December 2018/January 2019
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Index
DECEMBER 2018—JANUARY 2019
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December 2018/January 2019
December 2018/January 2019
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Index In this issue… Gymnic Restoration Judging Club Run—January 2019 Christmas Pot Luck Dinner Hunua Garden Party Alterations to the Clubrooms of the AVVCC 2018 Annual Motorcycle Rally 2019 Vintage Muster
Page 7 15 18 19 20-25 26-27 28
Regular Features Chairman’s Report Club Captain’s Report Motorcycle Notes Entertainment Notes Commercial Notes Veteran Notes Secretary’s Notes Mid Week Tourers Coming Events For Sale Your Committee
4 5-6 8-9 10 11 12 13 14 16-17 29 30
February Bulletin closing date
Strictly 25 January 2019
Cover Designed by Melanie Ball
The views expressed by the correspondents in this Bulletin are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Auckland Veteran & Vintage Car Club Inc. Any articles of interest, comments, letters to the Editor etc are welcome. All contributions are presented to and approved by the club committee prior to printing. Please forward any submissions to the Bulletin Editor.
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December 2018/January 2019
Chairman’s Report Hi everyone. Well time flies when you're having fun, so they say and we have had a great year with our Branch events and rallies and now here we are with Christmas just around the corner. At the beginning of the month John Stokes' Veteran section had another good meeting. They had seventeen attendees and some six apologies with several members attending the Waikato Veteran Run. Also that same day Don Green had a Health and Safety meeting up in the barn and there were a few VIC applications sorted. Next up we had the Auckland Motorcycle Rally which was based in Orewa. We thought numbers might be down as it was out of town, but no, we had 51 entries. The rally was a great success re route and food. The Midweek Tourers had another good day out. Club night John Campbell showed us three short films. Finally grandson Riley and I spent the weekend of the 24 and 25 November at the Auckland Motorcycle Show, the largest ever in New Zealand, with 5 halls booked out and around 800 motorcycles. We had 24 motorcycles on our Branch stand. We left the show on the Saturday at 1:30pm and went to the Clubrooms as it was also the Motorcycle Meeting. By the time you read this we will have had the Branches Annual Gymnic, fingers crossed the weather was kind to us. Also John Stokes would have had his pre 1950's motorcycle run. Coming up: Saturday 15 December—Motorcycle Meeting, speaker is member Don Walker with his immaculate 1923 Raleigh & box sidecar. Sunday 16 December—Christmas motorcycle run to our Pokeno farm for BBQ, leaving from the Jolly Farmer at noon. Thursday 20 December—the Branches Xmas Pot Luck dinner which is always a great end of year event. This year we have bought a new Christmas tree, bigger, more lights and decorations. New Years Day Run leaving the Jolly Farmer, Drury at 11:00am for Kaiaua. Saturday 26 January—Club run to Thames Wings and Wheels – see advert in this Bulletin. Well that’s all from me this year, Lynda and I wish you all and your families a very happy Christmas and great new years motoring. Martin Spicer
December 2018/January 2019
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Club Captain’s Report This is my last report for the year and I find myself asking “where has the year gone”? It has been full of enjoyable Branch and Club events, so no wonder it has flown past. The Midweek Tourers had another great run. The Motorcycle Section held their Auckland Annual Rally in mid November and for the first time in many years it was based in Orewa. It was very pleasing to see 51 entries to this event, crossing the Harbour Bridge obviously wasn’t a deterrent! The weather played ball, the boys and partners enjoyed a finger food buffet for the Friday night noggin and natter at Orewa Surf Club, followed on Saturday with the very scenic rally through very quiet back roads, finishing the event with a wonderful prize giving and evening meal in a local Orewa restaurant. Thank you to plotter David Warren and his host of helpers. John Stokes and his Veteran enthusiasts had another good meeting. The Motorcycle Section had a downturn in numbers at their monthly November meeting, as a lot of them were at the Ride for Life Motorcycle Show, being held at the Auckland Showgrounds. Martin spent Saturday and Sunday at the show promoting the Branch and the Club. Apparently it was a motorcyclists’ paradise with mouth watering motorcycles on show. Thanks to all those Branch members whose motorcycles were on display at our Branch stand. The last monthly run for 2018 was held on Sunday 2 nd December, being our Annual Gymnic, this year being very kindly hosted by Murray & Penny Firth in Oratia - a lovely garden setting. Numbers were a little down from last year but with everyone watching their computers etc. and the weather that was forecast, it was not surprising. However, the weather stayed fine but a number of us experienced rain on the journey home. We had about 50 vehicles on display and about 120 people in attendance. It was lovely to see grandchildren out with their families and the Charabanc was kept very busy giving rides around the large paddock for those who wanted to take part. The children, although a lot of them had ridden in the vehicle before, all had beaming faces. Santa arrived, not on the sleigh, but on the back of Murray’s 1931 British Bedford truck and Santa spoke to every child to make sure they weren’t naughty, but nice. All the children went away with a present from Santa. Thanks Santa for giving us some of your very valuable time at this very busy time of year. There were three vehicles up for the Restoration Awards. Gold medals were received by John Morrison with his newly restored 1917 Dodge Funeral Coach and Bob Pickering with his newly restored 1967 Chevrolet Impala. Ross Golding received a Silver Medal with his restored 1957 Vauxhall Velox. Congratulations to you all for these beautifully restored vehicles, a credit to you all. The Gymkhana was hotly contested, although I did hear that there were a few people trying to be sneaky with one of the games, but it was all in good fun. Everyone enjoyed driving or being driven in other vehicles, or riding on others bikes. This is such an excellent day out. Thanks to my team on the Committee for all their hard work in bringing yet another successful Gymnic to pass and a big thanks to Alan Price for braving the traffic and driving the Charabanc from Penrose to Oratia and back again.
