Canterbury Branch Activities and Events
June
Sat/Sun 31/1st June Irishman’s
Tues 3rd
Grounds Maintenance
Thurs 5th Noggin and Natter
Sun 8th
Restoration of the Year
Wed 11th 9-90s / Motorcycle Noggin & AGM
Sun 15th
Tues 17th
Wed 18th
Wed 25th
Tues 1st
Thurs 3rd
OCBC/ Branch AGM
Grounds Maintenance
Commercial Noggin and Natter
North Canterbury Noggin
July
Grounds Maintenance
Noggin and Natter
Wed 9th 9-90s / Motorcycle Noggin & AGM
Tues 15th
Wed 16th
Sun 22nd
Wed 23th
Sat-Sun 26-27th
Grounds Maintenance
Commercial Noggin and Natter
OCBC/ Mid-Winter Run
North Canterbury Noggin
Motorcycle Mid-Winter Run
For the latest status of our events check our website. Online readers click here.
Canterbury Branch Monthly Programme
Noggin Night
1st Thursday of the month
9-90s
1st Wednesday after noggin
Motorcycle Noggin
2nd Wednesday of the month
Commercial Noggin
3rd Wednesday of the month
North Canterbury Noggin
4th Wednesday of the month
Old cars, bikes and coffee
3rd Sunday of the month
Grounds Maintenance Morning
1st Tuesday and third Tuesday of the month
Parts Department Wednesdays 12.30-5pm, noggin night and every 3rd and 4th Sunday 9-12pm
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT: The contents of this newsletter may not be reproduced in a commercial publication without the Editor’s permission.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
It’s been a busy month getting things in place for the AGM this month, with accounts to be signed off, reports to be completed and the calendar of events sorted out for the coming year, along with all the usual business of keeping everything ticking along.
Fortunately there has also been some time to get out and about on come branch events, with the autumn run, rural run and scooter & small motorcycle rally in the last month all managing to avoid the rain.
The information for the AGM has been published, and as you will see reading through there is a vacancy or two for next year with our Vintage convenor Graeme Evans retiring from the committee, and a future replacement being sought for Rod Thrower after many years as our branch secretary. While it’s hopefully not too much of a jump into the deep end joining the committee, and the current committee happy to help fill in any gaps with what’s involved, it would probably be helpful for someone join us as assistant to the secretary to run through the cycle of things involved. So if you have a bit of time to make a contribution to the running of the branch, please get in touch or come along to the AGM and put your hand up.
The other piece of work that’s been ongoing is drafting of a new branch constitution, needed to comply with the additional requirements of the new Incorporated Societies act. This has now been completed based largely on the draft provided by the legal team engaged by the management committee, retaining the provisions of the existing constitution as there is no change needed to the way the branch conducts it’s business. This will be out shortly for members to take a look over before the proposal to adopt at the AGM.
See you out and about
Neil Shaskey
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Branch AGM ( Sunday 15th June 2025 1pm after OCBC in the clubrooms)
I am really looking forward to a much larger attendance at the branch AGM this year as a lot of you are interested in the direction that the Club may be heading in the future.
A Draft of our new Branch Constitution will be tabled at our next Committee meeting for approval, then to be tabled at our AGM to be voted on by our membership “you” at our next AGM. Sunday 15th June 2025. There are not huge changes just minor adjustments to fit the new Incorporated Societies Act as that’s the reason we need a new constitution.
On a lighter note: Club Identification Stickers: for attaching to the inside of your windscreen of your club car or everyday vehicles are available from the Bar at $3 each.
Name Badges: are still available at a very reasonable cost of $12 this price may not last. Members are encouraged to wear these to all events including Noggins, it does help our Bar staff in keeping up with our licencing laws.
My apologies for my absent at the AGM (Family commitments have cropped up unexpectedly)
Rod Thrower (Secretary)
CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT
During the month of May we hosted the New Zealand Federation of Motoring for a dinner and presentations in the hall. The event went very well. They used Country Feasts for their caterers and the food was really well received. Andrea had the bar open, with that and the presentations the evening ended up finishing around 10.30pm.
Restoration of the year is upon us. Please contact Henry Little should you wish to enter your pride and joy. Or just come out and have a look at the hours people have spent on their cars/ bikes/trucks to bring them to a standard of excellence. There will be a short run from the park and morning tea.
We need some volunteers to help in the kitchen and running the mics for the AGM. Please let me know if you are available to help. Afternoon tea will be provided. Of course your participation in our club AGM would be welcomed.
Have a great month and I look forward to seeing you at Noggin or one of the rallies.
Katryna
From The Editors Desk
Hi All
Well AGM has arrived and it means a year at the editors desk and a year on the committee and I’ve learnt a lot while being on the committee and a special thanks to Rod for all the support and being on the end of the phone when I need to check stuff.
