June 2022
Hardy Family scooped the pool at our Annual Rally. Grandad Pete , Charlotte ( left) and Jess.
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: Secretary: Treasurer:
Andrew Dittmer 027 379 6969 Frank James 06 344 2221 Neil Farrer 06 343 6248 027 457 9634
biffoditty@gmail.com. liznfrank@xtra.co.nz nfarrer@xtra.co.nz
Club Captain: Rally Secretary/Trophies: Motorcycle Convenor:
Andrew Johnson 06 345 6212 Christine Savage 06 342 4755 Bill James 027 353 2190
Datsun@aje.co.nz wanganuirally@gmail.com heatherandbilljames@gmail.com
Committee :
Linda Kendrick Ray Savage Ian Higgins Sietse Zeilstra Pierre Zeilstra Dave McDermid
027 775 4644 06 3424755 027 201 2706 027 345 6977 027 345 6977 06 347 6915
zilda552@hotmail.com thesavages@inspire.net.nz ihiggins@xtra.co.nz
Mihi McDermid Neil Farrer Sue Dittmer Ann Berntsen
06 347 6915 06 343 6248 027 379 6969 06 3446041
Trophies Manager: Branch Delegate: Kitchen Manager:
Hall Custodian/Bookings: Truck Custodians:
whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz
Sue Dittmer 027 379 6969 Rob O’Keeffe 027 4332 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 Welcome to the June edition of your RIVET. Lots to report on this month, what with the AGM on the first followed up with our Annual Rally. All covered inside of these pages. Touching on the AGM, we farewell outgoing committee members and thank them for their sterling service. Chairman Bruce and Captain Frank have decided not to stand for re election in these roles. One has to be on the inner workings of the committee to fully appreciate all that these two gentlemen have done over the years. They leave very big boots to fill. However it is healthy that personnel change from time to time and we are indeed fortunate to have both the Andrews stepping up. Andrew Dittmer as Chairman and Andrew Johnson Club Captain. Both of these gentlemen have been deputies to Bruce and Frank over the last term of committee so are well versed in their respective roles. Great to retain Frank on the committee and taking the position of Secretary. We also farewell outgoing Secretary and Kitchen Boss, Liz James, who also did not stand for re election. Liz has not been in very good health of late and is at home convalescing after a stay in hospital. Liz, we wish you a speedy recovery. Thank you for all the work and effort you have put in during your time on committee. Looking forward to see you at Cub events and keeping Frank in line! Get well soon Liz. We also farewell Chris White from the committee, but thankfully have retained his invaluable service as Parts Custodian. Thanks Chris. Awesome that we have retained you in this role as your expertise is legendary. We welcome Pierre and Sietse Zeilstra onto the committee. Great to have you aboard as well as Sue Dittmer and Anne Berntsen now in charge of the kitchen, with Sue also looking after hall bookings as Doreen Hardy did not stand this term. Thanks for all your past work Doreen. There is a full report in this edition of the RIVET covering our annual rally. How bloody good it was to have at least one of our major rallies this year, while arch enemy Covid is still licking at our heels. Disappointed that there is a distinct lack of mask wearing among us though!! You will see in the RIVET an article about Dave Robinson’s 1930 Model A truck. I couldn't believe it when I first realised that this old A was the same truck formerly owned by Jim Laing, a neighbour of my late father. As a youngster growing up on the farm at Westmere, I can vividly recall Jim, together with his sister, Ena, driving around the district. Jim was a farmer and contractor. One could hear the old truck “ puttering” past our place, invariably loaded to the gunnels with hay bales. Jim and Ena were really lovely people although rather eccentric. Jim with his trade mark straw hat perched on his head accompanied by his bespectacled elder sister Ena. Great friends of my late parents. Very pleased to see this old Model A back on the road again where it belongs. Keep your speed down in the truck, Dave, as Jim and Ena may be watching! I am really keen to bring stories about members vehicles to these pages. I have one tucked away already for next month about Craig and Wendy Ryland and their passion for, not only one another, but 1939 Chevrolets. Mostly all above board so no need for concern! Looking for more contributors about your vehicles, so how about it members? Give me a call. That’s all for now. Keep safe and wear those blasted masks! Yours in cruising
Editor Ian
Chairman's Report — June 2022 Greetings everyone,
