VCC Ashburton Blowout MAY-JUNE 2026

Patroness

Chairman

Secretary

Treasurer

Committee

Beaded Wheels Reporter

Groundsperson

Auditor

Diane Ross (Rob)

7373

Cullimore (Judith)

Peter Lambie (Susan)

Alan Begg (Jeanette)

(Jill)

(Cathy)

0899

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

30 April Thursday Mid-Week Run

2 May Saturday Swap Meet

28 May Thursday Mid-Week Run

June 9th Committee Meeting change of date

June 25th Thursday AGM -Please note that our AGM has been moved. 7.30pm - Members to meet Jessie Chapman (our scholarship recipient) prior to the AGM at 8pm.

NB:- New Calendar of events will be issued after the AGM

NEW MEMBER - No new Members this issue

We extend a warm welcome to our new Members. We hope you will take an active participation in our Club Meetings and Outings etc, even if your vehicle is not roadworthy yet, come in your modern. It would be appreciated if you would write an article on the vehicle/s you have, trips taken or anything else of interest. This includes solving mechanical problems you have encountered, your vehicles history (if known) and photos to share with other Members, in the Blowout.

I look forward to hearing from you.

A huge ‘Thank you’ to those Members who have answered my call for articles etc for our Blowout.

I will be using them over the year, as some are in episode's, while others are larger files with photos.

Please don’t hold back from writing your experiences and think I have enough, as any Editor will tell you, we never have enough.

I have been receiving some great photos but not many reports about events. Please don’t leave it up to the Organisers as they have done their part in organising the event. I appreciate your help very much.

Cheers,

Chris (Editor)

VCC AGM Report 2025/2026

I would like to present my Annual Report for 2025/2026

My thoughts go out to our Club Members who have lost loved ones during the year.

It has been a rather busy and successful year, having a good number of events throughout the year with varied and new destinations for us all to explore. We have had some excellent support with the Mid-Week Runs and were good to see a number of Member’s being involved to arrange the following Months Run and destinations, thank you. It’s also good to see new Member’s getting involved with organising Club activities, injecting their fresh ideas and enthusiasm.

Personally, for me the highlight of the year was to present the inaugural VCC Scholarship to Jessie Chapman, a second year apprentice at Honda Country. The Branch Scholarship was worth $1000, which will be put to good use in the purchase of tools. The Ashburton Branch has again been noticed by Head Office, and other Branches across the country not just with offering a Scholarship, but also running a feature article in the Beaded Wheels, highlighting our Museum plus one of our Members restorations. We must be doing something right.

Talking about the Beaded Wheels I would like to acknowledge the contribution that Trevor Begg has done over the past few years with writing and supplying photos for the Branch News, not an easy task, but well done.

Over the past few months, there has been consistent change in the Museum, with a good number of vehicles coming and going, but the team were still able to provide a good number of vehicles for some excellent viewing for the public, well done to the team. Our Museum is attracting some good interest to those enthusiasts passing through the town helped along with the article in the

in the Beaded Wheels

The weather played a huge part in this year’s holding of our Annual Fundraiser, Swap Meet. We had to cancel due to a huge volume of rain falling a few days before the event making the ground to wet to drive on. A huge effort by Cathy and Colin Sweetman saw 98% of the Stall Holders contacted to advise of the cancellation.

The first Club Night we held for 2026 was a huge success with over 80 Members visiting the Freight Hub at North Park, where Mark Wareing gave us a detailed talk about the setup of the Hub and a tour of the asset.

The Mid-Week Runs continue to see good numbers attending, thank you to the organisers.

The Parts Shed is always a busy place, attracting Members of the public as well as our own Members and those from other Branches throughout New Zealand. Thank you to Gavin and the team who keep this area clean and tidy and always turning over items both big and small.

It is very pleasing to see that we are keeping our Membership numbers at a consistent level, as at the end of April, we have 258 Financial Members, new Members since last AGM is 9, resignations only 1 and deceased is 6.

Thank you to all our Members that have injected their time and effort into the successful running of the Club and to those Members that have participated in our many events. I would also like to thank the Committee for a job well done this past year.

Looking forward to a successful 2026 – 2027 year

Peter Jacob Chairman

Chairman’s Run 22nd February

The day of the Annual Chairman’s Run dawned sunny encouraging Members to arrive early at the Clubrooms. They happily stood around chatting and watching the many cars roll in.

Our Chairman, Peter, had prepared an interesting sealed route that meandered through east Tinwald before heading into the green countryside. Seed crops bloomed and dairy cows stood and watched as we drove by.

