Austin Healey Club Ltd. International Healey Weekend 2006 Friday 28th to Sunday 30th July

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IHW CONCOURS RESULTS

Over the weekend of 28th to 30th of July, this years IHW took place in Warwickshire on the edge of the Cotswolds. The event was planned as a full programme of events with an accent on driving our Healeys and not just looking at them. This proved very popular, with many favorable comments received from the participants. The event also served to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first 6 cylinder Austin Healey, the 100-6.

The programme was based on the very successful formula used by many of the AHC regional weekend events. A Friday evening meet up with meal, a Saturday planned drive and a related quiz followed by an evening gala dinner with guest speakers, and finally on Sunday, a concours at a venue with other visitor attractions available.

The base for our weekend was Ashorne Hill Conference Centre in the Warwickshire countryside. The main building is very grand, dating back to 1897. It was turned into a conference centre later in the 20th century. It has 118 double rooms, more than adequate for the 80 or so members registered for the weekend. These numbers swelled to around 110 for the planned drive and gala dinner. With a long driveway protected by automatic barriers, the car parking was secure and convenient to the rooms. The air-conditioned bar and the dining facilities proved to be ideal for the event.

Participants started arriving on the Friday afternoon and were met by the organising team at the information desk which was located in the rather imposing Grand Hall. The day was hot, and here a constant source of tea, coffee and cold water gave welcome relief to the weary travelers. By the evening, they had refreshed themselves, had a stroll around the grounds and were ready to enjoy themselves.

Soon, from the noise levels in the bar and adjoining lounge, it was obvious that everyone was enjoying themselves and renewing old acquaintances. A hot, sit-down buffet helped recharge the batteries. Midland Centre Chairman, Mike Ward welcomed everyone to the event. Next, Bob Kemp told everyone that the following day's planned drive was compulsory, and how it was to be run. This was taken in good humor, even the 8 o'clock breakfast time, and with a few prompts from me, I think that we covered everything.

Saturday dawned warm and sunny, the weather forecast telling us that it would not cloud over till later that evening, and that Sunday was to be hot and sunny as well. Soon or numbers were swelled by members coming just for the drive. By the start, most single drivers had been found a navigator, and around 80 cars set off over a one-hour period. The road book, produced by Bob & Linda Kemp, was based on the Tulip system of diagrams and intermediate distances. Alongside these were items of information about the area with recommendations for places to stop and visit. The route took the cars down the Old Fosse Way, then in a large loop around the Cotswolds taking in the ford at Broadwell. A popular place for lunch was the Hollow Bottom at Guiting Power where both sides of the road were lined with Healeys. The only compulsory stop was after passing through the very pretty town of Winchcombe. At the car park of the Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway, Linda and Ruth were waiting to check that they were still en route and to ask them another question. This also gave participants the opportunity to ride behind a steam locomotive for an hour's trip along the railway. The take-up so impressed the Station Manager that he kept Linda and Ruth plied with cups of tea all afternoon. By 4 o'clock, the cars were starting to arrive back at Ashorne Hill and the crews exchanging experiences of the drive. As usual, some cheating was evident at this point as answers were bartered between crews.

Peter & Viv Dodson

		Ian & Iris at the water splash
John & Jill Bowman past the Halford Inn	Team Deuchland	Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway, Winchcombe

For the evening Gala Dinner, we had Stuart Turner as our guest speaker. ably supported at the microphone by our President, Colin Stokes, Chairman John Keener and Margot Healey. Stuart's speech was as is typical of him, very topical, and leaving his audience unsure to the last second whether he was making a serious point or embarking on a character assassination of some poor individual. His targets included John Keener and our treasurer who's wallet he likened unto the Loch Ness Monster, except that there had already been two sightings of the monster this year. His serious theme was the steady march of bureaucracy, both UK and European threatening our hobby of maintaining, running and competing with older cars. He applauded the work of Lord Montague and the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. However, he stressed that clubs like ours must become more united and forge tighter links with other like minded one make car clubs to lobby government if we are to avoid owning just museum pieces.

After dinner, we held a Cornish raffle that is only putting your tickets against the prizes that you would like to win. Stars of the event were Revcounter editor Ron Fitton and his wife May. As if a coffee maker and a bottle of whisky was not enough, May could not contain her excitement at winning a car polishing glove, especially at the prospect of using it on Ron. At this point Ron won an anorak labeled "S" for small. He rose to the challenge, took off his jacket and to everyone's disbelief, managing to get into the anorak. He was only just quick enough to stop his own jacket going into the raffle though.

