RATTLES & sQUEAKS MAY 2019
R.I.P
Obituary Mike McGee As I reported via email, our secretary Mike McGee passed away on Tuesday 7th May. Mike was a quiet unassuming character who just got on with his job without any fuss. He was what you could describe as a rough diamond and a really interesting chap once you got to know him. If you wanted help with anything, Mike was there and he didn’t want thanks, he just got pleasure in being part of it. For him the club became a focal point in his life with his ‘56 Australian bodied Dodge Kingsway and of recent times his 29 Graham Paige. He had been suffering from a bit of ill health and in November was diagnosed with cancer and started undergoing treatment. It was obvious he was struggling to cope but he still attended club events and meetings. Mike was determined to carry on the secretary’s position as it gave him something else to focus on. Recently he suffered a setback which resulted with him having to be admitted to hospital. Several of us visited him in hospital and Mike was determined he would be up and about and attending club events again. It was not to be and he finally lost his struggle on the morning of Tuesday 7th May. We liaised with his family and the funeral director and held a service at the Northland VCC clubrooms on Saturday 11th May. Mikes two cars were there with a number of club members vehicles and club members formed a guard of honour while Mike was carried to the hearse and finally to a private family cremation. Mike will be missed but not forgotten and as a reminder, his name is on the honours board for two terms as the Club Secretary. I received a phone call from the family after the funeral saying how grateful they were to the club for supplying the venue and supporting them over a difficult period. They thought it was a fitting tribute to Mike and felt it could not have been done better. My reply was it was a pleasure the club was able to help and only showed the respect that the club and its members felt for Mike. Rest in peace our friend. Ron.
Sincere condolences to Bev and Doug Grant on the death of Doug’s mother, who occasionally joined us on our runs and we enjoyed her company. Claudia Jeffery
Chairman’s Comment The motorcycle club members continue to have their regular run on the first Sunday of the month and have a fairly consistent crew who go out and enjoy their machines. By the time you read this the Northland Motorcycle Rally which was held on Saturday the 18th May 2019 will be over. Really good numbers attending with 66 entries being the last number I heard.
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. I wasn’t able to make the last one due to another event. Also Lawrence Hillier and his team continue to be at the Parts and Vehicle Shed every Wed morning and regularly have visitors drop in to say hello.
Friday 3rd May the Sunbeam Car Club came to visit Kiwi North and we opened up the shed for them to view the club vehicles. They were very complimentary about how we had such a great collection that we are preserving for future generations.
Last month I commented about the very poor attendance we had at the 3rd Friday of the month dinner meetings and I am pleased to report far better attendance on Friday 19th April. I am writing this on Friday 17th May so tonight’s attendance is yet to be determined, but maybe over the colder months we may have to reconsider running these. Tonight may be the decider. We put these on for those people who can’t come to the Wednesday morning teas but if nobody wants to attend then what is the point.
Sunday May 19th saw a number of us head off on a wet morning to arrive at the Memorial Hill above Kaikohe for a 9:30 am start. I won’t elaborate too much as there is a report in this newsletter by the Rummery’s who set the run. They did a great job and set an interesting and at times a little challenging run that despite the weather, we enjoyed. If you haven’t been attending these monthly runs then you are missing out on having a great time with your vehicle with a group of like-minded members.
The most important event coming up is the AGM. After some lobbying there are enough nominations for the committee, treasurer and editor but not for the important roles of Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Secretary and Club Captain. We also need somebody to take on the local treasurers role as our treasurer lives in Paihia and can’t attend all committee meetings. See the attachment to this newsletter for more AGM information.
