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Torque of the North
The monthly newsletter of the AHC Northern Centre
August 2024
AHCN - Torque of the North - August 2024

Torque of the North - August 2024

Austin Healey Club Northern Centre's Newsletter
Hi ,

What a fantastic July, with Brit Fest, Yorkshire Elegance (do those actually words go together?), Newby Hall and finally the Gawsworth Hall BBQ, missed as it was my latest big birthday.  Huge congratulations to Lesley Peel, who elbowed all the big Guys out of the way to take top prize.  Loads still left on the calendar, with summer finally arriving as we slip into August. 
 
News from around the North
 
Brit Fest
Brit Fest turned out to be a splendid weekend with some fantastic bands and even some half-decent weather.  Highlights were Hot Chocolate (even without Errol), The Real Thing, The Rock Choir, Nik Kershaw (no relation), Kim Wilde, Toploader, Tunde (Lighthouse Family) and many more.  We even got a free CD from The Bartells as the guitarist liked our cars! With prime spot alongside the stages: we're keen to get invited next year.
 
Yorkshire Elegance
First year at its new location at Grantley Hall, Yorkshire Elegance once again raised the standard to a new level of quality and prestige. Typical of the cars on show was this line up including Mercedes, Bentleys, SS1 and an AH100S.
 Over two days, 20 Austin Healeys were invited to display at this prestigious meet and we were treated to a fabulous car extravaganza with great entertainment, terrific food stalls and if you fancied, some delicious Yorkshire fizz too.

Well done to the Northern members who won prizes at the National Concours competition held at Grantley.  Mike Robinson won best 100.  George Waddington for best 3000MkIIA-III, Trevor Gammage with his Rally 3000 in Modified Big Healey & Judges Choice whilst Lesley Peel took two top prizes in her Mk 1 Sprite; the Masters class and Overall Winner.  Great to see David Harding all the way down from Dumfries and Galloway to enter his 3000.  Only one trophy left the Northern Centre this year.  Thanks to all the Northern Centre members who entered the concours and took the time to clean, polish and prepare their cars to such a high standard, you did us proud!
Glamis Castle
Sunny weather meant another fantastic weekend at Glamis for everyone who attended and supported the club in Scotland. There were some outstanding Healeys on display and Ian is looking to increase the number of cars on display from 14 to 20 next year so don’t miss booking for this event in 2025.
Newby Hall
A great day at the Newby Hall Classic car show in July.  At a show with over 1000 cars on display, the club had an excellent pitch at a very busy part of the show next to the Aston Martins and the Jaguar DC.  Highlight for me was this brilliant hard top designed to give supreme weather protection, whilst colour co-ordination could be better...
Photo by Mike Robinson

Summer Drive and BBQ at Gawsworth Hall
It’s a British summer so it wouldn’t have been a proper BBQ if we didn’t see some rain (well, a lot).  We enjoyed a terrific tour of the house guided by the owner himself, Rupert Richards, and an opportunity to picnic in the tranquillity of the lawns before setting off for an entertaining drive in the nearby Staffordshire and Derbyshire countryside.  A few “car ailments” meant that we were down on Healeys but those cars that were match fit, relished the day.  Thankfully the orangery meant that we were able to stay dry whilst dining in a manner reminiscent of the many previous Tudor custodians of Gawsworth Hall.

Still to come!
Hebden Bridge Vintage Weekend - Sunday 4th August
A real favourite this, registration for Hebden Bridge is open and still has spaces. Our cars are suited for the Group P: post war cars 1941-1966 category on Sunday 4th Aug. Book in at: https://www.hebdenbridge-vintageweekend.org.uk/2023-vehicle-registration and let Jeff Hollinshead know you’ve booked!

