The North Otago Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Inc.
Spring is in the air, flowers are blooming and lambs in the paddock, this is certainly one of my favourite times of the year. Spring is also the start of our rally season, so if you haven’t already it certainly is time to take your cars out of their winter hibernation ready for many rallies to attend near and far. The MG came out of hibernation for Daffodil Day, though I didn’t do the run I still enjoyed having a short drive of my MG. Hopefully this month I will get to take her for a good drive in the country to get rid of any cobwebs.
Motoring Rebecca
Last month I attended the National AGM and Executive meeting which was held in Auckland. Certainly, had been a while since I had been on a bigger plane. I have written a separate report on this further on in the Distributor. If you do wish to discuss anything from my report, please get in touch with me.
Our opening Run for the season will be held on Sunday 25th September, please meet at the clubrooms at 1pm for a 1.30pm start. Further details for this event will be emailed closer to the time. Please make sure you check out the events calendar for all the upcoming events for our branch and our neighbouring branch.
We held our Daffodil Rally on Sunday 21st August, I was very happy to see such a wide range of vehicles on the day. Thank you to all those who were involved with the organisation and set up on the day to make this such a successful afternoon.
Our neighbouring branch Otago are holding their 50th Taieri Tour in November. A group from Canterbury branch will be coming to visit us on Friday 4th November for morning tea before they continue their journey to Dunedin. A small run has been planned for them as part of their journey to Dunedin, all North Otago members are welcome to join in. I would certainly recommend if you are thinking about attending the Taieri tour that you do book accommodation soon as many places are booking Happyout.
Chairperson Report
Garage Raid 2022
This year’s garage raid was hosted by South Canterbury branch with a start time of 8.45am. This meant an early start for our guys, with three cars leaving Oamaru between 7.30-7.50am to arrive on time. As it turned out we could have left after 8am as we did not get away from the SCVCC club rooms before 9.30am. During the briefing we were asked to remove our gumboots when we got to the army collection at Pleasant Point. None of my group had thought to bring our own gum boots but we realised we should have once we got to Fairlie. The guys from North Otago and Waimate drove straight up to Fairlie starting our raid on a farm garage on the way to Opua Dam. It was raining and water was running over the road and down the side close to the shed. Another inch and it would have been in the shed. This collection was mainly Fords, Tractors, Trucks and a good selection of cars. A couple of orphans stood out amongst this great collection. Leaving Fairlie we travelled down to Albury before turning towards the hills and our next destination. Again it was wet and getting muddy but all the vehicles were under cover and the work shop was well worth the trip with a lot of signs, including road ones. With the number of these in guys sheds it’s a wonder anyone could find their way around the country side. This was mainly Fords again, there were twenty seven Model A’s with another three off farm. These guys must have scored all the Model A’s within miles. One of the Model A’s was a home built racer apparently capable of over 80mph. It had an after-market head imported from the USA. From there it was back to Albury hall for lunch, the traditional Pea, Pie and Spud. After lunch and a catch up with the Timaru and Ashburton guys it was on to Sutherlands where there was a large collection of tractors, crawlers, stationary motors and parts cars. By this time it had stopped raining and we spent some time looking around the sheds and adjacent paddocks. We found a couple of tractors here that belong to our own John Law.
Our last raid was the military collection just east of Pleasant Point. This was well set out and included trucks, bren gun carriers and a tank. Everything on display was restored and painted in camouflage. There was also a Ford staff car, unusual in that it was a flat head six rather than the usual V8. Was this for simplicity of maintenance?
Leaving Pleasant Point we then travelled straight down to Timaru then home arriving before 5pm. Another great day with good company. Well done Timaru, Ashburton next year. Derek Brehaut
If you buy a RUC licence between 21 April 2022 and 31 January 2023, you'll be buying a licence at the reduced rate. You should only buy enough RUC for the distance you intend to travel during the discount period. When buying a RUC licence during the discount period, you'll need to complete a declaration to confirm that you're only buying enough RUC to cover the discount period.
A gentle reminder to help me get our email addresses up to date. Please let me know if you are aware of anyone who is not receiving their Distributor either in printed form or by email. Our Newsletter is the glue that keeps us all together as a group regardless of our level of participation.
Up-to-date Address?
Over the last year we have had eight new members, two resignations and three transfers away to Christchurch and Waimate and one from Gisborne to North Otago. As at 3rd August we are sitting at a membership of 95 and 29 joint, so a total of 124 members.
