Bleat Editor Joyce Calder joycecalder@gmail.com
1935 Driving Test
1935 in England there were 2.4 million vehicles on the road that has risen to 42 million today. About 7,000 people died in traffic accidents in 1935. In the year ending June 2024, there were 1,607 fatalities, a decline of 2 per cent compared with the previous year. The average price of petrol was 18p, 90 years ago today it has soared to £5.18. The first Highway Code booklet was published in 1931 the 1935 copy ran to only 24 pages. The current version is 172 pages and available in various formats. The average pass rate for the driving test in 1935 was 63 per cent, today it has fallen to 47 per cent.
When Mr RE Beere left home on 16 March, 1935, he could have had no idea that his name would one day become a footnote in motoring history. Likely starting the day with a hearty breakfast and listening to the BBC National Programme on the wireless, he must have sneaked a final look at the new Highway Code and then bravely set out across London. It was a Saturday in Kensington and Mr Beere, having read that the Ministry of Transport would implement a compulsory driving test on 1st June, hoped to beat the rush by sitting a voluntary test instead. He had paid his 7s 6d the only issue now was finding the examiner. There were no test centres in 1935, so candidates often met a man from the ministry outside a pub or railway station. The public was naturally nervous about the introduction of the new test but road deaths had soared and Ramsay MacDonald’s government took decisive action. To quell fears, Ford drafted in landspeed record-holder and Sir Malcolm Campbell to narrate a public information film With perfect enunciation, Sir Malcolm offered a few tips. “A good start increases the possibility of a good finish! it is an examination, not an inquisition. Avoid the perils of a jerky start and never drive like this chap”, he intoned, and, “Remember, don’t flick your cigarette ash outside, it’s very misleading to other motorists.” Although you might expect significant developments over time, the 1935 exam wasn’t much different from today’s. The theory test wasn’t introduced until 1996, but 90 years ago candidates still had to make a hill start, conduct an emergency stop and know the Highway Code, including whip signals given by the driver of a horse-drawn carriage. It’s unlikely any motorist who sat the test in 1935 is still alive, so to relive the experience I’ve donned sensible driving gloves and borrowed a car from the British Motor Museum at Gaydon in Warwickshire. Beside me was Andy Nixon, a senior examiner for road safety charity RoSPA.
1935 Driving Test
The former traffic officer for West Midlands Police has every car and motorcycle advanced qualification known to humanity, including commendations. Our Rover 12 dating from 1935 is part of the permanent collection at the museum and carries a fresh MoT. As our stand-in examiner, at least Nixon’s 6ft 2in, 19st frame is easy to find in the car park. To shoehorn him into the cosy passenger seat, first we need to lower the hood. Fortunately, Nixon doesn’t have to squeeze behind the steering wheel because that would require removing the driver’s seat squab.
And the test begins, despite Nixon’s not inconsiderable proportions on my left, I note the Rover is drifting right towards the oncoming traffic, or in the general direction of Birmingham. While I’ve passed the eyesight test, the steering is best described as blurry. A fourspeed “crash” gearbox is making life miserable without synchromesh but the four-cylinder engine still happily chugs through the countryside at a comfortable 50mph on the flat. Hills, admittedly, demand more legwork, plus verbal encouragement for the 1,496cc engine and a crunching gear-change down to third.
My examiner Nixon isn’t saying much he tells me later that driving without a safety belt makes him feel uncomfortable. Clipboard in hand, he also talks in examiner-speak. “I want you to continue straight ahead unless traffic signs direct you otherwise.” I reassure him that I was a member of the Tufty road safety club and passed first time, although that wasn’t in a vintage car with directional issues.
Basic competence
The original 1935 test lasted 30 minutes and candidates simply had to prove they were competent drivers. As Nixon explains, a key part of the exam was the correct use of arm signals, as pop-up trafficators (or winkies/winkers) were still in their infancy. I practised my signals on a ride-on lawnmower beforehand although braking, operating the gears and waving an arm at the same time is mind-bogglingly complicated. Nixon’s pen wavers over the clipboard as I try to keep the Rover within a 20mph speed limit. The 30mph limit was implemented in built-up areas on 18th March 1935 after a spate of road deaths, although speedometers weren’t compulsory for another two years. Having been restyled in the 1950s, our Rover has a speedo but it flickers to-and-fro like an angry Geiger counter, very much to my benefit.
