A misty Mid winter morning walk and afterwards I had nothing better to do than start looking at classic cars on line. Followed by a play in photoshop, I am not mechanically aligned so I have to do something to while away the hours.
I was also waiting on some articles for this issue, which unfortunately did not materialise. (Very much like photoshopped Model A on the cover).
I am looking forward to the Fish & Chips and Movie on Monday, and maybe I will get some tips on finding my next classic, preferably one with windows
Dennis Burns Editor.
Hi Dennis (editor)
Hi Dennis.
That was an interesting article about Peter Greener’s colour selection for his Riley RMB. It set me thinking about how owners pick their colour scheme.
I have always answered ‘Bentley Racing Green’ when asked the colour of my 1934 open sports. It would probably look pretty good in a shade of red, or maybe black, but after knowing the car for nigh on fifty years I cannot imagine it in any other colour but green.
I have just had a light spray job just to tidy things up. When I asked Steve what colour match he had used, he told me it was a Mazda green with just a touch of yellow added. I think he meant that the Mazda colour was Bentley green with a little less yellow!
Happy motoring, Mike D’Alton .
Club Night 7th July
F&C and a Movie
Fish and chips plus dessert followed by a movie
The cost is $10 per head payable in cash on the night.
Please advise Kevin Sullivan by 4th July at kevsully52@gmail.com if you will be attending.
We need numbers by Friday 4th July for catering purposes.
If you don’t register by Friday 4th you won’t get fed.
Club Night 4th August
July
Sunday 13th Gravel Challenge
August
7th to 10th National VCC AGM
Sunday 24th Daffodil Run
September
Saturday 6th The 3rd CHB VCC Vintage only Rally
Sunday 14th Spring Rally
October
Sunday 19th New Members Rally
November
Saturday 22nd Gold Medal Motorcycle Trial
Sunday 30th Mangatainoka Vintage Car Day
TBC Veteran Run
December
TBC Club Christmas Function
15th - 21st March 2026
VERO International Festival of Historic Motoring
Being held in the Nelson Tasman region by the VCC, details can be found on the Festival website https://www.historicmotoring.org.nz/
Monthly
1st Monday of the Month - 7:00pm Club Night
2nd Tuesday of the Month Committee Meeting
3rd Saturday of the Month
Parts Department open First Tuesday morning of the Month and The 3rd Saturday of the month, from 9:30am - 12noon
AGM 2025
Thirty nine branch members attended the AGM on Sunday 8th June at the Working-mens’ Club in Greytown and there were 10 apologies. The North Island Club Captain Glyn Clements and his wife Cathy were welcome guests.
The Chairman Graham Hodder was unable to attend due to ill health and so Kevin Sullivan chaired the meeting.
Three branch members had passed away in the previous twelve months, Pat Brown, James Farley and Barry Wells. The Branch extended it sympathies to the families and friends of the departed.
At the 2024 AGM the committee was asked to investigate the financial impacts if we were to terminate our lease of the clubrooms. The committee presented a report that considered two scenarios;
1. That we cease our spare parts activity and dispose of our existing stock of spare parts. We would hire a suitable room or premises for one or two evenings a month for club nights and committee meetings. We would also hire a small space for the storage of club rally equipment and other assets.
2. That we lease a space for the spare parts activity and the storage of other club assets. We would hire a suitable room or premises for one or two evenings a month for club nights and committee meetings.
Scenario 1 would result in additional costs of approximately $1,200 per annum and Scenario 2 would cost approximately $8,500 per year. We will stick with the status quo.
The Chairman’s report was read. In addition to the passing on of the three branch members he noted the loss of Andrew Anderson, a founding member of the club. Club Captain Hugh Hunter joined the chairman in thanking those members who have contributed to the running of the club and participated in events over the last year.
The Treasurer’s report showed that the branch is in a sound financial position.
From Kevin Sullivan
The following persons were elected as officers of the branch; Chairperson Graham Hodder
Secretary Mike D’Alton
Treasurer
Committee
Kevin Sullivan
Hugh Hunter
Simon O’Hara
Dave Patten
Pat Dutton
Frank Lipinski
Francis Pointon
David Eade
Bob Cumming
Dennis Burns was reappointed as editor of the Zenith.
A motion was passed confirming that the Branch should reapply for re-registration as an incorporated society under the new Incorporated Societies Act.
