THE A7CA ARCHIVE OPEN DAY

At its new home at the Triumph Sports Six Club HQ in Leicestershire

The Austin Seven Clubs Association has installed its extensive archives in new premises and is holding an Open Day on 25 April 2009 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. In a release from the A7CA Phil Baildon said:

This initiative is something the Austin Seven Movement could only dream of but now we have established a rented area for our A7CA archives within the TSSC complex of buildings and can be seen on the Open Day as can the areas being considered for expansion.

PWA7C Midshires Group have visited the complex and found it fascinating and the TSSC itself is well worth a visit to see their car display-showrooms, parts and trophies, archives and library, studio and spares sales. TSSC is very active Club (membership about 8000) having stands at Wollaton and NEC Classic last year and enters a team in the Birkett 6-hour Relay at Silverstone every October.

The Archive has accompanied Phil Baildon though three changes of address occupying spare spaces around his house and garage but, with the acquisition of more settled premises complete with the fittings and equipment necessary to construct a proper catalogue the Archive is now in a position to expand.

Initially there will be no Member access without prior appointment via the Archivist but the aim is to make it accessible 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday in much the same way as Gaydon or Beaulieu is opened.

There is the possibility of accommodating other Austin Seven Club archives in adjacent rooms in the future so this has the potential to be a very useful resource for A7 enthusiasts.

The TSSC premises are at 36 Main Street, Lubenham, Leicestershire, LE16 9TF. From their website they describe the facility thus:

The TSSC HQ, located in the pleasant village of Lubenham, Leicestershire, contains what many regard to be the widest single point collection of Club cars and Triumph Memorabilia to be found anywhere and is well worth a visit. The club houses over a dozen cars/rolling chassis, the majority of which are on permanent show. The wide selection of other exhibits range from the original Earls Court launch Herald display chassis to its model car counterparts, from lightweight Le Mans wheels to car styling exercises and much, much more. No one who has visited has been disappointed and as a Triumph enthusiast you are sure to find plenty that takes your interest.

To get there you should drive 1 mile west from Market Harborough on the A4304, look for the white low building on your left; drive in the gateway.

From Lutterworth/M1 J20 drive east 10 miles, past Coach & Horses pub, low white building on right, turn in.

For more details contact Phil Baildon, A7CA Archivist, on 01858 446300 or Email him here:

This will allow them to assess catering requirements.