THE WIPER The Newsletter of the Gore Branch of the Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.)
March 2020
Next meeting: 10th March
MEETINGS: SECOND TUESDAY of the month at the Clubrooms, Waimea Street, Gore Branch telephone number: 03 208 7424
2019-2020 Committee and Officers Branch Patrons Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Club Captain Assistant Club Captains
Neil McVicar, Ray Tressler Greg Elder Paul Herron Bill Ainge Tim Walsh John Parish Rod Bell Charlie Davis Greg Elder Ray Taylor Branch Recorder (Wiper Editor) David North Assistant Branch Recorder Position not filled at present House Convenor Des Brewster Assistant House Convenor Paul Corcoran Social Committee Beb Kennedy, David McDowell, Russell Newland Beaded Wheels Reporter Jim McFadzien Festival Rally Organiser Denis Knight Assistant Rally Organiser Vacant Bar Manager Chris Scoles Assistant Bar Manager Murray Proctor Maintenance Supervisor Keith Nunn Maintenance Assistants Bill Ainge, Barry Clearwater, Keith Dodds, Russell Newland, Ken Youngson Swapmeet & Parts Gerry Kennedy Swapmeet & Parts Assistants Barry Clearwater, Paul Corcoran, Evan Henderson, Bryan Neilson Hill Climb Evan Henderson Hill Climb Assistant Stewart Quertier Sheriff Denis Knight Librarian Stewart Quertier Raffles Starr McDougall National Delegate David North Privacy Officer Bill Ainge Health & Safety Officer Murray Low Museum & HPV David McDowell Tuesday Ramble Co-ordinator Gerry Kennedy Branch Daffodil Day Co-ordinator John Tremaine Vehicle Identity Card signatories Evan Henderson, John Parish, John Tremaine
(03) 202 5710 (03) 208 6121 (03) 208 9877 (03) 208 3531 (03) 208 5505 027 229 2191 027 451 5234 (03) 202 5710 027 696 2965 021 172 3281 (03) 208 1960 (03) 208 6862
(03) 208 0121 (03) 208 5404 (03) 208 0052 (03) 208 4768 (03) 208 5403
027 233 4634
(03) 208 6479 (03) 208 7932 (03) 208 5404 (03) 208 7932 (03) 208 5450 021 172 3281 (03) 208 4007 (03) 208 6791 027 233 4634 (03) 208 9670
Front cover picture: An eager Cook family at the start of the Picnic Run: (L-R) wife Karen (spotter), son Ryder (navigator) and Matt (driver). (Photo by the Editor)
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Chairman's Report March 2020 Great to hear at the February meeting that we have nearly 50 entries for our annual Festival Rally organised by Denis and Marie Knight and crew. By the time you read this Wiper hopefully the weather has been kind to us and we have had another great Rally. Trust any of our members who have been affected by the recent floodings have dried out and back to normal life. Floods are certainly stressful and it’s hard to imagine all the damage caused by the big fires in Australia. Have heard of several car collections lost in the fires. Very sad. So on a positive note let’s hope the rest of the year goes well and we can all enjoy lots of motoring in our vehicle on our great roads. The good news is I am now firing on all cylinders with good compression!! and am allowed to drive again so looking forward to catching up with you all at our Club events. Remember please if anybody knows of a guest Speaker for one of our meeting nights, let us know. Happy Motoring Greg Elder
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Club Captain’s Report March 2020 It is a busy time of year for VCC events and I hope as many members as possible got out and supported the Festival Rally this year. It is our main rally for the year and is always a lot of fun. We had a great afternoon on the Digger’s Run to Tapanui on the 8th of February with another good turnout of RSA members in attendance. Thanks to Charlie Davis and Ray Taylor for their work in organising the run. While at the Tapanui RSA Ray Taylor informed me that he has sold his house in Tapanui and is moving to Dobson on the West Coast. I wish him well with his move and will miss his input on the Club Captain’s Committee and in organising club events. Charlie and Ray have the Clearwater Capers run all set to go on the 1st of March so come along and join in. We meet at the clubrooms at 12 noon and head somewhere for lunch followed by a visit to a local attraction. See the advert in The Wiper for details. Hot on the heels of the Clearwater Capers is the Frank Robson Memorial Rally, for Veteran and Vintage vehicles, on the 8th of March. Meet at the clubrooms at 1pm and bring your afternoon tea with you. We will be following the route proposed for the National Veteran Rally that the Gore Branch will host on the 17th of October 2020. Come along and get a sneak preview of this rally route. (If you don’t have a Veteran or Vintage vehicle you are welcome to participate in a non-competitive capacity in any VCCeligible vehicle.) Then on the 15th of March we have the Gore Swap Meet organised by Gerry Kennedy. Have a clean out in the shed and come and set up a stall. Better still come and buy some more treasures to help finish a restoration or start a new one. There will be something for everyone so don’t miss out. John Parish 5
