Magazine of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Otago Branch Inc.
December 2020
2020 Taieri Tour - 7 November 2020 The Otago RoadRunner is the official newsletter of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Otago Branch Inc. Views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Otago Branch Inc.
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bmmcconachie@xtra.co.nz
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CHAIRPERSON
Nicola Wilkinson
markandnicolaw@gmail.com
476 4004
TREASURER
David Ross
vccnzobt@gmail.com
455 8800
SECRETARY
Marion McConachie
bmmcconachie@xtra.co.nz
453 0404
CLUB CAPTAIN
Kevin Mason
027 2286431
488 5198
HOUSE MANAGER
Bill Partel
thepartels@gmail.com
489 4033
PROPERTY OFFICER
Bill Veitch
w.veitch@xtra.co.nz
489 1626
EDITOR
Eleanor Harrison
eleanor.harrison@otago.ac.nz
479 8280
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Colin Winter
wolseley2@xtra.co.nz
456 4382
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Andrew Roxburgh
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Ken Pledger
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Tony Pomfret
488 3866 kmpledger@outlook.com
488 2808 487 9164
LIBRARIAN
Moira Cunningham
453 5777
TROPHY STEWARD
David Ross
455 8800
VEHICLE REGISTRAR & VIC
Bill Partel
489 4033
VEHICLE REGISTRAR & VIC
Bruce Murray
487 7281
VEHICLE REGISTRAR & VIC
Bill Veitch
489 1626
ARCHIVIST
Marion McConachie
453 0404
PARTS OFFICERS
Bill Partel
489 4033
George Martin
489 3621
David Cunningham
453 5777
Kevin Mason
488 5198
GROUNDS OFFICER
Bruce Murray
487 7281
BRANCH SCRIBE
Marion McConachie
453 0404
HONORARY SOLICITOR
Joe O’Neill
477 6801
THE AUDITOR
Neil Stevenson
SPEED LIAISON
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CLUBROOMS 125 Forbury Rd., Dunedin , 9012 Phone 455 0586
Postal Address:
BRANCH EMAIL
otago@vcc.org.nz
COMMITTEE MEETS CLUB NIGHT
2nd Monday of month 7.30pm Friday 7.30pm to 11.00pm
MOTORCYCLE NIGHT
First Friday of the month
MONTHLY MEETING
Last Friday of the month 8.30pm
PARTS SHED
Friday 7.30pm – 9.30 pm. Wednesday 09.00am – 12.00 noon
ARTICLES FOR NEWSLETTER
Can be forwarded to your editor by the 3rd Wednesday of the month please
125 Forbury Road, Dunedin, 9012
VERO INSURANCE APPLICATIONS Please quote Otago “Agent No H0300145— Inspector No 916” LIBRARY ROSTER DECEMBER 4th Bruce Murray 11th Bill Veitch 18th CLOSED 25th CLOSED 29th FEBRUARY 5th Bryan McConachie 12th Kevin Mason 19th Bruce Murray 26th Bill Veitch
Library open 8.00 - 9.30 Friday night 2021 JANUARY 1st CLOSED 8th CLOSED 15th David McCaskill 22nd Moira Cunningham 29th Paddy Williams MARCH 5th David McCaskill 12th Moira Cunningham 19th Paddy Williams 26th Bryan McConachie
Welcome to New Members:
The Otago Branch extends a very warm welcome to Mark Brunton and Nicola Walmsley – Chrysler Sam Hazlett – Bedford Truck Nick Dodds – Motorcycles Sharon Gutsell - who has come on board as Joint member with Stewart
The branch welcome you to the Club. We look forward to seeing you at local and neighbouring events. We were all new members once - please make a point of introducing yourselves to our new members.
