Wolseley Hornet Special Club of Australia Inc

Hornet Special
Newsletter
Issue 91 December 2022

AGM 2022
The Saturday dawned
cold and wet!
But what a pleasant evening
we’d had with the Annual Gen-
eral Meeting and Gala Dinner
the night before!

What delightful face-to-face

conversation after two years of
Covid-19!

What a delicious dinner! ….

And Brian Parkinson had told
us about racing the Harris Spe-
cial!
Cooma Cottage, Hamilton and Elizabeth Hume’s House

C old and Wet! but the heroes of Canberra 2010, John and Sharon Balthazar, were not to be put off and wrapped
up and braved the rain and 11deg C. Fortunately there were no raging torrents to ford.
David and Yvonne toured the countryside in warm, dry comfort …. the beautiful blue sportsman’s coupe was made
for British weather and that morning, Yass provided it!
.........continued page 2

WHSCA Club Contacts

Secretary
AGM & H0RNET EXTRAVAGANZA
Margaret Cooper,
ph (07) 3312 2365
President
2023
John Clucas
26th - 28th May
at
ph +61 419 592 275
Editor

Historic Winton & Mansfield

Henry Hancock,
ph (07) 3878 2850
3 Gilia Court Indooroopilly Qld 4068
thenryhan@gmail.com
Website VICTORIA
whscaorgau.wordpress.com
See page 4
 John Mallia valiantly braved the
elements in his recently restored
and famous Maroubra relay-win-
ning “2888” 1932 Wolseley Hornet
Special but on the way to Cooma
Cottage, became lost in the spray
and after being seen heading the
wrong way, arrived some time later
in a modern.
Our first adventure of the day was
morning tea at John and Fran’s new
(built in 1856) house, in a lovely
stone-walled courtyard – thank you
Fran for a most delicious spread.
Then viewing John’s two sheds
with Alvis, Riley and MG, his
newly-aquired ‘30 VD Hornet
Sports and of course his ’34 WHS,
John Mallia’s ‘32, John Balthazar’s supercharged ‘34 and David Armstrong’s ‘34 very nearly complete.
Sportsman’s Saloon at John & Fran’s house, with Bill Russell and Gavin Turner, Peter
Our second adventure was Cooma
Reid and Brian Parkinson, and in front of the shed, Michael, Don and Carole Santin.
Cottage, the home of Hamilton and
Elizabeth Hume
and now a Nation-
al Trust Property,
which is set high
on a promontory
above the Yass
River. Hamilton
was a native-born
explorer who at 15,
was friends with
the local Aboriginal
people and learnt
Bill Russell, Bevan Cursley, John Clucas and Don Shed 2 - Inspecting John’s 1927 12/50 Avis SD their dialects and
Santin discuss John Higham’s engine with him. Ducksback, 1935 Riley Lynx Sprite, with 1933 Alvis
bushcraft, and as a
John’s VD 1930 Hornet sports is behind. Firefly tourer and 1968 MGB behind.
young man became
known as a bush guide. His most well-known expedition was the overland traverse from Sydney to Port Phillip Bay
with William Hovell in 1824.
He extended the original two roomed house, bought in 1839, into an extensive and impressive complex with separate
stables, excellently maintained by the Trust (we were warm and dry), showing much of the original detail and incor-
porating their original furniture. Most interesting!
Lunch at the Yass Golf Club, overlooking the course with only
two players braving the intermittent rain, was excellent, and
then on to Cliftonwood,
Cliftonwood, also on a promontory overlooking the Yass River,
was bought by Hamilton Hume for Elizabeth’s sister and her
family. Her husband, John Watson, was a partner with Hamilton
in a steam powered grain mill below the house, but this was
swept away by a flood in 1870. The house, original kitchen and
dairy were interesting, but of greatest interest was the agricultur-
al machinery, some, including a portable oil engine, operating;
having been restored by the Yass Antique Machinery Club.
Cliftonwood