Waimate 50 yr badge Presentation for John Dawson
And yet another recent death to be acknowledged is that of Robin Mortimer, a well known figure in the automotive industry in North Otago. Robin joined as a member in 2018. In later years he had become a guest of the club at mid-month runs. Our sincere condolences go to Robin’s family.
To be held on the 15th October at the Waimate Town and Country Club. Buffet meal @ $25 per head to be paid to the Waimate Branch account no BNZ 02 0892 0037123 002 Reference : Name RSVP to Steve Dyson 03 689 8711 by 7th October That’s all from me. Lee Brehaut
A friendly reminder for those of us who also use diesel fuel, there has been an extension to the reduction in Road User Charges. From the NZTA Website
I wrote last month about how we can improve communication with our members, given the range of ways we can now use to talk with each other. This is a friendly reminder that if you want to be reminded by text or a phone call of club nights and mid-month runs, let me know. Either email me at northotago@vcc.org.nz or text or phone me on 027 695 66 44 with your preference or even if you prefer not to receive reminders. Computer skills!
Membership Status
Condolences
Secretary’s Corner – September Hi Everyone
Further Extension to Road User Charges
Communication
I note the passing of Neil Paisley a well known member who joined in 1998 with a stable of Norton Motorbikes and other vehicles. Our sincere condolences go to Neil’s family.
A friendly reminder that I am more than happy to help if you want any assistance. Technology is so much a part of our lives these days. The basic processes we need aren’t as hard as they used to be and with a little practice you can become comfortable in no time. I have an 87 year old friend learning to use a smart phone and getting there nicely. Reluctance to try and lack of confidence are bigger issues than actually learning to use one. The same goes for laptops and tablets.
We acknowledge the passing of Ralph who joined on the 17/10/1973. Always willing to assist and be involved in the club, Ralph would have been receiving his 50 year badge at the end of 2023. From his own pen published in the NOVCC 50th anniversary book 2011 he had a 1940 Army Indian motor bike purchased in 1964 as well as four other bikes, an army jeep and a 1965 Chevrolet sedan. Although some of these vehicles have changed over the years Ralph was always smitten with Chevrolet’s, Army Jeeps and of course his motor bikes. He also wrote with some passion of the 2006 “Tassie tour” where ninety seven pre 1960’s bikes, fourteen of which were shipped from New Zealand, toured Tasmania. On this trip Ralph rode with Trevor Appleby, Nelson Turner and Bevan Weir while Lois road in the mini-van that accompanied the tour.
Ralph Weir 2 July 1940 –17 August 2022
Ralph and Lois were heavily involved Motorcycle Rally in February 2011 just a week following the devastating Christchurch earthquake. They participated in many Chevrolet Shows and VCC AfterRallies.Ralph retired he spent more time on VCC events, always on the lookout for old stuff, some for himself and some for the VCC parts. A great one for fixing up and selling on. Always keen to help others or track down parts, he had a vast social network, in no small part due to his happy disposition, sharing of knowledge, and positive outlook on life. It is hard to come to terms with him missing at Monday morning parts shed gatherings. Ralph will be sadly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace knowing he gave to life of his very best.
Being the winter season was a perfect time to replace the (rotting unsafe) birch trees which were well past their natural life. These were cut down and the site left tidy just before the AGM. So what to replace them with. The committee felt there was no need to get a stump grinder in to reduce the stumps, deciding instead, to buy ground cover plants that would grow over the stumps and to plant new trees in between the stumps. Having considered height and security issues with low bushes, three ground cover Rosemarys were purchased to cover the stumps. Five Prunus trees replace the birches. (2) Shimidsu Sakura pink to white spreading, (2) xyedoensis Awanui horizontal branches drape softly almost to ground level with single petals of soft pink, and (1) Ukon upright to spreading, with new growth pale bronze and flower colour varying through soft green, cream and pink. The men got stuck in one Monday morning with a very active planting bee and all are in the ground. In a year or two, these trees will look splendid. Thanks Tony (Hales) for your expert advice and for securing the trees locally from Statement Trees.
Landscaping
You have to own a vehicle to be a member. Not true. An interest in old vehicles is sufficient. You have to have a vehicle on the road to be a member. Not true. Our club is a great place for anyone looking for information to help with a Membersrestoration.are always willing to share their knowledge and experiences. North Otago and many other branches have spare parts sheds covering a huge variety of parts, sold at realistic prices. We want to see vehicles on the road and being enjoyed by owners and families, not make huge amounts of money. You just do car rallies. Not True. Remember membership benefits include:
Myth Busters!
