VINTAGE CAR CLUB Of NEW ZEALAND
SOUTH OTAGO BRANCH Tuesday 29th September 2026 7.30 p.m.
Split Rim
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 September 2026 Springtime is here again, pollen already floating in the air leaving a carpet where it lands, often making us sneeze and snuffle. The birds are busy and the wee bunnies are already popping out of their holes. So lovely to enjoy the flowers and sunshine. Hope you have time to appreciate all nature has to offer even if we are still getting winter like days. We welcomed Graeme Moffat along to the August meeting. He has a 1941 Chevrolet Pickup in parts at present so quite a task ahead of him to get it all assembled again. Neville King It is of great sadness that we learnt of Neville’s recent passing after a short illness. We extend our sincere condolences to Neville’s family. Neville joined the South Otago Branch of the Vintage Car Club in 1972 being a foundation member and taking on the role of Club Captain. He held various positions over the years including Club Captain, Treasurer and Secretary. Neville was also involved in organizing many rallies and other activities within the branch. You could always rely on Neville for providing interesting video footage of branch events and other historical topics. Neville and Judy travelled near and far seeking a suitable vehicle to restore. A Ford T was found at Winton. During the restoration their good friends Peter and Marilyn Morrison in Geraldine offered their 1906 Alldays and Onions car for their use. Temporary ownership was a lot of fun and six years later the Alldays was returned to Geraldine. The 1924 Ford T was ready for the 1973 Clutha Rally gaining 2nd place in the Concours. In the later years he rallied Motorcycles, Mopeds, a 1954 Citroen and 1967 Volkswagen. Also enjoyed were special events of seagull racing and thermette lighting challenges. He always took part in the Club events organising many, taking a keen interest in what others were doing and helping where he could. Neville was presented his 50-year membership award in 2018, and this year would have been his 58 th year of continuous service to the Club. We will remember Neville as a great member and friend to many.
The September Wednesday run to Owaka was enjoyed by 13 people in 5 cars. The first stop was to the Owaka museum, which would have to be one of the best small museums in the country. The number of exhibits is amazing, and there was not enough time to see everything on display, so some people intend to go back for a second look. Following the museum tour, most people then went to the local second hand shop to find a bargain. Across the road, the bookshop was open as well, so lovers of the printed word had plenty to choose from. The local cafe was the venue for the post run natter, and hot coffees were popular. The weather Gods were kind, which made the run so much more enjoyable. Thankyou to Paul McNabb for organising this outing. What to do for 7th October outing? To be discussed at the meeting. Meet at the Clubrooms 1.30 p.m. Quiz and Tea Evening. What a great night was held on the 5th September at the Clubrooms. Gary welcomed all along with several new faces joining us for the evening. 30 people attended to enjoy a wide variety of delicious food followed by much laughter and some serious thought to answer the questions posed by our quizmaster Martin Dodge. 6 teams grouped around the room all eager to begin. How well do you know the Clutha District – surprising what one knows but quickly forgets when asked in a time frame. Martin did a great job keeping us amused with chocolates also for rewards. Thank you to those who organised the evening, members and friends for coming along too. I think we are keen to repeat this social event as we did in years gone by. Lawrence Car Club’s Rev, Rock & Hop have some live music organised from Bevan Gardner & James Davy. BBQ dinner from 6.30 p.m., music from 7.30 p.m. BYO refreshments, courtesy shuttle to/from Lawrence, Waitahuna, Evans Flat. Tickets $25 per person. Phone 027 235 7774 Coming Events September 25 – 27th 27th October 7th November 1st 7th 14th 27 / 28th
Alexandra Blossom Festival Monthly Meeting 7.30 p.m. Wednesday Run 1.30 p.m. Clubrooms Lawrence Heritage Day Taieri Tour Kaitangata Car Show & Run Annual Clutha Rally Rev, Rock and Hop Lawrence
Vero Easter Rally 2027 – Otago Branch