Idle Torque

A round up of events, personalities and branch gossip from VCCNZ branches around the country

ASHBURTON COLIN SWEETMAN

We welcome new members Phyl Ellis and Richard O’Reilly.

During the lockdown Peter and Larraine McQuarters were working on their 1955 Dennis F8 fire appliance. Peter is a vintage fire engine enthusiast, also owning a 1924 Model T Ford fire appliance and a 1940s Colonial Motor Company trailer pump. The Dennis F8 was ordered new for the Timaru Fire Board, and was built in Dennis’s Guildford factory in the UK, entering service in Timaru in November 1955. It was the brigade’s first fully enclosed appliance, and during its 27 years of service in Timaru became affectionately known as Old Number 2 – a dependable and faithful fire appliance. In 1982 the Dennis was transferred to the Wakefield Volunteer Brigade, before passing into private ownership, initially in Prebbleton, then Southland and back to Timaru. It has been owned for the last few decades by an ex-Timaru mayor and Fire Board member, but with this custodian now in his late 80s the baton has been passed to Peter. The F8 has not been running for a number of years, so is now undergoing remedial work on the brakes, fuel tank and cooling system. Peter and Larraine intend to fully kit out the lockers with period equipment. When finished it will be displayed at heritage vehicle events around the region, with the first objective being the Timaru Fire Brigade’s 150th celebrations in late September. We look forward to the Dennis F8 joining the 1927 Leyland and the 1953 Dennis Metz F14 100ft turntable ladder fire appliances, also owned by Ashburton members.

AUCKLAND JOHN STOKES

Motorcycles: We welcome Terry Doherty with a 1969 BSA Lightning. Douglas Ormrod has completed restoration of a 1960 Sun Wasp motor scooter.

Veteran: Phil Henley has bought the correct Rayfield carburettor for his 1913 Mitchell from the USA. Barry Birchall has

s Ashburton: Dennis F8 under tow on the Fairlie Hills.

s Auckland: Terry Doherty’s 1969 BSA Lightning.

s Auckland: Douglas Ormrod's Sun Wasp scooter.

s Auckland: Val Ball getting the Bill Shears Trophy from Royce Shears.

been fielding an enquiry about having his International High Wheeler Buggy at next year’s Art Deco Event. He also made an interesting discovery about Auckland’s Grafton Bridge. Two designs were commissioned, one in concrete and one in steel. Auckland opted for the concrete design, the steel design being given to Hamilton to become the Victoria Bridge. Denis Lowe displayed a Kingston carburettor from a 1910 Maxwell Model 25. John Morrison has bought Greg Terrill’s 1906 Cadillac. Roy Sharman produced a handbook for a 1910 Swift single cylinder.

Vintage: Peter Wood has had hubcaps cast for his 1930 Marquette.

PV P80V: Mark Heaslip has brought a Triumph Herald estate.

s Auckland: Mark Heaslip’s Triumph Herald estate.

s Auckland: Peter Woods Marquette hubcap.

General: The first post lockdown run on Sunday 1 August took us around the Franklin area. We had an entry of 12 bikes and 33 cars, including our youngest member Ben Cremers and friends in Ben’s 1935 Pontiac touring sedan. Wayne, Carrie and Eileen Roberts had the oldest vehicle, the 1924 Velie. Our postponed AGM took place in daylight for the first time in 66

years, and a new face on our committee is John Morrison. Trophies were awarded as follows; Rally Points - Ken and Annette Foot, Pride of Ownership - Michael O’Kane, Motorcycle Points - Brian King, Ladies Trophy - Annette and Ken Foot, Partners’ Trophy - Michael and Elizabeth Hilliar, Jim Lewis Rear Wheel Brake Trophy - Peter Alderdice, Bill Shears Memorial Trophy for outstanding branch service - Mrs Val Ball. Long service awards presented were; 25 years - Ian Julian and John and Dianne Poole, 35 years - Carrie Roberts and Stephen and Tracey Winterbottom. Jack Nazer is working on reorganising our spares section.

BANKS PENINSULA DON GERRARD

We welcome new member Nick Cressey with his 1935 Austin 7 Special.

Our August Night Trial attracted a dozen or so well rugged up teams with a varied selection of vehicles, including Morris 8 Sports, MGs, Jaguars, Model As, Citroen and a few moderns. Starting in just above freezing, but fine, conditions we were taken up the Pegasus Bay coast in and around Kaiapoi, Leithfield, Waikuku, and then inland using a good mixture of shingle and tarmac country roads around Balcairn and Sefton, ending at a well-known hostelry. Awards went to the Keenans (Jaguar) the Rennies (Fiat 130) and Best Endeavour to the Morrison clan in the Model A tourer.

Several teams made the journey to Nelson to compete in their annual Mud Trial in August. In slightly drier but challenging disciplines - five in total, Avon Hyde in his Austin 7 Special (Doris 2) was in great form, eventually taking out 2nd place overall, with Thomas Mauger in his similar mount ending 5th. However, the biggest accolade must go to Giles Gill, who not only piloted his 1933 Morgan three wheeler through the day’s contest, but drove his trusty steed to and from Christchurch - a bold man with Malvern magnificence?

