Ashburton Branch of the Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.)
BLOWOUT SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2026
Volunteers from the Mid-Canterbury Cancer Society and Volunteer Drivers from the Ashburton Vintage Car Club delivering 140 bunches (of 20) pre-ordered Daffodils to local businesses and residents.
The Show and Shine Display held in the Clubroom Grounds Fundraising for the Mid-Canterbury Cancer Society Daffodil Day
BRANCH OFFICERS 2026 - 2027 Patroness & Life Member
Diane Ross (Rob)
308 2356
Chairman
Peter Jacob (Annette)
0274 712 109
Secretary
Colin Sweetman (Cathy)
307 7373
Treasurer
Grant Cullimore (Judith)
308 8119
Committee
Trevor Begg
308 3803
Peter Lambie (Susan)
302 0899
Sue Tanner (Phil)
021 231 0944
Rod McKimmie (Dawn)
0273 106 781
John Wards (Jill)
027 222 7699
Jill Blacklock (John)
027 222 7699
Nat Exec Delegate
Colin Sweetman (Cathy)
307 7373
Museum Custodians
Les Bennett
308 4705
Trevor Coulter
308 4817
John & Deirdre Wells
307 0009
Colin Sweetman (Cathy)
307 7373
Jim Rooney (Audrey)
308 4441
Gary Hawke Parts Custodians
027 836 1906
Gavin Smith (Gaylene)
308 2297
Alan Begg (Jeanette)
308 6171
Tony Adams (Diane)
021 126 7992
Grant Cullimore
308 8119
Rod McKimmie (Dawn)
0273 106 781
Owen Wilson (Lorraine)
0274 345 636
Blowout Editor
Chris Gulleford (Alan)
0274 390 718
Blowout Circulation Commercial Convener
Bernard Egan ( Marlene) Kevin Keane
308 3999 302 8257
Motorcycle Convener
John Wells (Deirdre)
307 0009
Vintage Convener
Peter Lambie (Susan)
302 0899
Clubroom Custodians
(Monthly Roster)
VCC ID Officer
Peter Lambie (Susan)
302 0899
VCC ID Officer
Peter Jacob (Annette)
0274 712 109
VCC ID Officer
Colin Sweetman (Cathy)
307 7373
Trophy Steward
Tony Adams (Diane)
021 126 7992
Swap Meet Booking
Cathy Sweetman (Colin)
021 372 087,
Swap Meet Co-ordinator
Peter Lambie (Susan)
302 0899
Beaded Wheels Reporter
John Wards (Jill)
027 222 7699
Groundsperson
Rod McKimmie (Dawn)
027 310 6781
Auditor / Reviewer
NIMBA Ltd 2
See list on last page
New Members: We extend a warm welcome to our new Members. Craig & Marion Rogers 1970 Vauxhall Victor FD Rick Gould.
Morris Minor
Christopher Grey
1925 Dodge Delivery van, 1936 Dodge Deluxe.
Andrew Horn
1929 Ford A.
We hope you will take an active participation in our Club Meetings and Events 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 you have, trips taken or anything else of interest. I look forward to hearing from you. Please send to the Editor: chris.gulleford@outlook.com Thanks Chris
Ashburton Branch of the Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc.) Clubrooms and Museum Maronan Road P.O.Box 382 ASHBURTON 7740 Telephone: (03) 308 4595 Email: ashburton@vcc.org.nz
DISCLAIMER The opinions and views expressed in Blowout are not necessarily those of the Editor or The Vintage Car Club of Ashburton. No offence is intended, nor will the Officers of this Club be liable for any breach.
