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THE WIPER The monthly bulletin from the Gore Branch of the Vintage Car Club of NZ Inc.

February 2022 Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at the Clubrooms, Waimea Street, Gore, starting at 8pm (unless notified otherwise)

Next meeting: 8th February

Branch telephone number: 03 208 7424

2021-2022 Committee* and Officers Branch Patrons Chairman* Vice Chairman* Secretary* Treasurer* Club Captain*

Neil McVicar, Ray Tressler Paul Herron Rod Bell Bill Ainge Rod Bell John Parish

Assistant Club Captains

Rod Bell Matt Cook Greg Elder Starr McDougall Tim Walsh

Branch Recorder/Bulletin Editor* Assistant Editor House Convenor* Social Committee

David North Position not filled at present Des Brewster Beb Kennedy, David McDowell, Russell Newland Beaded Wheels Reporter Bill Sheddan Festival Rally Organiser* Murray Proctor Assistant Rally Organiser Keith Nunn Bar Manager Chris Scoles Assistant Bar Manager Murray Proctor Maintenance Supervisor Keith Nunn Maintenance Assistants Bill Ainge, Keith Dodds, Russell Newland, Ken Youngson Swapmeet Gerry Kennedy Parts Assistants Evan Henderson, Gerry Kennedy, Bryan Neilson Hill Climb Evan Henderson Hill Climb Assistant Terry Inder Sheriff Rod Bell Librarian Stewart Quertier Raffles Starr McDougall Branch Delegate* David North Privacy Officer Bill Ainge Health & Safety Officer Ken Youngson Hokonui Pioneer Village & Museum David McDowell Tuesday Ramble Co-ordinator Gerry Kennedy Branch Daffodil Day Co-ordinator John Tremaine Vehicle Identity Card Signatories Evan Henderson John Parish John Tremaine

027 210 4131 027 229 2191 (03) 208 9877 027 229 2191 (03) 208 5505 or 027353 3597 027 229 2191 027 379 1131 (03) 202 5710 or 027 431 8058 (03) 208 6501 (03) 208 3531 or 027 436 8663 021 172 3281 (03) 208 1960

027 434 2935 (03) 208 4768 (03) 208 5403 (03) 208 0052 (03) 208 4768 (03) 208 5403

027 233 4634

(03) 208 6479 (03) 208 7017 027 229 2191 (03) 208 7932 (03) 208 6501 021 172 3281 (03) 208 9877 027 667 4102 (03) 208 6791 027 233 4634 (03) 208 9670 (03) 208 6479 (03) 208 5505 (03) 208 9670

Front cover picture: Happy Valentine’s Day from Gerry Kennedy (Photo Coralie Bewley at the October Ramble)

Chairman’s Message February 2022 Happy New Year members and wishing you all a less challenging year than the previous. As this edition goes to print we will have had some members returned from New Plymouth after attending the Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring. We look forward to their stories and experiences. Lynne and myself will have attended the Dunedin Brighton Veteran Rally which I understand has over 40 entries which is fantastic given the Vero almost clashes in date. Our Clubroom’s diesel tank for heating has been a subject for the thieves removing the contents again. Moves are being made to possibly relocate this to inside the garage which is under the alarm system. Keith Nunn is looking further into this possibility. The Festival Rally has been cancelled as many of you will be aware. It is unfortunate and disappointing that this has happened and will be its first and hopefully only time this has happened. Murray Proctor has done this in due consideration with the Covid traffic light system and timing. To control or implement the requirements to meet the government mandate in the time frame was going to prove too difficult. The RSA Diggers Run is on the 12th of February and although in years past where we only had returned serviceman or widows on the Run it is now open to all RSA members. This is a Run with which we have had a great relationship with the RSA and is a great public relations event for our branch. Starr McDougall is requiring numbers for this event so contact Starr early for his convenience. Keep your tyres turning. Paul Herron

Senior Moments from Gerry Kennedy I intend to live forever, so far so good. I’m not “over the hill”, I don’t even remember being on top of it. 3