From the Editor’s keyboard A bit of an embarrassment of riches this month! With Notices for a lot of events coming up in March and a plethora of reports from January and February (thank you all very much – especially the volunteers!) I have had to hold some reports and a story over to next month due to lack of space. (A very good problem to have, and one I am not complaining about at all!) You will notice that at times (including this month) I include more than one report of some Runs and Rallies. I never object if more than one contributor sends me a report on the same event. Everybody’s run or rally is different to everybody else’s and it is always interesting to read different people’s accounts. So, don’t be put off sending me something because you think (or know) that somebody else is already doing it. At the very least you will have some respite from me pestering you for stories! David North
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Why did the Sheriff get fined? I drove home from work on Tuesday the 24th of January which was a hot day in Gore. Coming around of our drive I noticed that Denis was on the roof. I thought to myself “He looks like a wee gnome up there”! Anyway my garage door was open but when I was about to drive into it I saw the ladder was in my road. So I stopped, said “Hi” to Denis and was about to move the ladder when I suddenly realized he was stuck up there. He had been hosing Wet & Forget on the tile roof and after moving the hose the ladder fell over (much better than him falling off!). Denis had been stuck there for 2½ hours without his cell phone... Lucky it wasn't the next day as I had a hair appointment and he would have been there another couple of hours. And this was why Denis was fined by Deputy Sheriff Marie at the February GVCC meeting! Marie Knight
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Gore VCC Picnic Run 18th January The day dawned, as they usually do, overcast. Was that an indicator of dampness to fall from the sky to dampen the adventure planned for the day? Temperature indicated……. Yeah ….. Nah! A quick phone call to a contact at the destination revealed similar conditions with the promise of low cloud burning off as the day passed. The car was loaded with food and beverages, extra clothing in case wind chill in the convertible was a little chilly, seats to sit upon and a table to place food on. The tank was full, the oil checked and the tyres kicked.
The organisers’ Triumph Spitfire
My wife and I proceeded to the Clubrooms. By 10:45am half a dozen cars and assorted individuals had assembled. After signing the Club Run register, giving the Club Captain the run sheets, answering in general terms questions regarding direction, “Yes, we were traveling East, and West and South and North” (don’t give away much, eh!) Lynne and I left at this time to be at the destination to ensure all was in order and be ready for the arrival, hopefully, of participants.
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We traveled by a slightly more direct route than the participants to ensure our arrival before any potential Stirling Mosses on the Run. The direction sheet did include questions pertaining to the route so some attention during the Run was required. The sun was shining on our arrival and we established our Club Territory on a grassy area overlooking the sea at Kaka Point, settled in our seats, set out some tucker on the table, poured a coffee and waited (apprehensively) for arrivals. Relief!! Over the hill and down to the flat came some participants. Directions on the sheet must have been understandable, by these people anyway. Within half an hour of the first arrivals, 15 cars and 1 truck, totaling 36 individuals, had assembled on the forefront at Kaka Point or parked behind the Community Hall. Participants settled in and partook of sustenance, chatter, banter and general good will.