There were two questions for the navigators. No one knew the answer to the first which asked if a rumour that a solar farm was planned for a property on Gartartan Road was correct. The second question related to the many and varied themed mailboxes we drove by in one area.

About an hour after leaving the Clubrooms a procession of vehicles drove into the Rangitata Huts Picnic area. Members were soon parked up and enjoying their packed lunches. There was an invite to visit House 60 in the village which some members took up.

Some even took a walk to look at the ocean before heading home. It was an enjoyable day for those who took part.

Thank you Peter and Annette!

VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NZ (ASHBURTON BRANCH) INC

NOTICE OF 57th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

To be held at the Club Rooms

86 Maronan Road, Tinwald, Ashburton

At 8pm, Thursday the 25th of June 2026

All nomination forms must be signed by the Proposer, Seconder and Nominee and be received by the Secretary two clear days prior to the AGM. Nominations will be received for: Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and up to 6 Club Officers.

Any proposed Notice of Motion must be received by the Secretary 28 clear days prior to the AGM (by 28 May 2026) Nominations for Club positions must be received by the Secretary 14 clear days to the AGM (by the 11th of June 2026)

Nomination forms to be sent to: The Secretary, PO Box 382, Ashburton. 7740

Or by email to: ashburton@vcc.org.nz

COMMITTEE NOMONATIONS - 2025/26

Note that there are now requirements around serving as Officers of the Club and you will see that there is a Certification required by all Nominees to an Officer position.

An Officer is defined as: Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and up to 6 other Officers. Our non-committee positions as listed in the front page of the Blowout will still carry on and be nominated and filled at the AGM as usual but are not required to be certified like the Officers are. If you have any questions on the new procedure, please contact me. Colin Sweetman, Secretary

MINUTES OF THE 56th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

ASHBURTON BRANCH OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NZ INC

HELD IN THE CLUBROOMS MARONAN ROAD ON 19TH JUNE 2025

Chairman, Peter Jacob welcomed 31 members to the meeting.

Secretary, Colin Sweetman read the Notice of Meeting

Apologies: John Wards, Jill Blacklock, Les Bennett, Jim Rooney, John Skevington, Roger Hart, Stuart and Anne Hart, Struan Moore, Milner and Jan Jacob, Roger and Isla Jones, Ian Cullimore, Dawn Begg, Richard Wilson, Jolene Laxton, Marion Oakley, Kevin Sissons, Shena Clark, Trevor Clark, Paul Struan, Kevin Kane, Heather Ralston.

Apologies moved T Adams, seconded G Stevens. Carried.

The Chairman called for a minutes silence to remember those who have passed in the last year.

The Chairman welcomed Chris and Alan Gulleford who had travelled from Kaikoura to attend the meeting.

The Minutes of the 55th AGM, which had been circulated were taken as read and adopted. Moved C Sweetman, seconded T Begg. Carried.

Matters Arising: Nil

Chairman’s Report: The Chairman’s Report which had been circulated was taken as read and adopted. Moved P Jacob, seconded C Gulleford. Carried.

Financial Report: The Treasurer, G Cullimore, presented the Performance Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 and the notes prepared which were circulated to all attendees. He spoke to the report and the year’s results and it was then moved by the Treasurer G Cullimore, that the report be adopted, Seconded Cathy Sweetman. Carried.

Parts Shed Report: The Parts Shed Report was read by the Secretary and adopted. Moved G Smith, seconded R McKimmie. Carried.

Museum Report: The Museum Report was read by the Secretary and adopted. Moved C Sweetman, seconded T Begg. Carried.

Correspondence:

Letter from A & S Hart resigning from clubrooms custodian duties.

Notice of Motion: Nil

Adoption of new Constitution:

The Secretary spoke to the new Constitution which had been circulated to members. He noted that it had taken three years to get to this stage and that we were required to re-register with the Registrar of Incorporated Societies by March 2026 or loose our Incorporated status. The constitution presented was prepared by the National Office and Executive and was similar to all branches. The Chairman and Secretary have made minor changes for our branch operations and the committee has considered these and the constitution. After discussion it was then Moved by the Secretary, C Sweetman that the new Constitution as presented be adopted, Seconded A Gulleford. Carried.

Election of Officers:

The Secretary advised the meeting that as the new Constitution was now adopted, there were some changes to the titles of the office holders and also the requirements of consent and ability to serve as an Officer of the club.

