A big thank you has to go to Katy and John Parish forthedraftingofournewbranchconstitution,tothe stage where it has now been presented to our National Office for review and advice as to the correct wording and layout. Without their effort I feel sure that we (the branch) would be in trouble.
I find that my concentration strays when I try to understand legal documents and I know that it’s the same with a lot of our members. We should also remember that while Katy and John have worked through this document, they have had their farm business to run and now they also have damaged trees etc. to clear after the winds. So, again, thank you to Katy and John.
It's been said that it’s difficult to get blood from a stone. Well, it was almost as difficult to drag a dollar or two out of our members at the auction during last meetingnight.Thanks to Denis andMarie,our auctioneers, afewdollars were eased from some pockets. A bit of fun and some will have been wonderingon theWednesdayjust whytheyboughtthatthing-a-ma-bob.Just consider it a donation. Thank you again to Denis and Marie and also to everyone who bought something on the night.
Murray Proctor
Car photos for the Clubrooms
Any members wanting to update the picture(s) of their car(s) or who have a new car and want to display it in the Clubroom photo gallery, please contact Alan Ritchie for a time and place to suit you both. Phone 03 208 6790
Club Captain’s Report
During September/October there have been several rallies that members could have participated in.
The Opening Run organised by Murray and Marilyn Proctor was very successful. It was a very good sunny afternoon for competitors to present their cars on the first rally of the season. Fifteen cars attended, and with great organisation by Murray and Marilyn, it turned out to be a great "blow out" for the cars. Paul Katon was presented as the winner, having produced two correct answers and a faultless navigational run.
On the 5th October, Bruce and Pauline price organised the P60 Run. Unfortunately, they had problems with the weather. Heavy rain on the days before Sunday made parts of the organised run closed because of flooding. Bruce had to change the final destination of Black Gully to the West Otago Museum. On Sunday we even had to take a short detour because of flooding at Kelso. We all finished safely at the West Otago Museum, and all had a very enjoyable visit, viewing the tractors and West Otago history. Fifteen cars made the trip to Tapanui. Pauline decided that all members were winnersbyhandingoutplentyoflolliestoeverybody.Averyenjoyablerally.
I would like to finish off by thanking all members that put their names down to organise rallies. It is not an easy job as there are always problems that could arise: (1) weather conditions; (2) other events that "throw a spanner into the works". To organise a rally takes plenty of effort: 1. organising rally notes; 2. checking to see if they are accurate and easy to follow; 3. weather conditions expected and 4. are the activities well-organised to cater for the number expected.
After these four points have been "checked out" he/she could feel very confident that the organisation will "go to plan" for all members.
It would be very pleasing to see members thanking the organisers for a wellorganised event.
Alan Ritchie
From the Editor’s Keyboard
Well, what a difference a month makes! This time round I have what can best be described as an embarrassment of riches and, consequently, I have had to hold over a number of stories for later issues. Not that I’m complaining, far from it! No matter how much material I have, it will be used and I will be needing more.
A big “Thank you”, therefore, to everybody who has responded to my pleas for stories. In this issue we have Jean Smale telling us about her very stressful “wind” experience and Pauline Price reporting on the October Tuesday Ramble. There are also two reports on the Ladies Run, one from the organiser, Nancy Stronach and one from a participant, Jeanette Kelly. To round the issue off, “Cookery Corner” makes a welcome return, as Jill Youngson has sent in her favourite Christmas cake recipe.
Once again, there a number of entry forms and details for events coming up overthenext fewmonths.As always, ifanyofyou participatein anyofthese events, please take some photos and/or write some words to send to me!
Finally, my (early) wishes for a Happy Christmas!
David North
BRAINTEASER
Q: In New Zealand, is it possible for a man to legally marry his widow's sister?
Answer next month
Answer to last month’s Brainteaser
Q: Katie's mother had four children. She named the first one Monday, the second Tuesday, and the third Wednesday. What is the name of the fourth child?
A: Katie. Remember, her mother only had four children.
