THE WIPER The Newsletter of the Gore Branch of the Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.)
May 2018 MEETINGS: SECOND TUESDAY of the month at the Clubrooms, Waimea Street, Gore th
Next meeting: 8 May
Branch telephone number: 03 208 7424
2017-2018 Committee and Officers Branch Patrons Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Club Captain Assistant Club Captains
Neil McVicar, Ray Tressler Murray Proctor Greg Elder Katy Parish Tim Walsh John Tremaine Ken Buchanan Jim McFadzien Charlie Davis Greg Elder Bill Sheddan Keith Nunn Branch Recorder (Wiper Editor) David North Assistant Branch Recorder Position not filled at present House Convenor Des Brewster Assistant House Convenor Paul Corcoran Beaded Wheels Reporter Fay Graves Festival Rally Organiser Keith Dodds Assistant Rally Organiser Denis Knight Bar Manager Chris Scoles Assistant Starr McDougall Social Committee Beb Kennedy, David McDowell, John Parish Maintenance Supervisor Keith Nunn Maintenance Assistants Bill Ainge, Barry Clearwater, Keith Dodds, Alec McLennan Swapmeet & Parts Paul Corcoran Swapmeet & Parts Assistants Barry Clearwater, Evan Henderson, Bryan Neilson Hill Climb Evan Henderson Hill Climb Assistant Alec McLennan Sheriff Denis Knight Librarian Stewart Quertier Raffles Gerry Kennedy National Delegate David North Health & Safety Officer Des Brewster Privacy Officer Katy Parish Museum & HPP David McDowell Tuesday Ramble Co-ordinator Fay Graves Vehicle Identity Card signatories Evan Henderson, Denis Knight, John Parish, John Tremaine
(03) 208 4768 (03) 202 5710 (03) 208 5505 (03) 208 3531 (03) 208 9670 (03) 208 6901 (03) 208 0121 (03) 204 8848 (03) 202 5710 (03) 208 1237 (03) 208 5403 021 172 3281 (03) 208 1960 (03) 208 6862 (03) 208 1093 (03) 208 6038 (03) 208 5404 (03) 208 0052 (03) 208 5450
(03) 208 5403
(03) 208 6862
(03) 208 6479 (03) 202 5868 (03) 208 5404 (03) 208 7932 (03) 208 5806 021 172 3281 (03) 208 1960 (03) 208 5505 (03) 208 6791 (03) 208 1093
Front cover picture: Kevin Clarkson (L) presenting Ray Tressler’s 50-year badge and certificate. (Photo by the Editor)
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Chairman’s Report May 2018 What a great afternoon at the clubrooms when we celebrated Ray Tressler getting his 50year badge. It’s not often that Ray is stumped for words but on that day he was, on a couple of occasions. While it was a bit cool outside there was nothing but warmth inside. Stories of events past and present were told by many and faces we had not seen for a long time arrived and made it an event to remember. Having the presentation at our clubrooms was appropriate with Ray being one of the prime movers in the moving and reconstruction of the building onto its present site. And what a spread for afternoon tea. I’m sure there was enough to have catered for twice the number. A big thank you to all who brought food and to everyone who helped in any way, without your input the day just wouldn’t have been the same. Nice to have seven 50-year badge holders (counting Ray) there to celebrate with us. Well done Ray. It is of some concern that a lot of our members are showing a fair bit of negativity in regards to the health and safety position. While everyone is frustrated with the regulation aspect of health and safety, it has to be accepted that it’s here to stay and the consequences of ignoring the guidelines, having an injury as a result and then an investigation really doesn’t bear thinking about. As a group we do have to be realistic with our actions. The days of “she’ll be right” are on the way out and in a lot of ways it’s a good thing. I’m sure everyone has seen or has been involved in an unnecessary incident in the past. The new regulations force us to stop and think about what we are about do instead of just rushing in and worrying about it later. We had a very short meeting last month and I thank you for keeping it brief, allowing our two guest speakers time to fully cover their rallying both here and across the ditch. While the short meeting was great, it’s difficult because there was quite a bit that was necessarily rushed through and some of it may have to be revisited this month. Happy Motoring, Murray 4
Club Captain’s Report May 2018 The year has flown by – AGM coming up again. Please support this. All of you that supported South Island Easter Rally, hope you enjoyed the event. It takes a lot of time by some people to organise these rallies. Hope you got some good ideas for our Club to take on. Paul Herron and team are organising National Veteran Rally so he will be looking for help at time of rally. Mary and I went to West Coast Scenicland Coal Run Rally and really enjoyed the Rally with 110 cars registered. Got some good ideas for our future rallies. Read more in Rally report. (Held over to next month. Ed.) Mary and I also went on South Island Club Captain’s run which was very enjoyable too. Met new friends and old. Thanks to organisers. Ladies Run – Faye organising run on 29th April. Night Trial – Des organising on 12th May. End of Season Run – Jim organising 9th June. PLEASE BRING TROPHIES BACK TO CLUB ROOMS FOR NEXT MEETING. John Tremaine