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BRANCH EVENTS (listed in bold) 2020
DEC Fri 4th
2021
Sun 13th Fri 18th Fri 25th
JAN Fri 1st Fri 8th Fri 15th 16-17th Sun 24th Thurs 28th Fri 29th FEB Fri 5th Sun 21st Thurs 26th Fri 27th MAR Fri 4th 13-14th
APRIL 2-4th JUNE 12-13th
Motorcycle Group Meeting Sat 5th Windsor Rally -Oamaru Sun 6th Moped Rally South Otago Christmas BBQ Clubrooms Closed Clubrooms Closed
Clubrooms Closed Clubrooms Closed Clubrooms Open Dunedin Brighton Rally Jackson Rally Mid Week Run Club Night Motorcycle Group Meeting Sat 6th Southland Rally Vintage/PV/Ladies Run Sat 27th 54th Annual Festival Rally Mid Week Run - Gore Club Night Motorcycle Group Meeting Overnight Run to Gore Sun 14th Best of British - Dunedin Sun 14th Swap Meet - Gore Sat 20th Scenicland Rally - West Coast VCC Sat 27th Winchester Swapmeet – Timaru Easter weekend April 3-4th Wheels at Wanaka -Check the website for details: https://www.wheelsatwanaka.co.nz 16th – 18th Otago Rally Coast to Coast Tour (overnight)
VCC NATIONAL EVENTS 2021
12-14th March National Motorcycle Rally – Wairarapa - entries now out 20th March National Exec Meeting - Wellington 28th Mar – 04 April (Easter) 15th Nat Model A Ford Rally – Gisborne 28th Mar – 04 April (Easter) National Vintage Rally -South Canterbury 16 – 18th April Otago Rally – planning is underway August National AGM - Canterbury
2022
January 16 -21st
2023
Date to be advised
International Rally – New Plymouth – Check all the details on the website www.historicmotoring.co.nz Mark Masters mailto: festivalsecretary @vcc.org.nz National Motorcycle Rally - Southland 5
CHRISTMAS BBQ Sunday 13th December 2020
At Vintage Car Club Rooms - 125 Forbury Road, Dunedin
Doors open from 4.00 pm
With BBQ ready to be served at 5.30 pm
NB: ALL FOOD WILL BE PROVIDED Cost: $10.00 per person $5.00 child under 10 children under 5 free !! BRING THE CHILDREN !! Drinks will be available to purchase from the bar For Catering purposes, numbers are required by 4th December to: David Ross 455 8800 email:vccnzobt@gmail.com This Photo by Unknown
COMBINED OTAGO AND SOUTH OTAGO BRANCH PICNIC Wednesday 2nd December Otago and South Otago Branch members are planning to meet at 12 midday at the Mount Stuart Reserve (on the road from Clarksville towards Lawrence, just before entering the Manuka Gorge). Bring your own lunch, hot water and thermettes’ if the weather is suitable. There is also the possibility of taking a walk through the Railway Tunnel. So bring a torch with you. Expressions of interest to Marion or Bryan would be appreciated.
South Otago Moped Rally - Sunday 6th December 10.00 am at Lawrence for the start. Enquiries Bill Veitch
Bike Night: Friday 4th December Trevor Chalmers will show an hour of film taken at recent Dunvegan Events
Midweek Run - Thursday 28th January 2021
We don’t plan to have a run in December. Thanks to you all for continuing to support these runs. It is a good opportunity to catch up with members each month. Weather permitting we will have a picnic afternoon tea.
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The beginning of November saw the branch farewell one of our remaining founding members – Bob Oakley. Bob was a strong supporter of the Otago branch and was a regular attendee of the Dunedin – Brighton Veteran rally, the Taieri Tour, Annual Dinner and the A.G.M. I am sure all previous chairmen will agree with me that we could rely on Bob to keep us on track during all meetings. Bob will be greatly missed by us all. We had a great attendance at this year’s Taieri Tour – up on previous years. Travis and his team put together an interesting route and even included a separate competition for the children where they were to lookout for bears en-route. Thank you to everyone who helped and also competed. Due to the road works and restricted parking around the clubrooms the committee decided early in the organisation of the rally to have the morning tea and dinner at nearby Forbury Park. Next year we will be reverting back to starting at Wingatui Hall (subject to availability) and prizegiving dinner at the club rooms.
