September 2026 September 2026
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September 2026
Index In this issue… Page Spring Clean Time .................................................................................................................7 From your Delegate...............................................................................................................8 Hunua Spring Tour Entry Form ..................................................................................... 13-15 Spring Garden Party ........................................................................................................... 16 September Club Afternoon info ........................................................................................ 17 Marshalls Required Please ................................................................................................. 17 August Club Afternoon Review ......................................................................................... 24 Roy Sharman Auction Notice ............................................................................................. 25 Regular Features Coming Events .................................................................................................................. 4 Chairman’s Report ............................................................................................................ 5 Club Captain’s Log ........................................................................................................... 6 Library Notes ............................................................................................................... 9-10 Veteran Notes.................................................................................................................. 11 Vintage Section Notes .................................................................................................... 12 Mid-week Tourer’s Report ........................................................................................ 18-19 Motorcycle Section Notes ........................................................................................ 20-23 New Members ................................................................................................................ 24 Your Committee & Officers ............................................................................................ 26 October Bulletin submissions closing date: 25th September Late submissions will feature in the following month’s edition.
Our Honorary Branch Life Members are: Barry Robert Norm Dewhurst QSM Rodger Ball Russel McAlpine John Stokes 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. Send submissions to editor@avvcc.org.nz. Cover Designed by Melanie Ball
September 2026
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Coming Events All events are held at our clubrooms unless otherwise specified.
SEPTEMBER 4 4 5 10 12 16 18-20 19 26 26 27 28 29
Fri Fri Sat Thur Sat Wed
Sat Sat Sat Sun Mon Tue
OCTOBER 3 3 8 9-11 10 17-18 21 24 26 27 31
Sat Sat Thur Sat Wed Sat Mon Tue Sat
Motorcycle Ride to Meadowbank Care Home—meet at our Clubrooms September Bulletin delivered Veteran Meeting Noggin & Natter Motorcycle Meeting Mid-week Tourer’s Run Taranaki Branch Rubber Duckie Motorcycle Rally Vintage Meeting Manawatu Swap Meet Club Afternoon
Club Run—Ladies Run
Charabanc Maintenance Morning Committee Meeting
WORKING BEE time to Spring Clean the clubrooms! Veteran Meeting Noggin & Natter Canterbury Swapmeet Vintage Meeting
12:45 pm by 5:00 pm 2:30 pm 7:30 pm 2:30 pm
2:30 pm 2:30 pm 10:00 am 7:30 pm
from 9:00 am ‘til noon 2:30 pm 7:30 pm
Hunua Spring Tour & Garden Party
Mid-week Tourer’s Run Motorcycle Meeting Charabanc Maintenance Morning Committee Meeting Club Afternoon Followed by a Halloween themed Pot Luck Dinner
2:30 pm
2:30 pm 10:00 am 7:30 pm 2:30 pm 6:00 pm
NOVEMBER 1 6-8 7 12 14 15 18 20-22 21 24 28 30
Sun
Sat Thur Sat Sun Wed Sat Tue Sat Mon
Bay of Plenty Swap Meet Far North Tour—hosted by Northland Branch Veteran Meeting Noggin & Natter Motorcycle Meeting
End-of-Year Picnic—Sweetgum Cottage, Hunua
2:30 pm 7:30 pm 2:30 pm
Mid-week Tourer’s Run
Annual Motorcycle Rally—Entry Form released next month. Vintage Meeting Committee Meeting Club Afternoon Charabanc Maintenance 10:00 am
2:30 pm 7:30 pm 2:30 pm
Note: The clubrooms are open on the SECOND Thursday evening of the month from 7:30pm to 10:00pm and EVERY Saturday afternoon from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Our Spares Dept & Library are open during the clubrooms opening hours PLUS Thursday mornings from 9:00am ’til noon. 4 | The Bulletin
September 2026