Online Bonuses Intermediate children restore 1958 Morris Minor at school: https://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatustandard/news/102951776/intermediate-children-restore-1958-morrisminor-at-school Maple Glen garden https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/103073930/award-winning-muriel-justa-gardener 5
From the Editor’s keyboard I was away at Warbirds Over Wanaka for the whole of Easter and didn’t get back until the afternoon of Easter Monday so Donna and I were unable to go on the Easter Rally. It also meant that we were unable to join the Club Captain’s Tour at the start and, for reasons I won’t go into here, that meant we missed the whole event. However, I understand that some Gore members did participate in the Easter Rally and the Club Captain’s Tour and I am looking forward to receiving stories (and photos) from you all so that we can see what we missed! I’d also be very grateful for a write-up on last meeting night’s talk The AGM is coming up next month and I am perfectly happy to continue as Editor for another year – if you are prepared to put up with another year of being pestered for material. If somebody else is interested in taking on the Branch Representative role, I will step aside, otherwise I am also happy to carry on with that too. Finally, a reminder. If you send me something for The Wiper and I don’t reply it means I haven’t received it so you need to try again! Happy reading, David North
REMEMBER the Branch AGM is th on 12 June 6
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NEW MEMBER A very warm welcome to James Martin of Gore. James has a Triumph TR6 which I am sure will be a great addition to the ranks of the Gore branch sports cars. I understand that James took the car on the Daffodil run to Lawrence last year and that he only acquired the car just prior to that – so he is obviously very keen! We look forward to welcoming James to our monthly meetings and to seeing him and the TR6 on runs and rallies. The Editor 9
Ray Tressler 50-year Badge Presentation Ray was awarded his badge and certificate at a special afternoon tea held at the Gore clubrooms on the 15th April. Kevin Clarkson, Beaded Wheels Editor and member of the VCC Management Committee, deputising for Diane Quarrie, did the honours in front of a huge crowd of Ray’s friends and relatives and fellow VCC members from many different branches, some of whom had travelled long distances for the occasion. Those present included no less than six other 50-year badge holders, making it an even more momentous occasion.
50-year badge-holders, (L-R) Roy Shanks, Robert Grant, David McIvor, Neil McVicar, Colin Pearce, Ray Tressler, Wayne Nicoll
Ray and his Austin 7: https://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/103203150/Loads-of-history-with-Tresslers1929-Austin-7-Chummy?cid=edm:stuff:southlandtimes&bid=705042184
The Editor
Ray Tressler 50-year Badge Citation Ray joined the Gore Vintage Club at the time the Club purchased its first clubrooms, the Nissen hut, from the Mataura Rugby Club. This was very timely for the Club as Ray is a dab hand at carpentry and helped immensely in the transporting and the setting up of the hut on its site in Woolwich Street, and a few years later in the addition of a well needed kitchen area. After a year in Woolwich Street and dealing with floods and break ins, Ray was one of our senior members in the negotiations and purchase of land in North Gore and at almost the same time in the purchase of the 10
ex-H & H Motors Building from the Mataura Licensing Trust. This lead to many months of dismantling of this building and transporting it to Waimea Street and reassembling and development of this rebuild, and the opening, all in one year. But Ray didn't give up there, Ray was on the Committee in the developing of the rest of the branch’s three and a half acres of land known as Hokonui Pioneer Vintage & Historical Display Centre. The large display building is named the Tressler Pavilion and Ray was awarded life membership. In 2012 Ray was one of two members to be awarded as branch patrons, this was a reward for many years of dedication to the Gore Vintage Car Club. Ray has had many positions within the Gore Vintage Car Club 1966-68 Relocation, renovating Nissen hut 1968-69 Help organising first vintage car display P.H Vickery Garage 1970-72 Branch Chairman 1986-87 Branch Secretary 1987-90 Branch Bulletin Editor 1990-91 Branch Bulletin Editor 1991 Silver Anniversary Souvenir Scrapbook 1991-2011 Upgrade 2012 Branch Patron Ray hasn't spent all his time building, Ray has spent many happy hours rallying the following 1972-2004 - 1927 Chrysler 50 Sedan (15 Annual Safari runs and over 30 badge runs) 1986-1995 - 1930 Ford A 4-door Sedan (6 Annual safaris plus over 20 badge runs including Mount Cook run). On retiring spent 7 weeks holidaying all over S.I. with another friend in his Ford A Pickup 1998 Restored Austin 7 Chummy which he bought in 1967 (Has done 40 badge runs and still going strong) Ray is a member who thoroughly deserves to be awarded his 50 years badge Gerry Kennedy 11