Page 2 Hornet Special Newsletter

The Thunderbird Motel was an excellent base for an AGM with
modern rooms, trailer parking, a fire in the private dining room
where we ate each night, an expert chef and quality breakfasts.
To be recommended.
The Sunday dawned sunny and much warmer, ideal for top-
down country touring. With morning tea at the Dalton Royal
Hotel then on to historic Gunning for a look. Rolls-Royce and
Bentleys, and various motorcycle groups were lunching there,
but we moved on to Gundaroo; the Cork St Café – what a
lovely surprise. We sat in the sun – Fran had brought hats and
sunscreen – and enjoyed delicious Italian-style food. A happy
topic of conversation regarding the route instructions was, “just
how many ‘At triple silos, veer right’ there actually were?” John Balthazar and John Mallia inspecting the Marshall
Traction Engine restoration at Cliftonwood. The boiler
has been rebuilt and tested.
Then on to Murrumbateman, the chocolate factory to listen
to the frogs in the pond and to various wineries. Excite-
ment ? ... well, somebody’s, “not to be named”, hat blew
off – rescued by John Clucas!
A day of splendid motoring!
Many thanks to John and Fran for a really enjoyable
weekend at a lovely venue, in picturesque countryside,
and of course, in excellent company!
Postscript from Bill and Rhonda Trollope:
It was a lovely catch up in Yass, we thoroughly enjoyed
it and we really do have a nice bunch of people in our
A most delicious lunch at the Cork St Cafe club.
I think we should make a mention regarding David &
Yvonne; they departed Yass at 5.15 am and made it all the way in one hit to Mildura for the night via Albury.
That is approx. 831km, unbelievable feat. They truly are legends. In a modern that is a 9 hour drive. The Hornet
returned 28mpg and according to David, the car was running really well.
Take care and we look forward to the next AGM

John won the Wheels & Wings Trophy for restoration progress this
year and advises further:
S ince the AGM the WHS has advanced with all four road springs rebuilt, resulting in slightly more height and the
car is now perfectly even from side to side and front to rear. A new period windscreen wiper has been fitted and a
new battery isolation switch adjacent to the gear box on the driver’s side floor. The hydraulic brakes have now been
filled and bled and are working very well, retaining pressure and fluid all round. The handbrake has been fitted with
a new inner stainless steel woven cable, cleaned and oiled outer cables and new rings to capture the action arm in the
brake using cable and fittings from Bunnings. The loops are perfect for the job and the cable diameter is perfect for
the original cable outers. The seats have now been permanently fixed to the floor and a number of other tidy-up jobs
have been completed.
I have now also cut out the carpet and underfelt for the floors and rear bench area and will soon have these properly
edged. That will leave just the inside panels needing covering which I will do in leather to match the seats.
I still need to make up a choke control and advance/retard mechanisms.
Now having brakes and everything mechanical operational, I took the car for a ½ kilometre drive through the high
school across the road. All went very well.
John Higham

Issue 91 Page 3
WHSCA – 2023 AGM
Date: Friday May 26th to Sunday 28th

F or 2023 we propose the WHSCA AGM coincide with the

HISTORIC CAR RACES at WINTON in Victoria, espe-
cially given we have two members intending to participate.
This sets the date in May, and we’ve selected MANSFIELD
as the hub of activities which should allow those who’d like
to spend a day at Winton to do so, while allowing the others
to head off elsewhere.
We are considering extending the event, before and/or after
to make the trip more appealing, if there is interest.
The weekend will incorporate a display of Hornets on Sunday
the 28th at the 46th HISTORIC WINTON Event, which is
about a 1 hour drive north from Mansfield.
• Location: Mansfield - approximately 2½ hours (200
km) north-east of Melbourne.
• Accommodation at Alzburg Resort – Good rooms
and parking including room for trailers. Rates from
approximately $135/night TBC.
• Haunt of bushrangers Harry Power and Ned Kelly
• Gateway to the snow fields at Mt Buller and the high
country beyond See page 7 for the 2017 Historic Winton poster featuring
• Wineries, gardens, cafes, galleries Brian Parkinson’s “Harris Special”.
• Near Lake Eildon
• Saturday farmers market in on 27th May
It would be great if we could get an early indication of:
1. If you intend to come to the WHSCA AGM.
2. If you intend to bring along a car to put on display at Winton Raceway
3. If you are interested in extending your stay with the group.
Please let either of us know by the end of January. Michael Santin (msantin@motumsimulation.com) or John
Balthazar (fjbalthazar@internode.on.net).

WANTED
Bevan Cursley is after the oval wreath embossed surround
of the radiator badge that holds the plastic backing with the
Wolseley script. Does anyone have a broken badge that they
wish to sell?
I’m trying to figure a way of reproducing the badge.
Bevan - curbal@bigpond.com

ANNIVERSARY
2022 marks the Wolseley Hornet Special Club of Australia’s
25th BIRTHDAY. “Monty’s” 1911 Garrett Steam Traction Engine - See
The actual date was just two weeks after our Yass AGM!! page 8. Albert Budworth, vice-president of the Veteran
Car Club of Australia, Queensland, recalls sleeping
Cheers, John Clucas
under it in a park the night before an All British Day in
Brisbane in case of vandals.

