Page 3 Report from the Chair
Page 4 Bootleggers
Page 5 Events calendar
Page 7 VERO International Festival
Page 8 upcoming events
Page 11 Contacts
Page 12 Our Information
Club Night 4th May
Guest Speaker - Patrick Harlow
AGM 7th JuneNo Club Night June
With the ending of daylight saving, we seam to be in a mixed bag of weather conditions. The cyclone luckily didn’t affect our region to the extent it has further north, In hindsight one might think we should have continued with the Club Captains run.
But the day wasn’t the best as it was and postponing means we will have an opportunity to have a more enjoyable day Sunday the 24th of May is the new date. Same format.
The May Club night is on the 4th , we will have a guest speaker, The speaker is Patrick Harlow, who is an automotive historian with a fascination for unique New Zealand produced cars. He has written for a number of publications and is a regular contributor to the New Zealand Classic Car Magazine. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Don’t forget about the Reliability Trial to Mangaweka on the weekend of the 9th & 10th of May This outing is open to cars as well motor bikes. Come along and enjoy a weekend with magic company and wonderful conversation.
The clubs AGM is being held at the Greytown Working Men’s Club on Sunday the 7th of June at 11.00am. We will again be having a meal following the meeting. The cost per head is $44 paid into the clubs account before the 31st of May please.
Account number :- 03-0687-0323649-001
Surname in the Reference please.
New blood for the club’s committee
As we get closer to the Annual AGM, please put some thought into how you may be able to help with club activities. We have a very dedicated team at present, but some members are stepping down. I thank them for their unwavering commitment and energetic support. We need some new members to refresh our group. If you enjoy laughter and short stories, along with keeping the wheels turning in our club.
Please come and join in by completing a nomination form.
The trip to the museums over the Remutaka Hill has been shifted back to the 5th of July.
The bus will leave Masterton at 9.30 am, stopping in Featherston and then travelling on to the Trentham Classic Car Museum.
There is a Café at the venue which will give us an opportunity to have a bite to eat before heading onto the Porirua Police Museum. We would then return to the Cosy Club in Upper Hutt for an evening meal before heading home. The plan is to be back in Masterton by 8.00 pm.
I will have confirmed costings in the next couple of weeks.
The Annual Daffodil Rally for Cancer is to be held on the 23rd of August.
Nationally the Car Club raised $140,000 for the Cancer Society.
The challenge is for all clubs to better that amount.
We will again be having a Daffodil Day Motor Show at the Masterton MotorPlex on the 23rd of August
Please mark this date “now’ on your calendar or lock it into your phone calendar
As soon as we have a poster and information we will get it out to you to pass onto as many car enthusiasts as you can. The more people who know about it the better the day will be.
Please make sure you have read your Beaded Wheels for April and May, page 52. It is a Notice of Meeting outlining the new rules for the election of Officers. You will be aware of the adoption of the new Constitution which has change the National Committee Positions.
All elected positions are open for nomination. If you are keen to put your name forward for one of those positions and require advice please contact me
It is with a more sombre note I close my report.
On behalf of the club our condolences go out to Aaron Webster and his family with the loss of their father Mike Webster. Hugh Hunter and I attend a service for Mike on the 7th of April. Mike was a quiet man with strong values and a real passion for cars. A number of stories were told of car projects he had undertaken
There was one which included the help of his two young sons by putting sand in the petrol tank.
A true “ Ford Man “
No longer with us, but not forgotten. His stories will be part of the next generations DNA and their cars.
Cheers
Graham Hodder
Gina Jones
The 1920s may have done it first. We simply chose to do bootlegging differently. While many entrants embraced the Prohibition era, the Greytown Ginrunners arrived from a slightly later chapter—1976.
Same idea. Better tailoring. Faster cars.
## The Car (and the Cast)
Our vehicle of choice was the familiar 1971 MG Midget — “MG Fox”—compact, responsive, and well suited to Wairarapa roads. A two-time winner of the Targa two-day time trial, it continues to prove that light weight and balance remain a compelling combination.