Club Captain’s Report February 2022 I hope everyone had a good time over Christmas and New Year. We had family and friends over for Christmas and it was lots of fun on a beautiful summer’s day. Then it was back to work trying to get everything done before the Vero in New Plymouth. We head away tomorrow Friday the 14th and I know the Kellys, Martyns and Elders have already left so hope the trip goes well for everyone. We will let you know next month how things went. Thanks to Rod Bell for organising the Picnic Run on the 9th of January. A total of 11 cars travelled to Lumsden via a non-direct route and had lunch at the historic railway station reserve. By all accounts the day was enjoyed by those that were able to attend and the rain held off until the return journey to Gore. Starr is still looking for volunteers to transport RSA members on the Diggers Run on the 12th of February. Give him a call if you are able to help. He informed us at the meeting that it is best to contact him at work, McDougall’s Saddlery - phone (03) 208 6501. With the cancellation of the Festival Rally Keith and Linda Nunn have volunteered to organise a Run for members to be followed by a pot luck tea at the Clubrooms. There should be more information later in The Wiper or contact Keith for details. Thank you Keith and Linda for stepping up and filling this gap in our programme. John Parish

More Senior Moments from Gerry Kennedy At my age I have to be really switched on …. That’s if I want to hear anything. I want to grow old enough to be a burden on my kids. “Happy Hour” is now a nap. “Inconvenience hotline, can you hold please?” 4

BRAINTEASER A sundial has the fewest moving parts of any timepiece. Which has the most? Answer next month

Answer to last month’s Brainteaser A red house is made from red bricks. A blue house is made from blue bricks. A yellow house is made from yellow bricks. What is a green house made from? Answer: Glass!

From the Editor’s Keyboard This month’s issue is rather short of contributions as my “cupboard” is bare. Apart from Rod Bell’s report on “his” Picnic Run, Linda Nunn’s recipe and photos of the Little River Hillclimb from Rhonda Wilson, you will see that most of the rest is from me. This is not a sustainable long-term option so I need at least some of you to send me something for the next issue(s)! I know that at least four parties are making the journey to New Plymouth for the Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring so I am looking forward to each and every one of them writing about their experiences. Happy reading and a Happy New Year! David North

Presentation on the Proposed New VCC Logo Many of you will have received an email on the 23rd December from the VCC National Office regarding a 9-minute video presentation about the proposed new logo. If you haven’t watched it, please do so as soon as possible. If you can’t find it, click on the link here. https://vcc.org.nz/brand/ I emailed the National Office, pointing out that about 25% of the Gore membership do not have an email address and, therefore, will not have received it. The President has offered to copy it onto a USB stick so that we can show it at one of our monthly meetings. I am hoping to have the stick in time for the February meeting, if not I should have it for the March meeting. This will allow the Branch to discuss the proposal. The proposed change will be discussed at the VCC Executive meeting in March so I will need to have the Branch’s view before then. David North Branch Delegate

What We Did On Our Holidays Air Milford Scenic Flight Way back in November I noticed an article on the Stuff website about Air Milford trialling scenic flights from Invercargill out to Fiordland. I thought it sounded interesting and a good way to support a local tourism company so I asked for more details. There were going to be three flights on Saturday 11th December, with postponement dates of the 12th, 18th and 19th in case of bad weather. The flights were to be two and a half hours long, departing at 8am, noon and 3pm, flying over the western Southland coastline and Fiordland and including a 45-minute stopover at Manapouri airport. The article said that landmarks on the flight path would include Te Waewae Bay, the Humpridge Track, Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, hydroelectric sites at Deep Cove and West Arm, Puysegur Point and Preservation Inlet, which sounded great. The early flight was a bit too early so I booked us on the noon one which, when I got further details, included a pie and a hot drink at the Manapouri stopover. As the appointed day got nearer we were watching the weather forecast with great interest and our fingers crossed. As luck would have it, the forecast was not good for the 11th so the flights were postponed to the 12th, the day of the Christmas Run. So we didn’t miss the Run entirely, I changed our booking to the 3pm flight, which meant we got “bubbles” at Manapouri rather than a pie. (Not so good for me as I’d be driving us home from Invercargill only about an hour or so later!) The weather on Saturday 11th was, as predicted, windy and showery but the following day was sunny with clear blue skies – a perfect flying day! We managed a brief appearance at the Clubrooms before the start of the Christmas Run so I could present Liam Welsh with his prize for being the youngest contributor to The Wiper last year and then headed to Invercargill. Check-in was at 2.30pm and all the seats on the Cessna Caravan plane were full. Demand had been so great that two extra flights had been put on and, as Air Milford were donating the fare for the 13th seat on each flight to the Southland Charity Hospital, a cheque for $2,495 was on display. 16

