VCC NTH OTAGO DISTRIBUTOR DECEMBER 2022

Chairperson Report

It’s starting to feel a lot like Christmas, well it certainly was on Saturday at the Christmas parade. The Parade started at 11 am with a few planes and Helicopters flying over before the YAK made an appearance over head with the big canon going at the same time. I certainly got a fright with the canon going, was so busy watching the plane above me. We then made our way down Thames Street to start the parade. We had 8 Vehicles ranging from a Veteran Car to a late 80’s Japanese car, certainly showing the wide range of cars that are part of our branch. Thank you to those who took part in the parade.

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend our Swap-meet this year due to being unwell. From what I have heard via the grapevine, it was a good morning despite the weather not being the best. Thank you to Derek and Lee for organising another successful Swap-meet.

At the end of this week is our Annual Windsor Rally, everything is all organised we now just have to pray for some nice fine weather so we can all enjoy the day.

Finally, I would like to Wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you all are able to spend time with your family and friends. If you are travelling, please take care on the roads.

Secretary’s Corner – December

Hi Everyone

New Member

Jennifer Blunden has joined our branch alongside her husband Clive. Welcome aboard Jen. A membership form was picked up at the Swap Meet and I am aware of another person looking to join as well. New members are always welcome.

The membership roll is in an ever changing state. This latest round of annual subscriptions will show soon just how we are faring numbers wise into the new membership year.

New membership cards have been posted from National Office, so please let me know if you haven’t received yours yet and I will look in to it straight away. If you are unsure whether you have paid your subscription for this new membership year, don’t hesitate to contact me and I will check with National Office.

Feedback Please!

The committee is keen to get some feedback about how the club is running to help set some direction for next year. We have a survey running which will take just a few minutes to complete. We are doing this as a hard copy so it can be completed with total anonymity. No names, no email addresses. A copy is included with Distributor for you to print off and then return to the Clubrooms perhaps on a Monday morning, or there are hard copies at the clubrooms and a plastic file on the table for returns. With so much change happening these days, it is important to check with members whether the programme and events are hitting the right spot. We want members to feel they are getting value from their membership fee, whether it be from access to the Spares Shed, Monday morning catchups, mid-month runs, rallies or other activities we possibly haven’t even thought of.

So please, take some time to complete our survey, whether a member, a joint member or a supporter of a member. All views are important and we want to hear them. During January we will analyse our results and report back to the February Club night.

Best Wishes to you all for an enjoyable Festive Season! Remember our last catchup for the year will be our Christmas Run and BBQ on Sunday the 11th December from 1.30 pm onwards. Please bring a salad or your favourite dessert. See you there!!

Taieri Tour 4 – 6th November

The three day weekend started on the Friday Morning here in Oamaru, we welcomed a group from Canterbury Branch for morning tea at our clubrooms on their way. Great to see everyone enjoying the trip. We gave them a view around North Otago area before they headed south for the Taieri Tour

We left on the Friday afternoon in our 2 1926 Chryslers, to Dunedin via the coast roads away from SH1 as much as we could.

Once we had arrived in Dunedin and checked into our accommodation we went to the football club in South Dunedin to attend the welcome to the start of the Taieri Tour.

Saturday morning we left the parking area near the Ice Stadium. We headed into town and over the hill out to view the Taieri Plains from Saddle Hill down to the coast. Along the coast to Taieri Mouth

then over to Lake Waihola.

Over this stage was my only wee moment I had with the wee truck, I misjudged how much I was using the brakes coming down the hill. I soon had a cloud of smoke, so I was able to then pull her quickly up before changing down a gear to make it safely down to the bottom of the hill. From Lake Waihola we head to the back of the Airport to finish at the Outram Domain for lunch. Unfortunately, we had strong winds for most of the day which made the journey a bit hard going and not so pleasant for sitting in the domain for our lunch.

Saturday Evening was held at the rugby club, The evening started with ‘Happy Birthday’ being played on the pipes for Dad (Ernest) with everyone singing. A great way to celebrate turning 70.

