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THE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE BORDERS VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE CLUB |
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THE STARTING HANDLE
For the first few years of the Club's existence in the early 70's, its newsletter was entitled 'The Beaded Edge'.
It was a very modest production of two, or sometimes four, pages of typed text reproduced on a Xerox machine.
It was quite a major breakthrough when, after the first few copies, the then latest Xerox machine actually copied a picture although the
definition quality was abysmal. As the Club's finances steadily grew, the opportunity was taken to employ
the services of a local printer to produce the magazine and at the same time rename the journal 'The Starting Handle'.
It was considered that the old name had become inappropriate for a Club, the majority of whose members
owned vehicles belonging to an era much later than that of beaded-edge tyres.
The Editorial team today consists of Secretary, Kenneth Wilson and Committee Member, David Irvine.
The journal is produced on a quarterly basis and below is a look at the latest issues and
the content of each. Occasionally, the centre pages of an issue includes 'Wheels', the Motor Sports Association's
free newsletter produced in A5 format for Club's to use at their discretion.
Issue for the Third Quarter of Year 2008
Selected Content
COVER PICTURE Iain Hardy with his 1968 Jaguar Mk11 240
(Best BVAC Members Car at Thirlestane 2008).
REVIVING THE CAT A concise article by Iain Hardy on the trials and tribulations of restoring
a 1968 Jaguar to prize-winning standards.
EDITORIAL The Editors mention the numerous events attended by club members during this year's
particularly poor weather including our own rally at Thirlestane on June 1st. However, with unflinching
optimism, future club events are listed including the special display the club provides annually at the forthcoming
Thirlestane Horse Trials.
As usual at this time of year, members are reminded of the Club's AGM scheduled for
October 8th at Melrose. Members are urged to attend and voice their opinions on all club-related matters.
NOTICE of ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING In accordance with company law, the AGM is advertised to be held
on Wednesday 8th October 2008 at 7-30pm in the Scott Room of the George & Abbotsford Hotel, Melrose.
Written items for the agenda together with nominations for office bearers to be sent to the Secretary no later than
Tuesday 9th September 2008. Copies of the club accounts will be distributed at the meeting.
A NEW HOBBY (PART4) Douglas Hamilton continues his detailed saga of the restoration of his 1937
Rover 12 and tells of his unexpected delight in winning a prize for the best in class at the Culzean Rally in August.
Tackling such daunting and diverse tasks as repairing water leaks at the sunroof, replacing
the head lining and placing a new starter ring on the flywheel, all make for an even sweeter moment when the car is
awarded a first prize.
REPORTS The Club Secretary gives three reports: The first on May 14th of the superb evening run
organised by David & Evelyn Irvine, the second of the Club's Annual BBQ held at the
Coachhouse, Glenmayne, on 11th June and the third of the visit to Bughtrig House and Garden, Leitholm, held on the evening of 9th July.
Much appreciation was afforded to Angela Trueman, Major General Charles Ramsay and The Hon. Mrs Ramsay for their
hospitality. Dennis De'Athe gives an account of the Silloth Rally attended by seven stalwarts of the BVAC
on a rather damp June 22nd.
Issue for the Second Quarter of Year 2008
Selected Content
COVER PICTURE John & Anne MacKay from Caithness in their 1950 Alvis TB 14
pictured at Thirlestane in 2007.
EDITORIAL The Editors report that preparations are now well advanced for the 36th Historic Motoring
Extravaganza on the weekend of 31st May and 1st June. The special attraction this year will be a gathering
of classic Aston Martin cars from the Scottish branch of the owners club along with the legendary James Bond DB5 model.
GLOBETROTTERS Secretary, Kenneth Wilson, reports on the February club meeting when a large turn out
of members gathered to hear a further account from John & Jean Weatheritt on their fantastic Round-the-World trip in a 2CV.
A journey that sadly, nowadays, due to world politics, would be impossible to undertake.
REPORTS Two well-supported events are reported by the Club Secretary.
On Drive-It-Day, fifteen cars travelled from Selkirk to St. Mary's Loch for lunch calling in at the
Bean Scene Bistro at Hawick for coffee. Making a welcome debut were Alisdaire & Tricia Lockhart in their
1920 Vauxhall D-Type Kington Tourer and Alistair & Izzy McDougal in their very nice 1961 MGA.
A second report is of the Club visit to the David Harrison Ford Dealership at Galashiels for a buffet evening in the
company of Ian Scott-Watson & Hugh McCaig of Ecurie Ecosse fame. See the pictures - 9th April on the Club
Activities Page.