Boarding “our” plane at Invercargill Airport

“Our” plane was piloted by Air Milford’s Chief Pilot, Anthony Sproull, and we were treated to a very informative commentary as we flew over the coastline of Riverton (!), Colac Bay, Te Waewae Bay and the Humpridge Track. We saw Lakes Poteriteri and Hauroko and flew on to Puysegur Point, overflying the lighthouse – if you could spot it from above! Then on to Preservation Inlet, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds and the hydroelectric sites at Deep Cove and West Arm, over Lake Manapouri to land at Manapouri Airport.

The terminal building at Manapouri Airport

The stop at Manapouri was interesting for two reasons (apart from the bubbles/beer/soft drinks on offer). The terminal building houses a small “museum” display about the wildlife and the history of the area – well worth a look. We were also treated to an aerobatic display by a local pilot in his Pitts Special – a very welcome surprise! 17

The two planes at Manapouri, our pilot taking a photo

The Pitts Special

The second leg of the flight took us across the Southland countryside, over Blackmount, Nightcaps, Drummond and into Invercargill. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and saw parts of the country that we would otherwise have no idea about or be able to get to. The flights were so successful that Air Milford said they were going to look at repeating them, and I see another date has been set for the 29th January – possibly not far enough ahead for any of you to take advantage unless you’re quick and lucky! David North [Flight maps overleaf – Sector 1 at top, sector 2 below] 18

Diggers Run Saturday 12th February

1.00pm: assemble at the RSA 1.30pm: depart for Balfour via the Top of Glen Islay station for a view over the countryside, then on to Balfour for afternoon tea Those wishing to take part please contact

Starr McDougall (03) 208 6501 or maybe 027 610 3357 20

Tuesday Ramble nd 22 February

11.00am: Assemble at Clubrooms 11.15am: Depart for Invercargill Noon? Picnic lunch, gardens Invercargill 1.30-2.00pm: visit the Jacks & view their garden. They grow Dahlias (400+ different varieties) Please bring picnic lunch, chair, water etc. Contact Gerry 027 233 4634 Need to know by 11th February as the Jacks are away to a Dahlia show in Timaru 21

Gore Branch Events for the 2021-22 Season All events subject to Covid-19 restrictions Event

Proposed Date

Organiser(s)

2022 Diggers Run

12th February

Starr McDougall

Club Run

26th February

Keith Nunn

Gore Swap Meet

Sunday 13th March

Gerry Kennedy

Frank Robson & Clearwater Capers

Sunday 10th April

Greg Elder

Night Trial

Saturday 7th May

John Parish

End of Season Run

Saturday 4th June

Rod Bell

Annual Dinner & Awards Night

Saturday 9th July

Des Brewster

Tuesday Ramble

Normally last Tuesday of Co-ordinated by the month. Gerry Kennedy Variable in December

Editor's note to event organisers If you want to see a report in The Wiper please provide one yourselves or organise somebody to do it for you. (N.B. This usually works best if you ask them before the event!)

Yet More Senior Moments from Gerry Kennedy If you can’t say something nice…. You’ve come to the right place. Take my advice, I’m not using it. The reason I’m smiling is I can’t hear a word you’re saying. Trust me, at my age I’m an expert on everything. Now that I know all the answers nobody asks me the questions. 22

Other Events (Subject to Covid-19 restrictions) 2022 5th February

Southern Grilles & Gasoline, Invercargill

6th February

The Mt Whitnow Run, Ashburton Branch, email d.oakley@xtra.co.nz or 021 370 956

12th February

Te Anau Motorama, Te Anau Rugby Club

16th – 20th February Hawke’s Bay VCC Art Deco Rally. Phone 027 217 7730 or 027 231 4304 18th – 20th February Mobil 1 Classic Speedfest, Teretonga Park 19th February