Chairman’s Report It is always so sad to hear of the passing of our club members. This month we have had long time members Bob Ballantyne and Leo Nightingale join our Passing Lane. My sincere condolences to their loved ones. Jodi and I attended the V.C.C. National AGM, hosted by the Manawatu Branch, mid-August. Compared to the long tedious discussions regarding the Constiution and By-Laws over the last two years, this year the meeting was over very quickly. Congratulations to Tracey Winterbottom on becoming the Vintage Car Club of NZ North Island Club Captain. All the very best in your new venture Tracey. As with all clubs, it was brought to our attention that our Club Subscriptions will need to be increased to meet increasing price rises. See Jodi’s Delegate’s Report for more details. Your new Committee met for the second time since our AGM. They have all taken on their roles, as listed on the back page of this Bulletin, seriously. We are all trying to think of ways to entice you along to our club events – both on the road and at the clubrooms. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any suggestions. Daffodil Day – Thank you to all members and other clubs who turned up to show their vehicles to the public and to help on Sunday. The weather could have been better, and I’m sure it contributed to us having a much smaller crowd turn up to view our display. However, for those who came, we put on a great show and, as usual the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple community welcomed us with their very friendly smiles and generosity. A final figure will be announced in the Week Ahead as we have a few loose ends to tie up before we get the Grand Total. I promise you though, you will be very pleased! All the best for the month ahead with your restorations and motoring. Drive safely, Shaaran. Here is what gobsmacked looks like! Shaaran accepts a Donation Bucket from the Abbess of the Temple. It contained $6,000. Collected over 3 weeks for us. September 2026
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(Club) Captain’s Log Wow, Daffodil Day over for another year, although dry, I think the weather put off both the public and some of you. While I’m not sure we gained much interest from prospective new members, we certainly got a huge lift and it would appear we have had a successful fundraising effort. The temple are right behind us and this year blew us away when they presented Shaaran with a bucket they have been collecting donations in over the previous three weeks. Again some learnings for the committee to take away and edit for next year. If you are on social media you will have seen all the photos from around the country, it has definitely lifted the profile of the VCC. Sunday Sep 27, we have the “Ladies Run”. It is not competitive, it will be an easy quiet run, I expect it to be “out west” and finishing at a pleasant café and garden centre. Watch the Week Ahead emails for the specific details. Then to October – one of our major calendar events. The Hunua Spring Tour. I have been over the route – Michael O’Kane and Ryan Winterbottom have plotted a wonderful run, approximately 60 miles over tarseal and finishing at member Richard Langridge’s property where we can relax over a picnic lunch and wander around his wonderful vehicle collection. I hope to see the entries flooding in, so get the covers off those wheels and enjoy some great motoring!! The Entry Form is in this Bulletin. I was pleased to get a call from a neighbouring Club Captain this week regarding actively promoting more activity between neighbours, something that has been on my mind too, Waikato Club Captain, Chris, is definitely on the same wavelength – watch this space! See you out and about. Tracey
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September 2026
Spring Clean Time WE REQUIRE YOUR ASSISTANCE!
Saturday, 3rd October 9am - 12 noon
If you are available please note this in your diary now. We are looking to do the following, (in brackets is equip that you could bring with you if possible?): Wash windows inside and out (buckets, water blaster, extension ladder) Wash Outdoor Tables ready for Garden Party (bucket, brushes) General Clean inside clubrooms. (Bucket, dusters, rags etc.) Trophy Cleaning (polishing cloths) If you know you can help us, please let us know: editor@avvcc.org.nz. Morning Tea will be provided.
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From your Delegate Hello and happy Springtime. After an exhausting August, I am hoping to catch up on lots of tasks around home this month. While our Daffodil Display consumed hours and hours of my attention across August, I also attended the VCC of NZ Annual General Meeting and Delegate’s Conference in Palmerston North. After taking on the role of Delegate during probably one of the most tumultuous times in our club's recent history, I can honestly say I wasn't really relishing the thought of another meeting. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Take away the emotive Constitution and By-laws, the event was a very tame affair that felt far more like a cohesive group working for the benefit of the club.
