JULY EDITION 2026
CHAIRMANS CHAT
UPCOMONIG EVENTS
MEMBERSHIP UPDATES
IMPORTANT NOTICES
FUTURE NATIONAL RALLIES
JUNE MID MONTH REPORT
ITEMS FOR SALE/WANTED
JUNE END OF MONTH RUN REPORT
BAY RODDERS BBQ AND RUN
MEMBER DOUG EWARTS BIRTHDAY BASH
WAIKATO VCC JUNE 50/50 RALLY REPORT
EDS RAMBLINGS
CLUB NIGHT MEETINGS
PATRON BOPVCCC ALASTAIR JONES
CLUBROOM ADDRESS; 29 CLIFF ROAD. TAURANGA
7.30PM. 2nd Monday of the month bar January and public holidays
New members meet and greet Alastair Jones, Raewyn Hughes
Please contact the Club Secretary for your Name Badge and Membership Booklet
Please wear your Name Badge to all events. Fine by Sherif Tony Hall, $1 for not wearing badge
Whichever month your birthday falls, please donate a plate for club night
Clubroom Coffee Morning (Café Cliff) 10am Every Monday Morning except Public Holidays. Starts Mid January each year. Parts Shed opens in conjunction with Café Cliff at 9.30am.
Parts Shed opens 7pm Club Night. Please donate all surplus parts, they may be what a member is looking for.
Clubroom Library is accessible during club hours and accepts good clean service manuals and books relating to automotive history. No magazines please
Mid Month Run. The first Wednesday following Club Night
End Of Month Run. The last Sunday of the month.
Nog and Natter Monthly social get together and meal at the listed restaurants at 6pm.
Held on the third Tuesday of April, June, August and October at the Rain Bar Restaurant, 30 Gravatt Road, Papamoa (Off Fashion Island Shopping Centre)
Contact is Lynn Howard (George) M.027 3106451
Held on the third Tuesday of March, May, July, September and November at the Tauranga Citizens Club, corner of Cameron Road and 13th Avenue. Tauranga.
Please note free parking across the road in Citizens Club designated car park.
Contact is Elwyn Pirie (Pauline) 0274 914600
Clubrooms Movie and BYO Meal Night. 6pm Last Friday of the Month, Autum and Winter Months.
Contact is George Howard M.020 40427624
For updates and items to be weekly Buzzed, contact Kaaren Smylie no later than 5pm Mondays
For Material relevant to the Club Website. Contact Deidre Rennie
For items/articles to be published in the klaxon Monthly Club Magazine contact Editor George Howard.
For Clubroom Hire and Hire Enquires please contact Kaare Smylie.
Klaxon Email Klaxoninfo@gmail.com
Club Website www.bayofplentyvintageclassiccarclub
Secretary Email bayofplenty@gmail.com BOPVCCC Postal Address — 11 Ridgemount Terrace. Welcome Bay. Tauranga 3110
The BOPVCCC extend a very warm welcome to the following new members
John Redding j.l.redding@kinect.co.nz
John has a 1988 MG Montego -
Dawn McNaughton dawnmcnaughton5@gmail.com
Dawn has a 1985 Mazda B1600
Andrew Weenink andyweenink@hotmail.com
Andrew has a 1934 Ford Tudor and was a previous member
Rachael Hopkins rachchopkins@gmail.com
Rachael has a 1974 Hillman Avenger
Philip Gilgen westyboatie@gmail.com
Christina Gilgen gilgencr@gmail.com
Philip & Christina have 1952 Singer Roadster 1956 Sunbeam S7 DeLuxe
Roxanne Agnew rustyacres18@gmail.com
Roxanne has 1974 Ford Capri GXL 1990 Dodge Ram
Please collect your club name badge and membership booklet from the secretary Michael Thorman
All members, please update your membership booklet
Unlisted new members will be inserted in the next Klaxon edition
Go to www.vcc.org.nz and in the LHS panel click option “RECOURCES/DOWNLOAD”. Accessing that will show “VIC Application”. Print and complete the required pages and note the requirements for the photos. On completing the forms, please contact BOPVCCC VIC Officer George Howard M.0204 0427624 before sending the application to National Office, Christchurch, as paperwork and photos have to be checked by a VIC officer, against the vehicle, before being received by the Registrar at head office.
