THE WIPER The monthly bulletin from the Gore Branch of the Vintage Car Club of NZ Inc.
January 2026 Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at the Clubrooms, Waimea Street, Gore, starting at 8pm (unless notified otherwise)
Next meeting: 13th January
Branch email address: vccgore@gmail.com
Branch Patrons Chairman* Vice Chairman* Secretary* Treasurer* Club Captain*
2025-2026 Committee* and Officers Gerry Kennedy, Greg Elder Murray Proctor Lindsay Crooks Katherine Welsh Lynne Herron Alan Ritchie
Club Captain’s Committee
027 649 1377 027 220 9766 021 261 6986 027 210 4046 (03) 208 6790
Greg Elder Bruce Price Keith Nunn Murray Proctor
027 431 8058 027 208 7249 021 146 2036 027 649 1377
Branch Recorder/Bulletin Editor* David North
021 172 3281
Assistant Branch Recorder
Position not filled at present
House Convenor*
Paul Herron
Assistant House Convenors / Social Committee
Roy Buchanan, Paul Katon, David McDowell
Beaded Wheels Reporter Festival Rally Organiser*
Paul Katon Katy Parish
Assistant Rally Organiser
Bar Manager Assistant Bar Manager Maintenance Supervisor Maintenance Assistants
027 244 8428 (03) 208 5505 Not yet filled
Chris Scoles Paul Herron Keith Nunn
Vehicle Identity Card Signatories
027 226 5967 027 210 4131 021 146 2036
Roy Buchanan, Keith Dodds, Michael Rickerby, Ken Youngson
Swap Meet Katherine Welsh Swap Meet Assistant Ken Youngson Parts Manager Evan Henderson Parts Assistant Tommy Nicholson Hill Climb Evan Henderson Hill Climb Assistant Terry Inder Sheriff Denis Knight Librarian Stewart Quertier Raffles Star McDougall David North Branch National Delegate* Privacy Officer Katherine Welsh Museum & Hokonui Park David McDowell Tuesday Ramble Co-ordinator Gerry Kennedy Health & Safety Officer Ken Youngson Daffodil Day Co-ordinator 2026 Denis Knight Daffodil Day Assistant
027 210 4131
Not yet filled Evan Henderson John Tremaine John Parish 2
021 261 6986 027 667 4102 027 650 8056 027 650 8056 (03) 208 7017 027 351 3190 (03) 208 7932 (03) 208 6501 021 172 3281 021 261 6986 (03) 208 6791 027 233 4634 027 667 4102 027 351 3190 027 650 8056 027 432 0197 (03) 208 5505
Chairman’s Report Christmas is now behind us, the wrapping paper will have been disposed of, and we are probably on to the third set of batteries for the grandkids’ toys. We are probably also trying to think of some ways to get rid of the extra couple of kilos that managed to sneak on. I hope that everyone had a great time and looked after themselves over the break period. December last year the hill climbs and Christmas Run were held. Unfortunately, I was unable to go to either of these Runs due to family commitments. From what I’ve been told, they were very well run with members enjoying them both. Thank you to those who have organised Runs so far this year and thanks also to everyone who has come out and supported them. It's been noticeable over the past few years that the number of entries to rallies has been dropping, the last Easter Rally, South Otago’s and our own Festival Rally just to name a few. It’s disappointing to spent time organising an event only to have a really poor attendance. If anyone can suggest some ways to increase numbers, then let us know. We all know that February is when we hold our Festival Rally. At our last general meeting (December) Katy had two confirmed entries. Please, check your calendars and get your entries in early. This helps especially with meals. It’s early, but local members please remember to bring along something on Rally Day for the morning tea. Safe motoring, Murray Proctor
From the Editor’s Christmas Cracker Q. What do they sing at a snowman’s birthday party? A. Freeze a jolly good fellow. 3
Adoption of new Gore Branch Constitution The draft has been circulated to branch members and will be voted on at the January meeting. Please contact the Branch Secretary if you have not received a copy.
