#0107
June 2021
PO Box 458, LEVIN 14 Tiro Tiro Road, LEVIN
Patron Chair Deputy Chair Secretary Treasurer Club Captains Branch Delegate Committee
Welfare Officer Custodian 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
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
position vacant Wayne Thrower 06 368 5611 Julia MacMillan 06 362 6156 Callum Farmer 06 364 7238 callumfarmer77@hotmail.com Rex Williams 06 367 0613 Mike Khull 06 363 5633 Bob Barton 06 367 8216 Jeff Fox 06 362 6013 Colin Brooks 04 298 5458 Robert Cammish 04 905 0772 Don McLaren 021 1172418 position vacant 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
It is starting to look decidedly wintery outside now. The nights are drawing in fast. Thank goodness the Brits put a decent heater in my MGB! Some of our older cars, like Peter’s Model A Ford “Matilda”, would be a wee bit draughty to drive right now. Our AGM has come & gone, with most of the old guard still on committee and in other posts. There are a few new faces to welcome. Glenn Peach has stepped up for the Deputy Chairman’s slot, Andrew Judd has given away the Custodian’s job, but has now transferred his talents onto our committee. Andrew informs me that we do have a late volunteer for the Custodian’s job, and when I next catch up to busy Andrew I will see who the lucky lad is! One more appointee is Nigel Wheeler, who is taking over the Welfare Officer’s job from Winton Cleal. Winton is also on our committee, plus he wears the hats of Club Delegate and New Membership officer. The only vacancy still is Pauline’s old assistant librarian’s slot. Don is getting lonely in the library by himself, so consider standing up for this important post, someone! I also had great pleasure in awarding the Chairman’s Cup to Pauline StClare, with the Tillson Trophy going to our long time Spark editor, Mark Gibson. Both given for outstanding services to our club. Well done both of you! Meryll & I managed to get away last weekend to Tauranga to visit our daughter and granddaughter (16-going on 22). Karen, my daughter, has gone & bought granddaughter a brand-new Volkswagen T-Rex to go to school in! The kid’s got a newer car than me! I remember my first jalopy, trying to run a car and girlfriend on an apprentice’s wages! How times have changed! (Note: Father’s Day is coming up. Could I get lucky here?) The next gathering is our mid-winter dinner on Sunday June 27th at the club rooms. Bring your appetite. Please make yourself available on the Saturday prior at 4 pm to help set up. That would be much appreciated! Our next club night is July 7th, and our speaker is Wayne Moore, fresh from European racing circuit at Nurburgring. Should be interesting.
You will have noticed that we have relocated the top table to the opposite end of the room. You did notice? Top marks for being observant! Reason for this is that it puts you all facing the screen when the speakers are showing slides, etc. This will help prevent the scramble to change places on speaker nights. Can’t have you lot falling over each other and breaking old bones, can we? Well my typing skills are just about exhausted, so I will look forward to seeing our committee at the next committee meeting, including our new additions. If you want to see how we do things, come along. You are welcome. I will see most of you at the mid-winter dinner!
John White
Des St Clare
Roster for June 2021 Chris Ward, Wayne Webby, Bryan Wells, Nigel & Angela Wheeler, Rex and Brigid Williams. If you are unable to make it for either kitchen duties on Club Night 7th July, or for the Working Bee on Saturday 10th July, 9 am till 12 noon, PLEASE let me know on 06 368 3299 or j.mwhite@xtra.co.nz
Speaker for June The guest speaker is Wayne Moore, who will tell us about 2021 his trip to Europe to attend various race events. New club members Brent & Susan James. He: Mercedes Benz 350 SL convertible. She: 1967 Ford Mustang notchback. Max Magele. Ford Cortina Mk2. Chris Evans. MG Magnette, Humber 80. Peter Jamieson. 1930 Chrysler Roadster, 1925 Rugby Durant and 1914 Wolseley. Ingo & Grit Schleuss.
Sadly Missed It is with much sadness that we must record the passing of our member, Sandra Tombleson. Our thoughts and sympathy are with Rodney and family at this very sad time.
On the “sick list.”
