February 2022 Our much loved and admired Patron, Alan Bates, receiving his 50 year award from VCC National President, Diane Quarrie
See story inside as we pay tribute to a very special man
Official Magazine of the Wanganui Branch of the V.C.C. of NZ P O Box 726, Wanganui , Street Address—Patapu Street, Wanganui East Wanganui@vcc.org.nz
Patron:
Alan Bates
Chairman: Vice Chairman: Secretary: Treasurer:
Bruce Ardell Andrew Dittmer Liz James Neil Farrer
Club Captain: Vice Club Captain: Rally Secretary/Trophies: Motorcycle Convenor:
Frank James 021 349 074 Andrew Johnson 06 345 6212 Position vacant Bill James 027 353 2190
06 342 7713 027 379 6969 06 344 2221 06 343 6248 027 457 9634
biffoditty@gmail.com. liznfrank@xtra.co.nz nfarrer@xtra.co.nz
lizfrank@xtra.co.nz Datsun@aje.co.nz wanganuirally@gmail.com heatherandbilljames@gmail.com
Committee: Linda Kendrick Chris White Ray Savage Ian Higgins Health & Safety: Trophies Manager: Branch Delegate: Kitchen Manager: Hall Custodian/Bookings: Truck Custodians:
027 775 4644 0274 431 184 06 342 4755 027 201 2706
Dave McDermid 06 347 6915 Mihi McDermid Neil Farrer 06 343 6248 Liz James 06 344 2221
zilda552@hotmail.com cgandkrwhite@gmail.com thesavages@inspire.net.nz ihiggins@xtra.co.nz whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz
liznfrank@xtra.co.nz
Doreen Hardy 021 170 2962 Rob O’Keeffe 0274 332 626 Shane Hobman 06 344 5915 Librarian: Dave Austin 06 344 7513 Parts Custodians: Dave McDermid 06 347 6915 whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz Chris White 06 348 7335 Trevor Roberts 06 345 8897 Editor: Ian Higgins 027 201 2706 ihiggins@xtra.co.nz Beaded Wheels Reporter: Ian Higgins 027 201 2706 ihiggins@xtra.co.nz Archivist: Dave Austin 06 344 7513 Vehicle ID’s: Shane Hobman 06 344 5915 Bruce Ardell 06 342 7713 Rivet Distribution Co-Ordinator: Linda Kendrick 027 775 4644 Frank James 021 349 074 Official VCC Website: www.vcc.org.nz VCC Branch Mags: http://vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches/ Facebook Wanganui Vintage Car Club: https://www.facebook.com/whanganuivcc/? VCC Codes for discounts: Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry ANTIQUECAR Interislander WH5465
FROM THE EDITORS DESK Greetings Members February and we are all on Red in the Covid stakes! Certainly fortunate to get through the Vero Festival of Motoring up in New Plymouth last month without it being cancelled. Hope like hell that no one was infected up there as we were packed in like sardines in the TSB centre at times. All entrants fully vaccinated of course. No anti- vaxxers allowed on the premises thank goodness. Still I had better not comment on that aspect in case I offend some plonker……. Anyway congratulations to the organisers of the Vero looking after in excess of 500 entrants. Special congratulations to our John and Wendy Bullock for winning the time trial event in their class in their reliable old Model A. Frances and I competed in our 73 Chrysler Limo in the Post 60 class, but somehow or another we did not register as finishing the run. Must be still up there navigating those dusty metal roads and narrow one way bridges! We really enjoyed the run up until this. Should have taken the Jeep or gone like hell on the good roads and crawled over the tracks! Only gripe I have is that some entrants used Targa type electronic devices to cheat the system. One contestant (not from our branch) proudly showed me how he accomplished this, and with good results! Anyway we really enjoyed ourselves and I was able to spend some time with my girl friend, who was booked into a motel on the outskirts of town, while Frances and I booked into another one. I was very busy, I tell you!! On other matters, a huge thanks to Captain Frank for organising such a great Sunday run to replace the Burma, followed up by a 50 year presentation to our Patron, Alan Bates, awarded by the VCC President, Dianne Quarrie. That’s all for now so keep safe. Yours in cruising,
Editor Ian.
PS For those wondering about my girl friend, name is Missy (my dog.)
