VCC WANGANUI RIVET DEC 2022

December 2022

Above: Lynda and Rob O’Keeffe (and Pip) open up their garage doors in this edition.

Right: All smiles from Ann Bernsten as she proudly displays the award for winning Restoration of the Year with her Ford Model A.

Official Magazine of the Wanganui Branch of the V.C.C. of NZ P O Box 726, Wanganui , Street Address—Patapu Street, Wanganui East Wanganui@vcc.org.nz

Patron: Alan Bates

Chairman:

Andrew Dittmer 027 379 6969 biffoditty@gmail.com. Vice Chairman Bill James 027 353 2190 heatherandbilljames@gmail.com Secretary: Frank James 06 344 2221 liznfrank@xtra.co.nz Treasurer: Neil Farrer 027 457 9634 nfarrer@xtra.co.

Auditor Peter Powell

Club Captain: Andrew Johnson 06 345 6212 Datsun@aje.co.nz Rally Secretary/Trophies: Christine Savage 06 342 4755 wanganuirally@gmail.com Motorcycle Convenor: Bill James 027 353 2190 heatherandbilljames@gmail.com

Committee : Linda Kendrick 027 775 4644 zilda552@hotmail.com Ray Savage 06 3424755 thesavages@inspire.net.nz Ian Higgins 027 201 2706 ihiggins@xtra.co.nz Sietse Zeilstra 027 345 6977 Pierre Zeilstra 027 345 6977 Health & Safety & Compliance Dave McDermid 027 555 4201 whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz

Trophies Manager: Mihi McDermid 06 347 6915 Branch Delegate: Neil Farrer 06 343 6248

Kitchen Manager: Sue Dittmer 027 379 6969 Ann Berntsen 06 3446041

Hall Custodian/Bookings: Sue Dittmer 027 379 6969

Truck Custodians: Rob O’Keeffe 027 4332 626 Shane Hobman 06 344 5915

Librarian: Dave Austin 06 344 7513

Parts Custodians: Dave McDermid 027 555 4201 whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz Chris White 06 348 7335 Trevor Roberts 06 345 8897 027 245 7770

Editor: Ian Higgins 027 201 2706 ihiggins@xtra.co.nz

Beaded Wheels Reporter: Ian Higgins 027 201 2706 ihiggins@xtra.co.nz

Archivist: Dave Austin 06 344 7513

Vehicle ID’s: Shane Hobman 06 344 5915 Bruce Ardell 06 342 7713

Rivet Distribution Co-Ordinator: Linda Kendrick 027 775 4644 Frank James 021 349 074

Official VCC Website: www.vcc.org.nz

VCC Branch Mags: http://vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches/ Facebook Wanganui Vintage Car Club: https://www.facebook.com/whanganuivcc/?

VCC Codes for discounts: Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry ANTIQUECAR Interislander WH5465

Greetings Members

Welcome to this month’s edition and the lead up to Christmas/New Year. Speaking of which, what better way to start the New Year off than taking a trip up to Taihape for the annual Gumboot Rally on New Year’s day? Most of you, apart from perhaps the newer members, will know Robert Baines of Taihape. Ably assisted by a team of helpers, Robert runs a bloody great rally. A real friendly group up there in the northern most area of our Branch. There are generally prizes galore for contestants, a great raffle plus of course the much coveted Gumboot Trophy. (Even yours truly has his name etched on this.) A country style BBQ finishes off a great day. BYO for those that partake in the amber or bubbly fluid. There are generally a few metal roads to navigate on the rally, but keep your distance from the car in front and you’ll be right. You could always dodge the metal and keep to the seal if you are a little faint hearted! Meeting time and place is at Memorial Park Taihape at 9.30 am. Quite a few members book into accommodation that night, or even the night before. Any further info required, please contact Robert on 027 453 0338.

