1

The Crankhandle

March 2015

NEWSLETTER OF THE HEREFORD AUSTIN SEVEN CLUB

Editorial

Welcome to the March 2015 issue of ‘The Crankhandle’ and apologies to all those members who were keen

to nominate themselves to take over as Editor but were for one reason or another – unable to attend the

AGM in January. Please ensure you can make the next one!

Most of our readers will know that Stuart decided to step down at the AGM. He had been our Chairman

since the club’s creation in 2009 and I would like to thank him for his considerable input. His resignation

prompted a close fought and exciting contest at the AGM (entailing no obvious dirty tricks) between two

well-known nominees - Brian Bedford and Derek Choppen. The members ultimately elected Derek, who in

a very thoughtful acceptance speech - acknowledged Stuart’s hard work and courteously thanked Brian for

being a worthy opponent. It was also great to hear Brian respond with a sporting promise of his full

support to our new Chairman.

Now, on a desperately sombre note - I am sure I speak for the whole club when I say that we were all very

saddened to hear of the sudden recent death of Rob Bird. He was a lovely man and I would like to offer

our sincere condolences and very best wishes to Liz and the family. There is more on this distressing event

in the Newsletter.

Not a great deal of club activity to report for the last two months but the good news is that the clocks have

just changed to BST giving us lighter evenings and the increased opportunity for enjoying our Sevens.

Happy motoring and I hope you enjoy the issue.

Bob

2

Secretary’s corner

Hi Folks ….

The second Crankhandle of the year already! Although the winter has officially now finished, as I write this,

last night’s frost is just disappearing. However, the days are getting longer and warmer and Spring is with

us. We have a fine list of events for the season from our illustrious Events Co-ordinator and he has added

more since his last publication ensuring there is something for everyone. The first that catches my eye is

the Coleford Carnival of Transport on Easter Monday; albeit a static show so the title can be misleading.

I, like everybody else, was shocked at the news of the sudden death of our colleague Rob Bird. He was one

of the many members that joined us at our AGM on 27th

January. Although quite a private person he was

always willing to help and give support and I for one will miss him greatly.

For those that were unable to attend the AGM, you would not have experienced the interesting and dare I

say, exciting vote for Chairmanship. As you will recall, there were two nominations, Brian Bedford and

Derek Choppen. It lifts my heart to think that we have such a vibrant membership and that from a Club of

forty five we can generate such enthusiasm. This is put into perspective by the comment made by the

Chairman of the Bristol Austin Seven Club who wrote in their February Newsletter that she “was amazed to

see that two of the […HA7C] forty odd members have volunteered to be Chairman”. My personal thanks

go not only to to Brian and Derek but to you the members for your enthusiastic and loyal support.

I am sure that we all wish Derek every success in taking the Club forward.

As you know, being members, we are also fully supported by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle

Clubs (FBHVC). Sunday the 26th

April is the FBHVC annual ‘Drive-it-Day’ and its purpose is to raise the

profile of the Historic Vehicle Movement. Michael Harcourt has put two significant events in our calendar

for that day but even if you just take your Seven ‘around the block’ and then leave it on the drive, it shows

support for the movement.

Of course, the other support that our club receives is from the Austin Seven Clubs Association. I have

regular contact with several of the committee and, as you are aware, we are privileged to have their

Publicity Officer, Graham Baldock, as a member of our club. Those of you who attended the AGM will

recall that Graham was able to tell us of the forthcoming Eurotour in June 2017. I am pleased to tell you

that out of the fifty available places for Austin Sevens, we have had all five of our applications accepted.

This means that ten HA7C members in five Austin Sevens plan to drive to Austria.

Each new Member of the HA7C is automatically checked against the A7CA register to ensure that the

member’s car is ‘known’. Jim Blacklock, the Association Registrar, does a wonderful job of keeping the

register up to date. If you have made any changes to your Seven, please let me know so that I can keep Jim

informed. As of 31st

December 2014, there were 11,518 known Sevens on the register around the world!

There is a forty-minute film available from the A7CA of the 90th

celebrations at Warwick in July 2012. If you

fancy a copy of your own you could look at the Association website for details.

Now I must get out into ‘The Motorhouse’ and finish putting the new loom into the Opal, otherwise I will

not have the car ready for June 2017!

Happy Sevenning …. Mike

Chairman’s thoughts – (Choppen’s chatter)

3

Well here I am, two months into my new position as your club Chairman. When I was voted-in I wondered

what this position meant and just what I was expected to do. My thoughts are now as follows ….

1. To support the other committee members and help to make sure everything functions properly

2. To ensure the club is managed effectively

3. To represent the Hereford Austin 7 club as its figurehead

After some consideration, I realised that the first two points are covered rather well by the rest of the

committee (Mike Ward, Michael Harcourt, Bob Garrett, Ron Sadler and Eddie Loader) but I wondered if

they get the recognition from members that they so richly deserve? Anyway, I would personally like to

thank them for the work that they carry out tirelessly for us. I would also like to thank them for the

support they have given me in starting this role.

What about the third point? Well I am giving it my best shot and as I have said before, I will always

welcome members’ thoughts and suggestions as to how we can further strengthen what is already a really

excellent club.

Thank you all for your support and I hope you all have a great year with your Austin Sevens.

Derek

Stuart Howard – recently retired Chairman

Stuart (left) handing over the chair to Derek (right in the photo) …

I would like to thank Stuart for doing so much in

getting the Hereford Austin Seven Club off the

ground and to where it is now.

I remember the early days with great fondness,

Stuart and Lyn (his wife) stopped me when I was

giving my newly acquired Ruby a test run from

Hereford to my dentist in Bromyard and they told

me about their desire to start a region of the

Austin Seven Club in Hereford. That short

meeting has completely changed my life and the

moment brought me a new circle of friends and a

better understanding of what like-minded people

can do when an idea comes together.

Therefore from me and on behalf of all our club

members I think it's fair to shout out a big

'THANK YOU BOTH SO MUCH' …. Derek

Stuart and Lyn have kindly offered to continue hosting the HA7C ‘Shed nights’ and even do the annual BBQ

unless anyone else wishes to take this on. Thank you Stuart & Lyn – this is much appreciated …. Ed

4

Rob Bird

I wish I could remember the exact day I met Rob Bird - he

would tell me off for not remembering. A reminder by Liz

(Rob’s wife) prompted me to believe it was The Royal Oak

at Much Marcle on New Year’s Day six or seven years ago.

He approached me and we spoke about my A7 and he

spoke about his Ruby with great enthusiasm - and I told

him about the Hereford A7 club.

I went home wondering if he would join. We needed

members and at the time I was the newsletter editor and

as Bob Garrett will tell you, getting content is really

difficult. So I went to see his car and get some pictures.

