Download pdf - Hello everyone. 20 members attended April’s Club … › download › i › mark_dl › u › 4006712552...MHVC. The Mag. May 2017 2 Hello everyone. 20 members attended April’s

MHVC. The Mag. May 2017 1

May 2017

If you look carefullyat the bottom ofthis advert, you’llfind that thesetyres were madethere!

This ‘Palace’ wasconstructed as partof the BritishEmpire exhibitionof 1924 & 1925.Also constructedfor the sameexhibition was theoriginal WembleyStadium.

(This article iscontinued onpp 6 & 7 )


Hello everyone. 20 members attended April’s Club Night, which was an inside treasure hunt– basically an exercise in map reading. Four teams formed and each followed variousinstructions that provided routes to destinations that were revealed a cryptic question. Twoteams answered all questions correctly and the winning team was finally decided on a secondtie-break question. Congratulations to Geoff Whiston, Don Fry, Geoff Basketter and RoySummerscales, each of whom received a bottle of wine. (See back page Ed.) My thanks toPaul Cartwright for organising.

The raffle was won by Stuart Lomas and Ken Simons who each received a bottle of wine. Mythanks to Marilyn Lowe for organising the prizes and selling raffle tickets.

There will be no evening Club Meeting on the first Monday in May (the 1��) because this is abank holiday and as many of our members will be at Gawsworth all day. We have once againdecided to hold the Evening Club Meeting on the second Monday in May (the 8��). Space onthe club stand at Gawsworth is limited so if anyone wants to display on the club stand buthas not yet entered then please contact John French or Stuart Lomas. For anyone who doesnot pre-arrange a space with either John or Stuart, there is ample parking in the generaldisplay field and you are of course still welcome to make use of the club marquee.

Our May Club Night on the second Monday in May (8��) will be an Evening Run organised bySuzanne and Geoff Howard. The run will start at the Lindow Common Car Park, Wilmslowwith a departure time between 19:00 and 19:30, to help separation of vehicles on the run.Suzanne will be there beforehand, if entrants want to start earlier. The suggested route willbe approximately 18 miles and will be given in the form of written instructions. The finishwill be at the Plough and Flail, Mobberley WA16 7DB. The entry cost for the run will be £3payable in advance or on the evening. It would be helpful if you could notify Suzanne orGeoff in advance if you wish to enter the run.

This will be the first of 3 evening runs to country pubs that we have introduced into ourprogramme this year so your committee would welcome feedback – shall we continue withthis format next year? Does anyone have any suggestions for possible venues next year? Isanyone prepared to organise an evening run? With this in mind our June meeting will be atthe Swettenham Arms but as yet we have not had any volunteer to organise a run so at themoment this is being promoted as a Rollin’ Noggin’ and members are being invited to maketheir own travel arrangements.

Letter to Chairman Phil Priestley, Dear Phil,

Thank-you for your letter of January 26�� 2017. It was with a mixture of amazementand delight that I read the MHVC Committee had decided to make me an HonoraryLife Member. I would be grateful if you would convey my thanks to the Committeefor this honour.Little did we think that 50 years ago, when Jim Bowen more or less coerced someof us into starting MHVC, it would last so long. He would have been delighted, as Iam, and hope it will continue for many years to come.Kindest Regards and Yours Sincerely, Neville Carr.


It is sad to report the death of Brian Clarkson. Brian was quite a sportsman in his youngerday and played rugby for Sale, a sport which he had followed throughout his life. He racedin the 750 formula and was a competent skier and ice skater.He was very much a `hands on man` starting his own business (Investment Castings(Congleton) Limited) with considerable help from his wife Betty. The business is now athriving enterprise and is operated by his two sons Paul and David.

Brian and Betty purchased a tumble-down house in Siddington. Together, they rebuilt thishouse and turned into the beautiful house it is today. Whilst doing this, they lived in a staticcaravan with their sons.Brian was always a keen motorist with interest in Vintage and Classic cars. He bought a 1955BN2 100M Austin Healey which was converted from left to right hand drive. The car isimmaculate today. His prize possession was a 1955, AC ACE, which he completely restored.

This was the car that won a prize atGawsworth a couple of years ago. He alsoowned a 1969 MGC, again in concourscondition and was in the midst of restoring a1934 Morgan Super Aero and a 1966 MGAwith his grandson.Brian was a perfectionist. He built a motorhouse in solid oak to house his car collection.It was like a clinic inside; every tool had itsplace and was always returned cleaned for usethe next time.He was variously a member of the VSCC,MHVC and many other motoring clubs. Healso owned a motorcycle. Brian`s every daycar was a Porsche and he also had a LandroverDiscovery for work-horse use carrying enginesetc. about. Betty and Brian`s first car was a

1929 Morris Minor which is still in the family and awaiting restoration.

For many years, Brian and Betty organised the MHVC – CLARKSON RUN, which was alwaysan event to look forward to.

He was a ‘Larger- than-life-character` and he will be sorely missed by us all.

