THE GROUP OPERATES AS AN APPROVED CENTRE OF THE AUSTIN SEVEN OWNERS CLUB (LONDON), AND WELCOMES ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN AUSTIN PRODUCTS.
THERE IS ANNUAL GROUP SUBSCRIPTION OF £15.
Throughout the year we attend events and rallies, both on the Island and Mainland. In the past the group have even taken some of their cars over to France for a short break. In June we organise our own 'Austin Weekend' which attracts many cars from the Mainland.
In November 2005, the Group were featured in the 'Antiques Roadshow' programme that was recorded on the Island earlier in that year.
Our ladies actively support these activities and are an essential part of our success.
WE NOW HAVE 70 MEMBERS, SOME OF WHOM OWN MORE THAN ONE AUSTIN.
VIV ORCHARD HAS IDENTIFIED 88 PRE-WAR AUSTINS ON THE ISLAND, 61 SEVENS, 2 BIG SEVENS,19 TENS, 3 HEAVY TWELVES AND 3 SIXTEEN SIXES. SADLY, SOME OF THESE ARE NOT ON THE ROAD YET.
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FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER SUMMARY
Austintatious Ramblings
At the beginning of February, Jill and I were away looking after Grandchildren in Kenilworth. Whilst there, we took the opportunity to visit the Coventry Transport Museum and what a fine Museum it is. Coventry has been the home to many famous motor manufacturers and their names hold a special place in the history of road transport. Some of the famous marques produced there include Alvis, Armstrong Siddeley, Calcott, Daimler, Jaguar, Lea Francis, Humber, Hillman, Singer, Standard, Ferguson and Maudslay. The statistics are quite staggering. Since 1896 nearly 100 car manufacturers have been based there. It has also been home to some 75 motorcycle manufacturers of which Triumph is the best known.. The safety cycle as we know it today, started its life in Coventry and, over the years nearly 80 cycle manufacturers have been associated with the area. For obvious reasons a great part of the museum is devoted to these products. Other British transport is not forgotten and there are 11 Austins in the collection. One, a 1933 A7 Box Saloon is featured in a garage cameo.as you pass through the sights, sounds and smells of the past from the Victorian era to the Coventry Blitz. Also spotted were an A7 Swallow and its big brother a Standard Swallow.
Also on display in the 'Spirit of Speed' gallery are the Thrust SSC and Thrust 2 cars. Both have Island associations and I noted Mike Horne’s name listed as one involved with the projects. The Museum is well worth a visit and it is free.
I tend to find old photographs fascinating and I like the one on the cover. Maybe these very same children now own an Austin.
Recently, two of us have been preaching the gospel according to Sir Herbert. Mike Howell gave a talk to members of the Island Sailing Club about Austins in general and, more recently, I have given one to members of the Cowes Probus Club about the Austin 7 and the influence it has had on motoring.
On the car ownership front, Billy Wakefield has recently imported an Austin A35 from 'North Island' and it has already made two appearances at Godshill.
With the help of my Grandson, I carried out an analysis of the various vehicles owned by our members. Between us we own 117 vehicles – the breakdown is as follows, Austins, A7 – 46, A10/4 – 17, A12/4 – 8, A16/6 – 5, A18/6 – 1, Post war Austins – 13, Other makes -28. The latter include Alvis, Armstrong Siddeley, Bentley, Chrysler, Ford, Hillman, Hudson, MG, Morris, Rolls Royce, Reo, Riley, Rover, Singer, Standard, Talbot, Triumph, Vauxhall and several old motorcycles. Many of these vehicles belong to Austin owners. Viv has kept a log of known Austins on the Island and listed are quite a few, not owned by members, that rarely see the light of day.
The April issue of ‘Practical Classics’ includes a 12 page supplement covering the life and times of the Austin 7. Associated with this, the magazine over the next few months will be reporting on their latest projects, the restoration of a 1934 A7 RP Box Saloon and a 1934 A7 Ruby Saloon. The initial work is covered in this issue. It will be interesting to see how they get on.
Arrangements for our June 'Austin Weekend' have now been finalised. On the evening of Friday, 18th June, we will meet up at the 'Propeller Inn', Bembridge, for a ‘Noggin and Natter with our guests. Food will be available for those that want it. On Saturday morning we meet up at Godshill before going on a road run to Robin Hill where we will have a picnic. In the evening we meet up again, this time at the Chequers Inn, Rookley, for an Irish themed evening. The menu includes two traditional Irish dishes and during the evening we will be entertained by an Irish folk group. On Sunday morning it is back to Godshill before moving off to Arreton Barns to be part of the VHVC Classic and Vintage Car Show being held there.
