Austin Seven Owners Club

Thames Valley Centre

www.austin-seven.co.uk

2008

 

London A7OC - Thames Valley Centre

 

As the first article of the year may I wish everyone all the very best for 2008 and look forward to meeting up with old and new friends during the coming year.

 

December & January Meetings

Unfortunately, the bug that is going around struck me down and I was unable to attend the December meeting when we had our Hobbies and collectors night. I understand that it was an interesting evening with Dave Plank’s collection of model cars being particularly outstanding.

 

Due to our annual dinner being the second week of January, we do not hold a formal meeting but several members do meet up at the Crooked Billet for a “noggin & natter”.

 

Thames Valley Centre’s Annual Club Dinner – 12th January

Once again we are all grateful to Roger Clark for organising another successful and entertaining Club Dinner. With 58 attending this year the atmosphere was great, we welcomed guests from North London, Senlac and the Morris Club, as well as many other friends and contacts. Let us hope 2009’s Dinner on the 10th January will be at least as well attended!

 

As Roger promised, the new chef provided us with great food and we are extremely grateful to all the team at Ellesborough Golf Club for making us so welcome. Roger also promised us something new in terms of entertainment, replacing our usual fines with after dinner “celebrities” in the form of “Jethroe” and “Pam Ayres” – a little bit of fun and certainly a change.

 

The Dinner is of course an opportunity to recognise all those that have worked so hard in running the Centre and organising the meetings agendas for Thames Valley. Special mention was rightly made of David & Andrew Plank’s considerable commitment and all our thanks were expressed. This evening is also an opportunity to present the awards to members who have won the various events during the year, the winners being:

 

 

Driving Test

Taking the new theory part of the test on the laptop proved extremely interesting! One member was outstanding achieving 100% - Bob Hughes being the worthy winner. The rest of us need to improve!

 

Road Run

A short run (especially for one member due to a navigating error) around the Marlow area – won by David & Ruth Coulton

 

Concours Night

The night when we join our friends from the Motorcycle Club at Maidenhead Rugby Club. This year it should be more apt to have held it at a Water Polo Club – truthfully, the rain on the way there was some of the worst I have ever driven in, in any car, alone an Austin 7. Paul Reader’s Ruby was the winner of this event.

 

Ordnance Survey Night

Why do they make pubs so dark? – not helpful when finding your way around an ordnance survey map to find obscure items and locations. This year’s map exercise was won by a new member – Philip Derbyshire – well done!

 

Model and Hobbies Night

Comment was made above regarding the exceptional collection of model cars that Dave Plank brought along (and Roger Clark did not break any!). David was a worthy winner.

 

Best Meeting Attendance Award

A remarkable record of only missing one meeting means that there was only one well deserved winner – Geoff Pelling

 

Members Choice Award

This is a new trophy awarded to the member recognised by other Centre members for all that they do for the Centre and running various events. As Bob Hughes rightly recognised, when presenting the trophy, Andrew Plank does so much – the Littlewick Show being a major achievement each year. We all congratulate and thank Andrew – as well as Dave Plank, who surely must be a worthy runner-up?

 

February Meeting

Our AGM, disappointing to again say that it remains the same 8 stalwarts who arrive on time and participate. We really do need more owners of Austin 7’s to come along to meetings and take an active part in the running of the Centre.

 

Following reports from our Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer the offices were re-elected – the only change being that Geoff Pelling replaces Roger Clark as Vice Chairman. A special vote of thanks was given to Andrew Plank for the considerable amount of work he puts in – especially in making our Littlewick Show so successful. Additionally, we all thank Andrew for the Centre’s website; he reports that there have been 4,020 visits to the site since it was started. Roger Clark was again thanked for organising the Dinner, which in 2009 will be on the 10th January – make a note in your diary!

 

Our programme for the coming year was agreed and perhaps I may give details of the first 6 months agendas:

April 7th  – Car Recognition with Dave Plank

May 12th – Road Run to be organised by Paul Reader

June 2nd  – Ladies Night at Harleyford (from 6.30pm) – we would welcome friends from North London and the Morris Club as our guests.