We all need to be promoting the club at every opportunity to encourage new members. What is common knowledge to many members may not have filtered down to newer members who are still learning about the many facets of the organisation. Here are several Myths we are aware of that need to be debunked. Only veteran or vintage cars are eligible Not true. Vehicles need to be at least 30 years old or older. That puts up to 1992 in the mix! The 1990s seem just a short while ago!
• Social and motoring opportunities within our branch and around the country
Now this is true but...what a wealth of knowledge and experience you all have to share. This knowledge will become even more valuable as we move towards other means of fuelling and repairing our older vehicles. Particularly with more mechanical technicians working on computers and less skilled mechanics who understand the inner workings of older vehicles. So if you hear any of these myths, help us debunk them and encourage anyone interested in old vehicles to check us out.
• Cook Strait Ferry discounts saving heaps off your ferry trip Lots of members are old fogies
• Local and national rallies, swap meets and club nights
• Annual subscription to Beaded Wheels, published six times a year
• Access to Vero club insurance scheme
back to square one but all the wiring has to be replaced and the bonnet and front mudguards have to be resprayed, arwell as they say, It all makes work for the working man to Alldo.the best, Clive.
As you may know I have been rebuilding a Vauxhall/Bedford ute over the past three years, on the 4th of July, we were winching it up onto the transporter trailer to take it to Timaru for Vin-ing, what with Covid it had taken a lot of time and phone calls to get a definite date fixed for the vin-ing, all was going well until POOOFFF!!! a fire broke out under the bonnet, it was so sudden and quite fierce, the immediate reaction was panic, but I am glad to say it only lasted a couple of seconds, we grabbed a powder extinguisher and the fire was out not long after, looking at it afterwards, it was debatable as to what caused the worse mess, the fire or the powder from the extinguisher. I am told that you should wash off the powder asap as it eats into the metal, We still don't know what caused the accident. Some years ago I was a navigator for another club member on the Windsor Rally and the rear wheel caught fire, I managed to put it out with my drink bottle, when I got home I told my wife what had happened, and two weeks later I received a powder fire extinguisher for my birthday, ever since we have installed fire extinguishers in our It'svehicles.notexactly
Adventures of an Old Restorer.
FIRE. When things seem to be going too well, life throws you a curve ball, the vin-ing will have to wait a few more months!!
This year the National AGM and Executive meetings were hosted by the Auckland branch in Karaka, Auckland. Below is my report on the main points discussed at each meeting. If you are interested in reading any of the full reports that were presented these will be available on the notice board in our club rooms.
Management Committee Voting
National AGM & Executive Report
A change has been made regards to VIC applications; digital photos are now able to be accepted. This will allow VIC forms to be emailed with digital photos attached. 166 members have joined using the new online application, the paper form will be updated to match the online form. They will also be looking at providing a definition of what ‘Suppressed’ means on the Manyforms.branches are now enjoying the use of the branch portal, they are considering allowing more functions for the branches to use to be able to update members details etc.
Prior to the executive meeting, a five-question survey was sent to each branch to answer. A workshop was held with each branch giving their answers. This will be collated and sent out to the branches Indemnity Waivers A presentation was given on indemnity waivers and the VCC Public liability insurance. Clubs cannot contract out of their legal liabilities. Our club activities do not come under Worksafe, personal injury is covered by ACC and an individual’s car insurance covers any damage to the vehicle. The VCC public liability insurance covers third party damage during an event. This covers any members attending events. For a guest to be included as part of our insurance they will need to complete an entry form. If the event is static e.g., a swap meet or car display then entry forms were not required. It was also highlighted the importance of making sure for every event you create a paper trail by filling a Health and Safety checklist that shows you have taken steps to minimise the risks.
This year ended with a small deficit of $2,500. The budget for next year is for a surplus of $15,000. A new agreement with Vero has been made, going forward each year they will pay a set amount of $25,000. There is no change for branches, we will still receive commission from insurance our members take with Vero.
NationalReports Office
5-year Strategic plan
Facebook The VCC of NZ Facebook page is growing with 4192 members at the time of the report, this number has certainly grown after Daffodil Day. It was highlighted that it is free to advertise our branches rallies and swap meets on the Facebook page. You can send an email to comms@vcc.org.nz to ask them to advertise the event.
