SEPTEMBER EDITION 2026 CHAIRMAN'S CHAT BOP VCCC UPCOMING EVENTS IMPORTANT CLUB NOTICES MEMBERSHIP UPDATES DAFFODIL DAY FUNDRAISING DINNER LADIES NAGS and NATTER TAURANGA PRIMARY SCHOOL VISIT AUGUST CLUB NIGHT DAFFODIL DELIVERIES MID MONTH RUN UPCOMING NATIONAL EVENTS BAYSWATER RETIREMENT VILLAGE VISIT DAFFODIL DAY FUNDRAISER SHOW NOG & NATTER. MOVIE NIGHT EDS RAMBLINGS
CHAIRMAN'S CHAT
UPCOMING EVENTS September 2026 01 -- Nags & Natter . Ladies morning tea and get together 10.30am at Clubrooms 04 -- Visit to Arvida Copper Crest Retirement Village 9.30am - 12.30pm. contact Elwyn Pirie 027 4914600 07 -- Cafe Cliff 10am. parts shed open 9am 07 -- 11. Coast to Coast Coromandle Run. This run is fully booked. 13 -- Bay Rodders 'Blue September Run' Mens Cancer fundraiser. Meet at Bay Rodders Clubrooms. Cherokee Place. Mt Maunganui 9.30am. Run will end at Jellicoe Bar & Eatery, Te Puke. Please support this great cause, This is a reciprocal arrangement with The Bay Rodders who supported our Daffodil Day for Cancer Fundraiser with their presence. 14 -- Cafe Cliff 10am. Parts shed open 9am. 14 -- Club Night 7.30pm. Parts shed open at 7pm. Speaker is Carole Seymour. Tauranga organiser of The Distinguished Gentleman Drive. Registration for the drive can be made on the night. 19 -- Greerton Village Blossom Festival. 12 - 15 closed off carparks have been allocated beside Cameron Road for the display of our vehicles. Arrive at 8.30am for display at 9am. Event finishes at 2pm. Please advise Elwyn 027 4914600 or Donn 027 4764465 if you wish to attend. 20 -- Waikato VCC are having a run to Tauranga and will join us for morning tea at the clubrooms. As our Mid Month Run, we will join them for the run, possibly having a lunch stop. Update to follow. 21 -- Cafe Cliff 10am. Parts shed open 9am. 22 -- Nog and Natter 6pm Tauranga Citizens Club. Tauranga. 25 -- Clubrooms Movie Night. 6pm BYO meal & tipple. movie start 7pm. 27-- End of Month Run. The Distinguished Gentleman Run. BOPVCCC participation event. 28 -- Cafe Cliff 10am. Parts shed open 9am. 28 -- Committee Meeting 7pm. October 2026 05 -- Cafe Cliff 10am. Parts shed open 9am. 06 -- Nags & Natter. Ladies get together at clubrooms 10.30am 12 -- Cafe Cliff 10am. Parts shed open 9am. 14 -- Mid Month Run to Awakeri Rail Carts. For bookings contact Lynn Howard m. 027 3106451 by15th September 17 -- 18 Auckland Model A event at clubrooms.
UPCOMING EVENTS CONTINUED 19 -- Cafe Cliff 10am. Parts shed open 9am. 20 -- Nog n Natter. The Rain Bar Restaurant Papamoa 25 -- End of Month Run. TBA. 26 -- Labour Weekend. No Cafe Cliff or Parts Shed 27 -- Committee Meeting 7pm. 30 -- Clubrooms Movie Night. 6pm BYO meal. Movie starts at 7pm. 31 -- Volunteer working bee at clubrooms for Swap Meet and Car Show 1st.November 2026. <><><><><><><><><><> IMPORTANT CLUB INFORMATION 4th September visit to Arvida Copper Crest Retirement Village. Please make sure you have contacted Elwyn Pirie m.0274 914600 before rocking up to the event. ---------------------------------------------Please contact Lynn Howard by 15th September (this month) to put your name down for the limited numbers required to join the Awakeri Rail Carts Run 14th October 2026. Cost per person is $85 This is a club special price. (Normal cost is $120 per person) This run will be our October Mid Month Run and should be a fun get together, so get in early. ----------------------------------------------New members and those members awaiting a Club Name Badge and Membership Booklet Please contact The Secretary, Michael Thorman at club night. ----------------------------------------------MESSAGE OF THANKS FROM DIANE FREW I wish to express my heartfelt thanks for the lovely flowers received on the passing of Ken. Also to everyone who attended his funeral and brought their vehicles and put on a display, Ken would have been overwhelmed but very appreciative of the effort you all made. Although Ken was not able to attend very many events in the last few months which he really missed, he still liked to keep up with what was happening at the club. To the members who visited Ken at hospital and at home, thank you very much. Ken always enjoyed your visits and having a good old chat. Kind Regards Diane, Roslyn and Debbie.
