Postal Address: P.O Box 3531 Richmond 7050
Email: nelson@vcc.org.nz
Club Rooms: Speedway Assn Grounds, Entry Lower Queen St, Richmond .
Web Site: www.nelsonvcc.org.nz.
Branch Bank Account : 03 –1354-0058853-00
Hi All
This edition of Crankcase is a little larger than usual as we do not produce an issue in January.
As you can see, quite a lot of activities over the December January period - many thanks to the pic takers.
With the pace picking up for the up and coming VERO, I wish to thank all those people who have helped or have offered to assist throughout the Festival.
As you can imagine there are a thousand things to be attended to leading up to the events and undoubtably during. It is a very exciting time for our region and very pleasing to see the communities around Nelson and Tasman getting behind the event.
A casualty of the event is the Crankcase which possibly will not get published in March for obvious reasons
Ray
Front: Cover: Mayor Nick Smith , Wife Lynley and some of the new Nelson City Councilors in Tim McDowell’s Willys Knight at the Nelson Santa Parade
Branch Management and Appointments
Patron Lloyd Ewing (Gwen) 027 590 1042 lloydgwen@hotmail.com
Chairperson Joanne Hoffman (Vern) 021 598 873 Joanne.hoffman2@gmail.com
Immediate Past Chairman
Mike Bryan 027 223 4893 rootesgpnz@gmail.com
Secretary/ Treasurer John Barker 027 9 110 763 drivingbaby7s@gmail.com
Club Captain Maureen Joblin 0275 52 5690 leighandmaureen@gmail.com
Asst. Club Captain Dianne Lewis 021 0848 2878 pauldiannelewis@gmail.com
Asst. Club Captain VACANT
Editor Crankcase Ray Robertson (Debbie) 027434 0228 razar.robertson@gmail.com
Committee Jarod Dacombe 027 547 7968 jjdacombe@gmail.com
Committee (Buildings) Paul Lewis 0212502553 pauldiannelewis@gmail.com
Committee Rob Thompson (Karen 03 547 5120 or 027 5475120 rob.karen@slingshot.co.nz
Committee Vern Hoffman 027 485 5583 vernonhoffman@gmail.com
Committee ( Mowing & Grounds
Malcolm Baker 03 542 3846 or 021 032 8833 1949grumpi@gmail.com
Committee Lesley Barker 021 255 1571 drivingbaby7s@gmail.com
Swapmeet Website VACANT
Beaded Wheels
Carolyn Bolland 021 1063 135 carolynbolland@gmail.com
Membership / Badges Wayne Price 03 542 3033 jandwprice@outlook.com
Website, IT Wes Dayton 0220357110 wesdayton29aus@gmail.com
Vehicle ID Stephen Mortimer 027 548 3701 mortflying8@gmail.com
Vehicle ID Trevor Carston 021 262 4009 t_ccarston@hotmail.com
Librarian Roy West 027 298 6994 61motra@gmail.com
Clubroom Custodians Jim & Kyra Wareing 0275449998 or 0275448001 jimnkyra@xtra.co.nz
Swap Meet Co-ordinator Kit Brydon
Daffodill Day Co-ordinator
0274 431 498 gaylebrydon@hotmail.com
Dianne Lewis 021 0848 2878 pauldiannelewis@gmail.com
Nelson VCC Calendar Of Events
Please note these events may be subject to change and some-
January 2026
Sat 24 3.00pm Speedway Carparking Paul Lewis
Sat 24 1.00pm Hira Hop
Mon 26 7.30pm 2026 Vero Com. meeting Karen Thompson February 2026
Tues 3 7.30pm Committee Meeting John Barker
Wed 4 10am Morning Tea Check Roster
Thu 5 9-4pm Ladies Craft Day Kyra Wareing
Mon 9 7.30pm 2026 Vero Com. meeting Karen Thompson
Thu 12 7.00pm Club Night 40 years below - A year in Antarctica see flyer page 18 Rodger Lusby
Mon 16 7.30pm 2026 Vero Com. meeting Karen Thompson
Sat 21 10.00am Murchison A & P Show Mike Bryan
Sat 21 Moutere Hop
Sat 21 10.00am Top of the South Motor Show
Mon 23 7.30pm 2026 Vero Com. meeting Karen Thompson
Wed 25 10am Morning Tea , mystery car Check Roster Sat 28 10am Club Run meet at Clubrooms Maureen Joblin March 2026
Mon 2
Tues
Thu 5 9-4pm
Craft Day
Wareing Sat 7 10.00am Rai Valley A & P Show
Mon 9 7.30pm 2026 Vero Com. meeting Karen Thompson
Sat 14 Scenicland Rally