The evening’s entertainment before the prize giving and dinner was an address to the haggis given by a real Scotsman, with special helpers Nicola Wilkinson (Past Chairperson of Otago Branch), Alon Mayhew (South Island Club Captain) and Kevin Clarkson (Beaded Wheels editor). Certainly, many laughs were had during the address to the haggis.

On the Sunday we drove out past Mosgiel for a BBQ for lunch before we headed home on the coastal road. Overall was a wonderful weekend away with no major breakdowns

North Otago

Featuring the Morris

In recognition of

75th Anniversary Public display and registrations Friendly Bay Reserve Wansbeck St from 9.30am. First car away at 11.00am BYO Picnic Lunch

50 Vintage Years North Otago Branch History

Excerpt pages 91 and 96,97

ALL BRITISH DAYS IN NORTH OTAGO The Gerald LynchBlosse Era

The first ten years of All British Days in North Otago was organized by Gerald Lynch-Blosse. He first suggested it to the branch committee in November 1995 and the first All British Day was held on Sunday 14th April 1996.

In The Distributor of May 1996 Jackie Shirreffs wrote “On Sunday 14th April there was an ‘ALL BRITISH DAY’ in Harbour street, for the club organized by Gerald Lynch-Blosse. It truly was a great day with a large turnout of British cars and Motorbikes, 93 cars and 37 Motorbikes.

The Criterion Hotel, Wool Store and Slightly Foxed were open and the public and participants enjoyed looking at the displays and were able to buy a ride on the Penny Farthing. British Flags were on sale, being sold by Jenny and grand daughter Gamel and myself. Most people entered into the spirit of the day by buying a flag. Thank you to the sister clubs who gave up their time to support us, it was most appreciated by all and a special thanks to Gerald.”

Editor: The book recount the highlights of the next ten years of All British Days run by Gerald.

ALL BRITISH DAYS 2006—2010

The 11th All British Day weekend held 29th and 30th April 2006 attracted 27 cars and one motorcycle to the Saturday Rally and fifty cars and one motorcycle to the Sunday display. The feature make was Rover. There had been flooding prior to the rally and it was cold. It was decided that the format of the All British Day needed to be changed and become less expensive. It also needed to be held in warmer weather.

In 2007 the 12th All British Day became a one day event. It was held on Saturday 24th March with a public display at Takaro Park and a timed trial to Ngapara. Field tests were introduced as an option and lunch was BYO. The feature make was Rootes Group Vehicles.

The 13th All British Day in 2008 was held on Saturday 23rd February as Easter was at the end of March. The Feature make was Riley. Again there was a public display at Takaro Park and the rally went to Ngapara for lunch and field tests. In the afternoon the cars took part in the North Otago A & P Show’s Grand Parade and were on display again while the entrants attended afternoon tea and the Presentation of Trophies at the show grounds.

The 14th All British Day planned for 21st February 2009 was postponed due to very heavy rain. The entrants who arrived were shown through two workshops and lunch was had at the branch clubrooms. Then a video of the

North Otago Car Club’s 50th Anniversary Hill Climb was shown.

On Saturday 9th May 2009 the 14th All British Day Rally was finally held in cool but fine weather. The Feature make was The Nuffield Era 1938 – 1952. Unfortunately no vehicles from the Nuffield Era entered and so the Best Feature Car Trophy was not presented. Vehicles assembled at Takaro park at 9.30am and the timed trial travelled west and south of Oamaru to the Herbert Forest Camp for field tests and lunch. Vehicles returned to Oamaru via the Coast Road. Entrants then had the opportunity of viewing a collection of tractors belonging to Mr. S. McMann before afternoon tea and the Presentation of Trophies at the branch clubrooms.

The 15th All British Day was held on Saturday 20th June 2010. 90 Vehicles were displayed at Takaro Park before driving over Horse Gully Road and on through Papakaio. After crossing the Waitaki River they viewed the ‘sign of the plough’ monument at Waikakahi and travelled on to Bells Pond for Field Tests and lunch where the ‘Bell Tea Award’ was judged for best ‘British’ picnic.

