THE MOTORING SPIRIT The Wellington Branch Newsletter April 2020
Well, this could be the last time This could be the last time Maybe the last time I don’t know, oh no, oh no.
Words: Mick Jagger/Keith Richard
62 years of Vintage motoring 1958—2020
The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) Wellington Branch Clubrooms
Halford
Place
Postal Address
PO Box 38-418,
(East end of Jackson Street) Petone
Clubrooms Phone 568-7463
Email: wellington@vcc.org.nz
Web page address
http://www.sporty.co.nz/wellingtonvcc
Branch Committee Chairman
Bill Pinkham
pinkham@outlook.co.nz
938-3407
Secretary
Alastair McCarthy
mccarthys@xtra.co.nz
589-8248
Treasurer
Peter McKeown
peter@smartpower.co.nz
233-5113
Club Captain/Trophies
Neale Ryder
joannemillar@xtra.co.nz
0274-493-014
General Members
Don Hawkes
mdhawkes@xtra.co.nz
232-8514
Brendon Priestley
567-6829
Property Manager
Rob Horne
rjhhorne@hotmail.com
0273459800
Club night coordinator
Brian Christensen
bestelectronics@outlook.com
565-0664
Newsletter Editor
Selwyn Warren
lifeonthecut@gmail.com
021-1928 222
Social Convenor
Jenny Jackson
jackapp@xtra.co.nz
234-8702
Parts Mgr/memorabilia
Alick Jenner
565-0174
Appointed Officers Librarian
David Crooks
dcrooks@xtra.co.nz
476-4588
Scribe to Beaded Wheels
Ray Betteridge
ray@betteridge.co.nz
0274846738
Fire Engine Custodian
John Jackson
jackapp@xtra.co.nz
234-8702
Motorcycle Representative Peter Simpson
psimpsonnz@gmail.com
566-2675
Vehicle ID
Roger White
white.house.stokesvalley@xtra.co.nz
563-6236
W/Shop Cust./Vehicle ID
Don Hawkes
mdhawkes@xtra.co.nz
232-8514
Rally Secretary
Diane White
white.house.stokesvalley@xtra.co.nz
563-6236
Archivist
Michael Curry
alvishumber@gmail.com
526-9522
Web Master
Trevor Barnes
trevor.barnesnz@gmail.com
977-4332
NO CALLS AFTER 9:00PM PLEASE
Sunday Run: First Sunday Of The Month.
Contact Ian McCulloch. 04 237 6555
Kapiti Mid Week Run: Last Wed. Of The Month. Contact Ann O’Rorke. 2
0274731136
CHAIRMAN’S RAMBLINGS
Bill Pinkham
Well here we go; summer just about done, and as I write we are just about to go into LOCK DOWN; something not before seen in our lifetime. So how was the summer? Not too bad at all, some really good events, but that has all come to an end as l am now looking at a month or more of working from home and reduced work access, and all my contact with clients and colleagues by phone email and video links. My 6 week holiday to the USA has been cancelled and I am reeling from the cost of that, accommodation and travel that may not be refundable, airlines that offer vouchers for future travel, but the airline may not survive, meaning the vouchers (electronic) can’t even be used as toilet paper. This may also be the last newsletter for a while as well, as the printing company may well be closed, but it is not all doom and gloom, if you send an email to the Secretary he can add you to his list and we can keep you informed about what is happening, like when we can return to the clubrooms and how we intend to cover items like the AGM that is due in June. URGENT NOTICE Due to the Announcement today, 23 March 2020, the Wellington Branch of the Vintage Car club of New Zealand will be CLOSED until further notice, and ALL BRANCH EVENTS are suspended until further notice. This drastic step has been necessary to meet the Governments requirements to stop the spread of the virus and for the safety of our members. We will endeavour to get back to normal as soon as possible so please bear with us. Access to the club rooms will only be for essential maintenance etc. We want to be able to keep you up to date with progress, so If you have not forwarded your email to the secretary, please do so. Bill Pinkham, Wellington Branch Chairman
From the editors laptop You will notice many repeat messages in this issue and for that, I apologise, but thinks have moved so fast, that I have erred on the side of expediency in order that this issue can get to all of you with as much information as possible. Ed
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FROM THE CAPTAIN’S TABLE
Neale Ryder
As this newsletter is being compiled earlier than expected, I have not been able to get a report from Neale, but from various emails to and from the committee, I feel I can put in a few words on his behalf. I know that Neale and the Rally Committee had much in-depth discussion regarding rallying at this difficult time, and the decision to call off the Gymkhana, was the right one. This was obviously done with due consideration for the health and well being of you, the members; the greater percentage of you, being in the 70+ age group and therefore more vulnerable. As it has turned out, the Governments decision yesterday, in a way, has determined the Clubs future for the time being, and all upcoming rallies and monthly meetings have now been either cancelled or postponed. There has been no need for any committee meeting to discuss this, nor has there been a need for a special general meeting, as the Governments Guidelines are clear in that respect. Hopefully, messages will be able to be got to you, provided you are on the Secretary's email list. As mentioned elsewhere, if you think you may not be on that list, then email Alastair to do so. Ed on behalf of Neale Ryder, Wellington Branch Club Captain.
