#0116 2022 2022
April 2022
PO Box 458, LEVIN 14 Tiro Tiro Road, LEVIN
Patron Chair Deputy Chair Secretary Treasurer Club Captains Branch Delegate Committee
Welfare Officer Custodian & Maintenance Grounds People Spares Team
Library Archives Spark Editor Spark Distribution VIC Team
Tom Hayes John White j.mwhite@xtra.co.nz Glenn Peach gpeach@xtra.co.nz Bill Laney and Denise Liddle horowhenua@vcc.org.nz Jackie Job jackiejob73@gmail.com Bruce Lawrie Verdon Heath Winton Cleal Des St Clare Bob Barton Warren MacMillan Colin Brooks Winton Cleal Andrew Judd Nigel Wheeler nigelgwheeler@gmail.com Bill Cottle Wayne Thrower
06 367 9445 06 368 3299 027 4863517 027 4512408 027 4427306 06 368 2565 04 293 6803 (W) 04 293 4943 (H) 06 368 3824 04 293 3369 027 4191412 06 367 8216 06 362 6156 04 298 5458 04 293 3369 06 368 6891 06 367 2046 027 5674431 027 4509636 06 368 5611 020 4440098 06 362 6156 06 364 7238
Julia MacMillan Callum Farmer callumfarmer77@hotmail.com Rex Williams 06 367 0613 Mike Khull 06 363 5633 Bob Barton 06 367 8216 Jeff Fox 027 4486888 Colin Brooks 04 298 5458 Robert Cammish 04 905 0772 Don McLaren 021 1172418 Heather Carter 021 504087 Bruce Jamieson 027 6357336 brucejamieson48@hotmail.com 06 825 9102 Bob Barton 06 367 8216 Verdon Heath, Ivan Horn and Mike Khull
Meeting Branch Night - 1st Wednesday of the month at 7 30 pm Committee Meeting - Last Wednesday of the month at 7 30 pm Working Bee - Saturday following Branch Night at 9 00 am Spare Parts - Open Saturday following Branch Night Club Bank Account No - 03 0667 0269227 00
Hi, fellow members. Autumn has rolled around yet again: leaves on the lawn, clocks to be altered, as we head towards winter ’22 and say goodbye to a largely “it didn’t kinda happen” summer carshow season. I would like to welcome our newest member, Murray Walker. We look forward to seeing Murray at club nights and events. Due to the numerous phone calls re cancelled-or-not swap meet, our merry spares team arose really early and opened spares to catch stray punters. One such punter was asleep in his car overnight! The man insisted the swapmeet was still on, so Callum gave him a cup of club coffee and then sold him and a few others $400 worth of parts! Well done Callum and spares team! On club nights our numbers are still well down. I guess everyone is hunkering down ‘til the Covid storm blows over. I think we had more at the working bee than at the Wednesday club night! With the rules relaxing a little, and infection numbers dropping (so they tell us), we hope to see a return to some form of normality in our near future. It will be good to see all your smiling faces again - preferably without the masks! Our next scheduled outing is our annual May 15 Late Mothers Day lunch run. It is to a mystery venue this time - you have to turn up to find out! So bring along your significant other as these events are usually quite popular. Meet at clubrooms at 10:30. Limited numbers here (30), so names to me please (for catering). On numbers, our hard-working guys and gals do put a bit of time and effort into setting up of events, so I ask you all to support them by attending if at all possible. Thanks! Winton and the club logo saga. This finally came to a vote at the March national conference and was narrowly voted down. Our branch voted ‘nay’ at the preceding club night, but then for some reason our vote (via our delegate, Winton) was counted as absent, or no-vote. Winton is trying to rectify this with head office. The second voted issue of the name change apparently got deferred until the August AGM.
On to our June 1st AGM. This is our election time for all committee and club office holders. Nomination forms will be in next Spark issue, and our secretary will also accept nominations on the night, so if you think you can make a contribution to your club, throw your hat in the ring. Don’t be shy now! That’s it from me folks! Joke
A pair of jumper leads walk into a pub. Barman says “I’ll serve you but don’t try to start anything”!