Following another 8 o'clock breakfast, Sunday was time to check out of Ashorne Hill and move to Gaydon Heritage Museum. As an alternative to 6 hours of looking at cars, the retail therapy group had a coach to take them into Stratford for the day before going on to Gaydon in time for the prize giving.

The sight at Gaydon was magnificent, with around 200 Healeys including an impressive line up of 100-6 cars all parked up on the Southern car park. The trade and regalia stands were doing brisk business throughout the day.

Click on the picture above, and use the horizontal scroll bars to see all the picture!

Later in the afternoon Brian Wheeler arrived from three days at the Silverstone Classic where he had his Healey SR replica on display. Brian has handmade the body of this car from aluminium using copies of the original drawings. Whilst still far from completion, it can now move (but not stop) under it's own power. The quality of the craftsmanship is very evident and it has drawn a great deal of interest in it's recent visits to Classic Le Mans and Silverstone.

As commentator for the day, Graham Robson kept events on the move. A nice touch was to reunite John Wheatley who's glasses had broken again with the lady who fixed it last time using the tiny screw driver kept in her handbag.

A forum was held in the lecture theatre at midday with guests Colin Stokes, Margot Healey, Jock Reid, John Keener and Tim Fenna. Tim spoke about the forthcoming new 'Healey', giving little away except that it would be front engined sports car with a straight 6 engine, and that it would be in the same territory as the Porsche Boxster. I must admit that I kept thinking of the BMW Z4! Tim suggested that more details would become available later this year.

The Concours judges had their work cut out with over 40 cars to inspect. They were directed by Derek Mayor the Concours Secretary. By 4 o'clock it was time for the prize giving, and what a long list there was. Following an introduction by Colin Stokes, Margot Healey and Colin presented the prizes. Click here for details of the concours results. The winners of the main prizes are shown below.

Ben was our chosen charity and the proceeds from a Cornish raffle and a raffle on Sunday was presented to them during the afternoon. A total of £262.00 was raised. Mell Ward works for National Grid and they have a matched giving scheme. BEN will therefore, receive an additional £262.00 to swell the funds.

All good things have to end and so it was time for all to make their way home. It was great to see so many cars and members, and also our friends from Holland, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, USA, Australia, France and Japan. Thanks to all of you for making this a memorable weekend and we hope to meet you all again at the next International Healey weekend.

Thanks to the following organisations for supporting us and providing us with sponsorship:

Thanks to all the committee for their dedication over the past twelve months and to all who helped make this event a success.

Event flyer for information:

Austin Healey Club Ltd. International Healey Weekend 2006 Friday 28th to Sunday 30th July

1956 - 2006 We are looking for 50 Austin Healey 100-6 cars for display at Gaydon on Sunday 17 down, 33 to go!

Location

The first Austin Healey was produced in 1952 on a trading estate in Warwick, in buildings known as The Cape Works, belonging to the Benford concrete mixer company. So what better than to go back to grass roots and stage the event in the Warwick area, the home of the Healey. The venue for this years IHW is based just outside the towns of Warwick and Royal Leamington Spa, and not far from Stratford on Avon.
Outside Warwick Castle
Outside the Cape of Good Hope, just round the corner from the Cape Works, and where Geoff Healey and colleagues would go for a lunch time pint.

The Venue

The setting for the weekend is Ashorne Hill Conference Centre on the outskirts of Royal Leamington Spa near the Warwickshire border. Please visit their website for details of the facilities and location.

Ashorne Hill is definitely where state of the art meets stately home. This wonderful grade II listed house has fascinating features and spectacular views across its landscaped parkland. It is situated just one mile from the M40. Those wanting to explore a little, can take in Warwick and its famous Castle, Royal Leamington Spa and the historical town of Stratford on Avon.

The Centre is in a secluded area of Warwickshire, away from the main road with ample car parking protected by access barriers.

Camping & Self Catering

For the groups who wish camping facilities, a block reservation for campers has been made at Mollington, 12 miles from Ashorne Hill, on the A423 North of Banbury. Facilities are being provided for a group BBQ on the Saturday evening; bring your own food. Details can be obtained from John Jaap at 01273 551286. healey@dsl.pipex.com.