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December 2018/January 2019
Club Captain’s Report Contd.. Below are the three members in the Best Restoration, from left to right: Ross Golding, John Morrison & Bob Pickering.
Here are some dates for your diary and I would very much love to see you all at these events. Saturday 15 December—Last Motorcycle Meeting for the year with a guest speaker and of course the usual elaborate Christmas afternoon tea. Sunday 16 December—Motorcycle section Christmas Run finishing at our farm for the usual BBQ. Thursday 20 December—Pot Luck Dinner. This, for new members, is where we all bring a plate, either mains or dessert, to share with members and if you want a present from Santa, then bring one along to put in his sack. If you don’t bring one along, please don’t take one out. We usually say nothing more than $5. Again, this is a fun night, great food, Santa visiting and who knows what else? Come and enjoy the last gathering of the year with your fellow members. Tuesday 1 January 2019—New Year Days Run, out to Kaiaua for Fish n Chips or a picnic. Saturday 26 January—This is our January monthly run and we are going to meet for breakfast at the Southern Motorway Service Centre, BP Drury and then go on a back road jaunt down to Thames to place our vehicles on display at their Wings and Wheels day out. See the advert in this Bulletin for the details. This only leaves me with one thing to say. I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas, every good wish for 2019 and I look forward to seeing you out and about enjoying the events that the Branch put on for your pleasure. Ho Ho Ho Lynda Spicer
December 2018/January 2019
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Gymnic Restoration Judging With this years Gymnic still fresh in our minds, I thought it would be a good idea for those who are undertaking restorations to gain an understanding of how our Gymnic Restoration Judging is carried out. Above all, your vehicle will not be competing against others on the day. It will be judged on its own merits as fairly as the rest – there is no 1st, 2nd and 3rd and indeed if all meet the upper benchmark score for a Gold Award they would all be issued with Gold Awards. We score several categories e.g.: Paint, Brightwork, Instruments and Cleanliness, each out of 5, then Upholstery & Interior, Panel-work, Mechanical, each out of 10, to end up with a total score out of 50. There is a further factor for each category. The above figures would be used un-altered for a ‘restored’ vehicle but if it is an ‘original’ then 10% is added and if ‘non-authentic’ the above scores would likewise be reduced by 10%. Breakpoints: Gold 45 and above, Silver 40 to 44, Bronze 30 to 39. The above is how judging was conducted at the Gymnic this year. We are looking to refine the process but expect the concept to remain pretty much as is. We thank those who entered (results elsewhere) and hope the above explanation encourages others to enter in future years. Don Green
PAUL’S MAGNETOS Testing, repairs, re-magnetizing, rewinding and remedial-engineering of all types of magnetos. Magnetos re-engineered to competition standards of accuracy, with improved spark power. Dynamo repairs, 6 to 12-volt conversion, 3 to 2 brush conversion, electronic regulators, adjustment of mechanical regulators. Recommended by Ken McIntosh, Hugh Anderson, Ken Campbell, Steve Raffills and David Warren.
Contact Paul Greet on 021 771 090
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December 2018/January 2019
Motorcycle Notes November Motorcycle Notes and the New Zealand Motorcycle Show My grandson Riley and I arrived at the Auckland Ride for Life Motorcycle show, the largest motorcycle show ever in NZ, at 8:30am. We had 24 club motorcycles on our stand. Unfortunately it was pouring down outside but this didn't put off the thousands of spectators that were going through the 5 halls that were packed with hundreds of vintage, post vintage, P60, P80 and nearly every new motorcycle available. The standard of the restorations was outstanding. There were around 30 bikes on the Japanese club stand, dating from the 60's up to the 80's, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki and every one looked like it had just rolled of the production line. There was a one off special electric motorcycle with hub stearing and the engineering of this motorcycle was fantastic. The motorcycle will have a 95 bhp electric motor in the rear wheel and a 40 bhp one in the front wheel. This Wellington made motorcycle will be raced in the 2019 Isle of Man TT Zero class. Royal Enfield showed for the first time their new 650 twin Interseptor. A few years ago member Malcolm Anderson bought a barn find, a 1973 Ducati 750. He then spent 2 years restoring it and at the show it won three 1st prize rosettes and was also voted best motorcycle in show; this is a magnificent looking motorcycle. There was also a Hyosung motorcycle that had the engine removed and an electric engine fitted. This motorcycle and owner will be a speaker for us sometime next year. I also talked to the Chairman of the NZ Landspeed Association, John Secombe, who will come and talk to us next year. He will also put me in contact with American Eva Hakansson, the worlds fastest woman on an electric motorcycle at 241mph. She now lives in Auckland, so I'm sure her story will be great to hear. I left the show at 1:15pm and went to the clubrooms and opened up ready for the Motorcycle meeting. We were down on numbers due to the Motorcycle Show and the weather was very wet and a few members were away, but 30 turned up. Martin reported on the recent Auckland rally which had 51 entries. This rally was one of the best re weather, route and food. General Business: Peter Alderdice talked about the up-coming National Motorcycle rally, Graeme Crawley is helping Peter with organizing our trip down to Blenheim. Coming Up: Saturday 15 December—Motorcycle Meeting, speaker Don Walker with his recently restored immaculate 1928 Raleigh 500 with box sidecar. Sunday 16 December—its our Xmas motorcycle run and BBQ at our farm in Pokeno. We will leave the Jolly Farmer Drury at 12 noon. Thursday 20 December—Christmas pot luck dinner, this is always a great night, bring a plate, mains or desert and if you want a present from Santa, please bring along a present around $5 to go into Santa's sack. Tuesday I January 2019—And as always we will have our New Years Day Kaiaua fish n chip run, leaving the Jolly Farmer Drury at 11:00am. Saturday 19 January—Motorcycle meeting guest speaker to be announced. Saturday 26 January—Club Run—We will meet at the Southern motorway BP Autobahn café, Drury, for a 8:00am breakfast, and leave at 9:00am and will finish at the Thames airport for Wing's and Wheel's where our vehicles will be on