Planning for the 2021 Best of British rally has started. The rally will be on Sunday March 14th and the branch will once again be looking after the gate at the destination which will be in Milton. The Best of British is likely to clash with the National Motorcycle Rally which I know some of my regular helpers from previous years will be attending so please let me know if you are able to help. We are almost at the end of the year with the final gathering to be the annual BBQ at the clubrooms. I hope you are all able to make it as it is a great way to finish what has been a challenging year. As this is the final Road Runner for the year – Mark and I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Take care if travelling over the holidays and we’ll see you all in the new year. Nicola
BEST OF BRITISH
Planning is underway for the Best of British to run on Sunday 14 March. The Charity this time is the Fire Engine Restoration Society. They will have engines on display and plan a number of children’s activities.
NB; there will be no Roadrunner in January 7
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their hard work and support over the past year. Especially those who have contributed articles to the Roadrunner, and to Bryan for ensuring that notices were delivered or collected on Wednesday mornings. We wish you all a Very Happy Christmas and Safe Motoring over the Festive Season, as we look forward to a very busy calendar of events in the New Year.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS – These should have been paid by now and
you will have received you new membership cards by now. IF YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED YOUR 2020-2021 CARD – Please check that you have paid your annual subscription.
BRANCH NEWSLETTERS:
To access other club newsletters go to www.vcc.org.nz Scroll to News from our Branches as hard copy newsletters are not mailed out now ENTRY FORMS FOR OTHER BRANCH EVENTS These can be accessed via the branch newsletters on the VCC website. Or there should be a copy in the clubrooms or contact me for a copy. Entries usually close within two weeks of the event. NNB: Please if you are planning to enter a local event, and running late with entry forms, please contact the organizer by phone or email to let them know you are coming. They need to know numbers for printing the instructions, and catering purposes for some events. LIBRARY: We have had a few members pull out of the library Roster. If you can spare a few hours on a Friday evening every 5-6 weeks please let us know. Thanks
SPARE PARTS SHED: – Parts shed is usually open every Wednesday morning, and Friday evenings when the clubrooms are open. Reminder – see if you can effectively recycle your parts before scrapping them. NO TYREs by request. VIC APPLICATIONS – please note - VIC Application forms have been updated again. When completing these forms please ensure that you have the most up to date form titled Sept 2019 – Check the VCC website. – These continue to be updated as procedures change etc. \ SOLD OR SELLING YOUR VIC’D VCC VEHICLE ENSURE YOU SEND VIC CARD ALONG WITH CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP DETAILS TO NATIONAL OFFICE – Remember this paperwork is the property of the National Club – this is their way of keeping records of Vehicle ownership etc.
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Vero Insurance Scheme - Just a reminder, the VCC Vero insurance scheme is set up for those with current VCC membership. If you become unfinancial you will no longer receive discounted insurance premiums The VCCNZ Facebook page at: www.facebook.co/vintagecarclubofnewzealand If you want to add photos and short write-ups for insertion to Facebook please send to: comms@vcc.org.nz AED DEFIBRILATER -There is one on the outside wall of the 4 Square shop on corner of Bayview Road. Please make a point of familiarising yourself of its location – Never know when it might be needed.
ROADWORKS AROUND THE CLUBROOMS
There is still road works happening around the clubrooms. Not as intense as first thought. Just be mindful of where you are parking. Thanks, Marion. National Motorcycle Entry Form 2021
The entry form is now on the VCC website under "National Events" for members to complete electronically and will also be emailed to previous competitors this week.
KIWI FUEL CARD For those folks who have a Kiwi Fuelcard this is a fantastic offer! If any members would like to find out how to get a kiwifuelcard and are unsure how to go about it, please feel free to contact me. Kaaren Smylie nicc@vcc.org.nz 075764180
Motorcycle Restoration of the Year 2020: 1939 Norton International 490, Owned by Bill Veitch ‌. a better photo this time! 9
For the G.C. Jackson Memorial Trophy
This rally marks the beginning of motoring events in the Branch for the New Year. G.C. (Gerie) Jackson was a long-time member of the branch who lived on the Otago Peninsula and loved its sights, so close to but so different from the city. Not long before his death he raised the idea of this rally and outlined his concept of what it should be to the Branch Committee. When the Committee later decided to take up his idea his family donated the trophy, which bears his name.