Chairman's Report — February 2022 January Club night picnic, BBQ and social evening at the clubrooms was enjoyed by 75 + members and friends. A great turnout, lovely evening outside with families and Grandies and a number of new members and vehicles for viewing. A great selection of food including desert, thanks Frank & Elizabeth for organising BBQ. Food and drink supplied by the club. Great evening. I also made a personal presentation to Peter & Doreen for 4 1/2 years they have transferred my hand written (in Pencil) monthly report into the Rivet for publication. We also had the surprise arrival of the Pitkethley family in their 34 Chevrolet. Vero rally New Plymouth, what a blast. A great time was had by all. A nice send off by club members a the Jubilee Stadium car park on Sunday morning, a leisurely drive to New Plymouth, check in at Rally HQ for packs and back for official opening that evening. Good NP roads, company, great entertainment each night, selection of cars, and the Inglewood park up, all highlights of a great motoring week. (see report in Rivet). Oh yes our John & Wendy Bullock won the “Vintage time Trial” Trophy which he will show us at March club night. Ask them how they managed to win it. This was mine and Jennifer's 5th International rally we have attended. The 38 Dodge Coupe turned over 86,000 miles on the way home (50,000 miles) when I brought it in 1971 for $150.00. Another entertaining club night took place in February. Guest speaker Tony Hancock “VCC Management Team” did a presentation (like Neil F had done) and spoke about the revised club logo “yes again”. Two years and we have been banging on about this and everyone is over it. Good membership input on the night with Tony but the final design was worse than the last. “Woeful” voting on the night took place (see report) with over 90% staying with the status quo wins, phew. Waste of 2 years of my time. Franks “Wellington Anniversary” Sunday run, what a great turnout for this event. 40 + cars including 2 x 1914 Rovers and 2 x 2CV Citroens and a number of visitors returning from the NP Vero Rally, also the presentation of Alan Bates 50th Badge by NZ VCC President Diane Quarrie and Geoff Driving their Studebaker Coupe. That’s my lot.
Chairman Bruce
VCC proposed new logo Tony Hancock presented the details of the proposed amended new VCC logo at our meeting on 2nd February. Afterwards a paper vote was held and Neil checked these against our membership list. 90% of votes cast from the 45 members present were against the change from the existing logo. Therefore Bruce and Neil will be advising the next Executive Meeting in March that “The Wanganui Branch voted after the presentation, and 90% of those members who voted were not in favour of the proposed change to our logo.” Therefore Wanganui Branch votes for no change to our logo. Neil Farrer Wanganui Branch Delegate
Club Captain’s report—February 2022 Hello members. Our February Club Night saw some 45 VCC Members and visitors brave the very hot evening and listen to Tony Haycock speak about the proposed new VCC Logo which will be finalised at the VCC Executive Meeting on 12 March 2022. The outcome is awaited with great interest. On Sunday 27 February 2022 we will enjoy a Sunday Run with a visit to Bruce’s Museum. Please meet at the Clubrooms by 1 o’clock and the first cars will leave about 1:30 pm. Hot water, tea and coffee will be provided please bring a plate to share for afternoon tea. Please also bring a chair with you. You must be checked-in with your My Vaccine Pass at the Clubrooms and to respect the hospitality of our hosts only those people who have been checked-in at the Clubrooms will be welcome at the Museum. Club Night on Wednesday 2 March 2022 will include a talk from Richard Coxon the Managing Director-Fuel Systems from Gallagher’s in Marton. Come along and enjoy the evening.
Happy motoring Captain Frank
REPORT ON FRANK’S WELLINGTON ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND SUNDAY CLUB RUN – 23 JANUARY 2022 – SUPPORTING ALAN BATES’S 50 YEAR VCC AWARD It was great to see some 45 Vintage Cars assemble at our Clubrooms car-park including a number of visitors who had attended the New Plymouth Rally. It was a very hot sunny day and the first car set off at 1:30 pm on the drive through City Streets and Country Roads of Westmere, Kai Iwi and Brunswick with the first cars arriving back at the VCC Clubrooms about and hour and a quarter after departing. After answering a ‘simple’ question of distance travelled some 90 members friends and visitors enjoyed afternoon tea in the Clubrooms with a small presentation to the days’ winners, Alairster and Nola Day from Timaru, who were the only one’s who accurately knew how far they had travelled during the afternoon’s run. Well done to them and I’m sure they thoroughly enjoyed the chocolate fish they won. The presentation of his 50 year Membership Award to Alan Bates was made by National VCC Club President Diane Quarrie and completed a very enjoyable afternoon. Thank you everyone
Frank
This is your life…..Alan Bates ALAN BATES - Celebrating 50 Years VCC Membership - A chat with daughter, Linda Kendrick Alan was born in Rangitau, Ohakune on 2nd of September 1924. He lived in Rangataua and then moved to Patea and attended Patea Primary School where his father was the headmaster. Alan then moved onto secondary schooling at Hawera High School, travelling each day for three years by slow train at 7.20am and sometimes arriving from any time up to midday! Males travelled in one carriage at the end and females in the rest of the train. It was a long journey every day. During six years living in Patea, Alan kept himself occupied by going white baiting at Whenuakura River, playing golf at Patea Golf Club and trolly derbying down the hill to the Patea bridge. Patea was buzzing at this time with very busy activities at the railway station, freezing works and cranes loading up boats to ship dairy products to Wellington.