Announcing the results of the quiz
The run sheet had also included a short New Zealand General Knowledge Quiz. Well, mostly general knowledge. One question was a wee bitty bit of a stumper, intentional to catch ‘device’ users. Overall questions were answered reasonably well. Sheets were collected and marked. As with all competitions organised by me, the Judge’s decision is final, no correspondence will be entered into unless witnessed by both Great 11
Grandmothers, countersigned by the Queen and submitted in triplicate. After prizes were allocated, with one being for artwork, the party began to break up. Some wandered to the shop for an ice cream while others went for something a little stronger at the licensed premises next to the ice cream shop. Eventually all headed off to make their own way to their homes.
Karen Green receiving the Quiz Prize
My thanks to those who participated in the Run and completed the quiz in the light-hearted manner that was intended - just a bit of fun for the navigator as well as something other than “just a drive”. Though there is nothing like just having a drive in that special ‘toy’ tucked away in the shed. Keep your petrol fresh and your points dry. Happy motoring. Rod Bell (Photos by the Editor)
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My three year old daughter asked me, “Where does poo come from?� I was a little uncomfortable but decided to give her an honest explanation. So I said, "You just ate breakfast, yes?" "Yes." she replied. "Well, the food goes into our tummies and our bodies take out all the good stuff, and then whatever is left over comes out of our bums when we go to the toilet, and that is poo." She looked a little perplexed, and stared at me in stunned silence for a few seconds and asked, "And Tigger?" Sent in by Bill Sheddan
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January Tuesday Ramble We must have been in credit “upstairs” as the 28th January turned out to be a beautiful sunny day in Riverton, with just enough of a breeze to stop everyone overheating. As usual, eager Ramblers started arriving before the appointed time but, for a change, I had actually finished my preparations so wasn’t caught on the hop anywhere near as badly as in previous years! The “picnic area” in the garden was soon filled with Ramblers eating their lunches and chatting and enjoying Donna’s home baking. (This year it was fudgy chocolate cake and popcorn biscuits.)
Those who hadn’t seen our “wild” garden had a wander around and many took the opportunity to explore Donna’s “She Shed” also known as her “Happy Place” and, on the day, the “Lavender Box”. (The print version’s black & white photo certainly does not do it justice!) There were many envious comments and a number wives instructed their menfolk to take a look – I know not why. Once everybody had arrived (some had lunch first and then came along) we were a band of 25, including two “youngsters” as Jean and Brian Kirby had brought along two of their grandchildren. 14
Next on the agenda was a short drive to the Thornbury Vintage Tractor and Implement Club’s Rural Heritage Centre. We were met by Fraser Pearce, President of the Club, and four Club members who were available to answer questions and help us to make the most of our visit. Fraser introduced the Club, telling us it was established in 1956, making it the oldest vintage tractor club in New Zealand. It resulted from the foresight of three gentlemen, following the recovery and subsequent restoration of a 1914 Avery tractor which is still on display in the Heritage Centre.
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The Centre aims to tell the Southland farming story and there is something to interest everyone. We started in the small cinema which was filled to capacity as most of the Ramblers accepted Fraser’s invitation to view an introductory DVD. After that we dispersed around the five sheds to take in the extensive collection. One shed, in Fraser’s words, was the “shiny tractors” shed and housed beautifully-restored examples of many different types, sizes and makes of tractor and other agricultural vehicles, some being very rare and the vast majority in full working order.
A tractor equipped with Howard Roto Pads Self-laying Tracks
Other sheds contained displays of domestic objects, some set out as dioramas recreating such bygone scenes as a bedroom, a lounge, a kitchen, a pub and a variety of shops including a cobbler’s. There was also a display area devoted to objects from Pat Turnbull’s collection. Yet another shed housed a huge amount of dusty and dilapidated agricultural machinery that looked as though it would keep the restorers busy for many years to come, let alone the other items scattered around outside the sheds! 16
The Garrett steam engine (top);
Tessa and Ashleigh see-sawing 17
Sue Mulqueen was particularly taken with the traction engine!