All British Day, North Otago Branch

March

North Otago Swapmeet, date to be decided

Veteran Rally, Southland Branch

6 March

Balfour Backyard Beauties, Balfour Sportsground

12th March

Nelson Swapmeet Bazaar, email nelson@vcc.org.nz

26th March

Scenicland 15 Rivers Rally, West Coast Branch. Phone 027 6664 4249

27th March

Southland Branch Open Day

5 March

1st – 3rd April nd

2 April

22nd – 24th April

Festival of Speed, Highlands Park, Cromwell Swapmeet & Bazaar, South Canterbury Branch Contact Michelle 03 686 4824 or email scvccswapmeet@hotmail.com Highland Fling. Bay of Plenty Branch Contact Kaaren Smylie 021 664 341

1st May

Rotary Club of Ashburton Plains Classic Car Run. See advert later in The Wiper

7th May

Ashburton Branch Swapmeet. Contact Karen Bell, 021 0243 1955

2023 3 – 6 February rd

8 – 9 April th

National Motorcycle Rally, Southland Branch Wheels at Wanaka: https://www.wheelsatwanaka.co.nz/

Club Run Saturday 26th February

2.00pm: depart from Clubrooms Two runs, a long one and a shorter run Followed by a Pot Luck tea at the Clubrooms More details at the February meeting Enquires Keith Nunn: (03) 208 5403 25

Race4Life Track Day, Teretonga 1st March, 10am to 3pm We would love you to be a part of the day. Please do let me know if you are keen to join us and bring your vehicle for the afternoon session. You would be welcome to spend the day with us. Everything will be provided (food and drink) throughout the day. I do look forward to hearing from you, kind regards, Viv Viv James, General Manager Race 4 Life Trust Mobile: 021 883 669 Email: viv@race4life.org.nz; Website: www.race4life.org.nz

Heartwarming Story A husband and wife who worked for the circus went to an adoption agency. The social workers there raised doubts about their suitability. The couple then produced photos of their 50 foot motor home, which was clean and well maintained and equipped with a beautiful nursery. The social workers then raised concerns about the education a child would receive while in the couple's care. "We've arranged for a full-time tutor who will teach the child all the usual subjects along with French, Mandarin, and computer skills. Then the social workers expressed concern about a child being raised in a circus environment. "Our nanny will be a certified expert in paediatric care, welfare, and diet." The social workers were finally satisfied. They asked, "What age child are you hoping to adopt?" "It doesn't really matter...... as long as the kid fits in the cannon. Bill Sheddan 28

REMINDERS Remember the Branch receives commission if you insure your vehicle(s), boat(s), house(s), contents or travel with Vero Insurance and quote the Branch number (300135). Email version of The Wiper A reminder for the computer whizz-kids out there. The Wiper is also available by email; either as a link to an online version or as an emailed pdf file. The pictures are in colour, it arrives earlier and (most of) the hyperlinks work too! Just send me your email address if you would like to try this. To Let: the Gore Vintage Car Clubrooms are available to VCC members for personal functions at very reasonable cost. Newsletters from other Branches are now posted on the VCC Website each month. Go to “Branch Newsletters” on the VCC webpage or: https://vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches/ Just two branches still send printed copies and these are displayed on the stand in the Library. Others are sent by email as links to online versions or as pdf files and can be obtained on request from the Editor or the Secretary. VCC name badges: are available from Van De Water Jewellers at a discounted cost of $28. These badges are black with white lettering and bear your name and “Gore VCC”. N.B. If you’re not wearing one (and on the right side of your chest) at a meeting you will attract the Sheriff’s attention and are likely to be fined! The Editor

GORE BRANCH BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER The Branch bank account number is 03-0915-0246885-00 Please put your name and reason for the payment in the details boxes Thank you. The Treasurer 29

Photos from the Christmas Run

Murray & Marilyn Proctor’s Rover 3 litre, suitably decorated

Bill & Annette Ainge’s Austin A30 in mufti 30

Hartley Hayes’ 1935 Ford Cabriolet

The Editor

Competitors at the Josephville Hillclimb I am repeating this page from the Josephville Hillclimb for the benefit of those who get a printed copy of The Wiper as the “Cancelled” I wrote over the Festival Rally notice unfortunately bled through and obscured some of the photos. My apologies, The Editor.