July 7th – Concours Night at Maidenhead Rugby Club

August 4th – Noggin & Natter the opportunity for those who missed the May Road Run to undertake it this evening

September 1st – Auction Night 

 

Where have we been since my last report?

Boxing Day Gathering of Classic Cars and other Vehicles - Sarratt Common

I always see this as the first event of the new year’s season of classic vehicle events rather than the last of the old year. What a day it was, great weather, huge numbers of cars, lorries, militaries, bikes, motorcycles and above all, record numbers of people visiting, made this the largest and best ever that I have been to. We even had a Suzuki Jeep converted with what looked like a full Cessna aeroplane fuselage fitted to the bodywork – minus wings! Make a note to see if you can come along this year.

 

North London Centre’s New Year’s Run

Again, an extremely well attended run with four of us from Thames Valley Centre joining in – Roger Clark in his Morris 1000 traveller (navigated by Paul Reader) plus Ruth and myself in the Ulster Special. Being such good weather it appeared a good idea to take the open top. The run was great through Herts, Bucks and Beds to the coffee shop. Unfortunately, this is where my car decided it had enough and developed distributor problems. We were sorry we could not complete the run but found a good pub for lunch and enjoyed exceptional service from the RAC, having a very nice lift home!

 

Thank you to Keith and his team at North London for organising the run; much appreciated and enjoyed.

 

Forthcoming Events

Hyde Heath Village Fete, Dog Show and Classic Car Display – 10th May 2008

I am now putting this year’s event together and look forward to it being as successful as previous years – we are now reaching around 100 cars per year which is a great success. Hopefully, we can welcome old and new entries this year. For those that do not know where Hyde Heath is – it’s high in the Chilterns between Amersham, Chesham and Great Missenden.

 

Recognised as one of the best traditional village fetes around, the day attracts visitors from a wide area. For a great afternoon out with a full programme of events – this year the main arena will have an outstanding falconry display – please do come along. Entry is free, you do not have to book, just come along – cars to please be in place by 13.00. For any further information please contact David Coulton – 01494 775967

 

Austin 7’s and Friends to Brittany – 16th May 2008

The response has been great – anyone wanting info please do contact me. A full report will be provided when we return!

 

 

March Meeting

Whilst a clear dry evening, it was disappointing that only 8 members attended – this compares to 13 for the same month’s meeting last year. Without greater support it makes the organising and running of meetings hardly worthwhile – what is the matter with everyone? Please do make to effort to come along and join in.

 

For our March meeting we did not have a formal agenda being listed as a Noggin & Natter but it was suggested at the AGM that I come up with something, so we had a “40’s Quiz”. Just 20 questions based on things in the 1940’s with a 50/50 choice of answers – the end scores were surprisingly close with a lowest score of 9 and a top score of 12 – the winner being Paul Reader, well done.

 

 

April Meeting

I am sorry for the delay in submitting our April monthly meeting article. The agenda for the evening was a vehicle identification quiz from the radiator grills of wide range of cars and commercial vehicles. Set by David & Andrew Plank it provided a pleasant and interesting test for the 9 members who attended

 

May Meeting

This was our Road Run evening with the route and questions being set by Paul & Gill Reader. It was disappointing that only 5 cars took part – hopefully, a few more will complete the run when the route will again be available at the August meeting.

 

We all thoroughly enjoyed the run of just 17 miles through some great scenery down country lanes that many of us did not know existed. Clearly, Paul & Gill’s rides out into the woods of Burnham Beeches in their youth provided them with good ideas as to remote locations to visit! Congratulations to them both on such a good route – I will not say any more but to the members who did not take part in May, do so in August, it is well worth it.

 

Hyde Heath Village Fete & Classic Car Rally Report

May 10th provided us with the best weather we have ever had for Fete day – sunshine all day and very warm. The weather drew out the crowds with our best ever number of cars – 124. The range and quality of vehicles was excellent. Once again we had self judging with some switching around of classes – this produced some excellent winners.

