Rumour Southland Vintage Car Club
September 2026
Afternoon teas at the clubrooms following the Daffodil Rally for cancer run on Saturday 29 August 2026. Various vehicles took part including the SVCC Darracq We raised $1,165.00 that Noelene and Nev Coutts took to the Cancer Society on Monday 31 August.
Next Meeting - Thursday 24th September, 7:30pm - Ariki Lodge Guest Speaker - Rick Michels from Evolution Motorsport
Wednesday Run - October 7th
Chairman’s Report Having returned from the National AGM, we were straight into the Daffodil Rally for Cancer and some of the worst weather this year – yip… cancellation. A week later and the re-run pays off with good array of clubs and cars meeting at Macaulay Motors for a display & run, finishing at Ariki Ave. More on what was raised later in the bulletin. A big thank you to Ford NZ & Macaulay’s for their continued partnership with VCC. Unfortunately, I missed the Daffodil Rally as I had already committed to the around the Taki’s run, which was a big success, with 27+ bikes and riders braving the elements – with some wild weather on the Sunday return journey home – thanks Ray for organising another successful run. My report from the AGM & Delegate Conference will be in next month’s Rumour – in it you will see that a budget was presented which was grim reading; we have since received a formal proposal and motion from the National Committee; this will be handled by the new ‘weighed vote’ system (as per our new constitution). Those of you who receive the Rumour by email will have a power point presentation attached – we will also present it at this month’s meeting. As your elected committee, we feel it is prudent to support the motion and will be passing our vote onto our Lower South Island Regional Rep (LSIRR) Glenys McKenzie. The 2026-2027 season kicks off in October with the Post Vintage – Post War rally, followed in November by the Commercial & Arrowtown’s 60th to round out 2026. Get your enthusiasm & polish out for another great season of motoring! Cheers, Tony
Secretary’s Notes
Proposed increase in Subscriptions from the National Office. We have included a presentation and Notice of Motion from the recent National Annual General Meeting showing the need to increase subscriptions. We will be showing this presentation at the 24 September Club meeting, so come along if you have questions. Our branch levy will not be changing. Reasoning for the increase - Over the past 5 years the cost of producing the Beaded Wheels has increased by 26% and postage is expected to continue to increase. Administration costs have increased by 8.5%, but the National AGM and Executive meeting costs have increased by 184% due to flight, fuel and accommodation cost increases. Cost saving was discussed and the general feeling from the room was that the second Delegate Conference (Old Executive Meeting) that is normally held in March was now unnecessary under the new structure. Removing this meeting would save the national club close to $25,000. Our branch Committee has voted for the increase of fees by $30 for Individual members and $10 for Joint Members, exclusive of GST. Genys McKenzie, the Lower South Island Regional Representative, who will take our vote to the National Committee on 17 October 2026 The Post Vintage / Post War Rally – Saturday 3 October 2026 This rally is for vehicles between 1932 and 1960, but you can participate as non-competitive in any vehicle. Enter online at PVPWEntries or bring your entry to the 24 September Club meeting.
The Commercial Rally – Saturday 7 November 2026. This rally is for all Commercial vehicles but enter and come along in any vehicle as non-competitive. 60thArrowtown Motorcycle Rally – Saturday 21 November 2026. The function will be held at the Arrowtown Bowling Club starting at 5pm. The Club is charging us $15 per person to use their facilities. Please pay with your entry for yourself and supporters. Anyone not entering the rally but attending the function will be charged at the door. Repairs to the Ladies toilet and leaks in the roof. This is taking longer than expected but insurance will be covering the damage repairs. We intend to get the contractor to include the roof leaks in the scope of works and have them repaired at the same time. So please bear with us while we work through this, and be mindful of the buckets when it rains. Bank Account – We were advised by SBS that they no-longer want the Southland Vintage Car Club as customers of their bank and to seek alternative arrangements. We have the EFTPOS through the ANZ bank and even though they are Australian owned they are very easy to deal with. When we have transitioned our accounts, we will be advising the new bank details but, in the meantime, continue to use the SBS account.