Adoption of new VCC By-laws Following further revisions to the draft By-laws, another, hopefully final, version will be circulated to branches in January with the intention that this will be voted on at the March Executive Meeting. David North, Branch Delegate
5th – 7th February: South Canterbury Branch celebrates 120 years of the first car to Mount Cook
Please note that this event has been cancelled 4
Club Captain’s Report During the last month there have been two Branch activities (Ladies Run, Auction Night) held. The Ladies Run, organised by the last year's winner, Nancy Stronach, had us travel over about 80 kms of West Otago secondary roads. Ten cars plus passengers drove up to the starting line. A stop was organised at Chris Mulgrew's new antique shop in the main street of Waikaka. Members were able to have a quick look around for bargain. The Waikaka Arts & Crafts Exhibition was also on, but time did not allow members to stop. The final destination was at the Pioneer Park Museum, where a guest, Adrienne Rodgers, demonstrated how to design a Tussie-Mussie. The question for a lot of people is, what are Tussie Mussies? They are a small bunch of flowers or herbs, that prevent the wearer from bad odours. When I was a young boy, we washed each day (hand wash), but bathed every Saturday night. My grand-Ma lived with us. She always wore scented flowers, as a brooch, as there was no fancy deodorant like nowadays. This would be her Tussie-Mussie. I learnt a lesson while waiting for the Run to start. In conversion with Keith Nunn, he asked, "Why is the A50 not running in the rally?” My answer was, “Lorraine does not have a Licence". His reply, "To encourage more partners to participate, the rules were changed, so that any partner could drive.” I am sure knowing the rules the Ritchie family will participate next year. The Auction Night organised by Denis & Marie Knight was held on November meeting night. A total of $430 was collected on the night. A big thank you must be given to Denis & Marie. They work tirelessly on every activity they volunteer for. Talking to Denis, baking / plants / jams were popular sellers, while general goods had Denis & Marie working overtime. I write this report one day before Evan Henderson’s hill climb event. I will be able to report on all that happened in the next Wiper. Alan Ritchie 5
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From the Editor’s Keyboard Welcome to a packed issue, thanks to a multitude of contributions and a fair number of coming event notices. A big “Thank you” goes out to: Janet Brester for her report on the September Ramble and Frances & Bryan Neilson for the November one. Jean Smale sent in her account of helping out at the Coronet Peak and Josephville Hillclimbs, while, on a more “seasonal” note, Pauline Price reports on the Tuesday Ramble Christmas lunch and Raewyn & Keith Dodds on the Christmas Run. Alan Ritchie has again been out with his camera and Diana & Michael Rickerby have done a lot of travelling in their Model A, taking in the Reefton Rally and the Blossom Festival. If you are short of a New Year resolution, why not resolve to send me a story in 2026? If every member household did this, I would have more than enough material to keep me going until 2028 and, going forward, I would only need one story every other year from each of you! (I know, as my Dad used to say, “If wishes were horses, then poor men would ride!”) Finally, with fingers crossed for some lasting summer weather, I wish you safe motoring and all the very best for a happy, and healthy, New Year! David North
BRAINTEASER Q: How far can a dog run into the woods? Answer next month
Answer to last month’s Brainteaser Q: In New Zealand, is it possible for a man to legally marry his widow's sister? A: It's not illegal, it's just impossible. If his wife is a widow, then the man is dead. 7
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In New Zealand History This Month 19 January 1967 Nineteen killed in Strongman mine explosion at Rūnanga Nineteen men were killed when an explosion ripped through the state-run Strongman coal mine at Rūnanga, on the West Coast of the South Island, just after 10 a.m. An inquiry found that safety regulations had not been followed and a shot hole for a charge had been incorrectly fired. Located just north of Greymouth, the Strongman mine (New Zealand’s largest underground coal mine) had had an impeccable safety record since opening in 1939. But in January 1967 an explosion sent a fireball through a section of the mine, in which 240 men were working at the time. Strongman mine memorial (Olwyn Crutchley)