Rob subsequently joined the club and our friendship

began. Interestingly, Liz and I share the same birthday so Rob would always make sure we met up for an

evening out to celebrate - a ritual my partner Karen and I will make sure continues. Rob was a very

thoughtful man and knowing I am interested in Admiral Lord Nelson, he would often present me with

something he had acquired from the Nelson museum in Monmouth. Rob was also incredibly kind and

generous – on one occasion when I had a problem with my engine he lent me his spare one until mine was

sorted out.

Rob had an awful accident a few years ago when he fell off his garage roof. Unfortunately, a misdiagnosis

and a blood clot led to Rob having a stroke. Amazingly, this did not stop him achieving goals that many of

us would not even attempt.

I remember an evening out at a film show where we were both

surprised to find out a meal had been laid on. I collected the

cutlery and the food and then asked (quietly) if he would like

me to cut up his meat. My goodness, he told me off! "If I want

you to do anything for me I will ask, is that understood?" Of

course I did, I learned a lot that evening. I had a true friend

who would say it as it is and I knew my place!

He loved nothing more than to get Liz, Karen and I together for

a run out to somewhere like the Kymin at Monmouth, Nelson

Garden, Nelson Museum or to break away from a club run and

go and have tea at the old railway station down towards

Tintern Abbey.

Of course Rob had his long-term friend Ian who helped him

tirelessly one night each week with his Austin Seven pick up

truck. Ian also loved driving to shows in Rob’s Austin Ruby.

Rob’s neighbour, Paul, could always be found at auto jumbles

with him, advising and looking for bargains, "My knowledgeable friend" he would tell me.

My love and respect for Rob is immense and I will miss him terribly. However, his best friend and love was

Liz who nursed him and supported him through all the difficult times of the daily pain and endless trips to

doctor and hospital appointments.

Rob is survived by his wife Liz, his mother Enid, and his children Carrie, Robert, Ashleigh & Charlotte.

5

He leaves for me a legacy of great memories of courage, determination and indeed true friendship. Loved

by many and remembered forever.

Derek Choppen

Message from the Treasurer

I reported details of the satisfactory financial health of the club at the January AGM and have nothing

further to add at the moment.

Many thanks …. Ron

Club activities

Trip to Normandy in July (A recent note from Kip Waistell) ….

We now have eleven cars on the Rally (eight Austins, one Daimler, one Lagonda and a Riley) but if anyone

else wants to take part, please let me know quickly as I am finalising local reservations etc., and numbers

are relevant because places may be limited!

I am organising things for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 17th

to 19th July and currently working on a

provisional programme - so the entry fees I give are estimates. However, I shall be trying to get group rates

where possible.

Provisional details are ….

Friday - Leave the Ibis Hotel in Falaise (which is about 45-50 minutes from the ferry port of Ouistreham) at

9am for a free (I hope) cider tasting and a visit to an old "cave" there with very old calvados and pommeau

(which is to cider what sherry is to wine). Excellent dry or sweet cider is about 2.20 Euros a bottle and

there is also a large wine sales department - roughly a ten minute drive away and the visit will take a

further 30-40 minutes.

Back to Falaise by about 10.15 and park by the Chateau (entry fee about 7 Euros). For those who visited

the Chateau last time there is the nearby Musee des Automates (automated shop fronts from Gallery

Lafayette in Paris and others of the 30's-50's set up in a "street" setting (entry about the same).

12.30 Lunch at the Relais Routier by the Chateau as per the last rally (around 12 Euros a head with drinks).

2.00 Leave Falaise and drive about half an hour to Clecy to see an old lime works where there is a huge

model railway. The visit is about one hour (entry fee 8.50 Euros) and will be at a fixed time to avoid

queuing.

3.30 Leave Clecy and possibly drive 15 minutes or so to St Remy sur Orne to see an old iron works museum.

I haven't seen this myself so will visit it in May and see what it is like (entry fee 4.60 Euros).

Pleasant drive back to Falaise through Swiss Normande.

Evening - free to do what you want. I will give you all local restaurant details and the Ibis itself also does a

good evening meal.

Saturday - Walk from the Ibis hotel to nearby Leclerc to get food for a picnic. Leave Ibis at 9.30 am latest.

Drive to the local Chateau car park and leave cars there for half an hour or so to enable you to visit Falaise

Saturday market.

Leave at 10.15 am, go through the town and drive for 15 minutes to see a chateau at Carel, near St Pierre

sur Dives. I believe this is not usually open to the public but I am trying to negotiate something for you

(entry fee possibly 3 euros).

Then a further five minute drive to see St Pierre sur Dives, have a coffee, see the medieval market building

(free) and the abbey (free), then picnic in the square or if wet, in the market hall.

Leave St Pierre and drive for 45 minutes or so to see the Merville Battery (entry 6.00 Euros) on the coast

near Cabourg. Lots to see there also a son et lumiere in one of the batteries. Visit will take an hour or so.

Depending on timing, we could then go to the famous Cafe Gondree at Pegasus Bridge (please note -

6

absolutely no photos to be taken inside), to have a beer or whatever and visit the Pegasus Bridge Museum

(7 euros). The original bridge was taken down some ten years or so ago, and rebuilt nearby next to the

Museum. The new bridge is exactly the same shape as the old, but whereas the old bridge was one lane,

the new one has two.

Back to Falaise and eats/drinks (free!!) at our place, La Butte.

Sunday - Leave Ibis Hotel at 8.30 prompt, for a 45 minute drive back to the port of Ouistreham. Park up

cars in the main street after signing on for the day's event, at some stage we have a short drive out into the

countryside then park up the cars for most of the rest of the day. Eat at tables put up in the street, then at

about 4pm a parade before the public with a jury and prizes. Ends at about 6pm. Fee for entry for the day

including lunch, and a coffee/croissant earlier, is just 15 Euros for a car and two people. Nearby and

certainly within walking distance, is the "Bunker" - a German lookout tower/museum of The Atlantic Wall

(entry 7.50 Euros) which is worth a look during the day.

Prior to or after these three days we are on hand at any time to advise on places to visit, where to eat,

provide a cuppa or a place to repair your car, translate, or even tow you back to the port.

For those coming earlier or staying later, a few suggestions are …

� The Normandy Beaches- Arromanches with the Mulberry Harbour is the best, then Omaha with the

awesome American cemetery (Quite a drive though)

� Chateau Fontaine-Henry on the way to the Beaches

� Bayeaux and the Tapestry

� The "Memorial" at Caen - a huge museum dedicated to WWII

� Caen Chateau and a walk in the old town

� St Pierre sur Dives Monday market - huge and interesting

� Near St Pierre is the Manoir de Coupsarte - a moated medieval manor house, which you cannot go

into, but you can walk round the moat

� The huge Basilica of St Therese at Lisieux

� Vendeuvre Chateau, only 15 mins from the Ibis - super garden with "surprises", miniature furniture

museum and/or a visit to the chateau itself

� The Chemin de Sang - if you want to re-run the retreat of the German Army from the Falaise Pocket,

I can conduct you on this – it’s a bit difficult to explain how to do it on your own. It's a total drive of

only some 20 miles

� Bagnoles de l'Orne about 20 miles or so from Falaise - a superb spa town with lots of restaurants,

boating lake and casino

� The medieval moated Carrouges Castle near Bagnoles

� The National Stud at Haras du Pin near Argentan

I think pretty well everything I have mentioned is on the Internet if you want further details. Please send

me any other suggestions or queries.

