Contacts
OCTOBER 2025
Chairman’s Report
Club Captain Report
Calendar of Events
October Club Night
October Mid-week run
October Sunday Club Run
Mid-week Run Report
Branch Photos
Classifieds
Notice Board
Spare News
Up and Coming Events
Club night is the 2nd Wednesday of the month @ 7.30pm at the Clubrooms - Supper provided.
Clubrooms, Library & Spares Department Open: Tuesday morning’s @ 9am -11am.
Morning Tea served @ 10.00am
Articles, Photos, Reminiscenes, Mechanical Tips, Notices, Funnies
Please submit your contributions by: 20th of the Month
Please supply your content in a word document with photos sent separately. Please indicate within the word document the image number that needs to be placed within.
Late contributions are accepted only if time allows, please phone to check if this is ok.
Email to: hbvccmag@gmail.com
Editor: Kay Elmsly, Mobile 027 286 6480
Contactable during work hours 9am-5pm Monday-Friday
Committee Roles
Non Committee Roles
Chairman’s Report
By Robert Benge
Greetings,
We’ve had a number of events in recent times including the Daffodil Day fundraiser for the New Zealand Cancer Society Unfortunately I was unable to attend this event by all accounts it was most successful event the afternoon was capped off with a great presentation by Michael Fowler. Many thanks to Paul and Barrie for arranging this event.
We must also congratulate the VCC National Day Coordinator Kaaren Smylie on an amazing result nationally for the VCCNZ the overall total raised for New Zealand was $110k.
We’ve just wrapped up hosting the NorthShore VCC branch which was a most successful weekend we had our wonderful kitchen team back which produced a fantastic meal.
The Northshore branch visited a number of Hawke’s Bay locations and collections which they seem to really enjoy. It was great to spend some time with their members enjoying the camaraderie between our branches and their members were most impressed with our Clubroom facilities.
We’ve been very fortunate over the 2025 year to have had a fantastic selection of speakers to date most of them being members of our branch this continues for our October club night.
Captain Paul is working on securing a very interesting speaker for a future club night focused around the cyclone recovery this one is definitely not to be missed. We have some great upcoming events including the not to be missed HOMESTEAD RUN.
Finally, I would like to personally thank Larry Morgan. Larry has carried a heavy workload on behalf of the club in recent times including tidying up the Club Constitution and covering the treasurers role in Paul’s absence as well as covering his own librarian and Secretary duties his has been greatly appreciated.
Safe & Happy Motoring
Greetings members,
Not for sissies …………. Sometimes the fickle hand of fate conspires against you. I knew I was in trouble on last month’s Sunday run when we turned onto the expressway and saw angry black clouds hovering over our intended destination.
We were not to be disappointed – It was hosing down at Tangoio and my worst fears were realised when I turned onto the long section of metal road.
Malcolm and I had checked the road the week before (he said trying to shift a portion of the blame) and the road was in good condition with spectacular views in all directions, which I think I may have mentioned in my reminder.
However, the rain had turned the road to mud and the view due to the mist was about three inches beyond your nose. There were only two cars behind me on the metal road, a certain Vauxhall that had lost its windscreen wipers, and the Chairman who was tail end Charlie.
As we crept along, I could see there had been vehicles over the road in front of me so I thought I may have to deal with some flack at some stage (some cars did turn back).
After what seemed an eternity, we arrived at the Duke of Gloucester and my even worse fears were realised when I saw the state of some of the cars parked outside – they were covered in mud.
I could see that there was a good turnout and I thought they may have had a tow rope out from someone’s boot ready for a public lynching of the organiser.
But everyone seemed to enjoy the conviviality and refreshments and the fact that they would spend a good portion of next week cleaning their cars was forgotten for the time being.
Sooooo……… I have decided to play my “get out of jail free” card and move on.
North Shore VCC Visit; Over the weekend of 20/21 September this club visited Hawkes Bay on what is basically their version of our “Safari”. As a part of this visit, we hosted them for dinner at our club on the Saturday evening. As usual the kitchen team turned on a magnificent meal for the 64 in attendance (45 from North Shore) and as ever our thanks go to Malcolm, Leslie, Ian and Kay for anchoring this team.