An old-school ratchet handbrake (remember them?) ensures a smooth hill-start, but I’m grateful that the hood is lowered for my three-point turn, especially as there’s no power steering. We are spoilt by the reversing cameras and proximity sensors of modern cars, the 1930s equivalent was the bumper. A minor impact during the original test was probably overlooked. At this point, the Rover suddenly starts to cough exhaust smoke, running like a three-legged camel. Glass windscreens and wiper regulations first came in during the 1930s and in a bid to clean the glass I’ve inadvertently pulled and pushed the choke lever, trapping the leather key fob, which has enriched the fuel mix.
Pass or fail? As I’m doing little for the health benefits of a famous spa town, I decide to turn the car east and steer, vaguely, for home. Nixon has given me a pass, adding reassuringly. “At no point did I feel uncomfortable ” A blatant fib, since neither of us could stand upright after an hour in the Rover. Mr Beere was likely feeling euphoric at this point, signed off with his Certificate of Passing the Test of Competence to Drive, no. 0001. Back home, he might well have celebrated with a light sherry and half-an-ounce of shag in his pipe. We should be happy, too. Since records began in 1926, road deaths have fallen by 80 per cent, no small beer indeed.
Saturday 5th April 2025—Waipukurau and Beyond CHB VCC—Afternoon/Twilight Rally
Briefing starts at 2.15pm in Russell Park—entrance at the end of St Josephs St (next to hockey turf) Waipukurau. The first car away will leave at 2.30pm.
Route map will be handed out following safety briefing.
There will be a visit part way through the Rally to Licensed Premises for a noggin, natter, soup, buns, tea or coffee.
A Barbecue meal and prize giving will be held at the end of the Rally in the Waipukurau Club, Russell Street, Waipukarau. You are advised to fuel up before the start. The run will total approx 150kms, (93 miles) enjoying very scenic back road motoring in CHB.
Due to Daylight Saving ending on Sunday 6th April there will be no night driving. We will be arriving at our dinner destination at twilight. However you are advised to bring atorch in case you have a problem on route.
Entries Closed on Friday 28th March, 2025
LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
Neil & Pat Malcolm 20 Belgrove Place Waipukurau 4200.
Phone: 06 8585 099
Mobiles: Neil 027-4578 945, Pat 0276 374 00l
Email:pat.neil2016@gmail.com
Regulations for the Event:
1. Entrants must be current financial members of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand or guests of a financial member of the VCC.
2. The event is open to all vehicles as recognized by the club, which must be up to the club’s accepted standards regarding cleanliness, general and mechanical condition. The organiser may refuse to start any vehicle, which in his opinion fails to meet that standard. Modern non-competitive vehicles will be accepted as entries.
3. The rally organiser reserves the right to disqualify any entrant whose conduct in his opinion is likely to bring discredit to the event or to the club. The ruling regarding any matters in respect of the running of the event will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
4. The New Zealand Road Code Rules must be obeyed at all times.
5. The organiser reserves the right to add supplementary regulations or instructions at any time during the running of the event.
Sunday 13th April 2025
—Run to Wimbledon—organised by the Hawkes Bay VCC
The Hawkes Bay VCC have invited us to join them on their run to the Historic Wimbledon Hotel for a classic roast meal.
The run will start in Otane @ 10.30am so please arrive by 10.00am for rally briefing. (Higginson St opposite Henry’s Family Pie shop) The run will take 1.5 hours travelling on some scenic roads through CHB.
Lunch is $40 per person and includes the option of two meats plus buffet sides and dessert.
Please email horselessauto@gmail.com to RSVP no later than Sunday March 30th to book for lunch. Please note you will be advised re lunch prepayment prior to rally date. Any questions please contact:
Robert Benge HBVCC Club Captain 021 757 215 or Gary Weaver CHB Chairman 027 442 8920
Sunday 6th April—HAWKES BAY AUTO EXTRAVAGANZA & SWAP MEET
The Torqueheads will be meeting at the Central Lines Sports Complex carpark at 8.00am to Rendezvous and proceed to the following:
HAWKES BAY AUTO EXTRAVAGANZA & SWAP MEET
TOMOANA SHOWGROUNDS—GATE 12—ELWOOD ROAD HASTINGS 9.00AM to 3.00PM
Wednesday 16th
To be held at the Waipukurau Club, Waipukurau
Arrive from 6.00pm —Dinner 6.30pm—Meeting 7.30pm
Main and Dessert $35.00 per person
Please pay Eva CASH on arrival
Eftpos available at bar for drinks only
Menu: Roast Beef and condiments
Corned Silverside and condiments
Potatoes
Peas
Israeli couscous and pumpkin
Glazed beetroot and carrot salad
Dessert: Blueberry and Almond Tart and Ice Cream
Please reply to Eva with numbers by the evening of Sunday 13th April 2025 06 858 9105 021 170 9978 nga-oki@xtra.co.nz
No late bookings please
If you have any dietary needs, please advise when you book your meal.