VCC Executive Meeting, 7-8 March 2026
Justareminderthat any membercanattendthismeetingas anobserver. Please contact the Branch Secretary, or me, if you are interested.
David North, Branch Delegate
Adoption of new By-laws
My apologies for not having the details of this process to hand at the November monthly meeting. A draft of the new By-laws has been circulated to branches for comment. This was the version sent to you all with the voting papers for the new VCC constitution and that the Branch Secretary emailed to members inAugust. Comments from the branches, including Gore, were submitted and a revised draft sent to the branches. This is the one referred to in my Branch Delegate’s Report at the November meeting. Unless there are any further changes requested by branches, this version will be voted on, and, presumably, adopted, at the Executive meeting in March.
David North, Branch Delegate
St James Theatre $5 Film Screening
As I mentioned during the November meeting, Paul McPhail, manager of the St James Theatre, has offered to put on a $5 film screening for the Gore VCC. The response at the meeting was very positive, so I’m now asking for members’ preference for day and time for the show, which won’t be until the NewYear.The options are a weekday evening (Tuesday or Wednesday) or a weekend afternoon. I will be asking for opinions at the December meeting. If you won’t be at the meeting but want to have a say, please contact me before the meeting: phone (021 172 3281) or email northd14@gmail.com
Thank you, David North
Jokes from Gerry Kennedy
Did you hear the garlic was so hot that it took its cloves off?
Big shout out to my fingers, I can always count on them.
I got a flat tyre yesterday, there was a fork in the road.
Cows have hooves, because they lactose.
What inspires me to get out of bed every day? My bladder mostly.
A bicycle can’t stand alone, it’s two tired.
Our cat is very intelligent, I said to him, “if you have 2 and take away 2, what have you got?” He said nothing.
When is a car not a car? When it turns into a drive.
I went to the paint store to get thinner, it didn’t work.
The opposite of a croissant is a happy uncle.
One Windy Day in October
The 22nd of October was a day I had been waiting for.This was the day I was to have 17 motorhomes to park at my park over property. It was a bit windy but they were not too worried and by mid-afternoon we had them all parked. They were on a safari and didn’t know they were coming to my place, they had come from Niagara. So, as is normal for motorhomes, 4 o’clock is usually wine o’clock, they all retired to the games shed.
At 9 am the next morning they were at the shed again for the day’s instructions but a lot of the people asked to come up and look at my cars so I said I would open the doors early. Fortunately, they had decided the weather was only going to get worse and they would leave early, so by 10.30 the last van went out the gate, they were heading for Waikaia.
So, I head inside to make a coffee and congratulate myself on a successful park over with so many vans. About 12.30 – 1 pm all hell let loose!A great crash out in the shed, I went and opened the middle door and could see one side of the big door was off its track but I had to immediately shut the door as there was so much stuff flying around.
Another great crash and another look out the middle door, oh my goodness - the whole door has gone and so had the front door which was now a very large whip but now the caravan has moved from the back of the shed to the front of the shed and is jammed against the deep freeze which is up against the steel pole that holds the shed up!
Now I’m just a bit frightened and talking to my cat, “Pussy, I think we’re in troublenow.”So Idial 111andtalktoamanwhosayshewillpassmydetails to emergency services and to stay inside and don’t attempt to go outside.
Around about now a nice cup of coffee would be handy but now I have no power. That’s when I realise my ranch slider door was opening so I went and shut it, but by the time I turned around it was opening again and I had to slam it shut and lock it.
So now I went to open the entry door and had a quick look outside and I saw something had attacked my ute as it had a large dent in the front door. Then IdiscoveredIcouldnotshutthedoor,somehowit wascatchingatthebottom edge. A quick check of the hinges, nothing wrong there, try again and the doorshut as normal.That’s whenI realisedthe wholeshedwas flexing. Now I have small bits of plaster falling down from my high up kitchen cupboard.
Late in the afternoon I got a phone call from the lady at emergency services to check if I was still safe, which I was but by then I could have been a little bit dead also!
So now I’m stuck here living next to a wind tunnel and unable to get my cars out yet.At least I have been able to cover stuff from the weather but there is nothing to stop it happening again till the big hole in the wall is fixed.