Graham Lawton has had a spell in hospital after suffering a fall, and Cheryl Brooks has suffered a broken leg. GET WELL SOON!!!
Cover Photo
Chrysler Roadsters of Wilf Milner and Peter Jamieson parked at Cottle’s farm at the Vintage Machinery Club luncheon.
Warning:
Be aware of this phishing expedition sent to me by a mate of mine. The give away is the email address. Cheers, George.
From: NZ Transport Agency [mailto:as5153196@sapo.pt] Sent: Tuesday, 18 May 2021 3:07 a.m. To: krisu@xtra.co.nz Subject: It's time to renew your vehicle's licence (rego) Kia ora, If you've already renewed within the last 24 hours, please ignore this reminder. It costs $103.16 for 12 months if you license online (but you can choose to license from 1 to 12 months). If you're not going to use your vehicle on the road for the next three months or more, put it on hold instead. Ngā mihi,
Brucie’s Burblings Well, the weather has changed and winter is sneaking up on us. No better time to attend to those maintenance jobs on our vehicles that we have been putting off. Our rally and outing programme has been quite busy, with a good turnout to the branch luncheon at Murrayfield Café and Museum, and then two weeks later a fraternal visit to Graham Cottle’s farm and the Vintage Machinery Club display and lunch. This was very much enjoyed by the 30 plus members of our branch who attended. Some of us even had the opportunity to drive an early model bulldozer or tractor. The V8 ride-on mower was my favourite. As this report has been written after the AGM, I would like to thank those folks who stood for office to help administer our branch. This year at the AGM I presented a new trophy “The Raewynn Lawrie Memorial Ladies Trophy”. The first recipient is Julie Reipen, a lady who navigates for Don, gets right into the vintage scene, and who is a great ambassador for our branch at rallies all around the North Island. Coming Events 27th June Sunday mid-winter Dinner. 18th July Night Owl rally. More details next club night. Don't forget to turn your lights on so other idiots can see you Drive Safe
Bruce Lawrie
The 2021 library year ending tonight (2nd June) has been as most library years are. Nary a rush except for a last minute order for duplicating of rally instructions or some important top secret information from Head Office. Books have come, some to be added to our valuable collection, and the others have gone on to other collections. The Swap Meet has been, in the past, a great time to pair up books with people but this last occasion didn’t seem to be a good time for that. The volume of magazines for sale has been reduced to create much needed room for our ever growing catalogue. The archives are in good shape with Pauline adding to the historical record of the branch. It was with sadness that I received Pauline’s resignation. Now is the time for another club member to step up to fill this valuable role. Bev and Peter Kelly have shown that even though they retired to their idea of a quiet life they appear regularly to help with the cataloging of fresh arrivals. Don McLaren
Vintage Machinery Club Luncheon
Our VCC members picked up the invitation to bring out their old cars to a BBQ lunch hosted by the Vintage Machinery Club [HVMC] . Well what a sight! The HVMC also pulled out all the stops. They brought out truck loads of tractors and other farm machinery. The venue was Sue and Graeme Cottle’s property at Heatherlea East Rd. His collection of International tractors is not small, plus his collection of horse-drawn farm machinery is well worth a look. Graeme has a purposebuilt shed to house his collection, with enough spare room to seat the best part of 80 people to a sit-down lunch, catered by the club members and their partners, and a feast was provided [nothing like country hospitality.] Rod Clifton [HVMC chairman] welcomed all and introduced us to Allen Maio with his large remote controlled model bulldozer and his V8 lawnmower-based tractor, both of which Allen later demonstrated. Then Rod proceeded to give a description of all the tractors on display. Lunch was served at 12 noon, following which Graeme gave a demo of a milk separator, plus a description of his by-gone era hay-making gear. My observation, being a member of both clubs, was that whether you had an E-Type Jaguar or an early vintage Fordson Tractor, we all had a lot in common. Both clubs enjoyed the variety of vehicles on display. The enthusiasm was electric and these events should happen more often. Horowhenua has a lot of talent. We also must remember that our near neighbours the VCC could arrange similar outings. Let’s enjoy the events organised by like-minded people. This one was a cracker. Wilf Milner.