PLEASE NOTE: The CHBVCC branch will make payment for any late dinner cancellations or no shows, then an invoice will be sent to the member/members concerned.
CHB Branch Chairman
GaryWeaverQSM
60th MAUNGAMOANARALLY 2025
Having only just joined the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand in November 1963 and having also just completed the first Ruahine Ramble in March 1964, the rally bug was just beginning.
In those days I drove a 1930 Ford Model A which my father had owned from 1930-31.
A friend and I decided to go to New Plymouth for the first Munga Moana Rally. We enjoyed the rally, apparently only fourteen cars entered so just after coming back from the 1965 International Rally in the South Island, we decided to go back up to the New Plymouth rally.
For a couple of young fellows under 21 we were asked if we would like to go to the Hotel after the rally but we were told that at about 6 00pm we would be asked to go out the back door as the police could arrive at any time. Those were the good old
Munga Moana Rally. Would he like to go? Yes was the answer. Departure date duly came around on Friday 21st March, and off we went.
We arrived at the Plymouth International Hotel (Rally HQ) in time to go on a treasure hunt around six points of interest and got information at each one. Seventeen entrants took part and eleven got the right answers. t win the draw. On Rally Day we started at Bell Block, we had to be there by 9.00am and the first car away was 9.30am. The rally took us out north of Bell Block and Inglewood through some very scenic roads to land up at Dudley Road School and district hall for lunch. At 2.00pm it was off for a short run back to the hotel to clean up before dinner and prizegiving.
It was interesting to note that the Rally Secretary back in 1964-65 was Bob Thomson, other entrants then and now were Ian Howell (Manawatu), Bruce Poole (Central Hawke’s Bay) and Wayne Roberts as a 4 month old baby (Auckland non-driving).
Glyn Clements (North Island Club Captain) presented two fifty year awards, one of them to the husband of Juliet Bellerby (daughter of Snow and Sue Bellerby from Wanstead) who came over to chat with us. I would have met her some time ago in Waipukurau. As the prizegiving proceeded, Bruce Poole and Lynn Cross came out as winners of the Vintage Section. The wins keep coming, pure luck!!, We had a good night with an excellent meal and good company with Horowhenua Club members who may be up for Neil and Pat’s Twilight Rally and for our Vintage Only Rally in September. This meeting with other branch members is a must if we want entrants for our rallies, but we must also travel to other branches. Altogether, it was a great weekend and a big thank you to Lynn Cross for excellent company and navigation.
PS The rally was judged on timed sections with multiple speed changes. We were not very accurate but apparently the best of a bad bunch.
BRUCE POOLE LYNN CROSS
Public consultation begins on extensions to WOF and COF inspections of Vintage Cars, Vintage Motorcycles, and privately owned Motorhomes
The last day for feedback is this coming Friday 4th April 2025—Visit
Public consultation opened on February 24th 2025. The Government’s proposal is to reduce compliance requirements for owners of Vintage Cars, Vintage Motorcycles, and privately owned Motorhomes. Transport Minister Chris Bishop said the Government is looking to reduce unnecessarily onerous compliance rules on such vehicles.