It promises to be a great weekend and we want a good turnout of IOWA members. Full details will be sent out to members in April. We have already circulated details to Mainland Clubs and several of their members have already sent in their Entry Forms.
John Brett has recently been in Hospital to have a new hip fitted. I have been in touch with him and he is making good progress and will be allowed to drive in 6 weeks time. As this was going to press, Jack Allen was rushed into to Hospital but after an overnight stay is now back home. We wish them both well.
I have recently been reading a proof copy of a book that Alan Milbank has written. It is titled 'Another set of Wheels', and covers memories of his motor trade experiences and a lifetime with vehicles. It really is an interesting read and you will be surprised at the number of times that Austins crop up during the narrative. With the help of Steve Brailsford, who is printing it, he hopes to have the book available in the near future. Certainly one for your bookshelf – we do get a mention and some photographs of our 2008 trip to Brittany have been included..
Finally, a subscription reminder. If you were on the ball you will already have paid your £15 subscription to Rick Leader. For those that have forgotten, could you please settle up with Rick before the end of the month.
Sunday meetings
February 7th. For a change a bright sunny morning albeit with a chill in the air. A good gathering of members with 9 Austins, a Rover, a Riley, a Royale, and 5 moderns. After the usual tourist coach passenger inspections and much catching up with the week’s Island excitements we all moved off to the Roman Villa at Brading for refreshments. Here an Austin Healey joined us. I was particularly attracted, during refreshments, to see members at one table pouring over various coins. Money always interests me so an investigation followed. Amazingly, a collection of the latest coins arranged ‘tails up’ will provide a complete shield that is replicated in full on the reverse of the £1 coin. There is always something to be learned at an IOWA meet! (Viv)
February 14th. A rather cloudy and cool morning, for those making their way to Godshill. By about 10.30 a.m. there were 10 Austins, a Hillman Minx, Armstrong Siddeley Hurricane and Vauxhall Cresta in the car park. In the Austin line up was the Wakefields, recently acquired, Austin A35 making its first appearance at Godshill. The car was duly given the once over by a number of members! Although cold, nobody retreated to the nearby café, and many discussions took place among the parked cars. At 10.50 it was time to move off for refreshments at the Butterfly World café, near Wootton. By this time it had started to drizzle and, as the morning progressed, the weather got worse. On the return journey home we even encountered snow when motoring over the Downs road!
February 21st. An awful morning, weather-wise, with really heavy sleet and rain showers falling. En route to Godshill, many of the roads were flooded. Far from ideal for old car motoring and not pleasant in a modern either! However, 4 Austins did make it to Godshill as well as a Morris Minor Traveller, a Vauxhall Cresta and a lot of moderns. As it was raining, everybody retreated to the nearby café for shelter and some refreshments. Later many of us took to the road for more refreshments with the Howells at their Chale home. Once again we were faced with a lot of water on the roads and, going along Beacon Alley, in places it was like driving in the middle of a river! One reason for going to the Howells was to view the many Snowdrops in their garden, but the rain put paid to that! It was nice to get inside and benefit from the warmth of a log fire and sample a fine selection of hot and cold nibbles and warm drinks provided by Helen. 24 of us enjoyed their hospitality – thank you Helen and Mike.
February 28th. After heavy overnight rain, many of the Island roads were flooded and it was just the morning for an under body car wash! A problem I encountered, was some of the surface water hid a number of potholes - there are still so many yet to be repaired. Thinking about it, do the roads in snowy, cold, Northern Canada and Scandinavia suffer from pot holes once the thaw sets in? I digress so lets fast forward to Godshill! It was still raining when we got there and, eventually there were 2 Ausins, both post-war, and a Standard Little 9 and lots of moderns in the car park. On arrival, we all retired to the Old Smithy for refreshments and a good old natter. In fact 29 of us kept the staff busy until the coach parties arrived. Afterwards, for some, it was off to the ‘Three Bishops’, at Brighstone, for Sunday lunch, with more flooded roads encountered en-route. Some West Wight members had gone there directly and some 25 of us had lunch there. After so much bad weather recently it is justso nice to get out of the house and socialise. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------