RATTLES AND SQUEAKS
July 2026
So far June has been a fine and mild month, for which we are grateful. I have even managed to get the Rapier Convertible back on the road after it let us down with leaking axle seals just prior to the Vero Rally. I hopefully I can bring it to an event soon.
It is great to see that the club has had some successful outings this month, including the Bushman’s shed run which I understand went very well.
It was also encouraging to see so many of you along to our branch AGM, where we elected new people and some roles changed.
Peter Lovatt has stepped down as Motorcycle representative, Peter Meares as Librarian and Gill Sanders as assistant secretary. Thanks to all three for the excellent effort they have made on behalf of the club.
Peter Lovatt will continue as Hall Custodian and Gill will remain as our branch representative at National events such as the AGM.
I have passed the baton as secretary after 7 years to Stephen Atkinson, but I will continue to assist Stephen when he is away or requires any extra input. I have retained my chairman role for the forthcoming year, but it would be great to have someone step up in 2027 to provide some fresh perspectives going forward. Whatever happens there I will still stay involved with the Branch to assist where I can.
I have really enjoyed the secretary role because it is one where you are fully enmeshed in every aspect of the committee’s operations and I hope Stephen will find the same pleasure.
We were pleased to be able to present the 60-year award to Peter Stanaway at the AGM. Not many people are eligible for this, but I think we may have another couple coming up in Northland before long. Great effort by Peter, who shared with us his amazing list of cars owned during his time with the VCC.
The National AGM will be held in August and at that juncture we will elect the 6 regional representatives for the new National Committee. There are currently nominations for all regions and at this stage our Northern regional representative is likely to reside in Auckland. Also in August is our Daffodil Day fundraising effort and to get our plans started we have had a visit from the national team of Kaaren Smylie and Garry Jackson and a meeting with Ford and the Cancer Society in Whangarei. This has resulted in a commitment to try to do a really good job of assisting with doubling last year’s national target. I will be shortly reaching out to some of you to assist, and all of you to participate on the day (August 23). The current plan is to have a run starting at Ford in Whangarei and heading to Dargaville to meet up with our compatriots there for a sausage sizzle lunch, and other activities. We want to involve as many people as possible, whether they are from the VCC, Other car clubs or the public to make this a special day. We will have more information on this shortly but please spread the word that everyone is welcome on the day, and if they decorate their car they could win a prize.
Roger and Christine Billing have done an awesome job of editing Rattle and Squeaks during the past two years, but due to Christine’s eye sight issues she will step down after this issue. We are fortunate that new committee member Alex Disher will take on the roll in conjunction with assistance from Carol Thompson and myself when Alex’s work load requires him to hand off some of it. Please send your Newsletter contribution directly to Alex at alex.sacha@xtra.co.nz.
I hope we will see you at the Club morning tea on 1st July.
Ray Sanders
Education Day
Kiwi north have a new education specialist, Leyla Mason, and Leyla has been organising visits from schools as a part of her work.
We were approached to provide rides in the 1926 Dodge truck for 90 Students from Hora Hora school.
We felt that it was important to accommodate this as it provides a window into the VCC, and our collection, for young minds and slightly older parents and teachers. The children are aged from about 5 to about 13 years old. To get this working, we needed to create H&S documents, and this was accomplished with Leyla’s help.
With Kevin and Lawrence preparing the Dodge, we had a good team on the day. The school split the students into groups of about 20, which were circulated to various activities around the park. We always had a group on hand during our 2-hour window, and after a briefing we loaded half of them on the truck, while Lawrence or I took the other half into the truck shed and showed them our amazing collection of trucks and cars dating back to 1909.
Highlights for the kids were things like crank handles, solid rubber tyres and brass lamps from the time before electric lamps. They loved the SCAR with all its brass, and the baby Austin for being so tiny.
The rides were a hit with the children, who were very well behaved, despite their natural curiosity. Hora Hora school and Leyla sent letters of thanks to us outlining how well everything went and how much they enjoyed the day.
From my perspective, I want to encourage the school visits and rides because it exposes the children to old vehicles and our club, so that perhaps one day, they will remember old cars fondly and want to get involved.
Ray Sanders
We are surviving early winter on this side, and there are no floods, just bugs and other mishaps for some members, so a small attendance at our June meeting.
The mid-week “Two Loop” Run took us north on back (lack of metal) roads. Previous rains had left sludge so there were many car owners with a big car wash. However, the countryside looked green with now never-ending pine forests in the background.
We finished at Rob and Ngaire’s home, where we sat on the deck, which has a view of the Wind Farm Turbines.
Rob made a musical Quiz to test our knowledge of past favourites, with chocolate for a correct (or closest) answer.
Thankyou Ngaire and Rob, and Alice for your hospitality.