7am Queens birthday Monday. This will be my last monthly report. May 15th Sunday run I organized for you was well supported with cars and members. The clubrooms were full at the start. Two places of interest were viewed and enjoyed by all until the light rain (forecasted) came. Thanks to our hosts. See report in mag. Thanks also to members that I requested to supply cars (12) for display in the front of the Jubilee Stadium for the Toy Fair that same day. May working bee saw a number of members tidying up the clubrooms grounds, cleaning spouting, pruning trees and removing old rims from tyres for scrap. An entrance was also cut into the toilet in the parts shed. Phew! Thanks to all the helpers. Our 68th AGM of the Wanganui Branch has come and gone. What a good turnout of members for an AGM. Our branch secretary had received a number of written nominations for various positions. I am pleased to report, all positions were filled on the night. Welcome to our new Chairman Andrew D and Club Captain Andrew J. Thanks Chris and Frank for your sterling efforts. I also had the pleasure of presenting both Bill and Heather James with their 25 year badges. Remember the onus is on you the members to notify the Branch Management when you are due for a 25,35 or 50 year continuous membership badge. Our June Annual Rally has just been. Interestingly, our biggest class was “Vintage over 2500cc”. Well done to all you Vintagents and Vintagirls. Lovely winters day, good turnout considering the way things are at the moment. Overall winners Peter, Jess and Charlotte Hardy, motoring a 1968 Riley Elf. Pete must have had the Elf’s ears on that day and listened to Jess and Charlottes instructions. Well done to all class winners and thanks Frank J and Christine Savage for an enjoyable Rally and evening. By the way Lee Taylor tells me he has been attending the June Rally for fifty years, driving the same car. Well done Lee, must be a bit of a record. Re-registering a car: If you have no documents available for prior NZ Registration, it is up to you to provide and / or follow the list of 8 suggested documents displayed on the Statutory Declaration Form that the VCC provide, especially the NZTA Form CA13 if member cannot provide any further proof. That my lot, over to you now Andrew Dittmer. Signing off Bruce A . Chairman 2017-2022 Thanks Bruce for your time in the Chair. Your insight of the Branch history, the VCC movement and most especially, your incredible knowledge of all makes and models of the vehicles, which is the reason why the VCC exists, ranks you very high indeed. Thank you for the humour you brought to our meetings. Looking forward to your presence in our Branch activities. Editor Ian
Chairman's Annual Report — AGM 1st June 2022
I am pleased to present this report for the 68th AGM of the Wanganui Branch of the Vintage Car Club of NZ. Club nights and Sunday runs have been well supported over the last year with some interesting speakers and entertaining Sunday runs and events. This year has flown and support for all functions and outings is encouraging and bodes well for the next 12 months.
Once again we have seen good growth in membership numbers, now up to 260 members, and increase of 45 in the last 5 years since I took over as Chairman. A good selection of vehicles have also come into the club, long may it last.
We have unfortunately been severely affected by COVID restrictions throughout the last couple of years. Better luck this next year I hope.
Improvements in and around the clubrooms continue. The new ventilation system in the kitchen and the monitored alarm were installed this year. Grounds, building and fence maintenance attended to also during working bees.
Sponsors, Advertisers, and Raffle Donors are always appreciated and make the running of any event that much easier. Thanks to your all.
To my committee, club members, volunteers and supporters a big thanks for the help you have given me over the last 5 years. Much appreciated as always.
Special thanks to my no 1 wife, Jennifer.
Bruce A Chairman 2017 - 2022
Club Captain’s report — June 2022 Hello members A good number of Club Members enjoyed the Sunday Run on 15th May with Bruce including visits to various places of interest. Thanks Bruce and well done to everyone who came along and enjoyed the afternoon. Thank you to the keen workers who braved the inclement weather to do some work around the clubrooms at the “Working Bee” on Saturday 21st May. Good work team. A successful Annual Rally was held on Sunday 5th June 2022 — see separate report. Special thanks to all the entrants and also to all those people who helped in some way with the running of the Rally. Our July Club Night on 6th July will include a talk by John Jonese about his travels and experiences in other countries. Will be great to see you all there. A special Sunday Run will be held on Sunday 17th July with Keith Turner putting this event together for us. Thanks Keith. We look forward to seeing you out in your cars for this event. I have enjoyed my last few years as Club Captain but now its time to step back and let others bring their ideas and ways as we move along. Thank you to everyone for your support. Happy Motoring , Frank James.