Report on the VCC Executive Committee Meeting held on the 24th March 2018 in Christchurch Below is a summary of what seemed to me to be the main points of importance and/or interest to members. Membership. As at 23rd March 2018, the total VCC membership was 8,560 and Gore branch had 147 members, an increase of 4 over the previous year. Vero Profit Share: $28,897 for the year ended 31st December 2017. 60-Year Badges. It was suggested that a 60-Year Badge be introduced to recognise those members who have clocked up 60 years continuous membership. National Easter Rallies. No bids yet received for the 2019 North Island and 2020 South Island Rallies. Resigned or Unfinancial Members. The importance of following-up to try and ascertain the reason(s) why was again stressed. Any information should be forwarded to Head Office. In discussion later it transpired that the effectively 10-month “grace� period that unfinancial members have enjoyed up to now is unconstitutional as their unfinancial status is actually recognised in the Membership Report to the March Executive Meeting. Head Office send out reminders, Beaded Wheels and branch newsletters also stop, so members should be aware that they have not paid up. Vero also contact any unfinancial members who have policies with them. Code of Conduct for Disciplinary Matters. Still being developed. Health & Safety Policy. A brief document and templates will become part of the Branch Manual rather than being posted on the VCC website. Non-members on VCC Events. It was stressed that any non-members participating in VCC events (such as the National Day) must sign an entry form with appropriate wording to ensure that the VCC Public Liability insurance will cover them. Head Office will send out appropriate wording. 12
Branch Events Calendar in Beaded Wheels. Other branches also mentioned that their events had been omitted. The Beaded Wheels Editor was not sure why this happened but Branch Secretaries are sent a draft copy in advance and should be able to correct any omissions/errors. In future I will ensure that a copy of the updated branch calendar of events is forwarded to Beaded Wheels when it goes in The Wiper. VIC Signatories. The Registrar stressed that branch VIC signatories must ensure that all questions on the application form are answered (with “not applicable” or “N/A” if necessary) and that three identical photos of the correct size are submitted otherwise the application will simply be returned. Rather than organising courses, training for branch VIC signatories is to be done “one-on-one” and a “buddy” scheme instituted as this is felt to be a more cost-effective and efficient method. 2021 Festival Rally. Tony Haycock, the new Rally Director, gave an update and report which will be published in Beaded Wheels. There are likely to be many changes to the “traditional” format. Notices of Motion – “30-Year Rule” and Remit. Two Notices of Motion have been submitted, either of which will clear up the ambiguity in the current wording for the Post-80 category. One will mean a 1989 vehicle will be eligible from the 1st January 2019, the other means vehicles will be eligible the day after their 30th “birthday”. The second Notice of Motion was accompanied by a Remit which, amongst other things, sought to define a “Historic Vehicle”. The definition included a statement that such a vehicle is maintained in a “historically correct condition”. If adopted, I believe that this wording has the potential to cause problems in the future. Daffodil Rally. 2017: over $40,000 was raised, about 2,000 vehicles entered and 24 of the 36 branches participated in some way. Media coverage was “OK”, most feedback from branches was positive. The plan for 2018 is better marketing, with more of a focus on local media. A professional designer will be used for the poster. Branches will be contacted by Head Office for details of the organiser(s). A greater emphasis will be placed on the fact that it is the VCC National Day, fund-raising for a worthwhile charity is secondary. 13
Communications Officer Report. All but one branch now supply Head Office with electronic copies of their newsletters and these are posted on the VCC website. Monthly online newsletter “reads” are over 1700. (The January 2018 issue of The Wiper had been looked at 255 times.) The VCC Facebook page has 874 followers and the January 26th Facebook post of the Southland Times story about how our Chairman, Murray Proctor, came to join the VCC was one of the top-performing posts, reaching 572. (At the time of writing, the “most-read” item was the one I saw on Stuff online about intermediate school children restoring a Morris Minor featured in this month’s Online Bonuses.) VCC AGM 2018. To be held in Napier in August. Online Membership Applications and “First Year” Fee. There was a big discussion about this. The Management Committee see it as a key factor in making the VCC more attractive to younger prospects while a small number of branches fear the consequences of losing the ability to “vet” applicants in advance. A standard first year membership fee is needed to make this feasible and could result in a few branches losing out while others may gain. The renewal (second year) fee possibly being different could be seen as a disadvantage, particularly for those branches where it would be higher than the first year. Despite this, the majority of the Executive Committee supported the idea of a standard fee for the first year’s membership. Updating of Branch Constitutions. A draft template is being prepared that branches may decide to adopt. It is hoped to have it out in time for discussion at the AGM in August. Future of National Rallies. A fair bit of discussion about the Easter Rallies. Should they be alternated between the North and South Islands? Should they be split by vehicle classes? Should they be annual or biennial? Would a different time of year be better? The fundamental question: “Why aren’t members attending?”