The AGM itself was quick and efficient, with no points of note that need to be addressed beyond the full report that we will all receive by way of a report from the President that will be delivered soon. The Delegate conference was the first under the new structure, so the outgoing Management Committee had given some thought to some points of discussion for us, as it will be a meeting that will take shape over the next couple of years, as we settle into the structure of Delegates reporting to the Regional Rep in our area more regularly. The most significant item was the Budget for the 2026/2027 Financial Year. Discussed were the details we received in this year's Annual Report, which, while ‘on paper’ looked very healthy and is accurate, it likely led people to think the Club was doing very well. While the outcome was positive, it was entirely due to extraordinary items, being the sale of Aberdeen St and income from the Vero Rally. The Club's actual ‘operations’ ran at a loss of $25,000±. The discussion then turned to the projected loss of $85,000± for 2026/2027. While the budget has been prepared including cost management initiatives taken by the Management Committee, we needed to look at more ways to remedy this loss. We walked through ideas like reducing Beaded Wheels to a Quarterly magazine, eliminating the March Delegate Meeting, and, of course, increasing Subscriptions. The general thoughts by those present were that, while Printing and Stationery are very high, we should leave Beaded Wheels production as is for now. Not enough people are receiving the magazine electronically to warrant a change in delivery method. Then we looked at the Delegate’s March meeting, opinions differed, due to the change in structure being new; some thought keeping the meeting for next March could prove valuable. I’d say the jury is out on that right now. Then an increase of subscriptions. No one seemed against the idea. Different values were bandied around between $10 and $30, or as someone rationalised it - the cost of 5 cups of coffee. $30 is the value required to take care of the predicted deficit giving is a break-even point (not a profit) for next year. This brings us to the first required weighted vote required by our Delegates. So, to decide whether to increase subscriptions, we, as a Branch, need to vote so that I, as your Delegate, can vote accordingly under the weighted vote process. To discuss this with you, I’d like to ask that, at the next Club Afternoon, we discuss and vote on our desire. I can then take our Branch wishes to our Regional Rep, before their National Committee meeting in October.
Please join us at the Club Afternoon on Saturday, 26th September at 2:30 pm. Our guest speaker will speak first, then we will discuss this matter. Thank you. Jodi
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September 2026
Library Notes During my recent trip to the UK and Europe, I managed to catch up with fellow Early Morris Enthusiasts who are members of Bullnose Morris Club. Through this club I was introduced to another motoring historian, Norman Painting. Norman began his apprenticeship at Morris Commercial Cars Ltd in 1955 at the Adderly Park works in Birmingham. This massive industrial factory covering 21 acres was acquired by William Morris after he purchased Wolseley Motors Ltd from the receivers following their spectacular financial collapse in 1926. Norman told me that he initially accepted a place in the drawing office but after 3 months he wanted to “get his hands dirty...” and switched to an engineering position, specialising in diesel engines. By the early 1970s he had progressed to a senior Quality Audit Engineer and was responsible for generating numerous reports concerning problems with production defects in the plant. About this time he often wondered what the plant would have been like in the heyday of Wolseley production and started collecting photographs and notes. He had the vague notion that he would one day combine it into a book. He soon discovered that although Wolseley was the largest British motor car manufacturer in its time, motor cars were only part of the Wolseley story as the company was involved with submarines, aeroplanes, airships, shell cases, gun mountings, buses, lorries and speedboats. The more he researched the company, the more he became interested in what other great companies once established in Birmingham, considered the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, but had now faded from view. He was brought up and still lives in the inner Birmingham area known as Small Heath, once home to the Alldays & Onions Pneumatic Engineering Company Ltd. He would often walk past the remains of the works in Syndenham Road and wondered what it would have been like with the hive of activity and noise in this company’s heyday. The thoughts inspired more research and finally another book. The course of the research led him to make contact with a number of vehicle owners, past employees, interested parties. One of these was the late Rob Knight of Feilding, who introduced him to Michael Allday, who, he discovered, had a treasure trove of company records, family history and technical publications. The result of years of research is a superb book Alldays & Onions - A brief History. In it Norman reveals the breadth and depth of September 2026