This year’s Awards Presentation on Sunday 23 August was moved to a luncheon function at the Tai Tapu Hotel, and was very well received with over 50 members attending. Our National President Dianne Quarrie was guest of honour, and it was great to see Andrew Anderson, VCCNZ Founding and Life Member, among many other illustrious past award recipients. The three 50-Year Awards this year were presented to John Ferguson, Clint Inns and Tom Cloudsley, although Tom’s health unfortunately prevented him from attending. The fourth recipient of an Award was Richard Foster for his 60 Years dedication, to which he and wife Kate gave a most suitable reply and thanks to the branch. It was encouraging to see the families of those awarded in attendance, which bodes well for the future of the branch.

We say farewell to Merv Rowe who passed away suddenly last month. His knowledge, enthusiasm and service to the branch, together with his exploits in his self-constructed AML racecar will be missed. Our condolences to his family.

BAY OF PLENTY DONN WHITE

The fluctuating levels of Covid-19 lock down have affected our plans considerably in recent weeks. Full marks go to our committee for keeping the lines of communication open, and having the ability to think outside of the square when sudden changes to fixtures have to be announced. We have managed to keep up a good level of camaraderie, what with breakfasts, movie nights at Rialto Cinema (albeit with some social distancing) and some low key runs in the region. Unfortunately events on a larger scale involving other branches, such as a combined planned run with Waikato and a speed event at Bruce McLaren Motor Sport Park at Taupo, have had to be shelved meantime.

This year has been a milestone one for long time member Maurice (Morrie) Nottle. Sixty years have passed since he joined our branch. Morrie explained that he is almost a founding member - but not quite. He was aware of the fledgling activity concerning our branch in 1958 but he did not actually join up until 1960. At a recent Club Night a formal acknowledgment was made concerning the six decades that Morrie and his wife have been associated with the VCC. Over that time Morrie has been very involved with Club activities and is one of our former Branch Chairmen.

CANTERBURY TONY BECKER

At our delayed Branch AGM there was a lively discussion about our necessarily modified motoring and social activities. The effective loss of The Hub magazine as we knew it, created concern, as did our ageing membership. Past Chairman John Coomber expressed the need for new and younger members to gain a sense of belonging. The valued services of John and committee members were acknowledged with applause and gratitude. Most key people, such as Secretary Rod Thrower and Treasurer Kevin Sarjeant, were re-elected unopposed, to the relief of everyone. Newly elected ¨young blood¨ Katryna Shaw was welcomed on to the main committee and Ross Butler became our new chairman. Still missing a Club Captain of course. The AGM’s attendance of 82 from our Branch’s 1300 members was disappointing. We were shocked to learn that the annual cost of printing, packaging and posting The Hub magazine monthly is now close to the total income of our Annual Swap meet, and therefore quite unsustainable. An interim online newsletter version, as well as limited printed copies for no-computer members, has been adopted. The popular new “Old Cars Bikes and Coffee” monthly event was well attended in July, however level 2 Covid-19 rules spoiled any chance of an August repeat. The annual National Daffodil Rally was also cancelled. The Motorcycle Section was able to complete much of its programme and the 9-90s midweekers group escaped lockdown. Colin Hey’s Swap Meet Committee has made the difficult decision to cancel our long running swapmeet for this year.

CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY JOHN FOOT

Our AGM was held at Oruawharo reception centre, and there were only two changes to committee. Lynn Cross stepped down as Chair to be replaced by Bruce Poole, and Ruth Parker also stood down to be replaced by Neil Malcolm. The meeting and dinner were attended by 41. Two 35-year badges were presented, with National President Diane Quarrie presenting one to myself (John Foot) and in return I had much pleasure in presenting Diane Quarrie with her own 35-year badge.

The 26th July midyear Xmas dinner was organised by Dannevirke residents Laurie and Gloria Malcolmsen. The event started with a visit to a collection of high performance Ford cars, one of which was an ex-Dick Johnson Bathurst race car. The dinner was at Merrylees Hotel in Dannevirke, and was attended by 35 members. The twilight/night rally was held on Saturday 8 August, with 20 cars out, including three from Hawke’s Bay Branch. The first section took us out through the Ashley Clinton area to Takapau for a refreshment break at the Takapau RSA. The second section took us to the east of Waipukurau to finish up 10 kilometres

sBanks Peninsula: John & Christine Ferguson 50

Year Award presented by Dianne Quarrie.

sBanks Peninsula: Clint Inns receives his 50 Year

Award.

s Banks Peninsula: The Foster family with their well-travelled 1923 Humber 18/8 Roadster.

sBanks Peninsula: Kate & Richard Foster, 60 Year

Award recipient.

sBanks Peninsula: Clint Inns with his very desirable Series

One E-Type Jaguar Hardtop.

