March 2021 Issue 368
Puff ‘n Stuff Central Otago Branch, Vintage Car Club of NZ Inc
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Front Cover: (Mandeville Sunday run – Gerry Spencer) Back Cover: (Part of a collection! – Gerry Spencer)
EDITORIAL
Thanks to all the contributors again. From the Sunday runs, what we see people doing in their sheds (or at Croydon) is really inspirational. This month I decided to slim the magazine down a little, and adopt the policy that when space is limited some entry forms/flyers are not repeated, but can be found in an earlier edition, or requested from me or The Secretary. You may have noticed lately that the reports are dated and in chronological order, followed by rally entry forms also normally in date order. Gerry Spencer editorCOVCC@gmail.com
Copy deadline for next edition by the 15th of each month. Stories and photos unable to be used in next edition will be saved for later editions. © 2021 The opinions and information presented in this newsletter are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the club or its officers. No responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of information or opinions expressed.
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BRANCH OFFICERS 2020-2021 John Loudon Noel Hassed Murray George
Vice Chairman: Secretary: Treasurer: Club Captain:
John Martin Graham Taylor Karelan Doran Bert Turnbull
445 0598 443 1416 027 274 3361 027 434 2339
Editor: Committee:
Gerry Spencer Greg Doran Alister Stewart John Wilson (+ one other TBC) Ewen Duthie
027 3696 880 027 221 6105 442 1146 027 533 5626
Committee
Patron: Chairman: Past Chairman:
Phone: 448 7192 442 3908 027 433 3321
Club Rooms / Yard: Social Conv.: Parts Conv.:
Maryann Miguel John Martin Alister Stewart Steve Reynolds Don Yeaman Alf O'Sullivan
Idle Torque: Librarian: Area Reps: Wakatipu AIister Stewart Alexandra Barry Walker Cromwell John Martin Wanaka Graham Taylor Social Manager: Charlie Storey Rally Conveners: Blossom Festival: National Daffodil Day Co-Ordinator: Golden Times: Moped Rally:
E-Mail: noel.hassed@gmail.com murraygeorgeelec @xtra.co.nz martin_jw@xtra.co.nz gtml@xtra.co.nz karelandoran@gmail.com bert.turnbull1940 @gmail.com editorCOVCC@gmail.com gfdoran@gmail.com alister.mary@xtra.co.nz saddle.hill@xtra.co.nz
027 838 8324 duthie.e@xtra.co.nz 445 1973 027 609 8766 annmigdc_1215 @yahoo.com 445 0598 martin_jw@xtra.co.nz 442 1146 alister.mary@xtra.co.nz 022 167 0872 443 2730 yeaperson@xtra.co.nz 021 110 7707 glenda.alf@gmail.com 442 1146 alister.mary@xtra.co.nz 448 6508 445 0598 martin_jw@xtra.co.nz 443 1416 gtml@xtra.co.nz 445 3181 craftystoreys@xtra.co.nz Ewen Duthie, Allan Porter Graham Taylor Alister Stewart, Alan Sutton John Martin
Partner: Sheila Bernice Maryann Wendy Cheryl Greg Jenny Aya lino Karelan Mary Mel Arlene Murray Wendy Mary Bev Lynne Glenda Mary Sharon Wendy Cheryl Helen
One time Chuck Norris threw a grenade and killed 15 men… Then the grenade exploded.
