Greetings, Members, and welcome to this, my penultimate piece as your Editor. Yes, that is correct, as I have decided to put aside my pen and computer after five years in the role. I have genuinely enjoyed my time as your Editor and Beaded Wheels Reporter, but I believe it is time for another member to take over and bring a different style from what I have provided. So, the May Rivet will be my last. Thank goodness, some might say, as I have not held back with some comments and may have upset a handful of people! My heart, though, is in the ongoing welfare of our branch. I believe an Editor should speak their mind. I will offer my support to the incoming Editor for the following three months after a new one is chosen at the upcoming AGM. I have files stored for all Rivets over the past five years in Publisher, plus Microsoft Works, which I will give to the new person. Training will be provided by myself and my office staff to ensure a smooth transition. I have other matters to attend to in my life, and I simply cannot devote any more time as your Rivet Editor and Reporter for Beaded Wheels, which truly go hand in hand. I have strived to make our magazine engaging while including all the necessary information as required. Beaded Wheels is somewhat different, in that an Editorial team at the Christchurch Head Office edit everything sent in and remove some ‘interesting’ material to stay within their set criteria, which I suppose is fair enough.
I was unsuccessful in persuading the committee to introduce an additional fee for forwarding hard copies of the Rivet to those who require this service. We are well into the computer age, and I believe that emailed Rivets should become the primary form of communication, with hard copies sent only upon request and for a fee to cover costs. Additionally, I strongly believe we should encourage more younger members to join us. Brand image is crucial for any organisation or business, and a way forward might be to change our branch name to the ‘Whanganui Vintage and Classic Car Club’. Both North Shore and Hawkes Bay branches have done similar. This change, combined with dedicated publicity efforts, could bring rewards if we commit to it. I anticipate some protest, especially from a few older members, but we have much to gain and nothing to lose. I encourage you and the committee to initiate a discussion and, ultimately, a vote among members, as with all major policy decisions, rather than leaving it to just a few.
During the recent Nelson Vero Rally, I had an interesting conversation with two North Shore VCC members, Branch Treasurer Tony Sparkes and Stuart Battersby, who is a National Facebook Committee member. I also spent time with my good friend, Paul Anderson, the current Hawkes Bay Club Captain. Both branches have adopted the name change and are promoting Classics within their respective groups. There may be others across the country. I am uncertain why the North Shore branch seems to be so unpopular with some members. I have a theory, but do not wish to divulge it here.
What they do seems to be effective though.
Yours in cruising, Editor Ian.
Chairman's Report — April 2026
Well, the International Rally has come and gone in what feels like the blink of an eye. So much anticipation and preparation. We had a great time and it was amazing to be among 550 cars and over 1000 like minded people. The runs showed us some amazing scenery in the Nelson district along with the Classic Car Museum and other places of interest. The Wanganui vintage cars all performed very well especially during the teams relay challenge at the Richmond Park A&P Association Show Grounds. The only dampener was the cancellation of our ferry both ways, but at least we got there and home again unlike some who did not make it at all.
Coming up in the next couple of weeks is our annual Motorcycle Rally. Plans are almost complete and we have 22 entries so far. Feel free to come along on the morning of 18th April from 8.30 on to see the bikes before they head away.
Planning is well underway for the our annual vintage car rally to be held this year on 31st May. If you are not taking part please consider helping with the organising e.g. marshalling etc. We need more people coming through who are familiar with these roles.
In my garage, work continues on my 7r. Although the next meeting is not until September I would be happy to see it finished and tucked away as I am sure September will roll around very quickly.
That’s about it for now.
Until next time, Bill James
Club Captain’s Report-April 2026
Well another month has flown by. My house is now sitting level and a metre over from where is was this time last month. It is strange having to walk straight down the hallway without leaning side to side.
Although there was a small turn out for the March Sunday Run, all those who turned up had a great drive around before returning to the club rooms for a great afternoon tea. Thank you to all those who took people to the IHC Ball. There were plenty of smiles on the faces of the people getting dropped off that night. The Citroen Rally was held last month and based out of our club rooms with a good number of cars on display on the Saturday morning and plenty of laughs at the gymkhana in the afternoon. It was good to see club members out looking at the different cars.
There will be no Sunday run this month due to the 19th being the same day as the River City Park Up at City College. For the park up we will meet in Cook Street at 8am and drive in as a group at 8:15 so we can park all our vehicles together in one area. Entry is $5 per vehicle, with it going to the Cancer Society, so a great cause.