s Bay of Plenty: At a recent breakfast venue, a bevy of cars basks in the winter sunshine. These include a 1970 Austin 1800 Utility, 1968 Morris 1100, 1959

Jaguar XK 140 and a 1930 Ford Model A. (Donn White Photo)

s Banks Peninsula: A Ferguson family affair with their 1936 Rolls Royce 25/30 HP Gurney Nutting Limousine.

s Central Hawke’s Bay: Mid winter Christmas dinner.

s Bay of Plenty: Sixty years have passed since Morrie

Nottle joined the VCC BOP branch. That milestone was acknowledged at a recent monthly Club Night meeting. Pictured is our Chairman - Ken Frew,

Morrie, and Val Nottle, and Northern Region Club

Captain - Kaaren Smylie. (Paul Beck Photo)

s Eastern Bay of Plenty: Night Owl start.

s Eastern Bay of Plenty: Bevan’s Regal.

s Eastern Bay of Plenty: Night Owl winners Brian and

Janette Milner.

s Far North: Club Captain Warren Mackay, Clubman of the year Ruth Reid, Chairman Win Matthews. s Gisborne: Landrover and Unimog: A long wheelbase

Landrover and an ex-Army Unimog were among the entrants at the Gisborne Rally.

s Far North: Military and commercial vehicles.

s Hawke’s Bay: 1947 Lea Francis sports special, Hawkes Bay Restoration Run.

s Gisborne: The big and the small enjoyed the run to

Tolaga Bay.

s Hawke’s Bay: Winter Decodence in July. s Hawke’s Bay: Paul with his 1913 Fabrique Nationale project, Hawkes Bay.

s Gisborne: Australia, Britain and the United States united for the Daffodil Rally for Cancer Day in

Gisborne. s Hawke’s Bay: Dot Harris receives her 35 year badge at our AGM.

from Waipawa at River Park Event Centre for dinner and prizegiving.

EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY BRUCE SEDDON

Harry and Gay Sutcliffe have started organising a mid-month/mid-week run for those who don’t have employment responsibilities. The concept has caught on, and we have had some grand outings. The first trip was lightly attended, but worked out well as it was a sunny autumn day. The route started at Kawerau, travelled to Matata, then over the hills via Manawahe to the lakes, with lunch at Okere Falls. The next month’s mid-week run was from Whakatane to Opotiki via Ohope, with seven cars gathering at Hikuwai Beach to enjoy a picnic lunch. The return trip included a stop in Opotiki’s shopping hub, and the scenic route back through Taneatua. The following month’s run was from Awakeri (10kms south of Whakatane) to Murupara, Waiotapu, Rotorua and home. About a dozen cars made the run and enjoyed another breakout from winter and pandemic restrictions. Clearly Harry and Gay have found a format that is appealing to branch members.

Our annual Night Owl Rally became a day rally because of foul weather on the original date. It was slightly different, and got some of us confused at times, but we all got to the finish point at the Thornton Beach Domain for afternoon tea and prize giving. Winners were Brian and Janette Milner, two of our newer members from Opotiki. Having this rally in the daytime received favourable comments, and this may be repeated in future. New members Bevan and Rebecca Lange with their two children were also on the rally in their very tidy 1963 Valiant Regal.

We managed to get our AGM and associated potluck dinner completed before Covid pandemic restrictions were re-imposed.

FAR NORTH DAVE DUIRS

At our annual dinner and awards night our Clubman of the Year award went to Ruth Reid for so efficiently keeping us posted with events, crises and newsy bits.

Recently a large group visited Peter and Judith Matthews’ collection of very well restored commercial vehicles, many of which served in the Far North way back. Their collection of mainly Ford cars are in pristine condition, reflecting the high standard of care. There was much discussion on the remarkable morning visit during lunch at an Awanui café on the water.

Fathers’ Day run began at Mason’s Panel Beaters where we learned a lot about the skills of restoration. A ’23 Minerva and ‘20s Isotta-Fraschini being totally rebuilt from chassis up certainly demonstrated Vince’s skills. From there a leisurely drive over the hills to Ahipara reminded us just how special it is up here. High up on the hill, looking out on to the Tasman and way up 90 mile beach.

A mid-day luncheon run out to Sharpe’s hilltop home overlooking the Bay of Islands brought some old cars out and we mingled with some folk we hadn’t seen for a while.

The above events have all been well attended and reflect the focus we are having on simpler, more social events which we hope will encourage more participation of folks and vehicles.

GISBORNE RODNEY CLAGUE

As noted in the report on page 34 of this issue, our Daffodil Rally For Cancer attracted 56 vehicles for a run to Tolaga Bay. The main street was taken up with vehicles as the owners and passengers enjoyed a cup of coffee or an ice cream and a chat for an hour or so before returning home.

We are looking forward to hosting the Eastern Bay of Plenty Branch for our Annual Inter-Branch visit on 6/7/8 November, and to visiting the Tahaenui Christmas Fete at Nuhaka on November 22.

