Lots of new members this month, thanks to the efforts of Rod Corbett. To participate in the Targa, you have to belong to the VCC, and Rod has encouraged the following people to join our branch. So welcome to Gary Smith, John Gillman, (30 Ford Roadster, 34 Ford Tudor, 57 Fairlane), Peter Barnard & Sue Foss, (86 BMW), Mark Errington, Peter Cameron & Judith Baker, (74 MGBGT), Grant and Karen Ford, (70 E Type), Graeme Sharp and Diane Brandish, (62 Saab). Some of these people are from places north, but we hope to see you at some stage, (especially the Saab). Gavin Bain has asked me to mention the monthly gathering at the Governors Bay Hotel , from 10.30, on the first Sunday of every month. Pop over for breakfast, or coffee and quality gossip. There’s always some interesting cars too. Although when I dropped in last Sunday in James Palmers’ grey porridge Ford, which I am exercising for him while he’s in Europe, the withering scorn with which Peter Croft greeted me made me realise what I like about our branch: arrogance, car snobbery, intolerance etc, all greatly under rated attributes, some might say.
Coming Events: The Targa Time Trial: Entry forms and all other relevant details are now available, so get in touch with Rod Corbett at rcorbett@xtra.co.nz 03 423 1551, 027 4338772. There have been a good number of entries and briefings have taken place. The Balcairn Trial: Sunday July the 15th, for the annual celebration of mud, mud, glorious mud. (Please note the change of date from the 22nd.) Entry forms are available from Ron Hasell. Timetable. 8.30a.m. Scrutineering 9.15a.m. Drivers briefing 9.30a.m. Battle commences. I’m sure the Nelson contingent will be there in full force this year, and that the Bugatti replica will be fully sorted, and that an Austin or two might vanish into a deep puddle. Perhaps it’s time to bring back the river section, as the sight of a floating A7 is always a crowd pleaser. Pothunter Phil Mauger could bring out some serious earth moving gear and dig some Austin sized holes. And whatever happened to Stevie One Door? For me, it won’t be quite the same without David Banks and the ritual political abuse we exchanged. I hope Margaret might come along to continue the tradition. For those who have not been before: from the Anglers Arms Pub at Sefton, head up Pemberton road, turn right at the T junction into Marshmans Road, go straight ahead onto the shingle, turn left at the VCC sign into Flemings Road and follow the signs Breakfast is available at the farm and we would urge you to support the Flemings who provide this, as well as letting us use their farm. I think this is our Silver Anniversary, (25 years) with two generations of the Fleming family, and in this over regulated world we are very fortunate indeed that we are able to use their property. Please respect it, which means don’t hoon around in the mud like some of the Land Rover lads did last year with detrimental results to the paddock. Any questions ring Ron.
Mid Year Dinner, 17th of August, Tai Tapu Hotel. This smart soiree will kick off with drinks at 6.30, with meal orders beginning at 7.00pm. We have a room to ourselves. Because the branch has so much money and because we are always looking for ways to spend it, the meal is subsidised and the cost per person will be a mere $40 per person. For the more sophisticated amongst you who dine out regularly, you will be aware that this is very affordable, so come along and go right through the menu, with no thought to cost or an expanding