RATTLES & sQUEAKS AUGUST 2019
Chairman’s Comment I thought after the AGM with a full committee, life would get a little easier this year. This wasn’t to be as our new Club Captain has resigned without attending a single committee meeting. He meant well by accepting a nomination for the role but had not fully thought it through and when he finally realised what the job entailed, decided to put his hand up and say sorry but I can’t do it. Disappointing, but brave of him to recognise he couldn’t do it and let us know and thanks to him for thinking enough about doing something for the club and put his hand up in the first place. At least he was prepared to try to do something to help the club so we can respect him for that. It is just a pity that more of you couldn’t consider a role rather than say “I’m too busy” or “I couldn’t do that” without even trying. The role of Club Captain was soundly discussed at the committee meeting last night and we had two committee members who were prepared to consider the role. Thanks very much to Adam Young who in spite of an extremely heavy workload in his business had considered the role. Keith Taylor also offered his services and considerable experience and I am pleased to say the committee appointed him as our new Club Captain. Keith has dedicated a fair bit of his life to the club and should now be able to step back and take a well-earned rest, but it shows his passion for the club in that he is prepared to step up and take another active role. The Club Captain is not expected to set every run or club event, but to organise and assist members with such events. I am also there to assist wherever possible. However, it should not be just up to the committee to assist with events. If anyone of you has an idea for a run or any other sort of event, please get in touch. What we really need is points of interest, destinations and interesting routes. Make it your club and get involved. We did work out a proposed calendar or events and will continue to have a run on the second Sunday of every month so please show your support by attending these. Another event I was recently involved in was part of the Waitemata VCC Oil Can Rally. This rally has been run by that club for many years and this year came north. I was contacted by a member of the club and asked if we could help by checking out a section of the route which went across over 4 kilometres of stopbanks in the Hikurangi Swamp. This involved getting in contact with the farmers whose land they had to cross, arranging access and checking out the track was suitable. Then on Saturday 13th July, going back out to the swamp, rechecking the route was still passable, opening the gates to let the rally cars through and closing it all up afterwards. Just another of the roles of a Chairman helping out another club and getting involved with another motoring event. We were contacted by Kiwi North a few weeks ago about a water leak on the park which had been tracked down to the water supply running to the Vehicle and Parts Shed. To fix the leak the water supply to the shed has been disconnected so no water for washing hands and the all-important morning tea. We scoped out the job and worked out an estimated cost including the hire of a digger if we needed to replace the whole section of pipe. It wasn’t that simple however as there are other water pipes in the area and the power cable. Bert Parrish arranged to have the power cable located and we found the original water pipe was laid above it. Due to so many variables, we decided to dig by hand rather than rip up other pipes or the power cable. A small team of Bert Parrish, Allan Pearson, Peter Meares, Keith Taylor and myself assembled one Tuesday Morning and set out with picks and shovels to try to locate the original pipe and power cable and to dig a new trench. In spite of digging a massive hole we never found the power cable or original pipe, so we dug a new trench through a compacted gravel surface that had been down for over 40 years and a couple of very thick concrete areas. Not a bad effort for a group of old men ranging in age from 70 to the mid-80s but we got most of the job finished that day and finished it the next morning and what’s more we came in at about a third of the estimated cost. The club morning tea on the first Wednesday of the month continues to attract members along for a chat and a cuppa and it’s good to see new faces. Also Lawrence Hillier and his team continue to be at the Parts and Vehicle Shed every Wed morning and the last Sat of the month and regularly have visitors drop in to say hell and buy a few parts. Brian Wrack also opens the vehicle shed on the third Sunday of the month when the trains are running as he has done for many years and that is appreciated by the many people who look at our vehicles on those days. Regards Ron Anderson