The Mary B. Jackson Trophy
For Best Motorcycle at the VCC Otago Jackson Peninsula Rally Donated by Bill Veitch and Ron Gilbert in memory of Mary Jackson MA (Hons) wife of Gerry Jackson who instigated the Peninsula Rally. Mary was a BSA and Norton rider at a time when few women rode motorcycles. Mary nee Kibblewhite had a distinguished academic career earning University scholarships and prizes. She later taught at Otago Girls High School and St Hilda’s Collegiate School. The trophy is a Norton kick-starter shaft.
This year's rally will take place on Sunday 24th January 2021 If possible, the result of the afternoon competition will be announced during afternoon tea, before everyone returns home, failing that the result will be posted in the Clubrooms on the following Friday. The overall winner will be awarded the G.C. Jackson Memorial trophy The event is open to all classes of vehicle accepted by the V.C.C. of N.Z. All entrants must be financial members. Those who wish, are welcome to take part in a modern vehicle, but will not appear in the final results. Enquiries to: Bill Veitch Ph: 4891626 w.veitch@xtra.co.nz
COVID 19 - LEVEL 1 - Clubrooms Guidelines
We now have QR codes available at the clubrooms so you can use your cellphone for contact tracing. Continue to sanitise your hands Maintain social distancing Do not attend events if you are not well or are awaiting testing results We still need to ensure we have no more than 100 people in the clubrooms at one time Please continue to sign the register
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The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand
Otago Branch Inc
V.C.C. Peninsula Rally 2021 For the G.C. Jackson Memorial Trophy & Mary B. Jackson Trophy
Sunday 24th January 2021 Meet at the VCC Clubrooms 125 Forbury Road, Dunedin At 1.00 pm NB: Afternoon tea will be provided ENTRY FORM:
Entrant’s Name:……………………………………..………………… Address:……………………………………………………………….. Drivers Name:………………………………………………………… Vehicle:………………………………………………………………... Make:…………………………….. Year of Manufacture…………... Model:……………………….. ENTRY FEE: Entries Close:
Type: (car, m/cycle, truck etc)
$5.00 per vehicle
$ 5.00
Friday 22nd January 2021
Please make cheques payable to: V.C.C of N.Z. Otago Branch Inc POST TO: Vintage Car Club 125 Forbury Road, St Clair, Dunedin, 9012 NB Cash payment can be made on the day – please notify organiser of your intentions 11
TAIERI TOUR REPORT 2020 This year the Tour started from Forbury Raceway, as previous venues were not available to us. With an entry of 64 vehicles, there was a good representation across all sections. The course took entrants either around the city or directly over the hill onto Mosgiel. From here the instructions were line drawn, which took entrants on a round about drive around the plains, looking for clues and silent checks. These instructions presented a few challenges for navigators, but once you figured them out, they did work! The younger members were asked to count the teddy bears, and record what they were made of (these have been on several properties since Lockdown in March). Graham Boyd, Colin and Joan Pearce’s grandson, rode the 1911 Indian Motorcycle from Mosgiel around the Taieri Plains course to Henley Community Hall. This was a terrific effort as this was possibly the 2nd time he has ridden it. Roly Bell’s son Dean and family came along in a Model A Pickup, which he had only just purchased a few weeks before the event. The family really enjoyed themselves and rumor has it that he has been taking it out for short drives since then. Michael Harrex and family were out in his father Ken’s 1926 Jewett, and Mark Brunton and Nicola Walmsley were driving her parents’ 1926 Chrysler. The Edmunds had their newly restored 1962 Fiat Bambina on tour. As organisers, Travis and Margaret Michelle had their children and grandchildren participating again this year. The 1917 Moon gained the Hard Luck Trophy, as it was seen to have needed a tow home due to mechanical problems, after the lunch stop. It was nice to see members bringing their children and grandchildren this year. There were a few challenges for them during the Field Tests which were held inside the Hall. The day finished with 70 of us enjoying the prizegiving and meal at the Equinox restaurant at Forbury Raceway.