Thanks Frank for your time devoted to the Branch as Club Captain. Frank, speaking not only for myself, but for the whole Branch, your ability to run Rallies and Events is legendary. I honestly believe that you could have easily slotted into the role of a professional organiser if you had so wished. Perhaps you still could? Anyway, it is great to have you remain on the committee and taking on the role of Secretary from Liz, owing to her ill health. We all look forward to see both you at future Branch events. Get well soon Liz. Thanks for all the other Club Captain duties your have performed, always with a smile and in a cheerful spirit, even if at times you must have felt like tearing your hair out! Editor Ian
Annual Rally 2022 A fine but rather fresh ,morning greeted all to the Annual Rally on Sunday 5th June 2022. The first of some 40 vehicles participating in the Rally departed from the Wanganui Racecourse Carpark at 9.30am. The Rally took entrants away from our River City through the country roads of Tayforth, Westmere, Kai Iwi and Maxwell, winding their way towards Waverley through Waitotara and Ngutuwera areas. All vehicles then went north of Waverley to drive the famous Kohi Loop for the second timed section of the Rally. The return to the Waverley township took all to the Community Centre for a lunch break with many humorous stories being heard. The afternoon run started out towards the coastal side of Waverley before travelling back to Wanganui via inland roads of Maxwell then onto Brunswick before weaving a path back to the VCC Clubrooms. The Rally prizegiving dinner at the Wanganui Racecourse Function Centre completed a very enjoyable day for VCC motoring enthusiasts. Congratulations to all competitors and again thanks to all the helpers who made the Rally possible and very enjoyable. Well done to the winners — great effort to Peter Hardy and his granddaughter navigators — a win overdue and a special result for you all.
Frank James Rally Organiser
Annual Rally Prize Winners Class 4-Vintage over 2500cc –Warwick Bain Cup: Peter & Anne Robinson 1929 Ford Model A Runner-up: David & Mihi McDermid 1930 Ford Model A Class 5-Post Vintage
A& R Voss Cup: Rob & Linda O’Keefe 1938 Buick Series 40 Runner Up: Graeme & Karren Langridge 1935 Packard
Class 8-Post War
Boyd Challenge Cup: Shan & Noelene Hobman 1957 Chevrolet
Runner up: Tony & Judy Brierley 1957 Morris Oxford Class 10-Commercial
Commercial Trophy: Sue & Andrew Dittmer 1939 Austin 10 Runner Up: John & Wendy Bullock 1928 Ford Model A
Class 11-Post 1960
Post 1960 Trophy: Peter,Charlotte & Jess Hardy 1968 Riley Elf Runner Up: Sue Voss & Dale Whittaker 1978 Morris
Class 12-Post 1980
Kendrick Family Trophy: John & Shirley Foot 1990 Ford Falcon
Overall Winner
Cromarty Tray: Peter, Charlotte & Jess Hardy
Furthest Travelled
Tony & Judy Brierley from Hamilton
Highest Placed Local Entrant
Bates Cup: Peter, Charlotte & Jess Hardy
Hard Luck Trophy
John Miles & David Taylor
Congratulations and thanks to not only trophy and prize winners, but to all entrants. Special thanks to all those volunteers. Without you, there would be no Rally. Trust that you all enjoyed yourselves and looking forward to see you at our next event. Thank you one and all.
Wanganui Branch VCC
Annual Rally Pics Left: The Hardy Family at the start line. Eventual overall winners . Jennifer is carefully watching the clock to start the Racing Riley on it’s way. Watch the front Pete!
Below: Class 4 winners, Peter and Anne Robinson at the start. On the far right, Rally Secretary Christine keeping an eye on things.
Bottom left: Class 5 Winners., Rob and Linda O’Keefe. Jennifer handing the run sheet to Linda. Rob creeping towards the start line to make a quick getaway. Bottom right: Class 8 Winners. Shane and Noelene Hobman. Shane getting ready to hoof the big Chev into the distance as if he is back on the race-track.
Annual Rally Pics Left. Winner Class 10. Sue and new Chairman Andrew Dittmer. Starter Bruce holds the flag at the ready. Howls of laughter when Sue turned the wrong way at the exit gate! They had the last laugh though when they won their class. Below: Winner Class 12. John and Shirley Foot from Waipukurau in their tidy 1990 Falcon. Great to see these “newer” cars showing up. Bottom left: Class 10 Winners, Andrew ( left) and Sue Dittmer receiving the Commercial Trophy from Bruce Ardell. Bottom right: Class 12 Winners, John (left) and Shirley Foot were awarded the Kendrick Family Trophy from Bruce.