After returning to Oamaru vehicles were displayed at the Oamaru Historic Precinct while entrants rode the Historic Train. Afternoon tea was served at the Harbourside Railway Station and trophies were presented. The chosen Marque was Jowett and the Best Feature Car was a1951 Jowett Javelin PC belonging to Gary Corner of Christchurch. The Time Trial was won by John & Ann Dooley driving a 1967 Riley Elf. The Organizer's Choice was awarded to Tom O’Connor’s 1951 Bradford Van; Best Original Car, Wes & Victoria Hamilton’s 1954 Vauxhall Velox; Best Original Vehicle, Ross Hayes 1951 Landrover S1; Best Motorcycle, Brian Ledgerwood BSA B33; and People’s Choice, Tom & Sandra Dick, 1965 Austin Healey BJ8

Misadventures of an old Restorer.

I have at last finished spraying the bonnet, four coats in the end as I was not satisfied with the finish on some of them, before I went to fit it, I measured the distance between the firewall and the radiator to make sure it would fit, and it was an inch longer than the bonnet, the new radiator was from a DX, although it is the same as the ASXC it had slightly different fittings, there are two stay bars connecting the firewall to the radiator, I had to remove them and extend the threads on the firewall end by an inch, it worked as the bonnet now fits in place.

I put an advert in Beaded Wheels wanting information on the workings of My Vauxhall/Bedford truck, and a chap in Invercargill had the original service manual printed in 1933, he did not want to sell it to me, but he very kindly photocopied it and had it loose leaf bound, it's great, it has come in very useful for adjusting the complicated braking layout, there are some good blokes about still.

In stores on Monday last I managed to find a couple of old sealed beam units with the glass looking rather like the original headlight glass in the Bedford, I already had the special chrome rings that take the 7ins lights so that they fit the 8ins pods, so we now have decent head lights.

Thank you for your time, All the best, Clive.

Our Teapot Rally Experience.

The weather turned out to be great for the rally and the picnic lunch. We arrived at the Oamaru club rooms around 10am and were given a briefing and our route, which took us through the beautiful North Otago countryside and then across the river, ending up at the Morven Domain for a picnic lunch.

There were 25 vehicles and one motorbike at the lunch stop ranging in age from 1926 to modern day - about 60 people in all. The only motorbike was Peter Bland's 650 BSA, a fine machine. The pictures were taken by Ernest who had his 1926 Chrysler pickup, just behind me in one of the pictures. Ernest is, I'm glad to say, recovering well from his recent op. On the trip from Morven to the Waimate club rooms we were asked to make a note of all the things of interest that we passed on the way. Jen and I had a long list of things we thought were interesting, we managed to get some of them right but not enough to win, there's always next year! The whole trip covered 260 ks, quite a long run, but very enjoyable, especially winding up through the Waimate Gorge entering Waimate from the South.

Waimate VCC supplied us with a great potluck tea and good cuppa, and then it was time to go home, but alas the Anglia had had enough and would not start. The electric petrol pump was at fault! Serves me right for buying on the internet! Luckily Jim had a spare one which he kindly lent me. Derek volunteered to change the pump for me. It's the great thing about the VCC if you get into trouble, you are never short of willing help.

We got home without any more trouble. A great day out and a big thank you to those who organized it, already looking forward to next year.

Thank you all, Clive

Holiday Break for Spare Parts and Monday Cuppa and Catchup

Derek and Wayne have agreed to have a break from the Monday Morning opening of the Spare Parts and Monday Morning Catchup over the Christmas period.

If anyone is in need of parts over this period Derek Brehaut 021 390 518 or Wayne Croft 027 608 0002 will be available to open up.