In total there are around 4.4 million light vehicles in New Zealand, with around 128,000 of them being vintage, and about 39,000 private motorhomes, he said. ”At present the owners of these vehicles must spend time and money on Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness inspections every six months. “That’s despite motorhomes and vintage light vehicles travelling much less per year compared to most modern cars, and evidence showing that faults in these vehicles are half as likely to have contributed to serious crashes involving these vehicles. “That’s true even when factoring in the smaller numbers of motorhomes and vintage vehicles on our roads. ”The public consultation, being run by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, proposes to: reduce WOF check frequency for vehicles aged 40 years-plus from every six months to every year; and reduce COF check frequency for privately owned heavy motorhome vehicles from every six months to every year. Bishop said evidence shows that initial pass rates for vintage vehicles are higher compared to all vehicles aged under 40 years old. “In fact, light vehicle WOF pass rates [of initial inspection only] actually improve as vehicles age from 40 years old showing that, with proper care, some things really do get better with age. “That’s why we’re consulting on easing the overly onerous compliance requirements on these types of vehicles, so that owners of vintage cars and private motorhomes can spend less time waiting in line at the VTNZ, and more time tinkering happily in the garage or cruising the open road. “The Minister said extending the time between WOF and COF inspections “is a sensible approach to ensuring vehicles are safe while not going overboard on compliance”.
Public consultation on the proposed changes began on Monday 24th February Visit nzta.govt.nz to share your feedback The last day for feedback is on Friday 4th April 2025
Ken Lyons
Hello all members Ladies and Gentlemen. This was well supported last year and we had a lot of fun. Are you ready for this again ??
If you haven’t tried this before, are you looking for a fun thing to try !!! Then come along to Super-strike Hastings and give Tenpin bowling a go.
This will be a fun morning of two games which will take approx. 2 hours and cost $20.00 per person for 65+ Seniors.
The Super-strike venue has a café/kitchen menu where you can get anything from toasted sandwiches, hot chips to a meal on a plate. Coffee and Bar facilities.
Car pool if you can. This is the same morning as Thursday Torqueheads coffee mornings, but Thursday is the only morning this works for bowling.
Please let Ken know if you are coming along so that he can book the bowling lanes required.
April Sat 5th
Wed 16th
May Thurs 1st
Sun 18th
Twilight run organised by Neil & Pat Malcolm Sun 6th
Hawkes Bay auto Extravaganza and Swap meet-Tomoana Show grounds gate 12 Elwood Rd Hastings 9.00am to 3.00pm 18th to 21st North Island Easter Rally
Club Dinner and Meeting venue Waipukurau Club Sun 13th
Super strike Ten pin bowling in Hastings organised by Ken Lyon
Club Run to Galloways in Norsewood organised by Ella and Henk
June Tues 17th AGM—Dinner and Meeting venue—TBA
Wed 16th
July
Sun 20th
August
September
October
November
December
Club Dinner and Meeting venue TBA
Back Roads Run Most will have never been on finishing at the Patangata Tavern organised by Rod and Scarlett McKenzie. Details closer to the event time
Wed 20th Club Dinner and Meeting venue—TBA
Wed 17th Club Dinner and Meeting venue—TBA
Mid-October Rod and Scarlett McKenzie will be taking the breach on another adventure to Coromandel Details closer to the event time.
Hawkes Bay VCC run to Wimbledon Hotel in CHB
CHB Branch of the VCC—Chairman’s Report—April 2025
Remember people the AGM is the on Tuesday 17th June, so get your nominations and re-nominations in for Club Chairman, Club Captain, Secretary, Treasurer, Bleat Editor and committee. Put your name forward and have a go.
This coming Saturday 5th April is our twilight run.
Thursday 1st May Ken Lyons has organised a run to the Ten Pin Bowling centre in Hastings.
Day light saving finishes this weekend, our clocks are turned back one hour.
The highway between Takapau to Waipawa is now complete, therefore club meetings and meal nights are back to the 3rd Wednesday of the month, however please check the dates as venue availability may change to a Tuesday.
Welcome to new member Brian Stevenson who has transferred from Hawke’s Bay Brian drives an immaculate Auburn and was part of Stevenson & Taylor Waipukurau.
A Club awareness day was held in Dannevirke, and was attended by CHB VCC members Gary, Ella, Brian and Laurie.
Bruce Poole and Lynn Cross participated in a Vintage Rally in another area and won this event, well done, and arrived back in time for Laurie and Gloria’s run to Woodville.
Some club members attended Wheels on Windsor in Hastings.