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CLUB EVENTS CALENDAR Please take care to read and copy to your diary! Sun 21 Mar 10am Wed 14 Apr 8pm Sat 24 Apr tbd Wed 12 May 8pm
Wed 9 Jun 8pm Wed 14 Jul 8pm Wed 11 Aug 8pm Sun 22 Aug tbd Wed 8 Sep 8pm Sat 25 Sep tbd Wed 13 Oct 8pm Wed 10 Nov 8pm Wed 8 Dec 5pm
(Otago Anniversary weekend) Moped Rally, start at Clyde. (For info - entries closed) John Martin Club night at Clubroom – speaker Jason Rhodes, Curator, Transport & Toy Museum Wanaka, also about “bringing the (Air NZ) birds back home” Autumn Festival Arrowtown – Golden Times Rally. Entry form will be emailed out separately. Alister Stewart & Alan Sutton. Club night at Clubroom – Mr Steve Gould, General Manager of Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground as our Guest Speaker. Our club has extended an invitation to the Cromwell Street Car Club to join us to get an insight what happens up on the mountain. As you may be aware most of what happens with individual companies is kept very secretive, but we will get an overview of the general procedures etc. With a speaker like this it is important that we have as many as possible, to enjoy the inside knowledge. Please try and come if possible. Club night at Clubroom – speaker TBD Club night at Clubroom – speaker TBD Club night at Clubroom – speaker John Gurney Daffodil Day Rally - likely to be a return of the popular Monte Targo format. Graham Taylor Club night at Clubroom – speaker TBD Blossom Rally, Alexandra (we will try to hold such events with less than 100 persons even if the parent event is cancelled) Club night at Clubroom – speaker TBD Club night at Clubroom – speaker TBD Christmas Dinner, Clubroom
Our Facebook page: “Central Otago Vintage Car Club (including Queenstown & Wanaka)” https://www.facebook.com/groups/166652143981001
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OTHER EVENTS, NATIONALS &c. VCC Branches that would like any of their events noted in our magazine, please contact us with the details. editorCOVCC@gmail.com For more information on these and other events in Beaded Wheels, check branch newsletters which may be found at http://vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches/ Sat 27 Mar 7:30am Sun-Sun 28 Mar - 4 Apr
Swap Meet, Winchester, South Canterbury (Easter weekend) 15th National Model A Ford Rally in Gisborne Fri-Mon 2-5 Apr First National Vintage Rally, South Canterbury. See previous editions for details or contact The Ed. or The Sec. Sat-Sun 3-4 Apr Wheels at Wanaka - check the website for details https://www.wheelsatwanaka.co.nz/ Sat-Mon 24-26 Apr (ANZAC w/e) Highland Fling Rally, Taihape North Is. Kaaren Smylie NICC – kaaren@smylie.co.nz 021 66 43 41 / 07 576 4180 Alastair Jones BOP VCC – gandajones@kinect.co.nz 07 576 1124 Sat 1 May 7:30am Swap Meet, Ashburton Mon-Sat 25-30 Oct Targa + VCC “The Ultimate Time Trial 2021” Sat 13 Nov Monte Carlo Rally, Banks Peninsula See flyer on a later page 16-21 Jan 2022 Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring, New Plymouth. Check all the details on the website www.historicmotoring.co.nz Mark Masters festivalsecretary@vcc.org.nz
The Clubroom & Parts Shed are located at Litany Street, Cromwell
Club Nights: 8pm on 2nd Wednesday of month
Midweek Muster each Wednesday morning starting from about 8:30am at the Parts Shed/Clubroom
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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Not a lot to report this month even though there has been a lot going on behind the scenes. Last month's Sunday run to Mandeville was very well supported; we had a great line-up of cars and a lot of interest from members of the public attending the event. As well as there being a couple of prospective members on the run I was approached by a man, who had been looking at my coupe’s upholstery, and has a bolt of similar material to donate to the club. Bert had arranged an exclusive guided tour of the restoration workshop and the aviation museum was also open. There was quite a variety of planes flying as well as a couple of traction engines chugging around. The highlight for me was seeing the Rogers (K88?) steam train in action. I have followed the story of this engine since it, and another like it, were dug out of the Oreti River bank at Branxholme. I understand that they were the original “Kingston Flyers” before being dumped (along with other locomotives) at a bend in the river to prevent erosion. Great to see it back in steam, the other one runs on the Plains Railway at Fairlie. On the way home we called in to see John & Mary Tremaine’s collection of cars (mainly Fords). The collection is spread over three large sheds and ranges from John’s father’s 1927 Chev, an impressive group of Model A’s through to Populars and a Fiesta to the latest muscle cars. Impressive! Alan Sutton has been working hard and has the Autumn Festival Rally well in hand. Get those entries in. I mentioned the National Veteran Rally last report and here is an update: It has been discussed at the National Management level but needs to be formally approved at the National Executive meeting this month. However due to Covid uncertainty's they are also considering the possibility of cancelling all national events this year. If it is still go, Alon Mayhew will put our case to hold the event on the 30th & 31st of October. In the meantime John Martin, who volunteered to act as Rally Director, has started appointing a Rally Committee. They will probably meet prior to our monthly club nights, if you can help let John know. The more helpers the easier it is. Greg Doran has organised the vintage race category at Highlands Festival of Speed 9-11 of April. Highlands are also looking for suitable display cars (with free entry). Go to the Highland’s website to register: https://highlands.co.nz/event/highlands-festival-of-speed Noel Hassed