MEMBERSHIP UPDATES The BOP VCCC extend a very warm welcome to the following new members Ted Bromwich
takako@xtra.co.nz
Ted has a 1964 Morris Traveller ---------------------------------------------Ted Adelman
tpadelman@hotmail.com
Ted has a 1974 Triumph Stag ----------------------------------------------James Senior
james.junior@icloud.com
James is purchasing a Mini !000. ---------------------------------------------Tony Nillson
glenton.nilsson@gmail.com
Tony has a 1928 Desoto Model K ---------------------------------------------Glen Robinson
glenrobbo3@gmail.com
Glen has a 1967 Honda SS50 Motorcycle -------------------------------------------Patrick O'shaughnessy
oshaughnessy.pat19@gmail.com
Pat has a 1983 Saab 900 Turbo Hatchback __________________________ To all new members. Please collect your name badges from The Secretary,. Michael Thorman on Clubnight or phone M. 0274 742625 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Passing Lane It is with deep regret to announce the passing of these BOP VCCC long time members Peter Cooper Tony Fraser Julian Webb We offer our sincere condolences to the partners and families of these fine gentlemen who will be sadly missed
Please note Special parking spaces have now been allocated for the BOPVCC Please contact Elwyn Pirie 027 4914600 urgently for further information
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Your BOPVCCC Committee members for the 2025/26 year
1st AUGUST 2026 DAFFODIL DAY DINNER FUNDRAISER The Daffodil Day Fundraising Dinner at the club rooms certainly lived up to its expectation of an exceptional feast hosted by Pauline and Elwyn Pirie and their fantastic crew of Jan, Harry, Kim and Julia who not only worked tirelessly during the evening but had worked long hours in the previous days to produce such an excellent menu. The lively and humorous evening was compered by Chairman Donn White who introduced our guests BOP Cancer Society Coordinator Hayley Hickey and National Daffodil Day Rally Organizer Kaaren Smylie. Their speeches certainly hit home with cancer having affected everyone through family and/or friends. With speeches and photo ops out of the way, the dinner began in earnest. The carvery of Pulled Lamb and Chicken Curry complete with an amazing variety of vegetables, dressings and garlic rolls was never ending, enough for seconds for everyone! So yummy!! After the main course, "The Two Ronnie's" aka Patron Alastair Jones and Honorary Solicitor Peter Butler, dressed in costume (although, much to our amusement with their mustaches coming loose) entertained us with an extremely humorous selection of politically incorrect and near to the point jokes and had everyone in stitches and rolling in their seats. The dessert course came next with apple crumble, vanilla ice cream and warm custard followed with tea and coffee. After dessert, Chairman Donn started the competing table quiz based on car knowledge, all which wracked our addled brains. The prize of a box of chocolates was awarded to the most points table of Tony Hall who then offered it as an auction won by Graham Meredith. Graham then gave it to the lowest points table of Kaaren, Hayley, Hannah and Chris White. Donn then confessed that he had forgotten to come up with a prize and had raided the hidden stash of wife Chris's chocolates. A bit of "deja vu" there. The last time I saw them, I believe they were still talking HaHa!!!! During the evening the suitably dressed sheriff Tony Hall circulated with his badge fines bucket and inadvertently ended up collecting additional table donations toward the fundraiser. A quick total was counted by our very happy treasurer Keith Perkins and the grand total for the start of the campaign, including other fundraising activity, was announced by Chairman Donn as being over $1800, a truly fantastic boost to the beginning of this so worthy cause. Everyone who managed to obtain a seat in what was a very popular dinner fundraiser, give yourselves a huge pat on the back for making the evening so successful and worthwhile.