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VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NZ (ASHBURTON BRANCH) CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2026 - 2027 SEPTEMBER 2026
JANUARY 2027
13th Opening Run with South Canterbury Branch - Timaru
1st New Year’s Day Run & BBQ at Club Museum
24th Mid-Week Run
30th Annual Rally
27th Spring Rally OCTOBER 2026
FEBRUARY 2027
17th Commercial Run
14th VTNZ / Cancer Society Car Show
29th Mid-Week Run
21st Chairman’s Run
25th Mid-Week Run NOVEMBER 2026
MARCH 2027
8th Post 60, 80 Run
14th PV – PWV Run
26th Mid-Week Run
25th Mid-Week Run
DECEMBER 2026
APRIL 2027
Oakley Pre-Christmas Run
11th Veteran & Vintage only run 29th Mid-Week Run MAY 2027 1st Ashburton Swap Meet 27th Mid-Week Run JUNE 2027 17th AGM 20th Solstice Run 24th Mid-Week Run
Quiz Night was finally won by our team of great Quizzers. From left; Colin Sweetman, Hayden Tasker, Peter Lambie and Peter Jacob. Well done Team
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(Copy of the letter written by our first Scholarship Recipient) Hello Advance Ashburton team Firstly, I would like to say a big thank you to Advance Ashburton for providing me with the opportunity to receive the Ashburton Vintage Car Club Scholarship, I am very grateful. Since receiving this Scholarship, I have completed my Level 3 in Motorcycle Engineering, and am close to completing my Level 4 in Motorcycle Engineering to become fully qualified. With this Scholarship I was able to purchase my own tool box and tools that I now use every day for every job. This makes my job a lot easier and allows me to be more organised, as before I was having to use the provided tools and tools from other coworkers. It helps me to focus more on the job at hand, and makes everything go a lot more quickly and efficiently. I would like to say a big Thank You to the Ashburton Vintage Car Club for their generosity. After receiving the Scholarship, I have since attended and spoken at their Annual General Meeting, answering many of the Members’ questions. Many thanks Jesse Chapman
Daffodil Day - Show and Shine Report and Thanks For our Members that don’t have email or the ones that didn’t read your email, here it is. Dear Members Thank you to those of you who came along and supported us at today's Daffodil Day - Show & Shine. The weather held and it turned out to be a great day all round. We had 210 vehicles (including a Traction Engine, Fire Engines, Motorcycles and Tractors) there - a record attendance, up from the previous record of 160 vehicles. We raised $4,540 which has gone direct to the Mid Canterbury Cancer Society - again a record total for us. Thanks again for eating the sausages and drinking the coffee too, it all went into the total. Regards, Colin Sweetman Branch Secretary Ashburton VCC
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Chairman’s Report August 2026 Welcome to the new look Blowout and now you are wondering, “what has happened to the format of the magazine”, fair enough. The last Blowout, you may have noticed that it was a little late in getting to your mailbox’s, this was due to a little over officious person at Christchurch Post who took exception over the thickness of the Newsletter. Yes the average size apparently was over the 6mm tolerance for that size of postage. They were all returned to us to collect, with the help of Anne Hart, Bernard Egan and a dedicated few, the Newsletters were squashed down and resent. This prompted a look at the current NZ Post pricing and it was unanimously decided by the Committee to move to DX Mail, hence the new looking format. DX Mail are able to send the Newsletter in the format that you have received for $1.00 less than NZ Post and with the A4 style Newsletter our Editor finds this far easier to format at her end, and make putting the Newsletter a lot quicker with less effort and is also cheaper to produce. We do hope that you like it. The Annual Dinner was a huge success with nearly a full house and the presentation of Year Badges to Alistair Stevens and Barry Hunt plus the presentation of the Ashburton Branch’s first Life Member, awarded to Diane Ross. The Daffodil Day Show and Shine is a big deal for the branch, we have spent the last two months putting the details in place to be able to run this very successful event. Colin Sweetman, our Secretary and also Branch Delegate has done a lot of the behind the scenes co-ordinating with Peter Gluyas at Gluyas Ford, National Office with Kaaren Smillie and with the Local Branch of the Cancer Society. Our Committee and several Members have also put in time to help make this event a great event with the collection of toilets, sausages, bread, BBQ, putting vehicles and motorcycles into the Museum, a very big thank you to all of you. I would also like to thank the Sponsors who have helped us put on the event, Tinwald Fresh Choice, U-Hire, Netherby Meats and Ruralco. With the Members of the Local Branch of the Cancer Society on the gate collecting money we will be donating $4,540 to the Cancer Society, along with the car entry money we also sold sausages and the coffee cart also donated a percentage of their takings to the day. A massive day, thank you to those Members that either participated or came for a look. Quizco, you may have already heard by now, we won, the first time in nearly 10 years, the winning team of Hayden Tasker, Peter Lambie, Colin Sweetman and Peter Jacob were very pleased with the win, now we have to hold it. The Parts Shed have been very busy, I saw the listings of vehicles in the Beaded Wheels which Gavin said they have sold three vehicles that were in the yard plus many parts, well done to the team.
