VCC Timaru Branch Visit
The North Otago Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Inc.
The
ALL BRITISH DAY 2020
Distributor
March 2020
Chairman’s Chat Fabulous February; busy, busy, busy! Lots of run and rally fun! I am writing this on the Monday following the All British Day and what a jolly, spiffing, proper knees-up we had, eh chaps?! Derek the Dodger even organised some truly British weather to match the occasion; wet, windy, cold and miserable. How does he do it? A & P show coming up, so pop your old banger on the trailer, caboose it down to the showgrounds and boost the numbers. Any opportunity to show off our cars and attract new members is priceless and helps keep us in front of the public in other, less obvious ways. When legislators want to marginalise us, it helps when we have public support to keep us on the road. We are the rolling history of our nation, so having a visible presence help us to keep going. I am reading an interesting book at the moment, titled “Autopia, The Future of Cars” by Jon Bentley (Oamaru Public Library). It’s about how the fleet is changing and the sorts of technology finding their ways onto our roads. Hybrids, full battery cars, hydrogen, LPG, autonomous, and so on. Can’t bury our collective heads in the sand; the future is arriving at breakneck speed! And there’s a whole chapter devoted to our own slice of the cake, entitled “The Future of the Past” which reassuringly lends hope to the continuation of our hobby “The destiny of our motoring heritage is an area we have little need to worry about…our heritage will be savoured and appreciated well into the foreseeable future” states the author. Great words, but it is up to us to read trends and, in particular, make our hobby attractive and accessible to a younger audience. Some of the Youtubers out there advocate a very much hands-on approach. The days of ‘look, but don’t touch my collection of shiny motorcars, aren’t I wonderful’ are no longer relevant. In these days of virtual reality and screen addiction, what young people respond to is real-life, hands-on demonstrations of building, restoring, repairing and driving of older vehicles. There is nothing like the visceral experience of getting one’s hands greasy spinning spanners, or wind-in-the-hair driving where you have to wrestle with the beast, watch the gauges and listen for the gearchange and spark advance. It’s high time some of us buddied up with our grandchildren and did the long weekend, back country road experience thing with their hands on the steering wheel for a change. So get off your Jason Recliner and make the phone call…or text…or Facebook….or Twitter…or Instagram…phew! Time
for that cuppa tea and a lie down again. I might start thinking about a Grand (children) Day Out. Watch this space. Down to business…I need two rimu boards about 50cm wide, 80cm long and 25mm thick, for the 50 and 60 year honours boards. Must be some big old bedheads out there somewhere; let me know what you’ve got and are willing to donate. Also, think about what you would like to help with around the club…rallies, club nights, cleaning and so-on. We can’t do all of it on our own and, after all, it’s your club. Sign-up sheets will be circulating on club nights, so check your diaries and pay it forwards! That’s all from me, happy motoring, gang, Peter
Secretary’s Report for March Distributor. 2020 has started with a flurry of activity with meetings, minutes, new member applications and members queries. Some happenings should have been dealt with last year but no one told me! Please, if there is anything about the Branch that you feel you should know about, or if there is something that you feel you are ‘missing out’ on you can email me at northotago@vcc.org.nz or phone me on 4347226. There are a number of you that I have not yet met, and I easily forget names, but as Branch secretary I am trying to do the best I can with the information I receive. I do not have any more information about the National Executive meeting at the end of March, but again, if there is something that interests you, please ask. Regards Kathleen Perry.
Mid Month Run On Wednesday 19 Feb. a group of 15 people took off for Glenavy where we met the Gardiners , Les and Nola to make the numbers up to 17 . From here we handed out further directions to arrive at Bell's Pond via the Ikawai - Glenavy Rd., keeping to the left until you come to Ross Road . Turn left onto the gravel Road , drive through the gate onto Private land , which has a speed restriction of 30 KPH ,and continue around the pond until you find a pleasant place to park and have a picnic
On this outing we were joined by :- Gilbert and Maureen ; Robin , Donnie & Stan ; Lindsay & Christine ; John and Wanda ; Mary & Charlie ; Les. & Nola ; Barbara & Bruce ; Marg. & Verna.