Regards Ron Anderson Chairman
May Club Run If you’ve never set a run you’ll not be aware of the struggle to create an idea around which to base the day, of the time involved to make it work, the personal cost of the miles covered plotting, and of the worry on the day centred around “will it go alright?” But all this goes out the window when the things you can’t control don’t behave themselves and the possibility arises that it could all turn to custard. Such was the weather forecast during the week I was sure that my worst nightmares were going to come true. Monday to Friday of the week before we had the most idyllic Autumnal days that you could wish for. Even Saturday was pretty nice. But what was the weather man telling us during the week? He almost seemed happy to be able to tell us that there’s a strong front coming across from Australia (those bloody Ozzies!) and will make Mother’s Day a miserable one for all. AND he had the cheek to say Well, the good news is that it will only last for 24 hours and Monday will be fine all day. Blow Mother’s Day, what about my run?? Nah, it’ll be OK on the day I thought, but, it wasn’t to be. Murphy rides again. So I’d like to start this report by thanking profusely the 13 starters who indicated to me that they were planning to come on the run and who on the day and despite frightful weather turned up at 9.30am at the top of a mist shrouded damp and windy Monument Hill in Kaikohe. You’ll never know just how much your support was appreciated by Jeannette and I, thank you. Nearly all had done their homework and provided the name of the person to whom the monument is dedicated to – Hone Heke Ngapua. Two by two (but sometimes someone sent just one out!) they braved the rain to explore the small park surrounding the monument to find the answers to the first two questions. Once done, in their own time they motored off to follow a back roads route (as much as possible) to Kerikeri. At the market there was time to chat before heading off to lunch. At 1.00pm most of us met at the site of the restoration of “The Minerva” where we were given a run down by Mike Collins, one of the founding trustees, and other members of the trust of the history of the ship, it’s subsequent on-going restoration, and of its intended use as a link in the cycle trails by plying between Opua, Paihia, Russell and Waitangi. As an audience I felt we were interested and impressed, those of us who have restored cars certainly admired the complexities of the job they are undertaking. As a group we donated $110 to their cause. The plan was then to meet at the Hukerenui Tavern on the way back to Whangarei to enjoy the company and award the “prizes”. Such was the weather at this point though that it was decided that going straight home was probably the sensible thing to do. The winners on the day of the observation quiz were all 1st equal; the Anderson’s, the Cosson’s and the Thomas’s. Not an easy task given the conditions. Thanks again for turning up on such a miserable day, by doing so you made our day. John and Jeannette Rummery.
EDITORS PICs of the month
Our oldest member, Stuart McCully, celebrating his 95th Birthday.
As we should all be when out on the road!
Lofty ready to set off on the M/C Rally
Briefing the entrants.
Spares Report The team have had a busy month, mainly preparing for the forthcoming Swap Meet. This year the sales were a bit short compared with last year but we were still kept very busy. We have started building the new tyre rack in the bottom shed. This will allow us to keep our tyres for sale in better order and make them easier to display for sale. Also we have patched up broken clearlite in the side of the lower shed. As usual after the Swap Meet we were given surplus parts that the sellers did not want to take home again. Peter Coleman who used to be a club member donated a heap of books and magazines. Trevor and Lenora are checking through them to see what may be suitable to go in the Library. What they do not want we will put onto the table and sell. On Wednesday Lou and I took my truck out to Onerahi to pick up some parts donated to us. His name is Tom Jellick and he gave us some Austin A35 two door doors. They are a bit rough but will be all right for a pattern. Also in the heap was a 1951 Hillman bonnet in average condition and a diff for a Hudson and a diff for a 1960 Dodge. Alan has found a headlight mounting bar and a pair of headlights and adapted them to fit our Dodge truck. They are not wired up but they look great and improve the look of the vehicle. Cheers Lawrence
RESTORATION SHED
Welcome to the busy shed of Club Member, Bert Parish. If anyone can find a part, it’s Bert. A real fossicker! The Model A is coming along very nicely. “I just get out here and do some work when I feel like it,” said Bert. It looks beauty Bert. Thanks for the visit. B.