Best wishes …. Kip

On behalf of the club I would like to thank Kip and Carmen for their considerable efforts in organizing this

outing – all very much appreciated …. Ed

Eurotour 2017

To celebrate the launch of the Austin Seven way back in 1922, every five years since 1992 a ‘Eurotour’ has

been organised by the North Herts Group of the 750MC. Without exception they have proven to be

immensely popular with the last event the ‘Alpine Amble’ being to Switzerland in 2012. ‘Eurotour 2017 –

‘A Tyrol Adventure’ promises to be just as memorable and takes us further into Europe than we have ever

been before. This promises to be an excellent summer drive in our Austin Sevens through France,

7

Germany, Austria and Slovenia.

The full quota of 50 Austin Sevens is now registered for the trip and the reserve list is filling up fast. The

HA7C will be well represented – Graham & Janet Baldock (Box saloon), Michael & Gill Harcourt (Ruby),

Mike & June Ward (Opal), Kip & Carmen Waistell (Chummy?) also Bob & Heather Garrett (1932 Tourer) are

all included in the selected 50 entrants.

The majority will take a morning cross channel ferry from Dover to Calais (some perhaps travelling by other

routes). Travelling on the first few days will be quite strenuous for us and our little cars as we are covering

a great deal of mileage, but once we reach Austria we have several days in the one hotel to recover.

So, from Calais we leave the port to travel the ‘scenic route’ – i.e no motorways or toll roads. The first day

we drive 145 miles to our first overnight stop in the Laon area. The following day we travel on to Nancy

(150 miles), then Mulhouse (120 miles), then Lake Konstanz (120 miles) then a further 120 miles to

Innsbruck and on to St Johann im Pongau where we will stay for 4 nights.

We then travel the 120 or so miles down to Slovenia where we have a further three nights in a hotel on the

shores of the beautiful Lake Bled. After what we are sure has proved to be a great holiday we will set off

further south into the heart of Slovenia to catch the night train (with evening dinner on board and sleeping

compartments) back to Holland. From there we travel a hundred miles south to the Bruges area where we

have our final dinner and trophy awards! The following day we travel down to Calais to catch the ferry

back home.

The above is an extract from the recent Eurotour Newsletter No 1 …. Ed

Agreed A7 valuations

Most members will know by now that Eddie Loader has been accepted by RH Insurance as a ‘fit and proper

person’ (some mistake surely …. Ed) to carry-out A7 valuations for ‘Agreed Value’ insurance purposes. This

is the estimated replacement cost of your vehicle based on prevailing market values.

I believe he is now in possession of official HA7C certificates in a format agreed by the committee.

If you wish to avail yourself of his services – then please contact Eddie directly.

… Ed

Membership

We are delighted to welcome the following new members who have joined the HA7C since publication of

the January Newsletter …

• Nick and Sian Green of Cusop near Hay-on-Wye

• Geoffrey Pinches of Whitecross Hereford

• Andy and Jayne kirk of Craven Arms

We look forward to seeing you at our regular meetings at the Richmond Club and at other club activities.

I also recall that Martin Prior and his son David were at our last meeting but I am unsure whether they have

joined us yet.

…. Ed

8

Members’ activities

A Swallow saga - episode 28

Now at last it’s all coming together with all

four wings, front scoop, and cowling fitted.

I think the cream wheels do make a

particularly clean feel just like wearing a

new pair of shoes.

Another satisfying thing now happening is

the fitting of all the prepared components

that have taken so long to either acquire,

copy or replicate using borrowed originals

or photographs of original parts. All of

which means I now have to be very careful

not to damage the new paintwork.

The photo’ shows a door coming together

nicely and from now on I think things will

progress at quite a pace .

Regards … Glenn Sanger

Other clubs

Bristol A7C

The following note is from Sally Barker (BA7C Newsletter Editor) – “I wonder if anyone can help trace this

car, last heard of on the Association Register in 2000? A gentleman in Gloucestershire who learnt to drive

in OG 9884 would very much like to see her again, on his 80th

birthday this year. It is no longer in the

Bristol club”. Many thanks – Sally

I also note the February 2015 BA7C Newsletter contains an interesting article by Ron Hayhurst who

recently fitted LED lights to his Box Saloon with splendid results. He bought the lights from Classic Dynamo

and Regulator Conversions. www.dynamoregulatorconversions.com

Dorset A7 Club

The recent DA7C Newsletter contains an interesting note regarding vague A7 steering and points out that

the drag link springs can become compressed over the years and would therefore benefit from

replacement. The article includes a photograph comparing old and new springs and there is a very

noticeable difference.

Austin Seven Owners Club

The January 2015 A7OC magazine contains an interesting editorial comparing current and 1975 costs for

various motoring related items written by the Editor Dave Waller, who interestingly won that club’s ‘loose

nuts’ award at their New Year Social Gathering – very alarming!

Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs

For those members who are uncertain of the aims of the FBHVC, the following note might be helpful:

The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs exists to uphold the freedom to use old vehicles on the road. It does

this by representing the interests of owners of such vehicles to politicians, government officials, and legislators both

in UK and (through membership of Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) in Europe.

9

FBHVC is a company limited by guarantee, registered number 3842316, and was founded in 1988.

There are over 530 subscriber organisations representing a total membership of over 255,000 in addition to

individual and trade supporters. Details can be found at www.fbhvc.co.uk or sent on application to the secretary.

The following notes are selected from the latest FBHVC Newsletter No 1 2015 because they might be of interest to

members. The full Newsletter can be found on the FBHVC website www.fbhvc.co.uk

Roadworthiness Testing

As you know, our major concerns on application of the EU Roadworthiness Testing Directive are with how the UK will

be able to deal with the large number of modified vehicles within the UK which the Directive suggests ought not to

be treated as ‘historical’, when we know that in the UK context they are indeed so.

My hopes expressed in Newsletter No. 6 that I would be able to provide more information on our briefing activities

have been dashed by a combination of completely unavoidable political and personal misfortunes (not involving

anyone in the Federation) which meant progress has been stalled for nearly two months. At first things progressed

well, as we persuaded the All Party Parliamentary Group to set up a subcommittee specially to look at

Roadworthiness Testing.