The newest shed housed a beautifully-restored traction engine and a steam engine, both made by Garrett & Sons of Leiston, England. The number of Ramblers exploring the site started to reduce after about an hour or so, although some stragglers were still chatting to Fraser nearly two hours after our arrival. The Kirbys’ departure was slightly delayed as, not content with exploring the beach at Riverton and most of the Thornbury sheds, their two granddaughters were to be seen enjoying the see-saw at the nearby playground. Something for everyone indeed! Many thanks to Fraser and his colleagues for opening up for us and for giving up so much of their time to enable us to enjoy ourselves. David (& Donna) North 18
Clearwater Capers Sunday 1st March
12 noon: meet at the Clubrooms 12.30pm: first car away on a short and simple run to the lunch venue Bring money for your lunch and $8 entry fee for the destination Charlie Davis 027 451 5234 and Ray Taylor 027 696 2965 19
My name is Viv James and I run the Race4Life Trust. This fabulous registered charity fulfils the wishes of Palliative Care Patients throughout New Zealand. The ONE MINUTE video below says it all in a nutshell https://www.facebook.com/dealsonwheelsnz/videos/403232656952497/ If you have a moment please do take a look at our website and Facebook Page to read some of our beautiful stories. https://www.facebook.com/race4lifetrust www.race4life.co.nz We began running the event in Invercargill last year and some of your members may be very keen to be a part of it. We did not capture this inaugural event on video. However we have been running this event in the Waikato for 13 years and the video of last year's event will give you an idea of the occasion https://www.facebook.com/theFASTfiles/videos/569353466883429/ The event in the Waikato at Hampton Downs has 80 patients and about 400 volunteers attending. Last year 25 patients and about 150 helpers and volunteers attended the day in Teretonga. We envisage the event to be about the same size again this year. For those interested you would need to get to Teretonga on Tuesday March 3rd by 9am for a drivers’ meeting. We would send you off at the end of the day with a beer and a pizza in hand! Breakfast and lunch are provided. For anyone keen to find out more about this special day please contact: Viv@race4life.org.nz Thanks very much. Kind regards, Viv 20
Frank Robson Memorial Rally For Veteran & Vintage Vehicles (If you don’t have a Veteran or Vintage vehicle you are welcome to come in another VCC-eligible vehicle on a non-competitive basis) th
Sunday 8 of March
Assemble at the clubrooms at 1.00 pm for a run following the route proposed for the National Veteran Rally being hosted by Gore Branch in October 2020 Bring your afternoon tea Visits to Marairua Homestead and Ken Muir’s shed Route approx. 115km return
Any enquiries contact: John Parish Ph (03) 208 5505 21
Gore Branch Events for the 2019-20 Season Event
Proposed Date
Clearwater Capers Run
Sunday 1st March
Charlie Davis, Ray Taylor
Frank Robson Run
Sunday 8th March
Greg Elder
Gore Swap Meet
Sunday 15th March
Gerry Kennedy
Ladies Run
Sunday 5th April
Janet Brewster
Night Trial
Saturday 9th May
John Parish, Greg Elder
End of Season Run
Saturday 6th June
Charlie Davis, Ray Taylor
Annual Dinner & Trophy Night
Saturday 18th July
TBC
National Day Daffodil Rally for Cancer
Sunday 23rd August
TBC
National Veteran Rally
Friday 16th to Sunday 18th October
Paul Herron
Tuesday Ramble
Organiser(s)
Normally the last Co-ordinated by Tuesday of the month. Gerry Kennedy (Variable in December)
Editor's note to event organisers If you want to see a report in The Wiper please provide one yourselves or organise somebody to do it for you. (N.B. This usually works best if you ask them before the event!
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Other Events 2020 st
1 March
Wings & Wheels Day, Taieri Airfield. Contact: email: info@otagoaeroclub.co.nz or phone Geoff Laing 027 2248043 or Don Lockie 027 277 8903
7th March
Annual Veteran Rally, Southland Branch. (Entries close on 27th February.)