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SECRETARY’S WORD
On the 21st Feb a tour led by Bert Turnbull to Mandeville (weekend eight) where there were flying and traction engine displays; the steam train was running too. The group also got to see through the Croydon aircraft restoration facility and John Tremaine’s extensive car collection, another good day. Cheryl and I decided that it was a good time to continue for the next week to Te Anau, visiting the glow-worm caves, Milford and the Te Anau Vintage Museum. Then Gore via Blackmount, time to change the head gasket at Clifden, lunch at Tuatapere, the night at Riverton in a really fascinating B&B, and Gore for their rally. I get a bit of we’ve been there before… but Gore and Southland have vast areas to traverse with many varied and good roads. I have attended Gore rallies since 1968 there is always new territory and great motoring to be had. This year had two routes I had never been on before. But that is just part of it - the people are the icing on the cake and over the years have got to know quite a ‘family’. Katie Parrish winning yet again - comes to mind Bradley Walsh on the chaser: “if you want to beat Katie Parrish, come on and give the Gore Rally a go!” Graham (Secretary)
‘You found that under there?!’
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COMMITTEE MEETING
Minutes of COVCC Committee Meeting, Clubrooms 2nd March 2021 7:30 pm Present
Noel Hassed, John Martin, Gerry Spencer, John Wilson, Bert Turnbull, Graham Taylor, Murray George, Alister Stewart & Mary-Ann Miguel Apologies Karelan Doran, Greg Doran M&S Minutes The minutes circulated 01-12-20 were confirmed as a true and correct record. M&S Matters Arising Chairman Noel, made an emphatic thank you to the club members who worked to make the ‘Swap Meet’ so successful, and the continuing success of other events, the Christmas function, Wednesday group, and ‘Sunday runs’. John Loudon’s December letter to the club read and discussed. Trophies: general discussion. Mandeville trip successful and some new prospective members. Health and Safety a checklist was discussed and a member sought to do a three monthly inspection. Noel to approach Greg Doran. Room Hire, Club Rule 2 discussed and tweaked to cover clean up. Name Badges, and stickers (David Brewer has expressed interest in taking the stickers on) Sample name badges to Graham and see if David is willing to handle both. Combined Rally; in rotation so South Otago, Gore, then us. Chairman’s Report Covered in the above discussion. M&S Treasurer’s Report Circulated accounts in a healthy state, discussion re the improvement money held by CODC (not available for maintenance) suggestions invited including asphalting the yard or part of, moved that price be obtained for this work. M&S Possible hoist. New Ladder is here.
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Club Captain
Some misunderstanding re the March event garage raid in the Wakatipu, so Glenorchy-Routeburn next March. Bert emphasised that while he appreciates ideas for events, he is responsible to organise the events calendar and events should be coordinated through him.
Coming Events
General
Golden Times April 24th. Entry forms will be ready for publication in the March P&S. Should there be doubts about a Covid lockdown affecting the Autumn Festival we may still run the rally subject to the situation and precautions. Alister to report back to the committee on progress and contingency plans. Daffodil Day Sunday August 22nd Graham Taylor will organise another ‘Monte Targo’ event. Blossom Rally September 25th, Murray George will be standing down from that organising committee. National Veteran Rally: 30/31 October to be held in conjunction with the Prince Henry Rally once this has been confirmed by the National Executive, committee meetings will be held before the regular monthly meetings. Delegate to the national Executive Meeting; Noel Hassed, the club to meet his expenses. (post meeting note - Noel has since had to decline as he has a wedding that weekend, John Martin and Graham Taylor also have events on that weekend but Alon Mayhew will be approached to present on our behalf.) Bryan Anderson has suggested that we have a Club business card. Secretary to send club logo to Gerry Spencer and David Brewer. Trophy cabinet to be tidied. John Martin to arrange. Price to be obtained for spraying the yard once a year. M&S Yard Keys, discussion. John Martin to supply Ewen Duthie a key. Club Flags, take to events including Sunday runs.