More information:

Anita's Caravan Park and Holiday Cottages
Campsite Location

Also in the area are several places offering Bed & Breakfast.

Programme

Friday 28th

Our weekend starts on Friday evening with a hot buffet and an opportunity to socialise, meet old friends and to make new ones. Reception will open at 4:30 pm and the bars will be open from 6:00pm. The hot buffet will be served from 7:30. Later in the evening there will be a welcome address.

Saturday 29th

Most of Saturday will be taken up with the planned drive, see below. Cars will depart from 9:30am and return at around 4:30pm. Participation in this event will count towards the Thelma Segal Trophy to be awarded after the concours event on Sunday.

In the evening will be the gala dinner at Ashorne Hill. Dress will be smart-casual. We are fortunate that Stuart Turner, ex BMC and Ford Competitions Manager has accepted an invitation give the after dinner speech. Anyone who has heard Stuart will know that his speeches are very topical whilst containing elements of nostalgia and a large dose of humor.

Sunday 30th

Planned Drive

This part of the event is in it's planning stages so look out for updates to this section. However, Saturday will take the format of a planned drive run under a "Certificate of Exemption" from the Motor Sport Association. The route will take in some of the beautiful countryside around the Cotswolds, including part of the route used by Geoff Healey when road testing the prototype cars. This is just the sought of thing Austin Healey's were designed for!

A comprehensive Route Book will be issued to all entrants, helping you to navigate round at your own pace. There will be stops at places of interest along the route and recommendations for food and refreshment on the way.

Gaydon Concours

Sunday will require a short drive to The Heritage Museum at Gaydon, where the Concours event will take place during the day. To help the day go smoothly and all of us informed as to what is happening etc., a commentary by : Mr. Graham Robson will be in operation. Regalia and trade stands will also be present.

The Gaydon North Arena will be allocated for the Healey Concours and prize giving. It is being organised by Derek Mayor, and entries will be invited for the following classes:

As 2006 is the 50th Birthday of the 100/6, how about trying for a display of 50 100/6 cars. So if you have one, Go for it. It does not have to be in Concours condition, under restoration will be fine. Such a display would certainly "Top" the weekend off in really nice way.

Heritage Motor Centre

The Heritage Motor Centre first opened its doors to the public in May 1993 and The Austin Healey Club joined many other Clubs on the inaugural run. This purpose-built building houses the worlds largest collection of Historic British cars. With over 300 cars in the collection, you'll find many famous names that have made motoring history including a works Austin Healey 3000..
The building was designed to impress with its sweeping curves and Art-Deco style interior. The collection charts the development of the British motor industry from 1896 right up to the exciting innovations of the present day.

The Centre includes restaurant and refreshment facilities, and the IHW ticket includes entry.

Archive Reading Room

The Gaydon archive will be open for members to research information about their cars. Richard Brotherton will be in attendance. Visitors can search the archive's photographic database, which has over 500,000 entries on computer.

Heritage Certificates

The Archive of the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust preserves the surviving records of some of the most famous names in British motoring history. The Archive department offers the proud classic car owner a Heritage Certificate which is a certified copy of the entry against the chassis number in the authentic factory ledgers. Discover the original numbers and colour scheme, dates of build and dispatch, and where available, the details of factory fitted equipment.

Stratford

Those not wishing to spend all day at Gaydon mixing with the cars, we are providing a coach trip into Stratford on Avon. This will depart from Ashorn Hill at around 9:30am and return to Gaydon at around 3:30pm in time for the presentations and farewell speeches. Please note this option on the booking form as it will be subject to sufficient numbers wishing to take part.

Sponsors

The following have generously sponsored various aspects of the weekend and helped the organising committee to keep the cost to participants as low as possible. For this we are very grateful, so please show your appreciation should you see them at the event.

Austin Healey Spares Southam
Dennis Welch Motorsport
Bretby Media
NGK Spark Plugs
Mike Garton- 100/6 Cake
Ashorne Hill Conference Centre
Heritage Motor Centre
Mercedes Birmingham
PBW Sprites & Midgets
CHP Insurance
Murray Scott-Nelson
Performance Motorcare
ACT Products (UK) ltd
Castrol Classic Oils Cambridge
GSK Glaxo Smith Kline
Taylors Coffee & Tea of York
Haynes Books
Armorall

Booking

Remember to book early so as to avoid disappointment.

More information can be obtained from Mell Ward or telephone 01827 260 644.

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