Our branch has been offered a freestanding mezzanine floor to replace our existing one, which was erected in the late ‘60s, using the floor from a demolished schoolroom as the basis. It has become quite cramped, and although it has served its purpose well, the time has come when we need to clear the floor of all the parts and stack them elsewhere while we demolish the old floor so that the new one can be erected in its place.

Have you tried us for that elusive part you are seeking? We have motors, gearboxes, differentials, steering boxes, starter motors and generators, mudguards, bonnets, and a myriad of other stuff. We need your help by purchasing parts so that we don’t have to put them back on the shelves after the new floor is erected. See our adverts in the Market Place column for contact details.

GORE JIM MCFADZIEN

Top marks must go to Katy and John Parish for this year’s Night Trial. Participants had to find and record all of the children’s playgrounds in Gore, yes the whole 16 of them, no wonder some kids are late home.

Two carloads had the correct number but were in modern vehicles, which excluded them from the trophy. It was taken by Evan Henderson, who managed to get his MK 2 Jaguar slow enough for his son Mark to record 14 playgrounds, and thereby win the trophy. Supper back at the clubrooms, then a video about Len Southward and his world class museum at Paraparaumu, north of Wellington.

Our AGM was a carbon copy of last year, a report from our building committee told us about the usual wait on consents for any action.

Gore is host to this year’s National Veteran Rally. Convenor Paul Herron reported on good entries, even at this stage. The rally will be held from 16 to 18 October.

HAWKE’S BAY HELEN BALL

July, and with a lucky blue window in an otherwise miserable day, 17 cars travelled through Napier CBD on the Winter Decodence Run out to Old Park Island Cemetery, which has the massed grave and memorial to victims of the 1931 earthquake. Questions along the way kept passengers occupied, and the finish was at our clubrooms.

Fifty-five members attended our branch AGM in August, with the changes to committee being Steve Donovan coming in as Chair, Trevor Charman as Club Captain, and Esther Smith on committee. One of several awards that evening was a 35 years badge to Dot Harris. A couple of days later we had our Restoration Run, a real back to nuts and bolts viewing at four local sheds. An impressive 37 cars were on the outing. First stop was a collection of Wim Hulman’s Auburns, the pride being a newly painted 1936 654. A 1929 8-90 Phaeton and 4.8 litre Lycoming engine also sparked interest. Paul Anderson’s 1913 Fabrique National, Type 1950, was definitely nuts and bolt. With only three known to be in New Zealand, Paul’s one started life as a tourer, was converted to a utility and used as a milk float in Taradale before becoming a saw bench. After various owners, his three-year project is to bring it back to all its glory.

s Horowhenua: Dan with his Holden V8.

s Horowhenua: Mark’s workshop.

s Horowhenua: 1914 Overland axle looking for a new home.

s Manawatu: Cars parked up at the clubrooms before the August Post Covid-19 Rally – first Rally after lockdown.

sManawatu: Cortina, MG BGT, 1906 Cadillac & Austin A40 –Parked up at the

Cheltenham Pub lunch stop on the Post Covid-19 Rally. s Marlborough: Carole and Phil Taylor with the Fortitude Trophy (motorcycle section.).

s Marlborough: Tony Pyne receives his 50 year badge from ex-VCC Secretary

Treasurer, Michael Lavender.

sManawatu: Lined up at Bulls ready to depart on a run to Wanganui for Neil Farrer’s birthday celebrations. sNorth Otago: Garage raid 1958 Wolseley under restoration.

Richard Anderson has a 1947 Lea Francis sports special, of which there are only five in New Zealand, and a 1930 Roesch Talbot AO 70 on the go, 60 built mainly for export, and only three in New Zealand.

Grahame Smith’s long term project taking a box of parts to completion has his 1935 Humber Snipe 80 taking shape.

HOROWHENUA BOB BARTON

On Sunday 25 July we had a good turnout for our first run after the Covid 19 lockdown. More than 65 members came out to play. This was our “day time” Night Owl Run, done during the day to get us back into the swing of things. The winner was Andrew Judd in his Valiant, and it will be his turn to organise next year’s run.

Our AGM on 5 August attracted 60 members, and most committee positions were filled except for the secretary’s.

Mark Morgan has located a 1914 Overland axle, gear box and drive shaft, retrieved from a river. If anyone is interested please contact the branch and we will put you in touch. Mark at the moment is restoring a Chev for a customer, and his son Daniel is restoring a Holden V8 304 ci engine.

Our next trip out on 16 September is to the Linton Army Camp near Palmerston North to visit their spectacular private museum and church. We are really looking forward to it.

MANAWATU BRYAN ABRAHAM

What a relief to get out of lockdown and back into our vintage cars for club outings.

The first run after lockdown saw new members Nina and Christian Hayes join us in their very nice green Austin A40 Devon. Nearly 50 people turned up for that outing which took us on a pleasant drive on country roads through Opiki to the Murrayfield Café on SH57 just south of Shannon.

With gatherings again allowed the branch held its overdue AGM, and now has a new committee in place for 2020/21.