Although the day was better than expected in that it didn't rain , there was a cool wind blowing and the temperature was cooler than in Oamaru . Never -the -less , it was a pleasant spot to have a cuppa and a chat with our friends .
Thanks for coming , until next time , cheers and keep smiling . ( It makes people wonder what you have been up to ! )
Cheers , Verna
Next Mid Month Run is planned for Thursday March 19 , 2020
ALL BRITISH DAY 2020 We could hardly say the day dawned bright and beautiful so we were even more thrilled to have 46 cars register in the light to pouring rain! Big ups to the large veranda on the side of Scott’s Brewery for providing some sort of shelter. Two runs had been organised, both ending at the Duntroon Reserve. There we fortunately had access to the pavilion and were able to have lunch and socialise in reasonable comfort. Entries were from as far away as Cromwell, Balclutha, Dunedin Winchester, and Timaru and from Oamaru Winners of each section were:People's Choice - John Adamson - 1932 Hillman Minx Best Mini Tony Bryson 1981 Mini Leyland Best Original Car Bevan Cook 1958 A95 Austin Best British Car - Peter Francis 1964 Sunbeam Alpine Best Motorcycle was shared by Bruce Watt 1929 AJS and Robert Hutton 1959 Triumph Thanks again to our sponsors. We will be able to present The Order of St John with a worthwhile contribution to their funds. Lee & Derek Brehaut VCC Timaru Branch Visit 7 February
North Otago members welcomed an enthusiastic contingent of Timaru members to the club rooms for morning tea and a look at our spare parts stock. The weather wasn’t set up for open top driving so the warmth of the clubrooms from the good ol’ pot belly along with some food and a hot drink was just the ticket. Several very positive comments were made about the new chairs. The clubrooms was made available as their lunch venue as anywhere outside as planned wouldn’t have been very pleasant. Several of our members joined the group in the afternoon for a run to Elderslie.
A & P Show this Saturday 29th February The club has the opportunity to participate in this year’s A & P Show with a vehicle display. Sites 180 to 183 inclusive have been allocated and there is more room available if required. These sites are on the North East side of the grandstand at the sea end of the middle row of sites. Gates open to the public at 8am. Advise the Lion’s team at the gate that you are part of the NOVCC display and there is no cost to you. Follow the Parking Warden’s instructions to take you round to the site. You are asked to have your vehicle there by 9am at the latest and Club members will assist with parking at the sites. We are invited to participate in the ‘grand parade of cars’ which will take place following the parade of horses and will be into and round the ring and back out, with little, if any, stopping. Entries can be decided on the day, but it would help if we had some indication of your intention to participate along with your model and year of vehicle and owner’s name (optional) – to assist with a commentary. Please let me know (Club Captain’s staff!) by email lee.brehaut@gmail.com or text/ph 027 695 66 44 Looking forward to seeing a great turnout of our wonderful cars. Lee Brehaut
Club Captains Report It has been a very busy start to the New Year with a working bee around the club rooms on Monday the 17th getting the first coat of paint on the boundary fence. The fence having been water blasted and straightened at earlier Monday working bees. Some members attended the Palmerston-Waihemo A&P Car show reporting that it was well worth the trip. Hopefully next year will see more members travel down to investigate for themselves. Saturday the 15th saw a good group of keen participants, attempt the first of (hopefully) many Wee Wheelie Wanders on a varied assortment of Mopeds. It was great fun and very well organised so when the notice comes out for the next one, mark it on your calendar as a must do. Murphy has been pretty busy lately but he obviously