Sun 15Fri 20 Mar 26 2026 Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring Nelson Ray Robertson Festival Director April 2026
Wed 1 10am Morning Tea , mystery lunch Check Roster
April 2026 Continued
Thu 2 9-4pm Ladies Craft Day Kyra Wareing
Sat 4 10-4pm Murchison 150 years Mike Bryan
Tue 7 7.30pm Committee Meeting John Barker
Thu 9 7.30pm Club Night Clubrooms Maureen Joblin
Wed 15 10am Morning Tea , mystery car Check Roster
Sun 26 10.am Club Run meet at Clubrooms Maureen Joblin
May 2026
Tue 5 7.30pm Committee Meeting John Barker
Wed 6 10am Morning Tea , Check Roster
Thur 7 9-4pm Ladies Craft Day Kyra Wareing
Fri 8 9.00am Swap meet set up Day Kit Brydon
Sat 9 6.00am Swap meet Kit Brydon
Thu 14 7.00pm Club Night Clubrooms Maureen Joblin
Wed 20 10am Morning Tea , Mystery car Check Roster
June 2026
Tue 2 7.30pm Committee Meeting John Barker
Thu 4 9-4pm Ladies Craft Day Kyra Wareing
Sat 27 1.00pm Restoration of the Year and Pride of Ownership John Barker Sat 27 2.00pm AGM at Clubrooms John Barker
July 2026
Thu 2 9-4pm Ladies Craft Day Kyra Wareing
Tue 7 7.30pm Committee Meeting John Barker
Nelson Branch Committee &Appointments
Joanne Hoffman
Chair
Mike Bryan
John Barker
Immediate Past Chair SecretaryTreasurer 021 598 873 027 223 4893 027 911 0763 Joanne.hoffman2@gmail.com rootesgpnz@hotmail.com drivingbaby7s@gmail.com
Maureen Joblin
Asst. Club Captn
Dianne Lewis
Ray Robertson
Asst. Club Captn Crankcase Editor 027 552 5690 021 0848 2878 0274 340 228 leighandmaureen@gmail.com pauldiannelewis@gmail.com razar.robertson@gmail.com
Paul Lewis
Rob Thompson
Jarod Dacombe Committee (Buildings) Committee Committee 0212502553 027 5475120 027 547 7968 pauldiannelewis@gmail.com rob.karen@slingshot.co.nz jjdacome@gmail.com
Malcolm Baker
Lesley Barker
Carolyn Bolland Committee (Grounds) Committee Beaded Wheels Scribe 021 032 8833 021 255 1571 021 1063 135 1949grumpi@gmail.com drivingbaby7s@gmail.com carolynbolland@gmail.com
Stephen Mortimer
Trevor Carston
Wayne Price Vehicle ID’s Vehicle ID’s
Membership/Badges 027 548 3701 021 262 4009 03 542 3033 mortflying8@gmail.com t_ccarston@hotmail.com jandwprice@outlook.com
Vern Hoffman
Kit Brydon
Lloyd Ewing Committee Swapmeet Co-ordin Patron 027 485 5583 0274 431 498 027 590 1042 vernonhoffman@gmail.com gaylebrydon@hotmail.com lloydgwen@hotmail.com
Jim & Kyra Wareing
Wes Dayton
Roy West Clubrooms Custodians Website/ IT Librarian 0275449998 or 0275448001 0220357110 027 298 6994 jimnkyra@xtra.co.nz wesdayton29aus@gmail.com 61motra@gmail.com
From the Chair
Just like that, we blinked and 2025 flew by. It was a year of challenges, successes, and a few trials along the way. On a personal note, it was also a year of significant change for me welcoming two new grandchildren, changing jobs, and taking on the role of Chairman, alongside the usual mix of life’s ups and downs.
As we step into 2026, one of my hopes is to make the most of every opportunity that comes our way, while also remembering to slow down, enjoy the quieter moments, and appreciate the simple pleasures along the journey.
One of the highlights toward the end of last year was the Santa Parade. For those who brought their cars along, wasn’t it wonderful to see so many smiling faces and excited children? Thank you to everyone who participated and braved the elements rain in Nelson and heat in Richmond to help create such a special experience for the community.
It was also lovely to catch up with members at our first picnic of the year at Wai-iti Domain. What a relaxed and enjoyable way to spend a few hours on a beautiful evening. I hope we can enjoy many more occasions like this throughout the year.