Branch member AJ Hunter gave a presentation detailing the options available to us for upgrading the branch website. This was followed by a discussion about the needs of current and prospective branch members. AJ will prepare a proposal for consideration by the committee.
Glyn Clements presented Frances Elwin with her 50 year badge. Frances has been a cornerstone of the club fulfilling many roles over the past 50 years.
Glyn also presented 25 year badges to Pat Dutton and Dave Patten.
A selection of cars attending from Shaun
Leahy
Winter Wander
2025 Winter Wander
A heavy mist shrouded large parts of the Wairarapa as participants in the 2025 Winter Wander gathered in the Farriers carpark ready for the start. A good turnout of 20 vehicles ranging from Mike Whitelock’s newly acquired 1936 Austin 10 to Ian Stewart’s Isuzu truck with all sorts in between were lined up.
This year’s run was a fund raiser for the destination the Pukaha National Wildlife Centre. A suggested donation of $15 per vehicle would be matched by the club The convoy set of in the mist along Te Ore Ore Road and the Bideford road to Route 52 and on to Alfredton. As we approached Alfredton the skies cleared and we enjoyed bright sunshine for the remainder of the journey.
We continued past Alfredton on Route 52 and then took Pa Valley Road to connect with Mangaone Valley Road and on towards Pahiatua. Before we reached Pahiatua we turned right and took back roads to Mangatainoka. From Mangatainoka we took SH2 to Pukaha for lunch. We all arrived safely with no breakdowns and no obviously strained relationships.
The influx of diners placed a bit of strain on the café but we all got fed in the end.
Apparently the trick is to advise them in advance if we are visiting in large numbers and they will be better prepared.
From Kevin Sullivan
The Pukaha staff gratefully accepted our donation of $710. All in all it was a good day out with a good variety of vehicles and a nice drive through picturesque countryside. Thanks to Graham Hodder for organising the event and a big thanks to the extremely generous club members who participated.
Kevin Sullivan
Pictures by AJ & David Eade
2025 Daffodil Rally for Cancer – Sunday, 24 August 2025
Join us from Kaitaia to Bluff as the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (VCC) unites for another awesome nationwide rally in support of the NZ Cancer Society. The yellow daffodil will be proudly displayed across the country, symbolising hope, unity, and our shared commitment to raising vital funds for cancer research and support.
One Day. One Cause. One Club.
Members this is our day to shine. A chance to showcase the VCC, connect our branches, and raise essential funds for cancer support. Together, we can make an impact that will last.
2025 Goals:
1. Ensure nationwide branch participation , as we did in 2024
2. Raise $100,000 for the NZ Cancer Society
Saturday 6th September 2025
The idea to organise and host this Vintage Rally began with a Trophy donated to Hawkes Bay VCC Branch about 15 years ago. The trophy was presented to the winner of the Hawkes Bay Vintage only rally. However the Rally lapsed after a couple of years and the trophy remained on display in their trophy cabinet. It has now been returned to Bruce Poole at the CHB VCC and will be presented each year to the winner of the CHB Vintage Rally.
The rally will be open to all VCC members and VCC Vintage eligible vehicles, (1919 to 1931 ) The trophy will be presented to 1st place getter and there will be 2nd and 3rd place prizes also.
The rally will start from Russell Park in Waipukurau with assembly from 10.45am , briefing at 11am and first car away soon after. This late start will allow out of town entrants plenty of time to get to start venue.
The first part of the run will take you to a lunch stop with shelter if the sun is not shining, and hopefully daffodils to pick if you wish. BYO lunch and folding chair. Daffodils will be there to pick for a small charge . The funds will be donated to The Plunket Society.
The competitive part of the rally will begin at 1.30pm and take you on a variety of scenic back country roads in CHB and finish at The Waipukurau Club in Waipukurau for BBQ meal and prize giving.
It is anticipated that BBQ and prize giving will finish by 6pm
Entry form and information will be published in July and August Bleat.
South Canterbury Branch celebrates 120 years of the first car to Mt Cook.
CALLING ALL VETERAN, VINTAGE, AND POST VINTAGE VEHICLES
Thursday = 5th February 2026 Overnight in Timaru.
Friday 6th February = Timaru to Lake Tekapo. Make your reservations now.
Saturday 7th February = Tekapo, = Mt Cook = Twizel We have the Hotel at Twizel booked. 88 Rooms. These will be booked thru your entry form. First In first served. Or feel free to book your own accommodation elsewhere.