! The general feeling was in favour of North Island one year, South Island the next. David North, Branch Representative
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Swap Meet and Boot Sale 2018 I would like to thank our Club members who helped to make this a success. A big “Thank you� to the guys on the gate, when I got there at 6.15am it was bloody cold. Well, the day started off very cold and the stall-holders were pretty slow turning up but in the end it turned out not too bad. I think the number of stall-holders was down quite a bit, but it was a good day in the end and the Club should be pleased with the result. I stepped in to run the Swap Meet as Paul had a bit of a health problem, but the help I received made it a lot easier. Many thanks to Stew and his parking helpers, Evan and Bryan in the Parts Shed, Des and his crew in the kitchen and a big thanks to the gate keepers. I had some good feedback from the stallholders and many have said they will be back next year. Cheers, Gerry Kennedy
Metal sculpture stall (photo by Betty Clearwater) 16
Swap Meet and Boot Sale Post Script I had an “indoor” site and didn’t see much of outside as I was kept busy with plenty of people looking and buying. I did, however, notice a wide variety of stalls this year and a greater number inside the clubrooms. Items for sale on stalls inside the clubrooms included metal sculptures made of old car parts, hand-made greetings cards, original oil paintings, books, hand-made bags and “air plants” in china cups. During the quick look I did manage outside, as well as the expected car parts (and complete motorcycles) for sale, I saw stalls selling garden plants, DVDs, books and antiques and collectables. I didn’t get as far as the many stalls outside the Pioneer Park buildings but, judging by the number of people browsing over there, I must have missed a few treats. There certainly seemed to be something for just about everybody! On top of all that, after a slow start, the kitchen seemed to be doing a roaring trade in hot drinks, hot chips and hot dogs.
(Clockwise from above) Paintings inside, setting up and general stalls
David North 17
March Tuesday Ramble The day was cloudy but dry when most of us left our homes. By the time we all gathered at the Glengarry Tavern at noon we had all encountered heavy downpours on our way to Invercargill. Lunch at the Tavern was either deep fried blue cod or chicken schnitzel with three salads and chips. Most had the cod, followed by either pavlova or lemon steamed pudding. All very nice. Due to numbers, by the time the last got their meals the first ones had finished. Despite this it was a lovely, pleasant meal and great company.
Once we were done with lunch most of us headed for the Southland Fire Museum in Invercargill. By now the sun was out and it was very pleasant, jackets and jerseys were removed. Inside the Museum we saw the history of the fire brigade in Invercargill. Old photos, firemen’s helmets, hose nozzles, uniforms throughout the years, portable water pumps, ladders and many other objects related to fire-fighting. There was a selection of fire-fighting appliances over the years. Due to my youth I never saw a serving red fire engine, I only remember the orange/red ones! There was also a blue and yellow engine. I even saw the result of a gas bottle exploding. What a mess!
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1956 Commer, served with Invercargill, Bluff and Orepuki Fire Brigades and also appeared in the movie “The World’s Fastest Indian”. (Photos by the Editor)
This small museum was compact and fantastic! I’m sure a great day was had by all. Thank you to Fay for organising it. Ian Scobie
Newsletters from other branches Many Branch Newsletters are now posted on the VCC Website: www.vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches A very few branches are still sending us printed copies and these are displayed on the stand in the Library for three months. Others are received as pdf files or by email and can be forwarded to you, on request, by the Editor or the Secretary. 19
Night Trial 12th May Assemble at our clubrooms by 7:00pm for a short run
Bring your mind for a quiz or two a plate for supper and some cash for the Bar! Des Brewster (03) 208 1960 20
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Gore Branch events for the 2017-18 Season Event
Date
People Responsible
2018 Night Trial
12th May
Des Brewster
End of Season Run 9th June
Jim McFadzien
Branch AGM
12th June
YOU!