John White
Cover Photo
Morris Minor from 1929 belonging to Linda Barton.
Brucie’s Burblings Bruce is away for a well-earned rest, so a new scribe takes over this month. With the Covid lights changing colour to allow a lot more activity, we expected a greater turn out to our economy run & gymkhana. A great funfilled day was had by all folk who took part. The economy run was in the morning via Shannon & Foxton . The return to Levin provided a bit of unexpected drama in Tiro Tiro Rd, with a late-model car sitting on its roof in the middle of the road, with all the usual lights a-flashing to add to the spectacle. The afternoon gymkhana gave lots of laughs for all. A big thank you to John & Rex & all those helpers who made it such a great event. Results within Spark. Up-coming events cover a wide range, with something for everyone. See calendar on last page. On 3rd July: our annual Night Owl/daylight event. Starting about 9.30am ( that’s in the morning ) a short run with lunch/finish at surprise location. Plenty of daylight to drive home before it gets dark , so no reason to not attend. Be aware that all events don't happen by magic. Time & effort makes them happen; all 150-odd members taking part matters.
Verdon Heath
Roster for May 2022
Jeff Fox, Brendon Fox, Michael Gaffaney, Stan Garmonsway, Colin Geange. Rostered kitchen crew please come early on Club Night to be briefed by Linda B on Covid and food handling rules. If you are unable to make it for either kitchen duties on Club Night, May 4th, or for the Working Bee on Saturday 7th May, 9 am till 12 noon, PLEASE let me know on 06 368-3299 or j.mwhite@xtra.co.nz
Speaker for May To be confirmed
New Club Members Murray Walker
Sadly Missed
Condolences to two of our Members, Cheryl Brooks and Robert Cammish, on the passing of their respective mothers. Our sympathy goes to them and their families.
Speedy Recovery
Tom Hayes, Warren McMillan and Don McIntyre are all recovering after spells in hospital.
During a discussion with the Honorable Leader of Spares, Callum O’Farmer, about the loss of branch income due to the Swap Meet cancellation he said “Well Don, now the Library and Spares will need to fund the outgoings of the branch”. Not wishing to let the side down and give encouragement to spares the Library team put their feet down to accelerate earnings. Last Saturday ( working bee day) we had a boomer day, a member bravely ventured through the grilled door and left with precious and valuable reading matter: five (5) magazines for the princely sum of $1. Now Callum, no pressure but……. PS, Shhh, I did see two sealed beam units plus headlight rims dancing their way past the front door, but whether palms were crossed, we may find out when this is read and the library finds out that it really does run on the smell of an oily rag. Aside from the fun, laughter and comradeship which comes with being part of an active VCC branch, the library is in good shape ready to assist you in your restoration hours of need.
Don McLaren
Kapiti Mid-Week Run: Wednesday 27 April 2022 The organising team have decided to go ahead with a run this month to a venue which is well suited to a picnic lunch in the fresh air. If the weather is not playing ball, there is also a large indoor area with plenty of seating. The destination is the Tokomaru Steam Engine Museum, which is on the right hand side of SH57 as you enter Tokomaru from the Shannon/Levin direction. The museum has been closed for several years following the death of the owner/founder, but was recently bought by a young couple who are trying very hard to bring it back to its former glory. There is a charge of $10/person, and the museum is being opened specially for us, so there should be no other visitors there. There is a visitors’ toilet and the entry charge includes free tea/coffee-making facilities. So, bring a picnic or pick up something for lunch on the way. There is a grass parking area within the museum grounds, but please take care turning across SH57 traffic. Arrive by 11 am. Some of you may have visited the museum in its heyday, but there is always something new to be found. And the new owners deserve our support in their efforts to bring it back to life. The museum has a website with a number of photographs if you want to see what it has to offer-www.tokomarusteam.com Please let me know by Friday 22nd April if you are planning to come along. Philip Pearce (Mob 027274 4084)
YUM, YUM! 1/ Mothers’ Day (late) lunch run on May 15th. Mystery venue, so assemble at clubrooms 12 noon for coffee, then depart at 12:30 for a short run to the venue. Limited to first 30 people, numbers to John White (for catering) please. 2/ Mid-winter lunch on June 26th. Masonic Village café, Queen Street, Levin. No number limits, fixed menu, roast dinner + dessert + coffee at $30 pp. Pay to Jackie Job by June 10th. Both very social outings, and with Covid easing off they should be good!