December 2018/January 2019
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Motorcycle Notes Contd... display. It is planned that we wander down afterwards to the Brewery that Lynda runs (and brews the beer) in Thames, for a noggin n natter and maybe a bite to eat. Day 2 of the Motorcycle Show grandson Riley and I arrived at 9:00am. Again it was raining but the crowds still turned up, in the thousands. The rain stopped around 11:00am. Outside the motorcycle park was over flowing with hundreds of motorcycles. Also outside there was a motorcycle stunt team, 3 guys on large Harley's and 5 teenagers on 150cc motorcycles. They all did great stunts even though the ground was wet. This year Alan and Shaaran Price got a 1st with their great looking 1914 Douglas. Peter Cooper got a 2nd with his 1937 Rudge and John Meharry got a 1st with his 1960 Velocette Viceroy scooter and Don Walker got a 2 nd in the vintage class for his immaculate 1923 Raleigh sidecar outfit. So ended another very successful Auckland Motorcycle Show. I will let you know the amount of money raised for the Papakura Rotary Club's charities when they let me know. Jack and I take this opportunity of wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas and a Happy Holiday season. Keep those 2, 3 and 4 wheels turning safely
Martin Spicer and Jack Clark
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Entertainment Notes I was overseas for November so missed the “VIC” and Health & Safety afternoon and also club night, so a big thanks to those who stepped into the breech for me. One thing about going away in November, when you come home the days seem to be jet propelling themselves towards the year end. As I write this I have my fingers crossed that the weather will behave for our Gymnic. Our Christmas Pot Luck Dinner however is not weather dependent and always a great night. Bring along a plate and a gift for Santa’s sack if you wish, but no more than $5.00 and join in the festivities on Thursday 20th. Best wishes for Christmas, the New Year and travel safe. Russel McAlpine Ph: 0274 735 451
Established in 1993 we specialise in classic & Vintage Car Restorations and Repair work Classic Car Insurance Claims Insurance and Private Work on all vehicles WOF and Rust Repairs Full Panel and Paint Service New! - The Metal Room—Metal Shaping Classes Contact Mark McAlpine—Ph: (09) 820 2299
Email: alpinepb@vodafone.co.nz www.alpinepanelbeaters.co.nz Or call in and see us at 8/2 Lansford Crescent, Avondale
December 2018/January 2019
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Commercial Notes Our November meeting date fell well after the Bulletin closing date so, any tidbits of news will be caught up with in the February edition. So I have dredged up a bit of nostalgia. The accompanying photo is of a brand new Foden 8 wheeler, not yet registered, ready to begin work for Winstones. Foden’s history is not short of intrigue, Edwin Foden (18411911) became an apprentice at an Agricultural Equipment manufacturing company. By the age of twenty, he was a partner in the company and on the retirement of the owner, George Hancock, Foden owned the company outright, renaming it Edwin Foden Sons & Co. Ltd. After the turn of the century, they began experimenting with steam lorries. By 1896, road transport restrictions requiring all vehicles over three tons to follow behind a man with a red flag, had been lifted. The time was right for Foden to expand. Over the next 30 years the company flourished. By 1930, Edwin’s son, Edwin Richard Foden set up a new company to manufacture diesel lorries. This company became known as ERF. The Foden company was placed in receivership in 1980 and soon after, acquired by the American firm Paccar. Paccar eventually closed Foden production down in 1998. The head Honcho of Toyota N.Z. has called on the Government to introduce the scrapping of all old vehicles, among other incentives to reduce emissions. Using the theory that the life cycle of a motor vehicle is often 30 or 40 years, he believes the introduction of a “Feebate” scheme that has been rolled out in other countries, which penalises those vehicles with higher emissions could be the answer to our bourgeoning vehicle fleet. As a nation, we need to encourage the scrapping of older high emission vehicles, the Toyota head states. I am comfortable in the knowledge that all the “Oldies” in my shed are low emission vehicles, I guess that won’t save them though if any of these daft schemes reach fruition. There will be no Commercial meeting this month, the fourth Wednesday is Boxing Day. Have a good one and we’ll see you in January. Keep M Rolling John Campbell
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December 2018/January 2019
