Last updated 25/03/2008
Minutes of the Association Meeting
Held at Gaydon on Sunday 14th January 2008.
Unconfirmed Minutes
In attendance:
Bernard Cowley (Chairman/DA7C). Phil Baildon (Archivist+V/C). Andy Lowe (MA7C).
Arthur Davies (MA7C). Arthur Waite (SW). John Waite (SW). Dave Wilcox (PreWA7).
Dan Cole (BA7C). David Cochrane (Pram Hood). Den Huke (CA7C). Phil Whitter (Da7C)
Michael Aplin (EA7C). Penny Aplin(EA7C). Hugh Barnes (CA7C&VCC). Ian McGowan (A7C)
Philip Afford (A7C). Geoff Rowe (PreWA7). Gordon Phillips (750MC). Stephen Hodgson (WorthingA7C). Graham Smith (Solent A7C). Robin Boyce (Mag.Editor).
1. Apologies for Absence.
Hayden Morgan (Secretary/BA7C). Alan & Lorna Martin (Mag Distribution/VAR) Eric Miles ((SA7C) In Hayden’s absence Penny Aplin very kindly offered to take the Minutes
2. Adoption of Minutes of the meeting held on14th October 2007.
The Chairman read the Minutes and after Item 3 of Matters Arising, they were signed as a true record of the meeting. Proposed: John Waite. Seconded: David Cochrane.
3. Matters arising.
The Chairman reported from Alan & Lorna Martin that the Grey Mag would be sent out next week.
Films: There was considerable discussion on how many of the old films had been transferred onto DVD. Those that have not been done, should be, before they deteriorate beyond use. The Bristol Club have practical experience of copying old films and can help if necessary. Agreed that the films held by Joe Spalter should be recovered and Phil Baildon will contact him according.
D. Cochrane asked if a record had been taken and retained by the Association of all the papers and memorabilia from Bert Hadley that had been loaned to Donnington. Phil Baildon was actioning this item.
A question was asked for what achievement will the Ray Morley Cup be presented.
Phil Baildon replied that it would be presented at the AGM for ‘Sporting Achievement’.
4. Chairman’s Report.
The Chairman reported that the Secretary may not wish to continue in this post and a decision will be made before the AGM..
The Chairman reported that a recently formed Club calling itself The Austin 7 Club was attending the meeting for the first time as they wished to join the Association. This application was discussed in detail later.
5. Secretary’s Report.
In the absence of Hayden there was no report.
6. Treasurer’s Report.
The Chairman reported on an Interim Report sent by Eric Jones of which a few copies were circulated.
It was noted that the Association’s income was £3K less than in 2007, with printing costs up. General situation however much the same as last year.
Michael Aplin noted that there was a considerable fall on the advertising income and asked why. The Chairman will ask Hazel.
A question was asked re. sales of the 2005 edition of the Register. Phil Baildon will contact Sandy Croall to ascertain how many are left unsold. It was suggested that a re-print was not necessary as it can now be seen on the web. Michael Aplin felt that hard copies were still very useful to take to events and thus able to answer enquiries immediately. Also not everyone has access to a computer. Others agreed with these statements.
It was suggested that Clubs re-check all their cars for a possible reprint of the Register. Phil Baildon said that with an increase in known cars from the last printing from approximately 7500 to 10,000 that any future editions would need 2 volumes.
7. Magazine.
Robin Boyce thanked everyone for any contributions that they have sent in but he would still like more, particularly of events that Clubs attend.
Hugh Barnes requested that more technical tips and articles are included particularly for the benefit of new owners and younger members.
Robin was asked if he gets all Club magazines for he could take articles from these and resource them. Clubs to check on this suggestion.
David Cochrane asked if we could go back to the colour ‘Grey’. He was told this was not possible and indeed the current shade is closer to the original.
Howard Annett has nearly all the back numbers of the ‘Grey Mag’ if they are needed.
He also has binders with him for sale at £3 each
8. Advertising.
In the absence of Hazel there was no report.
9. Archivist
Phil Baildon reported:-
A rare engine was advertised for sale on Ebay. David Cockrane will try and trace it.
It was noted that the Austin Co. had a base in North Wales and the use of facilities for road testing vehicles. Details of this little known fact to be given to Robin Boyce.
