E-Baby Torque August 2011

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:

[email protected]

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