Torque of the North - May 2024
Austin Healey Club Northern Centre's Newsletter
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Hi ,
News from around the North
Two big events, Don Barrow and Drive It Day dominated April. Not that I had much Healey luck, whilst servicing and adding LEDs to my 3000, I somehow stopped the Alternator charging. Having worked through my own check list, I resorted to our technical guru Dave Sinclair who, after a flurry of emails finally reckons “something weird” is going on…happy days. So less of the “who’s the plonker in the Lotus” on the Lakes & Dales pic below.
A Blast from the Past
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Northern Centre members were treated to a real blast from the past when “King of Navigators”, Don Barrow, gave us a real insight into the “fun and games” of the 60’s road rally scene. From sheer exhaustion on the 72 hours ‘64 Spa- Sofia–Liege to exhilaration coming first in the GT class of the ‘64 RAC Rally in his works 3000, Don held us all spellbound. His cheeky name dropping; Timo Mäkinen burning through tyres faster than BMC could fit them and other (named) drivers recognising the importance of personal grooming prior to press cameras catching them at the end of a stage. A fantastic afternoon at the Avro Museum in Stockport, thanks to Doug for some awesome organisation.
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Fantastic to see that across the Centre we had a whole load of Austin Healeys (and other less interesting machinery), out on the roads enjoying the beautiful spring weather and fantastic northern scenery on Sunday 21st April. I’m sure we all saw our fair share sheep, cattle grids, potholes and inevitable rain. Lakes & Dales, Yorkshire, North Wales and Northumbria fielded 28 cars including 20 Healeys, drove 250+ miles, ate 58 lunches - all in aid of the FBHVC supported Childline Drive It Day.
Well done and thanks to route organisers; Roger Brook, John and Jill Bowman, Murray Shand and Norman Butler for all their hard work.
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Sat / Sun 1st / 2nd June. The Knutsford show is one of the UK’S most loved classic car shows, celebrating the golden age of motoring. You can view some of the finest cars ever made, with more than 2000 classics on site. There is something for everyone! Buying or selling? You can’t miss their famous classic car autojumble, its truly massive. More than 90 car clubs exhibit alongside superb examples owned by private exhibitors.
For more details about the show see www.tattonclassiccarshow.com. Contact Mike Stonier to get your car booked onto the club stand, be quick, spaces are limited.
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Thirlestane Castle - was a last-minute addition to the programme last year which proved to be a very successful highlight of the AHC Scottish calendar. Based in Lauder, TD2 6RU, this show is a must for all members based in the old stomping ground of the Border Reivers. The closing date for the club stand has past but if attending the show as an individual, let Richard Spalding know you are coming. richard.spalding@ahc-northern.org.uk
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Brit Fest 2024 - Fri-Sun 5-7 July – This one is for the Gen-X in the Club
Welcome to the Brit Fest Cheshire, a celebration of all things British: music, culture, cars, food, drink, sport, entertainment and more…. Taking place at Ashley Hall Showground, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 3QA and featuring Bonnie Tyler, Scouting For Girls, Paul Young, Heather Small, Kim Wilde, Nik Kershaw and many more, the organisers are inviting classic car club members to display their cars in return for two complimentary general admission tickets per car per day and free camping. Tickets are on sale for £67 per person per day. See www.thebritfest.co.uk for full details. This needs an early response so please contact Robert Thornburrow (our very own Gen-Xer) ASAP to book a place. webmaster@ahc-northern.org.uk
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Glamis Castle Sat/Sun 13th - 14th July - The Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Club will once more hold their 48th Scottish Transport Extravaganza in the magnificent grounds of Glamis Castle over the weekend. This event is regarded as the finest vintage motoring event in Scotland and one of the largest of its kind in Britain. The display brings together over 1700 vehicles representing a wide array of transport comprising veteran, vintage and classic vehicles and a significant part of the display is created by the various car clubs who attend. The event also attracts over 150 Stands with auto jumble, motor trade, antiques and fundraising stalls.
The AHC stand is full but you may still be able to get a private entry via the Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Club website. Contact Ian Walker: scotland@ahc-northern.org.uk for details
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Northern Centre at Yorkshire Elegance
The AHC has once again been invited to display our cars at the Yorkshire Elegance on their Ladies and Revival Day, Tues/Weds, 16th/17th July 2024. This year the YE has moved to Grantly Hall, Ripon, HG4 3ET, for a grander affair and now has even more prestigious car clubs, sponsors and displays than ever. For full event details please visit: https://thefastlaneclub.com/yorkshire-elegance
You will have seen in March’s Revcounter that the AHC National Concours is also taking place at Yorkshire Elegance on Weds 17th July, so this is a real opportunity to “mix it” with the most exclusive cars outside of London’s Salon Privé. Entry to the AHC National Concours is via the National website.