The Secretary had received the following nominations for Officers of the Club:

Chairman: Peter Jacob

Secretary: Colin Sweetman

Treasurer: Grant Cullimore

Officers: Trevor Begg

Alan Begg

Peter Lambie

Rod McKimmie

John Wards

Jill Blacklock

C Sweetman / T Begg

T Begg / R McKimmie

G Stevens/ A Begg

C Sweetman / G Cullimore

R McKimmie / D Parkes

G Stevens / R McKimmie

T Begg / A Begg

C Sweetman / P Jacob

P Jacob / C Sweetman

As there were nominations for the exact number of positions it was then moved by the Secretary, C Sweetman that the nominations be appointed, Seconded G Stevens, Carried.

The Chairman then thanked Graeme Stevens and David Parkes for their service on the Committee as they were standing down.

The following positions of Responsibility were appointed:

Patron: Diane Ross

Auditor: NIMBA Ltd

VIC Officers: Pre 1960: Peter Lambie, Post 1960: Peter Jacob & Colin Sweetman

Museum Custodians: Les Bennett, Colin Sweetman, Trevor Coulter, Jim Rooney, John Wells, Michael Hanley

Parts Shed Custodians: Gavin Smith, Alan Begg, Tony Adams, Grant Cullimore, Owen Wilson, Rod McKimmie

Newsletter Editor: Chris Gulleford

Newsletter Circulation: Bernard Egan

Beaded Wheels Reporter: Trevor Begg

National Exec Delegate: Colin Sweetman

Swap Meet Coordinator: Noel Batty

Swap Meet Bookings: Cathy Sweetman

Trophy Steward: Tony Adams

Groundsperson: Rod McKimmie

Commercial Convenor: Kevin Kane

Motorcycle Convenor: John Wells

Vintage Convenor: Peter Lambie

Clubroom Custodians: P Kenny & S Tanner / R & I Jones J Wards & J Blacklock / H & J

McKimmie / I & S Moore / P Lambie

M & N Batty / D Wells / P &N H Ralston D

& M Oakley / O & L Wilson

R & D McKimmie

Tinwald Domain Lease:

The Chairman advised members that a draft lease for our grounds had arrived from the District Council with a five year term with a right of renewal for an additional five years. We have been advised that all occupiers of the Domain have been issued with a lease. The cost of the lease hadn’t increased. The Chairman and Secretary have looked through the lease and referred it back to the Council with questions and a revised lease has been received. The lease has also been discussed by the Committee. The Committee will follow this through and execute as appropriate.

NZ Armstrong Siddley Club:

K Pickford advised that the Annual Rally was coming back on the 8th of November 2026. Some activities will be at the Clubrooms / grounds.

National Parts List:

J Wells raised the possibility of having a national parts list from the branches with parts sheds. The Secretary advised that this had been raised at national level a few years ago and decided that it wasn’t really practical. It was also mentioned that identification of individual parts was an issue as well.

A Little Poem for Seniors, so it hurts

Another year has passed and we're all a little older. Last summer felt hotter and winter seems much colder. There was a time not long ago when life was quite a blast.

Now I fully understand about 'Living in the Past'.

We used to go to weddings, football games and lunches. Now we go to funeral homes and after-funeral brunches. We used to go out dining and couldn't get our fill. Now we ask for doggy bags, come home and take a pill. We used to often travel to places near and far. Now we get sore asses from riding in the car.

February Mid-Week Run to Woodbury Domain report:

What a difference 4 days make!

The February Mid-Week Run was just days after the Chairman’s. Both ended with picnics. One got sunshine and heat, the other rain. But then it had been promoted as being on wet or fine. That was obviously tempting fate, for on the last Thursday of the month Members were woken to the sound of rain. Nine hardy souls still packed a lunch and chairs and headed to the Clubrooms, the Museum verandah providing much needed shelter for the pre-run chat.

After briefing, five vehicles – a Daimler, Jensen, Plymouth, Hillman and Kia headed off. Just 1 kilometer west on Maronan Road the Hillman’s back right tyre went flat. A young woman in a 4WD heading in the other direction spotted the vintage jack, threw a U-turn and produced her much appreciated trolley jack. She took on the role of Safety Officer while asking questions about the Minx and talking about her memories of “old cars” as a child. Job done, the “auto angel” was thanked and continued on her drive to Christchurch.

Meanwhile the rest of the cars continued following the route notes ending up at the cricket pavilion at Woodbury Domain. It was decided that despite the heavy rain the wide verandah offered sufficient room for all to sit and chat.

After lunch, a balancing nails game proved little challenge for Margaret Williamson. Well done!

Eventually the drop in temperature, not the rain, sent us back to our cars for the very long queue and slow drive through Tinwald.

We’ll try again in the future for a sunny run south to enjoy all that

ANNUAL DINNER

VENUE: RSA COX STREET ASHBURTON

Wednesday 22nd July 2026

From 5.30 P.M. for drinks, Meal starts 6pm

Guest speaker is; Mark Wareing and hopefully

Phillip from the Wareing Group.