8th March
Best of British Charity Motoring Day, Dunedin. Contact Barbara Macdonald 021 1599488
15th March
National AGM, Wellington
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22 March
Moped Rally, Central Otago Branch. Contact: John Martin 03 4450598 or email martin_jw@xtra.co.nz
4th April
South Canterbury Swapmeet & Bazaar Contact: Michelle 03 693 9093
10th – 12th April (Easter Weekend)
28th National Morris Minor Convention. To be held in Greymouth. Contact Ross McClelland rossrachaelmc@gmail.com
10th – 13th April
National North Island Easter Rally, Horowhenua. Michael Gaffaney: phone 04 905 2402 or email michael@gaffaney.com
24th – 26th April
ANZAC Weekend. Casual motoring fun. Info from Alistair Day 027 202 5007 or nola.day@xtra.co.nz
2nd May
Ashburton Branch Swapmeet
23rd August
National Day Daffodil Rally for Cancer
10th – 13th September
Hawke’s Bay Vintage Only Rally. Contact Esther Smith humber@xtra.co.nz or Rod McKenzie rod.mckenzie.wpk@xtra.co.nz
13th – 20th October
Targa New Zealand Time Trials. North Island Contact Rod Corbett 027 433 8772
16th to 18th October
National Veteran Rally, Gore Branch. Contact Paul Herron: phone (03) 208 6121 2021
17 – 22 January th
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Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring, New Plymouth. http://www.historicmotoring.co.nz
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Tuesday Ramble 31st March
10.30pm: meet at the Clubrooms 10.45am: depart for Invercargill (arriving Invercargill around noon) Visiting Glen Cockcroft to view his collection of traffic and police memorabilia
Bring a picnic lunch, something to sit on and hot water Numbers to: Gerry Kennedy 027 233 4634 No later than 26th March 25
Ladies Run 5th April G’day. About the Ladies Run. Just now I wish I could, far far away. To a distant Galaxy where it was warm constantly, and weeds were all incredibly lovely and not at all rampant. However! My plans have been flushed down the Mataura with the garden I was planning to use. But the basic premise still stands: We will meet at 2 pm (at the Clubrooms) and there will be fun and games of a particular nature! Oh yes, and questions will be asked! There is to be a small local run. At about 4:30 pm the men will set up a buffet of salads or hot veges and BBQ the meat for an early evening meal while the ladies sit about and drink and chat. Things to bring: Small salad or similar Meat to BBQ Sense of humour and the willingness to engage 3 sheets of paper and pen Rain coat and gummies if wet The men will clean up while the ladies sit about and drink and chat until the end. If the men don't fancy washing up the dishes then they should bring paper plates instead.
Janet Brewster (03) 208 1960 26
REMINDERS A few of the vinyl “VCC Wings” badges (as featured on the front cover) are still available from the Treasurer, cost $2 each. VCC name badges: are available from Van De Water Jewellers at a discounted cost of $25. These badges are black with white lettering and bear your name and “Gore VCC”. N.B. If you’re not wearing one at a meeting you are likely to attract the Sheriff’s attention and be fined! To Let: the Gore Vintage Car Club rooms are available to VCC members for personal functions at very reasonable cost. Email version of The Wiper A reminder for the computer whizz-kids out there. The Wiper is also available by email; either as a link to an online version or as an emailed pdf file. The pictures are in colour, it arrives earlier and the hyperlinks work too! Just send me your email address if you would like to try this. The Editor
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Dunedin to Brighton Veteran Rally Saturday 18th January (A winner’s tale) This is the longest running Rally in the southern hemisphere and this year was the 66th year of its existence. It is a New Zealand version of the London to Brighton Run held in England each year and started here in 1954 for vehicles 1918 or older. To say the veteran movement interest is fading away could be proved wrong with this year’s rally of 40 entrants assembling at the First Church car park. Once all entrants had assembled we were given a rally briefing and had to leave in number order to assemble in the Octagon. Normally the Dunedin mayor flags away the cars and bikes starting at 11.00am however Dunedin has a new Greenie mayor who doesn’t believe in automobiles and especially our oil dripping and less environmentallyfriendly antiques and so refused to do it and another councillor