Our Spares Manager was at the dinner and was asked to open the parts department and as well as a number of sales, I received several favourable comments on how well the spares department was organised and the terrific extent of the inventory.
Take a bow spares department. The visitors along with members of our club visited a number of collections while here including Lemons Museum, Kelvin Taylors and the Faraday centre.
Just before signing off, I just want to mention our Tuesday morning gathering and encourage anyone at a loose end to come along for coffee from 9.30 for 10am. You can enjoy the camaraderie, get any spares you require, tell stories and you will certainly hear “tall tales and true from the legendary past”.
Safe and happy motoring - Paul
MID-WEEK RUN -
Wednesday 1st October.
Refer to Details 13.
Meet at the Club rooms 10am for a 10.30am Departure.
CLUB NIGHT -
Wednesday 8th October at 7.30pm.
Refer details on page 12. After the meeting there will be tea & coffee & cake provided.
SUNDAY CLUB RUN12th October.
Refer to Details on Page 14.
MIX & MINGLE NIGHTFriday 31 October. st Doors open 6pm. Dinner from 7pm. BYO Drinks & Nibbles. Please Email the secretary (Larry) athawkesbay@vcc.org.nz if you are attending or put your name on the list at the clubrooms.
Every Tuesday morning the Club and the Spares Department are open between 9am & 11am.
A cuppa is made around 10am for those that would like to have a sit down and have a natter.
Club Night - 8 October TH
@7.30pm - Please save the date
Our guest speaker will be Tony Roberts
Tony is a Director of Thunder Ridge, N Z’s newest Motorsport Park opening in 2026. Focusing on grass roots motorsport events, the 70-hectare facility will include a 3.2 km circuit, pit garages, on site garages, club rooms, café and camping ground (see website www.thunderridge.co.nz ).
“We have worked closely with the council throughout the development stage of the Thunder Ridge idea and we are now in a position to turn that idea into a reality”
Tony, who has spoken to the club previously, was the owner and builder of Hampton Downs motorsport Park and is the President of the Historic Racing Club and Historic Muscle and Saloon Cars.
Tony will tell us the story of the development of the park so far and will be a most interesting speaker so save the date and come along and hear him. See you all there !
Mid - Week Run - 1st October
The usual, meet at the Club, then away at 10.30 am
There will be a short walk & talk thru an interesting venue before us/we all set up for a bring your own picnic. & chairs etc.
There will be toilets available.
See you then ��
Kind Regards
Lee-Anne Freeman
Sunday Club Run - 12th October
Ladies Day Outing. ( Or men drivers in dresses )
Starting from Club Rooms at 1.15pm for 1.30 start.
We will have a drive in the country for approx 42km. Approx 3/4 hour.
Our destination is Bayview Volunteer Fire brigade where will be shown around the fire Trucks and Station.
Jess Leslie X ADT Event Manager will give us a idea of life as a volunteer Fire Person.
After the presentation your can adjourn to Bayview Hotel for Coffee or cold drink.
Steve Donovan- Run organiser
Regards
Paul Anderson
North Shore Branch VisitSaturday 20 September th
Chairman Robert & Club Captain Paul welcoming our guests to the club
Run Report
By Mary Anderson
Spring was in the air, as we all set off on the mid-week run, titled “An Inspiring Day Out”. Before we left the clubrooms, we all enjoyed a cuppa and scones with jam and whipped cream, thanks to Barbi and Jim, well, mostly Barbi I think! What a way to start the morning!
As we made our way through lovely green countryside, with so many new lambs and their mothers enjoying the sunny day, we were all thinking, ‘winter is now behind us’. Following instructions, we made our way to Pakipaki Road, to find three churches of very different ages and religions, in close proximity of each other. We had questions to answer about each one. It was an interesting little settlement of churches including a marae.