Frances and I headed over to Mangatainoka Vintage and Classic Car Show last month. The weather forecast looked like s..t, but we took the risk and shot over in the Chrysler Charger. Turned out to be a fine and sunny day until we hit Bulls on the way home. There were only a total of 41 cars entered, including VCC members from Wellington to Wanganui. I think we were the only ones from our Branch. Nevertheless, it was an enjoyable day at the Tui Brewery, not that I drink. The overall winner of the show was awarded to a very nicely presented 1967 Austin Westminster. A pleasant place to wander around yakking to fellow enthusiasts and looking at the cars, plus food and of course drink on site.

On a personal note, I am over “hotting up” my cars! I have 3 such beasts in my collection and these cost me more to keep on the road than all the others combined! The latest episode of “misfortune” I will call it, occurred late last month when I agreed to use my Chrysler 300 as a wedding car. I occasionally do this for a donation to either the Salvation Army or Hospice. The 300 is sporting a monster 8.8 litre supercharged engine with all the go fast bits n pieces. Not that I am a speedster at all. Seriously I am not. I just like the look and sound of them. Anyway, I duly arrived at the bride’s to be premises to collect her. After waiting for what seemed an eternity, she duly hopped into the car with all the usual fanfare. Then bugger ...the bloody car would not fire up! Tried a jump pack and leads. Still no go. Half an hour later it fired up as it was supposed to ( the bride at this time had packed a real hissy, not at me, but just that this was happening on HER day. Cannot blame her at all and I felt terrible! The entourage ended up around the back of Virginia Lake for the ceremony and photos, then the inevitable happened...the bloody car would not start again! So other transport was organised for the bride and groom to the wedding function at Castlecliff. Now, I am no mechanic, so I called the AA, and VCC Member Evan Forsyth came to my assistance. The 300 fired up. Cheers Evan, you my friend are a champion! Apparently the car was starving of fuel. I was over it. The 300 is now at Roskilda Motors in Palmerston North for Rodney to work his magic on the dyno. Keep car engines standard I now say! Best wishes to all over the festive season. Keep safe. Yours in cruising Editor Ian

Chairman's Report — December 2022

Greetings Members

I haven’t worked out how to be in two places at once so we missed Bruce’s run in November. However we spent 7 hours travelling each way in Sue’s little truck to join up with fellow Austineers in Cambridge. Two other cars also joined us from the Wanganui club, the Corlett’s (A7 van) and Toni Jenkins accompanied by Keith Turner (A7 Ruby). The run was mainly to celebrate 100 years of Austin Sevens holding up traffic and generally being cute enjoyable motoring. For us it was to catch up with old friends but it was very noticeable how many were now missing from our ranks in three short years. That fact has really bought it home to me we need to get out and enjoy our old cars with our friends as much as possible.

I want to thank all who came to our working bee. What a talented group we have. You cannot help but notice how much tidier the area looks. As a committee we get such good and helpful advice from a diverse group of members and now are looking at rectifying some loose ends around the property over the next few months.

Although I paid our VCC subs I did not read the fine print correctly and had to cough up an extra $18.50 to remain joint members. I guess this is one of the joys of the digital age. Talking about joint membership have you noticed that any correspondence from head office has only one name on it and not the other members? This might seem like a small point but a friend of ours was excluded from membership in another branch after her husband died and they were joint members. I am not sure this would have happened if both names were on the address.

Ward’s Furniture in Marton have been extremely generous with prizes for our Rallies yet again. Did you know that this business now has a suitably painted Austin Seven van as their promotional vehicle? Tony Ward is not able to drive the Vehicle due to damaged hips so some of the staff or friends have these duties. How cool is that?

I want to take this time to wish all of a truly great Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all at both the Gumboot and Burma rallies next month. Andrew Dittmer Chairman

Club Captain’s Report — December 2022

Greetings

I’m told the working bee on 12 November was a great success with much achieved. Unfortunately I missed the working bee, I was racing at Pukekohe – another item ticked off my bucket list.

20th of last month Bruce put on another fabulous run visiting a couple of very interesting locations. I’m sure the vast array of vintage radios at Graeme Hawtree’s would have stirred some memories. Naturally as a certified petrol head the Huijs family cars where fascinating. (see more below)

The restoration of the year as always drew a great crowd. Anne Berntsen was a very popular winner with her recently restored Ford Model A 2 door. I’m sure Charlie would be very proud. Thanks to everyone who showed their vehicles, they were great see.