Saturday 9th May is a working bee from 9am so please come along and lend a hand. Bring any tools you think you may need and morning tea will be provided
We have the Annual Rally on the 31st May this year. Planning is well under way and entry forms will be out very soon for it. If you are planning on not entering the rally and are interested in helping on the day please let me know.
Looking way ahead the annual daffodil Day Rally is set for Sunday 23rd August, if anyone is interested in helping organize an event for that day please let me know. We normally have a fun rally that day with plenty of entrants supporting a great cause.
Again if you want to organize a Sunday run or know of someone who would be interesting for a guest speaker for a club night please let me know.
Captain Wayne
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring
Nelson March 2026
By Editor Ian
Finally, the day of this long-awaited event arrived. Sure, the additional cost of ferry crossings made it more expensive, but was it truly worth attending? In my view, yes, it was. Without strong attendance, the event would not have taken place, and, dare I say, any future similar events might be shelved. I will attempt to analyse the festival as I experienced it, bearing in mind that others from our branch who attended may have a completely different perspective.
From the outset, I found the data and information forwarded by the Nelson Branch hosting the event were of the highest standard. I commend them for the time and effort that clearly went into this. I particularly liked the way Rally Routes were laid out in the Rally Guide booklets distributed to participating VCC members and guests. Many options for short, medium, and long routes were provided. The order in which routes were taken on any particular day was optional, but it seemed to me that following the agenda as set out was preferable, as it aligned more with the spirit of the whole motoring event encouraging larger numbers to adhere to the timetable and maximise vehicle arrivals at the destinations according to the planned routes for each day. Some dedicated VCC members might not have appreciated that no competitive routes were offered, other than the Teams Relay Challenge, which I will explain in this column. However, I personally liked this approach. The rally routes provided were very detailed and must have taken the organisers ages to plan. I truly commend the effort involved. Frances and I selected our destinations and often set our GPS to take the fastest route, unless there was a particular place we wanted to stop along the way. We only missed one day of touring, plus the final park-up, as we were quite tired of driving every day. As you may know, I do find walking difficult unless I take various painkillers, and I use a walker or walking stick to get around.
We arrived in Nelson on the Saturday before the festival to set up camp at a caravan park on the outskirts of the town. First mistake – I regret hauling the caravan down there, but as Frances insisted her little dachshund accompany us, and because many motels do not allow dogs in their units, we had little choice, as we planned to explore the area after the festival. On Sunday, we registered at the Event Centre and studied the various routes in an extremely detailed and informative rally guide.
The Monday route took us to Kaiteriteri Beach Motor Camp and our lunch stop. It was a lovely place, with the beach featured in a publication as one of the top ten beaches in the world. As with all the trips, the return journey ended back in Nelson.
Tuesday’s destination and lunch stop was Kerr Bay at Lake Rotoiti. We enjoyed this stop immensely, meeting up with a lovely American couple (part of the festival). The lady is heavily involved with the American Democratic Party and leads the organisation that runs the Californian Electoral Committee. A particularly anti-Trump couple!
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring
The road was winding and steep, leading to the lake, where one or two older vehicles were struggling to keep up. One particular little Austin 7 appeared to be stuck in first gear, and I wondered if they had turned back. I believe they must have, as there was no sign of them at the lunch stop, nor were they still attempting to reach it when we returned to Nelson. I also met members of the North Shore VCC Branch, whom I will mention in my Editorial in this publication.
Wednesday’s route took us to Higgins Heritage Park in Wakefield. No, no relation as far as I can tell, although our forefathers both came from Somerset County, UK, several generations ago. My late grandfather was apparently asked to leave the UK in the late 1800s by the Crown and sent to a certain colony in Australia. He obviously got into trouble with the Constabulary in the UK. I wonder what for? Anyway, he eventually arrived in NZ, and the rest is history. I had to hold my tongue somewhat when Mr Higgins, who owned Heritage Park, said we couldn't be related, as none of his ancestors had ever fallen foul of the law! Bold statement indeed! Arrogant b…! Anyway, I digress somewhat. The park was full of interesting old machinery. I enjoyed looking at the tractors, and surprised to see a shed containing several Bradfords and many parts. That afternoon, we visited the Nelson Classic Car Museum. Certainly, a must for anyone visiting the city where over 150 cars are displayed, from an early 1908 Renault to a hotted-up 1000 HP Dodge Challenger! (my favourite) Free entry for Festival entrants. There was a park-up in central Nelson, which Frances and I decided not to attend. We went to a very nice restaurant instead.
Thursday was a day of rest for Frances and me. The routes were in the Tasman District, with lunch stops at various schools. Met up with friends from the Hawkes Bay VCC for an evening meal.
