Committee Members for 2025-2026
Chairman Wayne Hullen 027-3726263
Vice Chairman Owen Duthie 021-2942158
Secretary Barry Anderson 027-4852032
Treasurer Robert Todd 027-4440186
Club Captain
Parts Department
Bill Ryan 689-7063
Richard Terry 022-6375813
Club Room Convener Steve Dyson 027-4907861
Newsletter Barry Anderson 027-4852032
b.r.anderson@outlook.co.nz
)
2026 Can you remember carless days?
April
11th MotorcycleRun NorthOtago
12th MotorcycleRun SCVCC
Carless days were introduced on 30 July 1979. Every owner of a petrol powered, private vehicle under 4,400lbs (apart from motorbikes) had to nominate one day of every week when they would not drive that vehicle on the road. The day was indicated by a coloured sticker on the windscreen - there were (from memory) different colours for each day?
2026 7.30pm clubrooms
Clubrooms open Wednesday Mornings
Hall Convenor Painting in Kitchen Progressing, a and a working Bee to be arranged
Parts 2 x lots scrap metal sold
Executive Meeting Report Steve
Ad in Beaded Wheels arranged for Consul Parts
Karen Symilie report on Daffodil Day and Ford NZ support for the event
North Shore Club and their fees discussed
Change of Name for VCC discussed and to remain, as is up to individual clubs to decide
Rebecca George is the area representative
New VCC Head office viewed
General Business
Thanks from Owen for the running of the Scooter Run 10 bikers ion run
A club Flag Discussed as it was needed to be displayed at Vero Rally but the cost is prohibited
Highland Dance Group to use Club on the 11 12 April
Approach is to be made to Timaru Motors for support for Daffodil Day
Peter Bland to organise a club Run
Repairs are to made to BBQ Table
A BBQ lunch to be held on a suitable weekend for club members
Meeting Closed at 8.45
Next meeting 16th April 2026
Dated 19th March2026
Welcome Wayne Hullen
Present 12 members as per attached
Apologies Suzanne, Sandra, Donald, Maureen, Lorraine, Owen, Tony, Isobel
Moved they be accepted Steve Seconded Trevor carried
Minutes Minutes of the Feb meeting have been circulated taken as read and confirmed moved Owen seconded Peter carried
Correspondence
Inwards
Constitution Wording Change needed
VCC By Laws as passed at Executive Meeting
Thanks from Senior Citizens on the outing
Outwards Nil
Moved Correspondence be accepted Richard seconded Bill Carried
Reports
Financial : Robert Todd as attached Moved that report be adopted & accounts
The year is certainly marching on, we are three months into 2026, a quarter of the year gone. We have the AGM coming up, on May 21st, so we all need to be thinking about club positions, elections and we need people to step forward to meet the club’s needs. The club captain position is still unfilled. We will have nomination forms available at the next meeting, on April 16th .
Last month's committee meeting was productive, as some club paperwork was tidied up and plans began for this year's Daffodil Day, scheduled for August 22nd. It looks like we will be sticking to the proven formula of the scooter run, barbeque, quiz night and some form of car display. This is, as always, dependent on us having sufficient resources, especially helping hands.
There was a good turnout at the SCVCC swap meet at Orari with the rain holding off all day. There were perhaps not as many automotive sites as previous years but still plenty of buyers.
Thanks to Steve for attending the annual March delegates’ meeting in Christchurch
Maybe it’s a good time to have a look at how motorists have found solutions to fuel shortages in past years.
Coal
Coal-powered vehicles, particularly those developed by GM in the late 20th century, utilized turbine engines that burned superfine coal dust, showcasing an innovative approach to alternative fuels.
In the 1980s, General Motors (GM) experimented with coal-powered vehicles, notably developing turbine engine cars that ran on powdered coal. These vehicles included models like the 1978 Cadillac Eldorado and the 1977 Oldsmobile Delta 88. The coal was stored in a bin under the hood and was delivered to a gasifier where it was burned to produce energy. The process involved agitating the coal to keep it flowing and using a conveyor belt to transport it to the combustion area.
Operation: To start the engine, diesel fuel was initially used to ignite the coal. Once combustion was established, the engine switched to coal as its primary fuel source. This innovative design allowed the turbine engine to run on a variety of fuels, including coal, which was particularly appealing during oil crises.
Performance: While these coal-powered vehicles had considerable power, they faced challenges such as a lag in fuel delivery and high emissions, which ultimately limited their practicality and adoption.
During times of fuel shortages, particularly in Europe and Japan during World War II, many vehicles were converted to run on coal gas. This gas was produced by heating coal in the absence of air, creating a combustible gas that could be used in internal combustion engines. Vehicles would often carry a gas bag to store the coal gas, which was a practical solution when gasoline was scarce.
Conclusion
Coal-powered vehicles represent a fascinating chapter in automotive history, showcasing the industry's attempts to adapt to fuel shortages and explore alternative energy sources. While these vehicles are largely obsolete today, they highlight the ongoing quest for sustainable and efficient transportation solutions. The legacy of coal-powered vehicles serves as a reminder of the challenges and innovations that have shaped the automotive landscape over the decades.
Perhaps next month we will look at small scale alcohol production for automotive fuel.
Enjoy the Easter break.
Wayne
AGM 21st May 2026
Nominations are called for all committee positions
Chairman .Vice Chairman ,Secretary , Treasurer
Club Captain, Parts, Club Room Convenor.
Nominations forms available from Secretary
Nominations will also be accepted at meeting.
Nifty 50 Scooter Run 28th Feb
10 Scooters enjoyed a fine days ride around the Waimate District followed by a BBQ lunch at the club rooms