with less concerns agreed to flag us away. This view had caused some disgruntled rumbling and eye rolling. We had a change from previous runs by not having the hard climb of Corstorphine Road and going via Sidey Street with a more gradual climb although a narrow street. We proceeded through Burnside and straight on through to Brighton domain for lunch and field tests. We always get the boxed lunch option and struggle to finish the tasty and plentiful food. Gore had 3 entries of myself, Bill Sheddan and his Saxon and Greg Elder but regrettably Greg bowed out with health issues. It was a very hot day this year which helps make it enjoyable. The prize-giving and tea were held at the Belmacewen Golf Club and there was a presentation to Colin Pearce for his 60 years of VCC membership. Sorry Bill but no silverware for you this year (maybe a navigator issue?) however I received 3rd place in the Concours and 1st equal in the Field Tests. This was the 14th time I had entered this Rally and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Paul Herron 28
1913 Overland posing
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Veteran “Briton� of unknown year
Trusty Saxon and dodgy navigator
A selection of Veteran motorcycles
attracting attention
AC Sociable (two-seater chain-driven and powered by a 650cc two-stroke motor)
(Photos by Bill Sheddan)
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Dunedin to Brighton Rally (A Navigator’s Tale) Early last year when we were in Picton, Bill Sheddan rang to see if I would like to navigate with him in his Saxon, but as we were heading to the North Island on a Club Captain’s Tour I had to decline. Needless to say when he asked again for the Dunedin to Brighton Rally I jumped at the chance! Linda and I went to Dunedin on the Friday and stayed handy to where Bill was to unload the car, and met him there on the Saturday morning. I helped Bill unload, Linda went off shopping and we motored up to First Church to get our instructions and our starting number which was 9. Paul and Lynn Herron in their Model T and Thelma Boult with her son Phillip in his Alldays & Onions were also lined up there. We all moved into the Octagon for the public display until 11am. After a speech from a Dunedin City Councillor we were flagged away by Dougal Stevenson. The route went down Princess Street, South Road and through Green Island keeping off the motorway. We had many people out watching us pass and a lot of the public were at the Brighton Domain to greet us when we arrived. We enjoyed a packed lunch in the sun before doing field tests and after a lot of car talk catching up with people and their cars, it was time to head back into the city. Make sure you come and see the display of cars in October at the National Veteran Rally in Gore, as a lot of these cars will be there - they started our Club’s history, are restored to perfection and are a credit to their owners. Thanks for a great day out Bill - can’t wait till the next time - neither can Linda!! Keith Nunn
Dunedin V8 Tour machine seen at Dunedin’s Octagon (Photo by Bill Sheddan) 30
Spotted! It seems that reporters from Gore’s newspaper, The Ensign, can’t stop following our Branch members around! The Tremaines’ convertible Mini features in the January 28th edition, including a picture of Mary Tremaine sitting in the car: https://www.theensign.co.nz/community/converted-mini-favourite-withfamily-and-onlookers/ And now the Southland Times is getting in on the act too! Garry Mulqueen is pictured on page 2 of the February 10th edition with a very secondhand container after the floods: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/119378216/metal-container-bendsaround-tree-in-gore-floods The Editor
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Diggers Run, Saturday 8th February Nine car club cars and RSA member Bruce Cavangh in his Wolseley, along with 20 RSA seniors left the RSA at around 1.30pm with Charlie Davis leading the way. We all headed over the bridge turning off at McNab, going on until Willowbank where we then travelled to Maitland, Crossans Corner, and then to Kelso for our first stop. Charlie made an attempt to take us onto a washed out section of road, but we decided no, and carried on to have a quick look at the flood monument. It’s amazing that the landscape is really quite normal again after all the flooding earlier in the week. Other than rubbish on the fences and in the trees plus a bit of minor road damage it’s visually at least back to normal.