Veteran Notes We had seventeen attendees at the November section meeting and some six apologies with several members attending the Waikato Veteran Run and others with other commitments. Phil Henley subsequently said that the Waikato event had gone very well. We must congratulate Ron Richards for entering his veteran Model T in the 60th Hunua 100 Rally, the only veteran entered. Wayne Welch, John Morrison and Russell Vincent all used vintage vehicles on that event. Dennis Lowe found more Curved Dash Oldsmobile bits at the Feilding Swapmeet and has got more information about the car’s history, including photos of Captain Subritzky's vessel with the car in the background. He also brought along a coil box for a 1901 Curved Dash, in excellent condition, the coil box was patented in 1898. Loretta McGarry produced a photo album of Branch events in the 1956-1960 period, which proved very interesting, as anyone who joined during that time and has continuous membership is, or soon will be, eligible for a sixty year award. Cedric Pegrum is getting his Model T ready for a Model T Rally and Terry Jenkins had his 1917 Dodge Four out to an event in Pukekohe. George Urquhart is polishing brass on his Model T, using the product that David Lane recommended. Phil Henley had made a plug for the Armistice Day event at Ardmore Airfield organised by HCCNZ, but I've had no reports of that event. Your Veteran Rally entry form is in this Bulletin, please note page 4, the last page. The HCCNZ have invited ALL veteran owners to display their VETERAN vehicles at the HCCNZ's display at Ellerslie Concours on Sunday 10th of February 2019. All contact information is on the back page of the entry form. I will try and encourage some Waikato participation in both events. We wish Barry Robert a speedy recovery from his cut in the head. John Stokes
December 2018/January 2019
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Secretary’s Notes By now if you haven’t paid your subscription for 2018/2019 you will have had a reminder notice. Entry forms are available for Wanganui’s Burma Rally in January and Eastern Bay of Plenty’s Rally on 2 February. Also check out the Club Captains Tour, this will be another great week of vintage motoring. Entry forms have also arrived for the National Easter Rally in Ashburton. With no National North Island Easter Rally next year, it might be time for a trip across the ditch. See the Clubrooms or contact me for a soft copy of any of the above events. Please note that you should always be carrying your membership card. Visitors are always most welcome, but they do need to sign the Visitor’s Book. The Visitor’s Book will be placed upstairs by the bar, so please remind any guests to sign in. This is a requirement of our bar licence and would be checked in the event we had a visit from the licencing guys, or the police. We have been advised that NZ Post are now being extremely picky about correct postal addresses. I have just been given several addresses that they say are incorrect and mail will not be delivered, e.g. A Retirement Home with no street number; a PO Box at Greenwoods Corner instead of Epsom. I shall be in touch with those whose addresses are being highlighted, but if you think you are not receiving VCC mail, please give me a call so we can check the details on your address.
Tracey Winterbottom
Robinson Instrument Ltd Unit 3 31 Princes St, Onehunga, Auckland.
Ph: 09 636 5836 Fax:09 636 5838 Email: sales@robinsoninstruments.co.nz Web: www.robinsoninstruments.co.nz
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December 2018/January 2019
Mid Week Tourers The Mid-week runs are generally known for their good weather. Last month the day started off by being distinctly wet and miserable. When we got to the start, after nearly two hours on sodden and slow traffic, there were only six cars waiting. However this soon doubled as the sky became less dull. Our destination was the Devonport Museum and although this necessitated some suburban motoring, Jack’s route managed to miss out the worst of the potential heavy traffic. Ridge Road and Lonely Track Road, both in Albany, were highlights for the motoring and the magnificent scenery. Not to mention the outstanding homes in the lifestyle block country side. Our route then basically took us south through the many seaside spots, to Narrow Neck Beach, into Vauxhall Road and to the Museum. Vauxhall Road is noted for it’s many stately villas of yesteryear, now restored to their original grandeur. We noticed two cars missing at the finish, hopefully they were ok. This museum is well worth visiting. Possibly overlooked by many people, it has a well displayed collection of the history of Devonport with a particular emphasis on the ship building and marine aspects, together with the geological background to the district. We were very well looked after by the two volunteers present, who even supplied us with hot drinks to have with our lunch, which we were able to eat in the comfort of the main room. The building itself was once a Presbyterian church, moved in several pieces in 1978 to it’s present site. Thank you Jack, for another interesting run and venue. Coming Events: Wednesday 16 January 2019: Starts from The Warehouse car park, Westgate. 10:00 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. departure. Jack will be taking us to Wenderholm for a picnic. BYO everything, (BBQ’s available if you want). This is always a good day. Wednesday 20 February: Starts from the Drury Service Centre, on the Southern Motorway 10:00 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. departure. More details to come. Possibly going to Thames—BYO or ? Wednesday 20 March: Starts from the Drury Service Centre, on the Southern Motorway. Yes, not a typo, due to our host and his location, it’s another Southern start—10:00 a.m. for a 10:30 a.m. departure. Jack is taking us to visit Lionel Rogers Bugatti collection. It’s rather special. BYO lunch. The team extends good wishes and a joyous Christmas to all. Enjoy your time off and safe driving/riding.
The Dewdrops & the Mid-Week Team
Ph: (09) 232 0245 or email dewdrops@xtra.co.nz Mobile (as a last resort) 021 051 3770
December 2018/January 2019
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January 2019 Club Run
January Club Run Saturday 26 January 2019 Meet at the Southern Motorway Drury, BP Autobarn Café for a 8:00 a.m. breakfast and leave at 9:00 a.m. The run will finish at the Thames Airport for Wing’s and Wheel’s where our vehicles will be on display. It is planned that we wander down afterwards to a Brewery in Thames for a noggin n natter and maybe a bite to eat.