Malcolm Fleming took the wheel, with Gina Jones navigating. Supporting operations (timing, logistics, and matters best left unexplained) were handled by Francis “Mr Fox” Fox.
Departing from The White Swan in Greytown, the day unfolded as a relaxed circuit through the district, taking in vineyards, rural roads, and a number of well-chosen stops. Unlike a traditional rally, there were no timed stages or competitive sections. The emphasis was firmly on participation, presentation, and enjoyment of both car and company. The focal point came at the checkpoint, where entrants were judged—not on speed or accuracy, but on
execution: vehicle, dress, character, and overall interpretation of the theme. A certain level of charm, persuasion, and welltimed “offerings” did not appear to hinder progress.
## Style Over Speed
For many, the appeal of the Bootleggers Run lies precisely in this shift of emphasis. Cars are still central—but the event rewards: - attention to detail - consistency of presentation - and a willingness to fully inhabit the brief
Stops at locations such as Urlar, The Runholder, and Palliser vineyards provided opportunities to regroup and socialise, with the MG performing faultlessly throughout.
## The Field
A number of Vintage Car Club members were well represented among the entrants, with several featuring strongly in the final results. Not sure where MG Car Club cars were. The standard of presentation across the field was notably high, reflecting both enthusiasm and a clear sense of occasion.
## Outcome
By the time the field returned to The White Swan, it was clear that the combination of car, presentation, and consistency had resonated with the judges. The Greytown Ginrunners were awarded “Star of the Show.”
## Closing
Events such as the Bootleggers Run occupy an interesting space within the motoring calendar. They are not competitive in the conventional sense, yet they encourage a different kind of discipline—one of detail, character, and engagement. For MG and VCC members alike, they offer a reminder that these cars are not only to be preserved, but to be used, enjoyed, and occasionally—given a role to play.
Well played all.
Monday 4 th Club Night
Tuesday 12th Committee Meeting
Saturday 9th & 10th
Sun 24th
Motorcycle Reliability Run, Cars are invited to join in.
Bus Trip to the Classic Museum at Trentham with an evening meal
Monday 1st King’s Birthday
Sunday 7th Club AGM & Lunch
Tuesday 9th New Committee Meeting
Sunday 21st Winter Wander
Sun 5th
Bus Trip to the Classic Museum at Trentham with an evening meal
Guest Speaker to be confirmed
Possibly a return to Mangaweka
To be confirmed.
Greytown Workingmen’s Club
TBC
See Cha irs report
Monday 6th Club Night Fish & Chip
Fri. 10th Matariki
Tuesday 14th Committee Meeting
Sunday 19th Gravel Challenge
Monday 3rd Club Night
Tuesday 11th Committee Meeting
Fri. 14 – Sat. 15th
Sunday 23rd
National A.G.M & Executive Meeting
Quiz Night with Vintage Machinery Club
Manawatu Branch
Annual Daffodil Rally for Cancer Daffodil Day Motor Show
Monday 7th Club Night
Tuesday 8th Committee Meeting
Sunday 14th Spring Rally
Tuesday 9th Committee Meeting
TBC Gentlemen’s Drive
Fundraiser for men’s health
Saturday 3rd Rex Porter Rally
Monday 5th Club Night Car is the Star
Tuesday 13th Committee Meeting
Monday 26th Labour Day
Sat 31st Oct. – Su. 1st Nov. Wairarapa A & P Show Clareville TBC TBC Bygone era of wings and wheels. Organiser is Wellington Festival Date Event Other dates / events of interest
Saturday 7th Wellington Branch Annual Rally TBC
Sunday 8th New Members Rally TBC
Monday 2nd Club Night
Tuesday 10th Committee Meeting
Sunday 15th Wai Wheels Annual Car Show Card Reserve - Featherston
Saturday 21st Gold Medal Motorcycle Trial TBC
Sunday 22nd Veteran Run TBC
Sunday 29th Mangatainoka Vintage Car Day
Monday 1st Club Night Twilight Run
Brendan Odell
I attended in my yellow 1957 DKW 3=6 and it ran perfectly (of course) for all of the 1000 miles I drove, burning about 160 litres of petrol and four litres of two stroke oil.