On Sunday 13th April the Hawkes Bay VCC are keen for us to join them on their run to the Wimbledon Hotel in CHB for a roast meal. The cost is $40 per head. Meeting place is at Henry’s Pie Shop Otane at 10.00am, we will travel in convoy to the Wimbledon Hotel. Please contact:
Robert Benge HBVCC Club Captain 021 757 215 or Gary Weaver 027 4428 920
Time to check yours and your families smoke alarms
Gary Weaver
QSM CHB Branch Chairman
From National Office
All renewal to be sent two months in advance of expiry date. Any queries please contact Keith Hopping—keithhopping@gmail.com
Club Captains Report—Laurie's Lot—April—2025
Not having a meeting in March due to unforeseen circumstances has caused a bit of a disconnect. Gloria, John Foot and myself took part in the Ruahine Ramble hosted by Manawatu. Thirty two vehicles took part travelling over many roads we haven't been on before. Lunch was in the Bulls Domain, which was a picturesque setting. The refurbished rugby club rooms were opened for us. Gloria and I finished third overall, 18 seconds adrift of the target time.
Sunday 23rd March was a club trip to Woodville, 20 members took part, visiting two interesting collections. Lunch was at the Woodville Railway Station which is slowly being refurbished thanks to a volunteer trust. Some of the old instrumentation is still there and can be demonstrated. On the run to Woodville there was a short timed section which was won by Ralph Browne accompanied by his driver son Don. Well done to you both.
The Saturday 22nd March was the Maunga Moana Rally in Taranaki, attended by Bruce Poole and Lyn Cross. They won the Veteran part of the rally. Congratulations, great effort. The next day Sunday 23rd they both arrived in time for the first visit in Woodville, no police on the road that day!
On Saturday 15th March a club expo was held in Dannevirke. Gary, Brian, Ella ,and Laurie manned the stall for CHB VCC. Overall the public attendance was poor so I will be very surprised if anything comes of the few contact information given out. We were offered a Morris Minor for free, if anyone out there is interested.
Coming up we have the twilight run on Saturday 5th April.
On Thursday 1st May we are travelling through to Hastings to the indoor Ten Pin Bowling venue. Get your name into Ken Lyons ASAP for this so he can arrange the number of lanes required.
Maybe Sandra and Gloria will be able to give their talks at the next meeting.
Daylight saving will have finished by the time of our next meeting so drive safe at night if out and about.
Laurie Malcolmson Club Captain.
CHB VCC Coromandel Adventure
12th to 17th October 2025.
Rod and Scarlett McKenzie have once again been making plans to take members of our Branch on an extended road trip during Mid-October. This year we will be heading to the Coromandel Peninsula checking out a few of the amazing things on offer the region has including scenery and some of its history. A reconnaissance journey has been completed during March and it is felt that our members will enjoy the roads and the venues along with the company of other CHB VCC member’s.
“Entry forms” will be out quite soon and it would be fair to say that there will be some fairly expensive costs for the entrants as we will have several nights in Motels. We have “pencilled in” our group at the motels we have selected. One of the motels, at this stage a possibility for us, has little houses which provide shared accommodation which could keep your costs down a bit. These would be ideal for three couples to share their expenses, yet are still comfortable and quite private.
Meal venues have yet to be secured. You will need to budget for fuel for around 1500km of travel and costs for some visits to points of interest. We have secured a good group discounted price for a couple of the visits.
The basic plan is: [a] one night in Taupo, [b] two nights in Coromandel town, [c] two nights at Cooks Beach, and [d] the final night at Waihi.
If you are planning on coming with us this year, and as bookings for major tourist destinations, such as the Coromandel, can fill up fast, we ask that you let us know you are likely to join the “adventure”, as soon as possible. We will then be able to email you further details and the “Entry Form” when it becomes available.
Vintage car buried by Cyclone Gabrielle—byHBToday
Two years on from Cyclone Gabrielle, a vintage car owned by pulp and timber mill Pan Pac is once again cruising the roads of Hawke’s Bay following an enormous restoration effort. Pan Pac’s beloved 1934 Plymouth Coupe was covered by floodwaters and silt during the cyclone, like most of the vehicles parked at Pan Pac’s Whirinaki site north of Napier. Its engine was sitting on a bench in the vehicle workshop and was in the process of being reconditioned but, unfortunately, it too was below the water level. Paul Tollison works as an operator in the sawmill and has a passion for cars. He volunteered to restore the Plymouth while the mills were non-operational during the cyclone recovery. Paul dedicated over 700 hours to meticulously restore the Plymouth to its former glory. The trickiest part was getting everything ready for recertification, he said. Every last nut, bolt and component has had to be pulled apart, cleaned up, rebuilt and put back together, it took me two 10-hour shifts to get the silt out of the carburettor. He said the process had been both frustrating and very, very rewarding. Unless you look closely, you won’t notice some of the parts aren’t original, like the new LED headlights, Tollison said. Some of the parts weren’t easily sourced, like the carburettor kit, which a staff member’s brother located and sent over from Australia.
