Torque of the North - August 2023
Austin Healey Club Northern Centre's Newsletter
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Hi ,
Last months TOTN talked about June’s fantastic weather & it’s poured with rain ever since (even the FOS was cancelled), fingers crossed for August then, given the plethora of events we have in store for you! Tickets are getting scarce for some August events, so be quick if you want to join the fun.
My efforts to get to the Lakes last month in my Healey were thwarted by old car gremlins, but I’m trying again for the Noggin on 10th August. Bowcliffe Concours was a great success, with many Northern members grabbing silverware - more later.
News from around the North - upcoming events
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Croft Historic Race Weekend and Show A two-day meet of classic cars, vintage vehicles, historic racing and on the Sunday (only) music and performers from 1950's - 1980's. Entry is Free by completing the CLASSIC VEHICLE BOOKING FORM & sending it to the organisers. (it’s vital to include you’re with the Austin Healey Club) tell Murray Shand you’ll be there. CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES - Friday 4th August 2023.
If you haven’t got a ticket for the North west BBQ and run on 25th August, there is ONE TICKET LEFT, so hit the phone to Doug and enjoy Trevor’s run across Derbyshire/Cheshire and Doug/Phil/Jonathan’s limited cooking skills!
Further news
There were some brave Healey owners out there in June, John Bowman’s shot of Caerwys with a particularly angry sky captures the mood perfectly.
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Only two Healeys risked the rain at Holker Hall; John Ridyard’s BJ8 and a 100 that John had previously owned and restored. Phil K gave up on both Healey and Elan (in Wilmslow) to finally turn up in his Defender (warm and dry!).
Commiserations to James Hughes who had a brilliant weekend in his Sprite at the Anglesey 24 Hr Le Mans style race over 4 “rounds” including this spectacular night race. After winning the first 3 rounds outright the gearbox failed in the last 10 minutes whilst leading the final 4th round.
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The Lakes and Dales Noggin and Natter got off to a great start with 10 members kicking off the inaugural meeting in 7 Healeys at the Crooklands Inn (LA7 7NW) on 13th July. Super pub with easy access from the Cumbria, Dales and Preston areas. Well done Norman for kicking this off.
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Meanwhile, up in Scotland a touring Healey driven by Les & Zonda from Oz came unstuck by the ULEZ regulations in Glasgow when they were banned from their central hotel garage... Scotland rep Ian Walker sourced them a garage in nearby Milngavie to avoid ULEZ charges, as Ian says, “The Healey family works around the World”.
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Weather held out for the Yorkshire Elegance at Bowcliffe Hall. 14 cars were invited to display at this prestigious meet and we were all rewarded with a “Reet Good Show” in spectacular surroundings and a much larger event than previous years. Many other classics were there on display including the first Bentley to enter Le mans in 1923.
Well done to the Northern members who won prizes at the National Concours competition held at Bowcliffe. Les and Sue Powell in the Best Jensen Healey, Mike Steel in the Best 3000 MkIIA-MkIII, Lesley Peel in the Best Sprite MkI, Trevor Gammage with his Rally 3000 in the Judges Choice and John Ducker 2nd in the 100/6 3000 MkI-II. 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!
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Events Diary
- August - North Wales Centre “Fun in a Field” DATE TO BE ADVISED. Camping and picnic weekend. Pre-Booking, Contact Jill for information. Date will depend on haymaking. Jill Bowman
- 5th-6th August 2023 - Hebden Bridge - Booking now open. Go to Northern Centre Events for more details on how to book.
- 6th August 2023 - North East Air Land & Sea Museum, Sunderland invites the AHC. Cars enter for free. Go to Northern Centre Events for more details or contact Jen austinhealeyclubnorthumbria@outlook.com for more details.
- Sunday 13th August - Classics over Sands - Fully booked, but call Phil Kershaw on 07836 622293.
- Friday 25th August 2023 - North West BBQ. We are planning a run in the Peak District starting at the Avro Heritage Museum (photo opportunities alongside the Vulcan). The run ends with a BBQ in the Paddock of Nether Alderley Church in the lovely Cheshire countryside. To grab your ticket e-mail Doug at: chairman@ahc-northern.org.uk
- 2nd-3rd September 2023 - Croft Nostalgia The North Eastern team are planning to return to the Croft Circuit to attend the Historic Sports Car Club Race meeting.
- New 3rd September - Longridge Vehicle Show. PR3 3PQ Organised by the Longridge and North Preston Rotary this is a local event for members in the Northwest. Full details and tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/longridge-vehicle-show-tickets-621666099037 Contact Norman Butler for details of club attendance.
Centre Contacts
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