Lynda Spicer Club Captain
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December 2018/January 2019
Coming Events December 15 16
Sat Sun
20
Thurs
1 10 12 16
Tues Thurs Sat Wed
Motorcycle Meeting—Clubrooms Motorcycle Xmas & BBQ Run Starts Jolly Farmer, Drury Club Night—Xmas Pot Luck Dinner & New Members
January 2019
19 Sat 19-20 23 Wed 24 26
Thurs Sat
February 2 5 9 10 14 16 20
Sat Tues Sat Sun Thurs Sat Wed
23 24 27
Sat Sun Wed
28
Thurs
2:30pm 12:00noon 7:00pm
New Year’s Day Run—Starts Jolly Farmer, Drury 11:00am No Bulletin via website or email Veteran Section Meeting 2:30pm Mid Week Tourers Starts The Warehouse Car Park, Westgate 10:00am Motorcycle Meeting 2:30pm Burma Rally (Wanganui Branch) Commercial Meeting & Charabanc Maintenance Night Clubrooms 8:00pm Club Night—Sausage Sizzle & Catch-up 7:30pm Club Run (Note—Change to Saturday) - Autobahn Cafe Starts Drury Service Centre, Southern Motorway 8:00am Leaving for Thames 9:00am East Coast Rally (Eastern Bay of Plenty Branch) Committee Meeting 7:30pm Veteran Rally & Veteran Meeting in conjunction with Rally Ellerslie Classic Car Show & Concours d’elegance 9:00am Bulletin via Website or email Motorcycle Meeting—Clubrooms 2:30pm Mid Week Tourers Starts Drury Service Centre, Southern Motorway 10:30am Swap Meet (Wellsford/Warkworth Branch) Club Run Commercial Meeting & Charabanc Maintenance Night Clubrooms 8:00pm Club Night 8:00pm
Note: The clubrooms are open on the second and fourth Thursday evenings each month from 7:30pm till 10:00pm and every Saturday afternoon from 4:30pm till 6:30pm.
December 2018/January 2019
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Coming Events
Thursday 20 December 7:00 p.m. Christmas Pot Luck Dinner
New Year’s Day Run Monday 1 January 2019 Starts:
Jolly Farmer, Drury
Time:
11:00 a.m.
Finishes: Kaiaua
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Christmas Pot Luck Dinner
December 2018/January 2019
December 2018/January 2019
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Hunua Garden Party—Letter to the Editor I am running a little late, my pussy cat on top of my legs on my bed, quite happy and relaxed. Jimmy couldn’t move and wake a cat. It is now Sunday the day after the Garden Party. Anyway, I am up now sitting in the kitchen on the settee on a wonderful day looking over the Tamaki River, it is like a mirror, the odd fish jumping up ready to hop into a net. Now down to business: On Saturday 20 October I was invited to the Auckland Veteran & Vintage Car Club to a special Garden Party. I arrived at the clubrooms at 2:15 p.m. no trouble to find the Clubrooms, as there was a few beautiful old cars on the road outside, a Westcott that took my eye. John Stokes saved a spot for me to park next to the Westcott, a beautiful day. Inside on the tables were photos of old days and some of the cars, different runs out at the back tents for cover. I found a good spot to sit on next to Brian & Dorothy Belcher. A few feet away was some of the early members; David Lane, Ron Jacobs and George Mihaljevich, chatting away about old times. I hadn’t seen Ron for quite a while. The BBQ was in full swing, a great smell. Pat Dewhurst brought me over a plate; a sausage, cakes & sandwiches then came a cup of tea. I saw Wilma Madgwick enjoying a sausage. I love eating most days and I take 5 hours of the days. Time came to go inside to the celebrations. I was in the front row, next to Brian & Dorothy, the room was full of members. A lovely lady, Kaaren Smylie began to hand out certificates to the good boys Russel McAlpine and gave some stories of some of the rallys. Later, she called out “Jim is going to say a few words” ( I called out who is Jim?) Anyway really I wasn’t prepared to do a talk, but I said a few words and Kaaren put a nice 60 year membership badge on my V & V jacket and also gave me a framed Certificate saying ‘Congratulates 60 years membership’. I have to say ‘thank you all’, I love the Club. My blue jacket I have had for 60 years, it has a few moth holes in it now, anyway, it all went off well. People ask what is the secret for a good long life? I say, I have cabbage and drink the water! I am beginning to slow up now. A lovely wife, daughter and son. A big thanks to Barry Robert and his crew for the best Library, I would say in Auckland, possibly in New Zealand. Time I stopped writing as the pen is getting hot. Soon, the walls will have to be pushed out to make room for more books. A great Garden Party on a lovely day. I have had some great time on Vintage runs in my Delage. Regards Jimmy Francis P.S.—I could eat for 24 hours, slowly. A report on the Hunua run—it was excellent.
