CONTACT: Spring 1974
The cost of transport at the present time is a particular problem to us all. I must admit that a few months ago
I would reverse the car out of the garage in the morning with a certain amount of enthusiasm; nowadays I do so with an increasing
feeling of despondency.
It is encouraging to discover, however, that membership of the Motoring Club has not been affected by the present
fuel situation, and the rapidly soaring price of petrol (at present the cheapest I can find is 48p per gallon for premium grade).
By
far the most popular events that the club has so far held have been the Treasure Hunts. Unfortunately the issue of Authorisation Permits
for these events has been temporarily suspended, but now that it is very unlikely that we will be using our fuel Ration Books, we
hope to stage a couple more of these events for 1974 if the restriction is lifted.
Petrol is at present on ration in Norway, Sweden
and European countries and costs an average 75p to 80p per gallon.
Further events for 1974 are:-
A weekend trip to see the large collection
of Vintage and Veteran Cars belonging to Lord Montague of Beaulieu.
A film show to be given by an expert in the field of Motor Sport.
Factory
Visits – These are still uncertain because of the power situation:
Details will be circularised nearer the dates.
On Sunday 21st October
1973 the Club once again entered a team in the R.E. Gillies Trophy Rally. The Rally started from the ground of Preston North End Football
Club and took 65 cars through the heart of the Lake District to finish at Blackburn, where our hosts, Liverpool T.S.B. provided us
with an entertaining evening.
The Bank team consisted of:-
Steve Pink & Brian Godwin – Viva
2300, placed 41st.
Steve Wright & Steve Wallace – Mini, placed 32nd
David & Jeanette Parkes
– Cortina 1600, placed 28th
The results being as follows:-
14
teams were entered and the Bank came 9th overall.
On Saturday 27th October 1973 fifteen members of the Club visited Mitchell &
Butlers Brewery at Cape Hill. We were shown the entire brewing process and afterwards we were invited to lunch in the Staff canteen,
where most of us sampled various beers also!
On Thursday 24th January, the Club entered two teams in the Colmore Depot Trophy Annual
Adult Road Safety Competition. The teams consisted of:-
|
(1) |
(2) |
|
Steve Pink |
Bob Fernie |
|
Chris Houghton |
Derek Horner |
|
Rod Tonks |
Barry Coleman |
|
David
Parkes |
Steve Wright |
The Competition was followed
by a very interesting and informative lecture, given by a member of the Birmingham City Police Force, on the basic Road Worthiness
of our vehicles.
Most successful over the last six months has been the Discount Purchase Scheme which the Club has been fortunate to
secure with a Trade Warehouse. We have purchased well over £300 of equipment, saving members approximately £140.The full list of the
Discount Purchase Scheme can be obtained from either Steve Pink or myself. Members who have joined in 1974 should already have a copy
and it would be worthwhile before purchasing anything in the motoring line to find out exactly how much discount the Club can offer.
Finally,
on Wednesday 16th January, the Club held its Annual General Meeting at the Guild Club, Station Street. The following officers were
elected to serve for 12 months:-
Chairman: D. J. Parkes
Vice Chairman: D.R. Horner
Secretary:
S.R. Pink
Asst. Secretary: C.J. Houghton
Treasurer: S.E. Wright
R. Fernie, R. Tonks, T. Murphy, B. Dipple, C.J. O’Connor
Tips on Economy
Petrol:
Avoid harsh use of the accelerator (and brake) pedals. Adjust the slow running jet on your carburettor to the best possible advantage
for summer/winter starting. Remember that ¼ turn of the jet makes all the difference. If in doubt consult your owner’s handbook or
a workshop manual if one is available. (All workshop manuals are available through the Motoring Club at half price).
If you are experiencing
uneven tyre wear this could be caused through worn ball joints or perhaps you need a front wheel alignment. Have the fault checked
and although it might not be considered dangerous immediately, do not ignore it.
To ensure even tyre wear all round, rotate your wheels
diagonally periodically, bringing in the spare. Check tyres weekly ensuring that they are kept at the manufacturers recommended pressures
and are free from cuts and bulges etc.
Happy Motoring
Chris Houghton
CONTACT: Summer 1974
During the past few weeks, with the fuel
crisis well and truly behind us (and let's hope that another one is not just around the corner) we have been able to plan in more
detail, the programme for the remainder of 1974.