July is the Night Run. NOTE- No Wednesday Run.
The meeting is on Wednesday 8th July 7.30pm at the Aero Club.
Night Run on Saturday 18th, gather from 5pm at the Aero Club. Helen and Hubert are in charge of plotting the route, and hosts for the meeting.
Soup and bread rolls will be supplied, but please bring a dessert to share when we return from the dark.
Claudia
Vero Rally Continued
Well, here we go to start our trip home, but first on the Friday it was a trip all over Nelson with lots of course changes around the port then out to look out points of things to see.
At one stage we were up in a new subdivision, up high with a spectacular view of the city
Then on to see those that did the competition day around a grass oval. They created a lot of dust and it looked like they were having lots of fun. Robert on his old Triumph bike and Ray and Grant in their cars.
We stayed Sunday and went to the Anglican Cathedral as Christine cousin often plays the bells. It is worth a visit especially when someone is plays the bells. But inside is at another level with how it is built, well worth a look. Now back to our trip home.
The First test on the way home was the Rye Saddle. It’s the first big climb since the radiator was soldered up. I think he had to block off one tube. Well, the needle rose maybe 2mm then was rock steady and once over the saddle it dropped back to normal. We stayed at Havelock. At about 4am the phone went BEEP BEEP (a text). I checked as the ferries were running late as one boat had broken down. The Text said, TRIP CANCELLED, and to rebook the next day if possible. So we spent another night in Havelock, and they told us on the phone to line up the next day very early to get a crossing if there is room.!!!!! So the next morning it was a 4AM start from Havelock. First big drive in the dark for the Wolseley. Will the battery and charging system be up to the task? Wel we were at the wharf by 5am as soon as we stopped, I could smell a very strong burning smell. One of the back brakes was smoking. I had driven all the way with the hand brake on!!! Just as well we had taken the windy road and not the main highway. We were third in line now for the wait. At mid day we were all told to line up and they would try and get some of us on the boat. No mention of a list. Just a mad dash back to the car. This caused a mad rush as about 30 cars and vans tried to be first in line. only three cars got on!!!. Of we went and had some lunch and we got a surprise phone call from Bluebridge who said they had a space for us on the 8pm Ferry, to be at the terminal by six o’clock to sail at 8.pm. Well the ferry sailed at Mid night from Picton and arrived in rain at Wellington at 3.30am. It was hard to see the lanes on the road, just the reflections
Lucky for us our son’s in-laws live in Bunnythorpe not far outside Palmerston North where we arrived at 6.00am for a sleep. That was a 26hour day. After a sleep we continued onto Oakune to stay the night. The next day we visited Smash Palace. It a great place, but it was blowing a gale. The top cars were swaying and bonnets were flapping. Not safe so a quick walk around and a look in the sheds. Some of the parts have been there since Adam was a boy. Parts on top of parts. Never find what’s at the bottom of the heap. So with a sad heart it was off home. What a great adventure. Roll on the next one which should be in the Honda
Roger Billing
Early Ford V8 Club of America
Northern Regional group 103
March saw the Northern Regional group of 103, Early Ford V8 club attend our annual AGM in the great location of the Hawkes Bay. The weather was kind and we all enjoyed a fabulous put together event with gatherings and rural road runs. Cars mostly behaved very well, and we had some very nice showings. We were able to attend a couple of classic car museums and had fun evenings. Photos (which there were hundreds) by the group are certainly great memories. Attached I show a few phone photos of highlights and probably the best display.
The hastings market where we had a great turnout and a lot of public interest. Our ride was our blue 1939 Ford, and it once again proved to be very reliable.
Top gear all the way through the Napier – Taupo highway and reaching an average 22mpg on both the Waikato expressway and Northern expressway Happy with that and a tiny bit of oil for 100hp V8.
This 39Ford unfortunately will now go up for sale.
Interested, phone 027 2615862, as my daily driver Silverado can no longer be expected to live outside in the salt air.
Lee Tuffnell
The Bushman’s shed
Our Monthly run was a 1.pm start at the Vcc Club rooms. Well what a fabulous turnout. 24 cars and a motorcycle took to the back roads for all tar run over some lovely northland roads to the Bushman’s shed. We nearly ran out of parking down by the old saw mill. Lots of old saws and chain saws, some were very big and heavy. They had to work hard in the old days. Some very good old photos of Northland. A very good Kauri table made out of one enormous Kauri slab. The view of the Hikurangi swamp was amazing. I think everyone enjoyed the afternoon. So, it was off home the long way as we often do a big loop of the Hikurangi swamp. And we weren’t the only ones going home the long way as we were joined by Tim Harris and his wife in her new MGB hard top.
Thanks to all who came as it is the people that makes a run special.