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December 2018/January 2019
Alterations to the Clubrooms of the AVVCC The building at 39 Fairfax Ave was purchased in 1970 while Jim Lewis was in the chair. On the Committee at the time were Alan Roberts, Colin Keenan, Eben Moffitt, Peter Webster, Norm Dewhurst, Phil Jones, Chris Wood and Barry Birchall. It was a three-bedroom house and the first modification, was to remove walls between the lounge and dining room. The rear back bedroom was the first Library and an area to store club archives. To help fund the purchase they held motor shows, had several auctions, sold debentures and increased the Branch levy by $4. As I said earlier the first mortgage was paid off by Joe Empen. The Hudson Essex Terraplane group were the first group to hire the rooms. The area around Penrose was first broken up for housing in 1927 but the first houses did not appear on the subdivision until 1938. Our house was built after the war. The area was controlled by the One Tree Hill Borough Council. The zoning of the area must have been changed in about 1960 from residential to light industrial, as there were still a lot of houses in the street when we bought the property. In 1973, while Norman Dewhurst was in the chair, a decision was made to build a hall on the back of the existing structure. In the existing house, there would be a new toilet block, kitchen, library and a committee room. Plans drawn up and prices called for, but it never proceeded, as the One Tree Hill Borough Council were concerned about the parking. They had told us we had to provide another ten car spaces. It was quite an ambitious project just three years after purchasing the property, and at $20,000, the work was going to cost more than the original purchase price. It is probably just as well it did not proceed as no provision had been made for the Charabanc, which a few years later had to be moved from MOTAT. In 1974, Jim Lewis returned to the chair, and the corridor and the two bedrooms across the front were removed, which gave us twice the useable floor space. The roof trusses had to be strengthened to carry the weight of the tile roof. A second toilet was installed. Most of the work was done by volunteer labour. When the bar opened, nobody could be served a drink unless they produced their membership card. If we wanted to open the bar outside the posted hours, we had to go to the Magistrate Court for a permit and there was always a cost. This happened every time we held a social function that ran after 6:00 p.m. at night. (Still in the days of 6:00 p.m. closing). On the main Committee by 1980 were Alan Roberts (Chair), Jim Lewis, Pat Dewhurst, Doug Pinker, Dave Allbon, Gaye Keenan, Glenn Morris, Tony Forster, Russel McAlpine, Alan Price, Robin Heavy and Barry Robert. In January, Jim Lewis had established a small house committee to look at developing the clubrooms. The house committee called a Special General Meeting to discuss some alterations. There was clearly still not enough space in the existing structure. It was decided to build a new Library and toilet block on the back of the existing building at the same level. This would give us more room below for spares and free up more space in existing structure. A small bar was built alongside the existing kitchen. The work was out-sourced to Barry Maxwell, a builder who was active in the Branch at that time. After the work was done, there were issues with the back wall and Barry Robert and his team had to install bracing in
December 2018/January 2019
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Alterations to the Clubrooms of the AVVCC the ceiling, so it would not fall over. In 1981 the Branch decided to pay back the debentures holders and build a new tin shed supplied by Ideal Garages for the Charabanc behind the existing clubrooms. They raised funds by having a giant garage sale and organising a Las Vegas night. When the Charabanc was moved from its building at MOTAT, we were paid $500 for the structure we left on site. In the same year the property next door came up for sale at $70,000 and the Committee looked for funds to purchase the property, but it never proceeded. On the land at the time was a 1950 two-bedroom house with a shed behind. In 1984 we had another tin shed built on a higher level behind the existing Charabanc shed. It was subject to us providing off street parking for eight vehicles. Work was done by Ideal Garages again for a cost of $2,200. The Branch had intended to use the shed to store petrol memorabilia, but Dick Messenger, a founder member, had passed away in 1980 and left the Branch a Morris van, so that occupied most of the shed for a few years until it was sold. Anything we did behind the clubrooms was always a challenge as the area was very rocky, it was almost like an old quarry. Our Clubrooms had become a very popular venue with like-minded organisations and by now, the BMW, Chrysler, Lotus, Chevrolet, Humber-Hillman, Vauxhall, Sunbeam, Triumph Vitesse and Citroen Car Clubs were using the rooms once a month. Todd Motors, Western Springs Speedway Supporters Club and Auckland Doll Makers were also using the venue. Todd Motors used it during the day for technical training. We were for a while providing lockers for the groups and charged them $15 for the room hire. In that period, we had a spate of burglaries and each time they entered by the toilet windows and cleaned out the fridge. We installed a burglar alarm, grills on the windows, and entered into a contract with Amourguard Ltd. In 1986 the main building was altered again. On the Committee at the time were Alan Roberts (Chair), Rodger Ball, Russel McApline, Dave Allbon, Shirley Bovis, Andy Webster, Ross Jones, Bill Jongste, Colin Bell, John Stokes, Bill Cole, Graham Collins, Frank McClare and Barry Robert. There was lots of fund raising done before the work started, as they were told it would cost about $80,000 to do the work required. They proposed to build a two-storey extension right across the back of the existing building. The extension built earlier would come down. They organised motor shows, a rally, had a massive barbecue, organised a shiny parts auction, and a Grand Old English Music Hall evening. They sold bricks at $25 and offered debentures. They added a building levy to the sub of $5, which was removed three years later. There was another committee formed at the time to help raise funds and to assist with the North Island Rally. The new building was erected by two builders who had been active in the Branch at the time, John Williams and Doug Pinker. John Courtney donated most of the timber supporting the mezzanine floor. Alan Roberts is very proud of the fact that the extension was paid off within three years. When they went to pay back the debenture holders many donated the money to the Branch. The existing house at the time was 118 square meters. With the recent