A higher death toll was avoided only because a wet patch in the tunnel near the site of the explosion slowed down and then extinguished the fireball. Smoke and firedamp (methane gas produced by coal) made the search for survivors and bodies hazardous. When mixed with a certain proportion of air, firedamp becomes highly explosive. Those involved in the rescue were at constant risk of another explosion. After 15 bodies were recovered on the day of the explosion, it took another three weeks to retrieve two more. The last two men could not be recovered and the tunnel was sealed off. Five men involved in the rescue received the British Empire Medal for their bravery. An inquiry into the disaster concluded that at least two mining regulations had been broken. The government was ordered to pay compensation to the families of the victims. New Zealand’s worst mining disaster remains the explosion at Brunnerton in the nearby Grey Valley in 1896, in which 65 men were killed. Adapted from: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/explosion-at-strongman-mine-at-runangaz 11
St James Theatre $5 Film Screening At the December meeting, the overwhelming preference was for a weekday evening screening. Paul McPhail, manager of the St James Theatre, has said it will be a Monday at 6pm and he will be in touch with a day and date sometime in the New Year. Full details will be published in The Wiper. David North
Car photos for the Clubrooms Any members wanting to update the picture(s) of their car(s) or who have a new car and want to display it in the Clubroom photo gallery, please contact Alan Ritchie for a time and place to suit you both. Phone 03 208 6790 12
Tuesday Ramble 30th September 2025 Way back in September I said I'd do the report on the Bluff gin distillery that makes a gin called Bluff London Dry Gin, and then I didn't. So, let's see if I can distill my memories of that day.
The rain was memorable, it absolutely bucketed down, so we were forced to make a run for the Golden Age Tavern. It was a wet and bedraggled mob who waited for their choice of fish and chips, seafood chowder or chicken schnitzel. It must be said that it was worth the wait, and the staff, who opened especially for us, did an admirable job. I can recommend the chowder. Meanwhile the rain became torrential and I don’t think there was one of us who remained dry during the mad dash back to the cars. The distillery is situated in part of the old Ocean Beach freezing works, and it certainly was freezing. The 300-litre, electric, pot-style still was originally for whisky (I think). A whey-based product from Fonterra is used to produce the gin, and I have to admit to not really understanding the technicalities of it all except to say that atmospheric pressure affects the flavour so they blend three runs together, and it sits for two weeks before bottling. Also, seawater is used to cool the condensing tubes, and let's face it, there was no lack of cold water that day! Six “botanicals” are used to flavour the gin and a “tea bag” of juniper berries, coriander seeds, hibiscus flower, orris root, lemon grass and licorice root is infused with 55% (ish) alcohol. 13
The six botanicals and the bottle
Maggie, our guide to the distillery (Jen also helped, but avoided the camera!)
The still (named “Hannah”)
The distinctive buoy-shaped, sea green bottle took two years to develop and uses some of the most expensive elements, making hand application of labels a must. It looks great though. The product has won 15 national and international awards, selling 15,000 bottles in its first full year of production and the company hopes ultimately to sell 70,000 per annum. We were allowed a taster, not all of us liked it but that's to be expected, I myself really liked it. The gin sells for $89.95 a bottle and can be mixed to best effect with Fevertree mediterranean citrus tonic. But I reckon tonic and a slice of lemon would be very acceptable. 14
There was even some “VCC” interest
Plans for the future and some of the awards won so far
This was, despite the atrocious weather, a very enjoyable and interesting outing to another amazing enterprise operating in Southland. I really hope they continue to flourish and expand in Bluff. Janet Brewster (Photos by the Editor) 15
Festival Rally Notes Gore members: please bring a plate to share for the morning tea Get your entries in please Entries close 21st February but the sooner they are in the better Katy Parish, Rally Organiser 16
November Tuesday Ramble The usual Ramblers met at the Clubrooms plus a few extras. After we all signed in, we were ready to go. We went to the Top Pub in Winton for lunch, sorted out the drinks and got lunch ordered. Everyone had their favourites, from burgers & chips to blue cod & chips and everything else, coffee also. We went down the main road to Lochiel and on to Halder’s Dairy Farm to meet Chris Halder. What a shed, 110m long and another being built behind.