 

In terms of quality of vehicle few could beat the 1926 4.5 litre Bentley Le Man owned by Malcolm Tearle from Dunstable – winning “Best in Show” and “The car most owners would like to take home”. Voting for this car was far ahead of any other vehicle in any class. The winner of the Austin Class was our friend Keith Wright, Chairman of the North London Centre with his 1929 12/4 Burnham Saloon. This class was very closely run with only one vote separating 1st and two cars in joint 2nd place. The photo shows Keith receiving his trophy from Nick Wells of Heath Motors in Hyde Heath (who kindly sponsored our plaques and trophies). Interestingly, my Ruby got several votes as best Post War Family Car – still it was Post World War I.

 

Other photos show three of the cars – Paul Readers Ruby, Roger Clarks Ruby and my Opal which will be taking part in our forthcoming trip to Brittany – 13 vehicles taking part.

 IMG_2148

IMG_2149

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 IMG_2153

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The day was a great success with entertainments including a Fly Pass by the oldest still flying Spitfire, it being the only one that took part in the Battle of Britain. On a second flying front we had a brilliant Falconry Display but regretfully, the team lost a Barn Owl they had had for 13 years.

 

All in all a great day, thank you to everyone who came along – please do join us next year.

 

 
 

Next Month: A Trip To France

Dave Coulton, Roger Clark and Paul Reader from the Thames Valley Centre drive there Austin Seven Ruby's to France

FULL STORY NEXT MONTH

DSCN1838a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June Meeting 

Our June meeting is now the traditional “Ladies Night” at Harleyford Marina. This year we extended the invitation to friends with Classic Cars including the North London Centre and the Morris Club. Unfortunately, after some relatively nice previous days and for much of Monday, the late afternoon wet weather come in and this clearly deterred many of our visitors from attending. A couple of visitors did come along and we were certainly pleased to see them. In all we ended up with 9 classic cars and 17 attendees – not bad but in reality disappointing. Without members regularly attending there is little point in organising any events – please do come along and join in each 1st Monday! 

 

Whilst due to the weather and river conditions we were not able to take the boat out, a highly convivial evening was had in the warmth of the bar on the Showboat barge. The management of the Showboat provided us with an excellent buffet and we are very grateful for their hospitality. Also, many thanks to the Harleyford Estate for allowing the use of their facilities. All in all it was a jolly good evening.

 

August Meeting Reminder

As per my May meeting’s notes, Paul & Gill Reader’s Road Run was extremely good, the route taking us to some previously unexplored locations! For those who did not undertake the run in May, Paul will have the route available for the August meeting which is otherwise a Noggin & Natter – please do take part, it is well worth it.

 

Austin 7 & Friends to Brittany 16th to 25th May

This being my first attempt at organising a long distance road run it was of course approached with much trepidation on my part – along with trepidation on the part of many of those who joined us and had never driven abroad before, let alone taking a classic car!

 

Firstly, I have to say that the 26 of us with 13 cars taking part came from a wide area and many did not know one another prior to meeting on the Portsmouth dockside for boarding the Brittany ferry to St. Malo. 12 cars were on the overnight ferry with the 13th (Barry & Jenny Dawes from Kent) joining us near Dinard. Despite this diverse mix of participants we all quickly got to know one another and mixed in really well – thank you to everyone. Our party ended up with 7 Austin 7’s, 5 Morris’s and a Nissan Figaro – the latter’s owners being members of the Morris Club but we frequently reminded them that Nissan is more closely connected to Austin than Morris – see the Nissan/Austin 7 car on display at Beaulieu as clear evidence!

 

Running the highlights of the trip, many come to mind but to name but a few.

Portsmouth Dockside – when our party of cars arrived at Portsmouth Friday evening, they created considerable interest, not only to see our 11 fine examples of British Engineering but there were 100 Jaguars on the same ferry to St. Malo! The Jaguar Owner’s Club was also undertaking a run through Brittany - we followed the same route as many of them during the early stages of our run south west to Finistere. It was good to see that even the Jaguar’s included an Austin 7 connection – John Gallons splendid Swallow! It was a great sight to see so many classic cars dockside - they clearly created considerable interest amongst the other passengers.