Normal transmission will resume from Monday 9th January

‘Other Events’ Notice Board -

December

For more information on any event listed, please contact Lee on 027 695 66 44 or email northotago@vcc.org.nz

If any member has a rally they wish to have included here please don’t hesitate to send material through to me. Communication between members and branches is essential to provide new opportunities to participate in events.

Taupo International Motorsport Park Historic Grand Prix

21st and 22nd January 2023

The Historic Grand Prix is New Zealand’s leading classic race meeting and will feature eight different race categories in 24 races over the two days. Formula 5000, Historic Formula Ford/Formula Junior & Invited Historic single-seaters, Historic Muscle & Saloon Cars, Historic Sports Sedans & Invited Allcomers, TRANZAM, Heritage Touring Cars, Formula Open NZ and Vintage Car Club Pre-1965 Saloons & Sports cars.

Please address any enquiries to Tim Hill, Operations Manager, Historic Racing Club Inc HRC Events Ltd 44 Stoddard Road (Rear of Building), Mt Roskill, Auckland Office: 09 629 4438 Mob: 021 614600 tim@hrcevents.co.nz www.hrcevents.co.nz

Taupo International Motorsport Park will welcome Jaguar Clubs from up and down the country to celebrate the history of Jaguar since Bill Lyons and Bill Walmsey started their fledgling business in 1922. Enjoy classic and historic car racing action on track and there will be plenty of off track entertainment, including:

A lunchtime track parade of Jaguars, A stunning collection of classic Jaguars on display in the Legends Marquee including Colin Giltrap's stunning XKSS, and meet Greg Murphy and other icons of the sport in the Legends Garage.

For tickets and more information please see https://www.taupomp.co.nz/events/taupo-historic-grandprix-2023

56th Gore Festival Rally - 25th February

Entries close 17th February. Open to all classes. Contact either Lee on 027 695 66 44 or email 109proctor@gmail.com for more details. There is also an entry form on the notice board.

Wheels At Wanaka <info@wheelsatwanaka.co.nz>

PRACTISE DAY - FRIDAY 7 APRIL

MAIN SHOW - SATURDAY 8 & SUNDAY 9 APRIL 2023 Check out their website for up to date information. https://www.wheelsatwanaka.co.nz/

Swap Meet not a Complete Washout After all

Yes the heavens did open, eventually, but after most of the packing down had been done. What was looking like an event finishing in the red, turned out to be one that covered all costs and made the club some money, even though gate takings were half the amount taken other years. It was disappointing to see some site booking as ‘no shows’ due to the weather, understandable when it was raining hard in both Waimate and Timaru that morning, however those who did come seemed to report a reasonable morning.

The club trailer had a motor on it which drew considerable interest when it was started. I commented to one who knows about such things that it sounded ‘rough’ and was quickly advised that in actual fact it was running ‘pretty sweet’! My adviser recalled comments from our late member Ralph Weir about how he loved the sound of that motor, to the uninitiated like myself, caused by not having a muffler.

The biggest challenge for the men on the Club’s BBQ site was sorting out how to erect a rather large gazebo as the owner was unable to supervise. Colour coding of poles helped and they managed in good time and got cooking warming sausages and onions for many. Barb’s Brews & Bites Coffee Van was a welcome addition parked beside them. Both sites reported a steady stream of customers for the morning and Barb is keen to return next year. A number of people took time to read information about the club and left the admin tent with a contact card and pamphlet in their hand.

A big thanks to all the people who helped organise the event, traffic management, gate staff, setting up and packing down, running the BBQ, and loading and selling from the Club’s own site. Thanks also to Nic at the Oamaru Mail for running with our story.

Next Tea/Coffee Runs

WillbeginagaininFebruary However!

InJanuarywearehavingaFish’n’ChipRuntoDuntroonHotel

Sunday 22nd January 2023.

The clubrooms have been booked for that day so a different meeting place will be advised. There will be a set menu $20 per person and the route will take us via Tokarahi. WhatagreatwaytostarttheNewYear!