MotorCycle Report Once again the welcome sight of our Chairman, who turned up at the start of our run and was quite surprised, as I was to see so many bikes. Probably the biggest turn out we have had totalling 12 bikes. Nine different makes were represented including Grahams recently acquired beautifully presented 1989 BMW K75s which he had purchased from Motueka . We headed off as one group toward Tikipunga (a bad move as it turned out, we should have divided the bikes into 2 groups). On ascending Tikipunga hill we found Robert’s Matchless parked up three-quarters of the way up, with him industriously kneeling beside his bike working away at changing a spark plug with Lorraine looking on. Once going, the Match’y behaved itself for the rest of the day. Having restarted we came across Dave Wilson having the same sort of trouble about half a km on. We managed to get him restarted, however he decided to flag it a little while later, a wise decision as it turned out. By now the group had split up into several small groups. We (Peter Lovatt & myself) the tail enders, continued up over Vinegar hill and onto the Hikurangi swamp where we came across Cam and Braden on Jordon Valley road. They were waiting and wondering where Graham, who had previously been behind them, had gone. The four of us set off again travelling through Matarau, Ruatangata, Purua and on out toward Pipiwai. We then turned off onto Wright Road, a recently tar-sealed piece of metal road and 5 miles later emerged on SH15 just south of Titoki. We caught the rest of the riders up at the Poroti Pub including Graham who had taken a short cut, he not knowing where the rest had gone. A quiet drink mixed with plenty of banter ensued before we returned via Maungatapere to Whangarei. I believe the Indian broke down momentarily until a loose wire was reattached. Other than that everyone got home safely having covered some 60 odd miles. Conditions for the ride were ideal and the new piece of sealed road was an enjoyable ride. The ‘MooLoo Meander’ motorcycle rally was held on Saturday the 6th April at Cambridge and this year it was pleasing to see the best turnout of Northland branch members (7 bikes entered:- Adam Young 1952 AJS, Robert & Lorraine Young 1952 Matchless, Simon & Syliva Clearwater 1952 Matchless, Warwick & Dawn Dahlberg 1957 BSA, Cam Francis 1979 Moto Guzzi, Brian Taylor 1954 Royal Enfield and yours truly on 1961 AJS ). A get together and meal was held on Friday night at the Prince Albert Pub. While the prize giving and evening meal on the Saturday night was held at the Waikato VCC Club rooms as per usual. The gods looked down favourably on the 60 bikes that lined up at the start with fine weather and light breezes prevailing throughout the day, it having rained the previous day. Bikes ranged in age from a 1929 Norton up to a modern water cooled 2.3L Triumph and were dispatched at half minute intervals from the start. The morning section was the only timed section with no speed limits apart from the legal ones. The winner as I understand it being the closest to the average time of all entrants. The overall distance travelled being approximately 120 miles. We travelled from Cambridge around the outskirts of Hamilton to Ngaruawahia and on through Glen Massey and Waingaro to meet the Raglan Harbour, our lunch stop being Te Mata School. And what a great lunch it was. The afternoon run returned via SH23 turning off just before Whatawhata and travelling through Te Pahu and Ohaupo before returning to the club rooms. A great weekend was had by all and once again the route plotted was a good one. Although no prizes were won by the Northland crew we did manage to snaffle two of the three raffle prizes on offer. Keep the rubber to the road. Lofty
Dargaville Doings
May midweek outing took us on back roads through Waihue and Maropui to Nelson's Kauri at Kaihu. After a look around the large array of kauri items for sale in the shop, Nelson took us to the yard where all the raw logs and stumps are awaiting process. They range in age from 800 years to over 45000, and some logs weighed over 40 ton. Logs are cut into slabs and reduced to manageable sizes depending on the finished product. Natural shapes and crevices take precedence over trimming to straight edges, and resin fills the gaps where required. We gathered for afternoon tea under the shelter of the shop verandah after a very interesting tour. Thank you Ernie and Beryl for the organisation. An overcast showery day greeted us at the start of our Mother's Day outing. After finding answers to the first 2 questions we set off as the rain started. Finding answers can be hard (as most of you know) looking through an Austin 7 navigator's wiper less wet windscreen - but it also does help if one reads the question properly! However we all arrived at the Market Place in Kerikeri to take a wander around the mainly food stalls. Following lunch we assembled (by this time the rain had really set in ) to view the progress by the dedicated volunteers who are making a remarkable job in bringing the steam boat The Minerva back to life. Thank you John for setting an "old time type rally". Also the chocky bar and white flower for mother. Much appreciated. On 17th April, 36 people gathered to Celebrate Stuart McCully’s 95th birthday. It was a very happy occasion and Stuart gave a brief talk of the events that he has witnessed during his life, before cutting his big cake made by Von. Later we drove to Te Kopuru to “Ernie – the Kumara Man”. Warren ( Ernie) kept us entertained in the theatre before we filed through his Marine Museum, which is steadily growing with donations. Shells of all sizes and shapes, as well as many other marine species and anything to do with the coast. Although we had had a grand lunch, we still found room for May’s afternoon tea, and Lou found just the right sized chair to wait for his cuppa! “Ernie” then took us for a ride in the Kumara Train – 12 x 44 gallon carriages through his property and past the many attractions he has built – including the smallest church. Onto view the buildings he was hoping to use for city children to experience country life in the Kaipara, but this has stalled meantime. A big thank you to Von for organising all the day’s activities. CJ.