Pan Pac managing director Tony Clifford said the restoration went ahead because of how special the car was to Pan Pac. The Plymouth is part of Pan Pac’s DNA. This restoration wouldn’t have been financially viable if it was done at commercial rates. It was only thanks to Paul’s discretionary time that we were able to rebuild and keep the Plymouth.
Little is known about the car up until the late 1970s, when it was purchased by former Pan Pac director Masa Asai, who took it with him when he returned to Pan Pac’s parent company, Oji, in Japan. It was never registered in Japan and sat in a garage for 25 years. After a change in circumstances, Masa donated the car to Pan Pac, and had it shipped back to New Zealand. Over the years, the car has been popular with staff, who enjoy taking it out for a spin on the weekend and using it on special occasions like weddings and the Art Deco Festival. Clifford said Pan Pac was grateful to Paul and the other staff who helped save the muchloved company treasure.
Paul Tollison driving the restored 1934 Plymouth Coupe
23 March 2025—RUN TO WOODVILLE—organised by Laurie
and Gloria Malcolmson
It was a great turn out for a morning tea in Dannevirke at Laurie and Gloria's home. A full house, with lots of chatting going on and of course tea, coffee, and biscuits. There were more people than expected and we ran out of rally sheets, some of us took a photo of the instruction sheet with our phones, problem solved. A beautiful run over the back roads of Dannevirke to Woodville. We had never driven through these roads before.
By appointment only, the first visit was to Keith Hartstone’s chainsaw collection, collected over more than 20 years. There were more than 500 chainsaws and saws of all different sizes and ages, and the history that went with all the individual saws. They offered us coffee, tea and cake, very welcoming.
From there a short ride to the Woodville Railway Station. We were welcomed by Allen Brabender and his son who looked after us at our lunch stop and they also showed us around the restored railway station, very interesting community project.
We then went to Allen’s house, and to his backyard sheds which were full of memorabilia. Allen had worked on trains, he had the front of a diesel train in his garden.
A very enjoyable and interesting day. Many thanks to Laurie and Gloria for finding these treasures to share with us.
90-year-old Murray Tom restores vintage cars—
By Rebecca Mauger
Vintage car enthusiast and Community Patrol volunteer Murray Tom shows no signs of slowing down. The community-minded 90-year-old is not only still driving, he still holds a class-four driver’s licence, fixes up vintage cars and volunteers with Katikati Community Patrol. “I moved here 18 months ago, I like it here and want to stay so I should be doing something for the village,” Tom said. After meeting local community patrol team leader Ross Sutherland, Tom offered to give a few nights every month as the “eyes and ears” of the police. “We need to be looking after our community,” Tom said. He was concerned with the number of burglaries in Katikati, especially in the rural areas. “The patrol is effective alright, just the fact that patrol car is there. You’ll be around at night and see a car that doesn’t look like it should be there, you pull up beside it and nine times out of 10, it drives away.” Tom lives on a lifestyle property on the outskirts of Katikati town.
He spends his days toiling away fixing up vintage cars, caravans and tractors with pal Gideon de Lautour. The two Tauranga Vintage Machinery Club members were working on rebuilding a caravan. His fleet included a 1914 Dodge, which he bought and drove across the United States and shipped back to New Zealand. He also rebuilt an old Jaguar which was a “trailer load of rusty bits”. There was also a 1917 Dodge Roadster and a 1937 Plymouth. Two tractors were waiting in the wings next for a rebuild. All the finished cars had a Warrant of Fitness. Tom said he rebuilds classic cars because they were “quality you can’t get these days”.
He has lived a full life with multiple careers including farming, sales, fisherman, sheep shearer and has owned various businesses. He had a serious accident as a young man getting a digger off the back of a trailer. He was lucky to survive and was in hospital for a long time with a broken spine and ribs. Unable to walk at first, doctors feared the damage was permanent. Tom was “pretty hacked off” at this, but after much work he walked again. He lost a lot after the accident, including his farming career, so started again as a stock and station agent. Tom said the secret to a longer life was good food and to keep moving. “Fresh air, red meat and a few spuds. You don’t need fancy food. The more they process it, the shorter your life. “And if you sit down and retire, that’s when you go. So if you have a project that’s a bit difficult; I think it does a lot of good for you.”