Bernard suggested that 3 Austin 7 brochures that had been bought last year should be reproduced for sale. Perhaps a re-print of 1000. He felt they were still very relevant today. Agreed. Dave Wilcox offered to cost and then reproduce them.
It was noted that a 1925 Handbook was printed with both imperial and metric measurements. The meeting was reminded that from 2011 all vehicles will be weighed at their MOT. Members are advised to remove all excess items.
Phil has the usual 2 posters, one of the marques of Austins made and one of the grease points, here to-day for sale. Also two from Australia.
Ruairidh Dunford continues to scan the old Handbooks ready to place on the net. It is a very slow process and he needs volunteers to help him. It was suggested that other members could also be scanning old handbooks. He therefore needs to co-ordinate this task to avoid duplication.
There have been no purchases or sales of memorabilia recently.
Stan Morley’s car has been located and his son David is now in touch with its owner.
10. Films.
These had been discussed in Item 3.
11. Membership.
The Chairman reported that an application had been received from Philip Afford (A7C) for membership to the Association of a new Club that he wished to set up.
Philip Afford then explained the reasons for wishing to start up a new Austin 7 club and explained that it would be an ‘on line’ club only and was aiming to appeal particularly to younger members of the public. There was no intention of any meetings being held.
After a short discussion it was agreed that whilst the idea of an on-line club could be valuable, it was not possible to call the club ‘The Austin 7 Club’ as this would imply that there were no other Austin 7 Clubs, and it would cause great confusion in the movement. The idea had value but with a different name. The proposal to be discussed further.
In the meantime all Club Secretaries should discuss at Club level prior to the AGM. Secretaries to be sent a copy of the letter of application from Phillip Afford.
12. Spares.
David Cockrane stated that the Spare Parts handbook is to be re-printed.
Howard Annett reported that he has 400x17 Armstrong tyres in stock. Selling at £35 per tyre. £5 per inner tube. £1 per rim tape. Plus delivery charges.
The Historic Motor Sport Show is to be held at Stoneleigh from 14-16 March 2008.
13. Breakdown Register.
Gordon Phillips (750MC) will be printing another edition shortly. Club Secretaries to provide information under the following headings, for all those willing to be included in the Register, with a suggested number of 2 people per area:-
Name. County. Nearest Town.
Landline phone number. Mobile phone number.
T for Trailer (whether there is one available).
This information to be sent to him urgently on:- phillipsfamily27@hotmail.com
Gordon Phillips to contact Hoskins to suggest a page advert on the inside front cover.
Gordon Phillips (750MC) our contact for Beaulieu, apologised for the change of dates for the Beaulieu weekend to 28/29 June. This is due to a very large motorcyclist event that will be held there on 5/6 July.
15. Any Other Business.
Howard Annett stated that the PWA7C is putting the Red Cross Breakdown book on the web. This was thought a good idea.
Calendars from the Pre War Austin 7 Club at £5 each are available today.
The Chairman had received a letter from Michael Aplin (EA7C) suggesting that the Association should arrange a JOGLE detailing the work involved and an idea for possible payment for perhaps two people to organise. The last one was held in 2000.
The Chairman then suggested that two future events should possibly be organised by the Association. In 2010 a JOGLE, Event or Show, and in 2012 an Event or Show to celebrate 90 years of the Austin 7
He asked that all Club Secretaries should get Club comments on these proposals which will be discussed at the AGM.
Andy Low had reported that re-development of the Longbridge site was being planned with the possibility 1400 houses, shops and a Historic Centre.
Hugh Barnes suggested that as we urgently need somewhere to ‘show’ and store our memorabilia, would Longbridge be the place to do it, using a part of any Historic Centre. This suggestion met with general approval.
Dan Cole spoke for Eric Miles and said that the Constitution states that there should be 4 Association meetings a year. Last year the July meeting had been cancelled due to poor attendance in the past, and would probably be dropped this year for the same reason. He felt this should be discussed.
The Chairman agreed and it will be discussed at the AGM with a possible change to our Constitution if accepted.
16. Date of next Meetings.
Sunday 13th April ---- AGM
Sunday 12th October.
All to be held at Gaydon Motor Museum, meeting at 10-30am for an 11am start.
This meeting closed at 1-10pm.