Coming up is the Gumboot rally on New Year’s day and on the 11 th our annual club picnic. As usual we have the Burma Rally and lots more on Anniversary weekend. Details on the Club Calendar page and in the Burma Rally entry form also included in this Rivet. Please get your entries in as soon as you can. The on line form is best for us, but naturally the written version is very welcome. Early in the New Year I will be doing the rounds looking for helpers and marshals. If you would like to be involved please send me an email or give me a call. Thanks

After the restoration of the year I hope everyone with projects is suitably motivated and makes the most of the warmer weather and longer days. Think about how great it would feel to have your pride and joy on display the first Wednesday in December 2023.

Safe motoring and best wishes for a fabulous Christmas and the festive season.

Andrew J Thanks for visiting the THR workshop on Bruce Ardell’s Run.

We started racing in the mid 70s racing in classes such as TQ Midgets, Saloon cars, Sprint cars, and others. Currently we are focusing on racing Midgets.

The specs for the cars we are currently running are as follows

7v is running a Gaerte engine on methanol producing approx. 350 horse power.

74v is running a s-slinger engine producing just under 400 HP also on methanol with an overhead cam.

The minisprint is running a Toyota 4aGE producing about 170 HP on pump gas.

Enjoyed hosting your Branch . Glenn Huijs of Team Huijs Racing

Pics from Bruce’s Sunday Run

Left: Graham and Val Hawtree pictured with their 100 year old working gramophone.

Above: Just a few of the 500 plus radios in the Hawtree’s impressive collection when our Branch visited their premises. Great to view their collection and fantastic to see these old radios still in existence

Above: Glenn Huijs with his hot midget race car pictured when our Branch visited the impressive HQ of Team Huijs Racing.

Right: Siobhan Pitkethley, one of our younger members, settling in to race the Mini-Sprint.

Working Bee Antics

Left: Members taking a break at the November working bee. It isn’t ALL work and no fun at these important get togethers. Come along to the next one and see for yourselves. Plus the premises and grounds look a hell of a lot better!

Mangatainoka Motors Show and Shine

Above: Just loved this old Morris Cowley sitting there all alone.

Above right: Winning Austin on far right. Stunning paint work.

Lower right: Bonnets n Boots open for inspection

secretary

The O’Keeffe Collection

We have been VCC members for about 10 years. During that time we have helped with rallies, working bees, social functions and events. I was

a few years and Rob is one of

Rally

for

the Club Truck Custodians.

64th Burma Rally

Entries close 13th January 2023

The Burma Rally takes place over Wellington Anniversary Weekend and Wanganui’s popular Vintage Weekend. VCC members and Burma Rally vehicles play an important part in the weekend. Entrants are invited to display their vehicles, enjoy the Vintage Weekend activities as well as taking part in the Burma Rally. It is recommended that you book your accommodation now. Though not essential, we encourage period costume to be worn at the rally and at Rally and Vintage Weekend activities. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed gentleman and lady at the prizegiving dinner

PROGRAMME

Friday 20th January

6.00-8pm Burma Rally meet and greet at the Clubrooms, 25 Patapu St. Wanganui East. Finger Food and tea and coffee will be served. Rally packs will be available

Saturday 21st January

8.00am-4.00pm Vehicles participating in the “Wheels on Victoria Ave” please be parked by 9.00 am on Victoria Ave. Follow instructions from Marshalls and park in designated areas for display. Look for the VCC sign to collect your Burma Rally packs. Enjoy the Wheels on Victoria Ave Car Show, Caboodle St Carnival, period clothing stalls and more.

4.00pm-5.00pm Classic Car Cruise. Meet at Mitre10 carpark. Entry off Taupo Quay or Heads Road. Pay $10 to the Wanganui Cancer Society, on site, to be eligible for spot prizes. The cruise ends at Barracks Sports Bar 170 St. Hill Street. The Classic Car prize draws will be announced after 6.30pm. You must be present to claim prizes. Meals available.