The Mid Week Runs are still proving to be very popular, starting to see a few older vehicles being taken on the run now that the weather is warming up. Remember to put the dates in your diaries now, with most of the runs are quite local and very social. Between now and Christmas, sadly only 3 months away, we have quite a few events organised, if you are intending to come along and have room in your vehicle please give some thought to taking an extra passenger, we have a few Members that are now on their own or if they are by themselves in a vehicle consider being their passenger. See you on the next run
Peter Jacob Chairman 6
The Night Trial organised by Peter Lambie. Sixteen questions asked with the answers to be found with the help of a map of Ashburton from the 1800's. David and Marion Oakley, Colin and Cathy Sweetman tied for top place and the decision was split by the older vehicle used. Drivers briefing prior to leaving.
Below: Colin with a South Canterbury couple who entered, then returned to the Museum for Hot Soup and bread before heading home.
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AGM and Delegate’s Meeting of the Vintage Car Club of NZ (Inc) Delegate’s Report Annual General Meeting The AGM was held on Saturday the 7th of August at the Coachman Hotel in Palmerston North. There was a good turnout of Branches, with a few of the smaller ones not attending. The AGM was opened by the Mayor of Palmerston North, followed by the President’s report. President George highlighted that we had had a successful year financially due to the sale of our old National Office premises realizing more than expected, also there was a healthy $68,000 surplus from the Vero Rally in Nelson. The Club was managed under the older structure due to the timing of the new constitution but had now transitioned to the new system. We are now required to provide our Annual Report under Tier 3 requirements. All of the Reports furnished by the Officers were adopted. The Club Captains also highlighted the need for neighbouring Branches to discuss major events to avoid clashes and also to encourage participation. A suggestion was made that Annual Rallies might be combined. The John L Goddard Trophy was not awarded this year as the nominations received were more Branch related rather than National. Overall, 589 - 50 Year; 115 – 60 Year; 4-70 Year and 1-75 year Awards have been presented to date. Branches were reminded that under S 86 (1) (c) of the Incorporated Societies Act disclosures were required at the Branch AGM’s. If there are any Material Conflicts, then these are recorded in the Register of Interests. There were none for the National Body. Hosting for the 2028 AGM was vacant, 2027 has been taken up by the Ashburton Branch with Otago being approved for the 2029 AGM. Life Membership was awarded to Kevin Clarkson and a Presidential Award was made to Kaaren Smylie. The history of the VCC National / Daffodil Day was mentioned then Kaaren Smylie gave a presentation on this year’s event to the meeting. Since the start of the national event, almost $500,000 has been raised. Last year $140,000 was raised and the goal this year is $300,000. This is being targeted for transport for patients going to treatment and aligns with the VCC. There has been great buy-in from the Ford Dealer Network and Local Dealers, they have invested time, resources and marketing support. The meeting was also joined by Mandy Evans, the lead for the Cancer Society Daffodil Day. The meeting concluded with a presentation for the 2027 South Island National Easter Rally, being hosted by the Otago Branch. The rally would be followed by the 2 day Backyard Adventures Run for suitable vehicles. National Delegate’s Meeting This meeting was held on Friday night, the 6th of August and concluded following the AGM on Saturday. It was noted that this was not a formal meeting and no minutes were taken. Topics Covered: Incorporated Societies Act It was noted that only nine Branches have filed an updated Constitution encompassing the word ‘sporting’ as required for their tax exemption. (Ashburton is one of those who have). All Officer details are required to be entered in the Incorporated Societies Register. Some Branches have only filed up to three Officers. (Again, Ashburton is compliant). Most Branches are now required to file their Annual Accounts and report under Tier 4 requirements, including their full legal name, and a note on GST. There are a number that haven’t. There are only 5 Branches which fully comply with all requirements – Ashburton being one of these. Note that a Disclosure Statement is required at each AGM. 8
