Over the last 11 years our team of tractor and mower operators led by Malcolm Baker have been diligently beavering away keeping the grassed areas of the speedway mowed before each speedway event.
Of course over time both tractor , mover and ride on require maintenance. This has a cost in both time and materials.
The real point for all members to consider is that the work this team has been doing on our behalf is our lease , allowing occupancy of our clubrooms on Speedway land for 35 years.
It is therefore extremely important to plan for maintenance and or replacement of the equipment needed to fulfil our lease obligations.
What if the tractor or mower fails, how will it be repaired?, will a temporary machine need to be hired,? can we fund this?, should we be providing budget for replacement?
My suggestion is this that some priority be placed on answering these questions
Kind Regards
Ray
Front Cover : Kevin and Glenda Argyle’s beautiful 1968 Cadillac de Ville coupe out on the Mystery Lunch run. Check pics page 17
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
CHATTER FROM THE CHAIR.
A big hello to all the Members of our Busy Branch, as I write my last CHATTER before our forthcoming BRANCH AGM on Sat 28th of JUNE!
Yes, it’s this month and less than 4 weeks away... I have confidence you will be there and at least 80 folk will fill our Clubrooms to capacity! [that will be over 25% of our membership and a record on any one activity!]
Our Chairperson’s appointment is normally for 3 years, then they role into the Imm. Past Chair to ensure a smooth transition to our new Chair. Usually the Vice Chair is voted in as your new Chairperson, but not always, and new nominations are open now and can be taken on the day at the AGM. This is the same for all Committee positions, so your nomination is not too late ,and we would welcome ‘new blood’ joining us on our busy Committee this year!
During the year we form and disband many sub committees for various projects, Daffodil Day, Swap Meet, Biennial Rally and specific tours and rallies.. but all these subcommittees must be fronted by Committee members to improve our Branch communications, so a few new Committee people are required to ‘spread this load’ every year!
As a Branch we seem to be a very happy lot, I hear very few ‘grumbles and Mumbles’ from members over ‘why don’t we do this or that!’ If you have an idea for an activity, inside or out, or another thought that would recharge our Branch... this is your opportunity, come along on the 28th at 2 pm for the AGM [please bring a plate for a shared afternoon tea and social mix afterwards, and please wear your name badge to introduce yourself to newer members.]
Before the AGM, at 1pm, is our popular RESTORATION of the YEAR and our PRIDE of OWNERSHIP AWARDS. Another opportunity to show off your beauties to us! So far I have 2 entries in the Restoration category and a couple in the Pride, along with a rumoured ‘special interest’ display... what are we in for! Come along and see!
Please bring your PRIDE along and role up on the day, or advise me prior on 027 223 4893!
Several 25 and 35 year awards will be presented at the AGM, as well as some of our trophies. If you have a trophy from last year can you please return it to the Clubrooms.. thank you. We also have a 50 year award but this will be presented in the Spring, at a special function, at which our National Pres, George Kear will be present. We will also be appointing a Patron on this occasion. Your Committee have voted and we will tell you more at the AGM.
A motion regarding our Branch subscriptions will also be put at the AGM. These have been static for at least 10 years so what do you think we should be doing....? come and have your say! Also at the AGM we will need to accept in Principal that our Branch Constitution needs updating in line with the recently updated National Constitution. If you have skills in the legal area and can spare a few hours to work on this, please have a chat with myself or Sec John before the AGM.
Registrations for the Vero International in Nelson in March 2026 have now been open for 2 months and are tracking well. You can help in several ways! Ray needs our local Branch members to register now and not leave things until the last minute. This will help in planning the many activities. Also we must be proactive in promoting the value of coming to Nelson ,and visiting the surrounding areas, as we also explain to our friends in other Branches what the costs are to run these Rallies and how our registration fees are set.
I have had a couple of phone calls from members I know in other Branches ,saying they are thinking twice about coming because the costs are just too high! We need to explain that participation was never going to be cheap. In today’s World of rapid inflation as well as the increasing costs of venues, catering, printing etc costs are increasing daily! Ray and his Committee are meeting regularly and attempting to prune back every cost to get the best value for you, so all members need to support the 2026 Rally as it could likely be the last in this format.
Visitors from overseas, 8 from the US and a greater number from Aussie, that I know of, are registered to come and some would like to borrow vehicles to drive locally. If you can lend a vehicle... thank you! Karen Thompson is coordinating these loans, please give her a call!