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Library Notes this Birmingham Company which could trace its roots back to 1625, making household bellows and blacksmiths equipment, and later venturing into cycles, motor cycles, cars and commercial vehicles, and finally into huge industrial fans which dwarfed the men fabricating them. This is a quality hard-cover publication, full of high quality drawings and photographs with a substantial collection of car production records. Norman has generously provided our library with a copy, together with three other books that he has written: The Real Wolseley – Adderly Park Works 1901 – 1926 Herbert Austin – His Wolseley Years History of Morris Commercial Cars Ltd These books are highly readable and clearly his many years generating Quality Review reports for the Management of British Leyland honed his wordsmith skills! We plan to review these in the coming months. The Library Team
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10 | The Bulletin
September 2026
Veteran Section Notes We had apologies from Barry Wade, who was collecting a best in show prize for his olives. Barry advises that the recast fan for the 1909 Rover has been balanced and reinstalled on the car. Bill and Denise Mercer were away, but stated the upholstery on the 1916 Hupmobile has been done and it is now starting to look like a car. And Monty Scarborough couldn’t make it. John Morrison is tidying his shed. David Lane has been out and about in his Model T speedster. David advised that a new "classy" class will be inaugurated at the 2027 Ellerslie concours, this will be for well maintained vehicles and judges have to stay one meter away from the vehicle they are judging, no noses or fingers up exhaust pipes. John Gardner has the ex Roy Sharman 1915 Talbot stored at my home while he extends his garage. A first test drive with Denis Lowe resulted in a carburettor plug falling out, a stoppage and a tow home. Branch spares came to the rescue with another plug, a subsequent test drive resulted in the need for a couple of tie rod adjustments to be sorted out. Gavin Welch has had his Model T at North Shore branch recently and the vehicle will be going to a North Shore Ford dealship for display for the VCC Daffodil Rally.
Phil Henley has been polishing vehicles for our Daffodil Display, he must decide which one to take. He very kindly donated to our library a folder of paintings of veteran racing cars done by vehicle artist F Gordon Crosbie for Autocar magazine. David Oliver keeps in touch with the owner of the Model T he sold. The owner has found another block which he is working on, David sold the Model T trailer to the Blenheim area. Shaun Bellamy brought new member Hugh Ross along, Hugh has a 1916 Ford Model T speedster, along with a collection of later vehicles. Denis Lowe brought along a small but heavy electrical thing, David Lane and John Morrison used AI on their phones to identify it as a low tension magneto to supplement dry cell batteries on stationary engines and early tractors. It could also have been used on early auto-buggies. Cedric Pegrum didn't have much to report. Terry Jenkins went to Rotorua swap meet, which he said was successful. Russell Vincent has started fourteen vehicles in his collection. Kelvin Healey has the remains of a 1913 Sunbeam and is going to get a laser cleaner to clean the chassis, Kelvin has seen these things demonstrated and is impressed with their actions. Barry Birchall gave assistance to someone who was producing an article on the history of John W Andrews for a magazine. Barry was impressed with the number of photos the writer had of this dealership and wished he had some of these when he wrote his book about early Auckland motoring. Finally, Kevin Butler arrived on a Thursday with a small brass cap which he had machined for the Charabanc. Kevin got motivated and the Charabanc carburettor was removed, the existing float was replaced with the spare one and the carburettor taken for ultrasonic cleaning. There’s been lots on this month. John Stokes. September 2026
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Vintage Section Notes A good turnout and several very nice old cars in the carpark. Richard Green has just returned from the UK visiting family. Whilst there he found the time to catch up with some colleagues who share his passion for vintage Rolls-Royces and Morrises. He also came home with some books for the library, two of which he had on the table, written by Norman Painting. One that caught my eye was a comprehensive history of Alldays and Onions. I am sure he will tell us much more in ‘Library Notes’. Returning baggage was considerably enhanced by a good selection of stainless steel BSF and BSW nuts and bolts, very hard to get in NZ. Neil Bieleski needs to source or make some carbon brushes for the magneto on his Renault. Can you turn carbon? We will find out. John Towers has had visits to his workshop and gallery from the Humber Club and also a group from a retirement village. His