Northland motorcycle rally Saturday 18th May the clubrooms opened at 8:30am to the entrants to pick up their rally packs and to enjoy a cuppa before a welcome by chairperson Ron and rally briefing by Lofty at 9:30am. First bike away was Lofty at 10:00am and the bikes left in half minute intervals. There were 66 bikes on the entrant list with the oldest bike being Don Green’s 1930 Rudge Ulster from Auckland and the newest from the Waikato was Jon Turney’s 1997 BMW R80 GS also this year Leicester Lamb brought his 1934 Morgan 3 wheeler and 2 BSA combinations belonging to Micheal O’Kane and Chris Clark from Auckland. The overall winner was Peter Alderdice from Auckland riding his 1954 Ariel Square Four only loosing 39 seconds over the timed section of 50 miles. The rally route was set by Graham and Jan Fairbrother which started at the clubrooms first turn into Kokopu Block Road then heading for Crane road and down the steep hill on Apotu Road, Jordan Valley road then crossing SH1 turning left to travel through Hikurangi. The next part of the rally was the scene route passing Sandy Bay, Matapouri, Tutukaka, Ngunguru, where the check point was manned by Christine Garden and Jan Fairbrother. The rally continued heading back to the clubrooms for lunch break. Lots of entrants stopped at Sandy Bay and came in up 35 minutes late at the check point. We couldn’t blame them for stopping as it was nice at the beach. There was maybe 20 bikes parked there when we went past. The afternoon untimed ride headed down Cemetery Road then crossed SH14 towards Poroti turning onto Draffin, Kokopu, Kara Road’s and back to the clubrooms. Upon returning Brian Wrack and Dick Thorburn had opened the Whangarei Machinery Club for us to view the machinery and the fantastic newly completed building for the bulldozer tractors, there were lots of questions and discussion going on about the machinery. Then back to the clubrooms for a cuppa. The last person back was John Rummery driving tail end Charlie. The prizing giving was held at the VCC clubrooms starting at 6:00pm and dinner at 7:00pm with prizing held after the meal. A big Thanks goes to all the people who gave their time to put this 2019 Motorcycle Rally together for us and Thanks to all the entrants who travelled from as far as Rotorua, we also had one lady rider Gillian Hayton. And a big Thank You to our Sponsors. Auto North 2009 Ltd, Donovan’s, Repco and Shaw Motorcycles. If you use these businesses don’t forget to THANK them for sponsoring the Motorbike Rally. Robert and Lorraine Young P.S John Rummery only had to pick up one bike on the club trailer.
Calendar of Events 2019
JUNE Sunday 2nd.
Morning Tea at VCC Clubrooms 10 am.
Wednesday 5th. Sunday 9th.
Motorcycle Run.
Meet 1pm at Frings, Town Basin.
Northland Vintage Car Club Inc AGM.
NB.
All welcome.
1pm at Clubrooms.
No Club Run due to the AGM.
JULY Wednesday 3rd. Saturday 6th. Sunday 7th. Sunday 14th.
Morning Tea at VCC Clubrooms 10 am.
All welcome.
Wellsford Winter Woolies Wander. Motorcycle Run. Club Run.
Meet 1pm at Frings, Town Basin.
Details later.
AGM Sunday 9th June 2019 1pm Northland Vintage Car Clubrooms Heritage Park Maunu Whangarei
* Parts shed open every Wednesday morning 9-12 noon.
Office Bearers 2018 -2019 Chairman
Ron Anderson
Vice Chairman
027 531 8969
wishbone@ps.gen.nz
Cam Francis 09 434 6118 027 534 6124
janfra@xtra.co.nz
Secretary Treasurer
Steve Cornwall 09 4025006
jensteve@xtra.co.nz
Vice Treasurer Christine Garden 027 476 3619
geewizz@xtra.co.nz
Club Captain Newsletter Editor Donna Nobilo 09 4376097 Immediate Past Chairman Keith Taylor
021437601
09 9460719 0211685928
empiretroop@actrix.co.nz keith.taylor55@gmail.com
Committee Trevor Reilly
09 435 6366 021 073 7145
Brian Wrack
09 438 8091
Gwyn Price
09 4322872
trevorreilly47@gmail.com blwrack@gmail.com
0272049888
candalyn@xtra.co.nz
Lynora Reilly 09 435 6366
trelyn47@hotmail.com
Donna Nobilo 09 4376097
empiretroop@actrix.co.nz
Beaded Wheels Spares & Vehicles
Trevor Reilly
09 435 6366 021 073 7145
Lawrence Hillier 09 434 6457
hillierlawrence@gmail.com
Allan Pearson 09 437 6317 Jim Shaw
agpearson39@gmail.com
029 438 7028
Bert Parish
09 438 9492
Rob Hughes
459 1171
trevorreilly47@gmail.com
lynandjim@xtra.co.nz 021411 601
jubert@xtra.co.nz poodlepalace@xtra.co.nz
Lou Schoenmaekers 09 4346802 Hall Custodian T
Trevor Reilly 09 435 6366 021 073 7145
Librarian
Lynora Reilly 09 435 6366
louans@hotmail.com trevorreilly47@gmail.com trelyn47@hotmail.com
Motorcycle Rep Museum Delegate
Ron Anderson
027 531 8969
wishbone@ps.gen.nz
Rural Rep VIC Inspector
Allan Pearson
Webmaster
Martin Salter
09 437 6317 09 437 1969
agpearson39@gmail.com 021 224 2102
martinsalter47@gmail.com