Life Members

Note from the Webmaster** This table isn't quite finished yet as I didn't have all the photos. If anyone out there has the missing photos, I'd appreciate a copy to fill in the blanks. Thankyou.

From time to time, the Club has bestowed Honorary Life Memberships on those who have conspicuously served the Club. This is an attempt to briefly encapsulate their contributions. Greg Caldwell - President


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Fred Thorne (Invested Nov. 1960)

Fred was one of the founding members of the Club in 1950 and was a member of the first nine committees, serving as President from 1952 to 1956, and again in 1959.

John Pryce (April 1962)

John was extremely active in all sections of the Club, but in particular with Observed Section Trials, which he introduced into the Club shortly after joining in 1950. John had competed in O.S.T.s in England, and continued to compete in Australia with participation from all members of his family. He served on committee from 1950 to 1958 and on the CAMS Track Safety Committee for a number of years. Having been President of the CAMS Victoria State Council for some years, John was recognised with the CAMS Award of Merit. Oh yes, and he still had time to be the Competitions Manager of BP Australia. A notably affable and enthusiastic member, his passing was commemorated by renaming the Park Orchards Trial in his honour.

Frank Walter (Oct.1964)

Frank has served for more years on committee than any other member, and ran the communication team at Sandown Park during the Club's tenure of that function. He also served as the Club's CAMS Delegate for some years, and is a recipient of the CAMS Service Award. As a sideline, Frank was on the Longines Timing Team for the Bluebird land speed record attempts. A computer guru from the days of the earliest steam-driven examples, Frank has overseen the Club's adoption of the technology in membership, spares and accounting. His keen ear for detail, and intimate knowledge of the Club's constitution and history, are often invaluable in steering the unwary clear of possible faux pas at meetings.

Fred Darling (Dec.1965)

Fred was an accountant in an earlier life, put in nine years as Vice President/Treasurer (1956-64), and subsequently served as our Honorary Auditor for some years. He ran the communications team at Phillip Island in its various incarnations, was on the team at Sandown, and capped off this career by heading up all the A.G.P. teams until the years stopped being prefixed by "19". With his newfound spare time, Fred has completed the restoration of his Austin, and is a regular attendee.

Trevor Cole (Sept. 1974)

Trevor served six years on committee and on a number of sub-committees, whilst also being one of the most active Austin 7 racing drivers. He has competed continuously from the 750 Formula days right through into the historic era, and is still at it. Having attained his pilot's licence in time for his eightieth birthday, it is rumoured that Trevor is being considered for classification by the National Trust.

John Whitehouse (Sept. 1974)

A committee member for four years, John was an active racing participant, and was responsible for introducing the Six Hour Relay Race to Australia, with our Club conducting the event from 1960 to 1969. He also, in collaboration with Bill Morling, created the definitive 750 Formula car, which they campaigned for a season in the U.K., to the astonishment of the natives.

Dale Shaw (Sept. 1974)

Dale was Secretary of the Club from 1966 to 1971, having already commenced an active motor sport career. A gifted and innovative designer, Dale progressed through Austin 7 racing cars, and then diversified into O.S.T. cars, with which he dominated for many years, incidentally winning the Victorian Motorkhana Championship twice in one such car. It is a testimony to his workmanship that both his racing car, and some of his trials cars, are still extant up to 40 years later.

Graeme Logan (Dec. 1977)

Graeme commenced his service to the Club as Membership Secretary from 1969 to 1972, and has been involved in some capacity pretty much ever since. Highlights include the establishment of the spare parts section, which he ran from home for many years, and later being instrumental in the acquisition and reconstruction of our Clubrooms. The quintessential Club man, Graeme co-organises Arthur's Seat Hillclimb, assists in the rebuilding of Austins, is always active in Club runs, and can be relied on to quietly get on with the job.

Geoff Taylor (Dec. 1977)

Geoff was Club Secretary for five years up to 1965, subsequently Comp. Sec., and like Nellie Melba, has recently returned as Membership Sec. He is well known for his participation in O.S.Ts, being one of the first to build a Special, the AusTen. In more recent times, Geoff has campaigned the Buggeratti, which is a bit like Grandpa's axe, bearing scant resemblance to its initial specification.

Tony Johns (Dec. 1977)

Tony spent several years on Committee in various capacities, culminating in his Presidency in 1973. Amongst other activities, Tony is notable for his tidy and extremely rapid conduct of a series of racing Austins, and spearheaded the legendary "raid", when a team of cars was built and taken to England, giving the locals a right shellacking.

John Bowring (Dec. 1977)

"Shanks" inhabited the Committee for six terms between 1958 and 1968, and is well known for creating and competing in the whole spectrum of cars, from O.S.T. specials through racing cars to his very smart Ulster Austin. How he insinuates his gangling frame into the confines of its cockpit remains one of life's little mysteries.