After meeting up at Bulls, the July run took members north to meet with Wanganui Branch members at their clubrooms for afternoon tea. The occasion was Wanganui member Neil Farrer’s birthday, and it was a well-attended and very sociable outing.

August was a sad month for the Manawatu Branch with the passing of Dave Williams. Dave had been a VCC member for nearly 50 years, and was a well-respected and active member at both local and national levels.

Having missed out on the opportunity to hold our Post Vintage and Twilight Rallies earlier in the year, a Post Covid-19 Rally was put together for August and took a good number of cars and members out over quite a few unsealed roads in the Pohangina area to a roast lunch at the Cheltenham Pub. The afternoon section was on sealed roads through Halcombe, Sanson and Rongotea and back to the clubrooms for afternoon tea.

MARLBOROUGH CARROLL WIBLIN

We have enjoyed some freedom from restrictions over the last few weeks and I think the majority of us have made the most of it. Our branch has a good number of retirees, so mid-week outings are proving popular.

July saw a number of members heading for Pelorus Bridge to meet up with the Nelson Branch for a picnic lunch and a “good ol’ catch-up”. The weather was kind, and the 14 vehicles and about 30 people had a very enjoyable day.

The run to Lower Wairau was to hear Barry Holdaway, a local historian, give a talk about the period of the Moa Hunters through to Te Rauparaha’s influence in the 1820s to 1840s and the Wairau Affray in 1843, and of the fledgling capital of the Marlborough Province at the Wairau Bar, and its decline because of two seismic events and better transport. There were 28 vehicles on the run and 54 people. A great turnout.

Our annual prizegiving function was held at the Woodbourne Tavern, with the Concours Trophy going to Dave Kemp for his beautifully restored Morris. The Mortimer Trophy for runner-up went to Kelly and Janice Landon-Lane. The Lady’s Trophy was won by Dale Nicholas for her efforts in the kitchen, and for organising events such as the monthly Noggin ‘n’ Natter.

The motorcycle section is increasing in popularity. They accept non-members on runs and this has resulted in a few new members.

NORTHLAND TREVOR REILLY

Our August run was set by a long serving local member, with the end of the run to be at a food eatery. The planned course

s North Otago: garage raid 1923 Diatto Tipo20S,

Targar Floroi, 1913 DeDion Bouton, 1923

Ansalsdo Tipo6a Torpedo

became a difficult exercise when the first road sign board was missing. The locals knew the road’s name, but others participants, newish to the area and following the written instructions religiously, carried on for a considerable time before realising that they had missed the turn. The usual map carried in the car was at home, after a clean out in preparation for the run. Still, those members who knew the way arrived safely and enjoyed the get together over the meal, while the lost ones drove to town to enjoy a lonesome meal. Lesson learned - do not forget the map, follow a local if possible, have contact phone numbers on instruction sheets, praise the organiser for setting an interesting run and blame the local road authority for their lack of maintenance.

The new branch committee is in place, and with some new members on board there will be another interesting year ahead.

The 48th Far North Tour is plotted, meals arranged, and depending on the Government’s response to Covid-19, the tour is set for the early November date.

NORTH OTAGO DEREK BREHAUT

Our first event post lockdown was a garage raid, an annual event hosted by Ashburton, South Canterbury, Waimate and North Otago branches on a rotational basis. This year it was North Otago’s turn, and with eight garages to see, and a healthy turnout in excess of 110 participants, all

s North Shore: Cars at Shelley Beach.

s North Shore: The slightly sad Dennis fire pump

s Northland: Variety through the years.

s Northland: Model A regular.

s Northland: regular Austin 7 entry

s North Shore: Kevin Lord’s Ford Thunderbird – winner of Restoration of the Year.

s Rotorua: David Tomlinson addressing s Rotorua: Not quite a Le Mans start, but the members prior to August run. Austin 7 first away on the August run.

s South Canterbury:

Bob Hopper’s 1938 Buick Special displayed at the

South Canterbury

American Car Club’s

Independence Day show.

South Canterbury: Gavin Ladbrook, Donald Campbell and Dave Diamond studying a Ford V8 set up ready to run at one of the visits on the Oamaru Garage Raid. s

was set for a busy day. Participants were split into four groups, each with their own instructions which had them attending four garages in the morning and four in the afternoon. Each group started at different venues to allow plenty of room and minimise parking issues. Lunch on these affairs is a long standing tradition of Pea, Pie and Spud, this year served up at the North Otago clubrooms, and by all accounts it went down well. There was a varied selection of vehicles and other memorabilia on display, ranging from veteran through to post ‘60s, with motorbikes and railway engines thrown in just to mix things up. One of the venues had a V8 Pilot motor running on a stand. The sound of a V8 flathead idling away brought back a few memories for those attending, as quite a few stories of younger days spent with these machines were heard during the lunch break.

NORTH SHORE RICHARD BAMPTON

North Shore VCC was saddened to learn of the passing of John Tombs, a well-liked committee member and regular attendee at restoration Thursdays, who will be missed by all his friends at the club.

A fantastic milestone was reached in July when over 50 members and guests turned up for the regular Thursday morning restoration session and working bee to keep the club looking good.