We must thank those who travelled from other regions to join this tour. Thanks to the marshalls who were tasked to get all the vehicles parked in the tight spaces at the lunch stop. It is interesting how many vehicles you can get in when you work on it. Thanks to Travis, Margaret, Kevin and team for another successful Taieri Tour. Marion
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TAIERI TOUR 2020
It started in lockdown……………
Well, a couple of months have gone by since I last reported in on progress on my GT380. The motor and gearbox are going back together at a slow pace. At the same time, the small shiny bits have disappeared into the black hole otherwise known as the electroplaters. Because 2 stroke exhausts are full of oily residue and are difficult to effectively seal, they have refused to take the exhaust system for re-chroming unless I cut it up, sandblast the inside surfaces then weld it back together; something which I am not sufficiently skilled to do and which will leave me a double amputee at current charge out rates. Heath Robinson designed “whimsically elaborate machines to achieve simple objectives”. This very accurately describes the exhaust system. There are 4 pipes for 3 cylinders with a piece of plumbing which splits the centre cylinder gases between two of them. It is all held together by a selection of rubber sleeves and clamps designed to seal just while in the showroom. Even my friend Marcel in Holland doesn’t have any NOS exhaust plumbing “out the back”. As we know photos on ebay are normally very kind to the object being photographed. Even with this the second -hand pipes on offer look worse than what I have. So, there I sat on the horns of a dilemma. I have decided to abandon the original system and put on a Higgspeed after-market set of expansion chambers which look great in stainless steel. I have to take the main stand off for them to fit but can live with that. The chambers were available in period, so I have decided that this is authentic enough. Trevor Kempton 13
48TH ANNUAL TAIERI TOUR 2020 TROPHY AND CERTIFICATE PRIZES VETERAN : 1 ST PRIZE = COOKE HOWLISON CUP 1917 Moon - Travis Michelle*Gareth 2ND PRIZE = CERTIFICATE 1911 Indian – C. Pearce *Graham Boyd VINTAGE : 1ST PRIZE = AUTO PARTS CUP 930 Ford Model A – Richard & Jan Muir 2ND PRIZE = CERTIFICATE 1931 Ford Model A – Robert Michelle 3RD PRIZE = CERTIFICATE 1922 Dodge – Nevin Gough & Kelly Findlay POST VINTAGE: 1ST PRIZE = EMSLIE & FLOCKTON CUP 1941 Cadillac Kevin & Carole Casey 2ND PRIZE = CERTIFICATE 1939 Dodge D11 Stu & Lyn Neill 3RD PRIZE = CERTIFICATE 1936 Morris 8 Sports – Ross & Gail Parker POST WAR: 1ST PRIZE = RON HAMMER CUP 2ND PRIZE = CERTIFICATE
1950 Jowett Javelin Kevin Fowler 1952 Triumph – Murray Lloyd
POST 60: 1ST PRIZE = WATERLOO CUP 1961 Morris 1000 – Ross & Kathleen Jefferson 2ND PRIZE = CERTIFICATE 1979 Triumph 2500s Ron & Linley Hammer 3RD PRIZE = CERTIFICATE 1962 Fiat Bambina Gil & Ruth Edmunds POST 80: 1st PRIZE = POST 80 CUP
1982 Cortina - Kevin & Val Mason
MOTORCYCLE POST VINTAGE 1ST PRIZE = MCIVER & VEITCH CUP 1988 Honda m/c- Andrew Roxburgh OVERALL FIELD TESTS : 1ST PRIZE = TRIGON CUP OVERALL WINNER : 1ST PRIZE = AUTO COURT CUP
1936 Morris 8 Sports – Ross & Gail Parker 1936 Morris 8 Sports – Ross & Gail Parker
HARD LUCK 1st PRIZE 1917 Moon - Travis (Gareth) Michelle PEOPLES CHOICE : Certificate
1925 Buick – Rex & Jenny McDonald
OVERALL TIME TRIAL (CERTIFICATES) 1ST 1982 Cortina - Kevin & Val Mason 2ND 1930 Ford Model A – Richard & Jan Muir 3RD 1961 Morris 1000 – Ross & Kathleen Jefferson
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Obituary – Bob Oakley