Contact Nola Day nola.day@xtra.co.nz for enquiries or entry forms
Not on such as grand a scale as the 100 years, but a very important milestone in the motoring world. We have come a long way.
https://www.historicmotoring.org.nz/register/
FORMAT
MANAWATU BRANCH
POST ERA RALLY - SATURDAY 24TH MAY 2025
RALLY IS OPEN TO ALL PV, PW, P60 & P80 VEHICLES
9 00 AM Meet at Clubrooms, Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North for a tea/coffee before the Rally
9 30 AM Rally Briefing
10 00 AM First car away
● Run length: Approx 160 miles
● Fuel is available
● Lunch venue is at “The Barracks Bar/Restaurant” in Whanganui ($8 - $20 Menu)
● Rally Entry Fee includes a Plaque
● Run will conclude at the Clubrooms for Prize Giving and Dinner
● Please bring your own Drinks for the Dinner (water/tea/coffee will be available)
ENTRANT NAME
NAVIGATOR/PASSENGER: NAME NAME
TELEPHONE ( ) EMAIL
ADDRESS
VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL/YEAR
VEHICLE REGO NO
RALLY ENTRY @$20 PER VEHICLE = $20
DINNER @ $15 PER HEAD - NO. OF PEOPLE = TOTAL =
We are able to cater for GF AND DF ONLY Any other dietary requirements please self cater
DINNER - HOMEMADE PIE / CREAMY MASH / PEAS/CARROTS
Please Select your pie Steak & Cheese No Mince No. Chicken No.
PAYMENT DETAILS: Please make payment via Internet Banking Manawatu Branch VCC 03 0718 0027253 01 Ref: Name, Reg No. (POST ERA)
Please send completed Entry Form to Organisers: Glyn and Cath Clements - PO Box 232, Feilding - or email to cbz1@xtra.co.nz Glyn - Mobile - 021 0833 4081
If you haven’t received an email confirmation of entry by the closing date, please contact the Organiser **ENTRIES CLOSE SATURDAY 17TH MAY 2025)**
Contacts
Chairperson Graham Hodder
027 226 3738 g_jhodder@xtra.co.nz
Secretary Mike D’Alton 021 137 2395 secretarywvcc@yahoo.com
Treasurer Kevin Sullivan
Club Captain Position vacant
022 377 8443 kevsully52@gmail.com
Committee
Hugh Hunter 027 665 9911 j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz
Pat Dutton 027 711 2735 betyjo29@gmail.com
Simon O’Hara 021 141 2332 simonsandieohara@gmail.com
Francis Pointon 06 378 6710 pointonmotors@xtra.co.nz
Dave Patten 027 247 7956 dave.patten28@gmail.com
Frank Lipinski 06 379 7167
David Eade
Bob Cumming
Social Convener Position vacant
Custodian
Beaded Wheels Scribe
Zenith Editor
Librarian
Motorcycle Liaison
Spares
Position vacant
Judi Harding
022 379 9126 editorwaivcc@gmail.com
Dennis Burns 021 428 547 editorwaivcc@gmail.com
Pat Dutton betyjo29@gmail.com
Kevin Sullivan 022 377 8443 kevsully52@gmail.com
Frank Lipinski 06 379 7167
Graham Reidy 06 372 7855 g-a.reidy@xtra.co.nz
Jeff Percy 06 377 4622 j.percy@xtra.co.nz
Dave Walker 06 379 5008
Vehicle Inspectors
Francis Pointon 06 378 6710 pointonmotors@xtra.co.nz
Dave Patten 027 247 7956 dave.patten28@gmail.com
Hugh Hunter 06 306 9847 j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz
Kevin Sullivan 022 377 8443 kevsully52@gmail.com
Our Information
Clubrooms:
A&P Showgrounds, Chester Road,Clareville
Postal Address: PO Box 7, Masterton 5840 Branch
Website: www.sporty.co.nz/wairarapavcc
Club Night:
First Monday of the month (except January) and June (second Monday) at 7pm.
Committee meet:
Second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm
Parts Department:
A&P Showgrounds, Chester Road, Clareville
Join Frank, Graham and Jeff for yarn and a cuppa when the Parts Department is open.
In this treasure trove, you might also happen to find any bits and pieces you’ve been looking for.
Located at the clubrooms, the Parts Department is open:
• Each Tuesday morning following club-night.
• The 3rd Saturday of the month from 9:30am - 12noon.
You can also contact Frank for an appointment outside standard opening hours by phoning (06) 379 7167