Bill learns to drive
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Film-making Our secretary received a letter from a film company asking for a contact to discuss hiring of cars and other bits to be used in making a movie in the local and Wanganui area. The film company representative’s name was passed to me and I followed up with a phone call. The initial requirement was for Ford Model Ts, pre 1918, as the film was about a lady who lived in a small town in rural America. I pointed out that the cars should be left hand drive, and this would limit the availability. I passed on names of all the car owners that I knew with left hand drive cars. From there, with the initial list of names, they contacted some of our club members who had offered cars. Cars were chosen for the required scenes. They were a 1923 Ford Model T pick-up purchased in Christchurch by the film company, Ivan Horn’s Ford Model T, Murray Robinson's Ford New Beauty, my Ford Model T pick-up and Bernard Scott’s 1916 Cadillac. An ambulance was also required, and a Chevrolet owned by Brian Wilton was used. In addition, Ivan and Murray were dressed up and acted as drivers. From my point of view, I supplied a bell tent and some other items to be used, plus the newly rebuilt 1923 Ford T pick-up.
For me the day of filming came, and Ivan and I loaded the T on a trailer. Ivan delivered it to the set early in the morning and it was parked outside a country church, along with the other cars. The first shoot showed the lead actress biking to the church and parking the bike outside. The road had been covered with light gravel and looked the part. Four shots of this were taken, then they moved on to the next scene. This went on all day. Amazing experience to see - big beyond my imagination. About an acre of land taken to park the vehicles of the crew and equipment and 100 staff. A great opportunity for our club to be part of it. I understand that we will be notified when the film is released. Peter Nightingale
Club Run to Murrayfields Cafe
On 16th May the club had a run to Murrayfields Cafe. About fifty club members turned up, providing an impressive display in the carpark. When ordering our meals we were told to expect 20-25 minutes wait, but they must have had plenty of staff in the kitchen because our meals were delivered in only ten minutes. Attached to the cafe is a museum. This contains the usual selection of artifacts relating to life in the early years of settlement, but most impressive is a display of a model town. The buildings are all faithful models created with reference to photos and architectural drawings of buildings in towns all over New Zealand. They are all set out in a U-shaped panorama forming a virtual town, complete with model vehicles, trains and people. If you have not seen this, it is well worth a look (and another lunch). We have been to Murrayfields on previous occasions, so are well aware of the quality of the meals. Everybody must have been satisfied, as we have received no reports of any of our cars being eaten. Bruce Jamieson
Answer later in this issue of Spark
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Kapiti Coast Mid-Week Run Wednesday 26 May 2021 This combined group outing to the Silverspoon Restaurant in Silverstream and visit to Rowland Ward’s collection of Jaguars proved to be one of the largest gatherings for some time, attracting 48 members, friends and acquaintances from as far away as Fielding, Wellington and the Wairarapa. The morning was bright and sunny when we arrived at the Silverspoon Restaurant. The warmth of the sun followed us to Rowland’s place of elegance and charm. A fitting place especially for Jaguars of different models, colours and preferences of body style, shapes and sizes. To ably manage the unusually large group attending this outing when it comes to catering and managing the numbers attending Rowland’s display of Jaguars we had to split into two separate groupings an hour apart. This allowed ample time for both the Silverspoon Restaurant catering and discussion and interaction at the Jaguar display at Rowland's. Rowland prepared today’s showing of this display and spoke about each vehicle in turn, after which we were able to view each of them and discuss who had a preference for one or another… as you do! Thank you Rowland for setting the scene to what was a splendid viewing and altogether a wonderful day’s outing. Roderick Kinghorn
Lemmons Trust Museum, Bay View, Napier Winton and Ruth Cleal participated in a run organised by the Wolseley Car Club. One of the venues visited was this museum in Napier.