had nothing to do last weekend. So despite a beautiful day on the Friday, Saturday dawned with light rain turning to a real down pour when we were setting up for the All British. Luckily previous events have a good reputation and an excellent turnout of 46 vehicles participated. I say 46 vehicles but the figure did include two motor bikes braving the weather and turning up to register. Sadly they were the only ones and even they saluted to the rain, completing the rally portion of the day in Bruce’s Landy. I was reliably informed that it was only slightly dryer than riding the bikes. The two shared the prize for best bike for turning up in that weather. To finish the month off next weekend is the North Otago A&P show. The NOVCC has a spot to show our vehicles so polish up that car or bike and get out there There was a set of sheets passed around at the last club night asking for anyone who wished to participate in any of the sub-committee’s organising the major events for this year. There is plenty of room for more to join in, so if you have a little time and some ideas then please think about putting your name forward. The events are: Daffodil Rally for Cancer Sunday August 23rd – Looking for ideas to raise money over the entry fee for the rally. Veteran Reliability Rally Under taken in the first year of each decade this will run over Christchurch Show weekend starting Friday 13th through to Sunday 15th November and is the same
weekend as the swap meet. Swap Meet Saturday 14th November. The Committee is Keen to expand on a very successful event last year and improve the Car show side of the swap meet. Windsor Rally Saturday 5th Decenber2020 2019 was the final event for the last organising committee, (Kathleen Perry and Rebecca George) and the club greatly appreciate the efforts they have made in running these successful events. 2020 is the 60th anniversary for the rally so time for a new group to put your hands up. NOVCC 60th Anniversary February 2021 is the anniversary for the club and is looking for ideas on how to celebrate. Coming Events Saturday February 29th A&P Show 8.00am Showgrounds Ettrick St. Email lee.brehaut@gmail.com for details Saturday March 28th Club run and Picnic. Mystery destination (Have not arranged yet) and BBQ Derek
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3 Otepopo St Herbert Ph 4395197 0274358983
Windsor Rally Report On Saturday 7th December 48 cars meet at Carpark beside Scotts Brewery for the 59th Windsor Rally. There were originally 56 entrants but due to bad weather and bridges being closed in Canterbury prevented a few entrants from being able to come for the rally The entrants departed on their choice of 3 routes to take them to Enfield Domain for lunch. Though Enfield is not actually far from the start point each entrant traveled over 30 miles to reach the domain, giving them a chance to enjoy motoring on our scenic North Otago Roads. Once they reached Enfield Domain they completed 3 fields tests before relaxing in the sunshine to enjoy their lunch. The 3 field tests involved guessing the temperature of the outside of their vehicles radiator, throwing a gumboot and the navigator using a croquet mallet to hit a ball along the ground while the car was moving. After lunch the entrants returned to Oamaru to our Club rooms for Afternoon Tea and prize giving. I would like to thank all the club members who helped either before the rally or on the day, Without your help the Rally would not of been as successful as it was. Rebecca George Rally Organiser Results Veteran Aggregate 1st Nevin Gough 1918 Ford Light Delivery van 2nd Ernest & Brenda George 1915 Overland Tourer 3rd Rob & Diane Ross 1908 Cadillac Commercial Vintage Aggregate 1st Brian Perkins 1925 Dodge Tourer 2nd Lee Orchard 1926 Chevrolet Special 3rd Graeme & Kay Shaskey 1920 Essex Roadster Post Vintage Aggregate 1st Stu & Lyn Neil 1939 Dodge D 11
For Sale/ Wanted ads Keep those ads coming. Remember these ads are read by members of other branches and car clubs.