It was great to see the Rural Run well supported many started at Cuter with a coffee and cake on a sunny Sunday mothers day (Thanks mum for sorting the coffee and cake while I tried to start the old club international that should be out more often)
After taking a little effort to start the old girl thanks to Colin for helping start her after being determined not to let it beat me and make sure it didn’t miss out on the outing. While we headed off to the destination of Straight 8 Winery everyone else followed their route sheet. With the closer of Coes Ford area thanks to the flooding a few weeks earlier means cutting out our first plan so no shingle roads. Also made it a little shorter, With the cars parked against the back drop of grape vines members were able to enjoy their picnic lunch out of the wind on offer was wine tasting and hopefully some purchases to support the winery owners. Time to end the day and get back to the club bad news dead battery in the old girl (No wonder she didn't start well in the morning! Should of guessed!) As members drove
away waving goodbye past us not a set of jumper leads to be found it was the clever thought of Grant Berry to take the Battery out of our BMW 528I to slip in to the truck to find it was to big to fit so we did the opposite we did a hot swap putting the trucks battery in the BMW and off Grant went doing a few laps up SH1 to put some charge in the battery to get back. SUCCESS it worked battery back in the truck and first pop she started so on the road we went down SH1 30/35 Miles top speed loud engine.
It was lucky that we had mum and dad with us in their car with a spare driver mum drove the 528I back to town and Grant jumped in with me following us all the way.
Just the normal reminder if those who want to get stuff in to The Hub please have it in by the due date at the front of this book. If it is received past this date it will not be used till the next unless you let me know in advance that you item will be late.
Enjoy this issue!
Brodie
We have a new Hub email, if you haven't yet done so please save thehub@vcccanterbury.org.nz into your contacts. This address will allow you to contact me for Hub related Inquiries.
Scooter & Small Motorcycle Rally
Saturday dawned fine and sunny so there were no excuses for not getting the just-in-time reassembled motorbike out for a ride.
A dozen machines assembled at the meeting point at PMH ready for a gentlemanly start time of 10.30am, with an assortment of mopeds, scooters and small motorcycles of varying age and nationality in attendance.
With the brief briefing completed it was time to set off, with a wander around the bottom of the hills continuing through Tai Tapu and then out into the countryside. After successfully navigating a flock of sheep grazing the roadside, and passing through Coes Ford for a look at the clean up still in progress after the recent weather, the run continued to Leeston for a break for lunch.
After an enjoyable and sociable lunch at the Crate and Barrel, it was time to mount up and head back to town, once again navigating through the countryside to finish at the newly renovated Halswell tavern which was clearly the place to be with parking at a premium and the challenge being to see how many motorcycles can fit in a single parking space. Just as well they’re all small.
Following the prizegiving where Phil Jeeves was declared the winner and recipient of the newly minted trophy for his efforts piloting the NSU moped around the rally route, it was time to head for home after an enjoyable and uneventful day out, with the backup trailer finishing the day still unoccupied.
Thanks to Mike Glenday for setting the rally route, and Royce Baker for running the show and providing the backup on the day.
Neil Shaskey
VETERAN REPORT
Our final ‘official’ veteran event for the season was the annual Malvern Anzac Day Run held on 25th April, held just after the last Hub deadline. This year we had 41 entrants, and once again we had another perfect autumn sunny day with a bit of warmth also provided by a very light NW wind. For this event we repeat the same route year after year around the cenotaphs in Darfield, Sheffield, Hororata, Glenroy and finally finish it at Glentunnel, so one would think that by now people are wanting it to change, however this is definitely not the case. Somehow holding our own simple Anzac service and then motoring around these very significant memorials through beautiful countryside with the Southern Alps in the background on this significant NZ day of remembrance holds something special and it’s not going to change. Nobody wants it to!
As usual we asked everyone to arrive before 10.30am so the vehicles could go on public display in the Darfield Recreation Centre car park, and quite a few Darfield locals turned up to have a look at them. In fact the Darfield Anzac service just around the corner finished about 9.45 and a number of people came straight from there to see the cars arriving in the car park. A coffee cart arrived soon after to keep everyone’s nerves settled, and for the next hour everyone strolled around the car park catching up with the participants and checking out the display. There were 14 veteran cars present, with a large proportion of the rest being preWW2, and a few PV as well, so a very good cross-section of club vehicles with an emphasis on the older ones. Around 11.15am we gathered everyone together for the short re-
membrance service, led by Terry Hutchison from the RSA, with the last post being played by Graeme Willis. As has now become a tradition for this event, a red flag was then torn in half, and then the run got underway, with the first car out being Colin and Judy Winter’s 1900 Wolseley. They had travelled all the way up from Dunedin to take part in the event. The route took everyone down the main street in Darfield (past the memorial), and then out to Old West Coast Road on Kimberley Road, then west to the first stop outside the Sheffield memorial. Everyone spent a few minutes there to check out the recently installed interpretive panels and/or to put poppies on the steps, then it was back in the cars and off to the next stop at the Hororata memorial, passing the Coalgate memorial on the way. The full route then heads to Glenroy on Downs Road, then back to Glentunnel on the very quiet SH77 to finish at the community centre there, where the memorial is right beside the car park. Most of the cars were able to fit in the car park or on the road right outside, with everyone enjoying their picnic lunches in the sun outside.
We were last away about 2pm, leaving Danny and Sharon O’Malley behind in the car park to be collected by the AA after having the misfortune to break an axle in their 1925 Chevrolet Tourer just as they were about to leave the car park. Our run back to Darfield couldn’t have been better – a tail wind and slight down-hill making for easy running in our 1912 Wolseley. All up a very good day out and enjoyed by everyone who took part.
