5 minute read
Secretary s Scribblings
It is a coupe of months since I put pen to paper.
Last month five Model A’s and their Crews from Marlborough wended their ways to Gisborne for the National model A rally where 120 Model A’s from around the country attended.
Sharon and I travelled in convoy with Kevin and Cath Millar and Alan and Jan Graham. Also from Marlborough were Don and Linda Laing and John and Lyn Pauling.
We crossed on an early Ferry and headed to Masterton for the first night. Up over the Rimutaka hill at about mid-day when there was not a lot of traffic, which made for a great drive. We stopped at the top to enjoy the view and some of the history on plaques there, checked the water and then down to Featherston and to Martinborough for lunch.
Before we got to Masterton, we visited the Pointon Museum and vehicle collection. What an amazing collection of cars and memorabilia and period costumes and wedding dresses. Well worth a visit.
Next day to Hastings via back roads as much as possible, with a drive at the end of the day up to the top of Te Mata Peak: which had the cars down in low gear at one stage. What about the views from there?
Sunday, we headed for Gisborne. This time on the main roads as there was no alternative but not a lot of traffic to worry about. We stopped for a cuppa at a rest area near the Motu Viaduct and some local children saw the cars and came over for a chat. As we were there a log train went past heading to Wairoa. There must have been at least 100 wagons each taking more than a truck and trailer load of logs which means at least 100 logging trucks off the roads. We got into Gisborne about lunchtime and registered for the Rally. Next we found our accommodation and once settled, back to an evening function and welcome at the Showgrounds where the rally was based.
We spent eight nights in Gisborne and had a wonderful time with three long and very interesting runs, Mahia Peninsular, Motu School and Tiniroto, and visited many other sights and areas around the province.
Easter Monday. We headed north to Hicks Bay for the night, on the way visiting the Tolaga Bay wharf where we walked the historic 800-meter-long structure, and driving to the East Cape lighthouse. On arriving at the motel we enquiried
at the desk as to where the fuel station was? Then we were told it was at Te Araroa which we had come through 8 km back, so we had to drive back as didn’t have enough fuel to get to the next fuel stop 40ks along the road.
Next day we headed to Whakatane and had a lovely drive around the coast stopping a couple of times to admire the views. Lunch at Opotiki and on to where Sharon was able to show our group where she grew up as a child and she took us to some great viewing spots.
Sharon and I stayed in Whakatane for a couple of nights while the others headed across the island towards New Plymouth and home. We headed south through the forest to bypass Rotorua and to Turangi for the night; then the next day across the Desert Road to Mangaweka where we turned of SH1 to head to Kimbolton to stay with my brother where I used to farm. A couple of nights there and back to Wellington to catch the ferry home.
We had great weather with the hood down except for two days with rain so all in all a very good trip with no car trouble, travelling close to 2000 miles.
Some of you will have heard that Sharon is not well. A couple of days after we got home, she thought she had a tummy bug and was in bed for a couple of days when, she went yellow. I took her to the Doctor who put her straight into hospital and after some tests they came up with gallstones, but (possibly) something else was there also. She was flown to Christchurch hospital where a couple of small operations and further tests that confirmed she has cancer of the pancreas. Unfortunately, because of where it is they cannot operate to remove it and it is quite fast growing.
After 10 days in Christchurch, she was flown back to Wairau hospital and they have been working on getting her right enough with medication so she can come home. She was able to come home on ‘leave’ today, Saturday, and if all goes well, they will discharge her, and she will be under the care of the Hospice team for palliative care.
So we will be taking it day by day for the next wee while.
I will be standing again for secretary at the AGM at the end of the month. Don’t forget - Sunday 30th May 2021 at 1.30pm and please, bring a plate for afternoon tea.
Have a great month of Vintage Motoring,
Chris Bird
April has been another successful trading month bolstered by visitors transiting to the Ashburton swap meet.
Thanks to all the members who held the reins during my recent absence and a special thanks to Earl who became Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Donations of parts is still occurring with the recent addition to our inventory of a 1947 Chevrolet engine, gearbox etc all still mounted on the front half of the chassis, plus 1929 Hudson parts including some very tidy body panels.
An Essex four engine, spare block and a rear axle assembly has also arrived.
The dexion shelving in the container is proceeding well. Going by the large numbers of people who attended the Ashburton swap meet everyone was evidently gagging for such an event, around 400 sites sold and many local members managing to successfully exchange one load of parts for another!!.
Tris Winstanley.
Update from Your Kitchen Custodian
Hi Everyone, Another month has passed us by, not sure where it went, the days are certainly speeding by and nights are getting cooler. April has been quiet. The ‘Natter & noggin’ night was enjoyed by everyone, the desserts were yummy. It is always interesting at pot luck evenings as the variety of food is amazing and usually, without any double ups.
I would like to say a big THANK YOU to Oliver for the cabinets he has altered or made for the kitchen and especially the cupboard for our glasses, so much easier to just slide the trays out. Again Thank you Oliver. Natter & Noggin for this month is Friday the 28th and it is a soup & Bun night.
In July I hope to have another High Tea afternoon with either a card making demonstration (maybe make your own card) or something else. Confirmation/ date in the next view point.
