July run to Moana for a “lunch gathering” on 23rd July 2023

report & photos by Zoe Gough

The response to the run was excellent we had 40 for this lunch gathering so thank you to all who attended, especially those we do not see very often, and to those who sent apologies., do hope you got back okay Keith and Lorraine after having to cancel due to snow on the pass.

Greymouth members met, opposite Repco, and were joined by the Hokitika contingent. We set off on time and headed in convoy to Moana. The weather was good for the time of year, it was dry but a bit cold. Those who were in their non heated vehicles were prepared with rugs, warm clothing, gloves and so on. Hardy folk were Elaine and Pat in their Chrysler, without windows and Mike and Helen in their open Riley 9 brrr. (Note this Riley was home built by Mike and helpers)

We arrived on time at Moana, the sun appeared, the view across the lake and up to the snow capped mountains was a bonus. The Hotel were prepared for us as we entered into a welcoming cosy, friendly atmosphere, there was a log fire in the one dining area and our buffet lunch was set up in the other dining area. We all settled down in the comfort of the large bar where the service was efficient and friendly. Bruce went around with a small jar of assorted stones, clip board and a question “how many stones in the jar?” The winner was Russell who guessed the correct number as 122, and received a small box of chocolates.

The hotel buffet menu is not the “run of the mill food” we normally expect, nevertheless it was enjoyable and plentiful with the bonus of urn tea/coffee on tap. 2 of our members did opt to have something off the menu and said they enjoyed what they had. We started departing around 2pm to rug up and head for home. It had been a very enjoyable afternoon.

Is Dave counting the stones in the jar? If so he got it wrong! No chockies today Dave!!

Look closely you may see snow on the tops, but hey it did not bother the hardy owners of these beauties

Story behind New Front Cover layout and bit of club history –

written by Zoe Gough photos, original magazine courtesy of John Fowler

My thanks go to John for taking the time to look out and lend me a copy of our branch magazine dated 1988, when Brent Woolhouse was the editor, Stewart Nimmo Chairman, Elizabeth Baty Secretary, Tom Griffin Treasurer and S Pearson , Club Captain. You will see that it had a name ADVANCE and RETARD. I have reinstated the name as you will see from this months cover. I do hope you are happy with it, if not please let me know. Some of you may remember the original design as the minimised picture below shows, how times have changed, it used to be posted out like this, now its emailed! You will also see in our “Fair Essex“ section an original copy of a recipe from the “Ladies Section”(some things never change) taken from the same magazine. John also lent me a couple of photos showing the new club rooms being built adjacent to Shanty Town. Some of you may recognise the late Keith Baty who was one of the driving force behind it. Both he and his wife Liz put in many many hours producing and printing the branch newsletter “Advance and Retard” )using a Gestetner in the days before photo copiers. This was quite a labour intensive and time consuming task.

Editors note – thank you John for all this very interesting and useful insight into the history of the branch. I can sympathise with the newsletter part as it takes me weeks to put something together and I have the use of modern technology.

WANTED, FOR SALE, FREE

Wanted

1927 Harley Davidson Model J parts. Anything considered.

Contact Geoff (West Coast area) – 027 958 9736

For Sale

2 Tyres 25inch x 21 inch, good usable tread $200

1 Rover V8 engine less Alternator, Starter and Distributor. Make an offer? Will help with loading

Contact Nick (Reefton area annetteandnick@xtra.co.nz mobile 027 541 9296 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FREE

Set of Morris Minor RIMS with unwarrantable tyres

Contact 021 173 7518 (Hokitika area)

Windscreen and rear window thought to be for a Morris 1100

Contact Bruce in Reefton 03 7327060 or 028 408 3208

Note – now that I am putting our newsletter on the VCC website these adverts may get a wider distribution. So feel free to give me your adverts.

Fair Es(sex) section

Plus a bit of news from the 1988 magazine interesting to see that they joined up with the Rotary Club at Carter Beach!!

An outing for the Ladies to the Anne Stewart Rosebowl on Saturday 9th

September 2023 11am – 2pm at the Trinity Church Centre, Greymouth,

This is an invitation from the West Coast Women’s Institute to join them. The institute ladies will be showcasing their baking, knitting, crafts, floral etc. There will be baking for sale, a sales table(eg jams, walnuts, clothes, books etc maybe the odd plant or two) There will be several local craft stalls present.

My thanks again to Elaine for informing us of this event. SO ladies go singly or car pool and enjoy something a bit different, it may even get your creative juices flowing and give you ideas for Christmas gifts! There is also alight lunch available from 11.30 - pinwheel sandwiches, rolls,savories, cakes etc – all at a reasonable cost.