Information provided by David and John French

It is sad to report the death George McManus from Poynton. Membersmay recall his ownership of 1937 a light blue drophead Tickford bodiedVauxhall DX 14/6.At the time of publication details of the funeral are not available.Our sympathies and condolences go to George’s wife Bernie who is aFamily Member of MHVC and to all George’s friends and family.



Folks, at the time of writing the Club membership renewals are pretty wellcomplete.

We have 100 full, 31 Family and 5 Hon members paid up, with 1 membercommitted to pay shortly. So in total we will have 137 members, 9 less thanlast year.

The reduction is as a result of the following declining to renew: John Mather,Nick Collins, Anne Whitehead, David and Edwina Lawrence, Simon Wolstencroft& Louise Wilson, and Graham Weaver.

And with the passing of: Neville Scholes, Bob Mackman and Brian Clarkson.

These numbers are offset by 2 new family members joining: Elizabeth Earp,Jean Dawber

Shortly, I will generate the new membership list which will incorporate all thevehicle changes (etc) of which I have been notified of over the past 4 months.

You may be interested to know that 46% of payments were by cheque, 27% byinternet banking, 9% by Standing Order and 18% cash.

Two final things:-

1. If you would like one of the “Tax Disc” style badges for your cars thisyear, please let me know so I can generate these for you.

2. If you want more of the windscreen ,please let me know – they will only cost you a £1 each!

Many thanks for your help in getting the renewals finished in record time!

For those members who have reserved a place on the MHVC stand atGAWSWORTH, it is suggested that they arrive as early as possible.

Whilst the gates open to the public at 10 am, access to exhibitors is availablefrom 8.30 am. The access road can get quite congested if you arrive late.

Also, just a reminder for you: Please have your £5.00 per person in an eligiblecar available to pay at the gate on entry to the hall.


The picture on the front cover of this edition is from the September 1959 copy of ‘CarMechanics’ magazine that was provided for my ‘continuing education’ by MHVC memberMalcolm Asquith.This publication was described as ‘The Motorist’s ‘How-to-do-it’ magazine. Well, that’s whatwas written in the advertising blurb on the front cover. The articles inside included suchgems as ‘Getting the best from your insurance’ ‘Overhauling a Morris 8’ and ‘Making a Fordfaster’.

But there on the rear cover was the afore-mentioned Wyresoles ad. I was intrigued as Idon’t recall this type of tyre at all. : Vaguely. : Not at all. (And no, we’llhave no smutty comments here about anything else that might sound like these twoproducts. Thank you.) Anyway, I set off to find out more about these types of tyres and findout what’s happened over the last ~ 60 years.A lot of the information below is précised from Motorsport magazine of July 1956. The fullarticle there can be seen at http://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/july-1956/20/tyres.

1. Used tyre casings are inspected for flaws. (~ 30% are rejected at this stage)2. Acceptable tyre casings are buffed to provide a key for the new tread.3. New tread is rolled on as a flat strip4. A ‘curing’ ring is fitted. This ring carries the required tread pattern.

a. Wires are fitted into the curing ring for the Wyresoles version.5. High-pressure steam is then passed through the ring to vulcanise the new tread.6. If required, Tyresoles Plus treatment is available. This consists of adding a thin

coating of rubber sheet to the tyre casing for the sake of appearance, making thetyre look new at only approximately half the cost.

: Tyresoles process (known in USA as the ‘Hawkinson system’) introduced to UKManchester-based Simon Engineering. Process adds a new tread to an existing tyre carcass.

Tyresoles changed into a separate company. Company aim:- to make & sell a highquality product backed by a rigid inspection standard.

, rapid expansion.

: allegedly, these years had the effect of convincing tyre users of the benefitsof reliable re-treading.

Further expansion: ~ 500 factories in USA; 40 in UK; Rest of World ~ 100.

Introduction of The Wyresoles ‘Steel Claw’. Rally enthusiasts realised the potential ofthis road-gripping tread which the Road Research Laboratories found gave ~ 40% betterroad grip on slippery wet surfaces.

Maurice Gatsonides and P Worledge (driving a Ford Zephyr) then Per Malling& Gunnar Fading (driving a Sunbeam Talbot) won Monte Carlo Rallies. Both wins were onTyresoles tyres!

Tyresoles Ltd sold to the Dunlop organisation.


The information & picture are both from: https://www.brent.gov.uk

Tyresoles ‘Plus’ process introduced.

In UK, as studded tyres can destroy road surfaces, their use is NOT PERMITTED onpublic roads. However, studded tyres are permitted off-road. These rules vary widelythroughout Europe. In some countries snow / studded tyres are on certain roads!

The Tyresoles name still exists in India

for a 500-16 tyre: Tyresoles re-tread, 13s 9d.Same sized new tyre: £ I / 7 / 0 (N.B. A pound in 1958 is worth ~£25 today)

Knowing the number and size of pot holes that appear in Cheshire East roads with NONstudded tyres, I have to say that I’m in favour of the restriction rules! I shudder to think ofwhat they would be like if studded tyres were allowed.