Executive Meeting Budget for 1/4/2022 to 31/03/2023
The North Shore delegate raised the issue of management committee members having an individual vote on issues at Executive meetings, with the example of voting on the logo at last executive
Seven options were given as part of the discussion paper to suggest how we may move forward. It was decided this needed more time for branches to discuss and will be decided at March 2023 Executive meeting.
The president presented a discussion paper on the logistics and cost issues regarding our current membership long service awards. The paper highlighted the 3 main concerns with our current process as the time it takes to process an application, the cost of the badges, certificates, frames etc, and the time and cost for the President or a delegated officer to attend the presentation of 50 year and 60-year badges.
Incorporated Societies Act
Two positions on the management committee are vacant, Suitable persons will be co-opted on to fill these vacancies. The vacancies are Hon Secretary/Treasurer and Registrar.
AGM MatterMeetingArising
Chris Lieth – for his service as Hon. Sec/Treasurer Rod Brayshaw – for his service as Registrar since 1996 Rod & Anne Corbett – John L Goddard Trophy Membership Long Service Awards
The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 requires all clubs to update their current constitutions and to re-register as a club before September 2025. A discussion paper will be sent to each branch about the changes. The VCC will be seeking legal advice on certain aspects of the Act and a Working group will be formed. This will be discussed further at the next Executive Meeting.
Election of Officers
meeting. For a branch to have a vote then their delegate must be present at the meeting, so if branches are not present then the management committee could have a bigger impact on the result. This will be reviewed as part of the changes made to our constitution due to the new Incorporated Societies act.
An update was given on the progress of 12-month WOFS for our vehicles. This is now being considered by NZTA Annual Presidents Report This was pre circulated to all members. Branches were reminded on the importance of our members to the club. We need to be more proactive in contacting our members who become unfinancial and when new members join our branches to make sure they become connected with people in our branch to retain them as members.
Presentations
MARLBOROUGH BRANCH VCC Biennial RALLY 14TH ~ 16TH OCTOBER 2022 Programme and entry form available from our Secretary northotago@vcc.org.nz or marlborough@vcc.org.nz
Next Tea/Coffee Run Wednesday 14th September Turn up at the clubrooms about 1pm Receive route instructions to leave at 1.30 Destination will be an out of town Tea/Coffee Shop
On a misty afternoon while a lot of the country was having really wet weather, 24 members left the clubrooms for a run to the White Horse Memorial on the hill above Waimate. On the way, the weather was improving, and the shingle road to the monument was dry with only a little bit of dust. A significant improvement from a trial run earlier in the month. The view was well worth the journey, and the make over of the site was impressive. After about half an hour up there it was down to ‘Barn’ for coffee and cake. Great company and a great run. See you next time. J.T aka run organiser John Gale
August’s Run
Waimate’s
Well Blow Me Down!!
The South Canterbury Branch of the VCC invites entries from fellow members for a 3 day tour in December 2022. Leaving Timaru with 1st overnight stop at Oamaru Friday 9th Dec, 2nd night Omarama Sat 10th Dec, 3rd night Timaru, 11th Dec.
We recently received a Toll Charge attached to our Captiva for $7 for a road in Tauranga. We live in Oamaru and haven’t had that car in the North Island since October 2020, and certainly not near Tauranga. Following instructions on the notice I discovered we needed to do a Statutory Declaration Form (no less!) in Respect of a Toll Payment to be downloaded off their website, completed and witnessed by a JP! This form gave (only) two options, Either (1) the driver of the vehicle was someone else i.e. not the owner, or (2) the vehicle had been stolen. Neither scenario applied in our case. So, reluctantly, I rang the NZTA call centre.
Accommodation and meals are entrants responsibility.
Your choice of all sealed roads or a combination of sealed and unsealed roads.
All enquiries to Grant Stewart 027 378 6149 or Alistair Day 027 203 5007
On the first call I waited for 15 minutes then the call dropped off. A recent challenging experience with an overseas call centre was on my mind and had set an expectation that this call centre experience may not be any better. I rang again thinking I was now at the end of the queue. However, my second call was quickly answered by a clear speaking person whom I could understand easily. I explained our case and within two minutes! she had viewed the appropriate system which showed the number plate had been incorrectly read. The operator acknowledged this had happened and assured me the payment notice had been deleted. Well blow me down! I certainly was pleasantly surprised at this service.