Sunday 22nd January

Bring your own picnic lunch and tea/coffee and thermos. Rally Packs can be collected from the Tail End Charlie at the start of the rally.

8.30am Assemble on Taupo Quay, Moutua Gardens. Follow parking instructions from the Marshalls.

9.00am Safety briefing, all drivers and navigators must attend.

9.30am First vehicle away. Starting times as indicated on your rally pack. The rally will conclude at the Clubrooms, Patapu Street, Wanganui East. The Parts Shed will be open during this time.

6.00pm Pre Dinner Drinks at the Wanganui Room, Wanganui Racecourse, Purnell Street.

6.30pm Dinner and Prizegiving.

Monday 23rd January

Wellington Anniversary Run

9.00am Meet at the Cornmarket Reserve, corner of Somme Pde and Dublin Street The weekend will end with a late morning tea provided, at a special place of interest

Entries Close: 13th January 20223. No late entries accepted. Preferred method of entry is by online registration at the site bit.ly/wvccbr2023. Alternatively, by email, to wanganuirally@gmail.com or mail entry form and payment to C/- The Rally Secretary, Wanganui VCC, P O Box 726, Wanganui 4540. Bank Deposits: 03-0791-0210433-00

Drivers First Name: ______________________

Drivers Surname: ________________________ Address: _______________________________ Email: _________________________________ Mobile No: _____________________________ Navigators First Name: ____________________ Navigators Surname: _____________________ Vehicle Make: ___________________________

Model: ________________ Year: ____________

CC Rating: ____________ Rego No: __________

VCC Member No: ________________________ Class Please quote just 1 class number

SPEED MPH (Please circle)

FORM

Drivers First Name: _____________________

Drivers Surname: _______________________ Address: ______________________________ Email: ________________________________ Mobile No: ____________________________ Navigators First Name: __________________ Navigators Surname: ____________________ Vehicle Make: _________________________ Model: ______________ Year: ___________ CC Rating: ___________ Rego No: _________

VCC Member No: _______________________ Class Please quote just 1 class number

SPEED MPH (Please circle)

A: 20-30 B: 30-40

Entry Fee: Incl. one magnet Numbers attending $40.00 _________ Extra magnet $ 5.00 __________ Friday Night Meet (per person) $15.00 ________ Sunday Dinner and Prizegiving (per person) $45.00 _________

RALLY REGULATIONS

1. This rally is open to vehicles as defined in the rules of The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) 2. Eligible entrants must be current financial members of The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.), or overseas residents who are members of a recognised Antique Motoring Club. The entrant must be either the driver, rider, navigator, or passenger of the vehicle entered. Invited guests are deemed Non-Competitive and should not interfere with the competitive section of the rally. 3. Actions that may bring The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand (Inc.) into disrepute will incur disqualification. 4. Any entrant found using any electronic navigation device may be disqualified.

We prefer that you carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle.

A minimum of three entries will be required to constitute a class. If insufficient entries are received for any one class those entries may be allocated to another similar class. The exception to this is for the Veteran class.

Entrants restricted to the first 100 vehicles.

Safety briefing: Entrants must attend the pre-rally briefing at 9.00am on Sunday 22nd January

Restoration of the Year

Left: Ann and the late Charlie Bernsten’s 1930 Ford Model A 2 door. Beautifully restored mainly by member Bill James. Congratulations Ann. I bet that Charlie will be smiling over this. Voted Restoration of the Year winner.

Middle left and right: Colin Matthews saluting Mr Editor and on the right is Colin’s 1944 Willys Jeep

Bottom left and right: Bruce Thomas’s 1956 Vauxhall Cresta with a proud looking Bruce on the right

Restoration of the Year

Ted Matthews and his 1970 Ford Mustang

Peter Chapman and his 1935 Austin Ruby

Steve Campin and his 1996 Triumph Herald

Restoration of the Year-Club Night Pics

Left: 60 Year Membership Award

Presented to Ian Howell on the right, by Tony Haycock from VCC National Management. Congratulations Ian. He joined the VCC when a lad of 16 years. Easy to work out your age then! Sorry Ian.