 

Saturday – arrived 8.30am to a relatively bright but showery morning. By 9.00am we were all on the road for our 132mile run to Beg Meil. As we were somewhat split up exiting the ferry port we had arranged to all meet up at the car park at the end of the Dinard Barriage. Just as the last of us approached the Barriage, unfortunately sailing boats needed to pass through the lock and the road lifted. This created a problem; the leading cars who were the other side of the barriage had parked in a restricted area - got forcefully reminded in French & English to move on! Now with Barry & Jenny we had our quota of 13 cars. The route avoided busy roads and towns – and included some typical Austin 7 country lane routes. Two of our number used their Satnav and followed what you might call a farmyard route – they needed to wash their cars next day to remove the aroma of rural France. With suggested coffee and lunch stops everyone made it safely covering the 132miles to Beg Meil by mid to late afternoon. One of the Morris 8’s had a carburettor blockage but other than that we all arrived. En route the French people and indeed English holidaymakers took great pleasure in admiring and photographing the cars – I will remember the Gendarme discretely using his mobile phone to photograph us and as many of the Jaguars as he could – when not waving us on! That evening everyone met for a first night dinner in one of the village’s cafés – the start of a week of fish for many of us!

 

Each day trips were semi-planned whereby it was up to owners whether they wished to come along or not. We included such famous and beautiful towns and villages as Concarneau – a Sunday afternoon run to the major fishing port and its beautiful old walled town provided many with their first taste of driving in town in France. Our cars created considerable interest – much too much in one case as one of the Morris 8 tourers was broken into by a young lad. I am certain he was not stealing but wanting to sit in an old car. Unfortunately heavy rain later afternoon curtailed our visit and we had to return early to Beg Meil.

 

The Monday saw a complete change in the weather which then stayed warm and sunny for the rest of the week enabling many of us to enjoy several visits to the apartments beautiful outdoor pool – heated to 29C – and sunbathe afterwards. On Monday we planned one of the highlights of our trip – a road run to the beautiful artists’ town of Pont Aven. On this run we had our first mishap – one radiator cap lost – not a major problem and later remedied by using a temporary push in petrol cap and then the rad cap from another Ruby left in France (see later). In Pont Aven, those weak willed amongst us savoured the fine chocolates and biscuits made there and then followed this by the planned a river trip down the pretty river to the open sea. One of our party remained with the cars and was staggered by the level of interest the quayside display created – the cars looked really great as we were fortunate enough to park in a line.

 

During the rest of the week we suggested runs to many of the small local seaside towns and villages that dot this coastline. Benodet and its high bridge was a place some of us revisited a couple of times. Friday being our final full day in the area was another warm sunny days and several of us took the chance to have a run out to the Astor family manoir de Kerazan – only €4 admission – this provided an enjoyable tour of the manoir, the farm and grounds. As a final “treat” we enjoyed a coffee on the harbour front at Loctudy.

 

Thursday was sadly the day we “lost” one of our cars. Roger Clark’s Ruby had been sounding sicker and sicker as the days went by. The suggestion was that it could be the flywheel – by 8.30am that morning David Southcott and Barry Dawes with Roger had the gearbox out but sadly it transpired to be a terminal problem. Now for those of us with R&H it was the time to see how good they were. By 8.00am Friday morning Roger had a hire car – took this to St. Malo on the Saturday, left it at the ferry terminal Sunday morning, was met by a taxi upon arrival in Portsmouth and was in his home in Amersham within around 2 hours. All Roger is now awaiting is the return of the Ruby – we understand that it is being collected by a transporter from Belgium which is picking up a Bentley on the way. We are all waiting to see the Bentley and Ruby arrive home! On behalf of everyone, we all thank David and Barry for their attempt to get Roger’s car going but as they simply said – it’s what being in the A7OC is about. Also, well done to R&H.