Get in early to book your accommodation. Entry forms from nola.day@xtra.co.nz
SOUTH CANTERBURY BRANCH - 3 DAY TOUR. 9,10,11 Dec 2022
We have less than one month in which to prepare our entry forms and in that short time there is a tremendous amount of work to be done. One of our major problems is the accommodation of married couples for whom we have to hire at least 24 caravans. If every member was to find at least one, then our worries in that quarter would be over. I urge every one of you to get on the job
Prior to the North Otago Branch being formed, Rex Murray, the first Branch Chairman had attended a National Easter Rally in Timaru in 1958 and it was his idea to do something here. Rex was a member of the North Otago Centennial Committee and he offered to organize Vintage Vehicles for the Cavalcade of Transport Procession on 22nd December 1962. It was reported that the South Island Easter Rally of 1963 was the main contribution from the branch to the Centennial Celebrations. As Branch Chairman Rex also met Sam Slyfield, Pennzoil Oil Representative, who became the Rally Director. Rex and Wilson Spite attended a VCC National AGM in Wellington where VCC approval for holding the Rally was given. At the time North Otago branch consisted of 28 members and there were 32 known vehicles in the branch.
There are some of our members who have not had the pleasure of participating in a local rally yet. This is one in which NONE of us will be able to really participate. We are small in numbers, probably the smallest branch in NZ. EVERY MEMBER MUST BE PREPARED TO WORK HARD WITHOUT THE THOUGHT OF COMPETING, so as to put not only Oamaru but also this branch on the map. In order to do this we must have not 50 or 75% BUT 100% of your co-operation.
North Otago Branch Newsletter No 2 - The Secretary reports “Happy New year to you all. 1963 is the year the NOVCC puts Oamaru on the map with the biggest South Island Rally there ever was (we hope). Roll up your sleeves there is work to do.
In January 1963 Rex wrote “Well the joys of the festive season have passed for yet another year, and for those of you who have been on holiday it’s back to work once more. There is always for all of us two kinds of work. That for which we receive financial reward and that for which we receive no reward except the satisfaction of having seen a job well done and it is that work that every one of you as members of the North Otago Branch of the VCC will be asked to do for the next four months.
NOW!!! DON’T LEAVE IT TO THE OTHER CHAP.
50 Vintage Years North Otago Branch History Excerpt pages 34 to 37 1963 Pennzoil Rally
Think this message over, even read it twice, then come along to our next meeting inspired with the will to do your utmost to make this the BIGGEST AND MOST SUCCESSFUL RALLY EVER HELD, and that I hope will be your reward.”
JUDGES Veteran Cars: L. Southward, D. Giffen.
SCRUTINEER: L. J. Witte. ASSISTANT: W. J. Mitchell.
OFFICIALS OF THE RALLY
Best news we have is that a very helpful Oamaru Racecourse Joint Committee have let the Club use the Straight and the Stand for the Easter Rally so entry forms will be out in the next two weeks. More caravans are still wanted to hire for parking out there as enquiries for same are pouring in fast.
CHIEF MARSHAL: H. Wear ASSISTANT MARSHAL : R. Murray.
Vintage Cars: C. Patchett, E. Jacobs.
DIRECTOR OF THE EVENT: G. S. Slyfield, of Pennziol (NZ) Ltd
The accommodation return form advertised Dormitory Sleeping Quarters with beds and mattresses at 7/6d for the weekend. Dormitory Sleeping Quarters with no beds and mattresses NO CHARGE. Caravans could be hired for 3 Pounds for 3 nights. (Caravans not to be used for cooking). All of this was on site at the Racecourse. Catering was provided on site with a Friday Evening Hot Meal, Saturday Breakfast & Lunch, Sunday Breakfast, Picnic Lunch & Hot Dinner and Monday Breakfast all for 1 pound 18 shillings & 6d per adult and 1 pound & 8 shillings per child. Saturday Evening Presentation Dinner was 15/- per adult and 5/- per child.
CHAIRMAN : R. Murray SECRETARY: J. T. O’Brien
PA COMMENTARY: A. A. Anderson, R. B. Shand.
Vehicles began to arrive on Thursday 12th April, among them Mr. & Mrs. L. Southward of Wellington and on Friday the Kilbey’s and Findlay’s arrived from Hawkes Bay. In all 96 vehicles were entered.
