May 2022
Karl and Rebecca Brown. The overall winners. See inside
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
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
Club Captain: Vice Club Captain: Rally Secretary/Trophies: Motorcycle Convenor:
Frank James Andrew Johnson Christine Savage Bill James
021 349 074 06 345 6212 06 342 4755 027 353 2190
lizfrank@xtra.co.nz Datsun@aje.co.nz wanganuirally@gmail.com heatherandbilljames@gmail.com
Linda Kendrick Chris White Ray Savage Ian Higgins
027 775 4644 0274 431 184 06 342 4755 027 201 2706
zilda552@hotmail.com cgandkrwhite@gmail.com thesavages@inspire.net.nz ihiggins@xtra.co.nz
Committee:
Health & Safety: Trophies Manager: Branch Delegate: Kitchen Manager: Hall Custodian/Bookings: Truck Custodians:
Dave McDermid 06 347 6915 Mihi McDermid Neil Farrer 06 343 6248 Liz James 06 344 2221
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 Welcome to the May edition of your RIVET. Is Covid still affecting our Club? Yes of course it is and we have some members still being infected, but we are moving with the current trends and not insisting on the presentation of vaccine passes when entering club premises. We do encourage members to mask up while indoors in the Clubrooms. Even if you may consider this unnecessary, then please think of those of us, myself included, who have health conditions and would appreciate your consideration please.
Your committee requests that you keep away if you have been in contact with, or have Covid or cold/flu like symptoms. Thank you. Onto what has been happening in our Branch. April 9th saw our Annual Castrol Autumn Motorcycle Trial, which is fully covered in this edition of the RIVET. I must confess at never having attended this annual event before. So armed with camera, notebook and of course a mask, plus my old knuckle duster in my back pocket ( just in case I needed it) I duly ventured forth to the Clubrooms to see what was before me. Would I be confronted by a posse of hairy arsed, raucous, beer swilling bikers scaring all and sundry around them? No, nothing could be further from the truth. What I encountered was a group made up of mainly middle aged plus a few elderly gentlemen and some very attractive ladies, enjoying a natter and a cup of tea while admiring their gleaming motorcycles. Whew! Seriously though, I was impressed with the camaraderie of the motorcycle enthusiasts ( I will not refer to them as bikers again) and the obvious love displayed towards their machines. The motorcycle division in our Branch and the VCC movement as a whole, is one that we should all enhance and appreciate. It certainly does add something special to our movement and it seems to also encourage a number of younger participants. I wonder if yours truly should join their ranks, AND would they have me after comments penned at the start of the previous paragraph? No, probably not, and too old and doddery now to embark anywhere on two wheels! Peter Hardy organised a most enjoyable Scatter Run on the 24th of April. Pete has submitted a full report and prize winners of this event which you will find in the RIVET. Some 25 entrants motored out from the Clubrooms in all directions while I busied myself taking photos. Thank you Pete for organising this run. Just got off the phone from our Treasurer Neil and pleased to hear that by the time this RIVET goes to press, Neil will have completed his 40 days of radiation at Palmerston North Hospital. Also Ted Mathews has reported to me that he is on the mend. Look for Ted’s medical news in Letters to the Editor. Get well soon guys. That’s all for now so keep safe. Yours in cruising Editor Ian
Chairman's Report — May 2022 Greetings All, You will all have read your latest Beaded Wheel by now so you would have seen how branches voted for or against the proposed VCC Logo change. Branches for Change: 10 Branches against Change: 18 (incl Wanganui). Management Committee for Change: 7 Management Committee against Change: 0 Tells you something doesn’t it. Castrol m/cycle rally held at the clubrooms. What an enjoyable weekend. Good weather , entries and organization. Just as well, I got a call from Bill + Heather 2 days before the event (YES) “We have a problem Bruce, Heather and I are having to isolate:. No problem, members just stepped up a notch and everything went ok. Well done to everyone who helped out over the weekend. The beauty of a strong tight knit club. We actually have 6 members with 50 year awards including Ivan Kendall. Sunday April scatter run by Peter Hardy saw a good selection of cars and contents assemble at the clubrooms for an hour and half of driving around the city. Looking for clues and answers to his questions. A big thank you to the Hardy's (shame about the chocolates). We were a bit short of Committee members for various reasons at the May club night. No Secretary, Treasurer, Club Captain and a Committee member but Christine and I managed. The night was a nice enjoyable social evening for members. We were treated to the viewing of the large selection of photos from the Vero International Rally at New Plymouth earlier this year. A wonderful selection of vehicles that were participating during the week long rally and entertainment. Some of these cars you will never see again. Thanks Gene and Eilidh Pitkethely. Did you know up to 95% of vehicles are recycled every year making it the most Recycled product on the planet so that the new car you are driving today, one day will be scrap. May 15th Sunday run I’m taking you to a couple of places of interest within the city. Assemble at 1pm, afternoon tea back at the clubrooms. June AGM is fast approaching. Remember all positions are available. Fill in your nomination form in the Rivet or at the clubrooms and get them to the Club Secretary. Talking about Club Secretary, Elizabeth is standing down so we are going to need someone to take on this position. All positions need to be filled so give it some thought. We all need to take a turn and help with the running of your club. Annual rally entry forms are out now. Our Principle Sponsor is Dave Carrol at “Wanganui Electroplaters”. Thanks Dave. (Nice cluster of Citroens on the entry form cover Christine). Fill in your entry forms ASAP and send them to the rally secretary Christine S. Anyone able to Marshall phone Frank J.