Page 4 Hornet Special Newsletter

 WOLSELEY HORNET SPECIAL CLUB OF AUSTRALIA INC A0034589S
MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD
9 SEPTEMBER 2022 5.30pm
Thunderbird Motel, Comur St, Yass NSW
1. PRESENT
John Clucas, John & Sharon Balthazar, Bill & Rhonda Trollope, John & Fran Higham, Henry Hancock, David and
Yvonne Armstrong, Brian Parkinson, John Mallia, Gavin and Wendy Turner, Don and Carol Santin, Bevan Cursley &
Pauline Balos, Bill Russell & Liz Aird and Peter Reid.
Club President John Clucas hosted the meeting and welcomed everyone to normality. He thanked John and Fran
Higham for all the work they have done in organising the weekend, including arranging all the goodies in members’
show bags.
In the absence of the club’s official secretary, Sharon Balthazar agreed to be the evening’s minutes secretary.
It was noted that even though the country has been in lock-down, members have been getting on with their restorations:
John Mallia, Bill Trollope, John Higham, John Prentice, Don and Michael Santin, Bevan Cursley and Peter Jeffries
among others.
2. APOLOGIES
Gerry Dunford, Margaret & Lyle Cooper, Peter Baker & Jo Lord, John & Lynne Prentice, Geoff Kenward, John Sum-
merfield, Peter Healy, Colin Hey, Jon and Kate Cooke, Paul Kenny, Tony Eccles and David & Rosemary Smallacombe.
Apologies were also received from Michael Santin and Phil Guilfoyle, both of whom arrived the following day.
3. MINUTES OF AGM OF 19 OCTOBER 2021
Minutes of the 2021 AGM were published in the newsletter following the meeting and provided to members before
this meeting. Acceptance of the minutes as a true record of the meeting was moved by Henry Hancock and seconded
by John Balthazar. Motion carried.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES
Bill Russell reported on the grand opening of his Hornet facility in Ballarat and the attendance of VIPs including Roger
Banks from England. Bill invited and encouraged members to contact him if heading to Ballarat – to arrange a visit.
5. MEMBERSHIP
The Secretary advised that there were three new members, Colin Hey, Mark McKibbin and Peter Healy. Adrian Walms-
ley and Graham Vaughan did not renew, because they have sold their Hornets
6. CORRESPONDENCE
The Secretary advised that new members received a letter of welcome and that resignations were acknowledged.
The club President, Secretary and Editor regularly receive emailed minutes of meetings of the UK Club, together with
related correspondence.
7. MATTERS OF ROYALTY
Upon John Higham’s suggestion, members raised their glasses to toast Queen Elizabeth II and acknowledge her passing
on 8 September. This was followed by a toast to her successor King Charles III and a chorus of Long Live the King.
8. TREASURER’S REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2021-22
The financial statement and Treasurer’s Report for the year ended 31 March 2022 was presented by the Treasurer Bill
Trollope, noting that the bank balance was $8,314.57.
Bill presented the Treasurers’ Report and Financial Statement (including the extent and value of club spares stock) and
recommended no change to the current club subscription rates. There being no questions from members or comments
contrary to Bill’s recommendation, Bill moved acceptance of the statement. Brian Parkinson seconded the motion, and
the motion was carried.
As a consequence, membership fees for 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 will remain as follows:
Non-Member – newsletter (emailed) $10
Membership – newsletter (emailed) + UK Affiliate $40

Issue 91 Page 5
 Membership – newsletter (posted) + UK Affiliate $72
Membership – newsletter (posted overseas) + Affiliate $75
Member (email newsletter) Full UK Membership *$107 (if paid by 30/4/2023)
Member (posted newsletter) Full UK Membership *$139 (if paid by 30/4/2023)
*Subject to UK/AUD exchange rate (+$20 late fee if not paid by 30/4/2023)
9. REGISTRAR’S REPORT
Hard copy of Michael Santin’s Registrar’s Report was distributed before being read aloud. He was congratulated on
another year of serious and successful Hornet research.
Bevan Cursley moved acceptance of the report. The motion was seconded by Henry Hancock and was carried.
10. EDITOR’S REPORT
Henry Hancock distributed his Editor’s Report and spoke to the report, indicating that, although the website works very
well, he could see room for further development and will work towards that aim.
Henry emphasised the need for members to continue sending him fresh material for the newsletter. The meeting ac-
knowledged the quality of Henry’s work with the newsletter and website and reiterated the importance of the newsletter
in keeping the club together.
Henry moved acceptance of his report. The motion was seconded by Don Santin and was carried.
11. SPARE PARTS
Hard copy of Lyle Cooper’s report on the status and holdings of club spare parts was presented, together with a list of
various parts that members have available.
Lyle Cooper advised that he is willing to look for other parts amongst the club’s spares held at Gerry Dunford’s home.

