October 2025
Dave, Miss Frankie, and Glynis inside. Sarah with her 1921 Citroen Type A at Club Night.
Official Magazine of the Wanganui Branch of the V.C.C. of NZ P O Box 726, Wanganui , Street Address—Patapu Street, Wanganui East wanganui@vcc.org.nz
Patron: Neil Farrer
Chairman: Bill James 027 353 2190
heatherandbilljames@gmail.com
Secretary: Frank James 06 344 2221 liznfrank@xtra.co.nz
Treasurer: Neil Farrer 027 457 9634 neilfarrer83@gmail.com
Accounts Reviewer: Peter Powell
Club Captain: Wayne Gedye 027 244 7108 waynegedye@gmail.com
Rally Secretary/Trophies: Christine Savage 06 342 4755 wanganuirally@gmail.com
Motorcycle Convenor: Bill James 027 353 2190 heatherandbilljames@gmail.com
Committee : Dale Whitaker 021 0888 2371 dalewhitakernz@gmail.com
Andrew Dittmer 027 379 6969 biffoditty@gmail.com
Heather James 027 353 2190 heatherandbilljames@gmail.com
Jim Bilby 027 636 5529 j.bilby@xtra.co.nz
Hinemoa RB 027 5111082 hinemoarb@gmail.com
Rob O’Keefe 027 433 2626 okjoiner@xtra.co.nz
Compliance: Wayne Gedye 027 244 7108 waynegedye@gmail.com
Health & Safety: Dale Whitaker 021 0888 2371 dalewhitakernz@gmail.com
Trophies Manager:
Mihi McDermid 06 347 6915
Branch Delegate: Rob O’Keefe 027 433 2626 okjoimer@xtra.co.nz
Kitchen Manager: Eilidh and Siobhan Pitkethley 021 147 2341
Hall Custodian/Bookings: Dale Whitaker 06 343 9089 dalewhitakernz@gmail.com
Truck Custodians: Wayne Gedye 027 244 7108
Sam Wilson 06 343 6477
Librarian: Dave Austin 06 344 7513
Parts Custodians: Dave McDermid 027 555 4201 whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz
Chris White 06 348 7335
Graeme Purves 027 929 5026
Editor: Ian Higgins 027 201 2706 ihiggins@xtra.co.nz
Beaded Wheels Reporter: Ian Higgins 027 201 2706 ihiggins@xtra.co.nz
Archivist: Dave Austin 06 344 7513
Vehicle ID’s:
Shane Hobman 027 344 5917
Bruce Ardell 06 342 7713
Rivet Distribution Co-Ordinator: Linda Kendrick 027 775 4644
Frank James 021 349 074
Official VCC Website: www.vcc.org.nz
VCC Branch Mags: http://vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches/ Facebook Wanganui Vintage Car Club: https://www.facebook.com/whanganuivcc/?
VCC Codes for Discounts: Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry ANTIQUECAR Interislander Cook Strait Ferry WH5465
From the Editor’s Desk
Greetings members. Welcome to the October Rivet.
Opening on a sad note with the recent passing of our fellow member, John Hughes. John was a good mate of the late Charlie Berntsen, and John frequently used to be seen navigating Charlie’s rides on our rallies. I visited John in the hospital not long before he passed. He was a very pleasant guy and remarkably brave as he faced his health situation condolences to the family. Rest in Peace, John.
I hear that our Treasurer, Neil, has had another hospital stay. His friend Jim Sharpe tells me that he visits Neil most days and that he is recovering. I must pop in to pay Neil another visit.
To those who missed last week’s Club Night, you certainly missed a most interesting presentation by our member, Sarah Howell. Chairman Bill is covering this in his report. It is great that a lady member is getting so involved and obviously enthralled in restoring a vehicle. Sarah was immersed in explaining all the intricacies of the mechanical aspects of her 1921 Citroen. Well done, Sarah, and I look forward to capturing this restoration project in these pages in future editions.
I have just read an update from Mike Wilson from the Nelson VCC Branch. He is the Communications Manager for the upcoming Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring taking place in March next year. To date, 563 vehicles have been entered, including eight from our branch, representing 107 different makes. The current number of people planning to attend is 1,174. Late registrations are available until November 30th, so please consider it. You may regret missing this event.
Now, I have some comments about our Rivet, specifically regarding the print size being forwarded to you. I received a complaint from a committee member that the print in the Rivet is far too small to read. I personally do not believe this to be the case, but to appease the complainant, I sought the advice of Hinemoa, who, as you know, owns and operates H and A Print, the magazine publisher.