On Wednesday 7th May the weather looked like it was going to be perfect for another run, so Malcolm McGibbon, Allan Familton and I decided to do a spur of the moment run out west. We hurriedly arranged by phone to meet at the View Hill domain with the cars in the trailers, the plan being to leave there about 10.30 and then motor to Oxford through the Coopers Creek area for lunch, and then re-trace our route back to View Hill again. This all fell into place, and from the domain we set off on the quiet back-roads –myself in the 1909 10HP Wolseley Siddeley, Allan in the 1908 De Dion, and Malcolm in his 1913 Model T. First stop was the Coopers Creek School – Malcolm had rung ahead and asked them if they would like us to stop there to show the cars to the kids. Well, we pulled into the gates and all 50 of the pupils filed outside to have a look. At our invitation they all got to sit in the cars, and I
think every child present sat in each of the cars at least once! We were there for some time, but it was well worth it – most of them had never seen a veteran car before, let alone sat in one. The teachers too did a great job reminding them to respect the cars and to remember to say thanks – such a happy and pleasant bunch of kids doing no harm at all except adding a bit of dirt to the running boards. Leaving the school we then motored onwards to Oxford, stopping off at the Sheffield Pie bakery there to get something for lunch before heading back the way we’d come to get back to View Hill about 2pm. A very pleasant way to spend a few hours out with good mates enjoying our veteran cars. The following week on Tuesday 13th May we held our monthly veteran coffee meeting at Kirwee’s Thirsty Acres restaurant. The weather forecast once again looked promising, so I called up very long-time branch member Ron Duckworth and asked him if he’d like to come with me in the 1909 car. Ron restored and owned this car for many years, selling it on to an Auckland VCC member in 2015, before we bought it in 2017 after the new owner passed away before it ever left Christchurch. Ron was delighted to be asked, so we met at the West Melton pub that morning and off we headed to Kirwee on the back roads, naturally talking mostly about Wolseleys and old VCC runs and members all the way there (and back again in the afternoon). Only a smallish turnout at Kirwee this time with about 10 of us there (4 veteran cars present), but nevertheless a
good catch-up and enjoyed by us all. It was good to see Tony Airs there too for his first appearance – as it turned out he and Ron were good mates from as far back as the 1960s and neither knew each other were going to be there, so there was plenty to talk about.
Coming Veteran Events
Although our veteran motoring will be curtailed somewhat by winter, we still have our monthly Veteran coffee mornings to look forward to at Thirsty Acres in Kirwee – always held on the second Tuesday of the month from 11.00am. No need to bring your veteran vehicle (or even own one) – anyone is welcome to join us. If the weather is good you can however bring your veteran or old car or motorcycle out for a run. Please do feel free to come along.
Also don’t forget the Restoration of the Year Run on Sunday 8th June and then OCBC and the AGM on Sunday 15th June – if it’s a nice day why not bring your veteran out to tem too, even if it’s just to Cutler Park and then home again, or even in a trailer for a run around the grounds.
Colin Hey, Veteran Convenor.
Phone 021 883 807
Winter Run and High Tea
Sunday 20st July
This will be an easy navigational run with a fun competition thrown in. We will start at Cutler Park at 4.00pm. The run will be approximately 60km long and will finish at a popular pub just north of Christchurch for dinner.
Vehicles used must be club-eligible – no moderns please. Note that it will be winter, and it may be dark before you arrive at the finish venue, so please ensure lights and wipers are in good working order. A working heater might be a bonus too.
You must have a navigator. You will also need a smart phone to take with you on the day. There will be places you need to photograph on your phone along the way, and also solve a cryptic phrase and answer some questions to be in to win some fun prizes at the location of the High Tea. There will also be a prize for the best dressed couple, dressed in the period of their car (this is optional).
Entry Fee is $10.00, and it will be your responsibility to pay for your own dinner at the finish venue (as a guide, allow about $50 per person to cover food and drinks).
Entry is strictly limited to 35 cars or 70 people, whichever comes first. Entries must be completed on-line (if you cannot manage this, please contact a committee member and they will talk you through it). Please note that no late entries will be accepted, as numbers for the dinner will need to be confirmed well before the event. Entries can be made HERE and close on Wednesday 9th July
Despite a dodgy-looking weather forecast, OCBC for May was well attended, and also attracted a number of “Irishman’s” cars out for a test and shake-down run before the big Irishman’s Rally weekend (which will be over and done with for another year by the time you read this). Our regular coffee-cart operators Deb and Sue -Anne were also back after being away for 3 months, so it was good to see them again, although our temporary stand-in “BeanThere” van did give us very good service while they were away.
The next OCBC is on Sunday 15th June, starting at the usual time of 9.00am. All are welcome, and we especially welcome our newer members to come along with your cars or bikes and meet other members. You can come at whatever time suites you and stay as long as you like, and remember that OCBC will then continue on to the AGM which will begin at 1.00am. If you want to come for both, please bring some lunch with you.
Mark the date in your diary now, and don’t miss it!