Chev truck restoration ‘Baby Blue’ and his Austin were much admired. Bill Hulse has relined the front brakes on his Model A coupe with the correct linings, woven with brass wire inserts and riveted on, giving him much better stopping power. David Goryl is having a new hood made for his Oakland. It is extremely complex and detailed – a very big job that will be done by Jim Penfold. He is searching for a source of the authentic material and Le Mans Auto Fabric in Wellington is a supplier of vintage fabrics and may be able to help. Tim Gray has acquired some Model T coils from America for refurbishing but these are in a plastic case instead of the usual wooden box. This makes the task more difficult as digging the pitch out takes much time and patience. Ross Bellamy had on the table a car dealer’s sales record book from the 1960s. Meticulously filled in with all the details of model, price and profit this fascinating piece of history will reside in the library. He has taken delivery of the WW1 roll of honours board with family connections that was mentioned in an earlier vintage report and after a good application of beeswax it is now ready to display. Ross has also found some instructions for tuning his vintage air horns and has been doing it in the wrong sequence, so he is hoping for an improved performance with the new information. Wayne and Carrie Roberts came 2nd in the Experts Rally in the Velie. With a fresh WOF the car performed really well, but Wayne reckoned that in the atrocious weather it was just as wet inside the car as out. And now a correction. In the July Bulletin I had Neil Lucas taking part in the Waikato branch Double Fifty in his Chev. In fact, Neil was navigator for Colin Giles in Colin’s Chev Coupe. Murray & Penny
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September 2026
Auckland Veteran & Vintage Car Club (Inc.) Invites you to take part in the
2026
Saturday, 17 October 2026
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Our Event This event is open to ALL categories of club eligible vehicles. All vehicles must be entered by a financial member of the Vintage Car Club of NZ and should be up to an acceptable standard. All entrants shall be classed as Touring (Non Competitive), unless you select to be competitive in one of these speed based classes: (1) Veteran and Slow Vintage (2) Fast Vintage and Post Vintage (3) All other Post Era Vehicles The rally will start at:
Ray Small Park Carpark Elliot St Papakura
The first vehicle will start at 10:00 a.m. The tour is approximately 60 miles long over predominantly rural roads and will finish at the home of Richard Langridge, where his vehicle collection will be open for viewing. A start time and any further information will be emailed prior to the event. The event will be held wet or fine. Lunch is your responsibility. Tea and coffee will be available at the lunch break. Note for competitive participants: No electronic or mechanical navigation devices can be used.
Prizegiving: This will be held at the Clubrooms, 39 Fairfax Ave, Penrose, on Sunday, 18th October as part of the Garden Party.
Entries close: Friday, 9th October 2026 Important: If you have not received a response to your entry submission by Wednesday, 14th October, please contact Tracey at:
clubcaptain@avvcc.org.nz
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September 2026
Hunua Spring Tour - Entry Form Please print clearly.
Name of Entrant _____________________________________________________ Name of Driver ______________________________________________________ Name of Navigator ___________________________________________________ Phone No. ________________________VCC Mem No ______________________
Email address________________________________________________________ Number in Crew _________ (Incl. Driver) Vehicle: Make _______________________________________________________ Model _____________________________________ Year ___________ If you wish to be competitive please select the relevant speed class: (1) Veteran & Slow Vintage (2) Fast Vintage & Post Vintage (3) All other Post Era Fees to Pay: Entry Fee – incl. Rally Plaque Sunday Light Meal @ $25.00 per person
20.00
$
No. _______ $ ___________
TOTAL TO PAY
$ ___________
I have internet banked:
$ ______________
Prices incl. GST—Reg. 13-827-290. Online payments only to: 12-3008-0050049-02 (Please use entrant surname and “Hunua” as your reference.)
Email your entry form to Tracey: clubcaptain@avvcc.org.nz Entries close: Friday, 9th October 2026
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Auckland Veteran & Vintage Car Club (Inc.) Invites you to the
Spring Garden Party Sunday, 18 October 2026 from 2:00 pm Afternoon schedule: 2:00 pm Garden Party Commences 3:00 pm Afternoon Tea (BYO share plate please) 3:30 pm 50 & 60 Year Awards 4:00 pm Hunua Spring Tour Prizegiving 5:00 pm A light meal served The Bar will be open throughout the afternoon. Join us to celebrate members receiving their 50 & 60 years continuous membership awards, followed by the Prizegiving from the Hunua Spring Tour. A light BBQ meal is available $25.00 per person. Please complete the Entry Form, endorsing it “Meal Only”, if you wish to attend.