The cost is $35 per head, choice of two meats & two desserts. We have to collect the money so please have the correct amount of cash.

There is a maximum of 80 people so get you names in now.

Also the Service Awards will be presented so please contact the Secretary now, if you are due for a badge.

I need names to me before 11th July don’t leave it until the last day please.

Pay for your own drinks

Names to Trevor Begg

Cell 0276 083 803

Home 03-308 3803

E: trevor.begg@xtra.co.nz

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING -

THURSDAY 25th June 2026 at 8.00pm AGENDA

Apologies

Minutes of 56th AGM – circulated in Blowout

Matters Arising

Chairman’s Report

Financial Report

Parts Shed Report

Museum Report

Correspondence

Notice of Motion

Election of Officers

Chairman Secretary Treasurer

Up to 6 other Officers (Committee Members)

Patron

Auditor / Reviewer

VIC Officers

Museum Custodians

Parts Shed Custodians

Clubroom Custodians

Newsletter Editor

Newsletter Circulation

Beaded Wheels Contributor

National Executive Delegate

Swap Meet Coordinator

Swap Meet Booking Coordinator

Trophy Steward

Groundsperson

Commercial Convenor

Motorcycle Convenor

Calendar of Events – To be circulated in next Blowout as an insert

General Business Meeting Closed: Signed Chairman

OFFICER NOMINATION FORM 2026/27

I hereby nominate: __________________________________

For the position of: (Please circle one)

Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Officer.

Proposer: (Name): ___________________________

Signature: _________________________________

Seconder: (Name): ___________________________

Signature: __________________________________

I consent to be an officer of the above society and certify that I am not disqualified from being appointed or holding office as an officer of a society. (Qualification criteria listed on rear of this form)

(Nominee signature): _____________________________

Date: / /2026

Qualification criteria - section 47 of the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.

1. Every Officer of a Society must be a natural person.

2. The following persons are disqualified from being elected or appointed or otherwise holding office as an Officer of a Society:

a. a person who is under 16 years of age

b. a person who is an Undischarged Bankrupt

c. a person who is prohibited from being a Director or Promoter of, or being concerned or taking part in the Management of, an incorporated or Unincorporated Body under the Companies Act 1993, the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013, or the Takeovers Act 1993

d. a person who is disqualified from being an Officer of a Charitable Entity under the Charities Act 2005

e. a person who has been convicted of any of the following, and has been sentenced for the offence, within the last 7 years: i. an offence under subpart 6 of Part 4 of the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 ii. a crime involving dishonesty (within the meaning of section 2(1) of the Crimes Act 1961) iii. an offence under section 143B of the Tax Administration Act 1994 iv. an offence under section 22(2) of the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 v. an offence, in a Country, State, or Territory other than New Zealand, that is substantially similar to an offence specified in subparagraphs i. to iv. vi. a money laundering offence or an offence relating to the financing of terrorism, whether in New Zealand or elsewhere.

f. a person who is subject to any of the following orders: i. a banning order under subpart 7 of Part 4 of the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 ii. an order under section 108 of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 iii. a forfeiture order under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 iv. a property order made under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988, or whose property is managed by a Trustee Corporation under section 32 of that Act.

g. a person who is subject to an order that is substantially similar to an order referred to in paragraph f. under a law of a Country, State, or Territory outside New Zealand that is a country, State, or Territory prescribed by the regulations. h. in relation to the Society, a person who does not comply with any qualifications for Officers contained in the Society’s Constitution.

3. A natural person who is disqualified from being an Officer but who acts as an Officer is an Officer for the purposes of a provision of this Act that imposes a duty or an obligation on an Officer.

March Mid-Week Run

On March 26th the event was organised by new Member Jane Sargent on a damp day. Seven cars left the Club Rooms and made our way to Robert Harris Cafe for a coffee etc. We were meant to go to Radius Millstream. but they called it off, so we made our way to Ashburton College where we were met by a group from the Special Needs Unit, then a group arrived from the Automotive Trade Class.

Everyone enjoyed looking at the cars and hearing them run and asking questions. Good to see a new Member put her hand up, we need more to do this.

TrevorBegg

Studebaker Nationals

The Ashburton Hotel carpark was a busy scene shortly after 10am on Saturday, April 4 with a splendid display of Studebakers from many eras.

Ashburton VCC had four Members assisting in the judging of vehicles whilst the owners polished and chatted. It was the best display of Studebakers I have ever seen in NZ, congratulations to the Organizers.

Thanks for contributing these photos, John Wards.