Following the Annual General Meeting we enjoyed the Gala Dinner

12. ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS FOR YEAR 2022-2023
The President thanked office bearers for their contribution during the year and advised that all positions are vacant. At
this point Henry Hancock took the chair to conduct the election of new office bearers.
Most office bearers had advised they were willing to continue on the Committee. Motions for appointment of the same
office bearers as last year were moved, seconded and carried unanimously, as follows:
President – John Clucas
Secretary – Margaret Cooper
Treasurer – Bill Trollope
Vice Presidents - NSW/ACT – John Higham; Qld – Peter Baker; Vic – John Balthazar; SA – Peter Jeffries; Tas - vacant;
NZ - Jon Cooke.
John Clucas resumed the chair, as Club President.
13. TROPHIES
The President advised that the Club has three historic trophies which are awarded most years to the most deserving
members. The trophies are now housed in Bill Russell’s Ballarat facility, and a certificate is issued to each winner. After
briefly outlining the significance of each trophy, the president announced the winners as follows:
• Wheels and Wings Trophy (awarded for “Restoration Progress”): John Higham
• Howard and Alison Kenward Trophy (a “Club Person Award”): Bill Russell
• Jim Gullen Trophy (for success in competition): John Balthazar

Page 6 Hornet Special Newsletter

14. ACTIVITIES FOR 2023
It would seem that it is time for Victoria to host another AGM. Bill Russell had previously suggested that a visit to his
Hornet facility could be incorporated into AGM weekend activities. Brian Parkinson put forward the idea that perhaps
the AGM could be held to coincide geographically and time-wise with the Austin Seven Club’s Historic Winton Race
event at Winton in northern Victoria on the weekend of 27/28 May next year. With covered parking available and poten-
tial for display laps and regularity runs, Brian thought Winton would provide a great opportunity to show off our cars.
The consensus of the meeting was that such an event could be highly successful.
The President resolved to have the committee look into the prospect as soon as possible because accommodation around
Winton is limited. Bill Russell put forward the suggestion that Beechworth might be a good base for our accommodation
and that a visit to Ballarat could still be included.
At this point the AGM was concluded and General Business commenced.
15. GENERAL BUSINESS
Club Bank Holdings
Members were invited to express opinions on what use could be made of
the funds the club holds in the bank.
The President and Treasurer spoke on:
• the fact that most of the club’s expenditure each year is for
production and distribution of the newsletter and that subs are
traditionally set at a level where they cover those newsletter costs.
In the past, Lyle’s sale of club spare parts has further topped up
the bank balance.
• the need to keep a reserve because we never know in advance
what the exchange rate will be when we pay subs to the UK.
Suggestions from the floor included:
• putting a small amount each year into subsidising some aspect
of the AGM weekend
• investing in club insurance Brian Parkinson addressed the dinner about
• investing in a better platform for our club website racing the Harris Special and its history.
On behalf of the committee, the President resolved to take the suggestions on board and advise members of the outcome
of committee discussions.
UK Spare Parts
John Clucas spoke on the likelihood of spare parts becoming less available from the UK club. After years of excellent
service, Dave Phillips has resigned as the UK club’s spare parts man. The club has been unable to find someone to re-
place Dave, and all the parts are being moved out of Dave’s garage and into storage, until Dave’s replacement is found.
So, parts are unlikely to as “available” as previously.
Club Regalia
John Mallia put forward the suggestion that our club could look into having club jackets, shirts, caps and or badges
made. The President indicated that the committee would consider the suggestion.
There being no further business, the President thanked those in attendance and closed the meeting at 6.29pm, just in
time for dinner.
2022 2022

For significant progress

with the Restoration of
Awarded at the
Annual General Meeting, 9 September 2022 John Balthazar
the 1934 Wolseley Hornet WOLSELEY HORNET SPECIAL CLUB
Awarded at the
Special of AUSTRALIA Inc. Annual General Meeting, 9 September 2022
WOLSELEY HORNET SPECIAL CLUB
Of AUSTRALIA Inc.

2022

Awarded at the
Annual General Meeting
9 September 2022
WOLSELEY HORNET SPECIAL
CLUB Of AUSTRALIA Inc.

