The Austin Seven Clubs Association

 

Autumn Meeting

The Association met at Gaydon on Sunday 11th October 2009 with Bernard back at the helm. There were 17 attendees representing a good cross-section of the A7 Movement – but more would be very welcome!

Opening the Meeting, Bernard noted that A7 prices seemed to be rising which is good news for we owners but let's hope it doesn't defeat the concept of low-cost enjoyment of Classic Cars.

Good to hear that our President is very keen to join us at events and has moved to internet connection so he now has – not bad at 80!

Membership is strong and increased to 61 when 'The Austin Seven Register of Queensland' was accepted at the Meeting as an Overseas Associate Member – welcome!

Triggered by the generous provision of the Magazine 'Rooster Tails', the meeting asked all members to provide a copy of your magazine/newsletter at future meetings – thank you. We also learnt that the correct (US) pronunciation of 'Bantam' is 'Banam' – ain't education wonderful!

Our Hon. Treas. reported an anticipated end-of-year balance of over £40,000. Whilst we are devoting increasing chunks of this to preserving A7 heritage through our Archives Programme, all (A7-related) ideas for employing this are welcome. We do think that Eric should be Chancellor!

Editor Robin 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.

Back-copier Howard has some Mag. Folders left, Indexes and some free copies of the Red Cross Guide which is also on the net at www.oldcarservices.co.uk – he also keeps good stock of recent mags.

Thanks to huge efforts by Ilke Cochrane our Association Website is up and running at www.a7ca.org – go on have a look and let us know what you think.

Phil continues to make great strides with our Archives notably the restoration of the Waite Trophies especially the wonderful 'Bronze Lady' now resplendently decked in silver.

The next Archive day is on Saturday 24th October at 10am but if you can't make it, more will be set up. If you want to come between Open Days DO contact Phil first – thanks.

Gordon is valiantly trying to update the Breakdown Register but response to date is slow – so PLEASE do send your list of 'helpers' via your Association Rep. to Gordon.

Now its great to have the history of our wonderful babies maintained and available, its really useful to have all the spares and services to keep them running and nice to have the support if they do stop working on the road … BUT its no good if we don't USE THEM so do send your Club Event dates to Bernard Griffiths for the Association List by 27 Nov 2009 – ideally by e-mail via .

It's really great that Eurotour 2012 is ON but do let me have your thoughts on possible other Euro-events along the lines suggested in our previous minutes.

'A7 Round Britain' is alive and well – and even been tested by our two Dorset stalwarts. So those of you with a Coast do make you pitch for taking over your section of the Route Book along the lines suggested in the Minutes.

Calling all Editors and Webmasters/mistresses: an idea has been floated that Club Editors and Website Managers might like to get together to share ideas and experiences eg as an extension of our AGM at Gaydon on Sunday 18th April 2010 – let me know what you think ideally by 30th November 2009.

A couple of notes on insurance: Aston Scott, the Association's Public Liability insurers, have confirmed that there is no need to notify them prior to an event or run; it was also confirmed at the meeting that the 'assured value' of a vehicle was that value formally agreed between the insurers and the insured, validated by an authorised Club Official – and this is what you get if your precious A7 is nicked – not the market value.

Items mentioned at the meeting as available though the Association included:
- Tyres/tubes (17") from .
- Period Calendars from .

I think from all this you can see that the Association is 'alive and kicking'. Especially pleasing to see that all our Officers and Project Leaders are firmly in place and doing a great job – all deserve a huge vote of thanks. More importantly it is clear that the Clubs who form our Association are in great shape, which happily means that this wonderful Austin 7 Movement is secure in your hands and its future is assured.

Very Best Wishes for a Happy Christmas
and a Wonderful 2010 of Austin Sevenning

Ian Mason-Smith
Secretary Austin Seven Club's Association
October 2009

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Full minutes October 2009