Zephyr and Zodiac Club

The Brinkley Resort at Methven was the base for the Zephyr and Zodiac Clubs Easter event.

From 3pm on Sunday April 5, Z cars from all models parked up on the Brinkley lawn to display their vehicles. Several modified cars displayed alternative e power units or body customization and the addition of "foxtails" was a highlight on " Bodgie".

Thanks John Wards for this article.

Road Trip

West Coast Scenicland Rally

Friday 13th bright sunny, what a great day for a road trip to Greymouth for the rally. Two brothers let loose for a weekend away. Meet up with Graeme at his place loaded up the Buick and ready to hit the track. We cruised off down Thompsons Track to Rakaia, Fuelled up heading for Darfield then Springfield for a famous Springfield pie and coffee. Was nice sitting outside in the warmth, but cloudy to the west where we’re heading.

Back on the road heading west we come across a familiar looking car stopped on the side of the road so pulled in to check if all was OK. It was Diane and Rob Ross just adjusting mirrors Rob said. Quick chat and we were all off.

The Buick was`` running smooth and making the trip so far effortless. Heading up Porters and nearly at the top the old girl gave a bit of a hesitation, unusual and didn’t pick it up again so quick stop to check but nothing to be found. Maybe a little fuel vaporisation. We ran into rain about Bealey and I think the Buick needs a set of wiper blades.

We farewelled the Ross’s at Arthurs Pass in the rain and carried onto the Coast.

Saturday morning started with a great breakfast at Seven Penny Cafe that seemed like the only place open. By the time we left for the rally start destination, the place was packed. All Saints Gymnasium car park was where we all congregated, It was a little crisp to start with but day was fine and sunny. There were about 35 cars of all makes and years and good to chat till everyone had arrived for briefing and 9am set off. The run was about 160 km(100miles) Of seal and gravel.

We head out to the north of Greymouth then toward Taylorville then toward Stillwater. From Stillwater it was onto the Kopara Village which is a small cluster of Houses on private land. Back on to the road for are lunch stop at Murray Cooates dairy farm in the Haupiri Valley. Westgold suppled and cooked the BBQ food for lunch followed by a talk from Murray about his families history who have been there in the Valley more than 150 years. The Place was originally sheep and beef and no roads but now running around 850 cows.

After lunch it was back on the road heading back toward Lake Brunner and Moana. Cruising back toward Greymouth on one of the country roads you wouldn’t normally see a shiny white open top Rolls Royce cruising, but there was one filling the Buick’s mirrors. Passed us and disappeared into the distance, funny thing we knew who it was.

Back at Greymouth handed in our questionnaire then off to the Union hotel for a couple of drinks before the evening meal and prize giving, all in all was a fantastic day with lots of country seen that you don’t normally get to see if you don’t get off the main roads.

Lunch BBQ at Dairy farm

Sunday 16th

This was a later start as we were heading out to catch up with a guy at Stillwater who had Landrovers. But first was down to SevenPenny for breakfast. Out to Stillwater we headed directions in hand we drove in through the front gate to a Landrover grave yard. The Guy was a real character who brought Landrovers and there were dozens of them all in different stages of decay being that most will never see the tar seal again. There were draglines face shovels in different stages for being worked on and tools everywhere. The man and his son had a work shop that most would love to have but you couldn’t swing a cat in there.

Back on the road to Westport with a stop at Punakaiki for some lunch and boy hasn’t it changed from what it used to be, paid parking tourist shops every where. Good coffee there, then up the coast to in great weather sun shining to Westport. Fueled up with 95 to see how the old girl would go on road home but it didn’t like it as about 20km out of town the flames went out. It wasn’t the fuel though. Stopped on the side of a main road you sure see the idiots as we trying to sort out the problem, had fuel but no spark. Eventually we noticed a wire from the back of the key and traced it to the coil that had come adrift. A hot wiring job to coil for power, hit the starter and all eight cylinders bust back into life.

The rest of the trip to Reefton went with no issues, in fact the car was running quieter and smoother. A night at Reefton was a nice way to end what was a little trying with an hour or so on the side of the road. I must say what a lovely place Reefton is with its main street building all painted and nice and make you want to go back.

Trip Home

Monday 17th

Late start was the order of the day so up town for breakfast at Steptoes Coffee Emporium and a wonder up town after. So now it was time to hit the road for home. The rest of the trip went off with out a hitch. The car was running sweet and thought to also run cooler. All in all was a great weekend away.

Neill and Graeme Stevens.

Ed: Thanks for this wonderful article and photos.

or email geegeeber@gmail.com

MUSEUM ROSTER 2026