! The 3 major buildings at the British EmpireExhibition of 1924/5 were the palaces of Industry, Engineering and Arts. All were intendedto be temporary. However, the Palace of Engineering wasn't demolished until the 1970s.The facade of the Palace of Art and the whole of the Palace of Industry still stand. Theoriginal football stadium, with its distinctive towers, was demolished in 2002.Reinforced concrete seems to have been chosen as the main construction material forfour reasons: cost, speed of construction, appropriateness for temporary buildings (thoughthis seems odd today) and to show the advanced state of British concrete technology. Atthe time of opening, the Palace of Engineering was the world's largest reinforced concretestructure, enclosing half a million sq ft. (Just about big enough to make tyres then! Ed.)


WE WILL FIT CAR CLUB MEMBERS OWN Specialist TYRES FOR AMODEST CHARGE ON SIGHT OF THEIR VALID MEMBERSHIP CARD.


Roger Da Forno, David French, Stuart Lomas, Dave Lowe, Ken Simons.

of all MHVC committee members can be found in the Membershiplist that is provided for all paid-up Club members.

MHVC Official bits…

Club website: www.mhvc.org.uk

Black. Bottle. Burgundy. Classic Red. Convoy Grey. French Navy. Royal Blue

XS 34/36. S 36/38. M 38/40. L40/42. XL 42/44. XXL 44/46. Code 870M

Black. Bottle. Bright Royal. Burgundy. French Navy. Classic Red. Bright Red


Black. Bottle. Bright Royal. Burgundy. French Navy. Classic Red. Bright Red


Black. Bright Royal. French Navy. WhiteS 36/38. M 38/40. L40/42. XL 42/44. XXL 44/46. Code 215M

French Navy with Taupe peak. One size fits all Code BB57Our designer is in Stockport. If you go to their wwebsite www.designplus.co.ukyou may wish to purchase alternatives. If so, please quote CODE NUMBER, COLOUR, SIZE & I willorder for you. All prices are marked on their website. MHVC does not put a mark-up on anyitems.


- by Alan Brierley

After 6 months’ storage in secure premises, it was time to wake my Jowett Javelin upafter its winter sojourn. It was time for its annual service. Successfully completed, Idrove the car home in the spring sunshine with a merry madrigal on my lips, andparked it on the drive.

That evening saw tranquil weather conditions with no untoward disturbances.The clear night sky was speckled with an abundance of twinkling stars forming whatthe soppy Madeline Bassett -- she who is unshakably, yet erroneously, convinced thatBertram Wooster is deeply enamoured of her – calls ‘God’s daisy chains’. Thesquirrels lay snug in their nests, the songbirds were asleep in the hedgerows, andvarious other species of fauna hurried about their nocturnal business withoutharassment. All nature was at peace with the world and we slept soundly in ourbeds… until about 1.30 a.m. that is.

At that time, all hell broke loose. Somebody’s car horn went off without a break.It took minimal investigation to determine the source of this rude invasion of our cul-de-sac’s customary serene scene. To our profound dismay, it turned out to be theJowett Javelin.

This caused our son, a barefoot and pyjama’d (if a reluctant and not entirelycommitted) hero, to burst forth from his slumbers, as though a red-hot bradawl hadpunctured his person from beneath his mattress. To think is to act. He rushed to thecar, then to the tool shed, and back to the car, to put into force the necessarymeasures that would disable the wiring and bring this infernal nuisance to an end.

The noise the car was making in the wee small hours sounded like that of a ship’ssiren activated by the impatient captain of a Cunarder awaiting a berth to be vacatedby a pleasure steamer that was occupying space required for other purposes byvessels of a much more substantial nature, so that he could park his liner.

Our son was not a happy bunny. Neither was our dog who set up a cacophony ofindignant barking sufficient to wake the dead and prompt them to cavort in anagitated manner in their winding sheets. ‘Central control’, also, was not tooimpressed with all this unseemly commotion and her less-than-chummy mood wasexacerbated by the knowledge that I - with a benefit of profound deafness which isseldom appreciated - had blissfully slept through all the hullabaloo with not a care inthe world!

I write this sad tale about an hour after having been made aware of what had takenplace; I am still coming to terms with my position in the light of a need for my wife tokindly visit each of our neighbours with a plateful of humble pie in the hope that theywill not think the worse of me for my heinous thoughtlessness, and mindful of thepriority in seeking out the cause of the problem...

I hesitate to end this piece with something along the lines of “. ”, or“. ”; I am more concerned right now with a desperate craving to curlmyself into as inconspicuous a little ball as possible, the better to roll into the nearestdark corner or under a passing sofa so as to conceal my sense of shame and remorse,not to mention embarrassment.

Oh! How the humble are mighty’d.



‘Quiz Inquisitor’ Paul Cartwright has a grasp of the OS map.

unseemly triumphalism displayed by ‘The Treasure Hunt Winners’ (leftto right) Don Fry; Geoff Basketter, Geoff Whiston & Roy Summerscales;

: Proof , (if proof were needed), that in this eventyour navigation might be perfect, but unless you knew the height ofMount Snowdon you could not win. Losers (l to r) John O’Connor, Ken Simons,Graham Heald and Malcolm Asquith presenting a brave face before crying into

their beer.

John O’Connorsdemonstrates his StandardOperating Procedure forassembling new MHVC Featherbanners.