Tractors of all names – an Austin tractor on steel wheels, Rumely Oil Pull tractor, Caterpillar Sixty, Munktells, 1936 Silver King 3-wheeler with a Hercules engine, Renault, Case, and many more – about 80 to 100. Stationary engines, trucks and cars - a Hudson Fire Truck, a beautiful 1903 curved dash Oldsmobile Runabout with tiller steering plus many more. Brass car lamps, so much more. Petrol pumps of all shapes and sizes and a small one which I was told I could get a small amount of petrol from, ha ha! There were about 160 pumps. Chris then took us over to the workshop. Very impressive with a hoist and a traction engine getting repaired. 17
Austin tractor
Rumely Oil Pull tractor
Renault tractor
Traction engine
The Hudson Fire Truck
Curved dash Oldsmobile Runabout
What a wonderful collection in great sheds and no doubt more to come. 18
Caterpillar Sixty
“Keep New Zealand Beautiful” VW Camper
Thank you, Chris it is a shed very worthwhile to look through. Another great Ramble, thank you, Gerry, for another great year of Rambles and lovely meals. Happy New Year Ramblers, Frances & Bryan Neilson (Photos by the Editor)
[Editor’s note: Chris told me that he would like to hear from anyone who has, or knows of, a rare or unusual tractor for sale. Please contact him by email: chrishalder@hotmail.com or phone: 027 468 1850]
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Coronet Peak Hill Climb (Queenstown) and Josephville Hill Climb Coronet Peak The 29th and 30th of November turned out to be a busy weekend for some of us. Queenstown VCC needed extra marshals to help run their event so four of us went up to help: Terry Inder, who was Speed Steward, Chris Scoles, who was Clerk of the Course, myself (Jean Smale) and non-member Ian Soper were looking after re-fuelling. It was a very early start as we had to be at the ski field by 8 am and with some very sporting driving by Chris we were on time. There were about 63 cars entered and first was away at 10 am. It was a rather cold morning with the weather doing its best to put us off and when a big shower of rain came through at mid-day, we thought that was it but the rain cleared and the afternoon warmed up. We were on our way about 4-pm and with a few extra starters for our own hill climb the next day.
Josephville Hill climb And so Sunday it was our turn to do the organising. Everyone started arriving around 8 am and because our club has been doing the hillclimb for the past 19 years most people knew their jobs. Signage was erected in no time. Errol Hewlett arrived with the van with the timing gear, 2-way radios and fire extinguishers, so by 10 o’clock we were ready to rumble and it was time for the driver briefing. A good number of cars had come down from the Coronet Peak event the day before. As the weather was looking a bit threatening it was decided not to stop for lunch and keep running so everyone was able to get five runs. There was a small problem at the start when it was found two Flag Marshals had got lost in the hills somewhere, so a quick change of rôles from tow truck driver to flag marshal and the problem was solved. Fortunately, the tow truck was not needed at all so the day ran well and everyone enjoyed themselves. 20
VCC President, George Kear & passenger Dave Murison in George’s Kato Special
Chris Read, BCM Special
J Haack, 1955 Triumph TR3
Steve Aldersley, 1929 Austin 7 Special
Russell Sherwin, 1928 Ford Model A Special
Willie Henderson, 1965 Jaguar Mk2
The weather held off until we were packing up and having the prize-giving. The drivers from out of our area were very appreciative of the Gore Branch for the running of our event and showed their appreciation with a round of applause. And we all enjoyed another lovely day in Tropical Southland. Words by Jean Smale, photos by Alan Ritchie 21
Picnic Run Sunday 18th January
10.45am: meet at the Clubrooms 11.00am: depart All sealed roads Bring lunch and seats Keith Nunn 021 146 2036 22
Tuesday Ramble 27th January
12.00 noon: meet at the Riverton RSA (on the main street of Riverton)
The bar will be open 12.30pm: lunch served (Set meal, $25 each, blue cod (1 lge piece), chips & salad)
1.30pm: visit to Riverton Coastguard to view the new boat and boat shed (I will collect donations for the Coastguard during lunch)
Numbers to David North: 021 172 3281 BEFORE Wednesday 21st January N.B. As it is a set meal, please also advise me of any special dietary requirements 23
Gore Branch Events for the 2025-26 Season Event
Date
Organiser(s)
2026 Picnic Run
Sunday 18th January
Tuesday Ramble
NO February Ramble
Festival Rally
Saturday 28th February
Katy Parish
March Run
Sunday 8th March
Alan Ritchie
Swap Meet
Sunday 15th March
Katherine Welsh
The 2026 Southern Backroad Adventure at the Clubrooms
Saturday 11th April
Paul Herron
Frank Robson Memorial Run & Clearwater Capers
Sunday 12th April
Greg Elder
Night Trial
Sunday 10th May
Keith Nunn
End of Season Run
Sunday 14th June
Murray Proctor
Branch 60th Anniversary Friday 19th – Sunday 21st Celebration June Tuesday Ramble
Last Tuesday of the month (except December)
Keith Nunn
Committee chaired by Paul Herron Co-ordinated by Gerry Kennedy
Editor's note to event organisers If you want to see a report in The Wiper, please provide one yourselves or organise somebody to do it for you. (N.B. This works best if you ask them before the event!)