MG CAR CLUB TOUR 2007 A full report by Ian Lindley on the three-day Tour of Scotland by the MG
Car Club Caledonian Centre.. .
A NEW HOBBY? (Part 2) Douglas Hamilton continues his interesting account of the restoration of his
1937 Rover 12.
MAGAZINE COVER This quarter the cover of the magazine is printed in full colour and the rear
page shows the newly-designed programme cover for our 36th Historic Motoring Extravaganza to be held
at Thirlestane Castle on Sunday 1st June.
Issue for the First Quarter of Year 2008
Selected Content
EDITORIAL Following their welcome to the first edition for 2008, the joint editors
make reference to the full programme of club-organised events this year. Also, mention is made of the list of local rallies
that the club hopes to attend. The usual appeal is made for more members to
help in the organising of our main event of the year.
COVER PICTURE Gordon Kelly's 1965 Sunbeam Tiger Mk 1 featured in last quarter's issue.
ABSENT FRIENDS The Club Chairman announced the recent tragic loss of David Trueman, Committee Member and
Event Secretary together with a further three valued club members, Nicol Dryburgh, Rob Mercer and Tom Wood.
All will be sadly missed.
MOTORING MEMORIES Alistair Lindsay continues with Part 4 of his memories of the Australian mororing
scene.
COMING NEXT Listed are the programmed events for the 13th February, a slide presentation by John Weatheritt,
the visit to the Kelso Ice Rink on the 20th March and on the 9th April, the Garage Night hosted by David Harrison & Sons at their Galashiels
Ford Dealership premises.
REPORTS Reports include the Club's visit to the photographic studios of Robert D Clapperton in Selkirk,
when members were able to look back to the art of the Victorian Photographer, and the support given by club
members to LE JOG 2007, which passed through the Scottish Borders on Monday 3rd December.
DRIVE-IT-DAY 2008 Announced to take place on Sunday 20th April by Committee Member, Murray MacDougall,
who has organised a scenic run calling in at a couple of tourist stops. A good turn out similar to last year, is
expected.
CALLING ALL MARSHALS Chief Marshal, Murray MacDougall, once again appeals for more marshals for our main
event of the year. Details of the Prize Draw available to volunteers was given.
Final Issue for the Year 2007
Selected Content
COVER PICTURE The cover picture this quarter shows members, Sheila Patterson, Vicki Grierson
& Margaret Lynch enjoying the lunch preparation for Club Members at the Selkirk Show.
EDITORIAL The Editorial this quarter includes the announcement of a new item on the Club's Calendar
namely, the intended monthly 'get-together' to be held on the third Thursday of each month. The meetings,
hosted by Murray MacDougall, will take place at the G & A Hotel in Melrose. The usual plea for assistance in
the production of the magazine is also included.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Club Secretary reports on the AGM held on 10th October.
The Club Chairman welcomed the 30 members attending the meeting and thanked the retiring committee members for all their hard
work during the past year. Particular thanks were given to Graham Barker who had decided to relinquish the office of Treasurer
after years of careful administration of the accounts. Life Membership of the Club was conferred on
committee member, Bill Johnston, who has over many years, organized the field layout of the annual rally.
A proposed programme of events for 2008 was then discussed with many suggestions being offered from the members present.
Confirmation was given that the Club would again support the FBHVC 'Drive It Day' to be held on 20 April 2008.
The meeting ended following the Chairman showing slides of pictures from club events throughtout the year.
FOR SALE 1960 Rover P4 80 - Dove Grey/Royal Blue. 55,242 miles. Engine suitable
for Land Rover Models. Will sell as complete car or break for spares. Contact: Phil Titley.
1987 Ford Capri 280 - 90k miles. Agreed Valuation £7,500. Excellent Condition £5,500 o.n.o. Contact:
Garry Graham.
Jaguar Car Parts - Spares from 1957 Jaguar Mk1 2.4SE - Rear Wheel Spats, Fog & Spot lamps. Open to
offers around £50. Contact: George Irvine.
Back Issues can be obtained from the Club Secretary for £1 including postage.
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