Horowhenua VCC picnic at Foxton
On 27 March the club had a run up to Foxton, where we had a relaxing picnic in the sunshine . Photos from Bruce Jamieson
Answer later in this issue of Spark
VCC Executive Meeting: Club re-branding vote. In the latest Beaded Wheels the Horowhenua branch was noted as absent. That is correct. However our vote on the logo was not counted. Now I have an email sent to me from National office dated 11 February and it states, “If a delegate from your branch ( Horowhenua ) will not be attending the meeting , please advise your branch’s VOTE with regard to the proposed logo no later than Friday the 11 March so that it can be recorded.” I have checked my files, and I informed them that I would not be attending the meeting and I also informed them of the results of our branch’s vote. I sent this information to them on the 8 March. This information I sent to National office and to the National secretary. As you can imagine, I was shocked and very upset at what I read. I don’t know why it was not counted, but I am trying to find out. Winton
March 2022 Spares opened at 7am on the day of the cancelled swap meet. A number of motoring enthusiasts who had travelled down from Northland and the North Shore turned up, as somehow they had missed the cancellation notices. However sales were good and steady during the morning. On a positive note, with the changing of the Covid rules, the Manawatu Classic Motorcycle Club Swap meet will go ahead, on 22th of May (Sunday) at the Manawatu Vintage Car Club base in Ashhurst from 8am. Over the course of the month we also had a visit from the Manawatu and Wanganui MG Owners Club, who enjoyed their time looking around the Clubrooms on their lunch stop. Also in the pipeline are planned visits by the Mini and Sunbeam Owners Clubs of the lower North Island. Dates to be confirmed. Stay Safe Everyone
Callum
Linda Barton’s first drive in her Morris Minor
Bob, “Now don’t forget that the brake pedal is on the right, not in the middle. Be careful about what you stomp on”
For Sale: 1952 Morris Minor two-door in great condition. 918cc side valve motor. Many receipts & photos of its history. Reg & warranted. Plates included. $8500 ph 0276824040
1929 Morris Cowley, export model. This is an original and unrestored car which attracts attention wherever it goes. WOF, rego, some spares including motor and gearbox. Has completed numerous rallies. Reluctantly selling after 30 years. $15 000 Contact Chris 0274 421 639, cmclarke@xtra.co.nz Library Merchandise
HVCC Dashboard Stickers Iron on fabric badges HVCC blue and white caps Name Badges (fill out form)
-$ 4 -$ 3 - $10 - $12
Linda Gill has an interesting item for sale: a timber bench seat from a railway station platform. The paintwork is a bit tired, but the timber is solid. She planned to offer it to the Steam Railway Museum at Paekakariki, but wondered if any of our club members might be interested in it. Offers to Linda on 027 327 8251.
Answer to “What Am I?” Just off the boardwalks of Paris, these polo shirts are now available to club members. Any colour you like, so long as it’s green. High quality fabric with embroidered logos of NZVCC and Horowhenua. Cost is $34 each, to be paid when you order from Bill Laney, the supermodel shown. Stock sizes are M, L, XL and XL, but other sizes can also be ordered.