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Other Events 2026 18th January
Jackson Rally, Otago Branch
24th – 25th January 72nd Brighton Rally, Otago Branch 31st January – 1st February 7th February
Edendale Crank Up, Featuring: Massey-Ferguson, Ferguson and Toyota (pre-2006) https://www.edendalevmc.co.nz/crankup.php Southland Rally, Southland Branch
4th – 8th February
Burt Munro Challenge, Invercargill https://www.burtmunrochallenge.co.nz/home
8th February
Ellerslie Intermarque Concours, Auckland
19th – 22nd February
Hawke’s Bay VCC Art Deco Festival 2026. Contact hbdecorally@gmail.com or see www.hbvcc.org.nz
20th – 22nd February Classic Speedfest, Teretonga 20th – 22nd February
Ayrburn Classic, Ayrburn, Arrowtown https://ayrburnclassic.com/
1st March
Dunedin Brit & Euro Car Show
7th March
Veteran & Vintage Rally, Southland Branch
7th – 8th March
Hokonui Pioneer Village & Museum Celebrating 50 years. See notice on page 28
14th March
Scenicland Rally, West Coast Branch
15th – 21st March
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring https://www.historicmotoring.org.nz/
11th – 12th April
The 2026 Southern Backroad Adventure See notice on page 30
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Tuesday Ramble Christmas Lunch 3rd December 2025 Wednesday 3rd December saw a great turnout of 44 of our Club members meeting at The Gore Town and Country Club, arriving at 11.30am for a catchup and drink before sharing Christmas lunch. Marilyn Proctor said Grace before we began a delicious set menu of Christmas fare. Gerry Kennedy made it known he wishes to step down from arranging the Tuesday Ramble, and called for members to give some thought to who else may be willing to take over the rôle. Thank you, Gerry, you have never ceased to amaze us with your continual places you source for us to visit. Pauline Price
Star McDougall’s 1932 Chevrolet all decked out for the Christmas Run (Photo by Alan Ritchie) 31
Christmas Run 2025 It really felt a lot like Christmas when we turned up at the Clubrooms on the 7th December for the ‘Christmas Run’. Pauline and Bruce Price had the tables looking very Christmassy, with nibbles plates between the Christmas decorations and the branch’s red tablecloths out for the pot luck afternoon tea plates to be placed on, and real side plates to put our choices on.
Ken & Trish Buchanan’s 1978 Triumph 2500S
Raewyn & Keith Dodds’ 1936 Austin 7
A good crowd arrived with approximately 20 cars leaving for a run ‘around the block’. We all headed out toward Mandeville, then left at the old Mandeville School and travelling back up and over the Otamita Gorge Road, via a bit of gravel just so you had proof you had been on a Run. Finishing the excursion was a slight detour down Kelvin Road, Lady Charlton Road and back onto Reaby Road. The final turnoff being Waimea Street and back to the Clubrooms where Bruce and Pauline had very welcome cold drinks waiting for us.