 

As a devout Francophile I may not be impartial but I am sure that when Saturday morning came many of us were sad to leave this beautiful and tranquil part of France. We were made superbly welcome by everyone, enjoyed great walks along miles of what must be some of the greatest beaches in Europe, excellent and highly convivial meals in local restaurants, trips to the local market and above all shared our trip with excellent company.

 

The return journey to St. Malo was perhaps not the best day for driving a classic car – it rained all day but at least we all made it safely back to the Ibis were we stayed the night prior to catching the morning ferry. Whilst the Ibis may not be my first choice to stay, we did have a great final meal in a private dining room and managed to drink the bar dry of draft beer! Ruth and I were especially grateful for the thanks given to us that evening – it made the organisation well worthwhile.

 

By the time we got back to Amersham the Sunday evening we had covered nearly 700 miles in our Opal, had a thoroughly good time and met some great people. Would we do it again – you bet - we are back in September and my wife has said take the Austin 7! At least it also stops her buying too much to bring home! Perhaps we might do a similar trip in 2009 - interested? Our accommodation was excellent – if anyone is interested in going to Beg Meil, we will be pleased to provide any information required and contact details.

 

 

  

 

July Meeting

In previous years, for the July meeting we have joined the local Motorcycle Club at Maidenhead Rugby Club for our annual Concours Night. The Motorcycle Club has moved on from the Rugby Club so the Concours Night was due to be held at the Crooked Billet. Unfortunately, as per last year, the weather was not good and whilst the rain was not as heavy as in 2007, the day was extremely unpleasant. With only three old cars being brought along, I am not sure as to whether judging took place - I was also late due to having another event to attend earlier in the evening.

 

The meeting had to be rescheduled as a “Noggin & Natter” where it was good to catch up on the many events that had happened since our last meeting from which I would highlight the following:

 

Holmer Green –

The village celebrated 800 years this year and included a Classic Car Display where Paul Reader took along his Ruby to join friends from the Morris Club

 

Prestwood Steam Engine Rally -

This two day gathering of steam engines is held just outside Great Missenden and is one of the largest such events in the area. A small number of classic cars are allowed in and early pre-booking is essential. Once again Paul and I believe Bob Hughes joined the Morris Club – unfortunately, the weather on the Sunday was not too good.

 

Eton Wick Museum Visit

Unfortunately, our Centre’s visit was booked for the same weekend as Beaulieu. Members of North London and the Morris Club were invited to join us for a visit to this fascinating museum where there is so much to see. With 9 cars on display and fine weather, Tony Oliver made those visiting most welcome and this is much appreciated. Thanks to David Plank for organising.

 

Holyport Fair -

I have not managed to attend this as yet due to a date clash with Bewl. Dave Plank’s Box won the prize for the “Best Post Vintage Car” and Andrew’s Van was runner up in the “Best Commercial” where Paul Tillion’s rare A7 Military was the winner - well done to all three.

 

Bewl Water Rally -

Thank you once again to Dave Waller and colleagues for organising another great event – the run round the M25 is well worth the trip! I am not sure hoe they managed good weather that weekend when so many are so poor. My father and I took the Ruby and Opal this year and we enjoyed catching up with Barry, Jenny, David and Linda post their joining our Brittany trip.   

 

Beaulieu National Rally -

As far as I could see, I was the only member from Thames Valley with a car on display. To, me numbers attending are reducing - perhaps a more central venue is needed to encourage those from above the M4 to attend? In any event we had an enjoyable day with good weather and to cap it all, the Ruby retain its Class trophy.

 

Postscript to “Austin 7’s & Friends to Brittany”

As per last month’s article, one car was left behind – Roger Clark’s Ruby. I am pleased to report that the recovery services used by our insurers R&H successfully completed the last part of the journey - the Ruby has returned to Amersham. Sorry Carol but it will be back on the road soon!

 

Roger has kindly provided me with the attached photograph – we are not sure whether the intention was to mount the Ruby as a mascot on the front of the beautiful Bentley that shared the ride home?