Colin Hey
Advance Notice – National Daffodil Day Rally
Sunday 24th August
Please note this date on your calendar and in your diary now, and if you are also involved in any One-Make or other motoring club please ensure your club committee is aware of this date as well. Just like last year, it will be an open event suitable for any veteran, vintage, classic (old or new), hot rod or collectible vehicle or motorcycle.
This year the event will once again start by meeting in 4 locations at 10.00am:
• Rangiora at the Southbrook Park in South Belt
• New Brighton Club in Marine Parade
• Cashmere Club (at Hunter Terrace entrance)
• Rolleston Park’n’Ride car park opposite the Selwyn District Council offices in Norman Kirk Drive
• Better Half Café, Ashworths Beach Road, Lethfield
All runs will have short and long routes, once again with slight variations on previous year’s routes. All of the runs will converge at Cutler Park by 12.00 noon, where all of the vehicles will be on public display for the early part of the afternoon. A donation (suggested as at least $10 per car) will be collected on arrival at Cutler Park. All proceeds will be passed on directly to the South Island branch of the Cancer Society. Prizes for Best American, British, European, Japanese, Australian, motorcycle, Best Dressed, and Cancer Society personality’s choice.
If you would like to help with the organisation – especially at any of the start venues, please contact Colin Hey on 021 883 807 or email: heywolseley699@gmail.com
As I’ve also mentioned in the AGM report, the committee for the 2025 event has now been appointed and has already commenced planning for this year. Jim Miles has stepped down as our long-standing treasurer, however he is staying on the committee to assist with reporting, with the accounts this year being managed by Robyn Cox, and the vendors by Henry Little. We also welcome the following new members to the committee – Greig Staples who will be helping with the display areas, Bronwyn McKinlay who will assemble the rosters, and Brodie Williams who will look after tech and HQ support.
Taking a lesson from Steam Scene’s extremely popular Extravaganza event in April, this year I’m aiming to promote the event more heavily as a Swap Meet and Family Fun Day to try and encourage parents to bring their children out and make a good family day of it. The committee will look at what activities we can run in the grounds to support this slight change in theme, but rest assured the focus will still sit firmly with the core Swap Meet itself.
As the month’s progress from now until October I’ll keep you posted on any issues that arise and on how things are progressing. In the meantime, if you haven’t already booked your site and want one, then please contact Neil Shaskey now so you can have a choice of where you want to be in the grounds.
Only 4 Noggins until Swap Meet 2025!
Colin Hey, Chairman Swap Meet Committee.
VCC Racing Report
The last race for this season was the ‘Autumn Fling’, organised at the Classic Motor Racing Club (CMRC) at their home track at Levels (Timaru) on Saturday 24th May. This event was for members of the CMRC and invited participants, however as far as I’m aware most VCC members who actively race are also CMRC members and so ensure they are kept ‘up to speed’ about forthcoming events, regulation changes and so forth. Once again the VCC Banks Peninsula branch organised the Vintage and Historic group. This meeting was a one-day only event, with scrutineering first thing in the morning followed by qualifying and one six-lap race before a lunch break, then two more races in the afternoon.
The VCC class attracted 18 entries for pre-1965 open race and sports cars, and saloons. Despite it being the last meeting for the season there was some good racing, especially amongst the open-wheel race cars and specials, about 5 of which were running about 5 to 7 seconds ahead of the sports and saloon cars. Everyone enjoyed the day, made even better by a full sunny day with no wind. With only 4 groups racing at the meeting, there wasn’t long between sessions – just enough to give the car a once-over check and make small adjustments, have a drink or bite to eat, and then into it again.
This year the BP Branch has run an aggregated scoring system for the VCC class right through the whole season, and I’m pleased to report that Kevin Stevenson has scored very well in it. As with a lot of sports events, it’s actually turning up for event, running OK consistently, and finishing races rather than winning them that helps bring success. Well done Kevin!
Tony Gooding was a first-time participant at this event and at the track, taking his recently built 1998 Toyota Supra down to it and racing in the All-comers Saloons category. Good to see him there and enjoying himself learning a new track, despite seeing how not to overtake first hand when the driver of another car ran out of talent for the second time in one race and went into the tyre wall right beside him.
It’s now time to start thinking about what jobs to do on the car before the next season gets underway in September. It will come around quickly.
25, 35, 50, 60 and 70 - YEAR BADGES
(To be presented at the Branch Awards’ Dinner
SAT 20 SEPTEMBER 2025)
(Please note amended date.)
Applications are now closed for this year’s presentations. The applications that have been received for these awards will be brought to the Branch Committee to their June meeting for approval.
These applications must be approved by the Branch Committee before being forwarded to National Office for ratification by the Management Committee (at least 3 months before the presentation.)
Leigh Craythorne
9-90s May 25 report.
On a cool but beautiful sunny morning 48 cars gathered at the VCC Cutler Park grounds for a run out west organised by Tony Becker who has written a report for you along with photos by Gay Goodman so I wont go into to much detail here except to say that it was a very enjoyable different sort of day in our marvellous Canterbury countryside.
Thank You so much. Tony & Ngaire, Don and Simon.
Next month. 11th of June Organiser. Ray Maginness.