That’s my lot. Builders Peter H + Keith T this week got to look sharp. Chairman Bruce
Club Captain’s report— May 2022 Hello members During April we enjoyed a successful Motorcycle Trial with a good number of visitors joining the locals for the fun. Great to see Wanganui VCC Members Karl and Rebecca Brown taking the overall honours – congratulations to you. After everyone enjoyed the long Easter weekend Peter Hardy sent us on a ‘Scatter Run’ the following Sunday afternoon of 24 April 2022 and there was plenty of smiles and laughter as members returned from the outing in their much loved vehicles. Thank you Peter and also to everyone who came along on the fine sunny afternoon for this event. Our next Sunday Run will be on 15 May 2022 leaving from the Clubrooms at the normal time. Meet at the Clubrooms prior to 1 o’clock and around 1:30 pm Bruce will send to away on a ‘Run around Town’ taking in some interesting places. Please bring along some afternoon tea to share at the Clubrooms afterwards. We are working hard on the Annual Rally to be held on Sunday 5 June 2022 – please get your entries in and for those of you who would like to help me with some Marshalling please give me a call because I do need some helpers. Happy motoring
Captain Frank
Blasts From The Past. From a VERY old Photo News kindly submitted by the Zeilstra Brothers….. The James Brothers Racing Team. There is Flying Frank on the left and Bullocking Bill on the right
39th Castrol Autumn Motorcycle Trial
Early April things were on track for the annual motorcycle trial. We expected numbers to be down this year due to covid and covid was certainly on my mind with the age of our members/ competitors. With competitors packs almost complete, Bill and I set out on Thursday morning for the final check of the run. On Wednesday night I had developed a sore throat and what I thought was a head cold but on Thursday morning I decided we needed to get some RAT’s just in case! Fortunately or unfortunately I tested positive for covid, Bill was negative but we both had to isolate. What to do? Thankfully our club members stepped up to the challenge and our grateful thanks must go to them. Frank James and Linda Kendrick did a sterling job of running the day and kept things going very smoothly. The day dawned bright and sunny and there were 36 starters. The route took them south through Fordell and up the Turakina Valley and back to Marton where lunch was provided by the Marton Women's Bowling. The event was put up on their face-book page which brought out some of the public to view the bikes and also the local Marton newspaper who took take photos and spoke with Frank. After lunch the competitors followed Colin Tate around the old Crofton Racing Circuit before heading home again via back roads to the Clubrooms and afternoon tea. The results were completed by my brother-in-law, Peter Croot on his own as unfortunately he could not visit to help me, as was the plan. The evening dinner was once again faultless having been organised by the very able Eilidh Pitkethely and her team, Siobhan, Sue Voss and Dale Whittaker. This along with the prize giving was very much enjoyed by the competitors and a wonderful end to a great day. On Sunday, following morning tea there was a ride in conjunction with the Classic Motorcycle Club out to Paloma Gardens and Moto 71, a display of motorcycles set up by Clive Higgie. It was very different having to run this trial while in isolation but by all accounts it was a great success and our thanks must go to all those who helped, including marshals, to make it such an enjoyable and successful weekend. Bill and Heather James Results as follows: POST VINTAGE First Andrew Kidd (on right) Second: Norman Hill Third: Paul Switzer POST WAR – Kendrick Cup First: Karl and Rebecca Brown Second: Bruce Fergusson Third: Willie Wood P60V First: Willie James Second: Trevor Barnes Third: Sam Wilson
P80V
First: Glyn Clements Classics First: Brent Scott Second: Frank Browell Third: Neville Upton FIRST OVERALL – Cliff Lowe Memorial Trophy Karl and Rebecca Brown ( on right with Captain Frank far right)
COLEMAN CUP – Highest scoring local VCC member Karl and Rebecca Brown HARD LUCK TROPHY – Bent conrod Graeme Reilly JOHN KENDRICK MEMORIAL TROPHY – Most desirable British Single Cylinder Simon Byrne ( Right)
Glyn Clements (right) Winner P80V Raffle Winner Willie James (Below left)
More Motorcycle Trial Pics
Brent Scott. Winner Classics (Above)
Willie James. Winner P60V (Above)
Left. The Fabulous Four VCC Caterers .
From the left: Sue, Eilidh, Siobhan and Dale. Well done indeed. A lovely evening meal.
Below. Briefing before the first bike away.
More Motorcycle Trial Pics
From the oldest competitor, Willie Wood (Left) to the youngest, David Forsyth (Right) Below. Time for the lunch stop and a yak at Marton.
Missing riders…..Either a toilet stop or perhaps a bar is nearby? Maybe they were lost ?