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HOW THE ARCHIVES WORK
Michael Curry
WHAT IS AN ARCHIVE
This column will be continued when the newsletter is again up and running. More from the editors laptop Well, that was the week that was!! You will have to excuse the rather hurriedly put together nature of this issue, as I have been trying to keep up with, and ahead of changing events. You will see a lot of repeated messages, but it is what it is. You will also see that the events calendar is still in place. If I had to delete everything that wasn't relevant at this time, I would have more spaces to fill. It is Tuesday morning and we are at level 3 of the Covid 19 situation and come Thursday it will be at level 4. I still don’t know if we can get this issue out to everybody, but we will certainly try our best. Riegers, our Printing company, have very kindly offered to print this newsletter early, so that you may be informed of events in the current situation. They, of course, have to shut down tomorrow night, as they are not considered an essential service. In this regard, I would like to thank them for their efforts today. This copy will be going to them in 5 minutes, or I will miss the deadline. Remember, if you wish to be informed of future club news, and you don’t know if you are on the secretary’s mailing list, contact him. This will be the last newsletter for the time being. Kia tupato tetahe ki tetahe.
Take care of one another. 5
Ed
MESSAGE FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT
As you will be aware the COVID-19 crisis has had an impact on almost every aspect of life in New Zealand and the Vintage Car Club is no exception. This unprecedented and previously unimaginable situation is evolving daily, if not hourly. I sent an email out to branches on Tuesday advising that it was important that we took our time to evaluate options and to make the right decisions for our members, rather than knee jerk reactions. You will be aware that the Government has now issued a ban on groups exceeding 100 in number but that may be reduced further going forward. Expert advice is saying that the peak of the pandemic could possibly be as late as August. The Management Committee of the Vintage Car Club held an emergency meeting last night to discuss the crisis and the effects on upcoming national and branch events. In relation to the Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring, in conjunction with the Festival Director Greg Terrill, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the Festival until early 2022.This decision was not taken lightly. Due to the uncertainty around how long it will take for the pandemic to run its course and the potential of facing a financial loss, if due to lack of entries the event had to be cancelled; it is the right decision to make. The Executive Meeting which was due to be held in Wellington on Saturday 28 March is also cancelled and we have also decided that our National Day Daffodil Rally will also not go ahead for 2020. I also had no option yesterday but to cancel the National North Island Easter Rally and by now all entrants should have been directly contacted by the event organisers. During the next week or so we will be contacting the organisers of national events that are being held later this year and early next year to discuss what options we have in relation to those events We will keep you posted on that. Continued on page 17
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March Kapiti Mid Week Run
Ann O’Rorke
After careful consideration, with regard to the ongoing situation with Covid 19, the March visit to Brian and Jill Wards Raumati property was cancelled. Although there are details regarding the April Mid Week run, further on in the newsletter, the situation is so fluid that a final decision regarding the running of that event, will be made nearer the time. Ann O’Rorke. Since including the above in this months newsletter, I have had the following notice from the Kapiti Mid Week Team. Ed Dear Branch Members Your Kapiti Run organising team has decided to curtail the Kapiti Run programme for the foreseeable future. This included the BBQ on the 25th of March just gone. We hope you’re all staying well in these unusual times. Regards, Ann and Hal O’Rorke, Trevor Barnes, Roderick Kinghorn and Kevin Buck.