Kaaren Smylie
Hayley Hickey
DAFFODIL DINNER FUNDRAISER CONTINUED
LADIES AUGUST NAGS & NATTER Article courtesy of Helen Meredith At the August coffee morning we had fourteen fabulous ladies attending, dressed to impress with our "Royal" theme. We enjoyed a fabulous collection of royal treasures provided by our ladies. Merilyn challenged us with a royal quiz and Judith supplied a royal tea service. The baby photo competition was magnificent and had all of us puzzled. Jill won the raffle prize. A very enjoyable morning.
TAURANGA PRIMARY SCHOOL VISIT 7th AUGUST 2026 Article courtesy of Treasurer Keith Perkins
TAURANGA PRIMARY SCHOOL VISIT CONTINUED
<><><><><><><><><><><><> Presidential Citation awarded to Kaaren Smylie This was a surprise award bestowed on Kaaren Smylie by the VCCCNZ President George Kear for the amazing amount of commitment and effort Kaaren has put into raising the profile of the VCCC National Day over her many years of involvement and as the certificate states, states, "Outstanding". Congratulations Kaaren.
4th AUGUST CLUBNIGHT PRESENTATION BY CHAIRMAN DONN WHITE After the formalities of the club night were out of the way, Donn began the evening's entertainment with a presentation of his early career as a journalist and photographer of national and international motorsport. Donn began taking snapshots in the 'pits' alongside the race tracks where teams parked, repaired, refueled and worked on their cars during racing, a place now very much taboo in modern day events. Being around so many national events, pit crews and drivers began to reconise Donn and became comfortable in giving interviews. This in turn started his journey as a journalist supplying media to the national papers. The income derived from selling his photos also allowed Donn to upgrade his Kodak Instamatic camera purchased for 6 pounds 10 pence in 1966 to a Pentax K1000 purchased for $180 duty free in 1979. and with a telephoto lens added, was able to get some great shots of the racing action. To Donn's relief, the income also masked the buying of the equipment before wife Chris found out he had spent the money. As an additional cost, Donn had a logo made up of his now expanding business which began heading into the international scene and he was able to interview many well known racing celebrities. As Donn's career expanded, he began taking to driving the circuit cars and eventually topped his involvement by winning races in the MG MIdget and BMC MIni race proven cars. It was interesting to note that Donn's involvement in motorsport would have been influenced by his father in the inauguration of the NZ car racing scene and how it has now flowed through to Donn's son Sam. The number of well known top flight motorsport legends that Donn has interviewed and photographed over the years is extraordinary and the very entertaining evening certainly gave a real insight into our motoring history. A very entertaining evening thank you Donn.
January1986 Wellington street race Peter Brock chasing team mate John
Denny Hulme, Pukekohe Pits 7th April 1991
4th August Clubnight Presentation Continued
Donn White and Craig Baird May 2003
The Pentax and Instamatic Cameras
1985 Robbie Francevic Nissan Bluebird airborne, Pukekohe
Donn receiving gift from Elwyn Pirie
--------------------------------------------------------------------VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION CARD (VIC) & DATE OF MANUFACTURE AND AUTHENTICITY STATEMENT (DOMAS) APPLICATION FORMS Go to www.vcc.org.nz and in the left hand side panel click option 'Vehicle Information' Accessing that will show 'VIC Identity Card' Print off and complete the required pages, also noting the requirements for the photos. On completion, please text BOP VIC Officer George Howard m.02040427624 before sending the application to VCC NZ. All paperwork requires checking against the vehicle by a VIC Officer before being received by the Registrar This is done to speed up the application process.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS. THEY SUPPORT US.
CANCER SOCIETY DAFFODIL DAY FLOWER DELIVERIES On Wednesday 5th August, Russell Goodwin, Keith Perkins, George Howard, Knud Nielson, Grant Williams, Kaaren Smylie, Hayley Hickey and all their helpers turned up at the Cancer Society Tauranga Center to distribute bunches of beautiful daffodils pre-ordered by businesses and people in the Tauranga, Papamoa and Te Puke areas. This was a great way to raise the profile of the BOPVCCC and was such a buzz seeing the expressions when delivering these freshly picked blooms. Many thanks to all you guys.
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Bluebridge is the preferred ferry provider for the VCCC NZ The Interislander has discounts available for AA, NZMCA and Gold Card holders.