Below: Aaron Kendrick was the lucky raffle winner. Here his Mum, Linda, collects the prize on his behalf. Congratulations Aaron.

Below are Items of Interest displayed at the Club Night. On the left is a very cool 1982 Ducati owned by Lloyd Williams.

On the right, Colin Mathews owns this impressive Browning M2 .50 cal. machine gun to go with his 1944 Willys Jeep. Colin is also a member of the Military Vehicle Club. (NZMVC) He is amassing an impression collection of military vehicles and memorabilia. Well done Colin.

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor

Meet at Mt. Lees Reserve at 11.30 am with your picnic lunch on New Years Day.

Regards Len Haycock

Manawatu Branch VCC 0272077322

PLEASE NOTE: Reminding Members that our Branch also has our annual Gumboot Rally at Taihape on New Years Day. This is a fabulous event so how about supporting Robert and his team at Taihape, as they are our members running an event for us. I have explained this to Len from Manawatu Branch and he fully appreciates this. However I have agreed to list the Manawatu event in the Rivet under Letters to the Editor to give our members an option should they not wish to travel to Taihape and have the time of their lives. Hope that you do come to the Gumboot Rally, but over to you. Editor Ian

Club Calendar

All runs meet at the Clubrooms at 1pm unless otherwise stated

December 10th Christmas Parade. Meet at Cooks St at 1pm 17th Hakeke Community Christmas party at Williams Domain 11am-2pm. VCC members and vehicles welcome.

January 1st Gumboot Rally at Taihape Memorial Park 9.30am. Bring your lunch, drinks and chairs etc. 11th Club Picnic at Clubrooms from 5.30pm

21st Wheels on Victoria Ave Park Up from 9am. Mitre 10 Classic Cruise starting 4pm at Mitre 10 22nd Cleveland Funeral Home Burma Rally 23rd Anniversary Club Run. 9am at Corn Market

February 1st Club Night 16-19th Art Deco at Napier 26th To Bruce Ardell Museum. Meet at Clubrooms

Ed Boyd Parts Shed

We have an outstanding collection of engines, gearboxes, body parts, spares, new and used, from a vast range of manufacturers. These parts span from the early 1900’s to more modern production vehicles. If you are looking for anything, large or small, to keep your car on the road call us to see if we can assist, You will find our prices unbelievable. Please call or email us:

Dave 06 347 6915 027 555 4201 whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz

Chris 06 348 7335 027 443 1184 cgandkrwhite@gmail.com

Trevor 06 345 8897 027 245 7770 lf we don’t have it, we may know someone who does!

For Sale/Wanted To Buy/Rent

Wanted: Left side body parts for a ‘83 Toyota Cressida. Does anyone know of any being wrecked? Phone 3432422 or geofferylawson@gmail.com

For Sale: 1948 Morris 8 series E. Four door sedan, ex cond. for age, steers well, working brakes, original ownership papers, spare parts, minor rust and dents, good restoration proposition, come and see it... Phone 3432422 or geofferylawson@gmail.com

For Sale: Homemade trailer just been renovated with cover Reduced to $650 for quick sale. Reg and WOF. Contact Sue Voss 3455515 or 0212966210

Wanted: 1941 Indian Motorcycle 741B parts. Contact 021335003 or 3454250 Evan Forsyth.

Wanted: NZ Number Plate with 'AZ' prefix. Contact 021335003 or 3454250 Evan Forsyth.

For Sale: 1951 Morris Minor. 2 door split screen. Stored 10 years and owned for 25 years. Totally rebuilt. Available February 2023 after re-VIN and WOF. Asking price $6000 ono

ALSO 1961 Morris Minor 4 door. Radio and heater. 1000 model. New WOF & Rego. Ready January 2023. Asking $6000. Tidy condition. Phone 027 412 3232. Member

For Sale: 2019 MG Saloon. 30,000km. As new. High spec Mk 3. Dealers offer $14500. Asking price $15000 ono. Phone 027 412 3232. Member.

ATVTNZWANGA- NUI

12noony: 8am–5pm Saturday: 8am–129 Heads Road, Wanganui Ph: 06 348 7108