The Daffodil Rally and Cancer Society fundraising a day will be held on 24th August [cancellation day is 31st.] and our Branch coordinator, Dianne Lewis is already putting together her team and thinking of ideas to make this years day our best ever! Great raffle prizes are planned and help will be needed to sell these along side the Cancer Society members. Charil Milne is coordinating this.
Please contact Dianne if you can help plan the day and Charil to assist sales. Thank you.
Coming up;
Reefton Charity Car Show, Domain 10-2pm Sat 21st June.
Nelson Branch AGM. 1pm Sat 28th June.
Reefton’s Rosco Trails Sunday 29th June.
Special Meeting to ratify Br Constitution update Thurs 10th July, Clubrooms 7.30pm
Snow Run to St Arnaud, with Marlb, Westcoast. 14th July.
VCC National AGM, Ascot hotel, Invercargill, 8th-10th August. Daffodil Day. 24th August. Clubrooms. Biennial Rally Welcomes other Branches, Reefton, 12th - 14th Sept. Entries open July.
Murchison Car Show, Charity NBS Helicopter, Rec Park, 10am –2pm Sat 4th October.
Canterbury Br Swap Meet. Cutler Park, 10th - 12th October. Coast 2 Coast, Nelson org tour. Off road Blenheim to West Coast. Fri 7th - 10th November 2025.
VERO INTERNATIONAL RALLY, Nelson, week from Sun 15th March 2026.
150 years of MURCHISON, Easter, Fri 3rd – Sunday 5th April, 2026.
Nelson Branch SWAP MEET, 9th May, 2026. Yes, May ...so we will need YOU to start spreading the the word and come aboard NOW!
Well lots happening... in anticipation, a big THANK YOU for your continuing Support!!
In closing, I hope you have found my Chatterings during the last 3 years useful, informative and enlightening! Communication is the key to everyone moving forward happily. We need good connections within our Branches, between Branches and between our 36 Branches and our National office and Management . We also need this link between the public and our legislators! I hope my comments over my
5 years as Secretary, producing my Meanderings and more recently the 3 years of my Chatter, have gone some way to aiding this Communication! I have had great feedback from several folk in other Branches who have enjoyed my Meanderings and Chatterings! Thank you.
MIKE BRYAN, Retiring Chairman, NELSON.
* Don’t be worried about your SMART PHONE spying on you, your vacuum cleaner has been gathering dirt on you for years!
* Silence is golden.. unless you have grandchildren, then silence is WORRYING!
* Youth is the gift of nature, but old age is a work of art!
* The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age!
[ and don’t be too honest about how many beauties you have stored in a mates shed downthe road, and how much you are quietly spending on them! ]
Keep Rockin and Rollin.. MB.
HAVE YOU FOUND IT YET?
Cunningly concealed in an obscure corner of the VCC clubhouse, there stands an anonymous white door, whose modest appearance belies any hint that within might lie untold treasures
Here can be found the knowledge of the ancients (under V for veteran); arcane skills, passed from master to apprentice over generations, are opened to your gaze in a myriad of service manuals; the secrets of great minds and their creations are laid bare in biographies and histories; and for those who seek ultimate knowledge of all things, we even have books by Jeremy Clarkson. What more could a club member wish? Knowledge, skills, history, entertainment – YES – videos as well! – all available FREE from your very own Club Library. But how? Do you need a special handshake? Bribery? Secret initiations? NO! It’s all there for you…just write your name, date and book title on the whiteboard, and go on your way rejoicing
Your Library – ENJOY!
Roy West - Branch Librarian
NEED A VCC
NAME BADGE?
Nane Badges help everyone to get to know you when at VCC events. Give Wayne Price a call on 03 542 3033 or catch up with Wayne at Wednesday morning tea
Acting Club Captain's Report
Another month has passed, winter is here but we are blessed with beautiful days so get your old cars out & enjoy the sun.
May
Wed 7 Morning tea
Thank you to John and Carolyn for the morning tea savouries and muffin’s, which were an early birthday shout for Carolyn. Also thank you both for doing kitchen duties as well. This morning tea was our biggest turnout yet with over 50 people and over 40 cars, with approximately 25 doing the lunch and run.
Many thanks to Charil and Mike for organising the mystery lunch and run.
Sat 10 Club afternoon
Slides and 2006 Vero DVD
Thank you to all who came to the slide and DVD show of the 2006 Invercargill rally. This was plan B and C as our hard working secretary / treasurer John B could not get the old home movie of founding member interviews of Denny King, Dennis Le Crean and Ken Ivory, working on modern gear. We had a wonderful afternoon tea and chat at half time and after the event.