12th AUGUST 2026 MID MONTH RUN The visit to the Greenwood Park Retirement Village Gatsby Day marked the start of the mid month run. The residents looked spectacular in their period clothing and certainly appreciated the display by the BOPVCCC. We joined them for morning tea and bites before heading off for the next venue to the Coastguard at Sulphur Point. We were addressed at the Coastguard Center by our member and run organiser Colin Denize who is also a member of the coastguard and then by the duty manager. They explained the workings of the coastguard operation and how they respond to the call-outs and answered questions put out by our members. As there was a large number of members attending so we were split into three groups. our group boarded the coastguard rescue vessel, met one of the crew and ask a lot of questions. This was a very large twin hulled vessel capable of high speeds in adverse sea conditions and had been instrumental in various rescues. Next up was a visit to the operations room, full of communication equipment, all manned 24/7 by volunteers, male and female. We were shown how all traffic in and out of the port were monitored including private boat movement, a very complex operation. The last item on the agenda was the large inflatable self launching rescue tender driven by a huge outboard engine. This tender, as its name suggests, could be launched from any accessible beach and carry out rescues where the larger vessel could not access. The coastguard visit was definitely an eye opener and well worth it. certainly showed how people give up their time to help others. Lunch stop was next door to the coastguard, at the Tauranga Game Fishing Club which had a fantastic menu. The food was dished up, overflowing, on very large plates and was delicious. a great finish to a great run. Many thanks to Colin Denize for organizing this very interesting and enjoyable mid month run.
MID MONTH RUN CONTINUED
UPCOMING NATIONAL EVENTS
18TH AUGUST VISIT TO BAYSWATER RETIREMENT VILLAGE Bayswater retirement village requested five vintage cars to display at the village for their Gatsby Day evening celebrations. Paul Paap, Kevin Bridgeman, Andy Weenink, Sam Denize (Colins daughter) & George Howard arrived at 4pm dressed in Gatsby era attire. We drove our cars around the village honking our horns and then parked up at the main entrance where residents started to arrive for the evening function. Much to their delight, a number of residents and staff were then taken for a short drive around the village. The BOPVCCC group then waited in the lobby whilst photos were taken of guests with the cars. The thankful village then made a donation of $150 which was put towards the Daffodil Day Fundraiser.
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23rd AUGUST. DAFFODIL DAY SHOW and FUNDRAISER The day started early with the volunteers manning their stations to greet the influx of cars and people. The show cars arrived in a steady stream and included a wide range of vintage and classic vehicles plus a couple of army vehicles. The Mini Owners Club arrived en masse as did the Bay Rodders contingent of at least 25 vehicles. The Jaguars grouped together and all the mustangs put on a great display. The Morris Minors took up a position along the back fence and all the other marques spread out on the old bowling greens and the sealed parking areas. It was fantastic to see such a large variety of vehicles with the MG's and other classics standing out amongst the crowd. a late morning count up saw 180 vehicles with more coming in and extras parking on the road. The yellow vehicle display at the front of the clubrooms grew to double the size envisaged as more cars joined the fun. The sausage sizzlers worked overtime as did the raffle ticket sellers at the table. Inside the clubrooms, the rocker cover racing ramped up and the kitchen wizards stood ground as the food flew off the tables. Amongst other morning prize winners, Lynn won a box of chocs for dressing up the Dodge and Marilyn Wood (RS 2000 Escort) ended up with a repair book on a certain ford! At the designated time, a large contingent queued up for the rally information and we started our cars, joined the queues and headed for the gate where we picked up the route sheets. The run took us across the harbor bridge, through Te Puke and onto the Rotorua road. After passing through Paengaroa, we turned left into Allport Rd and then onto Old Coach Road. Turning left onto Pongakawa Station Road brought us to SH2 where we again turned left and began heading back towards the Te Puke area. At the large roundabout, we had a choice of the Pacific Coast Highway to Te Puke or the alternative route through the Tauranga Eastern Link (toll road) The 29 Dodge was going well, so my navigator Russell Hulbert and I decided that with imminent rain on the horizon, we would go with the toll road route. probably a wise choice because as we arrived back at the clubroom grounds, a shower descended on us. It looked like we were in the first group of vehicles returning and the mini car group that was following us on the Old Coach Road had dissapeared. We later learned that their leader had taken a wrong turn and they had all followed suit. :)) In the clubrooms, we joined a large throng of people still rocker cover racing and enjoying afternoon tea. We grabbed some of the delicious food and settled in to await the outcome of the raffle draws. The prizes consisted of a number of grocery parcels, the contents which were donated by club members, items donated by sponsor Repco (organized by Donn White) and some wonderful vouchers from Tauranga Diesel Services. I believe there were 11 prizes in total. Late afternoon the crowds dispersed, the tables were cleared away and the floors swept. A wonderful day with hugh thanks to all the helpers.