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MARCH CLUB NIGHT This club night, we had Dave Allen talk to us about his 1930 Model A. He also brought this lovely car to show us. The talk wasn't so much about the restoration of the car, but a life history of events that surrounded the ownership of it. He calls this his 9 lives story. Dave has owned the car for 50 years, having bought it at age 19. This was in Christchurch and like most teenagers, he was up for the usual honing etc. Life 1: A trip to Tahuna Beach races where a driver died in front of them when his car rolled and rolled, decapitating the driver, whose head remained in the helmet! Scary stuff. Life 2: Another trip to Nelson and the A caught fire on the Hunterlees and burnt out the lighting but they kept going in blackness, following another cars lights until it disappeared around a tight corner and they drove through a fence and down a hill. Life 3: On a trip to Seddon and on the old road/rail bridge, they managed to jump the rails, dislodging the battery and remembered that there was a train on its way, so pushed and pulled it to safety. Several other events occurred, like being in an Anglia and hit by a Chev Impala at high speed, in Chch, by a Bride and Groom, with Just Married 2nd Time Lucky Painted on the side. Wagging school to go surfing, only to be chased by a shark when he fell off his board. Playing pool in the Yaldhurst pub and beating a Black Power Gang leader at a game, by sinking every ball and then the black and seeing his life pass before him but was saved by a battle between the gang and some Airforce boys from Wigram. Whilst in Auckland and still with the A but not registered or warranted, coming over the Auckland Bridge, the brakes failed and the A went careering through the toll booth. Anyway, the A eventually, over a 10 year period, was finally finished and the results were seen at club night tonight. I suggest if you want to be entertained to the rest of the story, you should spend some time with Dave, as he has plenty more stories to tell.
Thanks Dave , for an interesting evening.
Ed.
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MARCH CLUB NIGHT
Dave Allen’s 1930 Model A Photos: Selwyn Warren
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DESMO HOOD ORNAMENT I have a Desmo hood ornament attached to the radiator cap of the car the Desmo was fitted to in the UK. See attached photos. The Desmo and cap have been separated from the car for decades. I am considering selling both items. Is someone able to identify the car and year? Is someone able to value the cap and Desmo? Any assistance would be much appreciated. Regards Darren Conway 36 Orr Crescent Lower Hutt New Zealand ph +64 (0)4 569 1963
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Caption Competition!!
Crikey says Colin, scratching his head, “I don’t know how you make an Austin boat tail out of that either”! Brian Christenson Caption 1:
“John turns to bystander ‘don’t look now but he’s banging on about that new hair product again’ “ Jan Corkin.
Caption 2:
Ernie consoles John whose body also needs restoring. Brian Christenson.
“I’m still not sure when to tell the Mrs I’ve got a surprise for her”
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Jan Corkin
COMING EVENTS
There are now no coming events until further notice, due to the ongoing situation with the Covid 19 outbreak.
You will be kept informed of the situation in future newsletters. Ed
Help Wanted/Needed I am a new member without an eligible car at the moment and would like to help anyone. I have mechanical knowledge and also would like to navigate for somebody if required. Contact Andrew Hyder. 021 470 442 hyderfamily119@gmail.com
FOR SALE Mitsubishi Tredia: 1986.1600 cc 160600 km. Bronze original paint. Good runner, straight and tidy. Registered and Warranted. Some rust in lower doors. This is a good, pre 30 year old starter for a next generation enthusiast, In Hutt area. TX 0297705356: Gordon McIntosh. 12
LOOKING AHEAD: CLUB CAPTAINS MONTE CARLO RALLY, FRIDAY 15th JANUARY 2021. The Monte Carlo rally will be as usual, stopping at Woodville for lunch. The afternoon section will continue on to Ohakune. Accommodation details to be advised. SATURDAY 16th JANUARY. ROGERS RUAPEHU RAMBLE:
The ramble will take in Horopito, for those who want to and drive onto the Chateau for lunch or go to the top of the Bruce to have lunch at the cafĂŠ, then a ride on the chairlift to have a look at the beautiful scenery. Then back down to continue on to the Raurimu Spiral and Piriaka Lookout, finishing in Taumarunui for the night. SUNDAY 17th JANUARY: TARANAKI TUNNEL TREAT: Starting from Taumarunui, then on to Ohura, Kotare and the Ski Road Tunnels to New Plymouth in time to check in for the Vero International Festival Of Historic Motoring. If you are interested please contact Roger and Diane White: white.house.stokesvalley@xtra.co.nz Phone 04 5636236, or add your name to the list on the notice board. Watch the Motoring Spirit for Details as they come to hand. The above may go on despite the postponement of the VERO, but Roger will let you know later in the year. Ed
13
Now postponed until January 2021
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Sunday Run 1st March.