 

Castrol Classic Oils Just a reminder to those who prefer to use the Castrol range of Classic Oils in their Vehicles. In the South Bucks and Herts areas I have found these oils difficult to obtain locally. I am pleased to say that Heath Motors in Hyde Heath near Amersham have just been appointed stockists. For further info regarding these oils and availability – contact Heath Motors on 01494 783434 or email heathmotors@aol.com for your requirements – Nick or Ben Wells will be pleased to assist. Also they are good for MOT’s on elderly vehicles

  

Forthcoming Meeting Agendas

September 1st – Auction Night

October 6th – Guest Speaker

November 3rd – Picture night - a look back at the trip to Brittany

December 1st  – Show & Tell 

 

Forthcoming Events

The Littlewick Show,

 Ascot Road, Braywick, Maidenhead – Monday August 25th  

Rightly claimed as the biggest one day show in the South, it provides fun for all the family from 10.00am onwards. The display of Classic Cars at the 2007 Show was probably the most outstanding I have seen in my time attending Littlewick. There are Classes for all types of vehicles plus static engines.

Entries on the day will be charged admission. This is the Centre’s big event of the year and we do ask for member’s support in setting-up in advance and helping on the day. Vehicle entries and further information from Andrew Plank (07887 845002)), 23 Suffolk Road, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 2TG – please send an A5 (9x6) SAE. Email: andy@austin-seven.co.uk

 

Amersham Old Town Heritage Day – September 14th NOTE CORRECT DATE

Not the usual park and display your car in a field – cars are parked along the main street of the picturesque Old Town. Come along and park your car outside the hotels used in Four Weddings and a Funeral – see many of the settings for TV programmes and films. 2007 was an outstanding success with superb weather and a record number of cars – as well as visitors enjoying the brilliant display of vehicles. No need to book car entries – just come along from 11.00am. For further information please contact David Coulton – 01494 775967. 

 

David Coulton

Tel. 01494 775967

Email address: davidcoulton@yahoo.co.uk

Dated: 16th July 2008

 

London A7OC - Thames Valley Centre

 

August Meeting

There being no formal agenda, the August meeting is a Noggin & Natter” but also for those members who have not completed it already, the opportunity to undertake our local Road Run. Paul & Gill Reader had gone to a lot of trouble and time to provide us with one of the best runs we have had for several years. Paul arrived at the Crooked Billet for 6.30pm on our August meeting night and it is very disappointing to say that no one came forward to undertake the run – leaving Paul sitting there for an hour.

 

Personally, I want a Centre that is active and doing things – we need people to attend and get involved – without the foregoing members, have drifted and will drift away. Most importantly, if people do not take part, no one will spend the time organising road runs or quiz nights. Come on A7 owners, friends, partners and those interested in A7’s – please attend our meetings and get involved!

 

September Meeting

With 10 attending, including one prospective new member who is restoring a Seven, our Auction Night was a success, with Geoff Pelling acting as our auctioneer for the evening. It was much appreciated that all those who sold items generously donated their proceeds to the Centre’s funds.

 

Much positive discussion was had regarding the great success of The Littlewick Show and again, appreciation given to Andrew Plank and the family for all the hard work put in. Please see later for the Show report. We all agreed that we would like to see more positivity from the main Show’s organisers towards the Classic Car display – without the Cars and their attracting vast numbers of visitors, the Littlewick Show would not be the great success that it is.

 

Castrol Classic Oils Just another reminder to those who prefer to use the Castrol range of Classic Oils in their Vehicles. In the South Bucks and Herts areas I have found these oils difficult to obtain locally. I am pleased to say that Heath Motors in Hyde Heath near Amersham have just been appointed stockists. For further info regarding these oils and availability – contact Heath Motors on 01494 783434 or email heathmotors@aol.com for your requirements – Nick or Ben Wells will be pleased to assist. Also they are good for MOT’s on elderly vehicles

  

Forthcoming Meeting Agendas

November 3rd – Picture night - a look back at the trip to Brittany

December 1st  – Show & Tell 

 

The Littlewick Show – Monday August 25th  

As the biggest one day show in the South of England, I often wonder where so many great cars come from – many you do not see at any other events. Once again this year the efforts of Andrew Plank, members of his family and members of the Thames Valley Centre’s efforts were rewarded by another immensely successful show. Photo 601 2007 saw record numbers attending and again despite a gloomy day (but no rain!), we had a tremendous attendance with around 400 cars on display. This year was I believe the best collection of Austin 7’s we have seen for many years – we were delighted to see so many from other Centres and in particular a big contingent from North Hampshire – everyone was most welcome. The photo (636) of the line up of Austin 7’s gives a sample of the 7’s in their classes with being even more classified as late entries.