Later, Alan’s family transferred to Wanganui where he lived in Guyton Street by the river end, handy to Queens Park School where his father was the headmaster. This was the beginning of his apprenticeship at Linwoods (Chevrolet and Morris agents) in Guyton Street. During this time pig hunting took up some weekends in the back blocks of Waitotara, Paraparas and Mangaweka, sometimes staying out in huts along with hunting friends, and of course the dogs. In the evenings he attended night school 2 nights a week and manufactured a complete bedroom suite, which has lasted for many years. During his mechanical apprenticeship he got called up three times to The Armed Forces, ending up in the New Zealand Airforce, but stayed within New Zealand. After his time with the Airforce, he returned to Lindwoods where he worked on fitting CNG gas producers amongst other mechanical projects. Later on he became the Service Manager and began tutoring mechanical apprentices at Wanganui Boys College night school classes. Visits to participate at the small-bore rifle club became a regular event along with joining the Wanganui camera club with brother Arthur Bates and sister Edna Bates.
The local YMCA dances were a favourite spot as this is where he met his future wife, Leonie. Alan and Leonie married on the 18th of February 1950 at St Lawrences Church in Whanganui. During their many happy years together they formed many friendships, went on overseas trips, participated in various VCC rallies creating a wonderful lifetime of memories and experiences together. Their three children Janet, Neil and Linda arrived and attended Gonville Primary School, which was close by to where they lived. A change in direction and pace led to Alan becoming the owner of his own milk run for 8 years in which he operated in all weathers starting at 12.30am and ended around 6.30am 7 days a week. On the odd occasion he received help from his 3 children, hence enabling him to begin his journey in vintage restorations when not working.
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This is your life…..Alan Bates
After 8 years he then went to work at the Automobile Association as a Technical Officer and Driving instructor and then onto the Ministry of Works to continue using his mechanical knowledge then following on to his retirement. Indoor bowls at St Peters Church with Leonie was a weekly event at this time, and one which continued for a few decades.
As the years went on the family participated in many VCC events rallying in the 1928 Studebaker Alan restored to take pride of place in the garage. Having Neil on board with his timekeeping expertise paid off in the navigation area with great success whilst rallying all over New Zealand. Alan and Leonie over the years participated in 14 club captains tours both in the north and south island where they created a lot of friendships rallying in their 1951 Austin A40 sports, which he restored immaculately. "The Gomes Trust" occupies a more recent involvement in the past few years providing fellowship and community support to many organisations. Alan is still very much an active part of the VCC, and at 50 years membership, he has made a lot of wonderful memories and friendships along the journey. Submitted by Linda.
Alan James BATES 50 YEARS MEMBERSHIP Born in Rangitau in 1924 - Alan attended Ohakune primary school, then moved to Patea, and later to Wanganui. He trained as a mechanic at local garages and then Linwood Wilks Holden dealership. Later he became a milkman, running that business for 8-plus years — 4am starts and in all weather – the fitness gained there has stood Alan well through his 97 years. Later Alan joined the AA as a vehicle inspector and technical officer. He always volunteered to be the AA representative for the VCC and follow the rallies for the club and with his family on board. Later he ran the first driver training for the AA. He joined the Ministry of Works Mechanical Division and worked there till his retirement at age 60. It was during those years that he joined the VCC. He held the position of Club Rooms Caretaker (initially behind VTNZ) where he spent many a lunch hour cleaning up after club nights and functions. He also did up the motor on the Wanganui Branch’s 1927 Chevrolet truck.
He restored his 1928 Studebaker Dictator to immaculate condition. The first VCC run in the car was in June 1974, and he later won 3rd place in the Vintage category in the 1980 Rotorua International Rally, with help from Leonie and son Neil who always navigated. He restored a 1951 Austin A40 sports car with aluminium body to another high standard and entered the 1986 Pan Pacific Rally in Christchurch, where he took home more silverware for the highest score in time trials over the rally days. Ongoing success was enjoyed at Wanganui branch’s Burma and Annual rallies, while entering VCC Club Captains’ tours in both islands became frequent and Alan has enjoyed the lifelong memories and friendships made along the way.