Richard Davies
.The run was to the Blockhouse in McHardie St. in Upper Hutt and Ian had organised for us to meet at the Mayfair CafĂŠ first. We left for the Blockhouse at around 12.00pm, and met up with Bruce Bold of the Round Table, who gave us a talk and showed us around the building which was built in 1860 and occupied by the Hutt Battalion of the Wellington Militia, during unrest between Maori and Pakeha, but did not come under hostile attack. It is an American style military blockhouse, and was one of two built in Upper Hutt that year. A very enjoyable visit, attended by 7 vehicles and was all over by 2.30pm when we then departed. Photo sent in by Jim, Bade and taken by Michael McBryde.
More photos on the back cover. Ed.
15
The race season is well underway and we are looking towards a summer of excitement. Following the article in Beaded Wheels (Written by Phil Pearce not me) we have had several enquiries from people wanting to come and join us. As a reminder, all Pre December 1960 cars are eligible (with only period modifications allowed) or “continuation” models whereby the specification was not changed from December 1960 (eg 850cc minis are OK, 1275 Coopers are not !) The vehicles must have either a VCC VIC or an MSNZ COD for the correct year represented. We also accept both MSNZ and VCC Race licences. If you have any queries regarding the eligibility of your vehicle, please read the VCC Branch Manual Section 23 Appendix G, and if you are still confused, please contact me. The rest of the season looks like this: Sunday 3rd May 2020. Cheers Tim
Hampton Downs.
Roycroft Trophy Races.
Entries are already open at www.motorsportentry.com Please make sure that you enter the VCC races and not the MSNZ one! This will probably be cancelled, but if interested, contact Tim.
Ed
————————————————————————————————————————— Swap Meet Hawkes Bay. 10th May. Early days, but I suspect this will not go ahead unless things change. Ed
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Kapiti Coast Mid Week Run (last Wednesday of the month)
A message from the National President Because the International Rally will now not be held in 2021 it does give us room to move national events into next year. Some branches have already made the hard decision to cancel meetings, club nights, branch runs and events and even to postpone annual general meetings. A communication has gone out to all branches today with a strong recommendation that they also review all of their events with a view to cancelling or postponing them, at least until the end of June or until the situation improves. The club website and Facebook page along with branch websites will keep you updated and the next issue of Beaded Wheels will have up-to-date information as of going to print. I hope you understand the reason for these actions. Over half of our members are in the high risk bracket in terms of this pandemic. The cancellation of events now will mean that we’ve done our very best to keep our members safe. Best regards and stay safe.
Dianne Quarrie National President
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FOR SALE FOR SALE – QUICK LIFT RAMP WORK STATION
Lifts 500mm for working underneath your car Easy to use – one jack action to raise Strong and safe work station Easy access to use with creeper trolley 3.6m long 1.75m wide Suits all small medium size vehicles (De Soto Roadster no problem) When not in use just park a car on top $1,000 ono Phone Roger 5636 236 or email white.house.stokesvalley@xtra.co.nz 4/4
For sale: Tandem axle trailer, Overall length 5.47m, deck length 4m, deck width between wheel arches 1.92m. Tip deck and built in ramps. 4x4 braked hubs, LED lights. Heavy duty construction, and was built in 2011 to carry farm machinery. Is currently registered and warranted. Price is negotiable. Contact Robin Wainwright, 06 3798432. 1/4
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ADVERTISEMENTS ARE FREE AND WILL
BUY & SELL
BE REPEATED FOUR TIMES ADVERTISERS: PLEASE ADVISE EDITOR WHEN ADVERTISEMENT IS NO LONGER NEEDED.
Classic Car Coop Long term classic car storage Greytown 021 0603457 elisabethcreevey@hotmail.com 4/4 Help Needed Can you help? I’d like to have a contact for someone who repairs car valve radios. Greg Haines. Ph. 04 5628366 or 027 4370275 or carshedgreg@gmail.com 4/4
Coming up next club night Cancelled A member of Total Body Shop Supplies will be speaking to us in April.