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Alterations to the Clubrooms of the AVVCC alterations they had just added another 144 square meters, so we had more than doubled the size of the existing building. When the house next door came down they removed some of the rock off the property while there was access, which later allowed the Branch to build the new structure behind the clubrooms. They lowered the back of the section by about two meters, using the contractors working for Grahame Power next door. It was all solid rock, so they required heavy machinery to break it up and shift the material. If you walk behind the shed today, you can see the rock wall. Our drive got broken up by the contractors and Grahame Power had the concrete replaced at his cost. He did later go on to join the Branch and still owns the neighbouring building. In 1997, the barn was built across the back of the section. On the Committee at the time were Russel McAlpine (Chair), Shirley Bovis, Rodger Ball, Glenn Morris, Ted Allen, Larraine Crowther, Dave Dawson, Paul Fussey, Owen Hayward, Don Johnson, Tony Lane, Neville Olsen, Dave Allbon and Peter Crowther. The agreement with the builders was to design and build, so they sought three prices. They received two quotes for very different structures. A. G. Ahead Buildings were the successful tenderer and put up the kit set building for a cost of $84,000. We again saw a lot of fund raising. The cost of bricks on the same wall had risen from $25 to $100. There were donations, a car show, they were paid to transport people to a venue, there was a box bottle night, a garage sale, shiny parts auction, pot luck dinner, raffle and they tendered a voucher for a personalised plate. Russel did say later they had had a lot help from Max Colman, who oversaw the building. When the barn opened they held a barn dance. The two old sheds were sold by tender though the Bulletin. Two years later, while Shirley Bovis was in the chair, they extended the Library. They had made the Library too small and Shirley’s team had to sort out the situation. The first builder walked off the site, when he realised the extent of the rock. Max Colman again helped them sort out the situation and found another builder to finish the work. This set the project back for a few months while the issues were sorted. This alteration did allow them to have a deck above. They also installed a new alarm system in both the house and garage, smoke detectors and improved the toilets. Peter Crowther did some of the block work to support the bank. Most of the landscaping was done by Dave and Barbara Allbon and they continue to look after the planting today. In the seventies for a few years there were three sub-committees reporting to the Branch Committee, a Building Committee, Ladies Committee and a Committee set up to approve post vintage vehicles. Everytime we saw major work done on the building, there were lots of working bees which was healthy for the Branch. Many of those named above have passed on and others are still actively involved. This account acknowledges the contribution many have made, some over a very long time. Most of the material came out of newsletters written at the time. It is a pity we did not take a few more photos in the early years as the building was altered. Barry Birchall
December 2018/January 2019
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Alterations to the Clubrooms of the AVVCC
Jim Lewis cutting the ribbon to open the Extension to the Clubrooms in 1982
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December 2018/January 2019
Alterations to the Clubrooms of the AVVCC
Preparation start for the construction of the Barn
December 2018/January 2019
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Alterations to the Clubrooms of the AVVCC
Top—the Barn under construction and the lower is the completion of the Barn
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December 2018/January 2019
2018 Annual Motorcycle Rally I left Pokeno and headed north on Friday morning with my trusty BSA Golden Flash on the trailer. I stopped off at our clubrooms to pick up Branch signs, rally number bibs, timing clocks and all the trophies. From there I went and picked up rally prizes from British Motorcycle Parts and Motomail. I arrived in Orewa at the very nice Air B n B which Don, Ian, Clive and I were sharing. After a shower and a drinky, we went across the road to the Surf Club to pick up our rally packs. We also had a great selection of finger food. Time was spent chatting with old friends and meeting the riders who had travelled from Wellington and Whangarei, then it was off to bed. We woke up to blue skies and sunshine. 