Wed 21 Morning tea mystery car
Around 40 people enjoyed morning tea followed by the mystery car. John Easterbrooks Standard 10 was revealed after Rob teased out questions as to its identity then John told us of the long history of this car with his family.
A special wee car that has been in the Easterbrook family since its purchase, brand new, in 1956. This car certainly brought out many
stories from members who knew someone who had had one or they had had one when growing up.
Thank you John for sharing.
Sun 25 Club run follow the leader to Kaiteriteri
June
Wed 4 morning tea Mystery lunch Leigh and Maureen
Thurs 12 We have Stephen Caunter having a Bingo night at the club rooms so come along & have some fun. Bingo sheets are $2 each
Sun 15 Club run The Thermete run to Cable bay. Maureen
Wed 18 Morning Tea This will be followed by a working bee at the club grounds. Please bring gardening tools, your gloves & a willing hand & smile.
June is also when we hold our AGM, Restoration of the year & Pride of ownership at the end of the month.
We need members to step up & join the committee. Please give it some serious thought as we have many positions that need to be filled.
RESTORATION OFTHE YEAR and
Extra Bits
Our Club received a huge thank you from the National Photographic Conference people for the vintage car transport to and from the Rutherford Hotel, airport and our Classic Car Museum. They were most grateful. Photographers from all over New Zealand were at this event, 250 in all.
Thank You to our members John B, Darcy B, Paul L, Roy W, Mike W who donated their time and cars to make this a successful operation. The shocking weather in Wellington did throw a spanner in the works with flight changes and cancellations, pick up times etc. etc. So like they say, “If you have time to spare travel by air”.
Thank you Dave Young for the donation to the Club of a 6-volt battery, which was snapped up by Bill D to power the siren on the fire engine.
Numbers for our international rally are building in Nelson. For our Club members it will not be cheaper for you to partake in your hometown international rally. This comes without the expense of accommodation like there would be if it were elsewhere in the country. Remember the last international rally in our area was in 1972.
If you haven’t had a look through the Vero International Rally Website, then I recommend you do so. It is impressive & very informative. There is so much information here it will have you tingling with excitement for this coming event.
Dianne Lewis is co-ordinating the Daffodil Rally this year ( August 24 )
Dianne has a clipboard at the clubrooms for names of those able to help. There are many jobs that need doing so don’t be shy, many hands make light work & Daffodil day is a biggie & a very important fundraiser for our area. Give Dianne a call if you don’t get to the clubrooms but can spare an hour or two here & there.
All the best Dianne, Maureen and Rob
Glenda & Kevin Argyle with their 68 Cadi
Lunch Run to the Craftsman Cafe
Annual General Meeting 28 June 2025
Urgent Consideration
This is notice that come the AGM we will be seeking nominations for the following roles:
Chairperson, Club Captain, Assistant Club Captain Branch Secretary, Branch Treasurer, Editor, Committee members
Nomination forms are in this edition of the Crankcase and available at the clubrooms
consider nominees for these positions.
Some of the members in these positions are retiring for various reason but are very willing to train and assist you in the roles.
Please put your hand up and give it a go!
Please bring a plate to share for afternoon tea following the AGM
Minutes of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND NELSON BRANCH INCORPORATED
Held at the Club Rooms, Lower Queen Street, Richmond, Tasman District, 2pm Sunday 23June 2024
1. Chairman’s Welcome: Chairman Mike Bryan welcomed all members attending, with thanks to George Kear, National President, representing the national VCC office.
2. Attendance Register: Darcy Bovey, Jill Holmwood, Vernon and Jo Hoffman, Rob and Karen Thompson, Mike Bryan, Leslie Tomlinson, Don Ammon, Derek Martin, Jim and Kyra Wareing, Brent Colvin, Julie and John Tomlinson, Malcolm Baker, John and Lesley Barker, Roy West, Charil and Chris Milne, Trevor and Colleen Carston, Peter Field, Graeme and Andrea Pegg, Murray Schwass, Brian and Gloria Pegg, Mike Wilson, Kit Brydon, Wes Dayton, Geoff Clark, Dianne Lewis, Ian Bingham, Karen and Lindsay Grey, Maureen Joblin, Dave Stuart, Max and Merilyn Clarke, Lloyd Ewing, Bill Dense, John Easterbrook, Ray and Debbie Robertson, Ian MacLennan.
3. Apologies: M West, S Colvin, J & C Bolland, D Shattock, J & R Conlon, D & Y Bell, J & R Herd, R Smith, A & L Pegg, P Lewis, G Dacombe, L Joblin, G & A Plum, G Martin, G Ewing, J Grant, R & J Johnson.