When I accepted the Editor’s position, I sought and received advice regarding the best software package available to enable my office staff to implement this within our farm systems. Publisher was the recommended programme to use, although it does have an annual fee of $179, which the branch compensates me for. This suited very well, as we have staff in our office who have worked with Publisher and can assist me, and still do when necessary. Additionally, we can back up on our existing hard drive. I was advised to use Arial 12 font size, but I would be willing to change this, provided the material required to be printed fits within the A5 pages of the Rivet. Hinemoa is currently investigating this and reporting back to me.
I do not want to receive a barrage of advice from so-called ‘experts’; between Hinemoa, myself, and my staff, this will be undertaken, reported back to you, and acted upon.
In the meantime, consider getting new glasses or reading online if the current print is unsatisfactory to you. I always use a larger font for the Calendar, but there isn't enough room to do likewise in the existing-sized Rivet unless I cut back on news items or increase the number of pages. Perhaps online only is a better option and a printed version on request for a fee?
That’s all from me for another month. Yours in cruising, Editor Ian.
Chairman's Report — October 2025
Wow, Another month gone!
The September Sunday run was a short run out to Q-West Boat Builders. Many of our members found this very interesting and were amazed at the number and size of the boats being built. Heather and I stayed at the club rooms to care for a friend of one of our members who had come along for the visit but unfortunately had a turn and required a check by ambulance staff. I believe he has now recovered.
Thanks to Sietse and Pierre for organising this run.
The speaker at our last club night was Sarah Howell who gave a very interesting and informative talk about her restoration of a 1924 Citroen.
As far as she knows this is 1 of only 2 cars left in New Zealand. Her love of vintage cars started at the age of 6 when she was given a book about cars although she does not know why as her parents never had one.
She has spent the last 14 years exploring many swap meets and following up many leads for the parts. We had lots of fun getting the car into the clubrooms prior to the club night for you to see.
The next club night is the night trial so don’t forget your torches and scarves and of course your car.
If your details change e.g. address but especially phone numbers, deleted landlines and mobile numbers. please let Frank James know so your details can be updated. There is no directory for mobile phone numbers so this is important if we need to contact you.
Until next time
Chairman Bill
Club Captain’s Report— October 2025
Last months Shiny Parts Auction had a lower than normal turn out and less items on the tables but still raised over $1300 for the club. A big thank you to Bill our auctioneer, Heather and Liz for recording all the sales and collecting the money and Dave for helping with holding up all the items with me.
The Sunday run saw us head out to Q-West Boat Builders to look at the three boats they are currently building. I think all those who attended were amazed by what was going on in the sheds. Thank you to Pierre and Sietse who organized this run. On completion of the visit we returned to the club rooms for a relaxing afternoon tea and chat.
This months Sunday run on the 19th will be a drive around the area finishing back at the club rooms for afternoon tea.
We have our Night Trial coming up on 5th November, as the winner of it last year I am aiming for about a 45 minute run. So check your car head lights and come join the fun.
A working bee is planned for Saturday 22nd November between 9am-12pm. Come along and lend a hand keeping our grounds and buildings looking great.
The Christmas Parade has changed days and is now on Sunday 7th December. We will be meeting at 1pm in Cook Street behind the Wanganui Telephone Exchange building where we normally meet. So start digging out those Christmas decorations for your car. After the parade everyone is welcome to come to the club rooms for afternoon tea.
Happy motoring
Captain Wayne
Robinson’s Story
This month, Glynis and David Robinson open their garage doors and relate their VCC tale and motoring interests to readers. Some time ago, readers may recall that I featured an article on the couple's old Ford Model A Ute. Incidentally, this vehicle used to belong to an old Westmere identity, Jim Laing, and his sister, Ena. They were good friends and the nearby neighbours of my late parents. As a young lad, I can vividly recall hearing the Model A chugging past our place and seeing it frequently used like a 4x4 around neighbouring farmland. Jim was a contractor as well as a farmer and related to David. Quite a character. Great to see the old A still going. David and Glynis share my passion for both Vintage and Classic cars, as the pictures opposite suggest, and apparently old tractors. Sounds like me to a tee. The big difference is that David is a skilled mechanic, like so many of our members, and I am anything but!
Anyway, I really enjoyed visiting the lovely couple at their immaculate Springvale home recently, and I hope you enjoy their story below, narrated by David. Thanks guys. Editor Ian
A person once told me I should write a book of my life. Let’s just try a bit of motoring history to start with. The book may have to wait until I get a bit older.