A briefing was held on Friday evening and Len Southward showed slides of the 1962 London BrightontoEvent.
All Motorcycles: A. McBeath, G. Cook.
All vehicles were judged for Concours on Saturday morning and the public were admitted from 11.00am. By 1.45.pm all grandstands were filled to overflowing and all vantage points occupied by the public. It was estimated there were approximately 6000 spectators.TheGrand Parade, led by the 1900 Wolseley belonging to Mr. F. L. Bertenshaw started on time after a brief introduction by Rob Shand. The Mayor of Oamaru, Mr. W. R. Laney, Officially opened the Rally at 2.00.pm. Harry Wear, the Chief Marshal, had instructed the twenty assistants for the very successful Events. Andrew Anderson and Rob Shand provided a description of the vehicles and the tests. Just as the Le Mans Dash was starting the commentator’s box tipped over. Andy Anderson held tightly to the mike and continued his commentary lying at a 45% angle while Rob Shand, VCC National President of the day, had his pipe knocked out of his mouth, but
3eq 1907 Enfield, T. A. Shadbolt, Christchurch 1908 Humber, H. B. Foster, Christchurch Vintage, Concours d’Elegance
A Dinner & Social Evening with the Presentation of Trophies was held. The Trophy Winners
A Picnic Run to Windsor Park on Sunday was spoilt by the weather and entrants returned to the racecourse to watch more slides and film's. On Monday all Entrants had left the Racecourse by midday.
he avoided being knocked over by the falling commentary box.
1911 Wolseley Siddely, J. W. Newell, Christchurch.
1st 1927 Vauxhall, A. J. Beattie, Nelson.
John O’Brien summed up in Newsletter No 3.” North Otago enjoyed being the hosts. We hope our visitors enjoyed their stay and will come again. As a small club this was a great experience for our members, as none of them have been to a major Rally before”. Including Branch members’ vehicles there were 102 entries.
3rd 1921 Ford, F. L. Collett, Gore. Motorcycles, Concours d’Elegance
The Pennzoil Shield was donated by Pennzoil for annual competition between Branch Teams comprising a motorcycle, veteran car & vintage car. The winning team was Hawkes Bay. R. Kilbey 1930 Chrysler, N. Findlay 1913 Morris Oxford and G. Hockley 1920 Harley Davidson (substitute).
2nd 1913 Morris Oxford, N. Findlay, Napier
2nd 1920 Douglas A. S. Brehaut, Timaru
Note. Formatting has been changed to accommodate Distributor layout.
1st 1920 Harley Davidson, G. Hockley, Christchurch.
3rd 1922 Douglas J. Paterson, Christchurch
As well as the Le Mans Dash, Motorcyclists rode a see-saw plank, burst balloons and rolled drums. There was potato and ring spearing, a Wiggle Woggle and an Obstacle Event which consisted of Competitors running from the start to put on overalls, crawl under a tarpaulin, crawl through a straw bale tunnel, race to their car, start it and race to the finish. Drivers and vehicles produced a non-stop program, which lasted two and a half hours, to which the spectators clapped and roared their approval.
The Terako Trophy for the best Veteran Car making its first appearance in the South Island was won by N. Findlay of Napier with his 1913 Morris Oxford.
The Rally was the largest to be held in the South Island and the second largest held in NZ.
2nd 1926 Vauxhall, J. M. Sullivan, Timaru
Between Covid, work and personal commitments some things take a while to be sorted. Speaker Allan Dick
Allan’s current publication is NZ Classic Driver. The July issue features a story about Oamaruvian Rusty Thorp and the AV Special. The intro says that Rusty was a character who lived life to the full. He loved trains, boats and cars in equal parts. In this story Allan looks at the man and the sensational car he built based on a rare French Avions Voison – a car Rusty called the ‘AV’ Special.
Allan spoke of his journey into journalism, Talk Back Radio and print media, and his focus on the automotive industry. In 1990 the industry changed and Allan was invited to attend many car launches internationally as a motoring journalist. Venice, Paris, London were mentioned as were some of the cars he was given to drive such as a Jag XK8. However, the worst car he had ever driven was a $3.5m Jag XJ20. The best was a Swift Sport and his Mercedes Camper van. The fastest Allan has ever driven was in a Porche at 300 ks per hour. The most fuel ever used on a trip was from Alice Springs to Darwin at 99ltrs per 100ks! The most scared he has been was in Malcolm Campbell’s first Bluebird a 1904 Darracq at 180mph. Malcolm wasn’t driving of course.