Rod Bell’s Jaguar at the Monument
The highest bar on the monument is the height of water during the 1980 flood and the middle one is 1978. No wonder the township was moved. After leaving Kelso, we then motored to the Crookston cemetery where again we stopped and looked at the new war memorials there. What a tidy cemetery, considering just how isolated it is and the monuments are rather beautiful.
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Crookston Cemetery 33
After a few minutes there (it was a bit cool), we travelled on to Tapanui and afternoon tea. Anybody who has been to Tapanui RSA before knows that you do not leave hungry, what a spread. After Tapanui we headed home stopping for a minute at Waikoikoi to look at their refurbished war memorial, well worth a look if you’re passing and can spare a couple of minutes. Back to the RSA to finish off the afternoon with a drink and goodbyes. Although the weather was a bit poor (not as bad as earlier in the week though) it was a great day out and the RSA members enjoyed themselves. Thanks to Charlie and Ray for organising the day for us. Murray Proctor
Our Chairman out and about again
One of Greg’s first trips after his medical event was being taken to see the “new” locomotive at Lumsden. He kindly sent me this photo with the comment that “No I do not want to restore it!!” The Editor 34
Online Bonuses Dunedin to Brighton Rally https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/sunbeam-cars-light-annual-veterancar-rally 66th Vintage Car Rally Video from Dunedin to Brighton (8 minute video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2F_h0DTBX8 Thornbury Vintage Tractor Club SouthProud website, with a few photos of the sheds and items in them: https://www.southproud.co.nz/listing/thornbury-vintage-tractor-museum/ NZ Museums website (with photos of 50 items from the collection): https://www.nzmuseums.co.nz/collections/8551/thornbury-vintagetractor-club A short video from 2009 by SouthStories which tells how the Club started and shows a little of the collection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHbFDYEeu8k Story about the Garrett steam engine: https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/108819006/vintageengine-restoration-full-steam-ahead-for-thornbury-club (“Chairman Greg’s”) Historic train hauled from Southland river: https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/southland/historic-train-hauled-southlandriver Kelso https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelso,_New_Zealand Otago Central Rail Trail: http://www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz/ Drag City https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2GwDGjiV4k The Editor 35
What We Did On Our Holidays Otago Central Rail Trail By Keith & Linda Nunn A story about pedal power rather than horse power!! Our older daughter with her husband and their 9-year-old son, Liam, wanted to ride the Rail Trail. It was something that I had on my bucket list and hadn’t got round to doing, so I bought a new bike with lots of gears, front suspension and disc brakes – a far cry from the old one with three speeds and a rear hub brake.
Eager to be off!
We stayed in Alexandra and decided to do the most interesting part first not knowing how it would go. We drove to Oturehua to start, then Linda was left in charge of the car while we started biking. It was a dry but overcast day and quite flat easy riding down the Ida Valley amongst the hares and rabbits, at an average of 12-14 kph. The highlight that morning was the Poolburn viaducts and tunnels, although the viaducts weren’t 36
easy biking as they were old railway sleepers. Linda was waiting with the lunch at Lauder when we arrived, which we ate in the shelter of the shed there. It was another 8km to Omakau and Liam decided to go with Nan in the car, and when everyone arrived it was off to the coffee shop, before driving to Ophir for a look around.
The Lauder stop
Next morning the snow was further down on the hills and it was colder as we returned to Omakau. It was a hard slog up Tiger Hill and under the main road, and Liam did exceptionally well in one gear on that stage, as he hasn’t mastered changing gears. Linda waited at the Chatto Creek Pub and the hot chocolates were just what we needed to warm us up. Liam enjoyed the downhill ride down the valley to Galloway which was our next rest stop, and we met other bikers going the opposite way, then on to Alexandra where we ate lunch on a grassed area beside the trail. The three adults then carried on to Clyde into a cold head wind, and when it was all over we enjoyed exploring the Clyde township etc. We all enjoyed the ride of 65km – a nice change from driving the roads, with different scenery and hope to do the Oturehua-Middlemarch section next year. Keith & Linda Nunn 37
Gore VCC Supper Roster 2020/2021 March April May June July August September October November December January February
IF YOU ARE UNAVAILABLE ON YOUR ROSTERED NIGHT, PLEASE ARRANGE YOUR OWN SUBSTITUTE.