Meeting at Dunsandel Sports Ground for a 9.55am start
Trying something different went off well for 9-90s May midweeker. Almost 100 members left Cutler Park on a calm blue morning driving West toward the snow capped Southern Alps. Target; a Railway Station!
An hour later 48 cars lined up at historic Springfield Railway Station complete with well supported coffee cart there just for us. Springfield's Steamtrain and NZR travel memorabilia brought happy memories of the six huge KB coal burning locos formerly based here for services to Arthur'sPass. Local VCC member Simon Williams together with Don Wright fronted with photographs, talks, books, old tools, travel and passenger ledgers. Two 30+ wagon coal trains added to the impressive entertainment as they rushed on through. Our usual friendly picnic was enjoyed in the station's 1962 style former Cafeteria and sunny platform seating.
No car collection or garden visit this time, instead this interesting venue gave us a chance to explore old Steamtrain historic travel memories.
Tony Becker
Mr Wayne John Watson 05/31779
Mr Richard Murry 05/31786
Mr Mike Heinemann 05/31793
Mr Brian Neville 05/31799
Mr Kevin Weed 05/31805
Mr Stephen John Hough 05/31835
Transfer: Marlborough To Canterbury
Mr N Washer & Mrs Lisa Washer 05/27069
Grounds Log
“Park Burn”
Wednesday 2nd April we had perfect conditions for this job, one more phone call to Fire Watch at 7.30am, green light, lets go. Thanks to Jens and Mike for their input, a long day for all, good burn. A good day with Jens in the park, I will miss his sound advice and his go forward thinking.
“Transpower Corridor “
Transpower will be in the park around late May, early June to have a cleanup in their corridor.
Ie. A few trees to come down, they will be mulching the slash and sawing the firewood up and leaving it on the park for the club.
The grass mowing has slowed down so we are catching up on other jobs. We have mulched some big areas in the park, spraying boundary fences, weeding, new planting and thinning shelter belts. The slash burn site has been tidied up. We have had good turnouts of volunteers for ground maintenance, keep up the good work guys.
Pete
Blacklock co-ordinator 021 181 3491
Important Notice
The club grounds will be partly closed soon due to a contractor removing Pine trees.
The 90 or so trees being removed are deemed to be a danger to aircraft movements and are 60 to 80 years old.
The exclusion period will run from the 16th to 24th June. This time may be extended.
The area out of bounds will be approximately the front half of the grounds.
This includes the motorcycle section, the children’s play area, the Barn and the front parking area of the Hall.
Temporary access will be via the Kustom Kar Club. Parts Shed access is unaffected.
The contractor will close the main gate, and will use the two other front gates for machinery and logs, so please do not enter those.
Colin Hey and I will be the liaison with contractors during the week.
There will be NO Camping during this time
Pete Gatehouse 0272268811 (text)
Commercial Report
Greetings all,
We’re still getting the odd, nice day but there are also those frosts to remind us we are heading into winter.
May has been a bit quieter. There was the Autumn Run and the Rural run – neither of which I attended. I did head back to Karamea a couple of weeks ago and have now brought home my dad partially restored 1934 Riley Monaco to finish. We took two cars and two
trailers and returned laden. That’s it now – I can’t fit any more in the garage! The plan is to go over the Riley and get cracking to finish it. I found and identified lots of bits and pieces on the shelves that belong to the car, so I think we’ll come to grips with it. Nothing worse than trying to put something back together when it wasn’t you that pulled it apart! I’ve also got the A30 back up and running after having to get some suspension and brake parts to replace 69-year-old items that had simply worn out. I’ll be doing other odd jobs to that over the winter that have been long overdue! Replacing the front quarterlight windows rubbers will be one such task – I’ve got the rubber mouldings at large expense, but I’m told getting the old ones out and the new ones in will be the bigger challenge! With most modern cars being automatic these days my 18yo son decided it might be fun to get something like a 1980’s Corolla or the like. Why buy one when there’s a 1986 Subaru Leone 5 speed manual sitting in the driveway I said – he’s now working to get that mobile. It’s been unused
for about 12 years so the fuel had gone off and it needed a new radiator – the fuel has been sorted and I’ve sourced a brand-new radiator from Australia so it might even be drivable by the weekend.
The May Commercial noggin was a casual catchup in the Barn at Cutler Park. I got out there early and lit the fire and Henry Little put on a supper. Quite a few members brought along their photo albums of their restoration projects which was the theme for the night. Some more recent than others. Funny to see the “modern car” in the background in the photos - some of them are club eligible now and a rare sight on our roads these days. There’s a HUGE amount of work goes into these cars, and everyone can be justifiably proud of the job they have done.
The June Commercial Noggin is to be at the Papanui Working men’s club on Wednesday 18th June. I won’t be there as I’ll be in Rarotonga attending a friend’s wedding and taking a break from the office. The July Commercial is all sorted – venue to be advised.
See you out on the road,
Michael
Vintage Report
As I prepare for this year’s Irishman Rally, I along with all vintage club members mourn the passing of Jens Christensen. Jen leaves big shoes to fill. He was a very important part of the VCC Canterbury Branch. He played a big part on our committee being the Motorcycle representative and was a major contributor in the upkeep of the grounds. If he was unable to fix it himself, he could draw on his many contacts to achieve a result. Our thoughts and prayers go to his wife Karen and immediate family. Rest in peace Jens. I include a poem that I believe reflects on Jens life.