At the recent AGM there were a few changes, with Chairman Kevin Lord being replaced by new Chairman Tony Sparkes. Committee member Clive Sandham retired and new committee members Ray Jackson, Peter Lloyd, Mike Swanton and Arnold Van Zon were elected, with Paul Collins and Stuart Battersby being elected as Club Captain and Delegate respectively. Twenty-five year badges were awarded to Neville Gregory, and John and Carol Reeves, while Peter Aitken received his 35 year badge. Murray and Alice Ransfield were awarded the Club Captain’s Cup, Most Enthusiastic Member was Bruce Pitcher, and Kevin Lord won the Restoration of the Year for his Ford Thunderbird.

The July run through rural roads saw 12 cars and 20 members enjoying lunch at Shelly Beach. Although billed as the Fish and Chip run it was noted that only a minority partook of that particular dish.

The arrival of a Dennis fire pump that will be towed behind the club fire truck was met with either enthusiasm for another demanding restoration project, or disbelief that the machine that arrived looked in rather worse condition than the photograph we had been shown earlier. But, as fire pump project leader Bruce Pitcher remarked, “it will soon buff up”. A new axle has been fabricated and it is looking better already.

OTAGO MARION McCONACHIE

Although branch news has been silent through this media recently, it doesn’t mean that we have been in total isolation. As soon as the Covid levels dropped our members were out and about again, starting with a Sunday afternoon tea run to Moeraki Boulders, with a good number bringing out their vintage vehicles. We had a combined midweek run and lunch with South Otago Branch members. The Wednesday morning group has seen an increase in numbers attending these gatherings, as it seems a number of our members have chosen to retire or reduce their working hours over recent months.

Last Friday of the month has seen a good selection of guest speakers. Bob Woodford gave us some interesting history about businesses in the lower Octagon in the ‘60/’70s. Another was a demonstration and talk on hot water engines.

We had good support from members in their VCC eligible vehicles to help deliver Daffodils for the Cancer Society in August – sadly it was agreed not to pursue the Rally for Cancer due this year. Hopefully next year this will be back.

The Annual GM Night Rally we host for the Vauxhall Club drew about 25 crews to cruise beside the Otago Habour, which was picture perfect with reflections of lights on the still water. Stewart Hewson in his Austin Chummy took on the challenge, hood down and without a navigator – he did good time and managed to complete the circuit.

The 1939 Norton International 490 owned by Bill Veitch gained the Graham Dalton Cup – for Motorcycle Restoration of the year.

Planning continues for our Dunvegan Rally and Taieri Tour.

ROTORUA RONALD MAYES

Our postponed night run took place on 11 July. First course of dinner (pea, pie, potato – beautiful) at the clubrooms, then off we went in search of 17 sheets of paper attached to various buildings around town, each bearing a large letter. One had vanished from the wall of a grocery shop, and locals were wondering what was going on with the occupants of old cars searching high and low around the area. Back to the clubrooms for dessert and the instruction to make up the letters (the missing one supplied to us) into a Beaded Wheels headline. “Swapmeets & Rallies” was the answer. Gloria Mayes came up with that title, so she and the writer will have the task of preparing next year’s rally.

The mid-weekers’ July run had a good number of cars on the road, with participants enjoying the drive around the lakes and over the Rotoma hills to a country cafe lunch stop.

Chairman David Tomlinson prepared the August run, commencing at his workshop and shed in Ngongotaha – great to see so many enthusiastic members taking part, both old hands and new recruits. Pleasant driving in the country lanes west and north of town and some tricky questions to answer, while David and Fleur were preparing an excellent lunch for us to enjoy amongst their fleet of RRs and other treasures.

Finally, masks and social distancing were the order of the day on 25 August for daffodil deliveries for the Cancer Society. Eleven cars on the road and each had 50 bunches of flowers to deliver to various residences and businesses.

SOUTH CANTERBURY SHANNON STEVENSON

A number of members took part in July’s South Canterbury American Car Club’s Independence Day Show at Southern Trust Events Centre.

The July mid-week run attracted 15 vehicles, the run taking members through the Taiko region to reach O’Neills Reserve near Cave.

The AGM took place on 6 August. Presentations were to the following: 25 year badge: Ray Harkness, Lindsay McKenzie, Phil O’Brien, Peter Casey. 35 year badge: John Lester, Allan Edmonston, Stewart Frew, Kelvin Marriott, Dave Toomey, Les Wenlock.