Annual Rally Pics
Above left: Class 4 Winners, Peter and Ann Robinson, receive the Warrick Bain Cup from Bruce ( centre) Above right: Class 5 Winners, Rob and Linda O’Keefe, were awarded the A&R Voss Cup from an elated Bruce throwing his hat in the air.
Left: Class 8 Winners, Shane and Noelene Hobman, received the Boyd Challenge Cup from Bruce (right) Front cover: Pete, Charlotte and Jess Hardy scooped the pool by winning the Class 11 Post 1960 Trophy, the Bates Cup for the highest placed local entrant and the big one, the Cromarty Tray for overall winner. Congratulations. Editors note: There will be many more pics in next month’s RIVET. Simply not enough room in this edition. Treasurer Neil would have a fit if I published all the photos I have on file in this edition! He is our money man and he does a bloody good job looking after the $$
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor I came across this in a recent GLOBE magazine for Triumph Renown owners which may bring a smile to the dial:
If an advert says….. It really means: Rare model - Nobody liked them when new, either An older restoration - Needs doing again, properly this time Very genuine, unrestored - A mess Good condition - I polished it Immaculate - ...and it was a sunny day when I took the picture Rough condition - It’s too bad to lie about A few dinks as you would expect for a car this age - It’s a battered wreck, and please don’t try to open the back doors One family ownership - who have never been able to sell it Rebuilt engine - Has new spark plugs Engine needs some work - Engine has been seized-up for thirty years Low mileage - Third time around the clock Many new parts - Keeps breaking down Very clean car - I left it out in the rain yesterday Always driven slowly - With these brakes, no-one in their right mind would go over 30mph The top is good - It only leaks when it rains Must-see car - PLEASE come and look at it, I’m desperate Reluctant sale - I hate to admit I was drunk when I bought it Easy restoration - Parts of it will come off in your hand Interior needs some cosmetic work - You don’t know how much re-upholstering costs, do you? Good investment - It can’t depreciate any more Cheers Neil Farrer
Working Bee May 21st Team of 6 ( plus the camera man/Editor ) having a well earned break and talking bull...t Thought that we would have been rained out but thankfully it stayed fine. Plenty of light hearted banter and great company made for an enjoyable morning.
BLAST FROM THE PAST Kindly submitted by the Zeilstra Brothers. Taken from an old Photo News. Picture of a very special person’s vehicle. The late Ed Boyd.
Congratulations Left: Club Member John Bullock proudly displaying the trophy at our May Club night that he and wife Wendy won in their trusty Model A Ute at the Vero Festival of Historic Motoring in New Plymouth earlier this year. Well done John and Wendy.
Pics from the AGM
Left; Changing of the guard. Outgoing Chairman Bruce on the right, welcomes incoming Chair Andrew Dittmer
Bottom left: Chairman Bruce presents to Bill James his badge commemorating 25 year membership of the VCC.
Bottom right: Bruce presents to Heather James, her badge also commemorating 25 years VCC membership. How cool that husband and wife receive their 25 year recognition together. Congratulations to you both!
Dave’s Model A Truck Dave Robinson’s iconic old Model A truck. A real identity in the Westmere area. Formally owned by the late Laing family Appropriately this photo was taken by the Westmere Lake across the road from Higgins Farm. Editor.
First owner was John Laing of Rapanui on 25th August 1930. The ownership changed to James (Jim) Laing of Westmere on 12th February 1941. Shortly after WWII there was a shortage of utes and farm trucks, and so the Model A was converted to a flat deck truck. The original registration was EQ4285. Ownership changed to Ena Laing , Jim’s sister, on the 13th October 1954 and then changed back to her brother, Jim, on the 26th November 1980. The old Model A resided at Francis Road, Westmere, for most of it’s working life. Servicing and repairs were mainly undertaken by Eaton Automotives along with many other businesses. With the passing of Jim and his sister, the Laing Family Trust was wound up and Joan Robinson, being a distant relative, was offered the truck and all spares. Peter Robinson took ownership on the 14th of May 1982. It was used as a farm truck on the farm at Western Line, transporting hay bales from the paddock to storage and wool bales to town. It could carry three full wool bales with ease and undertook trips giving people and kids rides. At the beginning of Personalised Plates the truck was re-registered as OUTADS. With the passing of Peter Robinson in 1990 the registration lapsed in 1995, and the truck was put on blocks for nearly 10 years. At or about the year 2000, the old Model A was taken off the storage blocks to get the old truck up and running again. It was registered to David Robinson and re-vinned with the usual hassles. Getting the previous owners signature proved challenging, as most were well and truly gone by this time. Finally on the 17th of June 2002, the old truck was once more on the road. Over the years the old A has had quite a bit of work done. Kingpins, brakes, new radiator, new valves and guides, multiple water pumps, front springs and shackles, and recently a rear axle. With the timing advanced and fuel wound open it is possible to get along at a fair old clip. Believe it or not, I once got her up to 70 mph on the Westmere straight!! The doors shake and rattle and the body bounces all around but mechanically the old A is very sound. Front rubber engine mounts have been fitted and rear rubber engine mounts are being worked on. She has had a long life and looks a bit like it on the outside, but I think its just right for a farm truck. Submitted by Dave Robinson.