Next Committee Meeting; May 4th 7:30 pm at the Clubrooms
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Sunday Run (21st Feb) – Mandeville Fly-In Croydon Aircraft Company – restored De Havilland planes (from original plans with spars from spruce and ply from Scandinavia), with parts sent all over the world! Some of the design elements are from the observation of insects; their shape and in flight.
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Club Night (10th Mar) – Simon Spencer-Bower Thanks to our speaker for an entertaining evening supplemented with lots of slides of his life experiences over the years. Most of these reminiscences involved flying, culminating in founding Wanaka Helicopters - a vision of providing flight instruction in New Zealand (and is now the largest helicopter flight school in Australasia.) Aside from flying there were also some shared stories of the various cars over the years from growing up at Woodstock in the Waimakariri Gorge driving the family V8 at the age of about 6 (and being stopped by the cops!), to competing in Formula Ford for the past three years. An early accident led to hearing damage and loss of balance. The rehabilitation methods, however, allowed Simon to overcome this and as part of the retraining to take on aerobatics. Competition followed, and after winning with a Tiger Moth in New Zealand 15 times, overseas competitions beckoned. Simon also features at Warbirds over Wanaka, and shared that the golden rule at an airshow is or should be) ‘don’t ad lib – only fly what you have practiced’. Another observation from flying aircraft from all over the place is that you really get an insight into how various nations design things differently! The Editor
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Sunday Run (14th Mar) – Garage Raid, Arrowtown We started with a look through Alister Stewart’s shed and admiring their two Greys and the Desoto. Our next destination was Alan Sutton’s. Unfortunately Alan had to be at work but he kindly left his latest project out for us to inspect. It is a Hudson and Alan is doing a great job on it as you can see by the photo. From Alan’s we had a short trip to Davvid Joubert’s to have a look at a Jaguar hot rod that he is in the final stages of completing, with its striking yellow coat! The next stop was to Peter and Julie Drummond’s where Peter showed us their 1949 Triumph 2000 Roadster that he is currently working on, based on just a trailer load of parts. From there we went to David and Margaret Taylor’s. David’s latest project is a 1905-06 Minerva which is starting to take shape. Our final stop was for coffee at Akarua Wines & Kitchen where we caught up on all the latest happenings and discussed the garages we’d been to. Our thanks to Alister and Mary for organizing the day and special thanks to the above garage owners for letting us see their latest (re)creations. We look forward to getting updates on the restoration progress and to seeing all these cars on the road in the future. Don Yeaman
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NOTICE Photographer Nicole Gourley wants to do a photo shoot in Clyde and was after a car to feature in them. Ideally she is looking for a convertible from about the 1960s, preferably in cream or silver but that's not 100% necessary. The shoot is on the afternoon of April 2 in Clyde. Are there any club members who might have something relevant and are interested? Contact Nicole at: nicolegourleyphotography@gmail.com
ph 0273524563
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PARTS DEPARTMENT Come along on a Wednesday morning to view, or contact John Martin. Available for restoration/parts: a SWB Landrover Series 2 (incomplete)
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Puff N Stuff DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENT RATES (members’ cars may be advertised free for 3 months) Full Page $300 (annualised basis) Half Page $150 Quarter Page $75 Contact the Ed for info
Moving Parts I am travelling to Auckland for work and will be leaving Fairlight around the end of May 2021 and travelling with a tandem axle digger trailer which will be empty. If any member needs "stuff" moved north then it is available. I will also be bringing back some Minerva parts for David Taylor and may have enough room for a few other items. Call me if you have a need to shift parts around the country. Cheers
John Gurney
ph 021936091
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The stickers are now available to COVCC members
Let others know which Branch you belong to at events away from home. These are produced locally and are made of high quality vinyl. They are external stickers and go on the outside of the windscreen or on the body-work. (They are easily removed with a hair-dryer.) Cost $2 each. (A small profit goes to our club.) To order contact David Brewer 021 280 3307 david@thebrewers.co.nz
Graham Taylor Mechanical Ltd 114 Shortcut Road, Luggate. gtml@xtra.co.nz 443 1416 027 248 9942 MAXXIS TYRES -- MIXTECH BATTERIES — SPAREX AG PARTS
Return Address: C/-114 Shortcut Road Luggate RD2 Wanaka 9382