Budget The Secretary/Treasurer went through the Current Budget. 2026 was an unusual year because of the sale of the old National Office premises and also the costs of moving, maintenance etc. Beaded Wheels is the largest cost for the Club overall. Total costs were $190k in 2021 and $240k in 2026. The increases are mainly due to the large increase in postage. The Beaded Wheels Office has now been using DX Mail for about half of its mailout to compare costs, which are favourable at this stage. Second highest expense was administration ($126k in 2021 and $136k in 2026), followed by Meeting costs for the Executive, Delegate’s and AGM’s ($22k in 2021 and $64k in 2026). Note that Management Committee expenses are not in this area. Discussion on Budget We will have a deficit of $85,800 in the budget which can’t be sustained long-term. Budget Matters discussed: Stop 50 Year Awards being presented by President or Nominee – go to Regional Representatives. Do we need the March Executive/Delegate’s meeting? Send non-email Annual Reports to Branches to collect. Reduce Beaded Wheels from 6 to 5 per year. Note BW is budgeted at $34 per Member. Increase subscriptions. We will need to take some cost reductions or subscription increases in the next 5 years. It would be financially irresponsible for the Management Committee to run the Club at a loss, so a Subscription increase will be necessary, which would be a weighted vote from the branches. Need to be cautious in cutting costs. National Office will put out a Motion with an explanation. Subs were last increased in 2023. It was noted that we could risk losing some non-active Members (who only really get BW for their Membership) with a larger increase. Branch levies range from $0 to $75. Membership We currently have 8,110 Members; 6311 Main and 1799 Joint. Average Member age is 71, with 57% over 70 and 83% over 60 years old. As at end of March, we had reduced to 7,924, but this has built up with new Members joining daily. National Office is starting to upgrade Membership Details to include email addresses – noted that 700 Members don’t have email addresses. Vero Insurance The Waitemata Branch raised a question on service from Vero, especially as their call centre was overseas. They had an instance where no support was available after hours. President George noted that they were trying to work towards the National Office handling claims etc. We are the only scheme of our kind left. Regional Representatives The Meeting then met with their new Regional Representatives to discuss future communication. It was suggested that we have Zoom Meetings from time to time and main preference was for contact by email. Future National Meetings It was agreed that the next Meeting would be a one-day Delegate’s Meeting in March (with no dinner) and that the National AGM’s were essential. The future of the March Meeting would then be reviewed.
Colin Sweetman National Delegate August 2026
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DAFFODIL DAY - SHOW & SHINE Thank you to those of you who came along and supported our Daffodil Day Show & Shine. The weather held and it turned out to be a great day all round. We had 210 vehicles (including a Traction Engine, Fire Engines, Motorcycles and Tractors) there - a record attendance, up from the previous record of 160 vehicles. The Fire Brigade also bought along their brand new Operational Support Vehicle to show off. We raised $4,540 which has gone direct to the Mid Canterbury Cancer Society - again a record total for us. Thanks again for eating the sausages and drinking the coffee too, it all went into the total.
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Photos from the Show and Shine with all proceeds going to the Ashburton Branch of the Cancer Society
Interior of a singular 2026 MG Cyberster, a dual electric motor sportscar.