Neil Longman’s Mallock U2

Ian McDonald’s Munro Special

David Hamlin’s (?) motorbike

Joe Gilman’s Ford V8

Dave Hamlin’s (?) motorbike

Bill Sheddan’s Sunbeam Alpine 32

Competitors at the Little River Hillclimb

Phil Benvin’s Jaguar XK140

Terry Inder’s Datsun 180B SSS

Willie Henderson’s Jaguar Mk2 (+ aero!)

Stefan Moser-Rust’s Mitsubishi Evo 5

Two variations on the Mistral (Buckler?) theme

Sam Gardiner (?) Nissan 370Z

Mitsubishi Evo

Sean Haggarty’s Semog Bravo

Ross McKay’s BMW Mini Cooper

Photos by Rhonda Wilson [Captions by the Editor, with assistance from Rhonda’s photograph of the entry list)]

2022 Picnic Run Participants began assembling at the clubrooms from around 11am on an overcast but warm Southland Summer Day. Cars were examined, perused, lusted after, and admired as banter between branch members and partners was exchanged. After the drivers signed the participation sheet, a welcome was extended to all followed by a short Run briefing. Rallyists, having received their rally notes and participated in an exchange of intelligent small talk, were despatched at one-minute intervals by the Convenor of the day, ably assisted by his able wife.

A mix of modern non-eligible, just-eligible, and more experienced vehicles participated. A very nice Mazda, I think, with all sorts of bells and whistles, knobs, dials, and auto start was the last away, following some very shiny Triumphs, a Holden Station Wagon, an Austin A30 (that somebody didn’t fess up to owning at a recent meeting), a Ford Falcon with wanna be race stripes, and a very rumbling V8 ’66 Mustang (drool, drool), and a few others. The drivers involved also followed the same sort of ancestry. Copilots ranged in age from 4 years to 4 years plus a few decades of experience. Some co-pilots received an activity booklet to help keep themselves occupied on the Run, while others were happy to complete the quizzes of the day and enjoy the scenery through which they were being transported. 36

Great to see all vehicles had a co-pilot so drivers were not trying to drive and write. After meandering along some roads, around some bends in roads, over some rivers and streams, careering along some straights and missing some changes of direction all eventually arrived at the picnic spot, Lumsden. A light lunch was enjoyed by all (and if it wasn’t they only had themselves to blame as they had packed it) with light-hearted banter to accompany the food and drink.

Prizes were presented for participants in the Activity Booklets with all prizes going to the one vehicle containing the Welsh children aged 4, 6 and 8. Well done guys! Results of the Rally Quizzes were then shared. The occupants of three vehicles managed to get the same answers as the Quiz Master, and as we all know the Quiz Master’s answers are always correct and no correspondence will be entered into. Unfortunately, the occupants of one of those vehicles were disqualified from the prize list as they admitted using electronic devices, on the grounds that no instruction was given forbidding their use. Nice try Mr and Mrs Sheddan, but the use of electronic devices being banned is a given, but I did like the fact you fessed up to it! 37

Pauline and Roy Buchanan expressed disbelief that the Quiz Master was correct in including birds as animals. So, they found themselves disqualified for questioning the Quiz Master! This left one vehicle whose passenger and driver had correctly answered all questions, to the Quiz Master’s satisfaction! The prize was awarded to Bruce and Pauline Price, well done!

Some of the cars at Lumsden, the Run Convenor’s Triumph Spitfire in the foreground

A little further discourse was participated in, but overhead conditions soon indicated it was time to embark on the return journey. So, with droplets descending, farewells were exchanged, and a pleasant day drew to a close. To all who participated in the Run, to those who expressed positive feedback and thanks, to those who provided written feedback on perceived instruction errors, to all for the comradery and positive attitude, I say thank you, it made the effort of organisation worthwhile and resulted in a great day out! Thanks. Rod Bell Run Convenor [Photos by the Editor] 38

Gore VCC Supper Roster 2021/2022 The same names keep popping up here – wouldn’t it be great to have some new people giving it a go and letting the “old hands” have a rest?! February

Katherine Welsh

March

To be advised

April May June July August September October

To be advised Katherine Welsh To be advised To be advised To be advised To be advised To be advised

IF YOU ARE UNAVAILABLE ON YOUR ROSTERED NIGHT, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. DES

We need to cater for about 30 to 40 members each night. The cuppa and serving of the supper is to be arranged within the Social Committee. If necessary, ingredients and/or small items can be bought at Gore New World and charged to the Gore VCC account.