And so ends another lovely October day in tropical Southland. Jean Smale
Hello all,
What an incredible ride we have had.
The series of Race4Life Track Days has brought so much joy, opportunity and fun to so many throughout the country for 18 years. We so enjoyed the Race4Life Track Days that we have held in Southland since 2019 and have always been delighted in the response of all those in the Southland area.
However, because of my changing circumstances it is no longer feasible to continue coordinating these stunning events. My focus has to be directed towards my family. Race4Life Track days, which first began in 2008, have brought a tremendous amount of joy to me personally. It is truly an honour to witness the very best of humanity.
In light of the present situation, we will be cancelling the Teretonga event scheduled for March 2026.
We will have our swansong and celebrate the 18th and final Race4Life Track Day in Hampton Downs on September 29th 2026.
Sincerest apologies, Viv James Race4Life Trust
NB: We have had a special request from a young 20-year-old patient in Southland for some hot laps around Teretonga. If you think you might be able to help, please let me know. We could make it quite the day for him!!
In New Zealand History This Month
1 December 1898
First movie shot in New Zealand
The first motion pictures known to have been taken in New Zealand were made by photographer W.H. Bartlett for the entrepreneur Alfred Whitehouse, who in 1895 had imported the colony’s first ‘kinetoscope’, a Thomas Edison invention that showed moving images to one viewer at a time.
Bartlettfilmedtheopeningofthe Auckland Industrial and Mining Exhibition,includingtheNewton Band playing, the arrival of the governor with a cavalry escort, and crowds entering the building.
Image: The opening of the 1898 Auckland Industrial and Mining Exhibition was shown in the first motion picture shot in New Zealand.
The film was screened for the public using a ‘Cinématographe’ at Bartlett’s Queen St studio on Christmas Eve, with musical interludes provided by another Edison invention, the phonograph. On Boxing Day Bartlett filmed Uhlan winning the Auckland Cup at Ellerslie racecourse. These films were described as ‘clear and almost free of the flicker which so often mars the effect of a good picture’. After making 10 one-minute films, Whitehouse toured the North Island showing his ‘Animated Pictures’, to mixed reviews from audiences who seem to have doubted that the local product could match up to imports.
Adapted from: First movie shot in New Zealand, URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/page/first-movie-shot-nz (Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 1-Dec-2021
Tuesday Ramble 28 October 2025
Fourteen members enjoyed their lunch and a catchup at the Clubrooms, before visiting the Gore Volunteer Fire Brigade. We were welcomed by Michael O’Neil who gave us an informative talk on what is involved, with not only being a fireman, but the rôle the Brigade plays.
Our Gore VFB attends an average of 230 callouts a year, with 400 truck turnouts, these being to structural fires, crashes, flooding and natural disasters, and rescues. Statistics have shown the majority of callouts occur around lunch time on Saturdays, and weekday calls are after 12.00pm.
Gore has 40 members with six being women. These members are broken into four crews of ten, each crew is on first call for a week, with change-over every Tuesday after their training session.
As the Brigade are the first responders to callouts, they have comprehensive training in medical care, first aid, CPR, defibrillation, hazardous materials handling, search & rescue and all firefighting techniques. They are trained in teamwork to enable working with other volunteers, and leadership skills to manage teams during an emergency.
All stations welcome and include the whole family, so as to feel part of the Brigade. The welfare of the firefighters is paramount and there is a conversation or debriefing held after each incident or training session to discuss what happened and any lessons learnt. Psychological and emotional support is crucial to the mental health of the firefighters after what are often traumatic incidents.
To all Firefighters who play such a valuable role in our Community... “Thankyou”.
(Photos by the Editor)
Pauline Price
Josephville Hill Climb
Sunday 30th November
We welcome Club members and friends to come along and watch some beautiful old classic cars, and their owners, put to the test against the clock
It’s a great day out, ideal for a nice picnic lunch & Sunday drive, hopefully in the sun
The Organisers
Taken from https://nzpocketguide.com/kiwi-12-days-christmas/
To say "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year" in Te Reo Māori, you can say "Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū Ia".