PARKING
The Wairarapa Branch of the NZVCC invites you to enter their Winter Motorcycle Reliability Trial 7th/8th May 2022 Programme: The Trial will be based at the Wairarapa VCC clubrooms at the Clareville Showgrounds, Chester Road, Carterton. The Trial will include an overnight stop. Some accommodation is available at a country hotel at $30 per person. Additional accommodation is available in cabins at an adjacent camp ground at $20 per night. A sleeping bag will be required if staying in the camp ground. Entrants will be allocated to the hotel accommodation on a first in basis. When the hotel accommodation is fully allocated entrants will be allocated to the camp ground. Entrants will be advised of their accommodation prior to the event. Entrants are responsible for payment for their accommodation and meals. Petrol will be available at the lunch stop. Saturday 7th May 9.30 am Riders briefing 10.00am First entrant away Sunday 8th May 10.00am Departure - return journey Trial Rules:
1. This event is open to financial members of the VCC of NZ plus kindred motorcycle clubs. 2. Trophies are awarded to VCC members only. 3. All vehicles are expected to be in roadworthy condition. 4. Entrants must abide by the traffic regulations and VCC membership rules. 5. The organisers reserve the right to disqualify any entrant whose conduct is considered likely to bring discredit to the event or to the club. The organisers decision regarding any matters in respect of running the event will be final. Entry Fees: The entry fee is $20 per entry and is payable by internet transfer or by bank transfer to: Account: 03-0687-0323649-01 Code: Rel Trial Ref: Registration number Entry Forms: The online entry form can be completed on the Wairarapa VCC website https://www.sporty.co.nz/wairarapavcc
Economy Run and Gymkhana
On 10 March the club ran two events, but unfortunately had only seven entrants. In the morning, the Economy Run began with competitors filling their fuel tanks immediately before reporting to the clubrooms for signing in, recording their odometer reading and giving an estimate of their car’s expected fuel consumption. A course was set taking us meandering northwards through Levin and out into the countryside as far as Foxton and then back to Levin. Just before returning to the clubrooms, competitors refilled their tanks to record how much fuel they used. The distance had been measured by sat. nav. and the official distance of 60.61 km was used to calculate the results. Competitiors
Car
Place 1
Estimate MPG l/100 km 68 4.15
Actual MPG 67.83
Verdon & Viv
Citroen 2CV
l/100 km 4.16
Robert & Lyn
MG 3
2
43
6.5
40.60
6.94
Des & Pauline
Morris 8
3
29
9.74
32.93
8.56
Win & Daphne
Ford Cortina
4
21.7
13.02
28.39
9.93
Winton & Ruth Wolseley
5
21
13.45
25.10
11.25
Don & Julie
Ford Model A
6
---
24.38
11.56
Greg & Margot Ford Model A
7
25
23.04
12.24
11.3
After having lunch at the clubrooms, the competitors, now joined by another, took on the gymkhana. A course of seven events had been set by Rex Williams and his team. 1. Throwing fan belts over stakes in the ground 2. How wide is your car? 3. Park alongside a rope (that you can’t see) 4. Reverse from one garage into an adjacent garage 5. Drive forward exactly two wheel revolutions 6. Spark plug removal and replacement 7. Pass the hoop over an electrified wire
winner George McLean winner Verdon Heath winner George McLean winner Verdon Heath winner Verdon Heath winner George McLean winner Don McLaren
Since there were so few competitors, we had time to run through the course twice. The club would like to run another similar event (looking forward to summer, aren’t we?). But we hope that, having read this, more club members bring out their cars and join in the fun. Bruce Jamieson
Photos by Bob Barton
CALENDAR of COMING EVENTS April April May May May May May June June June June July
25 RSA Dawn Service. Vehicles required. 27 Kapiti Mid-week Run to Tokomaru Steam Museum 1 Swap Meet - Meeanee speedway, Napier 7 Rally - PV, PW, P60, P80 - Manawatu 7&8 Motor Cycle Reliability Run - Wairarapa 15 Mothers’ Day Run and Lunch - Horowhenua 22 Classic Motorcycle Swap Meet - Manawatu 5 Annual Rally - Wanganui 5 Visit to our clubrooms by Mini Club - Horowhenua 25 Monte Carlo Rally - Wellington 26 Mid-winter Lunch - Horowhenua 3 Night Owl Rally - Horowhenua Any enquiries to: Bruce Lawrie Phone 027 4762489
TAIL LIGHTS
ISSN
the print bureau 06 367 9330