Annual Dinner & Trophy Night
7th July
Gerry Kennedy & Des Brewster
Combined Rally
11th & 12th August John Parish
VCC National Day
26th August
To be confirmed
Tuesday Ramble
Normally the last Tuesday of the month. (Variable in December)
Co-ordinated by Fay Graves
Editor's note to event organisers: if you want to see a report in The Wiper please provide one yourselves or organise somebody to do it for you. (N.B. This usually works best if you ask them before the event!)
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Other Events 2018 th
5 May
Ashburton Branch Swapmeet. Enquiries to: Karen Bell, cellphone 021 0243 1955 or email funky_gran117@yahoo.co.nz
6th May
Ashburton Plains Rotary Classic Car rally. For any further information please contact either: Owen Moore – owen@moorepark.net.nz, 033083442 or Alan Sim – sim.family@xtra.co.nz, 033088835
12th May
Southland Branch Waimea Motorcycle Rally
19th May
Southland Branch Post War, Post 60s, Post 80s rally
4th August
VCC National AGM, Napier
26th August
VCC National Day. Details to follow
22nd September
Blossom Festival Rally, Alexandra. Organised by the Central Otago Branch
12th – 14th October
Canterbury Branch Swap Meet
22nd - 27th October
Targa NZ - VCC South Island Time Trial. Rod Corbett 03 423 1551 or 027 433 8772
16th – 18th November
Canterbury Branch Monte Carlo Rallye
16th - 18th November
National Veteran Rally (Nelson), preceded by the Prince Henry Tour. National Rally contact Jim & Kyra Wareing, 03 544 9998 Prince Henry Tour : contact Ray & Glenis Miller, 03 314 4322 2021
17th – 23rd January Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring, New (Provisionally) Plymouth 2021
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End of Season Run Saturday 9th June
1.30pm: Meet at club rooms for running instructions This will be an all seal run of about 40 miles. The destination is an “invitation only� private one-make collection of cars with an entry charge of $10 per head Bring your afternoon tea Jim McFadzien (03) 208 0121 28
Annual Dinner & Trophy Night
Saturday 7th July at the Clubrooms 5.30pm: Happy Hour 6.30pm: Dinner Cost $28 per head for a great meal Contact: Gerry Kennedy (03) 208 5806 027 233 4634
or
Des Brewster (03) 208 1960
Before 4th July 29
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What We (Mostly) Did On Our Holidays Life’s Little Hiccups by Bill Sheddan I was not intending to share these experiences but Editor Dave is desperate to fill the pages of our mag., so here goes. We have a little holiday home in Clyde that we used to holiday in, as you do, but has now been taken over by families and kids over Christmas causing us to seek refuge somewhere quiet in the motorhome. I still like the crib and the section to look tidy, and, as Dawn and I seem to be the only ones that think like that, we get the job of mowing the lawns, pruning etc. A couple of weeks before Christmas we thought a little cruise in the motorhome stopping off at Clyde for a clean-up would be the story, cover the cherry trees so the birds don’t get them and generally have the place tidy for the Christmas onslaught. We arrived there to find the sprinklers had malfunctioned and the neighbours had turned them off weeks ago hence we had a brown section with a few weed stalks sticking up. On top of that with the early season the cherries had already ripened and the birds had cleaned them up. Five minutes with the mower and the weeds were no more so we moved on to a popular motor van site on the lake edge just above the dam where we spent a pleasant evening chatting with other fellow motor homers. Later the next day we thought we may as well stay another couple of nights but we needed some bread and milk to tide us over so I wound down the TV dish, made sure all the cupboards and drawers were locked, hopped into the driver’s seat and turned on the key. Nothing, so I did it again. Zilch. It’s been doing that a bit lately. The computer needs to wake up! Try again, nothing. Oh s*#t. Saturday afternoon, stranded. Ah but I am an AA member. No problem. On the phone and gave them all the details. Problem solved, 32
but wait. The motorhome is over 2 tonne. You are not covered. “What does it take to be covered?” I ask. Another $75 a year was the reply. “Well here is my bank number, take the $75.” Na, it’s not like that. Here is the number of a local auto electrician. Good luck and good bye. So I got on the phone and called out the local auto electrician from Alexandra that would only come out if I promised to pay him cash when he got here. He tried to jump start it, got the starter to turn the motor over but it wouldn’t light up. Sorry, can’t help and 80-something bucks later he left without any advice on what to do, or who to get. I was getting a bit peed off by that stage. I got on the blower again and got hold of Russel Keeler who said he had great service from Auto Salvage from Invercargill in the past. Three hours later we were on the road again with ‘Dunplumbin’ (the motorhome) on the truck deck and Dawn and me in the cab heading back to Gore. Next week Russel fitted a new starter motor. Problem solved but with little change out of $2K. That’s our Christmas presents solved.