Before the Vintage Car Club came to town, Bob Oakley was involved with the Otago Sports Car Club, being the Speed Convenor, and along with Michael Haggitt was a race controller as well. In 1953, they were instrumental in setting up the Dunedin Road Races. The Coronation of Her Majesty and the subsequent Royal Tour got a lot of people around the country into gear and these two were determined to have an event similar to what was being held in other cities. Namely a ‘round the houses’ race meeting. Bob could be seen in his lunch hour walking around the wharf area pacing out distances and taking notes and he virtually was solely responsible for the initial circuit. Along came Leonard Wright, the mayor of Dunedin, who asked Michael Haggitt to look into the possibility of a parade or race of old cars, similar to the London to Brighton emancipation run, from Dunedin to our local Brighton. Michael banded together with other young motoring nutters, our Bob among them, and they formed a committee to do this. In July 1954, they called a meeting of interested people with the intention of doing this with the backing of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand based in Christchurch. This morphed into the first branch of the VCC in New Zealand on 19 July 1954 making Bob one of the instigating founding members. Bob turned out to be more than that. It could be safely stated that he was the VCC in Otago. The initial meeting elected one Clive Grimsdale to the chair, but it was Bob who guided the club and actually chaired the meetings. The Branch became more involved as an integral part of the Dunedin Races and were actually part of the organising group. Bob again was the man guiding that. Even before it was obvious the wharf circuit was becoming less desirable, Bob had worked out a new track around the Oval and Southern Cemetery. It was Bob who was in the Chair of the Branch when the Great Fire of Constitution Street occurred and it was Bob who gathered the troops around to rebuild and negotiate the proprietor and all the attending snags of consents, materials and labour. Bob’s language was somewhat of a revelation for want of a better term. When I agreed to write the branch history, I turned to Bob for many points of clarification. It soon became clear to me why his good lady Judy, wrote the reports on the restoration of the Regal and the subsequent trip to Napier in 1961 for the Beaded Wheels. It was probably the terminology that he applied to anything in that line. Bob was an educated gentleman, whose speech was almost impeccable. When he used colourful explanations, the way he advanced them made them very acceptable, but when I did it they were not. For example, when I asked him how the hillclimb event “Invermay” began I was given a comic relating of the whole thing right before the VCC became involved. I went home and sat with my hands over my face shaking my head. When Lyn asked what was wrong I told her what Bob had told me, almost word for word. Between fits of laughter she asked how I was going to print it! Even with what I have in the drafts of the work I am still not sure I can do the Mills version. Over the years he continued to guide the Branch both as Chairman and committee member and various other roles. I would venture to say he was consulted by others often and would not hold back if there was some problem that others were not sure of. He was obviously experienced in meeting procedure and this ability and knowledge, combined with Michael Haggitt always available for the legal side, must have got the branch through many difficult periods. It must also be part of the reason the branch was so successful in the acquisition and remodelling of not just the Park Street rooms but also the current ones in Forbury Road as well. Such experience and ability will be sorely missed. His support to me was given unconditionally despite the fact I own a humble post war Austin of small size. Compiled by David Mills 15
PRINCE HENRY TOUR 2020 As the National Veteran Rally was being held in Gore Nevin Gough agreed to organise this year’s Prince Henry again—seeing as he enjoyed himself so much in 2019. Bryan and I offered to do back up again this year. The team of 16 Veteran Cars and one back up gathered for introductions, briefing and morning tea – kindly supplied by the Gore Vintage Car Club team on Tuesday 20th of October. Tow cars and trailers left in the grounds of the VCC – we departed at a reasonable pace towards Mandeville and the Aviation Heritage Museum and Café for a look around and refreshments.