We’ve secured 10+ Austin Healey places on each day with tickets for two occupants, (£15pp) aiming to display the range of marques within the club. Attendees will need to have the car on stand for the full day: 10am-5pm. However we expect to be oversubscribed, so you’ll appreciate we’ll be looking for members to be flexible on dates to help planning.
To register your interest, please contact Jeff Hollinshead at: jeff.hollinshead@ahc-northern.org.uk giving your name, car type, reg, occupant details and preferred day of attendance. Further details on the centre website as we get closer to the event.
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Summer Drive and BBQ at Gawsworth Hall
Back again this year, without the rain, we are holding our BBQ at the fabulous Gawsworth Hall on Wed 24th July 2024. Starting at 10 AM with tea and coffee, we’ll have an exclusive one hour guided tour of the Tudor Hall, a chance to eat your own picnic on the lawns, a 2 hour drive around the scenic Peak District roads ending up back at Gawsworth Hall for a private BBQ indulging in the splendour and the peace and quiet of the enchanting grounds. Goodbyes from 6:30pm. Price: £30pp includes, arrival refreshments, guided tour, driving route and BBQ in the grounds of Gawsworth Hall. Bring your own picnic lunch or stop for a bite on the afternoon drive.
Book your place by contacting Doug: chairman@ahc-northern.org.uk with names and special dietary requirements. Limited to 40 places so book early: closing date 30th June.
HealeySports
For those that love to see Healeys tearing up the track, the season gets underway at Anglesey on 4/5th May with the next race in the Northern area at Harewood Hill on 8/9th June.
Yorkshire May Noggin
For the month of May only: the Yorkshire Noggin is moving to The Punch Bowl at Marton cum Grafton, YO51 9QY on Wed the 15th May from 18:30 onwards. This is a great opportunity for members living north of Harrogate to get to a local Noggin. Please disregard Revcounter Noggin listing for this month.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
- Sunday 2nd June - Thirlestane Castle. In the Borders, contact richard.spalding@ahc-northern.org.uk for details.
- Sat/Sun 13th/14th July 2024 - Glamis Castle. Scottish Transport Extravaganza. Contact Ian Walker at scotland@ahc-northern.org.uk for details.
- Tues/Weds 16th/17th July 2024 - Yorkshire Elegance 2024 Grantly Hall near Ripon in company with the AHC National Concours. Contact Jeff Hollinshead at yorkshire@ahc-northern.org.uk to join the club ticket list. We are charging £15pp to increase the number of cars we can display.
- **New** Sunday 21st July - Newby Hall Historic Vehicle Rally Yorkshire The North of England's largest one day show. Bookings are now open via the Newby Hall website where you will be directed to the NECPWA website. Let Jeff Hollinshead know you are going on 0780097441
- Wednesday 24th July 2024 - Gawsworth Hall BBQ and Drive. We will have an exclusive tour of the Hall with a picnic lunch on the lawn followed by a Cheshire drive and our own BBQ back in the grounds of the Hall, later in the day. Contact Doug McClymont: chairman@ahc-northern.org.uk
- Sunday 11th August - Croft Historic Vehicle Weekend. AHC will have a stand on the Sunday; the club will submit the member entries in one application to receive free tickets for club members. Contact Murray Shand for details and to book your place giving the following details: Driver’s name, vehicle make and model, Reg No, e-mail address. Closing date 5th July. See club website for full details
- Sunday 12th August 2024 - Classics over Sands - https://classicsoversands.org Classics over Sands takes place, each year, in the beautiful Edwardian town of Grange over Sands. The show takes place on the town's recreational field, overlooking Morecambe Bay: this is a great day out for all the family with over 300 cars and bikes on show and stalls and activities to entertain everyone. For more information - Phil Kershaw on 07836 622293.
CENTRE CONTACTS
- Northeast - Contact Murray at tyneside@ahc-northern.org.uk or on 07850 286099 or via WhatsApp for details of future events and noggins in the Northeast
- Yorkshire - Contact Jeff Hollinshead on 07800 974418 or at yorkshire@ahc-northern.org.uk or via WhatsApp
- North Wales - For information on Noggins and events contact John or Jill on 07766 706554 or via WhatsApp
- Scotland - Contact Ian Walker on 07740 148881 or at scotland@ahc-northern.org.uk or on WhatsApp - Scotland - North East – For local Noggins, contact Tony Ball on 07703 349679 or on WhatsApp.
- Northwest - Contact Mike Stonier on 07941 757648 or at events@ahc-northern.org.uk
- Lakes and Dales - Contact Norman Butler on 07788148485, lakesanddales@ahc-northern.org.uk or WhatsApp.
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