Next Meeting
Tuesday 28th October 2025
7.30 p.m.
VINTAGE CAR CLUB
SOUTH OTAGO BRANCH
Chairman Robin McCall 027 4159478
Secretary Gary Beaumont 03 415 9169
Treasurer Sue Beaumont 03 415 9169
Newsletter Noeline Milne 0277262520 noeljoy@xtra.co.nz
Club Captain
Branch Email southotago@vcc.org.nz Vintage Car Club of NZ –South Otago Branch, Account number: 031734 0005630 00
October
2025
Chairman Robin reports he was not able to take a vintage vehicle to the Blossom Festival this year as his wrist is in plaster for a while yet. I hear the weather was a bit inclement and cold but hope those who attended had a good outing.
Wednesday Run report 7th October –Alison Ollerenshaw had planned for us the run through South Clutha on gravel and sealed roads for 60 km. which took us away from the main highway. The gravel sections were in great order with no dust or dirt. 6 vehicles with 14 members taking part. The afternoon concluded with refreshments at the Heart & Soul Café on Clyde Street, Balclutha. Alison said this route used to be a school bus run at one stage.
Wednesday Run – November. There will be no organised run this month owing to the Clutha Rally being held so near on the 8th. A saving on your fuel so hope you can come along and support the Annual Rally – the committee have a good day organised.
Following the business at the September meeting Neville showed a very funny video of Benny Hill and his antics, I’m sure you can remember those programmes we all enjoyed. One wonders what the young folks of today will be watching in time to come, there are so many options for them now.
A very comprehensive history has been written by Vanessa Clark. “Connecting People to Place - The Story of Lovells Flat.” It covers families who arrived in the district all those years ago, early history, occupations, farm ownership and progress through the years. Our pioneers certainly worked hard for a living. Copies are available from Milton or South Otago Museum or contact Vanessa at vanessac@xtra,co.nz Noeline on 027 7262520
Clutha Rally 8th November 2025
Entry Forms available by email or at the upcoming meeting on 28th October. Gary reports entries are coming in and the committee have the days program organised for another great day out travelling over the South Otago highways and byways.
From the 100years ago column
O.D.T.
A garage fit for a car. In building home garages many motorists are greatly handicapped by lack of space and the structure has to be kept within the most restricted limits. If ample room is desired there should be a clearance of at least 2 feet on each side of the car and a similar space in front and rear. A garage 8 ft wide should be a minimum allowable for medium-size cars. Of course, a garage of smaller dimensions may be the only alternative to seeking distant accommodation. In such a case, provided the approach is straight, a car could be housed in a shed but one and a half feet wider than the car. If the vehicle is driven in close to one side it will then leave enough room for opening the door. In such a garage repairs and adjustments could not be comfortably be affected.
What a big change there is in the modern design of garages – I saw on a recent TV programme a vehicle drives into the garage and it was then lifted up on its platform to an upper level to enable another to park below.
Some events spotted in the Beaded Wheels for upcoming outings included. Coming Events:
October 28th Monthly Meeting at the Clubrooms 7.30 p.m.
November 1st Taieri Tour
8th 53rd Clutha Rally – starting at the Town & Country Club 10 a.m. morning tea.
11th Gore Branch Auction Night 7.30 p.m. start
16th Southland Swap Meet
25th Monthly Meeting 7.30 p.m.
December 3rd Wednesday Run
7th Otago Moped Rally
15 – 21st March 2026 Vero International Festival in the Nelson Area