I prepared and shared with my fellow Board and Legislation Committee members a Briefing Paper for the APPHVG

subcommittee. I then shared it with what we deemed to be a representative group of member clubs. This group had

to be small enough to be manageable for the editing process so I hope no-one who was not in the group feels

excluded. The members of the group really turned up trumps and provided us with very valuable feedback which

went into the Briefing. Meanwhile, in parallel, Paul Chasney, our research manager, had put together in support of

the Briefing a splendid set of examples of modified British vehicles to help demonstrate why we think the issue is

important, not only to our members but to the preservation of British motoring heritage.

Quite a lot of candles being burnt at both ends resulted in us getting the Briefing Paper to the APPHVG at the end of

November and being ready to go for a meeting with the APPHVG subcommittee on 26 November.

But the actual meeting is, as of my writing this, only planned on 21 January. Those of us attending; our chairman

David Whale, our vice president David Hurley and myself, all have all of our fingers and toes crossed that the meeting

will finally occur on that date.

Sadly, given the fact that the APPHVG subcommittee will wish to use the Briefing Documents to go forward with the

matter, we are constrained not to disclose their contents till the subcommittee has had an opportunity to consider

and comment upon them. This is frustrating, not only because we know that the subject is important to you all, but

also because it means we can’t show off all we have being doing for our members. I ask you for a bit more patience,

and we hope we will be able to provide lots of detail on the Briefings plus an initial view of how the APPHVC

subcommittee has received them, in the next issue.

Discontinuance of the Tax Disc

The good news is that we are not hearing any substantial issues arising from the changes introduced to deal with the

discontinuance of the tax disc, though there could still be a few curiosities out there which we will keep an eye on.

Of course the absence of the tax disc means that the Vehicle Enquiry System has become the primary route for

checking on the tax status of a vehicle. It is being improved and has been running as a Beta site. It is our view that

this means that a way has to be found to correct longstanding known errors in the data held by DVLA, especially as

they concern historic vehicles. Ian Edmunds describes elsewhere in more detail how we are undertaking this

dialogue.

We have done some research on the question of whether, if members take their cars abroad, overseas law

enforcement officers will recognise the new position where keepers have no actual documentary proof of the

existence of valid taxation. The position of DVLA is clear. They have notified our EU partners of the change and they

think that exhausts their legal obligations. They are probably right. So our advice to members is that it would be

prudent to carry the best available evidence.

10

On examination, that is probably the confirmation page which appears at the conclusion of the online taxation

process. It can be printed off and does carry the required information in a pretty clear format.

But we know we have members who, either because they are not online users, or because they consider that we

ought to use the Post Office service, will wish to renew their tax at a Post Office counter. In that case, despite the

suggestion we had received from a few members just after the changeover, the Post Office always prints out a till

receipt. That is the case even if the vehicle is exempt from VED. In that case the till receipt is Nil Value. The counter

clerk should always hand the till receipt (even if Nil Value) to the applicant. We would recommend that receipt be

accepted from the counter clerk and carefully retained.

Members who might be taking their vehicles abroad should really give consideration to whether in that case using

the online system, with its clear A4 size final page, is preferable to the Post Office till receipt.

Car Cruising Injunctions

In December our attention was drawn to news reports that a combination of local authorities who cover the Black

Country had gained a High Court Injunction which was said to prohibit ‘two or more vehicles gathering together in

the Black Country between the hours of 1500 and 0700’. Clearly the injunction was granted to enable these

authorities more readily to police the increasing incidence of ‘car cruising’ which is seen as a growing social problem

in their area. There are, we realised, several pre-existing High Court Injunctions, mostly in the Midlands, in similar

terms. We made an initial approach to Wolverhampton Borough Council, one of the five Black Country authorities

involved, simply to register our interest at this stage but expressing concern that our members out on a historic

vehicle run might be caught by the injunction. Wolverhampton has sent us the precise text of the injunction.

While most of the injunction deals with obviously anti-social activities it does appear to rest on the implicit

assumption that all ‘car cruising’ is anti-social. There is a question as to whether us more ‘responsible’ and often

older motorists should be too supportive of suppression of the way in which a new generation of the young get

started on an interest in cars, provided of course they do not otherwise cause offence and unhappiness to the public

by way of bad behaviour, careless and reckless driving, noise etc. Were we all models of respectability and prudence

in our younger more carefree days?

Be that as it may, on examination the Black Country injunction does appear to be rather widely worded. It appears to

create a very slight risk that ordinary Saturday afternoon gatherings of historic vehicles might arouse the ire of

someone in a community and thus be held possibly to be in breach of the terms of the Injunction. As the injunction

includes a specific power of arrest, it might, in the hands of an over-zealous officer of the law, put some of our

members at risk of, at the very least, some harassment and possible prosecution for Contempt of Court, the sanction

which supports an injunction.

We will be considering this issue further and deciding whether or not to take it up with one or more of the

authorities involved, with a view to getting a steer as to how as a matter of policy they would see historic vehicle

gatherings, which might be of use to our members in case there was ever a problem in an area with an injunction in

place.

DVLA NEWS

Due in part no doubt to the holiday season there is not much to report on the DVLA front for this issue. I am in

correspondence with them regarding a couple of issues raised by members and I would expect to be able to report

further on these in the next edition.

Last autumn we requested that DVLA reconsider one aspect of their allocation of age-related registration marks. You

may recall that some time ago it was announced that due to a shortage of available registration marks in the alpha-

numeric (i.e. letters first) format all age-related marks from then on would be in the numeric-alpha format. Following

a determined challenge from an individual historic vehicle owner this policy was reversed in the spring of last year

with a revised arrangement to issue alpha-numeric marks to vehicles first registered before 1953 and numeric-alpha

thereafter. Following some detailed research of the registration records FBHVC submitted a paper to DVLA in

September suggesting that a more realistic change-over date would be 1959. We have recently written again to

11

DVLA to remind them of their promise to consider this evidence. We will, of course, inform you of the outcome as

soon as we know.

A little background to this may be interesting. 1953 was the year when the numeric-alpha format was first permitted

but only two licencing authorities actually adopted it in that year. At the other end of the scale some authorities,

particularly in Scotland, never did change, continuing with the alpha-numeric format up to the adoption of the seven

digit marks.

One detail of the vehicle record process that I have learnt during the summer is that the central file held by DVLA

may contain a date of manufacture (as opposed to the date of first registration) for a vehicle without that date being

printed on the V5C. Apparently the central file system also requires a particular marker to cause it to print the date

of manufacture. Some records have this marker and others do not.

Most of the information that I receive suggests that in general the vehicle registration process is working well with

the MoT and VED exemptions being applied without difficulty, both via the on-line system and at Post Offices.

However… there is always one! I have recently been informed of a case where the V11 tax renewal form requested

an MoT certificate for an exempt car and that, as a result, the local Post Office would not issue a tax disc. This case

was resolved, rather slowly, by sending the paperwork to Swansea.