Bill & Annette Ainge’s 1955 Austin A30
Bill Sheddan (L) & Bill Lavender
Once everyone was back, there was a short quiz to check our mental capacity on that very hot afternoon! This was won by our newest to-be members Merle & Bruce Catto. Pauline’s Aunty Pam who was staying the week judged the best/favourite car. That was also won by Merle’s Citroën. 32
The afternoon tea sealed the Christmas feel with lots of lovely treats to eat and a cuppa for anyone who wished to have one. Lots of chat and laughs at the end of a great Run. Thank you, Bruce and Pauline, your efforts were really appreciated both on the Run and in the Clubrooms. Words by Raewyn & Keith Dodds, photos by Alan Ritchie
Wanted Early photos of Gore VCC events, cars or members, past or present, for a slide presentation to play during our diamond anniversary weekend, June 2026 Contact Paul Herron 027 210 4131 or email paulandlynne@xtra.co.nz
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Reefton Rally 2025 Tuesday 9th September, left home at 7.50am for Haast. Hit Queenstown at 10.15 for a quick coffee at Mitre 10, big mistake, the boy wants to peruse the whole store. Coffee was great and hot. Fuelled up, then off to Wanaka over the Crown Range, slow but didn't have to pull over too many times. Must have been before the tourists hit the road. Fuelled up again at Wanaka then off to Haast, we met the rain just after Hawea so stopped for lunch at Makarora, absolutely tipping down. Lunch done, still raining, off to Haast for the night, great meal at the Heritage hotel. Wednesday, hitched the rain clouds onto the tow ball and off to Greymouth. Rained all the way!! Spent two days wandering around Greymouth. Stayed at the Alpine Rose motel, exceptionally clean and well-run motel. The owner has the most immaculate original 1965 Wolseley 6/110. Our car was privileged to share the private garage with it.
Friday we again hooked the rain clouds onto our tow ball and off to Reefton. Booked into our accommodation, the most expensive on our trip, but will say no more!! During a wee walk around Reefton we visited the Reefton Distilling Company, we rather enjoyed our tastings and left with a few bags of goodies. [Michael is pictured opposite with some of the “loot”. The Editor.] Especially good was the fact that they sell Fever Tree tonics for $4.00 a 4-pack (about $10.00 here). Had dinner at a bar/restaurant up the north end of Reefton and spent a few hours talking to the owner, she had lots to say and was very interesting. 34
Saturday morning 10.00am, collected our Rally packs, a cuppa and chat at the Reefton Workingmen’s Club. There were 27 entries, with quite a few cars that we hadn't seen before. At 11am we all set out to Blacks Point Museum, Stamping Battery and Machinery Shed.
This was a very interesting place to visit, the gentleman running the museum gave us all a talk on the gold mining around Reefton then took us behind the scenes and got huge books from their vault which had all the medical records from the beginning of time for the region. Some absolutely fascinating 35
reading in that book, it's well worth a visit. From there we all wandered up to the Machinery Shed and Stamping Battery, lots of old machinery which the men loved. Next a quick lunch back in town, then 12.30pm start for our Rally. We left Reefton, headed up past Rosco’s, through Victoria Forest Park to Ikamatua. Here we turned right off State Highway 7 and headed to the memorial for Pike River mine, it was a very moving experience to read the boards and the headstones, along with the personal items left by the families. We were then off to Blackball Museum where we had to find the answers to a multitude of questions. Here the Rally finished, so handed in our papers and off to the pub for a hot drink, or cold? Still raining. Refreshed, we parted company and headed back to Reefton to get tidied up after a day of in and out the car in good old West Coast rain, to go to the Reefton Workingmen’s Club for dinner and prizegiving. The boy was lucky or unlucky enough to get the Hard Luck Prize as our starter motor jammed at the Blacks Point Museum, but a quick pull on a tow rope and we were off without any more issues, he also won the Furthest Travelled Prize. It was a great night, we walked to the dinner and were offered a lift back to our accommodation in a 1928 Renault, about 2 metres of leg space, felt like we were in a chauffeur-driven car, all encased in velvet. Just stunning. On the Sunday we were meant to go to the Echo Coal Mine, but it was still pouring with rain so we decided to part company with the Rally and start to head off homeward, which wasn’t really, we headed to Hanmer Springs for a couple of nights and parted with the rain about half an hour before getting there. After that it was Christchurch for a couple of days then home up State Highway 1. Words by Diana Rickerby, photos by Diana & Michael Rickerby [More photos here: https://shutterfly.onelink.me/1053802476/sv2uvh0l (You may need to register on the site) The Editor]