Rob Vernon Rob was probably someone that most of you wouldn’t have known as he was such a quiet and unassuming person. He turned up on some runs in a Mazda MX5 and occasionally in a Model T Tourer or a Model A Tourer. He also enjoyed a Model A Tourer on a more modern power plant. As he told me, it wasn’t really in the spirit of vintage motoring but it meant he could get out and front it with the modern traffic whereas in the vintage vehicles it was getting more difficult. He and Bruce Cosson were seen on a few runs together where Bruce would be the driver and Rob as navigator. Most of you will have seen his home three quarters of the way up the northern side of the Brynderwyn Hill which had a sign there saying “Six Bends”. Possibly like myself you thought it referred to the road but as Rob explained to me recently is was nothing to do with the road. Rob was a motorcyclist from ever since he could ride and he got the nickname of Six Bends from the unique style of handlebars he got made to fit his bikes. From talking with family members and lifelong friends of Robs, it is evident he had always had a fascination with old cars and a love for motorbikes and liked nothing better than a good open road ride. He bought his property on the Brynderwyns which is covered in bush because he has always had an affinity with nature and the preservation of it. It was much bigger than he wanted so he did a deal with DOC to ensure it would remain as it is. Rob was very happy there, the view was unbeatable, he had Donna his wife to look after and he had a house which he had made his own creation with all the comforts he required. The property had more accommodation than he needed for himself and immediate family so he always had room for his friends. The late Mike McGee was one of these friends and lived on the property. Like interests meant they got on very well together. Rob found out he had cancer at about the same time as Mike and they both had similar treatment. Rob also tried alternative treatment and diets but they didn’t appear to help. He told me about 6 weeks before he died he had been told he had between 6 months and 2 years left in his life and he was quite upset with that as he had so much more he wanted to achieve. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be and his health deteriorated quite quickly after that. Rob was impressed with the Memorial Service we hosted at the NVCC clubrooms for Mike McGee and left specific instructions on how he wanted his to be run at the same venue. The funeral director had put together a photo montage of Robs life which was played during the service. The clubrooms was full with well in excess of 110 people attending for the service and refreshments afterwards. I think Rob achieved far more than he thought he had. He had made lifelong friends which is evident from the way they spoke about him at the service. He had acquired his dream property and he had made it his own and he had gained the respect of many others. He also had a collection of his favorite possessions which he was so proud of. We have lost a fine friend and an ardent lover of vintage machinery. Rob, you may have gone but your memory will live on.
Ron Anderson Chaiman
Library Report At the Club Annual General Meeting, I asked the assembled members how many had been into the Library in the previous year. Three only people raised their hands. This number does not include folk like Lawrence who brings over cartons of donated books or The Chairman. I seriously question the purpose of this Library and would like to invite anyone who believes they have some time, energy and new ideas to join me in taking the Library through a reshuffle. We need to make recommendations to the Committee for actions that will take us into the future. If you would like to join with me please contact me either on our home phone as soon as possible 09 4356366 or speak to me at our August 7th Morning tea meeting I look forward to some interesting conversations Regards Lynora