Miles Winter and Ross Walkinshaw have stepped down from their positions on the committee, while John Lester has joined. Pauline Young has been appointed as secretary, other members retaining their positions. Swap meet committee members have retained their roles from the previous year.

s Southland: Photos from the annual Switzers run. Waikaia (formerly known as Switzers) is a former gold mining town nestled between the Garvie and Umbrella mountains 54km from Gore. This event has participants from all over Southland heading off from their various home bases to congregate at Waikaia township in Northern Southland. A great opportunity for our motorcyclists to get together and swap a yarn (or two).

s Taupo: Daffodil Rally briefing

s Taupo: Happy Taupo recipients of fresh daffodils

s Taupo: Taupo treasurer Maureen Ransley about to deliver daffodils

s Taupo: Tony Mannington heading off for the Taupo Daffodil Rally.

s The magnificent 1918 Cadillac

Landau owned and restored by Keith and Chrissy Steele of

Hawera.

s Taranaki: Keith Steele sitting in the chauffeur’s driving seat of his 1918

Cadillac Landau. s Taranaki: 1905 Fowler 18 ton steam traction engine owned by the Lintern family of Hawera is fully restored, and takes two hours to get steamed up ready to go.

s Wairarapa: Paul Furkert logged 40 untroubled miles on his Trojanpowered bicycle.

A mid-week run took place on 13 August, taking 19 participants southwest of Timaru in the direction of the Hunters Hills, with a picnic held at Mt Nimrod.

The re-emergence of Covid-19 placed a dampener on a number of events, notably the cancellation of the Annual Quiz Evening with Ashburton, and the Daffodil Rally for Cancer. These events will return in 2021.

A number of our members participated in the late August deliveries of daffodils around the Timaru area, supporting the Cancer Society.

For the weekend of 11/12/13 December Alistair Day and supporters are organising a Three Day Rally starting from Timaru, the route taking participants via Cromwell and Dunedin.

SOUTHLAND RUSSELL MCIVOR

A smaller number of members were at our AGM. The branch is financially viable with assistance from the Saturday evening bar and parts sheds sales. Two of our assets are the 1906 Darracq service car and 1920 Chalmers fire tender. We recently donated a sum to the Southland Charity Hospital for materials and equipment. Our details are shown on a plaque.

Our library was previously a reference library but is now a lending library with over 2,000 books and magazines. Our librarian, Roy Shanks, and members recently catalogued about 100 motorcycle magazines from club members’ estates. The road test has been noted with the model in each magazine.

Our branch has been given the okay to hold the 2023 National Motorcycle Rally in Invercargill.

The ever-popular mid-week rally attracted 42 people in 11 cars. They travelled to Mataura Island, a forestry block, then the Southern Scenic Route, with lunch at the Tokonui Hotel.

Unfortunately, we had to postpone our auction night because of Covid-19 and it will be held at a later date. Our parts guys, whose collection is bulging at the seams, are having sale day prices on veteran parts with 10% discounts on other items. Sounds like Briscoes.

The branch membership has increased noticeably lately with many being motorcycle owners.

s Wairarapa: A family outing, Ian Hamilton and daughter Ellen.

s Wairarapa: Sunshine meant mud-free motoring on grass at the Stewart farm.

TARANAKI COLIN JOHNSTON

Our branch is saddened by the passing of Tiddley Cox, who was a really likeable character and a great supporter of our branch, and this was evident at his funeral with a large guard of honour. Tiddley and his wife Rose enjoyed all club activities, and they were often seen driving and enjoying his LHD Ford Model A. His friendship and participation will be missed, and we send our sincere sympathy to Rose and all the family.

A garage raid into the South Taranaki area was well supported, and members were treated to some eye opening restorations. Keith and Chrissy Steele have just completed restoration of their very rare 1918 Cadillac V8 landau. It has already been used in a film that is being shot in the South Island. The sectioned-off passenger compartment complements the chauffeur’s driving compartment, and it is truly a magnificent example of this period of vehicle. Another shed belonged to member Brian Morris, with five different Vauxhall cars, including a 1938 Vauxhall 25 under restoration, and Bedford trucks. On to another shed owned by the Lintern family. We were treated to a huge 1905 Fowler 18 ton traction engine, which tows a trailer to give over 30 people a ride behind this beautifully restored and operating black beauty, all shining paintwork and pin-stripes. The final shed housed Stuart Craig’s Citroen collection and workshop.

TAUPO NEIL CHAVE

With the lockdown now behind us the Taupo branch was able to hold its AGM, with a new and experienced team appointed to the key positions of chairman, secretary and club captain. We were keen to get our branch events back on course, but because of the shift back to level two our annual Quiz Night was regrettably cancelled. Although the VCC national plan for the Daffodil Rally was

cancelled this year the Taupo branch did run a local event, and this was the biggest turnout we have had since the rally began. We undertook sponsored advertising, and this, along with other car clubs getting involved, meant that our car park was full, with an estimated 70+ cars joining in the fund raiser. Cars left Taupo, and headed south towards Turangi, with various stops on the way for afternoon tea. Those that made it all the way were entertained at the Cadillac Café, with the owners providing a rock ‘n’ roll dancing demonstration. With the support of the ANZ Bank in matching our donations we have raised around $1,800 for the local Cancer Society. The branch also managed the deliveries of fresh daffodils to local businesses, and about 20 members arrived early on the Monday prior to Daffodil Day to deliver the bunches.

