VCC WAIRARAPA ZENITH MAY 2024

Editor’s Note

This month marks the final issue of Zenith for Jodie and I. We have had a great time nurturing the Zenith, having readers from far and wide (even from the USA) reach out about the Zenith, and are excited to see the direction the next Editor will steer it towards.

So, grab your favourite drink, settle into a comfy spot, and delve into this month's Zenith.

Happy reading!

Alec O'Hara

Editor, Zenith

Front Cover

Club Captains Run. Read more on page 10.

Message from the Chair

The leaves are almost gone and the darker evenings of winter are upon us.

On behalf of the club, I attended a service for Doug Curtis. Doug was a regular visitor to the Wairarapa and a familiar face at clubs’ rallies. He was a warm and welcoming person with a sharp wit. He often donated colour illustrated drawings of vintage vehicles to be given out as prizes. Doug and his dog Judy will be missed but not forgotten. He was 93 when he died.

April came to a close with Hugh Hunters Club Captains run. Eighteen cars started from the Featherston Fell Museum winding around the South Wairarapa and finishing at the Hodder’s. There was to be some driving skill challengers but unfortunately the rain put paid to that. After a wool shed picnic lunch, which included lots of wit and colourful conversation, there was a presentation about the family farm and its descendants. Joseph Hodder was the first to take up ownership on Murphy’s Line on the 2nd of May 1860. The afternoon finished with a brief history about the first observatory built in New Zealand by a gentleman name Stephen Carkeek in 1867. This was followed by a walk to view its remains and say hi to the local eels.

The local Ram Rodder’s Club invited members to attend an afternoon at the Masterton Motor Plex, with an opportunity to have a run on the track. Those who attended had a very enjoyable time. Banter, petrol fumes, and a speed challenge topped the day of perfectly.

The May club night hosted Dave Sinton as guest speaker. Dave is a D J on Arrow FM 92.7 on Friday nights. He plays Blue’s music from 7.00 pm until 8.00 pm followed by sixty’s music through until 9.00 pm. He spoke about his interests in music and how the radio station was formed. He has an extensive private vinyl record collection from which he selects the music he is going to play. A very entertaining evening learning about music selection, programming and the odd colourful story.

Fantastic to see so many members attend and enjoy the evening. This last weekend was Kevin Sullivan’s overnight Motorcycle Reliability Run to Mangaweka. He had put an invite out to all members including the one’s with cars.I took our 1934 Dodge along and had a very enjoyable time up until the return trip on Sunday. Distributor problems as I was coming into Feilding put paid to the afternoon with the car being left in Feilding overnight. Despite this it was a fantastic weekend with fun and laughter. The Autum scenery along with the kind weather made driving a pleasure. I am looking forward to next years combined “Reliability Run”

You will have received a notice about the Club’s Annual A.G.M on the 9th of June at the Greytown Working Men’s Club, Greytown. You are also invited to attend the annual Mid-Winter luncheon which will follow the A.G.M. The cost per head is $35 with numbers attending and payment by the 3rd of June. Payment to the club account :03-0687-0323649-01 - surname in the reference.

The Winter Wander is the next Club rally on the 16th of June. Please make a note of the date and I look forward to seeing you all at the A.G.M. and the Winter Wander.

Alec O’Hara is stepping down as editor of the Zenith, so this one will be his last one. On behalf of all our members, I thank you and your team for the enthusiasm, energy and commitment you have given the publication. It has been a very disciplined and professional operation. We have looked forward to its publication each month. The informative articles and accompanying photos have kept all of us up to date. We wish you and Jodie all the best with your next adventure.

Keep warm tucked up by the fire and think up stories to tell.

GrahamHodder

Chair

Message from the Secretary

Do you ever sit at home wondering “What shall I do today?”

Probably not if you have a house to run, kids and/or grandchildren, a garden, a building project, a sport to enjoy, and especially if you have a car of any type to maintain or renovate. Okay, let’s start again.

Do you like to employ your driving skills, or would you even try to impart them on someone else. Would you like to practice your driving skills and at the same time help someone else to improve theirs? This month I have two proposals for you, both based in the Wairarapa.