Now for Friday’s activities. I commend the organisers' creative thinking in devising the Teams Relay Challenge. I am unsure whether this type of ‘racing’ has been attempted before, particularly in VCC events. It was brilliant. Five teams of randomly selected entrants lined up at Richmond A & P Showgrounds on a 1.6 km mostly grass track, with a metal section. The aim was for each team member to complete seven laps. Each driver’s turn included three pit stops: simulated wheel changes, fuel refills, and spark plug changes, using dedicated simulators rather than real vehicles. A maximum speed of 50 kph was enforced, with marked sections at 20 kph and 40 kph. Radar speed monitoring was in place, and penalties were imposed for non-compliance. The term ‘relay’ referred to each of the five teams being allocated a different coloured sash, which was passed to the next team member after completing their seven laps. Only one member of each team was permitted on the track at a time. There was plenty of waiting in line, but lots of fun on the track. The team with the fewest penalty points deducted was declared the winner. This was the only competitive event, not meant for speed-oriented participants, and nor should it have been. I am very pleased we didn’t miss this one. For those not competing in the relay, a History Cruise visiting historical sites was held, ending at the relay grounds.
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring
Saturday marked the end of the week-long festivities. A Park Up was held at the Richmond Park Show Grounds, open to the public for a $10 fee. An official told me that around four thousand car loads of people attended. That night, the Festival Grand Finale took place at the Trafalgar Centre Rally HQ. The complex was impressive, with about a thousand entrants present, celebrating the VCC’s 80th birthday. An appropriate cake was displayed and cut for members to sample. The Vero major award, ’Spirit of the Festival’, went to 96-year-old Tom Grant, who drove an MG. The Sun Alliance award for the branch entering the most members was claimed by Christchurch branch. The motorcycle award was won by David Topless on a King Dick. I have never heard of this brand, but Mr. Google confirmed its existence. The People’s Choice award was awarded to a Nelson car, a 1934 Vauxhall owned by David and Sheree Ching.
So the festival came to its conclusion. Was it worth attending? From Frances and my perspective, most definitely. High points for us, apart from viewing the cars and socialising with friends, were the Teams Relay Challenge. The people who took on the massive task of compiling both the Festival Guide and Rally Guide books, along with a very comprehensive Golden Bay Self Drive Tour outlining tours one could undertake after the main Rally or instead of it, if one so wished deserve a huge thank you. The quality of the main meal left a little to be desired, especially given the price charged. But it was no easy task for the catering staff, particularly as there was little in the way of kitchen facilities at the venue, as we were led to believe. I really felt for the VCC traffic controllers outside of the main venues. The local Council and Police did let them down somewhat, with their nonexistent attendance and expecting local VCC members to bear the brunt. Frustrating for all, and huge thanks to the volunteers for doing their best.
Thank you, Nelson, for all the positive initiatives introduced. You’ve done yourselves proud.
Above: Rally cake
Left: Teams Relay Challenge.
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring
Top left: Two members of the North Shore VCC on the shores of Lake Rotoiti
Top right: Lovely old Sunbeam.
Middle left: Two Aussies dressed to kill. Great blokes!
Middle right: Mini steam engine at Higgins Park.
Lower left: Beautiful Renault at Nelson Museum.
Lower right: Also at Nelson Museum, a 1000HP Dodge Challenger. My favourite!
Branch Snippets
Message from Secretary Frank
The Secretary of the Vintage Car Club Inc Wanganui Branch is becoming tired and losing energy and would like to take a break soon after a number of years in the position.
The Secretary’s responsibilities include regular monitoring of incoming mail both through Postal Services and by E-mail and attendance at monthly Committee Meetings to record the minutes of proceeding and producing typed copies of these before sending them on to fellow Committee Members.
The work is not difficult but has to be done and a home Computer of some description is required for the work.
I would welcome some fellow Club Member to take on this job and while I would like to take a rest, a quick change-over is not absolutely necessary. Off course I am more than willing to spend time with an incoming Club Member to the Secretary’s job to ensure a change-over is not rushed and to allow a smooth transition to occur.
If you think you would be interested in helping your Club please give me a call on 021 349 074.
Kind regards Frank
James
Burma Rally 2026
Top left: David and Val Stafford, Tauranga, in their 1931 Ford Model A.
Top right: 1938 Ford 7Y belonging to Pat and Sandra Carrick, Whanganui.
Middle left: John Pratt and Martin Everard, Whanganui, in a 1984 Toyota Corona.
Middle right: 1954 Mk1 Zephyr with Ian Chamberlain and Sue Voss, Whanganui.