Club V765 signatories may be interested to learn, if they didn’t know already, that the V765/3 document (Guidance

Notes for V765 Signatories) has recently been re-issued (latest version 9/14). At the same time it has ceased to be

available on-line because it is not considered to be a public document. This rather begs the question – is it

automatically sent to V765 signatories?

Now that we no longer have a tax disc to look at the only method available to confirm the current tax status of any

vehicle is via the DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service (VES) available at https://www.vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk/ or by

phone at 0300 790 6802. This requires the ‘make’ and registration number of the vehicle in order to search. In

general this seems to work well but FBHVC are aware of a number of instances, largely of historic vehicles, where it

has not. We are engaged in dialogue with DVLA on these anomalies and, as usual, will report back in due course.

Meanwhile I would be interested to receive details from anyone who has experienced difficulties with VES with

respect to a historic vehicle.

We are aware that some well-known makes don’t appear on the VES drop-down lists of makes (Standard is a good

example) nor will DVLA accept them as the make on the paper V5C, and also that vehicles in the ‘not licenced’

category (i.e. not requiring to be either licenced or SORNed as they were not in use when the continuous licencing

procedure was introduced) often show a ‘phantom’ tax due date. It also appears that recently (re)issued V765

reclaimed registrations don’t show on VES until the vehicle is taxed. Have you found any incorrect or confusing

returns? Please let me know at vehicles@fbhvc.co.uk

I am indebted to my committee colleague James Fairchild for his continuing scrutiny and analysis of the VES and

related matters. In an article in Issue 4 2014 of the Newsletter James listed a number of websites that can be used to

check on vehicles. Since then the RAC have completely changed their vehicle check service, to the extent that the

majority of older vehicles no longer return a result. We have queried this with the RAC but so far have had no

response. Also, the other HPI checking site James referenced has been closed down. For now, if anyone needs to

check the make of a vehicle (or indeed perform a paid-for HPI check) a site from AutoTrader and Experian is

available, at http://www.vehiclecheck.co.uk - in general terms, if this site returns the result ‘sorry number plate not

found’ then the vehicle is probably not on the DVLA database.

I have a memory of a regular column in a motoring magazine entitled ‘Disconnected Jottings’, I feel this piece

probably qualifies – certainly in terms of being disconnected!

FBHVC Drive It Day, Sunday 26 April 2015

The event format differs slightly from 2014; the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs will not be involved in

organising any particular venues. In effect we will be reverting to the previous format, leaving routes and meeting

points to the discretion of individual clubs.

12

Some members of the FBHVC team may attend certain venues basically to keep in touch with the membership, as

well as enjoying the day.

This annual day commemorates 64 cars that left London on the first day of the Thousand Mile UK Trial that took

place in April 1900. DID is an occasion when vehicles of over 30 years of age, have the opportunity to collectively

show their prowess on UK roads and display them to the public. These include cars, motor cycles, commercial,

agricultural and military vehicles.

In order to perpetuate the name, the FBHVC request all member clubs, museums and trade supporters promoting

the event use the ‘Drive it Day’ logo on promotional material thus maintaining and identifying the origination of the

event. Logo details are available – see www.fbhvc.co.uk. Please note this is password protected you will need to

register for access if you have not already done so. Rally plates will also be available through the website.

Many other vehicles of younger vintage, which themselves could be ‘historic-in-waiting’ could also take to the roads

in support of the event.

A memorable day with so much to see: Sunday 26 April 2015 is a special opportunity for spectator and participants

to get involved.

Drive it Day and the logo are the copyright of the FBHVC and is a registered trademark.

Technical and events

Winter events have come and gone and spring is in the air so we have no excuses now for leaving our toys in the

garage.

The excellent series of HRCR Clayton Classics Scenic Tours is on offer again during 2015. These Tours proved to be

very popular in 2014 as they provide a real social scene that can be enjoyed by all. Indeed most were oversubscribed

days before the closing dates for entries – you have been warned! A visit to the HRCR website

http://www.hrcr.co.uk/Scenic_Tours/ will provide you with further information.

If you fancy a more serious event then you could look no further than the Irish Classic Retro. Late April is the time to

visit the Kilkenny area of Eire for an event (not for beginners I suggest) organised by the Trial Drivers Club of Ireland.

You will not be disappointed; I’ve done it several times and it is great fun as well as being a really competitive event.

As the promo quite rightly says - a ‘guaranteed craic’ and www.tdcireland.com is the place to look.

A new event on the calendar is the Principality Automobile Club’s new Classic Trial & Traditional Tour through Wales

from 27 April - 1 May 2015. Starting from the prestigious Vale Resort near Cardiff the event will use many new and

innovative venues in the Cardiff – Aberystwyth – Llandudno – Llandrindod Wells – Cardiff route for regularity

sections and auto tests. The event has both competitive and touring assembly classes so why not have a look at

www.principality-automobile-club.co.uk for further details.

HERO’s Icelandic Saga, also in late April, is another different event to consider. In my opinion it is ideal for beginners

and novices and could be described as a holiday with some relaxed road sections combined with some mild

competition. Take a look at www.heroevents.eu where you will also find details of the Summer Trial and 1000 Mile

Trial. The former event is designed with beginners and novices in mind and the latter event, designed along similar

lines to the Flying Scotsman that is already fully subscribed, is for vintageant vehicles only. It won the Rally of the

Year Award in 2014 so you won’t be disappointed.

For those living north of Watford Gap a look at the NESCRO (North of England and Scottish Classic Rally Organisers)

website http://nescro.co.uk/n/ could provide you with some tempting offers. Graeme Forrester, the Treasure of

NESCRO, emailed me recently to remind me that there is life ‘oop north’.

For the more adventurous amongst you CRA’s Classic Marathon in June or another event coming back onto the

calendar in 2015, the Rallye des Alpes, in September are definitely worth doing. Having competed in both for a

number of years the Marathon is the more competitive of the two. The Rallye des Alpes starts in Geneva and finishes

in Garmisch Partenkirken so a scenic and challenging route is guaranteed.

13

For such events some of you have asked what the situation is regarding the absence of UK tax discs when using your

cars on the Continent. I am advised that the best solution is to take with you a print of the last page of your on-line

Road Tax renewal as proof of legal road use in the UK. Bob Owen is providing further advice in his legislation section

of this Newsletter.

Turning to technical issues I am pleased to report that the principles of the FIVA Technical Commission’s new

Technical Code was approved by the FIVA General Assembly last November. This new Technical Code has a direct

bearing on the issuing of FIVA ID Cards and so is something to keep your eye on for 2015 and beyond. The final

version is expected to be ready, and on our and FIVA’s websites, by mid-March. No doubt Paul Loveridge will be able

to give you chapter and verse if you would like more details.