David Lowe (Dec. 1977)

Competition Secretary from 1968 to 1971, David was deeply involved in running the Six Hour Relay, being Secretary of the Meeting from 1967 to 1972, when our Club last conducted the event. Then, to show that he hadn't had enough, he took on the same portfolio for the Arthur's Seat Hillclimb. A keen and knowledgeable designer and builder of racing cars, David is one of the fortunate few who derives his living from refettling classic cars for others.

Bill Sheehan (Dec. 1978)

Bill served seven and a half years on Committee, winding up as President. Coachwork creator, raconteur and walking encyclopaedia on all things Austin, Bill is familiar as a commentator at historic events, his erudite insights giving counterpoise to the ramblings of others.

Robert Humphreys (1980)

Rob joined the Club in the early 1960's, and to date has served fourteen years on the Committee. Six years were spent as Editor of The Light Shaft, and, in 1995, a year as President. Still he comes back for more, having volunteered once again as Editor in 2002! Rob was active in O.S.Ts but has now settled back into more Austin-like pursuits. He also contributed very greatly to the modifications to the Club Rules needed for the Club to become an incorporated entity.

Ilona Booth (1983)

Ilona is much more than just a pretty face, having a sharp intellect and a range of interests far wider than merely the sphere of vintage motoring. Her involvement with the Club encompasses the whole gamut, having joined the Club many years ago with hubby Bob. Ilona has been a trials passenger, Winton Meeting Secretary and Editor, as well as a driving force in encouraging a diversity of social events with their focus above the bonnet.

Brenda Campbell (1983)

From modest beginnings passengering for husband Grant in O.S.Ts, Brenda's organisational capacity soon became apparent. Her fifteen-year tenure as Secretary of the Historic Winton race meeting coincided with its development as the pre-eminent event on the National historic calendar, and her polite but determined persistence has resulted in many improvements for historic racing generally.

Norma Brown (1986)

Norma appeared on the scene initially as "Stewie's Mum", but remained for years after his departure, cheerfully and tirelessly doing any mundane task, be it scorekeeping at an O.S.T., or any other chore. A jolly soul, and a jolly good sport.

Grant Campbell (May 1995)

Grant burst onto the scene in the 1970's as one of those few "naturals" who start winning O.S.Ts early. Trouble is, he hasn't stopped winning yet, with eleven John Pryce Trials to his name, not to mention other trials and 'khanas. Grant's input into the running of Winton should never be underestimated, particularly in the design of programmes and artwork for both this and Arthur's Seat. His and Brenda's representation of the Club as our delegates to CAMS State Council is thankless work, but necessary scrutiny of those who would rule us. Grant's often forthright and thought-provoking contributions at club meetings are welcome, even if they keep Committee on its toes.

Doug Veel (Nov. 1995)

Doug Veel is one of the "early birds" to join the Club, having been a Member since 1951. In the early days he was noted for the number of different Austins he had owned, often buying one on the Saturday, competing in a Sunday event, and selling it the next week. He was also noted for the diabolical cunning with which he set the clues for Treasure Hunts. With a stint in 1993-4 as President and the posts of Vice Pres/Treasurer and Minute Sec. in early years, he has contributed much to the running of the Club.

Michael Shegog (1999)

This Club is fortunate in having members who can channel their expertise to the Club's advantage. One such is Mike Shegog, who has put untold time and effort into the development of our Spares Department. Whether it be sourcing parts worldwide, or commissioning the manufacture of items not otherwise available, Mike has built this area into the envy of other historic marques.

Bob Booth (2000)

As lively as a cricket, with an enquiring mind and a gift for lateral thinking, Bob's birthdate of Feb. 29th means that he is really only eighteen years old. Perhaps this explains his boundless enthusiasm. Always forthcoming with hints and encouragement for car builders young and old, Bob can create mechanical marvels from the most unlikely sources. His "can do" attitude inspires many in the Club

Rick Perry (2001)

Another one of the Club's quiet achievers, Rick first came to prominence as a special builder par excellence in the sixties, with a succession of cars for the O.S.T, 'khana and clubman sports categories, along with his friend and rival Dale Shaw. Rick subsequently became more involved with Austins, while still finding time to campaign a succession of historic racing cars. His organisational flair manifested itself as Treasurer, in developing our accounting system to its present high standard, and his calm, pragmatic approach to management problems is invaluable in tackling issues that may arise.

John Cox (2002)

A tireless worker for the club, especially OSTs, John joined the club in 1972, competing in OSTs, Motorkhanas in a 'seat of the pants' style that endeared him to all who watched. Winning the Geoff Taylor Trophy & The John Pryce Memorial (Park Orchards Trial) on a number of occasions John now undertakes to direct nearly all the trials.


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