Larry Moolenaar received his 25 year badge which was also overdue to be presented, however, in this case it was Larry’s unavailability which caused the Graemedelay.
Three Presentations
Simpson also received a well deserved voucher in recognition of his long service as our Newsletter Editor now nearly 22 years. This had been sitting in the wings waiting for an opportunity to be presented.
August Club Night Report
Following on from these presentations members were then entertained by our well known local identity Allan Dick. Allan has had a long career as a motoring journalist taking him to many parts of the world. It has given him opportunities to drive a huge range of vehicles, from the not so expensive to the ultra expensive.
Two badge presentations were made by Chairperson Rebecca George. Margaret McLeod received a very overdue 35 year badge. Margaret had been eligible since 2017, however, the gremlins got into the files at Waimate and affected the recording of Margaret’s joining date. All was quickly resolved when Lindsay found the original receipt showing they both joined at the same time. Our apologies Margaret.
Editor:- Thanks Allan for a very interesting evening. I am sure you have many more stories to tell and we look forward to inviting you back to hear more and to hear your views on where we are heading with motoring in the future, particularly in relation to older vehicles.
North Otago Branch invites members to its Annual Windsor Rally Saturday 3rd December 2022 Entries Close November 25th Late Entries will be accepted but participants cannot be competitive. Departing from Friendly Bay Reserve, Wansbeck Street, Oamaru Contact Windsor Rally organisers for entry forms Email:- windsorrally@gmail.com or phone Rebecca on 021 293 7714 PO Box 360, Oamaru 9444
NORTH OTAGO SWAP MEET Coinciding with the Victorian Heritage Weekend SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2022 A & P Showgrounds Ettrick St OAMARU Hot Food and Coffee available Enter your Vintage, Classic Vehicle or Hot Rod in the Show & Shine Public Entry from 8am - $5 per adult Children under 15 FREE Site Holders entry from 7am - $15 including 1 free entry All inquiries to The Secretary, northotago@vcc.org.nz or Derek Brehaut 021 390 518
September
Water Jet Cutting using their OMAX 60120 Jet Machining Center. This is a bridge-style water jet machine designed to cut virtually any flat material and is most commonly used for cutting precision parts, signage, metal art and cutting blank components that require secondary machining operations. Their Laser Cutting and Engraving machine, the Bodor BCL-X is a 150W CO2 Laser and is most commonly used for parts and signage and can cut a range of materials such as Acrylic, MDF, Plywood, Paper, Card, Leather and Cork.
Matthew Melton of AcuCut, recent Supreme Winner of the 2022 Waitaki Business Awards and winner of the Best Manufacturing Business of the Year Award has agreed to show us his business. From researching the business website we will be in for an interesting evening.
CNC Machining is carried out using a DOOSAN DNM6700 Vertical Machining Center which allows them to machine high precision parts, for both prototyping and production runs. Their Digital Tracing is carried out using their Logic Trace Digitizing System which allows them to trace around a template or part and create the necessary .DXF file that is needed to use on their machines.
7th Club Night – Off Campus –
So very new and different technology to that of our past. Join us from 7pm onwards at the big building on 6 Korora Road at the North Oamaru Business Park. Following on from here we will have the jug on at the clubrooms for supper. This is an opportunity not to be missed, however, if you are unable to come the AcuCut website is easy to navigate and has lots of interesting information and photos. Definitely worth a browse. http://www.acucut.co.nz/
See you on Wednesday 7th September!
I would like to thank everyone for their support in making this event a special day. Without your support the day would have been a different story. To members who could not be there, I hope you can join us next Happyyear. Motoring Ernest George
ErnestPhone George 027 209 0609 Derek Brehaut - 021 390 518 and I would like to welcome Wayne Croft on to our Parts Team. His phone number will be available next month. Run for Cancer – Sunday 21st August
you are traveling around to look for some parts for your vehicle, look at the Branches newsletters for their Parts Team phone number to find out when their parts shed is open or go to the Club Night, it can be a worthwhile and rewarding experience. At the moment our parts shed is open on Monday morning 10am – 12 noon. Also stay and have a cuppa and meet your fellow members.
Hi
WinterEveryone.isjust about over, you had better come to the parts shed and find that part you may need to get your vehicle going in time for the first Whenrally.