Below left: David and Glynis Robinson, Whanganui, in their 1939 Ford.
Below right: 1965 MG MGB with Sietse and Pierre Zeilstra, Whanganui.
Burma Rally 2026
Top left: Alastair Mc Carthy and Angelica Edgley, Normandale, 1960 Jaguar Mk 2.
Top right: 1975 Ford Escort Mk 1 with Janine and Michael Hirst, Feilding.
Middle left: Barb and Mike Dewson, Whanganui, in their 1993 Toyota Corolla HB.
Middle right: 1964 Hillman Minx Series 5. Mike Green and Les Kelly, Whanganui.
Please send completed Entry Form to Organisers: Glyn and Cath Clements, Box 232, Feilding 4740 Or email to cathyclements5@gmail.com
Glyn: 021 0833 4081 Cath: 027 286 2927 If you haven’t received an email confirmation of entry by the closing date, please contact the Organiser.
MANAWATU BRANCH
Post Era Rally
Sunday 24th May 2026
FORMAT -
9.00 am Meet at Club Rooms, 684 Kelvin Grove Rd, PN for a tea/coffee before the rally
9.30 am Rally Briefing
10.00 am First car away
Run length is approx. 140 miles
Fuel is available in Dannevirke
Pub Lunch at Black Dog Tavern, 835 Matamau-Ormondville Road Ormondville, Dannevirke 4977 (OWN COST)
Rally Entry Fee includes a Plaque
Rally will conclude at the Club Rooms for Prize Giving and Dinner
Please bring your own drinks for the Dinner (water/tea/coffee available)
Please advise any dietary requirements (we are only able to accommodate GF, DF). Any other dietary requirements please self cater
City College Whanganui
Sunday 19th April 10am-2pm Gold Coin Donation to the- -Vehicle Display. $5 entry per vehicle.
Mini Truck & Trailer Rides & Face Painting
Trade Stalls & Food
Automotive Swap Meet S Succulent Styling Home Staging
Club Calendar
Club Runs meet at the Clubrooms at 1pm unless stated
April
9th and 23rd Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre 10 at 11am.
18th Motorcycle Rally.
19th River City Park Up. Meet at Cooks Street at 8am. Driving in at 8.15am. $5 per vehicle. Finishing at 2pm.
May
June
6th Club Night at 7.30pm.
14th and 28th Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre 10 at 11am.
9th Working Bee 9am.
17th Toy Fair Park Up. Contact Wayne if you are I interested. 027 244 7108
31st Annual Rally. Details to follow.
3rd AGM at 7.30pm
21st Sunday Run
NB Keep a look out for the Annual Rally Entry form in your emails.
107 Rapanui Road Westmere
Farm shop opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8am to 5pm
Saturday 8am to 1-30 pm
Bates Watchmakers
130 Victoria Ave, Wanganui
Phone/Fax 06 345-2235
Email: bateswatch@gmail.com
Watch Specialists for Whanganui
Sales & Repairs
Mainstreet’s Top Shop Award Winner
WANGANUI ELECTROPLATING CO. LTD
‘NZ’s Finest Automotive Platers’ 68 Wilson Street Wanganui
Acknowledged experts on all types of Vintage and Post Vintage Nickel and Chrome Plating.
For all your METAL FINISHING REQUIREMENTS
Copper, Brass, Bronze, Antique Finishing and Metal Polishing Phone Dave on Wanganui 06 345 5042 or 021 057 6726 for prompt and efficient service.
Ed Boyd Parts Shed
We have an outstanding collection of engines, gearboxes, body parts, spares, new and used, from a vast range of manufacturers. These parts span from the early 1900’s to more modern production vehicles. If you are looking for anything, large or small, to keep your car on the road call us to see if we can assist. You will find our prices unbelievable. Please call or email us:
Dave 06 347 6915 027 555 4201 whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz
Chris 06 348 7335 027 443 1184 cgandkrwhite@gmail.com lf we don’t have
Vehicles/Parts For Sale and Wanted to Buy
Wanted: Wooden drawer unit or dresser for the ladies toilet at our clubrooms. Must be no more than 1 metre long and 1.2 metre (approximately) high. Please contact Dale (committee) 021 08882371
For Sale: 1947 Austin 8. (right) Complete rebuild engine 2024.All receipts. Includes spares. Original interior. $7000 Phone Grant 027 3278830
For Sale: 1953 Lanchester Leda (right) 4 cyl 4 speed Wilson pre-select, Rego on hold, 58574 m, new tyres, brakes relined, has been running, always garaged, sound body, fair interior. $4000 ono Barry Cleaver 06 3887871, Taihape