From the Editor’s Christmas Cracker Q. What did one flag say to the other? A. Nothing, it just waved! 36
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Blossom Festival 2025 On Friday 26th September we headed to Cromwell, to attend the Central Otago Vintage Car Club Rally, taking part in the Blossom Festival in Alexandra on the 27th September. A lovely uneventful trip to Cromwell, booked into our accommodation, wandered into town for dinner, a nice evening. We had an early start with 8.30am collection of Rally Packs then time for a cuppa before a briefing at 9.45 at Clyde. There were 26 entries. This event was run differently from most, as we were given sheets with points allocated for places visited, plus veterans, vintages, and PV class all starting with different points, plus 100 points for attending the parade, then you had to choose where you went to accumulate 250 points in total. So, we chose to do the parade then headed off straight after to achieve our Rally points.
A compulsory destination was the Golden View Lifestyle Village in Cromwell, and the finish time was also set, so it was quite a rush to achieve what we needed. Just before 4.00pm we handed in our sheets having achieved our goal and settled in for a cuppa and prize giving. It was a fun afternoon/ evening, with the driver taking home the win for the Vintage car section and the overall win. On Sunday we all went to the Electric Cherries orchard in Cromwell. The couple running this were very informative about all they do, everything on 38
the property is electric, they have solar panels in banks of about 100 metres x 3, plus panels on their buildings, and a huge fire-proof battery room.
Drives were given to anyone who wanted on their electric tractor. They said that no questions were out of bounds, even financial, so this made for some quite good questions being asked. The most interesting answer I heard was that they only paid $130.00 for each panel, so someone's ripping someone off out there. After this it was a nice, but windy, trip home. Diana Rickerby [More photos here: https://shutterfly.onelink.me/1053802476/n5w30c56 (You may need to register on the site) The Editor] 39
In Welsh History This Month th
14 January Born on this day 1911 at Cockett in Swansea, Edward George 'Taffy' Bowen - Physicist whose work on radar enabled the Royal Navy and RAF to break the German navy's stranglehold over the North Atlantic during World War II and whose breakthroughs in the field of electromagnetism would change the course of people’s everyday lives. Taffy was born into a working-class family, but from a very early age his high intelligence marked him out for great things and at the age of 9 he'd already built his own valve radio transmitter. He joined Swansea University aged 16, he had his MSc by 19 and was a professor aged 24. Then in 1935, Bowen's brilliance brought him to the attention of the inventor of radar, Scottish scientist Robert Watson-Watt. Bowen managed to miniaturise radar into something that could be fitted into the noses of planes during the Battle of the Atlantic. Asked to come up with a “death ray” to bring down bombers, Bowen’s work in the field of electromagnetism did not come up with the deadly ray but it did lead to the development of the microwave oven and TV cathode ray tubes along with modern air traffic control systems. Adapted from The History of Wales and Wales Online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k3G5XlnFkU&ab_channel=PH https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/genius-scientist-edwardtaffy-bowen-10353834 Sent in by Donna North
From the Editor’s Christmas Cracker Q. Who hides in the bakery at Christmas? A. A mince spy! 40
Spotted! Alan Ritchie had his camera at the Gore Christmas Parade:
Driven by John Tremaine’s son, Richard
Tommy Nicholson’s truck
and so did the Editor:
Nancy Stronach & David McDowell on the Hokonui Pioneer Village float
Marie Knight in her Ford Mustang
Denis Knight in the Aurora Funeral Services classic hearse