BRUCE’S 15 MAY RUN The weather looked threatening as we cruised over from the Rangitikei in our faithful little Austin to join in on the run. This threat did not deter a very good crowd looking expectantly for something special. Everyone was bubbling with joy at the prospect of going out in a treasured vehicle with a bunch of great people.( Above Cars ,Guys and Gals arriving at the Clubrooms)
Bruce once again dressed to impress soon had us all heading to our first stop. The weather had made good on the threat and was now bucketing down. Lucky for us there was ample parking close in at Graeme Kiff’s Simply Wrought Iron business. (Above left) No-one was tardy in making their way into the shelter of the workshop. Graeme gave us an excellent overview of the very creative and desirable items he and his talented group make. I am sure I’m not the only one who got a not so subtle hint about how good something we saw would look at our place. Soon we were on our way to our next stop. This was Bruce Harding’s lovely big shed. (Above right) The approach to the shed required a small climb up a grassed slope. The ground was greasy and proving to be an obstacle to the larger vehicles. I would have admit a certain level of smugness as our South Island trials experience went into action driving around the floundering powerful cars and off up the hill with not a hint of wheel spin. Bruce had plenty of vehicles for us to admire. My favourite was the ‘46/47 Chev light truck under restoration. Not a plastic panel in sight. To me this is real engineering. He also had two other vehicles I have very fond memories of – a VW Beetle and an old Landcruiser. I can also recall a very well cared for TK Bedford truck. Not many of us have shed space for such a collection so I am thrilled Bruce has cared for all these treasures. Submitted by Andrew Dittmer
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Farm shop opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 8am to 5pm Saturday 8am to 1-30 pm
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
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Trevor
06 345 8897
lf we don’t have it, we may know someone who does!
FOR SALE/WANTED TO BUY Wanted: Left side body parts for a ‘83 Toyota Cressida. Does anyone know of any being wrecked? Phone 3432422 or email geofferylawson@gmail.com For Sale: 1948 Morris 8 series E. Four door sedan, ex cond. for age, steers well, working brakes, original ownership papers, spare parts, minor rust and dents, good restoration proposition, come and see it... Phone 3432422 or geofferylawson@gmail.com
For Sale: Homemade trailer just been renovated with cover $850 Reg and WOF Contact Sue Voss 3455515/0212966210 Wanted to Rent: I need garage or shed storage for a vehicle I’ve bought. The truck is 6 metres long, 2.2 wide & about 2.1 high. The storage would hopefully be for about 6 months until I can build a shed. I’d like to be able to take the vehicle out for a drive every so often. Contact Rob O’Keefe 3445040 or okjoiner.co.nz Wanted to Rent: Car garage in Wanganui East region for classic car. Contact Peter Powell 021 293 4106 For Sale: 1998 Toyota Corolla Sedan. 5 speed. Brand new WOF, battery. Current Rego. Just serviced. One of our reps car. Great mechanical order. Runs extremely well and looked after. Bonnet paint a little faded. $2300. Contact Ian Higgins 027 201 2706 For Sale: 1977 Series 3 Land Rover. Current Reg and WOF Contact Jim Lees 021 061 3292
PLEASE NOTE: We encourage those entering the Clubrooms to wear the appropriate masks and practice social distancing. Please do think of those Members who have health issues. Also we request that anyone with Covid or Cold and Flu like symptoms, to please stay away. Thank you.
Club Calendar All Club Runs meet at 1PM at the clubrooms unless otherwise stated July
6th Club Night. Speaker John Jonese 17th Sunday Run with Keith Turner
August
3rd Club Night Speaker Richard Coxon 21st Daffodil Rally with Peter Hardy. Time TBA 25th Daffodil Business deliveries at Cancer Society. Time TBA
September
7th Club Night. Shiny parts auction 18th Sunday Run