Secretary’s scribblings A word from your “Reluctant” Secretary. Hi, by now you all know that I’m your new Secretary for this year. I was at the AGM a little bit reluctant to put my hand up for the job. But Ron wanted all the jobs filled this year and there was no one willing that afternoon but ME. Having never done anything like this before it has been a learning curve so far. I was most hesitant to do the minutes, but we have had our first meeting and I think I fared well. I have spent the last month getting my head around the laptop, printer, e-mails, membership forms, minutes and the like. So far I have managed to get the laptop and printer talking to each other which really makes a difference I can tell you. There are still a few computer related issues to solve but I will make it work, if not today then there is still tomorrow. Ron now knows that he has a new Secretary because I have regularly contacted him. He is my go to person if I’m in doubt, thanks Ron. I have had contact with head office and got on really well with Julie. One thing we had a long conversation about was the guidelines of the long service awards/badges for 25, 35, 50 and 60 years of continuous membership. She informed me that it is up the members to let the Secretary know if you think that you are eligible for a badge. So if you think this year or next your eligible for a BADGE sent me an e-mail or approach me when you see me next - I have forms here for you to fill in. Email: northland@vcc.org.nz
Regards Ans Schoenmaekers
Bastille daY run Fourteen cars and one motorcycle left the clubrooms in sun and a bit of a breeze - nothing like the doom and gloom the weatherman had warned about the previous night. However, by the time we got to Tangetoria it was blowing a gale and the black clouds were gathering on the hills. As I turned the International into Kirikopuni Valley Road the words of Gordon Lightfoot’s song “The wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” started going through my head “…. In the face of a hurricane west wind……….”! It was like driving into a waterfall and I could only wonder at what it was like for Brian Taylor riding his 1953 Royal Enfield. All credit to Brian as he stopped and assisted (along with several others) Albie Litten with a tyre problem. We were joined at Kirikopuni by four cars from Dargaville. George Tier commented later that he thought the Northern Wairoa had come up into the centre of the road. It was incredible to see the difference from the week before when I set the run in beautiful sunshine and a smooth gravel surface. Neil Mclean’s Model A had to be left at Tangetoria after the fan pully shattered but everyone else made it safely to the Old Parakao Store and the comfort of the large open fire to dry out with. However it was a bit unsettling to see the water seeping under the wall and forming a large puddle on the floor. Some of the answers to the French themed questions were quite interesting - No Napoleon’s horse was not called “Silver”! By the time we had all ordered and received our lunches the weather had cleared and everyone took the opportunity to go out and have a look around Gavins sheds, with his vehicle and collectables collection. The run was won by Bev and Doug Grant with a highly commended going to Ans for her French look Blue, White and Red outfit - including Beret. Bravery award to Brian Taylor for not only venturing out on the bike but riding the instructed route in those conditions. Unfortunately Escargot and Frogs Legs are not available in Whangarei so Camenbert and Jubed Amphibians were the prizes. Donna
Thank you to Claudia for the photos.
Ans - the water is creeping higher - lift your feet! Glenn working out how to use the food beeper. Briefing the entrants.
Dargaville Doings As there are only a limited number of beds available in some hotels, a small group set off on a tour of Historic Hotels in the north. Firstly, on the longest night of the year, we stayed at Horeke Hotel, on the Hokianga Harbour. This town had a thriving ship building industry in the early 1800’s, of kauri and was alive with ships exporting logs and timber overseas. Horeke, originally called Deptford, is the second oldest town after Kororareka (Russell). The second signing of the Treaty was held in nearby Mangungu. We lined up for the morning photo in a dense harbour fog. On the second day we visited Snow Harrison’s tractors and farm machinery collection on our way north. We travelled through Mangamuka Bridge, Broadwood, Herekino, Ahipara and Awanui to Waipapakauri Hotel. This hotel was a hospital during WW2, and our sleeping accommodation was the original nurse’s quarters. An airfield was established by the RNZAF and being the most northerly, was used to launch bombers and other aircraft to search for incoming German surface raiders. The building is a Category 2 Historic building, and the gaming room was the operating theatre! Day three, saw us journey to points on the Karikari Peninsular. The night stop was the Mangonui Hotel overlooking the lovely Mangonui Harbour.
On the final day we drove around the coastline of Whangaroa, Tauranga Bay, Te Ngaere and Matauri Bay – some of the best coastal views in the country.
On our usual Wednesday mid-week run, we drove to the home of Ross & Maureen Oldfield to celebrate Ross’ 90th birthday. Happy birthday, Ross, from us all.