Round the Takis Run 29-30 August 26 The week prior to this event there were questions as to whether to cancel it or not, but in the end decided to go ahead. On Saturday morn with the weather gods being in our favour we gathered at the White House Hotel for start off. In all there were 27 attending this included 1 overseas entrant (Russell Keen) who was riding his newly acquired Triumph Triden along with Garth & Sandra who were riding their bikes that they take overseas to travel around different countries. On leaving the pub we headed towards Colac Bay for morning tea/gossip session. Then it was on to the lunch stop, this being Tui Base Camp in Tuatapere. This was a good chance to once again catch up and give the bikes a quick check over. After travelling approx. 150ks Russell Keen found out the true capacity of his fuel tank, fortunately another member had some spare petrol so that solved that problem. As we headed thru Blackmount the wind started getting up with also a few spits of rain which fortunately didn’t come to much as we headed to The Church Cafe. We stopped at the Church Café for another catch up and check over then continued on to Te Anau for the night staying at the Distinction Hotel. We all met up for pre-dinner drinks before heading to The Ranch for a lovely meal and some more story telling. Sunday morning dawned cold and wet. We headed to breakfast, put on the wet weather gear, loaded the bikes prior to setting sail for home. The trip home was a great test for wet weather gear and also your riding/handling skills as the weather was bloody awful. In all my years riding I’ve never struck anything so bad and dam scary. Got home eventually thankfully in one piece, unloaded the bike, gave it a good clean down and put it to bed for the next outing. Over the period of the weekend, we raised amongst us $270.00 for the Cancer Society. Overall, once again a good weekend was held, no breakdowns just a lot of laughs. See you all next year Ray McCulloch
Coming Events 2nd - 3rd October 2026 - Central Otago VCCNZ 80th Anniversary Rally 2nd - 4th October 2026 - 54th Dunvegan Motorcycle Run - entries available end of August 3rd October 2026 - Post Vintage/Post War Rally 3rd - 4th October 2026 – Horsepower Rally, Timaru www.kylepark.nz 11th October 2026 - Bathurst Day at Clubrooms 7th November 2026 – Commercial Rally. Entry form attached 21st November 2026 - 60th Arrowtown Motorcycle Rally. February 2027 - National Motorcycle Rally - South Canterbury Branch. February 2027 Central Otago Gold Motorcycle Rally 6th February 2027 – Southland Rally 6th March 2027 – Veteran/Vintage Rally 13th - 20th March 2027 - National Model A Rally is being held in Blenheim. 26th - 27th March - National South Island Easter Rally in Dunedin - entry forms available. 8th May 2027 – Waimea Rally 15th May 2027 - Post 60/80 Rally
Editor’s Comments I have put this months Rumour together as Dave is away and it has been an interesting experience and a good learning curve. I was reading a Classic Driver magazine recently and there was an article on the first American hybrid car. It is a 1921 Owen Magnetic Model 60 and the electric part was invented and made by J B Entz. It is fully restored and in working order. Another case where we think hybrids are a new invention but with a lot of things automotive it is not .
Parts Shed Items We have a wide selection of Tyres and Rims in our shed. We may have just what you need to get your vehicle moving. Give John or Ray a call.
Wednesday Run - 7th October The VCC Wednesday Run is on 7th October, 2026 - leaving the Racecourse by 10.30am. Cost: $25 pp Please ring Elaine or Angus on 03 212 8956 or 027 310 4239 by Sunday evening prior.
Central Otago Gold Motorcycle Rally February 2027 Thinking of traveling to the VCC National Motorcycle Rally and associated hub rally being held in Timaru between 12th - 18th February 2027? Or maybe the Burt Munro Challenge being held in Invercargill between 10th - 14th of February 2027? Are you aware that the Central Otago branch of the VCC is holding its annual Central Otago Gold Motorcycle Rally on the 20th February 2027? You may want to consider adding the Central Otago Gold Motorcycle Rally into your travel plans. Full rally details will be advertised later in Beaded Wheels, but if you require preliminary details for travel planning, they can be obtained by calling Ken Roberts on 021 369413. email kbcroberts@xtra.co.nz
Central Otago VCCNZ 80th Anniversary Rally 2nd - 3rd October The Central Otago Branch, have organised a two-day event to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand. Day one is a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw, to partake of a gourmet BBQ lunch. Day two is a noncompetitive rally style event starting in Cromwell and motoring through to Cambrians to view the Blue Bell and Daffodil Dell, before moving on to the historic Vulcan Hotel in St Bathans for lunch. They invite members of other branches to participate in these events.