Phil and Liz Brown have provided the first opportunity, which I present below; Would you like to help former refugees experience the joy and independence of getting their driving licence? ChangeMakers Resettlement Forum in Masterton needs volunteers for their “Driving for Inclusion” programme.

We're looking for driving mentors who are able to commit to two 1 hour lessons with a learner per week to help former refugees attain their driving licence. This is vital to gain employment, independence, for taking kids to school and integrating into our great community; of course, a driving licence also ensures an understanding of the NZ road code and makes the community safer for all of us.

We provide a dual control car as well as training prior to being placed with a learner. The programme is funded by Waka Kotahi/ NZTA and supported by the Wairarapa Road Safety Council.

We would love to welcome you into our mentor team, so please contact me if you have any questions

Gini Jayawardene (she/her)

Driving for Inclusion Coordinator ChangeMakers Resettlement Forum www.crf.org.nz

Gini.jayawardene@crf.org.nz

The second opportunity is something which I am involved in myself.

Some cancer treatments can be administered in the Wairarapa, but for radiotherapy and some chemotherapy patients need to go further afield, to Wellington or occasionally to Palmerston North.

Some have relatives or friends able to take them, but there is a need for volunteer drivers in other instances. You will need to use your own car, but petrol expenses will be covered.

‘Patients’, if I may call them that, are fit, and able to look after themselves.

Basic training will be carried out by the Cancer Society, and you will be able to ‘buddy’ with another driver before taking off solo.

Should you be interested in the ‘Driving for Inclusion’ programme, please contact Gini Jayawardene using the contact details above.

Phil and Liz Brown will be pleased to answer any queries on 06 777 9071 or 021 154 3665, brownphel@hotmail.com

If you think you’d like to turn out for the Cancer Society, please call Danel on 06 378 8039, or ring me on 021 137 2395

Secretary MikeDalton

Club Captains Run

Pictures from Brendan Odell

Club Captains Run

Pictures from Shaun Leahy

2024 Highland Fling

Written by Simon O’Hara

This years Highland Fling was run out of Feilding, so a bit closer for us in the Wairarapa. I joined Francis Pointon as navigator in the "Special". Others from the Wairarapa branch were Graham and Joy Hodder in the model A Ford and Phil and Suzs Halligan in their Model A, which unfortunately on the 1st day decided it wouldn't start so we didn't have the pleasure of their company for the weekend.

Friday afternoon was registration day, so we booked in and picked up the rally packs and caps we ordered. Then a quick tour around the Coachhouse museum before settling in to a pub meal. Saturday morning dawned clear and crisp. The top came off the special and with extra clothing layers we set off to the start point. It is quite a spectacle to see over 100 pre 1931 vehicles of all shapes and sizes in one parking lot. Briefing over, it was time for the off. Heading North in a zigzag fashion over some great country roads, we headed into the highlands, through paddocks and fords. Lunch stop saw everyone gather at Apiti. A well needed pitstop as the morning session was very long.

Having the top down on the special is completely different to having the hood up. It allows for 360 degree views and the sounds and sites are great, all be it very chilly when a cloud comes over head.

The afternoon was a bit shorter and we were back at Fielding around 3.30 - 4 o'clock. A meal at the local pub and a quiet beverage certainly went down well. The pub was full of banter about the day that had been. Stories of near offs when chains were needed and flooded vehicles crossing the ford.

Sunday was an earlier start, we had miles to cover. Heading off to the north and then east toward the Pahiatua track. Once again the hood was down as the morning was crisp and clear. Half way up the track we turned off and skirted around the radar tower at the top of the hill. A great loop to join back up with the main road. This was an opportunity to pass fellow motorists heading up the loop.

From the top we could see the Tararua valley was shrouded in thick fog, and we were heading toward it. Down into the fog we traveled and the temperature dropped dramatically. Off the tar seal and then climbing the not so well used Hall Block Road up into the sunshine once again and right into the middle of the windmills. What a spectacular view back into the Manawatu.