We have had a great fundraising opportunity by providing parking support at the speedway, and this would not be possible without our fantastic volunteers. The reward for directing sometimes unwilling drivers to park where they might not want to and smiling through the occasional grumpy encounter has been the enjoyment of a shared dinner together. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped, and especially to the chefs and dishwashers who have put on such lovely meals for us all. If you would like to be involved, please ensure your name is on the clipboard or that Paul has been advised.
The committee took a well-earned break over the holiday period, and our first meeting for the year is scheduled for Tuesday, 3 February. Members are always welcome to attend and listen in.
Our club relies heavily on volunteers, and sharing the workload is essential to keeping things running smoothly. The committee would love to hear from anyone willing to help whether it’s assisting with a club night, organising a run, helping with Vero, volunteering at the Swap Meet (our main fundraiser), or supporting events like Daffodil Day. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps lighten the load.
In closing, I would like to thank you all for your continued support, enthusiasm, and commitment to the Nelson Vintage Car Club. Together, through shared effort and a strong sense of community, we can look forward to another enjoyable and successful year ahead.
Chairperson
Joanne Hoffman
Membership
The following new members have recently joined our ranks. We welcome them to the Branch and look forward to meeting them soon.
Dominick Unterberger of Hope Richmond. Domminick is undergoing the restoration of 1953 Puch 250TF Motor cycle
Wayne Parlane of Upper Moutere, Tasman.Wayne is undergoing the restoration of a 1937 Austin 10 Cambridge Roadster
Transfering into the Nelson Branch from Waitemata Branch is Mrs Jamie Wood and husband Howard Wood
The Woods have 1927 Chrysler Beach racer 2 seater and have recently added to their Chrysler fleet with the purchase of Jimm and Kyra Wareing’s Chrysler 70 Convertible Coupe
Peter Green is still in Nelson Hospital following his unfortunate stroke. The club wishes him all the best with his treatment and loo forward to having him back in our fold soon.
Club Captains Report
Club Captains Report
Happy New Year and welcome back to the fray everyone. It will be a busy next couple of months with Vero just around the corner, so I hope everyone has had a good relaxing Christmas & New Year, spent with family & friends, eating plenty & laughing till your tummies & cheeks hurt. With the club rooms out of use during March, club activities will be curtailed especially through March, as we all help the Vero Committee with the big event.
NOVEMBER
Sun 30th Nelson Santa Parade. Well, the weather Gods may not have played ball but at least the rain was not torrential, just damp enough. It didn’t stop the crowds who lined Trafalgar Street to watch, or a good turn out from our club members who came with cars decorated & some people in Christmas costumes. Our sign on the back of Louis unfortunately parted company with us along the Whakatu road but there were still 3 other vehicles at the parade sporting The Vero International rally & they looked great.
DECEMBER
Wed 3 Morning Tea/Mystery Lunch
As always, a huge Thank You to all who tackled the kitchen duties today. What a great turnout we had this morning with 57 members & visitors attending. These sessions are proving very popular & it is so good to see everyone relaxed & enjoying one and others company. Mystery lunch was held at Catch 22 Café & Bar where we had 26 come along.
Thurs 4th Tea at Isel Park
We had a 13 join Leigh & I to enjoy the food, music & atmosphere at Isel Park tonight. Always a good selection of food and as always, the company was great. Those that came along, Thank You.
Fri 5th Wed 10th Fri 12th Vero Rally Working Bees
A good turnout to all the working bees, organised by Karen Thompson, who had people cleaning jars & bottles, those with nimble fingers decorating them, the circular wooden pieces, rustic but beautifully crafted by Peter Field had a couple of lads gluing small pinecones & other bits to them, even another couple of likely lads were happily curling ribbon. These were successful productive sessions with a lot
accomplished.
Sun 7th Richmond Santa Parade.
Leigh & I didn’t make it to this parade in Richmond but by all accounts, it went very well. The weather was perfect; plenty came along to see the parade & we had 20 VCC vehicles representing our club with 3 vehicles once again advertising the Vero International Rally.
The day finished with a barbecue meal at our clubrooms, put on by Lesley & John Barker & Dianne & Paul Lewis with a good number attending and bringing a plate.
Sat 13th Christmas in the Park, Washbourne Gardens
A few hearty soles came along for a sing a long & chat & a bite to eat at Christmas in the Park. A good night but it was felt not quite up to past years. There is such a lot going on at this time of the year, so I didn’t expect a big turnout but a huge Thanks to those who did come.
Always good company.
Wed 17th Morning Tea/Mystery Car
We had another good turnout with 53 attending. Thank You to Wayne, Dianne, Lynette Clarkson & Glenda Argyle for taking charge of the kitchen. Dale brought in savouries to celebrate his birthday, a biggie this year and Peter Field brought along Christmas Cake, so we were well and truly spoilt.