July Club Night will start with the notice of special general meeting and I have no doubt that the majority of members will have no hesitation in supporting this agenda This will follow with a presentation by our guest speaker- sportsman, athlete, race and rally driver Graeme Collett
On show will be Graeme’s 1963 MGB. This will be an evening not to be missed so get there early for a seat. The evening will conclude with a super supper by Pauline, Elwyn and their fantastic crew.
A fabulous winter dinner is being put on by our Chefs Pauline and Elwyn Pirie at the clubrooms on 1st August to raise additional funds for this great cause at $40 per person. This is a BYO alcohol event limited to 50 seats Your early registration is required to the BOPVCC Inc. account 03-0435-0492753-00 with your name as reference. The cut-off date for registration is the 13th July 2026 and a number of places are already taken! Please get onto it to be part of the fun ASAP as any vacant seating will be offered to other clubs.
BOPVCCC Daffodil Day Rally for Cancer 23rd August at the Club Rooms is being organised this year by newcomer Hanna Peters. Raewyn and Trevor Hughes have put up their hands as support crew and I am sure including their involvement, this years rally and show will see the fund raising total exceeding that of last year
It is up to all of us, as club members, to make sure we support all the organising that goes into making the BOPVCCC among the top supporters of this worthy cause that is in no doubt, close to all of our hearts
BOPVCC Coromandel Coast to Coast Tour Monday 7th to Friday 11th September
This tour, organised by Raewyn & Trevor Hughes and Keith & Jane Perkins, is virtually full with only a few places left. If you have been procrastinating then urgently contact Keith Perkins perkinskj@xtra.co.nz m.027 5781231 to secure the last of the spots. See you on the tour Ed. & Lynn.
The Mid Month Run for October 14th is being organised for the Awakeri Rail Adventures, SH2. Awakeri. This run is limited to approximately 25 people and an early booking is essential to secure the group special rate per person of $85. (normally $120) The rail adventure includes a sausage sizzle and hot & cold drinks. To register your interest, please contact Lynn Howard m.027 3106451 or George Howard m.0204 0427624 for further details. Please register your interest by 1st. September 2026 at the very latest.
Finally, long time member Tony Hall has put his hand up to become our sherif to make sure we wear our Badges to club night and all events. He has proposed a fine of $1 for failure to do so!!!
All proceeds from fines will go towards the Daffodil Day for Cancer Rally funds. (I’m probably going to be the first to get fined Ed.)
Patron Alastair Jones has for sale a brand new STEALTH Electronic Distributor Module to suit a Neg. ground LUCAS 25D or DM12 Type Distributor. Fitting instructions are supplied. Alastair is asking $50. Contact AJ on 07 5761124 or 027 9004432.
PLEASE NOTE: BLUEBRIDGE IS THE ONLY FERRY OPERATOR THAT IS CURRENTLY OFFERING DISCOUNTED
RATES TO THE VCCNZ
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS. THEY SUPPORT US.
June club night AGM saw the return of the majority of the committee members with the exception of Doug Brown who is committing his time to a new establishment in the South Island and Kaaren Smylie who is now devoting her time to the VCCNZ Daffodil Rally for Cancer Fundraising Cause. Kaaren, however has taken up the position as Vice Chairperson to assist Chairman Donn White. Two new committee members, Raewyn & Trevor Hughes, have come on board and they will also assist our BOPVCCC Daffodil Rally Organiser Hanna Peters in making sure the event is a success.
Committee member Elwyn Pirie has now taken over the roll as Club Captain.
Raewyn Hughes, who also picked up the position for Club Apparel, will continue her roll as Meet & Greet New Members with Patron Alastair Jones
Alastair has stepped down from his roll as committee member but will be checking in on the committee as Patron to the club.
Ron Elton and Alastair Jones have also stepped away from the VIC/DOMAS duties.
Karen Smylie gave an excellent valedictory address and the emotion could be felt as she spoke from the heart. Her input over the years has been outstanding and together with Patron Alastair Jones, has left the committee with big shoes to fill.
The committee, however, is a very enthusiastic bunch of individuals who get on very well and with the guidance of chairman Donn White, I am sure will make a great success of the coming term.
The Valued Volunteer Positions all have remained the same, and their input is very much appreciated.
The evening concluded with another great supper courtesy of Pauline & Elwyn Pirie and their exceptional crew of helpers
Note from Ed. I had a second report from the organiser Colin Denize which I thought was interesting to read:“I was pretty nervous organising a run that was to a hot-rod shop. In the past I’ve experienced resistance from purists when showing up in a modified or severely modified car, so my fear In being tagged as a rodder instead of an enthusiast scared me a bit– actually a lot.