Mid-month Run – November

Our mid-month run for November took us directly to Glenavy on SH1 then by side roads to Horsnells Road, Morven and “Odettes”. We all enjoyed a garden wander around a classic farm garden followed by Devonshire Tea Served in real cups, with saucer and a side plate for scones, complete with strawberry jam and cream. Quite posh!

It was good to again see a motorbike and some different club vehicles and members on the run. In our case it was the first outing after about twelve years for our 1976 Austin Maxi. An uneventful first trip until after we arrived home and discovered a hubcap and trim missing. Long story short, Margaret had an inkling that she heard something on the Hilderthorpe strait so I biked from the hotel to the airport road where the trim was spotted in the roadside grass and the hubcap was over the fence in the old irrigation channel. Thanks again to John Gale for organising an excellent outing.

Month End Motorcycle Runs Begin in the New Year

Wednesday 25th January 2023

Turn up at the clubrooms about 1pm to leave at 1.30. Route and destination will be decided on the day.

Calendar of Events

Club Events

7th December - Wednesday Club Night deferred to 11th

11th December – Sunday Afternoon Christmas run and BBQ

22nd January - Sunday Fish n Chip Lunch run to Duntroon

11th February – Saturday Wallaby Rally - Waimate

18th February 2023 - Saturday All British Day

25th February 2023 - Saturday North Otago A & P Show Parade

5th March 2023 - Sunday Wee Wheelie Wander

15 April 2023 - Saturday

21st January 2023

Gerald Lynch-Blosse Memorial Motorcycle Rally

National and Regional Events

Kick Start Motorcycle Rally Waimate

3rd - 6th February National Motorcycle Rally – Host Southland

8th - 12th February Burt Munro Challenge – Invercargill 25th February 56th Gore Festival Rally

Note:-Every effort has been made to keep these dates as accurate as possible at the time of printing. However, check with the Chairperson or Secretary to confirm any particular event of interest or for entry forms.

100 Years Ago – from the Archives of the ODT

Origin of fundamental road rule

“Keep to the Left” the original rule of the road – was instituted by Pope Boniface VIII, who undertook to have the traffic in Rome regulated on the occasion of his jubilee in the year 1300. This decree was that all road users should keep to the left; and this held sway on the Continent until the French Revolution, when it was decided to reverse the order on the grounds that it was religious in origin. This explains why in England and in a few countries more removed from the effects of the Revolution, vehicles still kept to the left. An interesting feature is that railway trains in France and elsewhere on the Continent of Europe run on the left, owning to the fact that the first railways were laid by British engineers.

Thanks Steven McDonald for this interesting titbit of motoring history.

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

NORTH OTAGO BRANCH

OFFICE BEARERS

OTAGO

BRANCH OFFICE BEARERS

2021-22

Chairman Rebecca George 021 293 7714

Vice Chairman Vacant Club Captain Vacant

Secretary Lee Brehaut (Derek) 027 695 66 44

Treasurer John Gale (Jo) 03 437 1112 Committee Clive Blunden (Jen) 03 439 5207 John Law (Colleen) 027 226 0963 Geoff Ellis (Daphne 021 115 8044 Gordon Hay (Joy) 028 400 7586 Tony Hales (Jenny) 03 434 7729 Lindsay McLeod (Margaret) 021 871 526

Beaded Wheels Scribe Clive Blunden (Jen) 03 439 5207

Custodian Lee Brehaut (Derek) 027 695 6644

Librarian Robert Hutton (Mandy) 03 437 0774 Archivist Kathleen Perry 03 434 7226

Newsletter Editor Graeme Simpson (Wendy) gsimpsonyyy@gmail.com 027 293 1059

Spare Parts

Vehicle Verifiers

Ernest George (Brenda) 027 209 0609 Derek Brehaut (Lee) 021 390 518

Quentin Barrow (Ange) 027 434 5570 Bruce Watt (Barbara) 03 434 5306

Club email address northotago@vcc.org.nz

Committee Meetings 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7.00 pm. Members welcome. Club Nights 1st Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm (details in The Distributor)