WAIKATO HUGH MCINALLY

The branch is starting to get back to normality with club nights filling up (not over a 100 of course) and a new revised coming events schedule has been produced for the rest of the year and beyond. Fingers crossed that the branch can, hopefully, complete all the events outlined while dealing with the current Covid 19 environment.

By the time this goes to print the club will have had the AGM. There are a number of our members who have indicated that they are stepping down this year, so the new committee will see many new faces. New faces, new ideas?

Due to Covid 19 impacting all our lives the club had no choice but to cancel this year’s planned Daffodil Day as the country moved back up to level 2. It was decided that there must be some way that the branch could help towards gathering donations for the Cancer Society that didn’t involve breaking any level 2 rules. After much discussion, a Shiny Parts Auction in the clubroom was voted on. All auction items were donated by members with the club offering to go dollar for dollar with a limit of a $1000 donated by the branch. The evening was limited to a 100 members etc. A professional auctioneer donated his time to run the auction. What an evening. After much bidding with members sometimes buying their own donated items back with much laughter the evening was over. The Treasurer did the total up and over $2,000 was raised. Well done everyone.

WAIMATE ANN HIND

Our branch celebrated Henry Ford’s birthday by holding a get together at the Waimate clubrooms on 2 August. There was a presentation given followed by viewing of two highly informative videos on the life and history of Henry Ford and the development of the Ford Company. Afterwards a delicious afternoon tea was served, which was enjoyed by all.

It is hoped this will become an annual event with different speakers to provide presentations to those in attendance

WAIRARAPA KEVIN BALL

Two gambles during winter paid off big time for the Wairarapa Branch. On 26 July we scheduled two garage raids, one urban and one rural, and on 23 August we went ahead with our Daffodil Rally, despite rotten weather in the lead-up. We were blessed with fine weather and a bunch of fun at both venues.

New member Brendon Odell introduced us to his prized collection of DKW mini-cars at his Masterton home. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the marque and shared that with the occupants of around 20 cars. DKW is a German car and motorcycle marque, that was one of the four companies that formed Auto Union in 1932 and hence is an ancestor of the modern day Audi. After morning tea we headed out into the country to the farming property of Ian Stewart. For some time he collected Bedford vans, 17 of them at one point in time. However, interest focused on souvenirs of Ian’s long sojourn in the United States where he drove trucks and tractors. The vehicles include a 1981/82 Corvette, an original 1947 straight-six Chevrolet coupe, and a caravan which he hauled 6500 miles around the US behind a Buick convertible.

The sun shone again for the Daffodil Rally, which took around 50 cars for a grand tour of Wairarapa towns. Organiser Val Ball was delighted with the $800 raised for the Cancer Society. Cars ranged from a Rolls-Royce and a Bentley to a handful of MGs and Escorts. At the other end of the scale were two huge Impalas.

Plans are well advanced for the National Motorcycle Rally, which will be staged by the branch in March next year.

WANGANUI TONI JENKINS

Our treasurer, Neil Farrer, has celebrated a significant birthday recently, and this celebration included our club. The monthly Sunday run in July was rescheduled to Saturday and a beautiful cake was prepared by Siobhan Pitkethly. Neil set us a lovely run up the gravel roads of Whanganui and we had a fantastic afternoon. Many people came to enjoy Neil’s event, and to witness him actually part with some of his money. He generously shouted the whole club afternoon tea.

Marion Johnson, who is the Immediate Past Governor of Rotary NZ, spoke at the August club meeting. She presented a riveting talk including many pictures of her travels around the world as the Governor. Sue Voss also received her 35 year membership badge, congratulations.

Whanganui hosted the National VCC Executive and AGM meetings in August, and members were very supportive of this event. Many used their cars to ferry guests to points of interest, including the viewing of Rick Dennison’s Warnock Warehouse car collection and the Harding’s aircraft hanger display.

The annual Shiny Parts Auction was held on 2 September. Huge thanks to all who donated goods to the auction and to those who came and bid on the items. Our coffers were improved by nearly $1200. Our professional auctioneer was not able to attend due to Covid restrictions, and so two members (Linda and Peter) stepped up and did such a good job the committee plans to continue with member auctioneers.

WELLINGTON RAY BETTERIDGE

I’ve always thought the Highland Fling a bit challenging in all ways, but I was disappointed when the “non-bagpipe” Taihape version had to be abandoned this year. What a relief to learn that Kaaren and Alastair have had the tenacity to give it a go next year.

Things are slowly cranking up in Wellington, and in July the Lady’s Rally became a low-key run in the Western Hills then out to Eastbourne, with Colin and Jocelyn White taking the honours.

With the Daffodil Day events cancelled our team cobbled together a tour. People drove the Akatarawa Rd to Staglands for coffee. After a break they continued through Waikanae to go to Queen Elizabeth Park. We had a lunch in the buildings before we were treated to a tour

s Wellington: Steve talking about this $1m tramcar restoration.

s Wellington: Three Vauxhalls and an eclectic mix of others.

s Wellington: A lovely Fargo towers over a Rover.

s Wellsford/Warkworth: Left and below - a visit to the Malvern Morgan factory.