On the day I was pleasantly pleased that everyone seemed kind of excited about seeing the cool stuff that was being created.
Overall I think we had a great day and look forward to the next run” Exactly my thoughts too Colin. The day we stop looking around and learning is the day we dig our hole in the ground. Ed.
Member Doug Brown is selling on behalf a 1990 Jaguar 3.6 XJS. Milage 97,000 Kms. Asking $20,000 Car has had new front brakes and shock absorber fitted. Rego and WOF on hold until sold.
Car has been shed/workshop stored. Contact Doug Brown 021 668117 or Paul Dimock 027 5505719
New club member Dennis Blake, a qualified panel beater, is currently restoring a 1958 Austin Gipsy 4x4
To assist in the restoration Dennis is requiring an Oxy Acetylene Plant with Bottles ready for use.
He will beg, buy, lease or loan a plant and pay for own gas used. Please phone or text 0273 164500
Article courtesy of Graham Meredith with excessive prompting by Helen Meredith :))
After catching up with East Coast VCC members Trevor and Odelle Sutton, we drove to the gathering spot at the bottom car park at Tauriko Mall.
After doing all the ‘good mornings’ and stumbling over the raised car stops (which caught you out every so often) we jumped into our cars at 0930hrs and headed towards the Kaimais.
The route was first left on the Waikato side then left at the ‘T’, right at the roundabout, first left then second left onto Harris Road then left at the ‘T’ and left again into the Putaruru Timber Museum where we lined up for a hot coffee and a date scone fresh out of the oven. Yuuummmm.
The weather was perfect for the drive through the countryside.
After coughing up for the museum entry, you had a selection of old bush tram locos converted from tractors or trucks or it seems whatever you had that could do the job.
The logging operation at Putararu was big enough to have its own Locomotive Depot to service the log work.
Then it was onto Train World where they had the old model railway from Napier operating
It was neat spotting all the little side shows that were working, noticing different option all the time, even had a bloke ‘puking’ over the side of his miniature boat, very well done!
We went onto various out buildings then into Truck World where they had Mike Lamberts Detroit powered V12 Kenworth logging truck on display.
We then went back up to the café for lunch and a catch-up , after which everyone made their own way home at their leisure.
We got home happy with having had an awesome day out thanks to Michael & Jane Thorman.
A number of club member were invited to Doug’s 90th Birthday Bash at his apartment and we duly turned up with as many MG cars that we could muster.
This was a surprise showing that had been requested by Doug’s daughter and the look on Doug’s face was priceless. Speeches were made including an excellent one from patron Alastair Jones.
As an extra surprise, Doug was taken for a ride around the block in a ford mustang.
Congratulations Doug on reaching your 90th milestone, we expect another visit in the next ten years.
We had 16 ladies at coffee morning. First game was a collection of 25 items to test our memory. Second game was to build a tower from marshmallows and spaghetti where we got covered in icing sugar.
Heaps of laughs had by all. The ladies also swapped a collection of vintage clothing. A great morning.
Note from Ed.
Lynn and I entered this rally together with Raewyn & Trevor Hughes, Robin Elliott & Michael Thorn, Mr & Mrs Graham Jack, Graeme & Raewyn Fenn and Val & David Stafford, all members of the BOPVCCC.
It is the first time that Lynn and I have entered an extended rally at another club ‘and’ used straight line navigation.
Despite our misgivings, we had an absolute ball. We are now looking for our next adventure rallying.
If you haven't entered something like this before, then make this a must for the future. It’s a blast!
The Mount Mainstreet car show, 30th May 2026, was such a success that we have been asked to come back next year, possibly on the Saturday of Kings Birthday Weekend. Put a note on your calendars.
Nog n Natter nights are attracting more members with 31 attending at the Citizens Club, Tauranga last May and despite a cold evening, 26 attended the June evening at the Rain Bar, Papamoa.
If you enjoy a great meal and fantastic camaraderie, then these are the places to be! Tauranga is the July venue.
The ladies monthly coffee mornings are proving to be a hit with the wives/partners. The first Tuesday of each month at 10.30 am has been confirmed for the venue at the BOPVCC Clubrooms.
The event is now called Nags & Natter with the next one on 7th July. This is a very sociable event, so ladies please come along and get to know each other. Get your partners to drop you off and enjoy the morning.