Most recently we have started the car maintenance classes. These are FREE to all members
of the Club and I can say without any reservation that Mr. Brian Godwin, who is very knowledgeable in this field, can put over the
syllabus to be covered in the most easily comprehensible manner possible. Further details can be obtained from Mr. Godwin at Balsall
Heath Branch, Steve Pink or myself. Any Women's Libbers amongst you who are interested are also welcome. (Just think of giving the
car a quick service on a Sunday morning whilst HE cooks the lunch - where's it going to end?). Seriously though, especially to younger
members of the Staff, do approach us about these classes and I guarantee you'll save yourself money because garage repairs and servicing
these days are becoming very expensive.
We have again been invited by Liverpool TSB to take part in the Annual R.E.Gillies Trophy Rally,
which this year takes on a slightly different form from previous years, but nevertheless promises to be just as exciting. The date
has been set for the middle of October, and the full team who will be representing the Bank has yet to be decided so if any member
is interested don't hesitate to get in touch with either Steve Pink or myself.
Who's interested in Treasure Hunts? Well Steve and I
have a good one for you which is to take place in August and is now awaiting Ministry of Transport approval. As soon as we receive
the Permit further details will be circularised to Branches.
During the month of October we have arranged for a very experienced and
widely travelled gentleman to come along and give a film show and lecture. I am sure that the evening will provide all those of us
who attend with information and hints on modern driving techniques, of which we are not already aware. So think up some difficult
questions and let's see if he can give us the answers.
Anyone got a free weekend at the beginning of August? On Friday evening, 2nd
August we're planning a mystery tour (That's not where someone says "I know a short cut to ….” !) and if that doesn't interest you,
perhaps Saturday 3rd August & Sunday 4th will.
Saturday we've arranged that long awaited trip to Beaulieu, to take a look at Lord
Montague’s famous collection of Vintage and Veteran and Veteran cars.
Thrills and perhaps some spills on the Sunday, when we will see
a bit more action at Hednesford Hills Raceway near Cannock. If you come along you'll see Hot Rods, some of the more modern Stock Cars,
there could be some stunt driving or perhaps a 'Bomber Derby'.
Rather them than me!
The drivers will be testing their skills on the
day at Hednesford. Now test your skills on the following:-
CAR QUIZ
1. Give the overall stopping distances (i.e. thinking + braking
distance) when travelling on a dry road in normal conditions at the following speeds :
a) 70 mph
b) 40 mph
c) 5 mph
2. Can you name the four strokes of a four stroke engine?
3. In 1906 Szisz won the French Grand
Prix at Le Mans.
He drove a Renault and averaged 63.0 mph. Who won the race in:
a) 1960?
b) 1963?
(See if you can name the cars and their average speeds)
4. What was the first car to be manufactured commercially
in Great Britain?
5. Turning right at a junction, list the procedure you would take and note any specific things you would look out
for (excluding other vehicles}
6. Name the World's fastest and most powerful production car to date.
First prize is not £7,500 in cash
plus a Hillman Avenger BUT from the best entries received, prizes will be awarded to the most accurate; members of the Club Committee
are not eligible for entry and the Editors decision will be final! Any member of the Staff who would like to try it (and it's not
difficult) please send your entries to me in Head Office, not later than Friday 30th August.
Well, we've tried to provide events which
will interest most members, and I'm sure that we will get our usual support. I know that I speak for the Staff Association Socials
Committee when I say that a good turn out on the day, to any social event, makes up for all the hard work that goes into organising
that event. Remember also that it's your money we spend in organising the Club so if you want anything more - Please let us know.
MOTORING
TIPS
How many drivers use the sun-visor unless the sunlight itself is causing problems? You'd be surprised how the use of the sun-visor
can blot out the parts that you don't want to see, so that you are only concentrating on the road. If you're travelling long distances
this really does help combat “tired eyes".
If silicone grease is rubbed into rubber parts such as the weather strip round the doors
or bonnet, the rubber will remain flexible throughout the life of the car and will not soften as it would if an ordinary grease were
used.
Anyone got any motoring tips that they would like to pass onto me? ·No prizes awarded for any printed in the magazine but I'm
sure some members will benefit.
FOR SALE
MOT FAILURE A55 Series 11, 1960 £20 ono.
Could be used for spares or with a little time
spent on it could get through the test. Anyone interested should contact either myself or the Editor.
Finally to those of you who can
still afford it and are planning a motoring holiday this year, - Have a good time and a safe journey.
Chris Houghton
CONTACT: Christmas 1974
This article by Steve Pink and Chris Houghton is reproduced at Magazine-015