PETE’S SCATTER RUN 1st
Andrew Johnson and Leathan Broadhead
2nd
James Whibley and Tracey
3rd
Dave & Glynis Robinson
4th
Matt & Kaylee Andrews
5th
Wendy & John Bullock
Wooden Spoon Zeilstra brothers, All points deducted for returning more than 15 mins late
What a great turn out with 25 cars entered and 50 brains engaged. Most entries around 70% correct answers so it seems I was lenient, you are all getting used to me or your getting brighter? I'll just clarify a couple of questions/answers. What are you not doing on the upper level at Trafalgar Square shopping centre? Correct answer, “Jumping”
Incorrect, “Too windy for Hanky Panky
And the Skeletons were at 27 Toi Street, in the VW Beetle on the front lawn, not “They have been Buried” All in all a great afternoon, with great weather, interesting cars and fabulous company. Submitted by Pete. Top: Organiser Pete (on left) presented prizes to Run Winners Andrew and Leathan Left: Winning car. Andrew’s mighty Datsun Below: All ears on Pete’s briefing at the Clubrooms
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, What petrol is best for our classic cars? I was told Caltex, is that still correct? Petrol is very expensive so, is it best to keep the tank topped up or just the bottom half? (Thought put to me was the car would be lighter therefore more economical)! Dale Whitaker Dear Editor Technical tip, finding intermittent electrical faults. Have you ever had a fuse that every now and then decides to blow for no obvious reason? When chasing intermittent faults it is easy for the offending circuit to eat as many fuses as you can find/afford. Please resist the temptation to fit a bigger fuse. This only increases the risk of things getting hot and the smoke getting out of the wire. When this happens any adjacent wires are also damaged and a major rewire becomes inevitable. This method is only suitable for older cars without “fancy electronics”. Modern cars with airbags, ABS and lots of other goodies should only be worked on by people with suitable experience. One fault finding method is to temporarily wire a car head light bulb in place of the fuse. Take extra care to ensure no exposed wiring that could touch earth and cause new problems. A standard 55 watt bulb draws approximately 4 amps. This becomes the maximum current that can flow in the circuit. The bulb will light up depending on the load on the circuit. With a small load the bulb will glow a little. You can now start poking around looking for the fault, i.e. wiggling the wiring loom trying any switches etc. If the fault occurs the head light bulb will instantly light up like a Christmas tree indicating you have hit the jackpot. Naturally the bulb will also glow brightly with a large load but careful use usually helps track down those annoying faults. Andrew Johnson Dear Editor A letter from someone who has been to the other side….. To all of you who sent get well wishes and prayers (along with the incredible skills of the doctors and nurses at Wanganui Hospital, air ambulance helicopter staff, Wellington operating theatre & ICU) I shall be forever grateful, they all worked. I have been informed that an Aortic Dissection is the most un-survivable operation they can do and I am extremely lucky to survive, I now have an artificial Aortic valve in my heart and about 6 inches of artificial Aorta, plus grafts to the carotid arteries. 1 kidney died during the op so that means a reduction in grog intake for the future I think I’m improving because Genny has started accusing me (falsely of course) of snoring again. So long as she keeps that voodoo doll and pin away from me!!!! An extra special thanks to Rob & Linda for mowing the lawns & generally looking after our place while all this was happening. Ted Mathews
NEW MEMBERS We, the Wanganui Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand would like to welcome the following people who have become new members of the Club over the past few months. Mark Wilburn with his Triumph Stag and TR6 Sports Car Steve and Mary Mahoney with their 1966 Hillman Super Minx Estate and others James Bilby and Mary-an Vandyk with their Mk 1 Zephyr Stuart McDonald with his 1962 Morris Minor We also had the following existing Vintage Car Club member who transferred to the Wanganui Branch; Ian Ingram - transferred from the Wairarapa Branch We welcome one and all and we look forward to seeing you at all our future events. Captain Frank
ATVTNZ WANGA-
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12noony: 5pm Saturday: 129 Heads Road, nui Ph: 06 348
8am– 8am– Wanga7108
AT VTNZ WANGANUI $5 off your WOF Monday– Friday: 8am–5pm Saturday: 8am–12noon 19 Heads Road, Wanganui Ph: 06 348 7108 AD READY
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
lf 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. Phone Brian 3457499 Wanted: A couple of stationary engines suitable for display. Contact Bruce 3427713 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 For Sale: 1998 Toyota Corolla Sedan. 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
Wanganui VCC Branch AGM Nomination Form 2022 Position
Member Nominated
Nominator
Signature of Nominated Person
All positions are up for election. Please give this serious consideration. We look forward to your attendance at the AGM. Your Club and every vote counts
PLEASE NOTE: In line with current Covid protocol currently operating in New Zealand, we, your Committee, have made a decision to now not insist that anyone entering the Cub property, is to produce the Covid Vaccine Pass. However we do 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 May
15th Sunday Run with Bruce
21st Working Bee at VCC Clubrooms June
1st AGM 5th Annual Rally
July
6th Club Night 17th Club Run