Ladies, please bring along a small plate and a gold coin for the raffle. It is suggested to wear your or your partners badge to assist with name recognition.
The Friday end of the month movie night has been drawing a large number of members, partners and friends with the ice cream intermission being well received. Junes movie, The Wild Hogs, was very entertaining and enjoyed by everyone, in spite of one of the heat pumps malfunctioning.
In spite of the weather trying to interfere, Junes events have gone ahead and have been very well patronised.
July has some great events organised starting with Club Night Guest Speaker Graeme Collett, renown athlete, MG racing and rally driver and also a great sportsman. This will be another evening not to be missed! and will end in one of Pauline & Elwyns great suppers
The Mid Month Run to Flegg bros Army Museum and workshop then off to Rod Brayshaws property, where everything MG takes place, will be another must do event. This run is again organised by Colin Denize and will end at the Debrief Café and is another not to be missed event.
We are so spoilt because the End of Month Run to Neil Surtees workshop and vintage collection at Kawerau will be the highlight to end this months runs. His amazing workshop is about restoring and converting cars and will be of great interest to us all. Lunch will be at the Thornton Bar and Eatery.
Apart from these events, Monday mornings see our well supported Café Cliff coffee get togethers where solutions to all problems are resolved.
Don’t forget to register for the Daffodil Dinner Fundraiser on 1st. August. Registration closes 13th July so get in now and don’t miss out! Placings are limited. Your support is necessary to make this event happen.
Daffodil Day is fast approaching and we will need support to make this day a success.
Ground staff will be needed to assist in setting up our clubroom site on the day before the event plus assistance to clean up on the following day, so please come along and help.
Personally I feel that we have, on the whole, a very vibrant club, that when I read through other branches newsletters, we are very fortunate to having fantastic run ideas coming to the fore.
The branch has also grown substantially with the klaxon now being distributed to 380 members. This figure does not include joint memberships and every month, new memberships arrive.
I feel that this is attributed to ‘classic’ being added to our online marketing presence.
A new badge/logo is being developed and should better reflect our position in this competitive advertising market .
To enjoy each others vehicles, whether veteran, vintage or classic is a must and in this day and age doing this will help keep our passion going.
A big thank you to everyone that has contributed to the Klaxon.
Look forward to catching up with you all
Klaxon editor George.
Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Secretary
Treasurer
Club Captain and Run Co-ordinator
Committee
Hall Hire and Hire Enquires
Librarian
Honorary Solicitor
Parts Shed
Parts Shed Assistant
Property Manager
Name Badges
Klaxon Editor
Facebook Website
Welfare and First Aid
Health and Safety
Kitchen Co-ordinator
VIC and Domas Certification
Clubnight Raffles
Club Apparel
Membership Booklet Publication
Projectionist
Buzz Editor
Movie Night Co-ordinator
Donn White (Christine)
Kaaren Smylie
Michael Thorman (Jane)
027 4764465
021 664341
07 5444291 0274 742625
Keith Perkins (Jane) 0275 781231
Elwyn Pirie (Pauline)
0274 914600
George Howard (Lynn) 0204 0427624
Elwyn Pirie (Pauline) 0274 914600
Alan MacKenzie 0275 647785
Russell Hulbert (Julie) 0274 784599
Raewyn Hughes (Trevor) 0210 2212186
Trevor Hughes (Raewyn) 0210 2813817
Kaaren Smylie
021 664341
Peter Withers 0220 173798
Peter Butler (Marion)
Jack Anderson (Merilyn)
021 423453
027 2873989
Colin Cavanagh 0272 629161
Jack Anderson (Merilyn) 027 2873989
Michael Thorman (Jane)
07 5444291 0274 742625
George Howard (Lynn) 0204 0427624
Deidre Rennie (Tony) 021 665875
Merilyn Anderson (Jack) 07 5766346
Russell Hulbert (Julie) 0274 784599
Pauline Pirie (Elwyn)
027 6669494
Elwyn Pirie (Pauline) 0274 914600
George Howard (Lynn)
0204 0427624
Jane Thorman (Michael) 07 5444291
Raewyn Hughes (Trevor) 0210 2212186
Kerry Elton (Ron) kerryelton60@gmail.com
Keith Perkins (Jane)
George Howard (Lynn)
Kaaren Smylie
George Howard (Lynn)
0275 781231
0204 0427624
021 664341
0204 0427624