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September 2026
September Club Afternoon Saturday, 26th September guest speaker
RAY FERNER with his
ASTON MARTIN DB2 RACE CAR The car was first owned by Count de Salis who raced the car in the 1958 Tulip Rally, winning his class. He also competed in the Monte Carlo Rally of that year, as well as various other competitions in the UK and Europe. Join us to hear a lot more about the life of the car and of Ray’s racing career.
MARSHALS REQUIRED PLEASE? for the
Hunua Spring Tour Saturday 17th October if you can help us Please contact Tracey E: clubcaptain@avvcc.org.nz
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Mid-week Tourers For the August run, a small group of regulars set out on a sunny Wednesday morning, heading towards New Lynn. It was a windy route along the outskirts of west Auckland with picturesque views overlooking all of Auckland. After arriving at West Lynn, we had lunch in the beautiful facilities, while a lot of attention was being paid to our small group of cars in the parking lot, with the manager even being called in from home to see! After donning our hats for a wander around the gardens, we had an impromptu talk from the gardener extraordinaire at West Lynn, Ruth. We learnt about which famous faces planted which trees, what the plans for the future were, as well as how this magnificent place came to be. A relaxing day was had by all with many saying it was the most tranquil place they’ve been in a very long time. Wednesday, 16th September: Up next on the agenda is a trip to the Hamilton Classics Car Museum—PLEASE NOTE THIS RUN WILL INCLUDE SOME MOTORWAY. We will be starting at BP Drury at 10:00 am for a 10:30 am departure. It is a 100km run. We will be having lunch at a nearby café before heading to the museum. $10 entry fee to be paid prior to leaving please. Look forward to seeing you there. Jo
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September 2026
Mid-week Tourers
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Motorcycle Section Notes Lynda and I, along with Malcolm Brown headed to our Penrose clubrooms on a sunny afternoon. Jeremy Lambert had opened up for us. Steve Heaney was there with his friend Mark Hayward, Mark wants to join our club, he has two AJS’s, a single and 500 twin. Further members started arriving and soon we had 12 bikes parked out the back— a Norton Commando, BMW, Velocette, a couple of modern Triumphs, 250 Honda, Norton 650, and a Harley Davidson. There was also an ex Hugh Anderson 1950’s Triumph Speed twin, a 1970’s Triumph Bonneville and a Suzuki 125 scooter. Parked in the front carpark was member Ron Gill’s very nice looking Austin Healey 3000. Our guest speaker Ray Pratt arrived at 2pm, he unloaded two new Triumph bikes, a Speed 400 Thruxton sports, and a 1200 Speed Twin, and then Ray’s son Greg arrived direct from their Triumph & Harley Davidson dealership with a standard Speed 400, these bikes were then set up inside the club rooms. Martin By 2.30 pm we had around 40 plus sitting down awaiting the start of the meeting. Martin opened the meeting and welcomed everyone and told us an old funny joke. He then delivered some sad news, long-time member, John Meharry had passed away during the week. John had a good collection of Velocettes. Martin then also informed us of the passing of Kiwi motorcycle Icon Les Harris. Les was famous for being the oldest person in the world racing a motorcycle at the age of 98. He was 101 years old when he died. We had a moments silence to remember them.
Martin asked if there were any visitors, Mark Hayward introduced himself, and then Zak Everett stood up and told us he wanted to join our club. He has a Honda CX 500, and a Suzuki 750 GSR. REPORTS Martin told us about last week’s bike run that went to visit member Brett Baillie’s bike collection out near Whitford, this was a very pleasant visit looking browsing twenty plus bikes.