A Long Journey . . . . an introduction
After returning from Europe in the 1980s I was informed that my grandfather had left me something in his will. In memory of dear old Fred, who only drove his car in dry conditions (would leave the car, his old Ford Popular, in the garage when it rained), I purchased something fitting that would remind me of him. I drove around London for years in the MG Magnette, then one day I decided to head to New Zealand, after meeting a kiwi at a mutual friend’s party. Fate played a part, an aircraft was boarded which took me to Wellington. I worked at the Brentwood hotel in Kilbirnie, but my beloved MG was still in England. During a sophisticated, but slightly drunken, evening enjoying fine single malt whisky, a toast was made and a plan hatched to return to England, pick up the car and drive it overland to New Zealand. More to follow.… Chris Evans
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Note the R.H. steering on this U.S. model? The purpose of this arrangement was: "To allow a gentleman to alight from the automobile onto the boardwalk without walking through the muddy road." from George McLean
Many thanks to Michael Gaffaney and his undated version of “Mr Punch Goes Motoring” Vol XI ‘Mr Punch Goes Motoring’ Volume XI.
May 2021 As was reported in last month’s Spark, the Horowhenua Spares Department is planning a visit to the Wairarapa Vintage Car Club Spares and Clubrooms on the 20th of June. We would like to invite all our members to join us. We will be leaving the Clubrooms at 8.30am. The plan is to car pool over, and lunch will be at a country pub on the way home, with cars full of treasures! Southern members, who wish to join us, can go straight over the Rimutakas to the Clareville Showgrounds (north of Carterton), home of the Wairarapa Vintage Car Club. Just a heads up to everyone, the Classic Manawatu Motorcycle Swap Meet which is normally in November, has been moved to Sunday the 17th of October, same place and time. Thanks to everyone who rang chasing the Metal Cutting Band Saw. Like I said in last month’s Spark, members would have to move quickly, and quickly they did. (Sold). Safe Travelling Everyone.
Callum
The “Claytons” Rally- March 12th and 13th
Well! The National Vintage Motorcycle Rally for 2021 was to be held in the Wairarapa. The last time this rally was in the Wairarapa was in 1997, and was the first National Rally that Bruce Fergusson and I attended so it was a natural decision for us to attend this one! Three others from our branch had voiced their intention to attend, but in the end only the two of us went. Well; fees paid, accommodation bookings made, everything organised, and then--- Auckland went into lockdown! Only one week to go and Covid rides again!!! National office, along with the organisers, decided that the most prudent thing to do was to cancel the rally! Given the circumstances, probably the only decision open to them, as cancelling any later would have had booking and administrative costs. As it was, the committee was able to fully refund our entry fees (certainly we were aware that this may not be possible). Motorcyclists planned for a week away on our bikes, accommodation already booked - so what to do?? Why don’t we go on a rally?? After all, it was only the “Jafas” who were in lockdown, and they may have been able to get out of lockdown, prior to the start of the rally date if all the stars aligned! Where would we go? What about where we were going to go? A plan was hatched (well actually several similar plans were hatched – all with the same idea!) The internet ran wild for a couple of days and things started to come together. Some of the local organisers of the National were on-board - providing us with the Rally Routes and Venues, meals, etc that they had already done all the work on. This, in itself, was an opportunity for us to support many of the businesses in the Wairarapa, which may have been sponsors of the “Real” rally. By this time the “Jafas” were out of lockdown so they could travel, and many of them did! “Non-Rally” day dawned and the meeting point saw 68 “Non-Entrants” turn up for the meet and greet in Masterton. (The “Real” Rally had attracted about 130 entrants). Fees were paid by each participant, to cover the running costs, and everything was go!
Then followed a week of the most extraordinary rides, on the best roads you will find anywhere. Rides to Castle Point, Clareville, Carterton, Martinborough, Greytown, Lake Ferry, Cape Palliser, Mangatainoka (and most points between). One stop was at a rural country school, where very enthusiastic children (and their teachers) were given rides around their playing fields. The venues, and points of interest, that were to be used on the “real” rally were visited, some stunning collections seen, and friendships renewed. I must say the badge for the “Non Rally” is, without doubt, the most impressive badge in my collection! Approximately 800 miles were covered over the week, and culminated in the usual “End of Tour” dinner. I can only imagine what a spectacular event this would have been, had it run its course, and thanks go to those who put in so much effort, only to see Covid wreck their event. But know this – those of us who went, had a fabulous time, and appreciate all your hard work! And there was not a pot hunter to be seen!! Invercargill is the venue for the next rally, in 2023, and is timed for the week before the “Burt Munro Challenge”. Could be a great three weeks! Graeme McKenzie
Kapiti Coast Mid-Week Run Wednesday 30 June 2021 Annual Midwinter Christmas Lunch – Fun and Frivolity! We’re off to The George Café at Speldhurst Country Estate and are assured of a warm welcome.