November To be advised December To be advised To be advised January 39

SITUATION VACANT BRANCH SECRETARY Bill Ainge has indicated his intention to stand down at the 2022 AGM Anybody interested in taking on the rôle is encouraged to contact Bill for details: Telephone: (03) 208 9877 Email: abainge@xtra.co.nz There is also information in the VCC Branch Manual, available in the branch library and online at https://vcc.org.nz/resourcesdownloads/

Online Bonuses Official Covid-19 information: https://covid19.govt.nz/ Air Milford Flights: https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/nz/southland/126932219/airmilford-to-trial-scenic-flights-out-of-invercargill https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/destinations/nz/southland/127262459/exper ience-the-mystique-of-fiords-youve-never-seen-before https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/127453102/successful-western-southlandscenic-flights-return Cessna Caravan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cessna_208_Caravan Rumour, the Southland Branch newsletter: https://www.sporty.co.nz/southlandvintagecar/Rumour-1/2020-1# The Editor 40

COOKERY CORNER Rhubarb & Fresh Ginger Muffins There is plenty of rhubarb around at the moment, so now is an ideal time to make these muffins! Ingredients 2 cups plain flour 1 cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda Rind & juice of half an orange 1 large egg 1 tablespoon grated root ginger (fresh or frozen) 1 cup finely sliced raw rhubarb 100g butter (melted) Method In a large bowl mix the four dry ingredients thoroughly, using a fork Grate the rind from the orange and squeeze the juice into a 1 cup measure, then add milk to make the liquid up to one cup Tip into another bowl and add the orange rind, egg, ginger & butter and combine, then add the rhubarb Tip the liquid mix into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until the flour has just been moistened Spoon mixture into well-sprayed muffin pans Bake at 220ºC for 12-15 minutes Leave to stand for a few minutes before removing from pans then glaze with a topping of ½ teaspoon cinnamon mixed with 1 tablespoon sugar Linda Nunn 41

ADVERTISEMENTS WANTED Does anybody know who in Gore has recently picked up a trailer-load of vintage Renault bits? Thank you. Tony Haycock Phone 021 662 441 or email speedsteward@vcc.org.nz FREE TO GOOD HOME Humber Hawk (?1956 era) My father has his childhood family car in his garage and it is a Humber Hawk (?1956 era) and in recent years he has been doing it up with a friend. He has been recently diagnosed with dementia and has been placed into rest home care and my mother is wanting to find another home for the car. She doesn't want any money for it. We know the engine has been reconditioned and runs. I'm told that the gearbox and diff have also been done but I can’t guarantee this. I dont believe it's been on the road for a number of years. The body needs work. My mother would be keen for someone to take the car away at their own cost to do what they would like with it. Many thanks, John. Phone 027 636 5775 (Dunedin) [More photos available from the Editor]

Tailpiece

Sent in by Bill Sheddan 42

Run reports, articles of interest, photos, technical tips, letters and feedback are always welcome. Please send all contributions to David North

before the 3rd Wednesday of each month for inclusion in the next issue of The Wiper If you don't have a computer I can type up a hand-written article or put your notes or jottings into shape for The Wiper. If you prefer I can even take notes as you talk to me and write up the story for you - I am always ready to help so just let me know how! e-mail: northd14@gmail.com physical and mail: 4 Trotter Street, Riverton 9822 telephone (mobile) 021 172 3281

Please support our advertisers so that they, in turn, can continue to support the Branch The opinions and statements in The Wiper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy or views of the Gore Branch or of the VCC. The Branch accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any statements.

The Wiper is printed by I-Cue 10 Wood Street, Invercargill Telephone (03) 218 3350