COMING UP By the time you read this we will have had the August Club Afternoon where member Barry Birchall is the guest speaker. He is talking about early motoring, details that can also be read in his book: The Early years of the Motor Vehicle in Auckland. Martin then asked the members to take their motorcycles along to our Cancer Society Daffodil Display at the FGS Buddhist Temple held on the 30th August. 20 | The Bulletin
September 2026
Motorcycle Section Notes September We will be having a short motorcycle run on Friday 4 th, meet at the club rooms at 12.45 for a 1 pm ride over to the Meadowbank Retirement Village, to show our bikes to the residents. Take note the motorcycle meeting is a week early, on 12th September, the speaker will be member Chris Stanley with his restored Honda CBX 1000 / 6. The following weekend on the 18th it’s Taranaki Branch’s annual Rubber Duckie motorcycle rally. GUEST SPEAKERS Today we had father and son duo, Ray and Greg Pratt, the owners of the Auckland Harley Davidson and Triumph dealerships. Ray then told us his motorcycling life, a story that spans over 50 years. Here are the details in his own words: “The story begins in 1973 when I founded Universal Motorcycles in Stoddard Road, Mount Roskill. What started as a small dealership was built on a simple philosophy: serve riders with integrity, expertise, and genuine enthusiasm for two wheels. “As the years passed and our reputation grew, we expanded and evolved. By 2001, we had transformed into Auckland Motorcycles & Power Sports Ltd., relocating to Khyber Pass Road and proudly representing multiple premium brands including Triumph, alongside other leading marques. For over a decade, we built our reputation on diversity and choice, becoming a trusted name for riders across Auckland. “In 2014, we embarked on an intensive new chapter, moving to our current home at 521 Mt Wellington Highway and focusing exclusively on Harley Davidson. This period sharpened our skills, deepened our expertise, and taught us valuable lessons about the motorcycle industry and what riders truly need. “A new chapter starts—Triumph Returns “Fast forward to 2025, and we're thrilled to welcome Triumph back into our family. This isn't just business – it's a homecoming. We've come full circle, returning to our multi-brand roots with the wisdom of five decades in the industry. “Today, under the leadership of Greg Pratt – who took the helm in 2023 – we're combining the best of both worlds: the deep industry knowledge passed down through generations, and fresh vision for the future of motorcycling in New Zealand. Ray remains involved in the business he loves, now enjoying the freedom to ride, race, and engage with the community on his own terms – often spotted tearing up the drag strip or leading ride-outs.” September 2026
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Motorcycle Section Notes Ray then told us about his early days of racing motorcycles. He was a Speedway sidecar champion riding Vincent and Triumph powered bikes. He then took up Drag racing, and this must be a world first, in that he and wife Paula were racing their Triumph bikes against each other, and nowadays Ray races against his son Greg. Ray and Greg told us about the ups and downs of Harley Davidson, Ray regularly goes to the USA, and other places in the world, on Harley business, and Greg travels to the Triumph factories. We then turned our attention to the three bikes they’d brought along - the 1200 Speed Twin, an ideal two-up tourer with plenty of power and comfort at $22,990. The Speed 400 Tourer at $8,395, and the Speed 400 Thruxton Sports at $9,995. These 400’s are an ideal bike for any of our members that are now finding kick starting their older bikes a bit too much. These are lighter and handle very well, they have 4 valves, ABS brakes, traction control, a 6 speed gearbox, and have 39.9 bhp and 41.9 bhp respectively. All great motorcycles, the build and finish of these bikes is definitely top rate. ‘’I may be biased, but I bought my Speed 400 in 2024 and have just clocked up 18,000 kms, with no problems. - Martin ‘ Ray and Greg answered questions from the floor. Martin then thanked Ray and Greg for coming along and the meeting concluded at 4pm. Martin Spicer and Jack Clark
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September 2026
Motorcycle Section Pics
Top Left: Greg Pratt Top Right: Ray Pratt, Middle Left: A young Ray on his Vincent Outfit. Middle Right: Ray working on his Harley at Meremere. Bottom Left: Ray sending off his wife Paula at Meremere. Bottom Right: Ray and Martin at presentation. Opposite: Jack and Ray at presentation. September 2026
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August Club Afternoon Review For the August Club Afternoon our guest speaker was long-time member Barry Birchall, assisted by wife Nicola. Jeremy helped Barry set up his laptop ready for meeting. Lynda was in the kitchen preparing afternoon tea. By 2.30 pm there was a 52 member audience awaiting the presentation. Our Club Captain, Tracey Winterbottom, opened the meeting. She told us of the sad news of the passing of branch member Bob Ballantyne, she asked for a minutes silence to remember Bob. Tracey then reminded us about our Daffodil Display event coming up next Sunday. I then introduced Barry and Nicola, then Barry started his presentation. Barry did very well with his talk, considering he was recovering from the flu. Barry showed a series of photos on the screen and outlined the history of Auckland motor vehicle’s from 1900 up to 1940. Rather than me trying to remember all of what Barry told us, here is a link to a recent article written for Uptown on the Rise where Barry shares the information: The real oil… our early motoring entrepreneurs (this link is also attached to the email that brought you this Bulletin.)