51 entries assembled at the Surf Club, where plotter Dave Warren gave the briefing and then we were off on the 130 mile rally. I left at 9:25am and rode off to Wainui, then through Kaukapakapa. We were now on SH16 which is a great biking road. We turned off at the Kaipara/Warkworth road, which is another superb riding road. We stopped for a break at the base for the Puhoi/Warkworth motorway extension, where the works manager, Peter gave a very interesting and entertaining talk on what was involved in this massive job. Just as I was about to leave, a Wellington rider's Royal Enfield burst into flames around the carb. He and I tried to put the flames out with our gloves, but that didn’t work, then someone came up with a water bottle and put the fire out, the bike then carried on to the finish. We then crossed SH1 passing Warkworth and headed to Matakana, where it was also market day, which gave the shoppers a great view of our motorcycles. We stopped for lunch at the Hakaru RSA hall where Dave’s wife, Ilona Rodgers, was waiting for us to give out the lunches and a cheery word. After lunch most took the 12kms of metal road which was in good condition, but did give the bikes a good coating of white dust. We then retraced our route back to Warkworth and a bit of SH1 down to the Puhoi tunnels. We went up over the hill to Waiwera and finished back at the Orewa Surf Club around 3:30pm. Back to base for a shower and drink and then we all met up at the RocKitchen Cafe for the prize giving dinner. This was well attended by the riders and their wives. The dinner was excellent and very tasty. Graeme Crawley did his usual great job of providing placemats which were covered with photos of NZ speedway riders which you had to name. There were 12 “feely” socks which had an assortment of objects that you had to guess what they were, some easy and some tricky. This was followed by the prize giving. As in the past, we have had generous sponsorship from these companies: Auckland Harley Davidson, Motomail, Drury Motorcycles, Castrol, Aegis Oil, CRS ADOS, Fletcher Reinforcing, British Motorcycle Parts Ltd. And so ended another very successful Auckland Motorcycle Rally. A vote of thanks must go out to these people who made the rally go as well as it did. Dave Warren, Ilona Rodgers, John Shennan, Graeme Crawley, Alan & Shaaran Price, Leo Fowler, Brian King, Peter Alderdice and John & Heather Hartles. Results: Vintage 1st Garry Mitchell 1930 BSA Sloper 2nd Chris Goode 1928 Ariel
December 2018/January 2019
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2018 Annual Motorcycle Rally Contd.. Post Vintage 1st Cam Francis 2nd Peter Bell 3rd Paul Switzer
1935 Harley Davidson VDL 1937 Royal Enfield K. 1937 Royal Enfield
Post War Vintage 1st Simon & Sylvia Clearwater 1952 Matchless G80 2nd Dave Oliver 1951 BSA B31 3rd Monty Wray 1954 Norton 19S 600 P60 1st Gavin Welch 1973 Triumph T140 2nd Robert & Lorraine Young 1980 Honda CB 650 3rd Peter Lovat 1979 Yamaha DR 400E Combination 1st Paul Tomlin 1925 Harley Davison J 2nd Chris Clark 1951 BSA A10 Morgan 1st John & Jill Williams 1937 Morgan. First American Cam Francis 1935 Harley Davidson First Velocette Paul & Robin Muir Oldest Rider Buster Westhill First Pillion Sylvia Clearwater Kentish Arms Trophy—Riders Choice Dave Warren 1930 Indian 4 Overall Winner Simon & Sylvia Clearwater. First Auckland Member Gavin Welch, who will be next years rally plotter Martin Spicer Below—Rider’s at the start Right—Dave Warren’s Indian 4 & behind is the oldest rider Buster Westhill
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December 2018/January 2019
2019 Vintage Muster
Vintage Muster Sunday 10 March 2019 Entry Form will be in your February Bulletin Marshal’s will be required Please phone: Rodger & Val Ball (09) 298 6476 or 0274 873 561 Email: rvball@xtra.co.nz
MOTOR TRIMMING CLASSIC & VINTAGE CARS LEATHER, HOODS, SIDECURTAINS 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE Trained by Ken Keay FABRIC BODIES A SPECIALITY TOP QUALITY WORK REASONABLE RATES John McKechnie 66a Ladies Mile Remuera Phone: (09) 522 4418
December 2018/January 2019
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For Sale Motorcycle Rally Instruction Rollers—Simple and effective rally roller units – as seen and used for many years. Holds up to five A4 sheets of instructions and keeps them dry. Magnifying viewing window included. $60 00 plus postage (normally $6.00 ) Phone or Text Don Green (Member) on 021 073 2642 …………………………………………………………………………………………………….
NZ Welder Repair Services Ltd. Unit 4/5 Portage Road, New Lynn, Auckland
For personal service call Rod Rugg (Member) Stick, MIG, TIG and Plasma cutters. All welding machine types and consumables for sale. “Over 30 years experience” Repairs to machines, new sales and used. Hire options available. For home or work. Large or small. We deal with only good machines not rubbish. Phone: 09 8261425, e-mail: rod.rugg@nzwrs.com Postal address: P.O. Box 19272, Avondale, Auckland 1746
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Your Committee Chairman/Motorcycle Rep: Martin Spicer (Lynda)
Email: spicerclan2017@gmail.com Ph: (09) 233 6382 or 0274 454 593 Vice Chairman/ Entertainment: Russel McAlpine (Jocelyn) Email: rjmcalpine@xtra.co.nz Ph: 818 4285 or 0274 735 451 Secretary / Privacy Officer: Tracey Winterbottom Email: vintagesunbeam@hotmail.co.nz (Stephen) Ph: (09) 232 0246 or 021 732 209 Treasurer: Ian Hubbard (Lesley) Email: ian@fhp.co.nz Ph: 575 8236 or 0274 426 748 Club Captain: Lynda Spicer (Martin) Email: spicerclan2017@gmail.com Ph: (09) 233 6382 or 021 454 593 Committee Members: Don Green (Brenda) Clubroom Bookings/Spares/Name Badges Email: greend@slingshot.co.nz Ph: 266 8836 or 021 073 2642 Alan Price (Shaaran) Building Maintenance Email: birdwoodprices@gmail.com Ph: 833 8575 Shaaran Price (Alan) Social Convenor/New Membership Liaison Officer Email: birdwoodprices@gmail.com Ph: 833 8575 John Stokes Veteran Rep/Spares/Trophy Stewart Email: jcstokes96a@xtra.co.nz Ph: (09) 236 4582 or 021 185 5915 Non-Committee Officers: Librarian Bulletin Editor Barry Robert (Elva) Val Ball (Rodger) Ph: 627 9451 Ph: 298 6476 Email: rvball@xtra.co.nz Beaded Wheels Reporter Commercial Rep John Stokes John Campbell (Pat) Continuous Membership Awards Steward Ph: 828 7850 or 0272 446 928 Glenn Morris (Marion) Ph: 273 4975 or 021 136 5926 Insurance: Vero Consumer Insurance Specialist 0800 505 905 or 356 4501 Agency Number: 0300126 Clubrooms Street Address: Postal Address: Open: Club Night:
Ph: 579 5625 39 Fairfax Ave, Penrose P O Box 12 138, Penrose, Auckland 1642 2nd & 4th Thursday 7:30-10:00pm, Every Saturday 4:30-6:30 pm 4th Thursday of the month
Branch Email Address Branch Website
auckland@vcc.org.nz www.avvcc.org.nz
Branch Honorary Life Members:
Barry Robert Norm Dewhurst QSM Alan Roberts
December 2018/January 2019
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Your Committee
December 2018/January 2019