Today was a little different with Paul Trewavas bringing along his 1907 wooden replica RR Silver Ghost that he built. What a work of art this is. Craftmanship is outstanding. Paul gave an overview of the build of the car then people came up to admire it.
We also had a mystery car, Murray Schwass brought along his !930 Willies Whippit, 96A.
This car is NZ new, a 4 door, 4-cylinder side valve, has had 5 owners and is a South Island Car. It was used on the 1972 International Rally in Nelson. This is another great wee Club car with plenty of history that will be on this year’s International Vero rally.
JANUARY 2026
Thurs 1st Picnic at Wai-iti Domain
The day might have started out overcast but for our club picnic it couldn’t have been better with a warm sunny evening. There were 20 of us there and it was lovely to catch up and enjoy a very pleasant evening together.
Wed 7th Morning Tea/Mystery lunch
What a surprise to have 47 come along to this morning’s morning tea. I really didn’t expect to see so many of you, but I am very glad you came. It tells me our club is in good heart, and the morning teas are
super popular. Thank you to Wayne, Lynette and Dianne for manning the kitchen once again, keeping us all fed and watered Fri 9th & Sat 10th Speedway Parking
Friday night parking was straight forward with a smaller attendance to the speedway for various reasons.
Saturday night was a bigger night, but our parking members knew what to do, where to go and the parking flowed well. More helpers certainly made the job easier.
A huge Thank You to Lesley Barker for taking on feeding everyone. Good food, good companionship made for a couple of enjoyable nights, even though we were working. It is such a good money earner for our club. A huge Thank You to Paul Lewis for taking on the parking organisation & to all who came along & helped.
Wed 21st Morning Tea/Mystery Car
Once again, we had a great turn out this morning with 50 people attending. Wayne, Lesley, Lynnette & Dianne managed the kitchen & we enjoyed savouries & cake from our birthday lads, Mike Bryan, Rex Smith, Malcolm Baker & Paul Lewis. Dick Anderson brought in another treasure, a Stoh he picked up in Burma (now Myanmar) around 40 years ago. This wonderful old piece is a violin with a trumpet arrangement on it to ampliphy the sound as microphones were not great back then. We look forward to the next wee treasure Dick will surprise us with.
We also had a mystery car, A 1930 Model A Tudor owned by Paul & Dianne Lewis. It is in very good order & I am sure Paul & Dianne will have a lot of fun in Ruby 2 as she has become named (It is a beautiful deep reddish maroon colour) Thank you both for bringing her in as our mystery car.
Here is a snippet of what is coming up, but please keep an eye on the calendar as things can change
JANUARY
Sat 24 Speedway Parking Sat 24 Hira Hop from 12 till late
FEBRUARY
Wed 3 Morning Tea, mystery lunch
Thurs 12 Club Night, ROGER LUSBY 40 years below - a Year in Antarctica
Sat 21 Murchison A & P Show
Sat 21 Top of the South Car Show
Fri 20 – Sat 21st Moutere Hop
Wed 24 Morning tea, mystery car
Sat 28 Club Run Mystery Run
March – VERO International Rally preparation and THE BIG EVENT 15 – 21st
Our club rooms have been booked out for the month of March with the floor space needed for storage, space & tables for making up rally packs and much more.
APRIL
Wed 1st Morning Tea, mystery lunch
Sat 4th Murchison 150th Anniversary
Thurs 9th Club Night, Quiz night
Wed 15th Morning tea, mystery car
Sun 26th Club run to Queen Charlotte Tavern
MAY
Wed 6th Morning tea, mystery lunch
Fri 8th Swap Meet set up
Sat 9th SWAP MEET
Thurs 14th Club Night Wot’s it is evening
Wed 20th Morning tea, mystery car
Don’t forget to check out the club’s website. Wes Dayton has done a great job videoing and putting up most of the mystery cars for viewing since Gordon Dacombe started this. Wes is also trying to encourage members to put up a photo of their club vehicle (or vehicles) onto the website. It involves nothing more than the photo and your name with a few words about your vehicle. He is more than happy to help anyone who wants to add their cars but for whatever reason are unable to.
Our website is viewed by people throughout NZ & around the world, especially with the Vero International rally coming to our area. Let’s showcase our club & cars to them all.