At the end of Barry’s presentation I thanked him and Nicola for coming along to tell us this very interesting story, an important part of Auckland's motoring history. After a cuppa a number of us went up to the barn, I must say the Spares boys have done an excellent job of displaying tools and other motoring memorabilia in the barn. If you haven't been there lately, do go and have a look, you will be amazed at the great display. Martin Spicer
Welcome to our New Members A most sincere welcome is extended to the most recent new members and transferees from other branches. We hope to see you taking an active part in Branch activities whenever possible. Should you require any assistance or advice, please feel free to ask any Committee member? Ian Wilson Papakura 1936 Morris Eight Sports 24 | The Bulletin
Greg Abbott Ararimu 1943 Willys MB Jeep September 2026
September 2026
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Your Committee & Officers Chairman / Social Convenor Shaaran Price (Alan) Email: chairman@avvcc.org.nz
H: 09 833 8575 M: 0204 195 2476
Vice Chairman / Club Captain / Trophy Steward Tracey Winterbottom (Stephen) Email: clubcaptain@avvcc.org.nz
H: 09 232 0246 M: 021 732 209
Secretary / New Members & Privacy Officer / Bulletin & Website Editor / Branch Delegate Jodi Tomlin (Paul) Secretary Email: secretary@avvcc.org.nz M: 021 678 258 Editor Email: editor@avvcc.org.nz Treasurer Ian Hubbard (Lesley) Committee Members Jeremy Lambert (Michelle)
Email: treasurer@avvcc.org.nz
M: 0274 426 748
Clubroom Bookings/ Health & Safety Officer / Motorcycle Rep Email: bookings@avvcc.org.nz M: 027 576 7045
Neil Stott (Christine)
Spares Liaison Email: neilxstott@gmail.com
M: 0274 949 059
Leo Fowler
Bar Management Email: Leosfowler@hotmail.com
M: 021 922 198
Bruce Verrall
Entertainment Officer Email: brucemv3225@gmail.com
M: 022 462 5581
Peter Wood
Clubroom Maintenance Email: jafa002@hotmail.com
M: 027 281 6050
Non-Committee Positions Library Team Leader Richard Green (Lois) Email: library@avvcc.org.nz H: 09 489 2427 M: 021 818 334 Motorcycle Section Coord. Martin Spicer (Lynda) Email: motorcycle@avvcc.org.nz M: 022 102 5954
Spares Team Leader Bill Hulse (Sherrill) Email: bill.sherrill@xtra.co.nz H: 09 579 0494
VIC Officers John Stokes Alan Price Neil Stott Email: vic@avvcc.org.nz
Veteran Section Coord. John Stokes Email: jcstokes96a@xtra.co.nz H: 09 236 4582 or M: 0272 772 108
Vintage Section Coord. Murray Firth (Penny) E: pennyandmurray@xtra.co.nz H: 09 818 6434
Continuous Membership Awards Officer Glenn Morris Email: glenn-maze@xtra.co.nz M: 021 136 5926
Mid-week Tourers Co-ordinator Jo Bieleski Email: midweek@avvcc.org.nz M: 027 943 1545
Beaded Wheels Scribes: John Stokes, Jocelyn McAlpine, Peter Wood Insurance: Vero Consumer Insurance Specialist, P: 0800 505 905, Our Agency Number: 0300126 Clubrooms Street & Postal Address: Club Afternoon: Clubrooms Open:
Phone: 09 579 5625 39 Fairfax Avenue, Penrose, Auckland 1061 Last Saturday of the month 2:30 pm Second Thursday of each month 7:30 to 10:00 pm, Every Saturday afternoon 4:30 to 6:30 pm
Branch Website: 26 | The Bulletin
avvcc.org.nz September 2026
September 2026
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28 | The Bulletin
September 2026