A Legacy of Wings and Wheels
The engine hums, a memory's song, Of dusty roads where he belonged. The wings take flight, a soaring dream, Where clouds are brushstrokes, a vibrant gleam. He loved the cars, the rumble deep, The vintage charm, secrets to keep. The planes above, a canvas vast, His spirit soared, built to last.
The road ahead, he bravely trod, A life well lived, a gift from God. Though his journey ends, his spirit bright, Will shine forever, a guiding light. He leaves behind a legacy grand, Of passion, joy, a helping hand. So let us remember, with hearts so true, The man who loved old cars and blue.
BARN HIRE & CAMPING
The Barn is available for hire to all members for birthdays, anniversaries, meetings, and other functions.
Contact Rod Thrower 03 338 2320
OBITUARY - JENS CHRISTENSEN
It is with great sadness that we have to advise that the club lost one of its finest serving members on the morning of Sunday the 27th April in a tragic accident whilst on a vintage rally.
Jens has been an active member for nearly 40 years and over that time has helped this club in so many ways, and his passing will be a great loss not only to the club, but also the many people that knew him. He has served as motorcycle section chairman and also on the main committee representing the motorcycle section interests for many years, and still held those positions on his passing.
But it was his interest in the club in general that allowed him to really shine. He was the driving force behind the main club room getting some decent winter heating. He just happened to know of a commercial refurbishment in the city that was removing two large heat pumps. These were suitably acquired at a minimal cost and installed. Then there was the time a number of years ago when the grounds were receiving a major upgrade and we needed a lot of top soil. Jens “just happened to know” someone involved in the dismantling of Lancaster Park, and all of a sudden we had hundreds of cubic meters of top soil delivered on site at no cost. Then there was an other time during the earthquakes when he became aware that there was a big warehouse in Rolleston with damaged commercial racking, the insurance company had condemned the lot, and Jens negotiated for the club to help the warehouse out and remove all their damaged racking, this we did, as over 80% was not damaged, and the parts shed were able to upgrade their shelving.
Also, the Social Shelter was all his doing. He designed it, obtained council permission, sourced most of the structural steel and roofing, the kitchen container, and the glass for the back wall, all second hand and at minimal cost. The list of things that Jens
has done for this club simply goes on and on.
He was an unassuming man who never sought either praise or recognition but just made things happen. His passing is a huge loss to us all and we pass on our condolences to Karen his wife, and all his family.
Philip Jeeves
MOTORCYCLE REPORT
On 5th May 2025 we said “Goodbye” to Jens Christensen who tragically lost his life in an accident while he was doing what he loved, taking in yet another High Country Run in his Model A Ford –“only” owned for about 60 years….
His contribution to the Motorcycle Section must be acknowledged. Committee member, twice served as Motorcycle Convener, always championing the motorcycle cause, Jens had “our back”. The Social Corner just would not exist – such was Jens’ contribution. Motorcycle rallies throughout NZ, at least 4 or 5 overseas motorcycling tours to Australia and Asia, Jens lived life to the full.
The Motorcycle Section offers heartfelt condolences and sympathy to wife Karen and his wider family.
Past Events.
18-20th April – National South Island Easter Rally Good to see about half a dozen bikes support the Branch’s NSIER event – Thanks guys.
26th April - Fish & Chip Run. I forgot this completely, but sent out an emergency mail at 7.30 am that morning… Surprisingly enough, 3 bikes met for a very circuitous run to Leeston via Lincoln, Coes Ford, Dunsandel and Rakaia for lunch at the Crate & Barrel… Great day for riding, I did 99 miles for the round trip. 14th May – Motorcycle Noggin. We had a garage raid , about 18 or so turned up. Interesting place, a bit of a Jaguar fan, but he certainly had a lot of MGB’s and Minis there!! Not too many bikes, but at least all of the cars were British… Thanks to Royce for organising, and also thanks to our host as well.
Future Events.
24th May – Fish & Chip Run. As the next weekend is Kings Birthday long weekend (and features the running of the branch’s Irishman Rally) the F&C run will be this day. To be run in conjunction with the Scooter & Under 250 cc Run. Meet PMH, 10.15
am for a 10.30 am departure. Router sheet to be provided. 8th June – Restoration of the Year. Have you finished a restoration of your motorcycle over the last 12 months? “The Eric Walker Trophy for the Best Motorcycle Restoration” awaits to recognise your best efforts!! You do need to enter in advance, so to start off you should be hassling the Club Captain, Katryna Shaw for the required entry form – more details elsewhere in The Hub.
11th June – Noggin and Section AGM. Time to get re-elected, or to elbow your way onto the committee. We are looking for a new Motorcycle Convenor… As a further inducement after the proceedings have been completed it is not unknown for some bribery supper to be put on by the section. Come along with YOUR ideas on the running of the section, YOUR input is vital to the ongoing success. Balloon goes up at 7.30pm.
18th June – Old Codger’s Run. Cancelled this month, BUT if the weather looks OK we MIGHT have a run… look out for the event reminder email.