It was great to catch up with other Wairarapa members (see attached two photos of the Hodders). I also met up with two other DKW friends - making a three car”Wolf pack”!
I enjoyed this Vero International Festival of Motoring just as much as the previous one that I attended in New Plymouth and I really look forward to the next one.
The 2026 Reliability Trial will take place on the 9th and 10th of May. The destination this year is once again Mangaweka.
Accommodation will be in cabins at the Awastone campgrounds
Once again we are inviting car drivers to participate in this event alongside the motorcyclists.
The entry fee is $20.00. Accommodation is $39 per person which includes bedding payable in advance.
The event will start from the VCC clubrooms in Chester Road, Clareville. There will be a riders/drivers briefing at 9.30am with the first vehicle away at 10am.
Fill out the attached entry form and email it to Kevin Sullivan at kevsully52@gmail.com
Accommodation is limited to 20 persons. In oder to secure the accommodation please return your entry form ASAP.
Hi Everyone,
Thanks very much to those who’ve already registered their interest in entering this event: The 40th anniversary of the MG Classic Race Meeting, being held at the Manfeild Chris Amon Circuit in Feilding, Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November 2026. We’ve had a great response from both the North and South Island, and look forward to welcoming a wide variety of VCC vehicles and their drivers to be part of a separate VCC grid at this MG Classic Race Meeting. Reminder: This event is open to all pre 1966 VCC eligible sports cars, racing cars and specials, (not just MG’s).
Draft Programme:
Friday 13 November: Documentation, scrutineering, practice and qualifying. Saturday 14/Sunday 15 November: Racing (along with an informal VCC get together at Murray’s Bar in Feilding after racing on Saturday).
1. Accommodation:
Most entrants will need to book accommodation for the nights of Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th November. Feilding accommodation is limited, but Palmerston North has a far greater choice of options and is only about 20 minutes away.
2. Travel:
We recommend that South Island entrants book via Tony Hirst at Cook Strait Crossings asap. Bookings Picton to Wellington Wednesday 11th/Thursday 12th and Wellington to Picton Monday 16th/Tuesday 17th November are likely to be filled quickly, so please book now to avoid disappointment. Tony offers a brilliant discount service, along with the added benefit of flexibility to cancel at no cost should your travel plans change.
Please refer to his contact details below:
3. Entry Forms, Supplementary Regulations, Queries etc:
Subject to confirming some further details with our hosts, the MG Classic Race Committee, we’re planning to have all entry documentation and supplementary regs etc available during May 2026. In the meantime, please forward this email to any of your friends who may be interested in entering our VCC grid in November.
Any queries, please contact me directly.
Regards,
Rod Corbett
VCC Organiser for the MG Classic Race Meeting 2026
rod.corbett88@gmail.com
+64 27 433 8772
Chairperson Graham Hodder
027 226 3738 g_jhodder@xtra.co.nz
Secretary Mike D’Alton 021 137 2395 secretarywvcc@yahoo.com
Treasurer Kevin Sullivan 022 377 8443 kevsully52@gmail.com
Club Captain Position vacant
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 021 227 7338
Bob Cumming
Social Convener Position vacant
Custodian Position vacant
Zenith Editor
Dennis Burns 021 428 547 editorwaivcc@gmail.com
Beaded Wheels Scribe David Eade 021 227 7338 davethehandyman11@gmail.com
Librarian Pat Dutton betyjo29@gmail.com
Motorcycle Liaison
Spares
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
Hugh Hunter 06 306 9847 j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz
Kevin Sullivan 022 377 8443 kevsully52@gmail.com
Dave Patten 027 247 7956 dave.patten28@gmail.com
Clubrooms:
A&P Showgrounds, Chester Road,Clareville
Postal Address: PO Box 7, Masterton 5840 Branch
Website: https://waivcc.nz/
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
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:
• First Tuesday morning of the Month.
• 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