With questions answered, it was back on the main road and passing the Peka Peka Wetlands. We arrived at the most delightful little church, which Colin and I have always admired as we passed by on the highway. It is called “The Christ Church Pukehou”. It is a significant and picturesque landmark on State Highway 2 and is the oldest church in Hawkes Bay. A very special place for Barbi and Jim too, as they were married in this church in 1994.
Today, we were warmly greeted by Hugh McBain, who’s great grandfather built the church in 1859. He gave us a great talk on its history. Over the years, additions were carried out and in 2002 a complete restoration was undertaken. Looking at he beautiful timbers throughout, all polished and perfect, while sitting there looking through the stained-glass window, was magnificent. A very special place to visit.
Even though they do not have regularly weekly worship here now, they do have special services, concerts, Christmas services, as well as weddings.
No one was in any hurry to leave this wonderful church with such iconic history. The lovely large Oak trees outside, framed it beautifully. These were grown from acorns brought over from England at the time the church was built.
From there we took a scenic drive, following the part two instructions, and yes “Spire Spotting Again”, as well as collecting names, dates etc. After going through and around Otane, and then onto roads we had never travelled before, we enjoyed seeing new scenery. It was a great drive on a lovely day finishing at the Clive Hotel for lunch. Barbi’s lovely daughter, who lives in Barbados, and a friend, joined us on the run. It was a super day enjoyed by all. Next was prizegiving and Angel wings and crosses on gold chains were presented to the ‘clever ones’. Thank you, Barbi and Jim, for another great day!
Sunday Club Run 14 September th
Your Branch Photos
Wet gravel roads in rural Hawkes Bay
A well-deserved drink at the Duke after
A refreshing drink at the Duke is well-deserved after the run.
Club Room Hire
1951 Riley RMB 4 door Sedan
All mechanicals have been rebuilt. The motor has been modified with shell bearings and modern electronic ignition. The motor is not yet in the chassis and has not been run since rebuild. All machining has been done by Suvic Engineering. Timber and body work has been completed to a high standard and preparation for painting has been started. The excellent original leather on the seats has been refurbished and re coloured in the original red. It has new door cards, carpet, vinyl top and many other new parts including hood lining material. I am confident the car is complete except for a couple of interior door handles and winders. The price nowhere near reflects the cost of the parts and work done. The car now requires painting and finish putting it together. I am happy to send photos. $14000.00ono. I may consider a trade for a mobile vintage or classic car or pickup.
Email: mcbruce1951@gmail.com
Ph. 027 246 9899 or 06 876 6161
Wanted:
I am building a 1913 Cyclecar and will need paraffin side lamps and a single acetylene headlamp and tail lamp.
Anything cluttering up the workshop you want to offload? If you have anything else that might suit I'd be pleased to hear about them too.
David Gardiner: dirge@mailfence.com Ph: 06 835 9492
Wanted to Buy:
Austin A40 Devon engine in good running order with or without gearbox.
Would consider reconditioned short block or whole car with good motor for parts.
Regards
Larry Gale Contact: leoniegale@hotmail.com
TO THE CLUB
GRAHAM JOHNSON BSA Motorcycle 1948 - Bantam
Spares News
By John Durry
Hi All
Its hard to believe that we only have 12 weeks till Christmas. Tuesday mornings are becoming very popular and reached 51, two weeks ago, and our parts sales are going well.
Richard Horsefield unfortunately has not sold his Triumph 2500 and is starting to get desperate, he only wants $2500 which is a giveaway, so give him a ring on 021 248 2809, its a lovely car.
We had some members drop off parts, Steve Donovan V8 brake parts & wiper parts, Quaries some speedo parts & luggage rack.
Finally we have got a 6" wire wheel for our grinder in our parts store. I want to thank John C & Ivan L for the help they have put into this.
Until next time
Cheers John Durry
CLUB SPARE PARTS CORNER
For any enquiries phone:
Brian Taylor on 027 443 6009 or John Durry 022 676 9401
Calendar of Up and Coming Events