28th June – Fish & Chip Run. Going to Airforce Museum’s workshops for a tour. There will be a small cost, so come prepared. Meet 11.00 am at the museum; NOT PMH. Coffee available beforehand.
9th July – Noggin Night. The ever popular Garage Raid on a business off Port Hills Road, look out for more info next month. 16th July – Old Codger’s Run. Cancelled this month, BUT if the weather looks OK we MIGHT have a run… look out for the event reminder email.
26-27th July – Mid Winter Run. An overnight run, this year’s destination will be Waimate. More information plus entry forms will be in the June and July Hub.
27th July – Fish & Chip Run. Yes, the Fish & Chip Run will be SUNDAY 27th. The Mid Winter Run will, on the trip home, swing via Stuart Skurr’s place at Darfield for a BBQ lunch, so it was thought this might be a good idea for the F&C run to take this in as well. More details next month on meeting place and route to the Skurr farm for the BBQ.
13th August – Motorcycle Noggin. The idea at this stage is to have a Mid Winter Dinner out, similar to the last couple of years when we went to the Richmond Club. We are investigating pos-
sible venues etc. so will advise next month as to progress on this.
20th August – Old Codger’s Run. Yes, the OCR’s are back for the spring/summer season. Look out for more info in June or July’s Hub.
30th August – Round the Bay Run. No Fish & Chip Run this day, you go on the Round the Bays instead. Meeting outside PMH for a 10.30 am departure. More details next month or so.
That is about it for this month, Cheers, CML
NOTICE OF AGM
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING CANTERBURY BRANCH
Notice is hereby given that the 69th Annual General Meeting of the Canterbury Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated will be held on Sunday 15th June 2025 at 1:00 pm in the Clubrooms, Cutler Park, McLeans Island.
Nominations are invited for all positions on the Committee in accordance with Rule 9 which states:
The election of the Members of the Branch Committee shall be carried out by secret ballot at the Annual General Meeting of the Branch. Any financial Member of the Branch unable to attend may appoint a proxy to vote at such a ballot on his/her behalf by notifying the Branch Secretary in writing two clear days before the meeting. A proxy must be a Member of the Branch and represent one Member of the Branch only.
VELOSOLEX OWNERS GROUP
(The VOG’s) May 2025 Run
Well who would have thought – it’s now 10years since the VOG’s first hit the road in May 2015. Just think that’s 10 years of my “ramblings” and “musings” you will have read about of the adventures of the group.
Our run in May was a re-run of the 2015 journey with variations but our numbers have swelled somewhat since that first one with 3 riders incl. yours truly on that original run and 14 regulars including Mike Cotter who also was on that original run attending the day on 13th May 2025.
The run started from the carpark of the Famous Grouse Hotel at Lincoln and took us around part of the Little River Rail Trail going via the Liffey Springs Reserve to end up on River Road and eventually onto Hudsons Rd and return to Lincoln. This may sound simple but alas no there were mechanical troubles aplenty right from the offset. First off Wayne Gath who was meeting at VOG 1’s home for a ride out to Lincoln had to pedal his little “French Tart” (Wayne had stronger words than that) part of the way to mine so he was in the backup vehicle right from the offset. Next up Gary Thompson couldn’t get his beast to fire up on the starting grid but eventually after the expert coaxing from Dave Backhouse she roared into life but that was not the end of it for Gary he eventually ended up on the backup trailer which was ably manned (“womaned”) by Jan. Gary had run out of fuel, silly boy he had kindly donated his reserve supply to others before take off needless to say he was once again “awarded” the Hard Luck trophy. As leader of the run on the day it was a bit like “herding cats” with plenty of stops along the way with various riders having to fettle their finely tuned machines on
the roadside and of the 14 riders that took off there were only 11 actually crossed the finish line. Oh well that’s all part of the fun.
This milestone for the VOG’s was celebrated with lunch at the Famous Grouse. Very nice I might add with great service and great food. Jan had organised us an anniversary cake which she had expertly iced with suitable wording for the occasion. Bob Kinnaird as one of the original members and also one of our most senior members did the cutting of the cake and gosh did he do the job with finesse and precision. Almost like an expert. Maybe Rose has trained him over the years to do this job.
Will we be around in another 10 years? Who knows but I would like to think so.
Royce VOG1
Sunday 4th of May was the Autumn Run. Was a cloudy day with 19 cars turning up at Place Makers Kaiapoi for a10am start for a great day in the countryside. There were 2 runs one had shingle and the other not. I took the no shingle option. As I was driving and navigating, I decided to take the Austin Ruby for a run fo change. It was left out of the car park and straight through the lights. However, the car in front went left at lights ops not a good start. We travelled through the northern part of Kaiapoi. Going through second exit at roundabouts 5 times and coming out at Pine acres. Crossing over state highway one and through Tuahiwi and woodend and 3 more roundabouts and on to Sefton. Then I came across someone I could overtake. It doesn’t happen very often, even if was a tractor it still counts. Carrying on with some more rights and lefts it took us out the back of Loburn with a scenic drive heading to the Ashley Gorge and onto Oxford. Where I had a short stop to sort out my directions ( had bit of brain fade) and a couple of cars stopped for fuel etc. Then we headed over the Waimakariri Bridge and onto Sheffield where we all stopped for lunch in the hall out of the cold. After a catch up and we were all fed and watered we all headed of on part 2 heading down scenic Route 72 to Colgate and taking a left to pass through Hororata. After some rights and lefts we head down bridge road. At the end is my old primary school Greendale 1961 to 1969. There we good times and some not so good. But that's another story. Next after some right and lefts we end up at our destination Kirwee. where you can carry on home or call into the Thirsty Acre and have a drink and unwind after a great day out which a group of us did. After a while we all went home. A special thanks to Neil Shaskey for a great day out in the country. Enjoyed I am sure by everyone. By the time I got home I had travelled over 100 trouble free miles. Roll on next year.
