The Austin Seven Clubs Association

 

A7CA Meetings

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

Sunday 18th July 2010, Gaydon

The twin highlights of the Meeting were undoubtedly Dave Wilcox's report of a Speedy competing at Le Mans and Phil Baildon's participation of a great day out at Brooklands.

Dave Wilcox provided this fascinating report on his recent A7 experiences at Le Mans:

The 1934 car belonging to PWA7C and 750 Club member Peter Butler returned to Le Mans 75 years after appearing there with Barbour and Carr. After a full restoration, the car had been race-prepared by Andy Storer and a 9-man team picked to attend the 2010 Classic event. The car was prepared and scrutineered on Thursday 8th July ready for practice in two sessions, day and night, on Friday. The car was in 'Plateau 1' for cars dated 1923 to 1939 and the first round for this group commenced at 9.30 on Saturday evening. The second round was at 5.30 am on Sunday morning and final round on Sunday afternoon. The car ran faultlessly and achieved a final result of 36th scratch and 16th 'Index of Performance' within its Plateau of 63 cars. A brilliant result for a little Austin Seven against Bentley's, Bugatti's, Talbot's, etc, etc.

Phil Baildon reported that the Waite Trophies and the 2 glass cases were taken to the Brooklands Re-union on Sunday 27th June together with two of the replica A7 racers. Altogether, these made a sparkling display, much praised by the Museum Director, Alan Winn. A curious "alternative" Easter 1923 small plated trophy in poor condition was brought out of the museum, as donated by Jim Musty.

Ian reported that at the recent National A7 Rally at Beaulieu, he'd provided a Association Stand that created a great deal of interest and one as tribute to John Coleman. As a further tribute to John, 'The Car' was on show and did a brief lap of honoured followed by many A7 Adventurers who had been inspired by the famous 'Coleman Drive'. The car is now restored to heath and John's son Kai is deciding what to do with it.

Robin continues to provide our wonderful Mag – the famous Grey Book (now brown) – and Ilke a masterful Association Website. Both call for articles but Ilke especially needs them in 'finished form'.

Bob Cross is still labouring away on the next Red Cross Guide - so all inputs very welcome.

Gordon Phillips reports a strong call for the Breakdown Register and some additional entries but several areas and not yet covered. To 'square this circle' its now decided to publish what we have and, where there are 'geographical gaps' simply put in the currently-listed Association Rep – so if you want to change this, contact Gordon quick!

Ideas for 90th Anniversary of the A7 in 2012 are beginning to emerge with the most detail as yet centred on a three-day Rally at Warwick University in August – all comments and ideas please!

Ian is leading an effort to promote the Association, especially underlining the wide range of services to members that we provide:

  • Magnificent Mag, quarterly
  • Regular Meetings with loads of info
  • Great Website – www.a7ca.org
  • Contact with 65 A7 Clubs in all 5 Continents
  • Register of all known A7s
  • Red Cross Guide of Spares and Services
  • Breakdown Support Register
  • Access to good-value Vehicle Insurance
  • Essential Public Liability Insurance
  • Organisation and Promotion of A7 Events

Enthusiasm for this promotion suggests the election of an Association PR Manager to the Committee – all ideas very welcome!

Other ACTIONS for Clubs from the Meeting were:

  • update contact and rep info to Ian
  • alert Sandy of any Register updates or correction
  • encourage members to update the insured value of their A7s

PLUS, in addition to the PR Man/Woman, TWO URGENT VACANCIES:

  • Association Treasurer
  • Association Registrar

Bernie, in closing the meeting, noted that that we had only 7 Club Reps attending so questioned: Do we Need a Summer Meeting?
ALL to let us know what you think – perhaps we do it via e-mail?

NEXT MEETING: Gaydon – Sunday 17th October 2010.

Enjoy your Summer Motoring in your lovely Austin Sevens

Best wishes,
Ian Mason-Smith
Secretary Austin Seven Club's Association
April 2010

Downloads

Full minutes July 2010