Ed George.
DAFFODIL DAY FUNDRAISER CONTINUED
DAFFODIL DAY FUNDRAISER CONTINUED
DAFFODIL DAY FUNDRAISER CONTINUED
AUGUST 18th NOG N NATTER at THE RAIN BAR Twenty members arrived at 6pm at the Rain Bar Restaurant, Papamoa to a relatively cold evening. The heaters were turned on and the food and drinks were ordered. Conversation flowed around the tables and world problems were solved in minutes. What took longer was solving the problems associated with our club cars and considering that those problems have been around for nearly 100 years, i think we did pretty well!! The ladies ribbed the guys and laughter ensued. A great social evening was had by all.
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----------------------------------------------------------END OF MONTH MOVIE NIGHT 22 members arrive at 6pm at the clubrooms with their BYO meals and drinks and settled in for the evenings entertainment. Just after 7pm the movie "Greenfingers" was set up and played. The movie, a heartfelt comedy/drama about a group of disagreeable prison inmates who develop gardening talents and end up displaying at Hampton Court Gardens, not only brought on laughter but also developed a genuine closeness to the characters. As a bonus, a Bentley and a Morris Minor were also involved. Everyone not only enjoyed the movie, but the ice cream interval was well received. Another very good social evening at the clubrooms.
EDS RAMBLINGS What a full month of activities we have had and how great it is that so many members have got behind all the events. With the month starting off with the Daffodil Day fund raising dinner which was so enjoyable especially with the 'Two Ronnies' skit taking place halfway through the evening, we couldn't have asked for a better beginning. Great also seems to be the right expression for the requests from schools that have vintage and classic cars in their sights. We need to get younger people interested enough to ensure the future continuation of our passion. On the other side of the coin, the retirement villages requests for vintage and classic cars to show up for their displays also puts the BOPVCCC in a public eye. (they also have families!) It is very satisfying to have excellent runs such as the August mid month event taking place and produced by comparatively new members. If you are a member wishing to organize a run or rally, then don't be afraid to rock up with your suggestions, Club Captain Elwyn Pirie will be only too pleased to hear from you. Speaking of runs, Lynn Howard has organized the October Mid Month Run to the Awakeri Rail Carts Experience at a very competitive price of $85 pp. a special price discounted from the normal fee of $120pp. and includes sausage sizzle etc. This is a limited numbers group and has been well subscribed too, so contact Lynn urgently to reserve a place. ph.m 027 3106451. The Daffodil Day for Cancer show and rally proved very popular and it was heartwarming to see The Bay Rodders turning up to swell the numbers that had already arrived to support this worthy cause. The effort put in by the members to produce the amount of raffles and prizes can only be described as 'super' as was the time and effort also put in behind the scenes by the likes of Raewyn & Trevor Hughes, Hannah Peters, Donn White, Elwyn & Pauline Pirie and all the additional volunteers that without them this day would not have been possible. A big thank you to you all!!! We now await the still incoming result of the fundraising day (which i am sure will surpass last years total by a country mile) from our Treasurer Keith Perkins at the September clubnight. The September schedule looks a little more laid back and kicks off with the ladies Nags and Natter which has turned into a very good fun social get together. That together with this months Nog & Natter in Tauranga and clubnight movie night gives us something relaxing on the agenda. The clubnight speaker will be Carole Seymour who will get us up to speed on the end of month Distinguished Gentleman Drive, and registrations for this cause for men can be taken during the evening. On the 20th September the Waikato VCCC are having a run to our clubrooms and we are included in their afternoon run. This will be our mid month run, so please come along and show the flag. By the time you get this months Klaxon, the Copper Crest Retirement Village run 4th September will have been organized and names will have been collated by Elwyn Pirie. Lynn and I are booked for the Coromandle Coast to Coast run put on by Keith & Jane Perkins and Raewyn & Trevor Hughes on the 7th September and I can safely say that we are both looking forward to the getaway week, sunshine or not! Monday Mornings Cafe Cliff and the parts shed are there for great get togethers and the parts shed is well worth a look in if you are biting your finger nails over a hard to find solution to any car woes. Great to see the club so active and enjoying a good influx of new members, welcome guys!
Hope you enjoy the Klaxon Cheers George the ed.