Henry Little.
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
Ford Tractor 1975 automatic 4500 Model
This machine is in a tidy condition, well maintained in the hands of the VCC
We have replaced this tractor with a John Deere series 3 year
Rally Holders are now available through Henry Little.
The Parts Shed have recently obtained this 1934 Standard Nine saloon car. The bodywork is in such good condition and nice and straight and we are hoping that one of our branch members might take it on as a restoration project. There is a full set of upholstery which needs very little work to restore it and it has the original patina of age. The engine does not turn over as it has been stored in a dry garage for forty years, The steering box will need attention as this was the reason it was taken off the road. This car can be viewed at leisure in the Parts Shed. The picture of the car on the trailer is a fully restored one that has just changed hands in the UK. Price negotiable.
(Also another couple)
Wayne Stocks 03 383 1380
OTHER BRANCH and ORGANISATIONS EVENTS
See Notice board posters for more information.
Model T Ford Club of NZ Inc 33rd National Rally 24 February - 1st March 2026
Info on notice board or in next months hub. Rally Headquarters will be at The Franklin Club Inc 7 East Street, Pukekohe 2120
paul.muir@xtra.co.nz
2024-2025 Representatives
Motorcycle Convenor
Velosolex Group
Royce Baker (Janice)
whisky17@xtra.co.nz
03 322 5529
Parts Dept. Rep.
Wayne Stocks waynestoxy@gmail.com
03 383 1380
9—90’s Co-ordinator
Ken James kenjj10187@gmail.com
03 980 0547
VIC Representative
Don Bennetts (Judy)
djbennetts@compassnet.co.nz
03 385 6333
Grounds Maintenance
Peter Blacklock (Chrisy) c.p.blacklock@gmail.com
021 181 3491
Barn Bookings/Camping
Rod Thrower (Lynda) canterbury@vcc.org.nz
03 338 2320
021 126 3529
Bar Manager
Andrea Dallow (Gilbert) regmad1957@gmail.com
027 224 1465
Swap Meet
Colin Hey (Jenny) heywolseley699@gmail.com
03 359 8737
021 883 807
Swap Meet Sites
Neil Shaskey (Louise)
swapmeetsites@gmail.com
03 352 8802
027 289 6201
North Canty Noggin
Alan Hill (Barbara) abhill@usnet.co.nz
03 313 6008
021 161 5866
Beaded Wheels Reporter
Colin Hey (Jenny) heywolseley699@gmail.com
03 359 8737
021 883 807
Trophy Custodian & Librarian
Leigh Craythorne (Tony) craythornes@actrix.co.nz
03 342 9110
027 772 8660
New Members’ Liaison
Jack Porter (Dorothy) jackhporter@xtra.co.nz
03 352 6672
027 432 2041
Branch Vehicle Custodian
Mark Drury markdrury54@icloud.com
03 342 9297
Hub Editor And Web Site
Brodie Williams thehub@vcccanterbury.or g.nz
027 848 7775 (Text)
Building Maintenance
Pete Merrifield petemselwyn@gmail.com
021 435 118
Chairman
2024-2025 Main Committee
Neil Shaskey (Louise) neilandlouise@snap.net.nz
03 352 8802
027 289 6201
Secretary
Rod Thrower (Lynda) canterbury@vcc.org.nz thrower.rod@gmail.com
03 338 2320 021 126 3529
Treasurer
Robyn Cox (Eric) robyncox99@gmail.com 021 237 6777
Club Captain
Katryna Shaw (Bryce) katonwheels66@gmail.com 021 0277 2375
Committee
Vintage Convenor
Graham Evans ( Anne) gaevans@xtra.co.nz
03 351 5919 027 320 7948
Veteran Convenor
Colin Hey (Jenny) heywolseley699@gmail.com
03 359 8737 021 883 807
Commercial Convenor
Michael Hedgman (Claire) hedgesonholiday@gmail.com
03 745 9240
027 516 0029
‘P’ Group Convenor
John Enright (Debbie) jenright51@yahoo.co.nz 027 439 6572
027 355 8387
Asst Club Captain
Henry Little (Michelle) henry.little@hotmail.com
03 327 5471
027 288 8277
VERO CIS—telephone 0800658411
Canterbury Branch Agency Number 300130
This number needs to be quoted when taking out insurance for Canterbury Branch to benefit.
Open Hours Monday to Friday 8:00am—
We now stock cloth tape for vintage vehicles. Several widths.