John Higham
Bill Russell Jim Gullan Trophy
Wheels & Wings Trophy FOR SUCCESS IN COMPETITION
FOR RESTORATION PROGRESS Howard & Alison Kenward Trophy ROB ROY HILLCLIMB EDDINGTON SPRINTS NEWSTEAD GYMKHANA

CLUB PERSON OF THE YEAR

Issue 91 Page 7
VALE Monty (Morris James) Schofield - 30 May 2022
Before being a much-valued member of the WHSCA, Monty was President of the Vintage Car Club of Queensland
three times, as well as Secretary, Treasurer, Librarian and more recently, a Life Member.
He and Rita met when they worked in Papua New Guinea, eventually owning and living on Loloata Island near Port
Moresby with access by lakatoi, the big double hulled dugout canoe, when Rita was first pregnant. Their local staff
were convinced that they would drown – but they lived to join the WHSCA! It’s now a tourist resort.
Those who attended the 2013 AGM and Dinner in Monty and Rita’s listed 1880, brick and stone, Doggetts Cottage,
in inner-Brisbane New Farm, home of an early Brisbane mayor, remember a house filled with Australian artists’
original work; a Norman Lindsay reclining nude, Rita’s favourite, to a Charles Blackman and filled with eclectic
collectables.
Monty restored the James Flood bodied ’34 WHS, See Refer-
ence s127-Ref05, page 189, in Wolseley Hornet Specials in
Australia and New Zealand, replacing the missing engine with
a Sanction 203 engine of 1375cc, picked up from Geoff Taylor
in Victor Harbour SA in 2004; put in the back seat of the Falcon
by removing a rear door.
He won the WHSCA Wheels & Wings Trophy for that restora-
tion in 2006.
Monty’s first car was a front wheel drive, early ‘30s BSA, and
his restoration included a Rolls-Royce P1 he called Fat Bob, a
Minerva XX, a Railton 8, a Talbot 110, two Austin 7s, Chocolate
Monty and Mighty Mouse the race car; more recently, the ’34
Wolseley Hornet Special and his uncompleted project, a 1914
Alldays and Onions. Also, many classic cars; a Willys Jeep 1942, a Mk4 Jag, an XK 120
Jag, an E-Type Jag, an MGA … And a Goggomobil Dart and Lightburn Zeta!
With another Vintage Car Club member, he built a steam launch and he built from scratch,
a 3” scale traction engine which ran on compressed air. He chauffeured Tracey Wickham
in the Railton in the 1982 Commonwealth Games ticker-tape parade.
Before joining the Queensland Museum as their collection general engineer, he worked as
foreman coppersmith at the AUSN (Australian United Steam Navigation Company) work-
shops in Felix St Brisbane.
For the museum he restored a 1911 Garrett Steam Traction Engine, a 1925 Marshall Steam
Roller, a 1919 Ransomes Simms & Jeffries Portable Steam Engine, various vintage trucks,
crawler tractors, etc. He maintained Mephisto, the A7V Sturmpanzerwagen, German WWI
tank, captured at Villers-Bretonneux and would have had it running, but the Museum, correctly he later believed,
maintained it “as found”.
For the Marshall Steam Roller restoration, a safety valve was required. A dummy was made, a midnight expedition
was undertaken to a Brisbane Park, the valves were swapped, the original was refurbished, and the Marshall ran.
When the Museum was located beside the RNA Exhibition grounds, Queensland had a can and glass bottle deposit
scheme (now reinstated) he would set up the Portable Engine at the RNA to drive a Mechanical Hammer and children
would bring bags of drink cans – … BANG! The can would be a few thou thick! During the same week Monty would
run the Museum’s huge 1866 Woolf Compound Double-acting Beam Engine on air with a big yellow compressor
lent by the Brisbane City Council.
“Faak! It’s alive!” – Monty rigged the stuffed tiger that stood on a rock by the Museum entrance with electric motors,
string and timers so that the tiger would very occasionally flick its tail or twitch an ear.
Oh! And his mum was Miss Nudgee Beach in the 1930’s.
Thank you Monty, and to Rita (in “Palm Lodge” retirement village) for your happy and enjoyable company.
Monty’s VCCQ Inc. Life Membership citation - For long and valuable service to the Club, generosity with time and
expertise to assist other Club members with veteran and vintage vehicle restoration, and work with the Queensland
Museum in the preservation of Queensland’s engineering heritage.

The Wolseley Hornet Special Club of Australia Inc. (Victoria, No. A0035489S) exists to encourage the preserva-
tion and use of Wolseley Hornets, Sports and Specials. The Club and its Committee take no responsibility for the
accuracy of this newsletter’s content nor for the consequences of acting upon any information published herein.