 

With 14 classes ranging from 3 for Austin 7’s through to classes for Commercials, Stationary Engines and Motorcycles – there is something for everyone on the vehicle field. At this time may I also express our grateful thanks to all those who assisted by judging the various classes – there was some really difficult decisions to be made as there were some excellent exhibits in all classes. As can be seen, beyond cars we have some really great range of vehicles on display – from military through to scaled traction engines Photos 699 and 610.

 

The winners of the A7 classes were:

Austin 7’s up to 1930

1st

1927 Chummy

YT 2732

M Breakspear

Wokingham

2nd

1923 AB Pram Hood

BP 8020

P Tillion

Maidenhead

3rd

1929 Ulster Racer

BF 4478

E Hickey

Wooburn Green

 

Austin 7’s 1931 - 1935

1st

1931 Box Saloon

PO 4877

T Edwards

Crowthorne

2nd

1933 Delux Saloon

JK 3090

J Hancock

Shinfield

3rd

1934 Type 65

AUF 280

J Barrett

Bucklebury

 

Austin 7’s 1934 - 1938

1st

1937 Opal

BUY 478

D Coulton

Amersham

2nd

1937 Ruby

FMD 135

R Warburton

Windsor

3rd

1938 Ruby

ERR 546

P Reader

Hazlemere

 

Other notable Austin wins were:

Veteran & Vintage Cars to 1930 – Keith Wright of the North London Centre with his 1929 12/4 Burnham – retaining his Class win from 2007.

 

Post Vintage Cars from 10hp 1931-1940 – C Creig of Wokingham with his 1934 10 Cabriolet. Another highlight in this class was the 1934 Austin Taxi of Mr. Candy – it certainly attracted a lot of attention.

 

Photographs of the three Austin 7 Class Winners and Keith Wright: Photos 005, 006, 007 and 008

 

Well done to all winners but not least to everyone who brought their car along – without the spread of ages, car types and various stages of condition – from original condition un-restored cars through to some superb restoration projects, the show would not be what a great success that it is.

 

One of the best aspects of the Show is seeing and meeting up with old and new friends. One of the best sights was to see Vic Hodge Photo 605 sitting at the back of his 1931 Box Saloon cooking his bacon rolls early in the morning on his own made ‘travelling’ kitchen (a really great boxed affair fitted to the rear of the A7) and then sitting in his wind shelter (see photo) – where he was joined by various guests during the day. Many people approached Vic to ascertain from where he had purchased the shelter. To the amazement of all, Vic explained that he had sat at his sewing machine and made it himself with improvements made on the way. It folds up into a small “tube” and can easily be carried in a ‘7’. I understand that Vic could have sold many on the day!

 

Above all the Littlewick Show shows what we can do as a Centre but there is no doubt that, without the many hours of hard work that Andrew puts in, there would be no show – thank you Andrew, your efforts are very much appreciated by us all and I am sure by everyone attending the Show.

 

Make a note of the following dates for 2009!

Thames Valley Centre’s Annual Dinner – Saturday 10th January

Full details and menu will be provided next month. For now, note the date and start canvassing friends and relatives to come along for a great evening with excellent food at Ellesborough Golf Club.

 

Hyde Heath Fete & Classic Car Display – Saturday 9th May!

Just turn up on the day by 1.00pm. For further info contact David Coulton

 

David Coulton

Tel. 01494 775967

Email address: davidcoulton@yahoo.co.uk

Dated: 6th September 2008

 

 
 
  Site Map