On a more global topic FIVA is undergoing a strategic review of its structure, governance and business development

activities. The objective is to make FIVA more fit for purpose in the 21st century and cater more effectively for all of

its stakeholders. The plan is to get this modernisation in place by end 2015 - I’ll keep you posted as to progress.

From Australia… Available again!

Clive Ball drove Samantha, a 1929 Austin 7, round the world

between 1965 and 1972, meeting and marrying his wife Sheila

in Perth, Australia on the way. Samantha covered 48,000 miles

over some terrible roads, visited 38 countries and crossed the

mighty Andes in South America four times, once at nearly

16,000 feet.

Clive's keen sense of humour pervades this captivating account

of one of the longest journeys ever undertaken in such an old

car. Since this book was originally published, it has become a

sought-after classic in vintage car and travel circles alike.

"I commend this story of a round-the-world trip in a Vintage

baby car” - The Observer.

"A difficult book to lay aside" - Motor Sport

"A thoroughly good read" - Sunday Times

"Extremely well written and difficult to put down" - 750

Motor Club Bulletin

This all-new soft cover edition, printed in the UK, is available

for £18 post free from sheilaclive@iinet.net.au with payment by PayPal or direct bank deposit. With 19

illustrations by Cedric Baxter, the book has 280 pages, six maps and 91 photographs.

Market Place – For sale

One Mk 2 Ruby passenger door in pretty reasonable condition - complete with glass and winder

mechanism but no handles. Free to good home.

Collection from Hereford or I can bring it to club night if that helps

Graham Honnor …. 07974 708233

Market Place – Wanted

Distributor housing from a coil engine dynamo – (Just the housing and I’m not worried about the condition

of the spindle bearing). I’m aiming to construct a rev’ counter drive.

Bob Garrett …. 01497 831310

14

Events Diary for 2015

Updated March 2015. Please note the activities listed in Bold Type are events organised by HA7C members

and Items in standard type are events organised by others that may be of interest to us.

This is not a complete list of Events, and will be added to throughout the year as fresh events are notified

to me. For that reason, the dates of events may be subject to change.

March

Tuesday 31st

-- Monthly meeting, Richmond Club, 7.30pm. An evening of ‘Austin Production Films’ with

Ron Sadler.

April

Monday 6th

– Easter Monday – Coleford Carnival of Transport. A collection of vintage, military and

commercial vehicles in the town of Coleford that is closed for the day. £2.50 to enter and the closing date

for entries is 28th

February 2015. I have an entry form if you need one.

Friday 10-14th

-- Brian Bedford has kindly sent me an invitation from SWA7C for their 2015 trip to Mold in

N. Wales. This is to run from Friday 10th April to Tuesday 14th April (4 nights). Staying at the Beaufort

Park Hotel, Mold (Tel 01352-758646). The cost is £80 per room per night, to include bed, breakfast and

evening meal. Rooms are limited so book soon! Please let Brian know when you book for him to know

numbers.

Saturday 18th

-- Pride of Longbridge. Start of lots of events organised by the Pride of Longbridge Heritage

and Community group. Further details of what and when to follow.

Sunday 19th

-- Austins to Brighton. 110th

Anniversary of Austin Motor Co’ celebration run from Wallington

to Brighton. Organised by A7OC (London). Contact Howard Annett 01403-790530 or visit

www.austinsevenownersclub.com

Saturday 25th

and 26th

-- “Wartime in the Cotswolds”. Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway’s ‘Wartime

weekend’. A great hit last year, so book your place with Corporal (Brian Wooster) Jones, Air Marshall “Bob

Garrett”, and ‘spiv’ “Derek Choppen”. Allied wartime dress is compulsory, and no, you can’t come in your

modern!

Sunday 26th

-- Drive it Day.

Sunday 26th

-- Wheel Nuts Motor Show at St. Rose’s School, Beeches Green, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5

4AP.

Now in it’s 11th

year this annual show attracts over 400 beautifully restored classic and vintage vehicles, all

displayed in the pretty grounds of St. Rose's School in Stroud. Come along and enjoy homemade cakes and

a drink in the refreshment marquee before browsing the car and non-car related stalls and attractions.

Show opens at 11am and runs until 4pm. Free entry for exhibitors. General public prices - Adults £3.50

which includes a colour programme. Concessions £2.50. Under 16’s £1. Contact telephone: 01453

763793.

Sunday 26th

– Bredwardine and Brobury Classic Show.

Contact Michael Miller 01981 500520 or michaelmillermusic@hotmail.com

Tuesday 28th

-- Monthly meet, Richmond Club, 7.30pm. An evening of Wine Tasting presented by

Majestic Wines – A selection of inexpensive whites and reds will be tasted.

May

Tuesday 12th

-- Shed Night at Eversley House 7.30 pm

Friday 15th

-- Visit to the Air Museum at RAF Cosford, for a tour. If you are interested in coming along,

please let me know. It would be good to take our 7’s for a photoshoot under one of the aircraft.

Alternatively we could hire a minibus for the day. Free entry. £20 for a guide. £3-50 car parking, or free

to coaches. Lunch is available in the canteen, but must be pre-booked.

15

Tuesday 26th

-- Monthly meet, Richmond Club, 7.30pm. An evening of ‘Pre-war motoring films’ hosted

by Ray Moses.

Friday 29th

to 31st

-- Vintage Nostalgia Show, Stockton, Wilts, between Warminster and Salisbury. All things

vintage, cars, dress, automobilia, dance and music.

June

6th

– Madley Classic Car Show and village fete – same drill as previous years – arrive in the morning, a short

run and lunch at the Castlefields Inn for those who want it; fete, food and festivities from 2.00 pm.

6th

-7th

-- Wilton Classic and Supercar Show at Wilton House, Wilton, Salisbury Wilts.

Saturday 13th

– Defford Air Day – A day of vintage aircraft and cars in aid of the Air Ambulance. Held at

Croft Farm, Defford Worcestershire WR8 9BN.

Contact Clive Porter 07767 606172 or e-mail info@defford-croftfarm.co.uk

Saturday / Sunday 13th

/14th

-- Le Mans 24 hrs.

Saturday 20th

– Shelsley Walsh Charity Hill Climb. Briefing at 10.00 am. £85 per car to run. £5.00 to

spectate. Contact Victoria Rawlings 01905 330063 or victoria.rawlings@trs.co.uk

Sunday 21st

– Credenhill Village Fete near Hereford. Classic cars, motorcycles etc. Free entry – contact

Gordon Batchelor on 01432 760312.

27th

– 28th

– Shobdon Food Festival. This year’s event is in celebratiuon of the 70th

anniversary of the

ending of WW11. Lots of pre-war cars are required. Free entry – contact Robin Lewis on 07802 525399 for

details

Tuesday 30th

-- Monthly meet, Richmond Club, 7.30pm ‘Bring your Car’ night for the annual group photo.