Resolved to receive apologies: Merilyn Clarke/Bill Dense – carried
4. Minutes of the 2023 AGM: Correction from G & A Plum that they be recorded as present at that meeting. Otherwise no matters arising.
Resolved to receive the revised minutes as a true and accurate record of the meeting: Max Clarke/J Tomlinson – carried
5. Correspondence: Nil
6. Chairman’s Report: Read by Mike Bryan. Resolved to receive the Chairman’s Report: Mike Bryan/ Max Clarke – carried
7. Treasurer’s Report and Annual Accounts: Presented by Ian MacLennan.
Resolved to receive the Treasurer’s Report and Annual Accounts: Ian MacLennan/Jim Wareing - carried
8. Annual Branch Levy: Resolved that the Branch Levy remain the same: Ian MacLennan/Max Clarke – carried
9. Club Captain’s Report: Read by Rob Thompson Resolved to receive the Club Captain’s Report: Rob Thompson/John Barker – carried
10. Vintage Craft Group Report: Read by Kyra Wareing Resolved to receive the Vintage Craft Group Report: Kyra Wareing/ Maureen Joblin
11. Election of Officers:
Chairman: Mike Bryan - Jo Hoffman/Ray Robertson – carried
Vice Chairman: Jo Hoffman – Mike Bryan/ Malcolm Baker – carried
Secretary: John Barker – Jim Wareing/Kyra Wareing – carried
Treasurer: No nomination. After some discussion it was agreed that Leslie Barker and John Barker would undertake book-keeping duties with oversight from retiring Treasurer Ian MacLennan, pending a permanent solution.
Club Captain: Team. A Club Captain’s Team was elected consisting of Dianne Lewis: Mike Bryan/ Jo Hoffman -carried;
Maureen Joblin: Gordon Dacombe/Ray Robertson – carried; and Gordon Dacombe: Ray Robertson/ Maureen Joblin - carried
Editor: Ray Robertson: Maureen Joblin/Paul Lewis– carried
Committee Members:
A Committee was elected consisting of Leigh Joblin: Paul Lewis/
Gordon Dacombe – carried; Paul Lewis: Malcolm Baker/Leigh Joblin - carried; Malcolm Baker: Gordon Dacombe/Paul Lewis – carried; Leslie Barker: Kyra Wareing/Jim Wareing – carried; and Rob Thompson: Ray Robertson/Mike Bryan – carried
12. Branch Appointments:
Patron: Remains Vacant
Website IT Webmaster: Wes Dayton
Membership & Badges: Wayne Price
New Members: Paul Lewis
VIC/ID: Max Clarke, assistant Trevor Carston
Librarian: Roy West
Safety Vests: Dianne Lewis
Custodians: Jim & Kyra Wareing
Buildings: Paul Lewis, assistants Max Clarke & Brent Colvin
Grounds: Malcolm Baker, assistants Leigh Joblin, Chris Turner & Gary Lash
Events on Ground: Rob Thompson, assistant Wayne Price
Competitions: Gordon Dacombe, Clerk of Course Paul Lewis
Health & Safety Officer: Vacant
First Aid Officer: Vacant
Swap Meet Committee: Vacant, members needed asap. Malcolm Baker, Lloyd Ewing, Paul Lewis, Peter Williamson and Jo Hoffman had indicated interest.
13. Annual Reimbursements:
For Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Club Captain: resolved no change to reimbursements: Max Clarke/Lloyd Ewing –carried.
14. General Business:
Swapmeet date: to be discussed in committee.
Daffodil Day: helpers wanted – see Rob Thompson
Discussion of clubhouse Stage 2: Committee to consider.
15. Awards:
National President George Kear addressed the meeting and presented awards as follows:
50 years’ membership: Peter Field and Ray Robertson
Pride of Ownership: John and Julie Tomlinson
Restoration of the Year: Deferred
Evans Plate: Jared Dacombe
Hard Luck Trophy: Vern and Jo Hoffman
Awards for Effort: Team Barker and Team Wareing for the Easter Rally
Team Johnson for years of Crankcase distribution Team Lewis for overall Club effort
Duncan Rutherford Trophy: Malcolm Baker, Paul and Dianne Lewis.
16. Closure:
Mike Bryan thanked all for their attendance and the meeting closed at 3.45pm.