I started my working life as an apprentice mechanic at Ian Wilks Motors. My first car was a wonderful Ford Prefect. Not a good look for a Chevrolet, Holden and later on Bedford and I Isuzu that I worked on. I progressed to a Ford 1600 Mk. 11 Cortina. Built a racy engine and after a few body changes (crashes) ended up with my engine, gearbox and differential in a Mk 11 GTE body. In between MK 11 builds, I still had to get to work from Western Line, so I had a red HK Holden, black stripes on the roof and foot prints on the boot and bonnet. Then an XR Falcon car which was great to take mates out in. Both would be worth a fortune now if they survived.
Different jobs went by. Powerboat racing took up weekends, and a Ford Courier was the tow wagon. Canopy to sleep in the back. The Model A I now have had always been in the family, and ended up on blocks after my father died. Glynis came along and encouraged me to get the A mobile. That story has previously appeared in the Rivet. The powerboat racing stopped and the Courier wasn't really practical for Glynis and family, so a black and silver Nissan Torrano was purchased. With huge seventeen inch wheels and tyres, this was kept until a job change came with a work Ute. I always wanted a flat-head V8. A trip to Art Deco Napier sealed the year and body style I liked– all the curves. I just had to find one. So the Ford 1939 Deluxe joined the Model A. It had history, being a Wanganui car in the 1970’s, and owned by Mr Glasson the dentist. Someone in Auckland converted it to left hand drive in the 1980’s. A new garage was built, with a house attached, so some space to fill. Another garage was built on the section to house my late father’s 1957 TEA Massey Ferguson tractor. Everyone has a tractor in their shed, and this one gets used at motorboat club racing.
During Auckland Covid lockdown, a red Corvette popped up for sale-a 1975 model with all the curves. I had a space to fill, so I needed to own this car. Glynis thought I had gone crazy. A meeting was arranged in Taupo and I drove it home. I built and raced my own 350 Chev engines, so a bit of too toing was done. When Glynis drove it she changed her mind and uses it more than I do.
Robinson’s Story
Then the idea of what to join them in the 4th space in the shed got the better of me. An advert in the Petrol Head magazine got my interest, so another trip to Auckland was arranged. Fell in love at first sight again. Drove home in a blue 2012 Dodge Challenger. Now the shed is full. My daily drive is now a quiet, reliable Mazda CX5, and Glynis has recently gone hybrid on me with a Toyota C-HR.
With the purchase of the ’39 Ford, we were encouraged to join the VCC by Tom Wilson. We have made lots of friends and enjoy driving the different vehicles for different sorts of car runs. A mixture if Vintage and Classic cars. Hope you enjoyed our story. David and Glynis.
Above: A selection of their lovely garden. I think this is Glynis’s baby.
The couple’s toys make for a great collection. My pick just has to be the Challenger. Editor Ian
Sunday Run to Q-West Boat Builders
By Pierre and Sietse Zeilstra
Well, 21st September dawned and the weather looked promising. It seemed like ages ago since we had approached Q-West about hosting a group of VCC enthusiasts.
Around 70 or so members and visitors assembled at the clubrooms at an earlier time than normal for the afternoon event. It was really nice to see a sprinkling of familiar faces from the northern territory, Taihape. One o'clock rolled round and it was time to head-off. Rather than just drive directly to our destination, we opted to put together a short route to follow winding our way through/from suburbia out to Wanganui's industrial estate, in so doing passing some businesses/ places of interest and also passing comment.
Once we arrived at our destination - on time - we assembled outside the office, introduced Colin Mitchell, CEO, host and guide.( pictured on left with Club Captain Wayne) Colin welcomed us, outlined some house keeping rules relating to safety matters, also no photographing permitted and duly proceeded with the tour.
Q-West Boat Builders Gilberd Street facility has been the base for boat building since the late sixties. Over this time several different boat building companies have occupied the site.
Q-West has a long history of building and repairing commercial vessels. The yard, facilities and staff are in-tune with the commercial industries these craft work in. This focus has allowed Q-West to develop into the professional and leading aluminum boat building company they are today.
Vessels currently under construction at Q-West include:
1 x New Zealand Police 18m Foil Assisted Patrol Catamaran
1 x Victoria Police (Australia) 18m Foil Assisted Patrol Catamaran
2 x Auckland Transport 32m Hybrid-Electric Passenger Catamarans
In summary, this visit certainly was an eye opener for many of us who were impressed by the pure scale, technology, innovation, challenges and sums invested into this internationally recognized business. Credit must be given to the individuals at the helm of Q-West to have such confidence in basing this facility here in provincial Wanganui.
At the conclusion of our tour, those who wished to returned to the clubrooms for afternoon tea.
We hope you enjoyed your afternoon. Pierre and Sietse Well done and thanks guys. Editor Ian.
Words to live by ...
Forwarded to me by a good friend. Hope that this brings a smile or two. The concluding paragraph commencing with ’the moral of the story is….’ is quite pertinent to everyday life. Editor Ian
A Pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won.