Parts Shed August 2022
EA
Morris
Good selection of body panels, mud guards and bonnets for various Contactmodels. Ernest or Derek if you are looking for something in particular. on behalf
Selling
Ford Model A diff and front axle assembly Enquiries call Ernest George 027 209 0609 Derek Brehaut 021 390 518
Ford
For Sale/ Wanted ads Keep those ads coming. Remember these ads are read by members of other branches and car clubs. Parts NormalDepartmentMondaymorning opening for parts has resumed Open Mondays 10 – 12noon
For
Starts with a Cuppa. Sale 15/50 parts including two 1500cc BMC motors, gearboxes and diffs, suspension and steering parts. Some body panels for these in reasonable condition. of Hillman Avenger-Hunter lights Falcon exhaust manifolds 1000, Chevy, Vauxhall parts as well as an assortment of oil filters
Selection
Wolseley
For All ComputingYourNeeds New systems, repairs Printer & servicingFax SMALL BYTES COMPUTING Ph Jerry 027 435 8983
Thanks, Graeme
Newsletter submissions. Preferred formats are Open-office, Libre-office or MS Word as an attached document. Plain emails create extra work. Please, no “enter” key at the end of every line. Contact me for advice if not sure. Items for the can be posted or dropped off to 6 Waiareka lane, off Saleyards Road Or emailed to gsimpsonyyy@gmail.com
Newsletter
Vehicle Verifiers Quentin Barrow (Ange) 027 434 5570 Bruce Watt (Barbara) 03 434 5306
Club email address northotago@vcc.org.nz
Committee Meetings 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7.00 pm. Members welcome. Club Nights 1st Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm (details in The Distributor)
Committee Clive Blunden (Jen) 03 439 5207 John Law (Colleen) 027 226 0963 Geoff Ellis (Daphne 021 115 8044 Gordon Hay (Joy) 03 434 5754
Tony Hales (Jenny) 03 434 7729 Lindsay McLeod (Margaret) 021 871 526
Chairman Rebecca George 021 293 7714
Vice Chairman Vacant
NORTH OTAGO BRANCH OFFICE BEARERS NORTH OTAGO BRANCH OFFICE BEARERS 2021-22
Club Captain Vacant Secretary Lee Brehaut (Derek) 027 695 66 44
Custodian Lee Brehaut (Derek) 027 695 6644 Librarian Robert Hutton (Mandy) 03 437 0774
Archivist Kathleen Perry 03 434 7226 Newsletter Editor Graeme Simpson gsimpsonyyy@gmail.com(Wendy) 03 434 8285 027 293 1059
Spare Parts Ernest George (Brenda) 027 209 0609 Derek Brehaut (Lee) 021 390 518
Treasurer John Gale (Jo) 03 437 1112
Beaded Wheels Scribe Clive Blunden (Jen) 03 439 5207
Calendar of Events Club Events 14th September - Wednesday Mid-month Run 25th September - Sunday Opening Run 28th September - Wednesday End of Month Motorcycle Run 30th October - Sunday Teapot Rally with Waimate 19th November – Saturday Swap Meet 3rd December - Saturday Windsor Rally December – date TBC Christmas function 3rd week in January Date TBC Fish n Chip Lunch run to Moeraki 18th February 2023 - Saturday All British Day 25th February 2023 - Saturday North Otago A & P Show Parade 5th March 2023 - Sunday Wee Wheelie Wander 15 April 2023 - Saturday Gerald Lynch-Blosse Memorial Motorcycle Rally National and Regional Events 10th September South Canterbury Swap Meet 10th September Auto-spectacular Dunedin 23rd to 25th September Alexandra Blossom Festival 1st-2nd October Dunvagen Motorcycle Rally Otago 7th - 9th October Canterbury Swap Meet 15th October Waimate 50 yr badge 21st - 24th October South Canterbury Mt Cook Rally 4th - 6th November 50th Taieri Tour 4th - 6th November South Canterbury Safari Weekend 5 November Kaitangata Car Show & Run 12th - 13th November South Canterbury All American Weekend 26th November South Canterbury Vintage/Veteran/Commercial Run Note:-all events will be subject to Covid protocols at the time. Every effort has been made to keep these dates as accurate as possible at the time of printing. Check with the Chairperson or Secretary to confirm any particular event of interest or for entry forms.