Lakes and Dales August noggin and run - Thursday 8th August
Norman is keen for anyone in Northern to join us they can just turn up at 6pm at the Crooklands (our normal venue), for a scenic trip, organised by Richard, around the beautiful Lakes and Dales in the evening sunshine (yes, its booked).  Obviously if you want to join us for the meal at 7.30pm at the Plough at Lupton, then please let Norman or Richard know beforehand.
Croft Historic Vehicle Weekend - Sat/Sun 10th/11th August
Evolving from the Croft Nostalgia and Croft Retro events, this two-day event features classics from the 50s - 80s, offering something for all classic enthusiasts. We’ll have a stand on the Sunday 11th; the club will submit the member entries in one application to receive free tickets for club members.  Closing date for clubs has passed but if you decide to pay & go, drop Murray a line to let him know you are going. See club website for full details.
Classics over Sands - Sun 11th August
See www.classicsoversands.org for more information or contact Phil Kershaw 07836 622293.  FULLY BOOKED.

Tatton Park - Sat/Sun 17th/18th August
Passion for Power is a huge show featuring everything the discerning classic car enthusiast could ever want. The Show offers the perfect opportunity to look at hundreds of exotic supercars and find everything you could ever want or need at the various trade stalls. For more details about the show see: www.tattonpassionforpower.com

AGM - Yorkshire - Wednesday 16th October 2024 - Save the date
The Northern Centre AGM will coincide with the regular Yorkshire Noggin and Natter and will be held at The Black Horse, Clifton, Brighouse, HD6 4HJ at 8pm on 16 Sep. There will be light refreshments for those attending in person so do come along.

Treasurer
We are always looking volunteers to join the committee and this year is no different, except that we are especially on the lookout for a new Treasurer for next year.

We have been lucky to have had Jonathan Pilkington as our Treasurer over the last 6 years with his enthusiasm and energy, however he has decided, at the next AGM, to stand down. Whilst this is a vital role in the running of the centre, it doesn’t require accountancy skills: Jonathan describes the job as “straight forward”.  If you are interested in getting involved with the committee, this is a great opportunity to get stuck in.  We meet as a committee; 6 times a year over Zoom so no need to travel too far to join in.  Contact Doug McClymont at chairman@ahc-northern.org.uk or 07940 313947 for more details.

Finally,
The supporters of the Springhill Hospice in Rochdale, OL16 4PZ, are raising funds for the hospice with a Classic Car show on Sun 25 Aug. Donations of £10 per car will secure a place at the show and entrants should contact the organiser, Keith, direct on 07748 193884 to book this event.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
  • Sunday 4th August - Hebden Bridge Vintage Weekend.  A real favourite this, registration for Hebden Bridge is open and expected to be fully booked rather quickly. Our cars are suited for the Group P: post war cars 1941-1966 category on Sunday 4th Aug. Book in their website:
    https://www.hebdenbridge-vintageweekend.org.uk/2023-vehicle-registration and let Jeff Hollinshead know you’ve booked!   Jeff Hollinshead on 07800974418
  • 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  - Fully booked
  • Sat/Sun 17th/18th August - Passion for Power at Tatton Park.  This will be our second visit to Tatton Park this year. Hopefully the sun will be shining and we will have a fabulous weekend enjoying one another's company, food from our BBQ and all that this show has to offer. Space is limited so book your tickets at least 4 weeks before the show by emailing Mike Stonier at events@ahc-northern.org.uk
  • **New**  Sat/Sun 24th/25th August - HealeySport Hill Climb - Loton Park near Shrewsbury on B4393 at Alderbury. Healey Speed Championship - Rounds 11 & 12 - North Wales area are planning to attend and support our club drivers.  Always an entertaining race programme in the beautiful setting of Loton Park.  Let Jill Bowman (North Wales below)  know if you are planning to come along.
  • AGM - Yorkshire - Wed 16th October - Save the date.
  • **New**  Tue 5th November - Skittles Night . Our annual Skittles Night at the Bickerton Poacher, Bulkeley, Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 8BE. Meet 19:00 for food at 19:30 followed by a game of skittles. Please let Mike you are coming for numbers: events@ahc-northern.org.uk
     
  • Other events are being organised at local area level at short notice via Whatsapp groups. Get yourself on the groups and intothe action by getting in touch with your local rep below.

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.