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Two weeks later and its Christmas Eve. We had been invited to Clyde for Christmas dinner which sounded good but first we had to pick up Jack the grandson from work at 8pm. We had everything loaded up and ready to go but I hadn’t eaten since breakfast so I grabbed some fast food from a Gore outlet, picked up Jack and away. Hardly any traffic so we had a good drive up and arrived about 11pm. I scoffed my fast food chicken thing and hit the sack. Christmas morning, lovely day (so far.) Did the pressy opening thing with family then helped with putting up the gazebo over the outside Christmas dinner table, not for the shade but to keep the rain off! Christmas dinner and I nibbled on the shrimp cocktail then looked at the main course. What a spread. If only I felt a little hungry instead of unwell. The next two days I was terrified to stray 5 seconds from a toilet. The next two days after that, the 27th and 28th December, I was on a drip in Dunstan Hospital, asleep most of the time drugged up to alleviate the stomach cramps. Needless to say, as soon as I was able we scuttled back to the safety of home. It took about three to four weeks to get my strength back, all the while our friend Dave Craw was slipping away in Christchurch. We got to know Dave about 20 years ago when I got interested in Sunbeams. Dave started his working career sweeping the floor at McLaren Motors in Christchurch in the early 50’s. He retired in his fifties with heart problems but the firm was then Dave Craw Motors. He did very well in business especially after gaining the Todd Motors franchise for Mitsubishi vehicles. He built and raced various cars with some success and is well known in the classic car racing scene. In his 30-odd years of retirement he spent his time restoring Sunbeam Alpines then Sunbeam Tigers. The first time I clapped eyes on a Sunbeam Tiger was at the Heartland Classic Car Show that Earl Hagman of Heartland Hotel fame organised. The earlier shows from memory were held in the foyer of one of his hotels in Christchurch and later 34
shows at a venue at Addington. This particular car, a white Tiger, was parked right inside the main entrance with the bonnet up and lights shining all over it. I couldn’t get past the little car with the huge V8 and remember telling Dawn about it later. This must have been in the mid90s and held usually in August. I used to look forward to the car show as I made it a goal to get there after enduring plumbing over the winter months. Needless to say about 20 years later that same car is parked in my shed. It was Dave’s first restoration/build of a Tiger and it had many different drive trains, steering set ups etc. till he got the formula right. Dave went on to build 7 or 8 others, some going to Australia. His last one which he was battling to complete in declining health was his best yet with incredible power from a bored, stroked and injected late model Ford V8. Beautiful car with outstanding engineering. Dave passed away on Monday 29th January this year and we decided to go to his funeral and as a mark of respect take the Tiger. The funeral was set for Sunday 4th February. We travelled up on the Wednesday, the day the drought broke. We had light rain when we left home in the morning but it got heavier and heavier as we went and almost torrential when we went over the hills north of Dunedin. The camber on the road was not sufficient to shed the water quickly enough so that we were driving through 25mm to 50mm water on the road (1 to 2 inches to you oldtimers). Going uphill was OK with caution but going down care was needed if touching the brakes to avoid spinning while aquaplaning. The rain petered out by the time we arrived safely at Oamaru. I packed a couple of towels before we left and wrung them out at Oamaru! Dave had a great send-off which he had planned himself. Sunday afternoon, because the Craw family had a get-together every Sunday which was called Peregrine Sunday, a weekly gathering where family ties were rekindled over a wine and a sausage. The family conducted the service from a large marquee erected in the front paddock followed by the Peregrine. Three hundred at least enjoyed the occasion on a pleasant afternoon, just as Dave planned and to set it off there were about 15 Sunbeam Alpines and Tigers there also. 35
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We headed home on the Monday and after visiting rellies and shops we were motoring through Timaru in late afternoon when I stopped at the lights. Wow, what’s all that smoke coming from under the bonnet? I quickly shut her down, the Tiger that is, not Dawn. I lifted the bonnet to find water squirting from the heater valve onto the manifold, the smoke coming from the antifreeze. This time the AA couldn’t get out of it and the patrol guy arrived with water as requested. We let it cool down, put in some aqua and drove round the corner to their depot.