The Pastor was so pleased with the donkey that he entered it in the race again and it won again.
The local paper read: PASTOR'S ASS OUT FRONT.
The Bishop was so upset with this kind of publicity that he ordered the Pastor not to enter the donkey in another race.
The next day the local paper headline read: BISHOP SCRATCHES PASTOR'S ASS.
This was too much for the Bishop so he ordered the Pastor to get rid of the donkey.
The Pastor decided to give it to a Nun in a nearby convent.
The local paper, hearing of the news, posted the following headline the next day: NUN HAS BEST ASS IN TOWN.
The Bishop fainted.
He informed the Nun that she would have to get rid of the donkey so she sold it to a farm for $10.
The next day the paper read: NUN SELLS ASS FOR $10
This was too much for the Bishop so he ordered the Nun to buy back the donkey and lead it to the plains where it could run wild.
The next day the headlines read: NUN ANNOUNCES HER ASS IS WILD AND FREE.
The Bishop was buried the next day.
The moral of the story is . . . being concerned about others’ opinions can bring you much grief and misery and even shorten your life.
So be yourself and enjoy life.
Stop worrying about everyone else's ass and just cover your own.
You'll be a lot happier and live longer!
100 Years Ago – Day of 100 Bikes
To mark 100 years since Percy Coleman opened his first motorcycle shop on Guyton Street in Wanganui on Nov 23rd 1925, the NZ Royal Enfield Riders Club and local classic enthusiasts are hosting a one day commemorative event. In addition to modern Royal Enfield machines there will also be a mix of classic machines entered from the Pre 1984 era, machines that the Coleman business both imported to New Zealand for the local market, and also sold via their retail outlets in Wanganui, Hamilton and Auckland.
Percy started as a Harley Davidson dealer, then Royal Enfield distributor plus post war dealt in Army Indian 741B, plus new Ariel and Panther machines. In late 1954 AJS & NSU became key brands with Suzuki secured in 1958. During the 60s, Lambretta, Norton, BSA and Triumph were distributed across NZ and in 1971 Spanish brand Montesa was added.
The day begins with a motorcycle static display on Guyton Street covering the section of the street from Victoria Ave to St Hills Street from 8am to 11am with riders briefing at 10.50am. Participating riders will then head out of town on the ‘Waimarino Treck’ to a photo stop 1.5hrs from Wanganui, before the lunch stop at approx. 1pm-1.30pm. Following lunch there will be a prizegiving before the ride returns to Wanganui.
There will be Pre-Dinner Drinks at 5pm at The Brickhouse on St Hill Street, followed by Dinner at 6pm.
All riders entered on the day must complete the official entry form for either Royal Enfield's or Classic Motorcycles to reserve your display parking spot on Guyton Street. (As organisers we have booked all the parking in the street with WDC for the event). A souvenir programme and event decal is included in your entry fee, all meals on the day are your care.
There will also be a commemorative tee shirt and cap available to pre-order prior to the event. A max of 100 shirts or caps will be produced.
For further details please contact robertc72@xtra.co.nz or 022-154-0334 daytime www.royalenfildridersclub.co.nz
Club Calendar
Club Runs meet at the Clubrooms at 1pm unless stated
October
9th and 23rd Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre 10 at 11am.
19th Sunday Run.
November
5th Club Night at 7.30pm. Night Trial.
13th and 27th Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre 10 at 11am.
16th Sunday Run.
December
3rd Club Night. Restoration of the Year 2025.
7th Christmas Parade 1pm Cooks Street. Opposite page.
11th Ladies Lunch at Behind the Door @ No. 4
21st Sunday Run
January 2026
1st Taihape Gumboot Rally.
7th Club Night BBQ at Bason Botanic Gardens
8th and 22nd Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre10 at 11am.
17th Wheels on Victoria and Classic Cruise.
18th Burma Rally.
19th Wellington Anniversary Day Run
Rotary Car Rally. See opposite page. Sunday 2nd November. Registrations close Friday 24th October to russell@trc.toyota.co.nz
$35 per car and limited to 60 people. Meet at 2pm at the Yellow House (Cornmarket). Returning to Whanganui approximately 8pm. Includes dinner, museum visit and prizegiving. Teams of 4 per car. Rotary Whanganui North.
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
Graeme 06 3431324 027 929 5026 graemepurves@yahoo.com
lf we don’t have it, we may know someone who does
Vehicles/Parts For Sale and Wanted to Buy
For Sale: 1927 Essex. (Right) Very original. $12000 ono. Includes spare parts ALSO 1939 Nash 400. ( Below) Great cruiser. $20000 ono. Includes spare parts. Contact Judy 027 254 7601
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