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Online Bonuses Tussie Mussies: https://medium.com/plant-based-past/the-secret-language-of-bouquetstussie-mussies-a-botanical-history-e82e65885a26 Waikaka Arts & Crafts Exhibition: https://www.waikakaarts.nz/ Bluff Distillery: https://bluffdistillery.com/ Alpine Rose Motel: https://www.alpinerose.co.nz/ Wolseley 6/110: https://www.co-oc.org/vehicles/wolseley-6-110-mkii Blacks Point Museum: https://heritagewestcoast.nz/blacks-point-museum/ Pike River Memorial: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/pike-river-memorial-stone Blackball Museum: https://www.blackballmuseum.org.nz/ Electric Cherries Orchard: https://electriccherries.nz/ Golden View Lifestyle Village: https://www.promisia.co.nz/golden-view Hang Up and Drive - Junior Brown: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPAgWW-qF3M&ab_channel=JuniorBrown-Topic
New Zealand Federation of Motoring Clubs Inc. (newsletter page): https://fomc.nz/newsletters/ Southland Branch website: https://www.sporty.co.nz/southlandvintagecar The Editor 42
REMINDERS FOR SALE & WANTED ADVERTISEMENTS ARE FREE to Club members. Advertisements will be published in three consecutive issues. Please contact the Editor. The Branch receives commission if you insure your vehicle(s), boat(s), house(s), contents or travel with Vero Insurance and quote the Branch number (300135). https://vcc.org.nz/vero-vcc-insurance-scheme/ Gore Branch VCC name badges: are available to order by contacting the Branch House Convenor, Paul Herron, (phone 027 210 4131). N.B. If you’re not wearing one at a meeting you will attract the Sheriff’s attention and are likely to be fined! You are very welcome to come on Branch runs in your modern. Join the VCC online at https://vcc.org.nz/how-to-join/ Both Bluebridge and Interislander Ferries offer discounts to VCC members: https://vcc.org.nz/membership-benefits/ To Let: the Gore Branch Clubrooms are available to VCC members for personal functions at very reasonable cost. Newsletters from other Branches are posted on the VCC Website each month. Go to: https://vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches/ They are also sent to each Branch by email and can be obtained on request from the Secretary or the Editor.
GORE BRANCH BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER The Branch bank account number is 03-0915-0246885-00 Please put your name and the reason for the payment in the details boxes. Thank you. The Treasurer Thank you. The Treasurer 43
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ADVERTISEMENTS FOR SALE 1952 Austin Sheerline 6-cylinder, 4-litre, manual gearbox, 4-door sedan. Current WOF & Rego. 125,000 miles. Interior: walnut dashboard & leather seating original. Restored in ex condition through 1996. Good history kept over the years of service. Many spare parts available. Located in Gore, Southland. $40,000 ono. Contact Nancy: Tel. 027 310 9105 email nancy.stronach@xtra.co.nz 3/3
FOR SALE Four new old stock 600x16 inch crossply tyres with tubes. Only done about 100 miles. $450 the set. Phone Hartley Hay 027 814 2051 2/3
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Another Spotted! on Facebook by Donna North:
New World Gore A big congratulations to our two regular shoppers who have won themselves New World Gift Cards from our Christmas Shoppers Day.
Tailpiece
Sent in by Donna North 46
Run reports, articles of interest, photos, technical tips, letters and feedback are always welcome. The Wiper is usually distributed on or around the last Tuesday of each month Please send all contributions to David North
before the 3rd Monday of each month for inclusion in the next issue of The Wiper If you don't have a computer, I can get a hand-written article typed up or put your notes or jottings into shape for The Wiper. If you prefer, I can even take notes as you talk to me and write up the story for you - I am always ready to help so just let me know how! e-mail: northd14@gmail.com physical and mail: 4 Trotter Street, Riverton 9822 telephone (mobile) 021 172 3281 Please support our advertisers so that they, in turn, can continue to support the Branch The opinions and statements in The Wiper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy or views of the Gore Branch or of the VCC. The Branch accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any statements.
The Wiper is printed by I-Cue 10 Wood Street, Invercargill Telephone (03) 218 3350 47
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