As the motor was running OK with no loss of oil pressure and no sign of gasket problems we by-passed the faulty valve, joined up the hoses and were on our way. I tend to imagine the worst and hope for the best. I could imagine a cracked head or block causing the loss of the water and cooking the seals in the heater valve. Not so, just the valve and not the great motor cook-up that I imagined. The next day after arriving home I went round the local firms’ parts depots and stores to no avail. “Never seen anything like that.” I should 37
have tried myself first ‘cause I went home and Googled “Sunbeam Tiger heater valve”. Bingo and just over $100 US. It arrived 2 weeks later. Life keeps throwing these little challenges at you. I have been fortunate in that I can still, God willing, roll with the punches realising that one day as one gets older it won’t be so easy. On the other hand life has its rewards, the latest being able to celebrate with friends and family our Golden Wedding Anniversary on the 10th February. Cheers! Bill Sheddan (Congratulations on surviving to your “Golden milestone” after all that! The Editor)
Proposed New Branch Trophy As mentioned at the April monthly meeting, I would like to donate a trophy to the branch to encourage and recognise the efforts of those members who write contributions for The Wiper. I suggest that it be called “The Editor’s Trophy” and that it be awarded by the Editor each year to the member who has made the greatest contribution to the content of The Wiper. This contribution would be measured by the number of pages and lines of original material (i.e. not copied or “borrowed” from elsewhere) published in The Wiper. I further suggest that for material to be eligible it must be at least one page long and in determining the number of pages photographs would not count. Eligible material would include Run, Rally or event reports as well as stories about members’ cars, trips, hobbies, technical matters and so on. Recipes, jokes, the monthly officers’ reports and anything written by the Editor would not be eligible. I shall be glad to hear from any members who have any comments to make about this proposal. David North 38
Gore VCC Supper Roster 2017 IF YOU ARE UNAVAILABLE ON YOUR ROSTERED NIGHT, PLEASE ARRANGE YOUR OWN SUBSTITUTE.
June Gerry Kennedy July Noel Kelly August September October November December January February
We need to cater for about 30-40 members each night. The cuppa and serving of the supper is to be arranged within the social committee. If necessary, small items can be bought at Gore New World and charged to the Gore VCC account.
March April May
Reminders Non-commercial FOR SALE and WANTED advertisements are free to Club members. Each advertisement will be published in 3 consecutive issues of The Wiper. Please contact the Editor. The vinyl “VCC Wings” badges (as featured on the front cover) are still available from the Treasurer, cost $2 each. VCC name badges If you haven't got one, they are available from Van De Water Jewellers at a discounted cost of $18. The badges are black with white lettering and bear your name and Gore VCC. NB. Not wearing one at a meeting is likely to attract the Sheriff’s attention and result in a fine! The Wiper is also available by email. It arrives earlier than the postal or hand-delivered ones, the pictures are in colour and there are (working) hyperlinks. There are two versions, a pdf file and an online one. Let me know if you would like to try this out. The Editor 39
New Zealand Rolls Royce and Bentley Club Homestead Tour 28th January 2018
Katy and I try not to miss the annual homestead tour organised by the Southern Region of the Rolls Royce and Bentley club. Martin Vincent who organises these runs was a tractor sales rep for Drummond and Ethridge and as such had visited farms over much of Canterbury making many friends who allow access to their homes. We have visited some interesting properties and this year it was to be Kinloch Estate near Little River and Seafield at Pigeon Bay. Kinloch Estate was settled by a Mr Buchanan in 1851 and included 13,000 acres of land on the banks of Lake Forsyth. He came from Kinloch in Scotland and hence the name. He built the original two storied house which has been added to over the years and planted many of the large old specimen trees that provide the bones of the current garden. The current owner is Libby Sellar who with her husband purchased the property 45 years ago. At first she was busy with a young family but as they got older she developed the lovely garden to fit around the grand old house and trees. The house was largely unscathed during the Christchurch earthquakes as it is timber framed with weather board cladding and sits on 40
piles. They had seven chimneys come down, but none went through the roof and all have now been removed completely. Libby confessed she knew nothing about cars but if we wanted to know anything about horses then “she was our man”. In fact, she spends six months a year in the UK involved in equestrian events and is a sponsor of Andrew Nicholson.