Russell Newland Keith Nunn Beb Kennedy Glenise Corcoran To be advised To be advised To be advised To be advised To be advised To be advised To be advised To be advised
We need to cater for about 30 to 40 members each night. The cuppa and serving of the supper is to be arranged within the Social Committee. If necessary, ingredients and/or small items can be bought at Gore New World and charged to the Gore VCC account.
My thanks to those who have come forward. If the month you are listed for doesn’t suit let me know so I can rearrange them or you can work with another person on the roster to swap. Des Brewster
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COOKERY CORNER (Gluten free) Fudgy Chocolate Cake 250g (Whittaker’s) dark chocolate 4 eggs 85g (gluten free) self-raising flour
125g butter 140g caster sugar
Melt the chocolate and butter, leave to cool Preheat oven to 180ÂşC Whisk the eggs till just frothy then add the sugar, flour and cooled chocolate Mix on low until combined, then on medium until the mixture is a slightly paler shade of chocolate and is smooth Pour into a lined Lamington tin and bake for 28-30 minutes Cool in tin Donna North
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ADVERTISEMENTS FOR SALE FORD rug hand made by local member. Dark blue and white. Size approx. 36 inches x 20 inches. $400 with $200 to go to Gore VCC. Contact Gerry 027 233 4634 1/3
FOR SALE I've had a message via the Otago Facebook page from someone trying to sell 2 x 15" cross-ply tyres suitable for a PWV car. If anyone is interested they can contact Levi on 027 3682865. The tyres are located in Gore. Levi has photos he can email to you. FOR SALE 1972 MGBGT, manual with overdrive. 87,000 kms. Very tidy. New carpet. Very good interior. Excellent bodywork and paint. All hard work done. $13,000. For more information etc. contact: Russell Newland, phone (03) 208 5899 or 027 442 5406 1/3
FOR SALE Expressions of interest are invited for 4 Firestone tyres, size 6.00 x 20 inch in good order and suitable for split-rim wheels. Contact Garry Mulqueen 03 208 9232 1/3
FOR SALE and WANTED advertisements are free to Club members. Each advertisement will be published in 3 consecutive issues. Please contact the Editor 41
Newsletters from other branches Most of the Branch Newsletters are now posted on the VCC Website each month: www.vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches A handful of branches still send us printed copies and these are displayed on the stand in the Library. Most of the others are received by email as pdf files or links to online versions. These can be requested from the Editor or the Secretary.
Tailpiece
Sent in by Bill Sheddan
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Run reports, articles of interest, photos, technical tips, letters and feedback are always welcome. Please send all contributions to David North
before the 21st of each month for inclusion in the next Wiper If you don't have a computer I can type up a hand-written article or put your notes or jottings into shape for The Wiper. If you prefer I can even take notes as you talk to me and write up the story for you - I am always ready to help so just let me know how! e-mail: northd14@gmail.com physical and mail: 4 Trotter Street, Riverton 9822 telephone (mobile) 021 172 3281 Remember that insuring your vehicle(s), boat(s), house(s), contents or travel with Vero Insurance and quoting the branch number (300135) results in the branch receiving a commission payment Please support our advertisers so that they, in turn, can continue to support the Branch The opinions and statements in The Wiper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy or views of the Gore branch or of the VCC. The branch accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any statements. The Wiper is printed by i-Cue 10 Wood Street, Invercargill. Telephone (03) 218 3350 43
GORE BRANCH VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND INC.
WAIMEA STREET, PO BOX 329 GORE
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