The newly restored Rogers K92 Locomotive was out on display and made a great backdrop for a photo. On towards Riversdale where we were privileged to view Greg Elders collection of vehicles. Travis took the opportunity to have a photo of the Moon and two Stars. This was a good spot to see all the cars before we all headed towards Te Anau. Craig and Nicky Marshall fronted up with their La France (ex-fire engine from the US) which provided a talking point – that is another story- hopefully Craig or Nicky will be able to provide a story on its history via Beaded Wheels. Greg and Daphne Elder in their 1917 Cadillac, John and Judy Callesen in their 1918 Cadillac, and Alan Hardacre and John Hastilow in the 1915 Dodge Roadster joined us from here. Off to Lumsden for lunch and another photo opportunity beside the 2 V class locomotives excavated from the Oreti River earlier this year. These were built in 1885 and dumped in the river as flood protection in 1927. With everyone fed and watered we all made our way towards Te Anau via Mossburn. Alas – the 1918 Hudson was parked on the side of the road! After some minutes of troubleshooting and trials it was decided to put it on the trailer. Not much further down the track and we find the 1915 Overland, with the owners enjoying a cuppa on the running board. HELP! it had run out of uumph! While the men discussed options under its bonnet us ladies discussed more important stuff!! The Overland wasn’t going to go anywhere on it’s own. Nicky Marshall had driven their tow car and trailer onto Te Anau. A quick phone call and Craig came to the rescue to collect the 2nd car – Thanks so much Craig. Ashley and Gwen Bell and Roly and Sonia Bell both in their respective Renault’s motored along happily. We arrived at Te Anau in time to get accommodation sorted, cars delivered to the correct parking areas and off to dinner. Early next morning there was some serious work going on with the cars. The Hudson coughed and spluttered back into life and did not miss a beat for the rest of the run. The Overland owners, enjoyed the views from the back seat, of a fellow entrant for the day. Some of the entrants made the most of being able to get out of their cars, and take the short bush walk and explore the areas we visited, on the way to Cascade Creek. This was the lunch stop. It was recommended that the veterans avoid venturing further into Milford Sound, as the gradient of the road would be challenging for most of them. It was a dream driving through there, as the usual tour buses and campervans were notably absent, and great open 16
car motoring weather. If you have never travelled this way, it is highly recommended, especially while the tourists numbers are low. The next day we headed back to Gore via Manapouri and onto Winton for lunch. The tour leaders T needed some running repairs here! It was determined that it was going to get back to Gore under its own power, and finally it did. Prizegiving was a great affair with Nevin and Kelly handing out a number of booby prizes and finally presenting the much-anticipated Trophy to Travis and Margaret Michelle. Some of the entrants on the tour were wondering if this tour has had its highest number of entrants since the Tour was introduced in 2004. Another great few days of motoring was enjoyed by everyone. Thanks to Nevin and Kelly for taking the time to plan and plot the route, so that others could enjoy a special part of our country. Contributed by Marion McConachie
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THOUGHTS FROM OUR CLUB CAPTAIN - KEVIN MASON After lots of thought and planning Kevin has come up with these activities for the coming months
Branch Overnight Run - March 13-14th to Gore
Plan - Travel to Gore on Friday afternoon /evening or Saturday morning Saturday 3 – 4 visits to places of interest have been arranged Sunday – take in the Gore branch swapmeet in the morning then travel back to Dunedin via the Catlins Coast Road Please arrange your own accomodation in Gore 1-2 nights We will look at booking venue for dinner Friday/Saturday nights Please advise Kevin Mason of your intentions
GARAGE RAID – Saturday 24th of April
3 visits are planned during the day with lunch stop in the middle Further details to be advised
COAST TO COAST RUN - 12-13th June
This is still being planned. We are looking at staying overnight at Haast before returning to Dunedin on Sunday. Please book your own accomodation and advise Kevin Mason of your intentions.
TAIERI TOUR 2020
Private Collection of Vintage Originals
Men and Women 1920’s - 1970’s era Accessories, hats, furs and much more
Larger fittings are a speciality Personalised vintage fashion shows for events/occasions/functions presented by an experienced team of models
Phone: Sue – (Dunedin) 03 489 4033/021 146 4987
Merry Christmas everyone and best wishes for a happy and safe new year. Let’s hope we continue to move towards fewer Covid-19 restrictions in 2021!
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Email: otcl@es.co.nz Postal: 406 Hillside Road, Dunedin Phone 455 5029
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