Roger Billing
Cars Motorbikes Coffee Morning (4th Saturday of the month)
Marina Woodfire Dining Tutukaka. 8.30am – 10.00am Plenty of parking We welcome
Older vintage cars Newer Vintage cars Classic Cars Vintage Motor bikes
Future Cars Motorbikes Coffee Mornings Saturdays July 25th 9.30am to 11.00am Please note change of time due to Sun strike.
This morning dawned cold and clear. Christine was busy today so I went by myself. So I had breakfast out at Tutukaka and a hot Chocolate, Lovely. The trip out was lovely, but the SUN Strike was very bad at times. So, when I got there I suggested a 9.30am start instead of 8.30am and most agreed that it would be a bit safer. Had a talk to management and they said 9.30am would be fine.
A great turn out of cars and people, some new faces and cars. A nice 64 Ford Galaxy that was owned by a fellow, That’s a big, nice car. It was nice and warm in the café area with the heater on and a very friendly group of people aii with their own stories to tell. I sat with Ron and his son who were my guardian angel last year when on the way home from Coffee and Cars the mighty Wolesley just stopped. They stopped and helped us and worked out it was the Pigtail that was broken. A temporary repair and we were off again with the Wolesley running fine. Our Wolseley is now run in after the Nelson Adventure and just purrs along. A great Car.
Roger Billing
Coffee and cars June 27th
The Parts shed is opened every Wednesday morning from 9.00am 12noon
NVCC CALENDAR OF EVENTS
July
Wednesday 1st NVCC Clubrooms. Morning tea 10.00am Please bring a plate
Sunday 5th Motorcycle Run Meet at Frings at 1pm
Wednesday 8th Dargaville meeting at 7.30pm NW Aero Club Hoanga Rd
Saturday 18th Dargaville Night Run Gather from 5pm. Please bring a Dessert to Share. Soup and bread rolls supplied
Saturday 25th Coffee and cars Meet at the car park Tutukaka from 9.30am11.00am Please note change of time due to Sun strike.
August
Saturday 1st Club Run. Time to be announce
Sunday 2nd Motorcycle Run. Meet at Frings at 1.00pm
Wednesday 5th NVCC Club rooms Morning tea 10.00am Please bring a plate
Wednesday 12th Dargaville Meeting at 7.30pm NW Aero Club Hoanga Rd
Wednesday 19th Dargaville Mid-week Run Meet 1.pm at NW Boating Club
Saturday 22nd Coffee and cars 9.30am -11.00am
Sunday 23rd Daffodil Day Run. Details to be announce
Rattle and Squeaks
It has been Roger and my privilege to edit the Rattle and Squeaks. This has been made very satisfying by people contributing their wonderful stories. Also having reports on the events that the club has. Please may it continue. Unfortunately, two and half years ago I got Shingles in my left eye which has deteriorated. I will be having an operation in the next couple months which could be followed by a second in months ahead. We wish Alex and Carol all the best in this important roll. May the stories keep coming.
Christine Billing
2026 Office Bearers Northland Vintage Car Club Inc
Position Name Phone Email
Chairperson Ray Sanders 021632563
Vice Chairperson Peter Lovatt 0211930948
Secretary Stephen Atkinson 027 780 3307 northland@vcc.org.nz
Treasurer Steve Cornwall 09 4025006
Club Captain Roger Billing 0273275059
Newsletter Editor Alex Disher 021 160 9142 alex.sacha@xtra.co.nz
Committee Carol Thompson 021 6544 29
Alex Disher 021 160 9142
Kevin Wing
Margaret Woods
0275744972
0275744672
Lawrence Hillier 0210414522
Arthur Jenkins
0274579688
Stephen Atkinson 027 780 3307
Jim Shaw
029 4387028
Parts/Vehicles Lawrence Hillier 021 041 4522
Harry Currell 027 445 2501
Allan Pearson 09 4376317
Peter Meares 09 4352002
Rob Hughes 02041165612
Lou Schoenmaekers 0211546837
Derrick Doar 09 4380966
Kevin Wing
0275744972
Peter Stanaway 027 4929 375 Jim Shaw 029 4387028
Hall Custodian Peter Lovatt
0211930948
Librarian Lawrence Hillier 0210414522
Motorcycle Rep To Be Advised (TBA)
Museum Delegate Ray Sanders 021632563
VIC Inspectors Lawrence Hillier
Social Media
Kevin Wing 0210414522
0275744972
Co-ordinator Tim Harris 0274777709 Tim.Harris@carters.co.nz
Trophy Steward TBA
Beaded Wheels
Representative Ray Sanders 021632563
Gardener Arthur Jenkins 0274579688
Dargaville Representatives Claudia Jeffery Geoge Tier 0211614868 094398911
Due to some emails being hacked we have removed them from our list. Please contact people by phone.