The Austin Seven Clubs Association

 

January Meeting

Read the summary of the meeting here, or download the full version of the minutes.

The Association met at Gaydon on Sunday 17th January 2010 chaired by Bernard. There were 18 attendees representing a good cross-section of the A7 Movement – but, as ever, more would be very welcome!

Opening the Meeting, Bernard wished all a very Happy New Year and great A7 Motoring!

Good to hear that our President Bob Wyatt will be joining us at our AGM on 18th April 2010 and that Howard has kindly agreed to provide transport.

Membership stays strong, and indeed growing, with a total of 63 Member Clubs, Associates and Registers – with 22 from overseas in 16 Countries. Two more Clubs – Devon A7 Club and the Herefordshire A7 Club – have applied for membership; these applications were welcomed by the Meeting – representatives from each are invited to the AGM prior to formal ratification of the Membership. Martin Field in Cambridgeshire (Tel: 01945 772377 or him) has bravely volunteered to start to assemble 'an A7 Specials Register' – the Meeting asked him to do that in close collaboration with Steve Hodgson (Sports Register) recognising the risk of 'definition' and potential overlaps.

Our Hon. Treas. Eric Jones Report confirmed an end-of-year balance of just over £42,000. Whilst we are devoting increasing chunks of this to preserving our A7 heritage through the A7CA Archives Programme – all A7-related! ideas for employing this are welcome. The Meeting agreed that Eric should invoice all overseas members for their annual £5 subs and all members for their magazines (£1 each) and related postage, including back numbers. Eric was invited to work out cost-effective ways for payment by our overseas members – suggesting use of a single annual payment for all costs. Meeting recognised the contribution of Clubs in providing Officers to the Association and formulated a recommendation to the AGM that their travel costs be paid by the Association.

Meeting thanked all concerned in producing and distributing an Association Magazine of such quality and interest – notably Editor Robin, distributor 'guru' Les and 'back-numbers' Howard. Editor Robin still wants to hear more of what you are (legally!) doing in your A7s – no matter if printed elsewhere but do get the author's permission and give proper acknowledgement. Les underlined that his responsibility is to get the magazines to The Clubs – so queries of individual non-receipts to local Club Reps please! Howard confirmed that he receives surplus magazines immediately after distribution – so all requests for additional copies following quarterly distribution to Howard. More permanent changes in quantities required to Les as usual.

Meeting congratulated Ilke Cochrane on breathing new life into our Association Website www.a7ca.org – do have a look and let us know what you think. Ilke reminded us that her responsibility lies 'under the bonnet' to ensure it runs smoothly – the content is yours, so only completed inputs please and useful links.

Hazel continues to do wonders in advertising bringing nearly £1700 into our coffers in 2009!

Phil still makes great strides with our Archives with some new items coming in via the website. After a good discussion, it was agreed to cover the Association Archives by insurance including such treasures as the Waite Trophies, the wonderfully now silver 'Bronze Lady' and the Stanley Edge drawings – mainly to cover restoration costs in the event of damage through fire or theft. Phil is planning a further Archive Open Day on National 'Drive It' Day – Sunday 25th April but, if you want to come between Open Days, DO contact Phil first – thanks.

Bob Cross is now compiling a New Edition of the invaluable 'Red Cross Guide' – so all entries (local or national) to Bob please. We will be collecting and disseminating recommendations between editions – so keep them coming!

Gordon is making progress in updating the Breakdown Register but there are still many gaps – so do send your 'helpers' details to Gordon via your Association Rep.

Bernard Griffiths, nobly supported by PC-enabled Mike Knights-Whittome, has prepared the Association Calendar of Events for 2010 which is in the magazine – we are keeping this updated though the year, so any further items of interest to Ian please. Thanks to our 'old faithfuls' at N. Herts, Eurotour 2012 is definitely on and likely to be heading for Switzerland! The A7CA Coast Project proceeds – all Clubs please take a look at the list in the Minutes and get back to Ian with names of who can help.

Ideas are sought for a UK-Based A7CA Celebration of 90 Years of Austin Sevens in 2012 – not too early to start, so inspiration to Ian please!

A question of hire-car provision by RH Insurance was raised where the car provided is need to cross two or more countries. Generally, the view is that RH provides excellent cover at a very reasonable cost for our classics, moderns and even trailers but Ian is in discussion with RH on this specific issue and will report back – all experiences good or bad are welcome.

Howard attends the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) and fully endorses their work in fighting off potential legislation that might impede our A7-use on public roads. He points out that FBHVC Membership is by Club and encourages all Clubs to join in order to support this vital work.

Finally, it was with deep regret that Ian announced the death this month of that great A7 long-distance pioneer, writer and enthusiast John Coleman. His funeral will take place on the IoW on Friday 29th January. Viv Orchard A7OC (IoW) has kindly agreed to coordinate A7 attendance. A card offering the condolences of the Association was been signed by attendees and has been sent to John's son Kai Coleman. It is hoped to organise an Association tribute to John later in the year.

In addition to interesting information items, photographs and archive material displayed at the meeting, a number of Clubs kindly provided copies of their magazines including the ABS 'Rooster Tails', The A7 Club of South Africa bi-monthly, Cornwall's 'Seven Focus', the A7OC magazine, Dorset's Newsletter – all contributions very much appreciated.

So we are alive and well, firing smoothly on all cylinders and even growing in numbers – keep up the good work and enjoy!

NEXT MEETING: Sunday 18th April 2010 at Gaydon 10.30am for 11am – ALL Welcome – Well worth coming!

Very Best Wishes for a Wonderful 2010 of Austin Sevenning

Ian Mason-Smith
Secretary Austin Seven Club's Association
January 2010

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Full minutes January 2010