Morning Tea and Mystery Car
John Easterbrooks 1956 Standard 10 Sedan
Model A Luncheon Run - Yvonne Bell
The weather forecast didn’t look the brightest for Sunday but we decided to head off to Wakefield to meet up with some Model A enthusiasts for a luncheon run.
One by one different models of A cars and a truck starting arriving at the Wakefield carpark to discuss the day ahead and check out all the models and modifications some may have made to their vehicles.
11am and the horn was sounded for the off, heading for The Flat Rock Café at Kohatu for lunch. A steady climb up Spooners through fog was a different experience for me but I managed to stay on the road and cruised down the other side to Kohatu.
Unfortunately during the lunch stop the rain decided to descend upon us, so a quick check outside was required to see if my seat was getting wet but all good and ready for the next section.
We travelled through Tapawera stopping off at the Village Centre where an old railway shed, houses photographic records of the WW1
After crossing over the Dove River we turned into Dovedale Road and then left into Thorp-Orinoco Road. Following behind the vehicles in front winding our way through the beautiful countryside with lots of autumn colours made the journey quite special. My next challenge lay ahead driving onto Rosedale Road and climbing up and around many tight corners to reach the top of the saddle.
From here we cruised down making our way through and onto the Moutere Highway, George Harvey Road turning right at Carlyon Road past the early Somerset Farm settler’s cottage and eventually out onto Old Coach Road then back out onto Moutere Hwy to find our own way home.
The early fog and rain cleared during the day making it a great run although I was glad to be home and put my feet up after a total workout of my arms and shoulders pulling Jac around all those corners but I wouldn’t have missed it for the world – can’t wait for the next outing in my special car Jac.
The West Coast Branch 2025 Rosco Sporting Trials 29th June 2025 Reefton
8.30am for vehicle inspection and briefing
9.30 am Competition begins
12.30 lunch (Bring your own lunches)
1.15pm afternoon competitions begin
3.00pm approx competition finishes followed by prize giving and BBQ at Rosco’s workshop
Further information which includes overview, eligibility, classes, rules and regulations, venue & directions, and indemnity forms will be issued on request or one receipt of entry form.
Entry form has been attached to be received no later that 17th June 2025
We look forward to seeing you at this exciting, challenging event
Nick
Contact details:
Organiser – Nick Harrison email annetteandnick@xtra.co.nz 0275419296
For Sale
1929 Whippet Model 96A - It has had a fully rebuilt motor, the car is in excellent condition, it has spent most of its life in Ray Wins Collection at Higgins Park, hence the low mileage
Offers around $23,500 it comes with heaps of spares. Phone Mike Lyall on 027 4483 453
FOR SALE
Sunbeam Talbot 90 Mark 2 1951 for sale on behalf.
This car was made in 1951 but not reg until 1953, it has been with this owner for about 30 yrs. The reg is still on hold.
I have looked over and under where it stands at present and I did not pick up any serious rust, engine still turns over, I believe it as it stands is very complete. The grill is out but is in need of minor work to reconnect the bars, ( my intention is to get the engine started as soon as time allows)
The interior shows its age as does the outside paint. I am attaching photos of the car I have more photos of the car and of the large range of spares which include a complete engine. Asking price is around $7000 but will consider all offers
Phone Max Clark on 021 548 289 or email atmore.towers@xtra.co.nz
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!!
For Sale
Austin 1100 engine, manual gearbox and radiator. The motor has had new rings and bearings before it was placed in storage.
Offers
For enquiries, please contact Randolph on 0274 500174
LADIES CRAFT GROUP Sew,
Paint, Knit, Everything
Calling all VCC ladies Wives, Partners, etc. to come and enjoy the company of other members at our Craft group. Held on the first Thursday of every month at the clubrooms.
Next meeting Thursday June 5th 2025 9am to 4pm
Just come for a chat and or share your hobbies with others. Come for the day or an hour or two. Tea and coffee on the house. If staying for the day bring your lunch. Need to be pickup, this can be arranged.
For more info contact
Kyra 544 9998
VCC Member Discount at
Mitre 10 Mega Nelson
Present your membership card at checkout and you will get a discount on every purchase.
How it works: After completing your shopping go to any checkout, simply tell the operator the account number: NNVCC (Nelson Vintage Car Club) then present your membership card.
Every item gets a discount which in some cases is better than other accounts and is definitely a better discount than gold card. Its that easy.
If we support this scheme there could be opportunity in the future for a rebate back to the club.
VEHICLE VALUATIONS
Classic, vintage vehicles & all trucks
For Insurance, Tax man, Lawyers 35 year’s experience with valuations in Nelson and Marlborough Area I will come to you