July

Sunday 5th

-- 750 Motor Club’s annual rally at Beaulieu. www.750mc.co.uk/austin7.

Sunday 12th

– Visit to Llyn Brianne and Devil’s Staircase. Perhaps not for the faint Hearted! Meet at

Llanthony Priory for coffee, drive up past Hay Bluff, across Mynydd Eppynt and up to Llyn Brianne. Bring

your own picnic lunch and camera! Day ends with supper at the Castlefields Inn

Thursday 16th

to Sunday 19th

– HA7C trip to France kindly hosted by Kip and Carmen Waistell. I was not a

member when the club last did this in 2009, but I do know it was so good that it is still being talked about

today! Crossing by Brittany Ferries – Portsmouth to Caen and staying in the Ibis hotel in Falaise. I have

been in contact with Brittany Ferries to obtain Group booking terms, so if you are coming, please let me

know in good time. I have details of costs.

18th

-19th

July -- Much Marcle Steam Rally. This annual event is very popular and there is free entry. If

interested please send two SAEs, one for entry and the other for them to hold for preferential entry next

year. Contact David Exel – I don’t have a contact number but their website will give details.

24th

to 26th

-- Silverstone Classic. The worlds biggest Classic Motor Racing Festival.

Saturday 25th

– HA7C Committee Meeting at 2.00 pm

Tuesday 28th

—Monthly meet, Richmond Club, 7-30pm. A Guest speaker: details tba

August

Sunday 2nd

– Herefordshire County Fair at Caradoc, Sellack, Hereford. A mini Game Fairwith fishing,

dogracing and equestrian events. Also – stalls, arts and crafts etc. The organisers are looking for classic

cars to add to the attractions, and we are invited to go along either as a club or individually. Details see

website www.herefordshirecountryfair.co.uk Contact me or Julian Gallimore 01544 318146 if you want to

participate.

Sunday 9th

--Three Cocks Show. Following 2014 success, it is proposed to have a club enclosure again at this

year’s show.

Tuesday 25th

-- Monthly meet, Richmond Club, 7.30pm. N&N

Monday 31st

(Bank holiday) – Pershore Plum Festival, Pershore Worcs. 9.00 am onwards. £3.00 entry.

Booking date cut-off 31st

July. I have entry forms or contact Brian Bemer 07809 569101

September

16

Sunday 6th

– Tetbury Classic Car Show. Details at www.tetburyclassiccarshow.org 700 vehicles there last

yearand we are invited. 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. Contact John Billington01666 593952.

Tuesday 8th

-- Shed Night @ Eversley House. 7.30 pm.

Tuesday 29th

-- Monthly meet, Richmond Club, 7.30pm. ‘Peking to Paris’ talk hosted by Kip Waistell.

October

Sunday 25th

-- There maybe a slightly different WVW this year. Details tba.

Tuesday 27th

-- Monthly meet, Richmond Club, 7.30pm. N&N

November

Friday 13th

-- By kind invitation of Stuart and Lyn, an evening of Mulled Wine and Mince Pies @ Eversley

House.

Tuesday 24th

-- Monthly meet, Richmond Club, 7.30pm. Guest Speaker, details tba.

Sunday 29th

-- (Confirmed) Annual Christmas Lunch at the Bunch of Carrots, Hampton Bishop, Hereford.

12.30 for 1.00 pm.

December

There are no meetings this month

If you are organising an event, or know of something that might be of interest to HA7C members, please let

me know.

Michael Harcourt … gpandmh@sky.com

Humble Hints

Choke Cable replacement.

The Choke Cable in my Opal was badly worn, kinked and frayed (like many of us …. Ed) and there was no

doubt a replacement was required as both the Inner and Outer were damaged.

It is critical that the nipple end is a good fit in the choke

control lever. My efforts to source a new cable were not

successful, so I tried the local bike and motorbike shops.

Having met with no success there, I tried the local garden

machinery service centre. The nipple size and shape for

an ATCO Motor Mower is exactly the same as my 1937

Opal. The only difference being the outer cable having a

different diameter on the end to be used next to the

choke control. This can be seen in the photograph

showing the two cables side by side.

I cut off the end of the new cable at the carburettor

fixing, so that I could remove the Inner. I was then

able to turn down the plastic end cap to be inserted

into the choke control lever, which then replicated

the original Bowden cable used in 1937. The inner

was then replaced and the whole lot assembled into

the choke control, the nipple being exactly the same

as the original.

The assembled items can be seen in the second

photograph. All that remained was to cut the cable

17

to length, being considerably shorter than that required for an ATCO Mower!

The cost? £4.00. Not bad for a new item of such importance …. Mike Ward.

So – How does the A7 Cut-out work?

A trick question in an Eddie Loader quiz some time ago effectively drew my attention to the fact that the

dynamo charging circuit on an Austin Seven was not controlled by a ‘Regulator’ – but was in fact a simple

‘cut-out’ switch. This prompted me to try and understand exactly how the said device actually functions.

I read several books on the subject and found considerable amounts of useful information on other A7 club

websites – which I gratefully acknowledge. My aim was to produce a really simple explanation of the cut-

out function.

The following is the result of my investigation/research, which other members might find of interest …

Although these notes refer specifically to a CF3 Cut-out working with an SM5 switch panel and a Lucas

C35A dynamo (in my 1932 car) - the function of the cut-out is similar in other Sevens.

These notes should be read in conjunction with the following schematic diagram Fig 1 …

Introduction …

� The Cut-out is based on a soft iron core around which are wound two coils – a ‘voltage’ coil

(sometimes called the ‘shunt’ winding) which has many turns of light gauge wire and a ‘current’ coil

(sometimes called the ‘series winding’) that has fewer turns of heavier gauge wire and both coils

are wound in the same direction. The core becomes magnetic when current flows in either winding

and when current passes from the dynamo, the magnetism in the core attracts the Armature which

overcomes the attention of the spring and causes the Cut-out contacts to close

� The Austin Seven dynamo has three brushes – an earth brush, a positive brush and a third smaller

brush, whose position around the commutator is to a degree adjustable. This adjustment affects

the current in the dynamo field windings and is used to adjust the dynamo output. As a point of

18

interest - the ‘third brush’ arrangement also rather cleverly causes a gradual reduction in dynamo

output as rev’s increase which prevents the charge rate from becoming too great at high rev’s

� The field windings are normally supplied from the dynamo D+ terminal via a 35 Ohm resistor.

However, if ‘Winter charge’ is selected or the headlights are switched-on, then the switch between

SH and D+ in the SM5 switch panel closes causing the 35 Ohm resistor to be by-passed. This means

a greater voltage is applied to the dynamo field windings - causing an increased output from the

dynamo

So what happens in practice?