NORTH ISLAND EASTER RALLY
Information
Waikato Branch is delighted to host you for this national event organised on behalf of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand. All vehicles entered are required to have Vehicle Identification Certificate (VIC).
The rally is based in Cambridge, in the heartland of the Waikato, and during the weekend your motoring will be non-competitive with written instructions only.
Vehicles will be catered for in three classes.
• Veteran and Slow Vintage
• Fast Vintage, Post Vintage and Post War.
• Post 60 /Post 80
Note: complimentary breakfast for driver and navigator on Saturday morning. Extra breakfasts may be purchased for passengers.
Programme
Friday 18th April
• Registration at VCC Clubrooms from 2.00pm McLean St, Cambridge.
• Short twilight run around Cambridge.
• Barbeque dinner at the clubrooms BYO.
Saturday 19th April
• Breakfast at clubrooms from 8.00am 9.00am (complimentary for driver and navigator)
• Rally briefing 9:45am and first cars away at 10.00am.
• Rallying over picturesque Waikato roads.
• Lunch in Matamata
• Clubrooms open 6.30pm, Pea, Pie & Pud with dessert 7.00pm BYO.
Sunday 20th April
• Hot cross buns and cuppa at clubrooms 9.30am.
• Short tour.
• Gymkhana events.
• Finger food lunch at clubrooms.
• Dinner Cambridge Town Hall - Roaring 20s theme BYO.
Further information will be sent after entries received.
Entries close 23rd March 2025 Please email Rally Secretary Gaynor Terrill terrill.g.j@gmail.com for further information and entry form.
Central Hawkes Bay Branch oftheVCC— Directory
Chairman Gary Weaver 027 442 8920 weave@xtra.co.nz
Secretary—Ella Domper 027 201 2546 superscandi@gmail.com
Treasurer —Kaye Carswell 021 124 3620 accounts@wpkmotors.co.nz
Club Captain—Laurie Malcolmson
06 374 9823 or 021 579 133 volvo9349@yahoo.com
Vehicle Inspection—Keith Hopping
06 857 8255 or 021 742 302 keithhopping@gmail.com
Welfare—Sandra Cross 06 858 9814 secross@xtra.co.
Bleat Editor Joyce Calder 022 166 1403 joycecalder@gmail.com
Torqueheads Bruce Turner 021 100 4333 sulturna@gmail.com
Committee Bruce Poole 027 244 9090 brucepoole1930@gmail.com
Committee Paul Jensen 06 855 6862 matangi@farmside.co.nz
Committee—Rod McKenzie 027 446 7198 rod.mckenzie.wpk@xtra.co.nz
Committee—Neil Malcolm
06 858 5099 or 027 457 8945 pat.neil2016@gmail.com
Committee Gloria Malcolmson
06 374 9823 or 021 579 133 supagran14@yahoo.com.au
Catering—Eva Gollan
06 858 9105 or 021 170 9978 nga-oki@xtra.co.nz
Raffles Scarlett McKenzie
06 858 9562 or 027 446 7198 rod.mckenzie.wpk@xtra.co.nz
Beaded Wheels—Heather Cheer
06 374 0864 or 027 235 6649 ghcheer@xtra.co.nz
Angela Annear
An authorised Travel Broker for Searle Travel Ltd.
Consultations are by appointment. Angela Annear Travel Broker
10 Brooker Place, Waipukurau 4200, Central Hawkes Bay.
Email: angela@searletravel.co.nz
Webpage: www.Angelas-Travel.co.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Searle-Travel/
For more details: Email: angela@searletravel.co.nz
Phone: 06 858 9082 Cell: 027 281 1306
Website: www.angelas-travel.co.nz
Free Advertising available for members OR non members for PRIVATE SALE Vehicles, parts, machinery etc, please contact Gary Weaver, Kaye Carswell or “The Bleat” Editor joycecalder@gmail.com to place your advertisement.
Four luxurious units available to hire Contact us now so we can show you how to add luxury to your event
06 857 8757 or 027 235 5996 karen@premierloos.co.nz www.premierloos.co.nz
We now have CHB VCC windscreen stickers available ContactTREASURER accounts@wpkmotors.co.nz
Kaye Carswell 021-124-620