A 1913 Royal Ruby Motorcycle project was the next restoration, winning branch restoration of the year in 1995. Alan has held many positions on the Wanganui branch committee, including caretaker, Committee Member, Beaded Wheels scribe, and Club Captain (including a stint when his son-in-law’s father, Mike Kendrick was Chairman). He has participated on working bees and with marshalling, and Alan is currently the Branch’s Patron. Alan, we can all look to your dedication to the branch and to the club as an example of a tireless effort over more than 50 years. Your competitive rallying, successful high-quality restorations, and commitment and contribution to the club, is something to be proud of.
SOME PICS FROM THE VERO IN NEW PLYMOUTH
Crowds at Clifton lunch stop and below three Rollers caught my attention
Below. Lunch stop at Urenui Beach after a long but enjoyable time trial.
Left. Inglewood Street party. Very difficult to be able to take many photos without people getting in the way. Great atmosphere. Large crowd.
PICS FROM JANUARY BBQ AT THE CLUBROOMS
Crowds gathering and waiting for the boys on the BBQ
Presentation to Pete and Doreen Hardy by Chairman Bruce (right) in recognition for the many years work on the RIVET and the Committee. Well done.
Captain Frank and Vice Captain Andrew on the BBQ. Great meal with salads and deserts galore from under the gazebo. Plus refreshments of course. Good turnout and lots of fun. Lovely weather to complete the picture.
SOME PICS FROM FRANK’S RUN Winners of the Run. From Timaru Alairster & Nola Day
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Email: The-Grand-hotel@xtra.co.nz Www.thegrandhotel.co.nz
Bates Watchmakers 130 Victoria Ave, Wanganui Phone/Fax 06 345-2235
Email: bateswatch@gmail.com Watch Specialists for Whanganui Sales & Repairs Mainstreet’s Top Shop Award Winner
Wanganui VCC Purpose Built Parts Shed We have an outstanding collection of engines, gearboxes, body parts, spares, new and used, from a vast range of manufacturers. These parts span from the early 1900’s to more modern production vehicles. If you are looking for anything, large or small, to keep your car on the road call us to see if we can assist, you will find our prices unbelievable. Please call or email us: Dave
06 347 6915
027 555 4201
whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz
Chris
06 348 7335
027 443 1184
cgandkrwhite@gmail.com
Trevor
06 345 8897
If we don’t have it, we may know someone who does!
FOR SALE/WANTED TO BUY For Sale: 1958 Morris Oxford. Comes with current WOF and Rego. $7500 ono. Call Jim on 027 538 8133
Wanted: Vellocette Venom 350 Cylinder Head. Contact Brian on 06 345 7499
For Sale: Peugeot 405 SRDT Estate—1995—Diesel turbo 5 speed manual. Economical 1000kms or so to a tankful. Just took for WOF and failed on only rear brake imbalance (that I shall take care of). Tow bar and new radio that can take a reverse camera. I have owned it for about 8 years. New battery and glow plugs—reason for selling I need the space. I am looking for about $3000 ONO. Phone Graham on 02 214 1730
Wanted: A couple of stationary engines suitable for display. Contact Bruce 06 3427713
Free events for Senior Drivers for more confidence & safety on the road
* Staying Safe *
Refresher Driving Course for Seniors with booklet & luncheon
Is your driving as safe as it could be? Increase your knowledge about driving & ageing Assess & improve your driving safety & skills Wednesday February 9th 9.30 am - 3 pm & * Car Fit *
Helping Older Drivers Find their Safest Fit 20 minute checks that you have:
· Clear lines of sight · A driver’s seat that fits comfortably and is safely positioned · Properly adjusted head restraint and seatbelt Wednesday March 2nd (morning) &
* Hanging Up the Car Keys * The Medical Conversation & Planning for Life beyond Driving Friday March 11th 2-4pm Vaccine Pass& booking essential: call Age Concern Whanganui 063451799 to book your place & for venue
I am keen on starting up a “Letters to the Editor” column in the RIVET. Preferably forwarded by email and directly to myself. Must have your full name please. May be edited. (depending on available space) Lets give it a go and see what response is generated. Articles and pics also. Forward to ihiggins@xtra.co.nz
PLEASE NOTE: CONDITION OF ENTRY. AT THE DECEMBER COMMITTEE MEETING IT WAS UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED: ENTRY TO THE CLUBS GROUNDS AND FACILITIES RESTRICTED TO THOSE MEMBERS AND VISITORS CARRYING THE COVID VACCINE PASS WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT. Club Calendar All Club Runs meet at 1pm at the Club Rooms unless otherwise stated February
27th Cub run to Bruce’s Museum
March
2nd Club night-Guest speaker Richard Coxon 20th Club gymkhana at Craig & Wendy Ryland’s
April
6th Club night 9th VCC Motorcycle trial
May
4th Club night