Stage 1 - Engine not running and ignition switched off – The Cut-out contacts should be open - to prevent

the battery from discharging through the dynamo

Stage 2 – Ignition switched on – The only available electrical power is from the battery. So, current passes

through the ammeter, which shows a discharge because the battery is providing power to the coil. Also,

the ignition light illuminates because it is earthed through the voltage coil of the Cut-out

Stage 3 – Engine started and running at low rev’s – Everything remains as Stage 2 above because the

dynamo is not producing enough power to change things. The ammeter continues to show a discharge and

the ignition light remains illuminated

Stage 4 – Engine rev’s increased – The dynamo produces more power at D+ and when this exceeds around

6.5 volts - the voltage coil in the cut-out is sufficiently energized for the magnetism in the core to attract

the Armature causing the contacts to close. The dynamo now takes-over from the battery and the

‘current’ coil (because it is wound in the same orientation as the Voltage coil) assists the Voltage coil to

keep the contacts closed thus overcoming the attention of the spring. The ammeter also hopefully shows a

charge

Stage 5 – Engine returns to low rev’s – The dynamo output reduces causing lower current (and thus

magnetic effect) in the voltage coil and when current flows from the battery to the dynamo, the magnetic

effect of the current coil now opposes the weakened Voltage coil effect and the spring disconnects the cut-

out contacts. This prevents any further flow from the battery to the dynamo and the system is now back to

Stage 3 above

Stage 6 – Ignition switched off – The important feature here is that the Cut-out contacts must be open

(they are of course already open if switching-off from low revs). The ammeter should register zero current

in either direction now the coil is no longer connected and the ignition light should not be illuminated

You will be reassured to know that our technical expert Eddie Loader has checked this article and

concluded it is suitable for publication … Bob G

Roadworthiness

Whilst many of us are perfectly happy to accept the responsibility for maintaining our Austins in

roadworthy condition and are delighted not to have to fork-out for annual testing - some members prefer

the reassurance of having a regular independent MOT style test carried-out.

I have spoken to Mike Watkins regarding MOT testing of pre 1963 vehicles and he is prepared to offer

HA7C members a proper MOT test for £35.00 (normal rate is £54.00). The test would be registered

electronically at DVLA and any advisories noted.

If you are interested, the Mike Watkins service and MOT Centre is located at Unit 8, Sweetmans Yard,

Plough Lane, Hereford HR4 0EE. Telephone 01432 344311.

I am aware that one of our members had occasion to be less than delighted with Mike Watkins mechanical

repair service but having known Mike for many years - I would be happy to use his MOT services.

Eddie

19

Tail Lights

You may recall an invitation in the November 2014 Crankhandle to

better explain the positioning of the Rist horn in this picture.

We published an ‘explanation’ in the January Newsletter and I am

delighted to say another interesting suggestion has been forthcoming

to explain why the horn should be mounted in this unusual way.

This second occasion was in 1959 when a friend of mine bought his first

car – a 1934 Austin Seven Ruby because his employment was

transferred from Ebbw Vale to Llanwern steel works. He needed the car because his complicated shift

patterns ruled-out any possibility of using public transport.

Unfortunately, when driving home after night shifts he often found himself feeling drowsy and almost

dropping off to sleep. He contacted me saying this was a dangerous situation and he might have to

consider handing-in his notice. I suggested he waited whilst I examined the possibility of fitting some sort

of automatic ‘sleep alarm’.

I had in the back of my mind that there was a regular advertisement in the Exchange & Mart describing

such an alarm. The firm was called ‘Withams’ and they offered a mail order facility for spare motoring

parts.

After consulting my friend, the kit was sent-for and it duly arrived the next day, which was quite usual in

those days. The kit consisted of light duty webbing head-gear made of canvass and rubber and this was

attached to a mercury switch mounted on the side of the headgear, which was connected by flexible cable

to a latching relay. The whole set-up was designed so that the mercury switch would make contact if the

driver’s head were to tip forwards or backwards as it might were he to fall asleep.

The relay was connected to the horn that continued to sound until the driver stopped the car and

deactivated the circuit via the reset switch mounted below the driver’s seat. The whole process was

intended to ensure the driver was fully awake before he could continue his journey.

The instructions also suggested reversing the horn to ensure it would be audible – and this may explain the

horn position shown in the photograph.

On a later occasion, I borrowed his car to take my girlfriend home from the College dance (in those days

supper dances finished at 2.00 am) and as it was a considerable distance and getting late – I wore the

‘sleep alarm’. Upon arrival at her parent’s house, we engaged in the usual goodnight kiss and you can

guess what happened next. I tipped my head towards her but forgot to switch-off the alarm so the horn

sounded at about 4.30 am.

There was a mad scramble to find the reset switch – but by that time the whole street was probably awake.

Needless to say that was the end of a beautiful romance.

Troof or spoof – answers as usual on a postcard please.

Thanks Eddie ... Ed

Finally ... A puzzle

20

A Hereford man was driving his Austin Seven to visit friends in a very remote village in mid Wales but

unfortunately became hopelessly lost. (He had no maps, his smartphone had no signal and his A7 was not

fitted with Sat-nav). He arrived at a fork in the road but there was no signpost and he remembered that

one road led to the village and the other led to many miles of desolate moorland. It was getting late and

he had not seen anyone for some time, then to his great relief he noticed a Welsh Llandrover slowly

approaching.

Now, it was common knowledge that this remote part of Wales was populated by two very different tribes

– one tribe were truth tellers and the other were all compulsive liars - unfortunately the tribes were

indistinguishable. The other problem was that the Welsh Assembly had recently passed a law that allowed

visitors only a single question when seeking directions in the Principality.

Happily, the Llandrover driver pulled-over and our colleague quickly ascertained the correct road to the

village.

So what was his question?

Answers on a postcard please – Usual prizes for the first correct answer, which will be published in the next

(May 2015) issue of the Newsletter.

21

Committee contact details -

Chairman – Derek Choppen ...........................................Tel 01989740583

Mob 07769352945

derekchoppen@yahoo.co.uk

Secretary - Mike Ward ...................................................Tel01600-890902

Mob 07939-539926

m.ward789@btinternet.com

Treasurer - Ron Sadler ................................................ Tel 01981-250365

Mob 07775-753412

rsadler6@aol.com

Events Co-ordinator - Michael Harcourt ......................Tel 01600-891345

Mob 07836-225723

gpandmh@sky.com

Technical Advisor - Eddie Loader ................................ Tel 01432-356841

Mob 07817-361921

Crankhandle Editor – Bob Garrett ............................... Tel 01497 831310

Mob 07900-496073

fatcontroller.bob@btinternet.com

HA7C Website Address: www.herefordaustin7club.co.uk

Please note that the views expressed in the HA7C Newsletter are not necessarily those of the Club, Committee or Editor.

HA7C Newsletter March 2015