a plate
11 January 2012 To be advised
Don’t forget the Austin 7 Club NSW “Point Score”
program. Our aim is to see as many people as possi-
ble 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 meet-
ing 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.
Point Score Trophy
Supper Roster
The Austin 7 Club NSW Inc has
been active for over 25 years
and aims to bring together peo-
ple with the common interest of
restoring, preserving and driv-
ing Austin Sevens. We are an
informal family club that regu-
larly 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 techni-
cal people will give advice,
where possible, in regard to the
restoration of these cars.
Postal Address:
P.O. Box 6009 North Ryde NSW 2113
Email:
Website:
www.austin7clubnsw.org.au
Austin 7 Club NSW Inc
ments of your vehicle. If you
wish to attend invitational
events outside Club runs, you
MUST contact a
Committee Member
to log the trip, oth-
erwise your regis-
tration and insur-
ance is NOT valid.
You should carry a
copy of the Clubs’
Certificate of Insur-
ance (Public Liabil-
ity) in your Austin
7 at all times together with
the most recent copy of this
Baby Torque magazine.
Any Member using a vehicle on
RTA Historic Conditional Regis-
tration Scheme (HCRS) and at-
tending a Secondary
Club Run or any event
listed under Invita-
tions Accepted or
Other Events of Inter-
est 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-
"Dedicated to the preservation and
enjoyment of all types of
Austin Sevens"
RTA Conditional Registration
Member of The Council of Motor Clubs, Inc