Torque of the North - November 2025
Austin Healey Club Northern Centre's Newsletter
|
|
|
Hi ,
News from around the North
As winter approaches and the cars go into hibernation, we are already planning next year's events. Until I became involved with planning and organising, I would never have envisaged how much effort and time is required from a fair number of people... many of whom are also involved in running the Club. Having said that it’s also a lot of fun! Incidentally, I’ll be starting my own racing series shortly, as Christmas comes around, see below - spoiler alert, Healey rarely wins:
|
|
Thanks to everyone joining us for the AGM at the North Wales Noggin. We had over 30 members joining for the evening which saw us vote in the committee (listed at the end of this report) - minutes available on request from the Secretary.
Coffee and Classics Run
|
|
The Scottish area managed a wee run after the October C and C at the Park Bistro over to Canada Wood near Falkirk for a spot of lunch. Many Thanks to Nick Gould for organising the Coffee & Classics and this cracking little run, with one more C&C for 2025 make sure you join in!
New Tools in the Northern Centre Toolbox
|
|
Ever wanted to see your insides? The Northern Centre has been expanding its toolbox with this state-of-the-art Borescope. So, if you need to know what’s going on in your bowels (Healey that is) then this handy tool could be the answer:
- Our borescope has a 5.5mm diameter camera probe on a 5M semi-rigid cable that can be bent and hold its shape.
- The waterproof camera has 3 adjustable brightness levels of the 6 LEDs. The 4.3-inch colour LED screen will capture picture and videos.
- The built-in battery can work continuously for about 4 hours and is rechargeable through USB cable.
Members can loan this and many other tools free of charge, the only cost being a refundable deposit and the cost of post within the UK. Contact Trevor Gammage via the Toolbox page on the Northern Centre website.
HERO Rally Win
|
|
Yorkshire member Martin Paterson’s 100/6 after his class win and 22nd overall at October’s HERO rally based in Chepstow, brilliant result and well worth the wash afterwards. After the rally, Martin said on the Yorkshire WhatsApp, “Still lots to learn but we were really pleased to be in the top 1/4. All in all, a great weekend... . now the winter projects start with the gear box coming out in the next couple of weeks. Thanks for the technical advice over the last few weeks.”
November 7th-9th - NEC Classic Motor Show 2025
|
|
See you there. November NEC is clearly the biggest and best. You can find bits, buy cars and talk endlessly about our favourite subject. For more details see Classic Motor Show website & don't forget to book parking NEC Website. Members & friends get a club discount of £4 off single-day adult tickets or £2 off family, child or multi-day tickets. Please do NOT share this code elsewhere online. The discount applied to advance ticket prices before midnight on Thurs 6 Nov.
Blast from the Past
|
|
A rare Austin Healey spotted by Philip Johnson at the Bubble Car Museum in Lincolnshire & not a screen in sight! We all remember having a Scalextric set at some time, was this the trigger for Healey ownership and the desire to pass MGAs? Clearly our editor hasn’t got over his childish obsessions!
Still to come!
Tue 4th November - Bickerton Poacher Skittles Night
|
|
It’s our annual Skittles night on Tuesday 4th November at the Bickerton Poacher, Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 8BE, 6.30pm for 7pm. Steak and Ale pie will be served at 7pm, followed by our pub skittles challenge. We usually have sufficient attendance to have 3 teams Cheshire, Leek and North Wales. This is always a great night so book a place with Mike Stonier on Northerncentreevents@aol.com or 07941 757648.
Thu 18th December - North Wales Xmas Party Night
|
|
First of the festive gatherings gets under way at the Cricket Club, Northrop Hall. 7.15pm onwards. Culinary goodies; Quiz; Film Show; Raffle. Contact John & Jill Bowman below.
Sat 10th January 2026 - Scottish Area Late Christmas Lunch
|
|
AHC Scotland Area Late Christmas Lunch on Saturday 10th January 1.00pm at the Atlantic Brasserie, St Vincent Street, Glasgow. To book a place please contact Neil Munn by 1st December on 07730 422301 or neil.munn@ahc-northern.org.uk
Sun 11th January 2026 - Golden Pheasant Late Christmas Lunch
|
|
You are invited to the Northwest Late Christmas Lunch at the Golden Pheasant on Sunday 11th January 2026 meeting at 11:30 am for pre-lunch drinks. The lunch includes the welcome drinks, 3 course Christmas menu followed by coffee and mince pies. The menu will offer 4 choices per course and wine will be served at the table. The cost is £40 pp including welcome drinks and a glass of served wine. Contact Ivor Davies to book your place on ivor.davies@ahc-northern.org.uk or 07899 046103.
29th May 2026
|
|
|
After several years’ gap The Austin Healey Club Scottish Area will be returning to the Scottish Highlands for CHASIN’ THE HAGGIS in 2026!! A 3-day tour will start in Edinburgh and be based at The Loch Ness Hotel in Drumnadrochit for three nights from Friday 29th May to Monday 1st June 2026. Two loop runs are planned in the beautiful, scenic, habitat of THE HAGGIS on the Saturday and Sunday. Places are limited so “early birds get the first slot”! Please see Link or contact Richard Spalding (thespaldings@gmail.com or 07598194394) for more details.
|
|
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
SCOTLAND (CENTRAL) - 2nd Wednesday of the month (Mar-Nov) AHC club joins in with “Coffee and Classics” at various locations, meeting at 10:30am. Details on Coffee & Classics Facebook Group or from Richard Spalding on 07598 194394
|
|
| 12 Nov |
Mortonhall Garden Centre |
- Yorkshire area Noggins are now all starting at 7pm on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. The change has been published in RevCounter.
- NE Scotland Noggin & Natters The NE Scotland group has recently started a regular monthly meet (1st Friday of the month) at a new car themed cafe; “The Drive” near Haddo House, B999, Ellon, AB41 7NU
- Tue 4th November - Skittles Night. Bickerton Poacher. See website for more details or contact Mike Stonier below.
- Thur 18th December - North Wales Christmas Party. 7.15pm onwards. Culinary goodies; Quiz; Film Show; Raffle. Contact John & Jill Bowman below.
- Sat 10th January 2026 - Scotland Area Late Christmas Lunch at 1.00pm in the Atlantic Brasserie, St Vincent Street, Glasgow. To book a place please contact Neil Munn by 1st December on 07730 422301 or neil.munn@ahc-northern.org.uk
- Sun 11th January 2026 Golden Pheasant Late Christmas Lunch You are invited to the Northwest Late Christmas Lunch at the Golden Pheasant on Sunday 11th January 2026 meeting at 12 noon for 12:30 lunch. Please contact Ivor Davies to book your place.
|
|
See the Northern Centre Website or National Club Website for all events.
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
|
|
Northern Centre Committee 2025-26
| Chairman & Director |
Doug McClymont |
| Vice-Chairman |
Paul Johnson |
| Treasurer |
Steve Ormerod |
| Membership & Yorkshire |
Jeff Hollinshead |
| Webmaster |
Robert Thornburrow |
| Secretary |
John Zubak |
| General/Toolbox |
Trevor Gammage |
| North Wales |
John & Jill Bowman |
| Scotland |
Ian Walker |
| General |
Richard Spalding |
| Tatton |
Mike Stonier |
| Northeast |
Murray Shand |
| |
| Officers: |
| Valuation Officer |
John Ridyard |
| Technical Adviser |
Dave Sinclair |
|
|
|
|
|
![](2953c5c0-bc4a-ca00-6334-0197903087a8.png")
![](5f075954-cad5-900b-27cc-74cf537c7df0.jpg")