John Burke Receiving his
35 year badge from Tony Warren
Parts Shed The parts shed will be open the afternoon of meeting nights between 1 & 4 p.m. The following people can be contacted at anytime if requiring parts or information on parts in our Parts Shed. John Burke 217 8177 & 027 226 0067 or Ray McCulloch 03 217 9667
Library The library will be open on General Meeting nights between 7& 9 p.m. Other times by appointment - phone 021 159 8319
Office Bearers 2026/2027 Patron Chairman Secretary Treasurer
Wayne Nicoll Tony Warren Carol McGarry Sheryn Warren
(03) 215 7136 0272 845 840 027 277 6878 021 712 198
Club Captain Bulletin Editor Welfare Officer Southland VCC website VCC website VCC forum Club rooms
Nev Coutts 027 8961497 Dave Harris 027 201 6722 daveharris823@gmail.com Barry Hayman (03) 216 3639 sporty.co.nz/southlandvintagecar www.vcc.org.nz www.trash.co.nz/vccbb 46 Ariki Avenue, Otatara, Postal: PO Box 1240, Invercargill 9840
southland@vcc.org.nz svcctreasurer@gmail.com
Bar Roster 10/10/2026 17/10/2026 24/10/2026 31/10/2026 7/11/2026 26/09/2026 3/10/2026
Russell Jenkins Andrew Brown Paul Hamilton Mac McGarry Peter Pryde Micheal Burt Ron Irwin
Power Tool Battery Repair. Lately I’ve been astounded by the price of replacement batteries for Standard 20V Power Tools. So I’ve decided to offer my services as an Electrical Service Technician to repair or restore these batteries for club members, family and friends. This can normally be achieved at a fraction of the price of a replacement battery, I can quickly have most for them delivered to me direct from the manufacturers. I can handle all the big brands AEG, Black and Decker, Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Ozito, Ryobi, Wolff etc. If you own a battery that is dead, operating slower or with less power than originally, please let me have a look and see what I can do to restore it for you. Further, if you have any old batteries or chargers that you can donate for me to redeploy parts from, that will help all concerned too. Finally I can safely dispose of any old batteries that you aren’t allowed to dispose of in household refuse for no cost to you. Mac McGarry, 021 081 72672
Rumour Notices Copyright of the contents of the “Rumour” magazine rests with the VCC of NZ (Southland Branch) unless otherwise stated. The Rumour is available by email as a PDF file, contact the secretary if you wish to receive it this way. It is also delivered earlier. Views and opinions expressed in the Rumour are those of the authors of the articles and are not necessarily those of the Southland Branch of the VCC of NZ, the Branch Executive or the Editor. Authors of the articles are responsible for the accuracy of the articles and captions. The Editor does not “Fact Check” any article and will only correct obvious mistakes after consultation with the author. Mistakes will be corrected if possible if they are pointed out to the Editor.
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Bathurst Day - 11th October Shoot out will be on Saturday 10th October in the evening with the Bathurst actual on Sunday 11th October. Club open from 10.30am with race starting at 11am. The bar will be open, Entry cost is $20.00 per person inclusive of food over the day. A $5.00 sweepstake will be available along with raffles Annie and Peter Marshall are looking for Volunteers who could: * Set, light and look after fire on the day * Welcoming guests and receiving entry $$ * Selling raffle tickets * Take care of sweepstake * Someone to wash a few dishes, clear tables etc
* A bread butter * Anyone to donate some chips & dip * A cleanup crew on Monday morning 12/10 around 11am. None of these jobs is huge but many hands make light work. I have already secured a number of raffle prizes but always looking for a few extra. All proceeds will be donated to the club
Any volunteers or questions to Annie 0225144006
For Sale
1929 Dodge DA Sedan REG on hold PZ3748. Has been in storage Contact Phil 021 0277 0622 philchch@gmail.com For Sale 1975 Triumph 2.5Ltr TC Good Motor and Transmission. Spent $3000 on clutch master & slave cylinder and new rear brake shoes and wheel cylinders master and slave cylinders. There is a new set of interior carpets (not fitted)
This is a project car No WOF or Rego. Offers Phone Allan Wilson 0274748901 For Sale Austin Cambridge This is a project car in Dunedin. Rego on hold. Contact Sarah Marshall marshall19@slingshot.co.nz For Sale
1912 Renault—Restored in 1978 Reg and WoF. Electric start, good hood. Tipping transporter trailer and some spares included. $50,000.00. Contact : Ashley Bell on (03) 215 6154
For Sale Five C49 Tyres on Jaguar 15 inch rims. One unused and four half worn. Contact Arthur Warren phone (03) 217 9378 Wanted to buy 197 Villiers 3 speed gearbox housing Contact Russell McIvor on (03) 217 8481 or Donald Ward 0272947692