11.30am Arrive at The George Café. 12.00 Lunch will be served followed by dessert. Coffee and tea can be ordered. Menu: Bread and dips Slow Roast Lamb Shoulder with Port Wine Jus (vegetarians can also be catered for) Choice of: Christmas Pudding with Custard or Mini Pavlova with fruit salad and cream Cost: $35pp. Please bring cash as Hal will collect it as you arrive. Drinks are additional and the café is licensed.
Directions: Speldhurst is south of Levin. Take the SH57 turning (Palmerston North via Shannon). It’s a major intersection so be very careful coming from the south. Speldhurst is 900m on the right clearly marked on its white entranceway. Follow the main roadway through the estate until you reach the large white administration block with a clocktower. The café is on the left of the building and there is plenty of parking. If you feel able to bring your vintage vehicle (and the weather is kind), we’re sure the residents will be interested to see it. Important: Please let Hal or Ann know that you’re coming by text, email or a call by Tuesday June 22nd as catering numbers are needed by the restaurant. This is an earlier time than usual. Hal 0274118162 Ann 0274731136 or 045651162 or annviscount@gmail.com
Answer to “What Am I?” MG Midget M-type of 1930. The body was fabric-covered, flimsy and claustrophobic with the top up. The engine was 847 cc and produced 20 bhp, but the car could reach 60-65 mph. As the basis was Morris Minor, parts and service were available in practically every English town.
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From: Jill Harvey <gerryandjill@gmail.com> I'm wondering if anyone within our club or any other club has an old pedal car they would like to sell . Kind Regards Jill Harvey (Gerry Harvey's wife)
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HVCC Dashboard Stickers Iron on fabric badges HVCC blue and white caps Name Badges (fill out form)
-$ 4 -$ 3 - $10 - $12
______________________________________ The 2020 National North Island Easter Rally, that never was! Entrants that paid for their rally plaque received an unusually collectable plaque for a rally that was cancelled and would never be run again. There are a small number of these collectable quality made plaques with 11 coloured enamels still available for purchase. $30.00 each. Please contact Jackie (Horowhenua Treasurer) at jackiejob73@gmail.com or on 06 3682565 and 027 2011806
Night Owl Rally 2021 This year’s Night Owl is being held on Sunday afternoon 18th July, starting at the Club Rooms, Tiro Tiro Road, Levin. Meet at Club Rooms by 12.30pm. First car away at 12.45pm. Wise old owl says “Bring your sunglasses”.
Numbers of people attending are required by 10th July. (NO late entries - sorry but we need to know in advance). Approximately 41 miles (66km) 1 hour. Ending at another location. Andrew Judd.
1959 Chev Crash Test Those members of the branch, who own Chevs about this vintage, may like to take a look. Cheers, George. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_r5UJrxcck
CALENDAR of COMING EVENTS
June June June July August August October October November November January 2022
20 27 30 18 13-14 22 17 29-31 13 21 16th to 21st
HVCC run to Wairarapa Club. HVCC Mid-winter Dinner. Kapiti VCC Mid-winter Lunch. Night Owl Rally. See info in this issue. VCC National AGM in Christchurch. Daffodil Rally for Cancer. Manawatu Classic Motorcycle Swap Meet National Veteran Rally - Cromwell, Otago. Monte Carlo Rally. Banks Peninsula Branch. Tararua Trundle. Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring in Taranaki. Register on VCC website NOW. The organising committee recommend booking accommodation now. Any enquiries to: Bruce Lawrie Phone 027 4762489
ISSN
the print bureau 06 367 9330