Above: Ashburton Fire Station’s new Support Unit plus fire truck on display
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August Mid Week Run 27 of us were on this brief run to the Salty Pig today. John and Deidre Wells organised the run but shortened the kilometres with the bleak forecast. Obvious happy customers there!
Above: Some of the cars ready to leave on the run. Below: Members enjoy a lovely meal and catching up with other Members
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VISIT TO ASHBURTON COLLEGE AUTOMOTIVE AND ENGINEERING SECTION
A couple of photos from this mornings visit to the Ashburton College automotive and Engineering sections. Approx 20 people met at Robert Harris for coffee and cake prior to the College visit and bets were taken as to the outcome of the Luxton situation! ( Vote on confidence to keep him on as Leader)
Interesting visit highlighting the differences in the current way that trades are taught, with "projects" encouraged in the practical third term for Year Thirteens. The "drift Kart" in the photo below. has horns out the front for the rider's feet that would need some modification very quickly! The visit came to a quick end when the fire alarm was activated in the Admin. block and the evacuation siren wound up Contributed by Jill Blacklock & John Ward
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PARTS SHED OPEN 10 -12 SATURDAY 2026
Gavin Smith
308 2297
Grant Cullimore
308 8119
5 Tony Adams
OCTOBER 3 Rod McKimmie
NOVEMBER 7 Grant Cullimore
12 Owen Wilson
10 Alan Begg
14 Rod McKimmie
19 Gavin Smith
17 Tony Adams
21 Alan Begg
Tony Adams
26 Grant Cullimore
24 Owen Wilson
28 Tony Adams
Alan Begg
SEPTEMBER
Rod McKimmie 0273 106 781
31 Gavin Smith
0211 267 992 308 6171
Owen Wilson
0274 345 636
IF ROSTER DATE DOES NOT SUIT, PLEASE ORGANISE SOMEONE ELSE TO COVER
Other Regions Parts Shed Hours Canterbury
Every Wednesday, 1pm-4.30pm. 3rd & 4th Sundays 9am - 12 Noon.
South Canterbury
Phone John Campbell, 03 686 0282
NEXT COMMITTEE MEETINGS AT 7.30PM
ARTICLES FOR BLOWOUT BY 23rd OF MONTH PLEASE
Please send to: or post to:
chris.gulleford@outlook.com
Ms Chris Gulleford 29 Bayview Street KAIKOURA 7300 Ph: 0274 390 718
15TH SEPTEMBER 20TH OCTOBER
Contacts to phone
MUSEUM ROSTER 2026 SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
5 John Wells
3 Jim Rooney
12 Les Bennett 19 Gary Hawke
NOVEMBER
Trevor Coulter
308 4817
7 Colin Sweetman Gary Hawke 027 836 1906 Colin Sweetman 307 7373 10 Trevor Coulter 14 Jim Rooney Les Bennett 308 4705 17 John Wells 21 Trevor Coulter
26 Colin Sweetman 24 Les Bennett
28 John Wells
31Gary Hawke
Jim Rooney
308 4441
John Wells
307 0009
IF ROSTER DATE DOES NOT SUIT, PLEASE ORGANISE SOMEONE ELSE TO COVER
Clubroom Custodians Roster 2026 - 2027 If the month allocated to you does not suit please arrange to swap with someone else. August 2026
September 2026
Peter & Lorraine McQuarters
John Wards & Jill Blacklock
Heather & John McKimmie
October 2026
November 2026
December 2026
January 2027
Ian & Sharon Moore
Peter and Susan Lambie
Noel & Marie Batty
Deirdre & John Wells
February 2027 Percy & Heather Ralston
March 2027
April 2027
May 2027
Owen & Lorraine Wilson
Rod & Dawn McKimmie
David & Marion Oakley
June 2026
July 2026
Phil Kenny & Sue Tanner
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FOR SALE
For sale – 1956 A2 Bedford Truck Registration dead It goes & stops. As Is where is. Contact: Rod McKimmie 027 310 6781
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