For Sale 1925 Hupmobile Roadster for sale. (Going and in good order) Photos and details can be supplied on request. Contact: Rachel Goodman 22 Sunny Glen Waikanae 0275521555 or lancerach252@gmail.com 4/4 19
your one stop automotive shop We can offer almost any service required on a motor vehicle and all under one roof. We do complete engine rebuilding. We can service modern, vintage and classic cars, performance and muscle cars, hot rods, micro cars and most importantly, your car. Other services we offer:  Upholstery  Vintage Wooden Bodies Contact us at:
40 Ward Street
Upper Hutt Ph/Fax 04 528 2580
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METAL IMMERSIONS LTD FERRY DISCOUNTS FOR VCC MEMBERS
IMMERSION STRIPPING
For details refer to the noticeboard in the Clubrooms or contact the Branch Secretary
ABRASIVE BLASTING
POWDER COATING We are the company that offers you Total immersion stripping of Car bodies and panels WE TAKE CARE OF ALL YOUR NEEDS Contact: Warren Leslie Phone: (04) 232 6880 Fax: (04) 232 6882 11 Wall Place, Tawa Email: wleslie@ihug.co.nz
VERO INSURANCE If you arrange your car and household insurance through Vero, the Wellington Branch gets a commission. Last year it amounted to $2,300.00.
FREE QUOTATIONS 21
66 Killarney Rd
Apex Auto
Hamilton
Centre
0800 10 27 39
FOR HARD TO SOURCE CABLES, BRAKE PARTS OR HOSES Speedo cable, Handbrake cable, Accelerator cable, Choke cable Reline shoes, Cylinder repair Stainless Re sleeving, Booster overhaul Brake hoses, Braided hoses, Power steering hoses
Call the Specialists
Mention this ad and receive 10% discount BLUEBRIDGE COOK STRAIT FERRY Now to 30 June 2019 Bluebridge has notified us of the latest discounts for vehicles on their ferry between Wellington and Picton for Vintage Car Club members as follows: The VCC code is ANTIQUECAR. It excludes travel between 15 Dec. and 15 Jan. Plus Easter weekend. Discounted - 10% off all available fares. Ring 0800 844 844, www.bluebridge.co.nz for conditions. NOTE; Remember to get this discount, you must present your VCC membership card when you check in on the day of your trip. It is not enough to have quoted it when you booked and paid for the ticket. It may not be enough to have booked electronically unless you have a printed copy of your booking on the day. If not, you may have to pay again, then go for a refund for the original booking. These rules may apply to the Interislander also. BEWARE.
THE INTERISLANDER Code WH5465 The Interislander has sent an updated quote. There is not enough space to list it all, so we suggest if you are planning to book from now
to 15 December 2019,
ring the Interislander for quotes or click on Group Bookings at the foot of their home page www.interislander. 22
WELLINGTON BRANCH—CALENDAR OF EVENTS Club nights are on the 3rd Tuesday of every month in the Clubrooms, Halford Place, Petone (eastern end of Jackson St) at 7:30pm. The Clubrooms are also open Wednesdays from 9:30 to 12:00, and for Noggin & Natter Fridays from 7:00pm ($1 for biscuits, tea and coffee free) Motorcycle Meetings are usually held on the 4th Monday of the month in the Butcher & Brewer, 175 Jackson Street, Petone, at 7:30pm. April 2020
May 2020
Sunday Run.
5th
Sunday Run.
3rd
Easter Rally Horowhenua
10th
Leprechaun Run.
10th
Committee Meeting
13th
Committee Meeting
11th
Motorcycle Meeting
20th
Club night/Rally Comm. Meeting
19th
Club night/Rally Comm. Meeting
21st
Ladies Rally.
24th
Kapiti Mid Week Run
29th
Motorcycle Meeting
25th
Kapiti Mid Week Run
27th
Supper Roster Deirdre and John Blakemore
Supper Roster Brendon Priestley and Rob Horne
MAY 2020 CLUB NIGHT Probably cancelled also. Phil Kidd will be talking about his recent trip to the U.S.A June 2020
JULY 2020
Sunday Run.
7th
Sunday Run.
5th
Committee Meeting
8th
Committee Meeting.
13th
Club night AGM
16tth
Clubnight.
21st
Colonial Cup Rally
21st
Remembrance Rally.
26th
Motorcycle Meeting
22nd
Motorcycle Meeting.
27th
Kapiti Mid Week/Mid yr. Xmas lunch
24th
Kapiti Mid Week Run.
29th
Supper Roster
Jenny and John Jackson
Supper Roster. Paul Switzer and Alick Jenner.
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Blockhouse photos.
Chris White
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