After morning tea, we moved on through Little River and over the hill to Pigeon Bay where we were to have a picnic lunch at Seafield. Seafield is a house built in the early 1900s that Martin Vincent’s son Toby has recently purchased. It sits on the hill overlooking Pigeon Bay with a lovely big veranda on which to have lunch. The original house was a fairly small cottage but it has been renovated and extended so that it is a very nice weekend retreat. Toby works in Christchurch but heads to Pigeon Bay most weekends. He is one of the new generation who works in computer programming and believes computers should do more for us. He has a robotic vacuum cleaner in the house and a robotic lawnmower in the garden. Both of these have docking stations that they go back to for recharging and Toby can turn them on and off using his phone. The air conditioning can also be controlled by phone. This way when he turns up on a Friday night, in his electric car, the floors are clean, rooms at desired temperature and the lawns are mown. His next step he tells us is to automate the vegetable garden. Good luck with that one! 41
John & Katy Parish 42
COOKERY CORNER Grilled Mussels in Bacon Something for the BBQ Ingredients Fresh mussels in shell Olive oil Lemon juice Garlic Streaky bacon Method Steam open fresh mussels and remove from shells Toss in a bowl with a good amount of olive oil and lemon juice Crush a clove of garlic and add to the bowl Leave for 30 minutes to marinate Then wrap in pieces of streaky bacon, securing each with a skewer BBQ or frill on a high heat until the bacon is crisp (You can buy mussels in their shells at your supermarket) Gerry Kennedy
Hi and welcome to My Vintage www.myvintage.co.nz is a new online marketplace devoted to all those people who are passionate and enthusiastic about Old Cars and other old vehicles. Our state of the art online marketplace has classified advertising dedicated solely to vintage vehicles and enthusiasts along with an amazing growing archive of articles on vehicles and historic events plus a growing library of sales brochures and information. We cover all types of vehicles from cars and motorcycles to trucks, tractors, farm machinery and more. With over 1100 categories we offer a very flexible platform for you to advertise your spare parts and vehicles. Jack Jones
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ADVERTISEMENTS FOR SALE Model A Truck
1929 complete with immaculate wooden crate. Runs really nice, new Reg and WoF with sale. I have not seen a better example! $37,000 Please contact me, Grant Clearwater: 0210735339 / 094017205 or email grant@northernsouth.com 1/3
FOR SALE The Club has stackable chairs for sale. All in good condition, plywood seat and back, metal tube frame. We call them “bird” chairs. Why? Because they’re going cheap! Selling fast, be in quick. The more you buy, the more you save. Contact Gerry for a great deal. Phone 027 233 4634 or (03) 208 5806 2/3
WANTED Looking for 1958-59 FC Holden right hand front mudguard, right hand front indicator and rear windscreen. Also, any other parts for the same model! Please contact Chris Scoles on 027 226 5967 if you can help. 2/3
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WANTED Hi all. Received this through the Club Facebook but as the page is not for buy, sell or exchange I decided to send it out to the branches. Contact me if you can help and I will put you in touch with the person. Ross Holden, Communications & Marketing Officer, Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.). Phone 021 2638488. Email: comms@vcc.org.nz “hi there. I was told a vintage car club brought a Phillips Gadabout years ago. You wouldn't know of where it is. I'm looking for parts for mine but would like to sell it to someone who already has one if I can't find what I need. Any help would be amazing thanks!�
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Tailpiece
(With apologies to Murray and Des! The Editor) 46
Run reports, articles of interest, photos, technical tips, letters and feedback are always welcome. Please send all contributions to David North
before the 21st of each month for inclusion in the next Wiper If you don't have a computer I can type up a hand-written article or put your notes or jottings into shape for The Wiper. If you prefer I can even take notes as you talk to me and write up the story for you - I am always ready to help so just let me know how! e-mail: northd14@gmail.com physical mail: 4 Trotter Street, Riverton 9822 telephone (mobile) 0211723281 Remember that insuring your vehicle(s), boat(s), house(s), contents or travel with Vero Insurance and quoting the branch number (300135) results in the branch receiving a commission payment Please support our advertisers so that they, in turn, can continue to support the Branch The opinions and statements in The Wiper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy or views of the Gore branch or of the VCC. The branch accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any statements. The Wiper is printed by i-Cue 10 Wood Street, Invercargill. Telephone (03) 218 3350 47
GORE BRANCH VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND INC.
WAIMEA STREET, PO BOX 329 GORE
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