Parts Department Open Mondays
10 – 12noon
Starts with a Cuppa. For Sale 1 Austin A30 suitable parts only. 1 Hillman Husky S V - suitable parts only Assorted Doors and mudguards. N. O. S. BMC Parts. Ford 10 Complete engine. Large selection of tail lights and Hub Caps. Enquiries call Jim Boaden
(03) 4372525
Ralph Weir
(03) 4345103
2nd John & Mary Lester 1935 Morris 8 Sports 3rd Robert Gibson 1937 Graham Sedan Post War Vintage Aggregate 1st Arthur Ruffelll 1958 Morris Minor 2nd Lee Brehaut 1958 Wosley 3rd Bill Ryan 1956 Vauxall Post 60 Aggregate 1st Ruth & Gil Edmunds 1980 Mini Clubman 2nd Brian Perkins 1975 Ford Escort 3rd Grham & Cheryl Taylor 1972 Austin 1700 Commercial vehicle Aggregate 1st Stewart Gutsell 1977 GMC 2nd Barry Anderson 1939 Ford Pick Up 3rd Bruce & Barbara Watt 1952 Landrover Rag Top Motorcycle Aggregate 1st Bruce Murray 1950 Ariel 2nd Lex Westoby 1979 Yamaha
Items for the Newsletter can be posted or dropped off to 6 Waiareka lane, off Saleyards road Or emailed to gsimpsonyyy@gmail.com
Newsletter submissions. Preferred formats are Open-office, Libre-office or MS Word as an attached document. Plain emails create extra work. Please, no “enter� key at the end of every line. Contact me for advice if not sure. Thanks, Graeme
NORTH OTAGO BRANCH OFFICE BEARERS
NORTH OTAGO BRANCH OFFICE BEARERS
2019-20
Patron Chairman
Peter Fulton
0279320624
Vice Chairman
Lynette Newall
4372525
Immediate Past Chairman
Gilbert Ellery
434-5289
Club Captain
Derek Brehaut
021 390518
Secretary
Kathleen Perry
4347226
Treasurer
Clive Blunden
4395207
Committee
Jim Boaden
4372525
Neil Rooney
4349470
Murray Frew
0274326756
Beaded Wheels Scribe
Derek Brehaut
021 390518
Custodian
Jim Boaden
4372525
Librarian
Robert Hutton (Mandy)
437 0774
Archivist
Kathleen Perry
4347226
Newsletter Editor
Graeme Simpson (Wendy) gsimpsonyyy@gmail.com
4348285 0272931059
Newsletter Distribution
Lindsay Schaffer (Christine)
434 2223
Jim Boaden
4372525
Ralph Weir
4345103
Vehicle Verifier Spare Parts
Club email address northotago@vcc.org.nz rd Committee Meetings 3 Wednesday of the month., Club Nights 1st Wednesday of the month (details in The Distributor)
WEE WHEELIE WANDER The organiser’s view A fine day welcomed 16 moped riders to North Otago’s Inaugural Wee Wheelie Wander who came from as far afield as Clyde, Balclutha, Dunedin and Oamaru – we were delighted with the numbers for an inaugural event. Our Thanks to Stephen Hinds who welcomed us into his treasure filled garage and sheds and room for my morning cuppa and muffin. Then it was up hill and down dale along back roads to Kakanui for lunch at the Kakanui Fishing club, and then back to Herbert to visit Garrie Fords’ collection of mainly Ford vehicles in his huge purpose built garages at Herbert. Thanks to all those who supported our event, hope to see you all back again. A participant’s view A new challenge – riding a Moped! There is nothing like a bit of apprehension and a new skill to learn, which then turns to a sense of exhilaration as I manage to safely get myself and trusty steed to the bottom of a gravel road, and with a bit of cross wind in the mix! Tar seal, and we are away! Along the coast road heading to Kakanui. I have ridden a quad bike for years, but that was no advantage as I now had to balance myself – and keep my legs together, not spread over a wide seat.
We three women, amongst a bigger group of men did our selves proud. Especially Ruth, who with her husband came up from Dunedin. Ruth’s trusty steed required a battery drill to get it started, even in the middle of the Field Trial. Go Ruth!! Both she and Rebecca participated in the Field Trial and made an outstanding attempt to complete the course without putting their feet on the ground.
Thanks Wendy and Gordon for a great and well organised day. Lee Brehaut