Happy Motoring everyone
Maureen & Dianne
Some one to do data imput for the 2026 Swap Meet Site Bookings on our Website Ian McLennan Is happy to provide the training required to process the bookings
The Swap meet will be held on Saturday 9th of May 2026
Please contact Ian McLennan Phone 021 544 374 Or John Barker Phone 027 911 0763
Bring a Plate please for supper and a donation for the show which Roger wishes to go to our branch
Golden Bay Rodders Car Show at Motueka
Minis and a couple of Ford bums
sorry rear ends
Mystery Car Murray Schwass - Whippet Overland
A car entered in the 1972 13th international by the Tidswell Family of Nelson and now entered in the 2026 Vero IFHM by Schwassy
Wanted
1936 Buick Gearbox, 34-37 will fit - also Old and Pontiac use the same box, possibly 35 and 36 Chev. The casting number on the side of the gearbox is 1293153-2
Please phone Patrick Smith on 0273 139 102
TASMANAUTO ELECTRICS
We have the largest range of batteries in the Top of the South, including batteries for –Vintage Cars, Golf Carts, Mobility Scooters and more!!
All with GREY POWER DISCOUNT!! 10 Poutama Street (off Gladstone Road) Richmond Ph: 544 8388 – Come in and see us!!
Paul & Lyn Trewavas - Wooden Model of 1907 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost
MIKE’ÊMESSAGES.
Hi everyone, and a Happy New Year and safe Summer Motoring to you all!
A few things have come to mind over the holidays that I thought you might be interested in, so here goes!
CANCERÊSOCIETY.ÊThankÊyouÊtoÊtheirÊvolunteers.
At the end of the year we were invited to send Reps to this lovely get together at the Saxon field.
Charil Milne and I popped along and Ian Maclennan was there as a Society Trustee.
Venus, who has replaced Michelle, who is on leave for a year in Nagano, Japan, introduced herself and we were then addressed by Nicky who is the Christchurch based CEO. The overall message of course, is THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for all the VCC does for the Cancer Society both locally and Nationally, with over $111, 000 being donated across our 36 Branches in 2025. Afterwards we enjoyed lovely refreshments.
OURÊOUTSIDEÊCOURTYARD.
Committee member PAUL LEWIS has led the charge on making our new tables and planter boxes.
These are being planted, and the tables now well used at our Morning Teas! Paul has made most of these himself and we can’t forget to give him a personal THANK YOU, for adding to our facilities!
MURCHISON’sÊ150th ANNIVERSARY,ÊEasterÊ2026.
As we drive our roads on the IFHM Rally we may pass over the HOPE SADDLE. It is 150 years this April, since the first stock track capable of taking a horse and later a coach, over this Saddle and onto the Gowan and through to Murchison, was established. Prior to this all transport was via Top House. The Centennial of Murchison in 1976 adopted this date as the foundation date of the town.
The Newman Bros started their first coach service in 1879, initially only reaching Longford, 3 km from Murchison, due to the need to ford the Buller. There were no passengers and the brothers carried the mail bag onto Murchison and the public reception lead by George Moonlight, publican, and others.
OnÊEASTERÊSATURDAY,Ê4th APRIL,ÊfromÊ10am,Êa Parade of historic vehicles will be taking place and we would very much like you to bring your ‘old girl’ down for the event. In 1976, the Branch entered Bernie Byers model T, painted up as a yellow AA Car, pulling a trailer of memorabilia including a pedal car, number plates and old petrol boxes. If someone is keen to recreate a float... go for it, otherwise come along and join the parade. Assembling in Chalgrave St, to the left just as you enter Murch on the Nelson side. After the parade through the town and into the Rec Park, vehicles will be parked
up for a public display and lots of entertainment, as well as food stalls, will be available. Please register your interest in attending with me. rootesgpnz@gmail.com ph 027 223 4893.
SWAPÊMEET.ÊÊCLUBÊSTALL,ÊÊ9th MAYÊ2026.
Once again we will have a Club Stall, on site at our SWAP MEET, raising additional funds for your Branch from the sale of your donated items. These can be brought along to a Morning Tea, or any event before the day, and we will find a spot to store them ready for the big day! If you have a number of items to sell, then you are probably better to go online and book your own site, or share one with a fellow member, but if you have just small items or something else, we would be happy to accept it and sell it for the Club.
Enough from me.... have a great 2026, Thank you, MIKE BRYAN.
New Year Day Wai- iti picnic
A couple of VERO working Bees
Label removal from hundred of bottles
Leigh & Rob building Vero Signage frames for the Chevrolet
Ladies making Table Decorations
The glue department
It was so easy it took eight to finish the job
Festival Director thinking what the hell has he got himself into but Bill said it was easy!!
These three were counting Bingo counters