The Night Run was held on 20th, starting with 3 varieties of soup and bread rolls. Then Bev & Doug set us off on a journey into the darkness of back country roads around Arapohue and Mititai, with questions to find along the way. Ngaire & Rob Wade were the winners on a tie breaker quiz with Sue & Dave Dreadon. Sumptuous desserts were then partaken with gusto. Ernie & Beryl have their ‘new’ Wolseley car on the road and it looks great. CJ
MotorCycle Report Sunday the 7th July. The day started bright and sunny but as it got closer to 1pm the clouds rolled in and the temperature started to drop. We had 8 motorcycles again this month but not all the same riders, we didn’t have Cameron Francis, Graeme Fairbrother or Brian Taylor . We had Martin Salter, Warwick Dalhberg and Adam Young who weren’t with us last month. Warwick and Dawn decided our route for today which was heading through Glenbervie, Ngunguru to Matapouri . At Sandy Bay we headed to Hikurangi for a stop at the local before preceding back to Whangarei and home. Chairman Ron saw us off about 10 past 1 with everyone following Robert and Lorraine on their 1952 matchless. All was going well until we reached the outskirts of Ngunguru, when Peter Lovatt’s 1979 RD 400E Yamaha engine lost power and stopped. After trying to find out why the spark had disappeared Martin Salter decided to ride his 650cc AJS back home to pick up the club trailer to recover Peter’s Yamaha. We now had only 6 bikes on the ride with everyone taking care as the road from Sandy Bay to Hikurangi had large patches of green moss. Arriving at Hikurangi Errol Gray was hunting for a cable tie to secure the chrome strip on the 1969 triumph’s fuel tank ( it’s surprising what you can do with a cable tie ). A phone call was made to see how Martin and Peter were getting on but Martin was still 10 minuets away from picking Peter up. Thanks Martin for getting Peter Home safely. Other rider’s were Trevor on a 1963 AJS 31 Warwick and Dawn on a 1957 BSA A10 and Roger Ballard who had been riding with the Ulysses in the morning and with us in the afternoon on a 2019 Moto Guzzi V7. Adam was riding 1952 AJS 16ms. Everyone had a good winter ride and we are looking forward to next month. On another note there are two bike restorations under way a 1920 Triumph model H and a 1970’s Norton. Watch this space!!!!!!!!!! The motorcycle trailer is available to be used by club members, for information contact Martin Salter 09-437-1969 Some of the bikes parked at Hikurangi with Warwick Dalhberg in frame .
SPARES REPORT Not a great deal of activity in the spares section this month. Must be the cold winter keeping everyone at home. The big project this month has been the building of a display cabinet in the vehicle shed. It turned out a little more involved than we expected so has taken longer than planned but the team has kept going and it is nearly finished. We have ended up with two cabinets each with glass on two sides. The right hand one has a viewing opening which can be seen from the outside viewing window, We have sorted out some goodies to be displayed from our cleaning up in the Spares. There are various battery servicing pieces like old hydrometers, a rubber container which would have been used once for storing battery acid and electrical testing gear. A rare piece is a bank of glass batteries from something very old given to us by Alby Litten. In the tools items are things like an old rim spreader and old valve cutting and grinding gear, much of this was given to us by George Tier from his many years in the motor trade. Graham Dawson has donated an old brass car lamp with LACRE badges on it which will look good displayed. All in all we hope to promote interest within the public and an opportunity to see equipment long forgotten. Sales from spares are going very well right now. Our Wednesday openings are well supported and we make numerous sales on this day. The last Saturday afternoon openings are also well supported with a regular group of customers taking advantage of this day. Donations of parts seem to have slowed a little but there is still plenty to see and buy.
Cheers Lawrence
Many hands make bike work! Errol Gray and helper doing some last minute maintenance .
1946 Austin 16.
Heaps of spares.
Please ring Ross (09) 4396021.
Calendar of Events 2019
AUGUST Sunday 4th. Motorcycle Run. Wednesday 7th.
Meet 1pm at Frings, Town Basin.
Morning Tea at VCC Clubrooms 10 am.
Sunday 11th.
Club Run.
Sunday 25th.
Daffodil Rally.
All welcome.
Meet at Clubrooms at 10am. Combined Clubs event.
SEPTEMBER Sunday 1st.
Motorcycle Run.
Wednesday 4th. Sunday 8th.
Morning Tea at VCC Clubrooms 10 am.
Club Run.
Saturday 28th.
Meet 1pm at Frings, Town Basin. All welcome.
Details later.
Car and Bike Show and Swapmeet at Hukerenui.
* Parts shed open every Wednesday morning 9-12 noon.
July Run to Old Parakao Store