From the windmills it was a steep downhill back into the Manawatu and following through paddocks on well graveled roads following the Pohingina River northward. Onto the Pohingina Valley East Road heading north, we made a detour into a great camping ground for a much needed pitstop. A few campers were there and came to look at the 5 or six cars that had the same idea. What a long morning without a break. After our short stop it was back in the car.

Winding our way over some great country roads, we made our way back to the Manawatu VCC club rooms for a much needed late lunch. What a great spot and with all those cars parked on the front lawn it made a great site. After lunch a small gymkhana course was set up down the road at the site of a classic car museum. Unfortunately the course was deemed to be too bumpy and the afternoon was canned. Back to the hotel to freshen up ready for the evening meal and prize giving. A great night complete with a haggis piped into the venue by a couple of the competitors.

Well done to the organizing committee for a great weekend.

2023/24 Committee and Office Holders

Chairperson: Graham Hodder (06) 308 9087 | 027 226 3738 g_jhodder@xtra.co.nz

Secretary: Mike D’Alton 021 137 2395 secretarywvcc@yahoo.com

Committee Members:

Dave Patten (06) 306 9006 dave.patten28@gmail.co

Frank Lipinski (06) 379 7167

Jim Laird 0274 412 659 jim.laird@wise.net.nz

Custodians: Dave Patten & Kevin Sullivan

Librarian: Pat Dutton

Motorcycle Liaison: Kevin Sullivan

Club Captain: Hugh Hunter (06) 306 9847 j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz

Treasurer: Kevin Sullivan 022 377 8443 kevsully52@gmail.com

Pat Dutton (06) 379 7918 betyjo29@gmail.com

Tina Goodin 020 4109 9552 tina.goodin@hotmail.com

Simon O'Hara 021 141 2332 simonsandieohara@gmail.com

Publications & Newsletter Editor: Alec O'Hara 027 775 0417

Beaded Wheels Scribe: TBC

Spares:

Frank Lipinski (06) 379 7167

Barry Wells (06) 377 1152 ljandbjwells@gmail.com

Jeff Percy (06) 377 4622 j.percy@xtra.co.nz

Vehicle Inspectors:

Francis Pointon (06) 378 6710 pointonmotors@xtra.co.nz

Graham Reidy (06) 372 7855 g-a.reidy@xtra.co.nz

Hugh Hunter (06) 306 9847 j.h.hunter@xtra.co.nz -

Clubroom details

Clubrooms: A&P Showgrounds, Chester Road, Clareville

Postal Address: PO Box 7, Masterton 5840 Branch

Website: www.sporty.co.nz/wairarapavcc

Club Night: First Monday of the month (except January) and June (second Monday) at 7pm.

CLUB NIGHTS 7PM START

Committee meet: Second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm

Parts Department

Join Frank, Barry and Jeff for yarn and a cuppa when the Parts Department is open. In this treasure trove, you might also happen to find any bits and pieces

Located at the clubrooms, the Parts

Each Tuesday morning following club

The 3rd Saturday of the month from

You can also contact Frank for an appointment outside standard opening 06) 379 7167

Offers to members

Bluebridge and Interislander Specials

Both Bluebridge and Interislander are offering special prices for VCC members. Details can be found on our website: Click Here

Classic Tyres

Hamilton based Tyreline can provide access to a full range of Michelin tyres More information and catalogue on our website Click Here

ATLAS AUTO SERVICES

Open Saturdays for WOF inspections on old cars, by appointment. Located in Featherston.

Contact Aaron Webster (Wairarapa Branch member)

Phone: 021 0853 0341

Email: aaron@atlasclassic.co.nz

Pointon Motors open for WOF's and repairs

Francis is open for WOF's and limited vintage repairs at reduced working hours. Contact Francis at (06) 378 6710

Marketplace

Wanted

Drivers and cars wanted to show around 13 x Friendship force visitors from Michigan, USA a trip to Castlepoint. There will be a chance to view inside the lighthouse.

When: Sunday the 1st of September. Please ring either Micheal O'Hara on 0274453288 or Bobbie O'Hara on 0277101131.