Tuesday Ramble Christmas Lunch
Wednesday 3rd December
11.30 am: meet at Gore Town & Country Club
12.00 noon: Christmas Lunch
($30-$35 per head, ham plus another meat & doings, pav & fruit salad for dessert)
Numbers to Gerry: 027 233 4634 BEFORE 27th November
Gore Branch Events for the 2025-26 Season
Event Date
Josephville Hill Climb
Christmas Run
Picnic Run
Sunday 30th November
Sunday 7th December
2026
Sunday 18th January
Evan Henderson
Bruce Price
Keith Nunn
Tuesday Ramble NO Ramble in February Gerry Kennedy
Festival Rally Saturday 28th February Katy Parish
March Run
Swap Meet
Frank Robson
Memorial Run & Clearwater Capers
Night Trial
Sunday 8th March Alan Ritchie
Sunday 15th March Katherine Welsh
Sunday 5th April
Sunday 10th May
Greg Elder
Keith Nunn
End of Season Run Sunday 14th June Murray Proctor
Branch 60th Anniversary Celebration Friday 19th – Sunday 21st June Committee chaired by Paul Herron
Tuesday Ramble
Last Tuesday of the month (except December) Co-ordinated by Gerry Kennedy
Editor's note to event organisers
If you want to see a report in The Wiper please provide one yourselves or organise somebody to do it for you. (N.B. This works best if you ask them before the event!)
6th December
Other Events 2025
North Otago Branch Windsor Rally. Entry forms from Wes on 03 347 2260 or email windsorrally@gmail.com
2026
18th January Jackson Rally, Otago Branch
24th – 25th January 72nd Brighton Rally, Otago Branch
31st January – 1st February Edendale Crank Up, Featuring: Ferguson, Massey Ferguson and Toyota (pre-2006) https://www.edendalevmc.co.nz/crankup.php
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring, Nelson. https://www.historicmotoring.org.nz/
9th May Nelson Branch Swap Meet
Christmas Run
Sunday 7th December
1.30pm: meet at the Clubrooms
1.45pm: departing for a short, approx. 49km round trip, including 11km of gravel
Returning to the Clubrooms for a shared afternoon tea
Bruce Price 027 208 7249
Picnic Run
Sunday 18th January
10.45am:
Ladies Run Sunday 9 November (1)
Well, there is always a first for everyone. After drawing the short straw last year, it was myself to organise the next season’s run. Yep, no problem, had a plan in mind. Final destination, then map the route. Max knows every road around here, simple…..
Not so, now I will have to do this on my own.
Found location, people available for afternoon tea stop, map the route. Done 8 weeks ahead ofthe date.Twoweeks to go, oops sorry pitstop not available. OK, find another destination and someone with flowers - yep in Gore this time. Re-run the route, make minor changes to arrive back in Gore now.
I hope you all enjoyed the little drive and just what do you take in while travelling around, whether it is near or far from home? Thank you for your support and taking time to answer the questions at the finish of the Run.
We had the pleasure of having Mrs Adrienne Rodgers showing us Tussie Mussie making; a very old art using small flowers and weeds from your garden and using anything but a crystal vase to hold them in.
The winner with the most questions correct was Jill Youngson and the winner to make next year’s Run was Jean Smale; her car was the choice of our guest Chris Rodgers.
Words
by Nancy Stronach (photos by the Editor)
Gore Vintage Car Club Ladies Run (2)
Approximately 20 people arrived to take part in the Ladies Run, organized by Nancy Stronach. We left the Clubrooms then drove the main road to Waikaka, supposedly taking note of the history of the areas we drove through. In Waikaka, we had time to visit the new antique shop, and noticed that a brewery is to be set up across the road.
Then we drove on to the North Chatton Road, through Otama to the Pyramid Bridge, then back to Gore. We all noted the three buildings in Otama but I wonder how many noted the school’s motto? Nancy had organized a quiz to test our powers of observation. Jill & Ken Youngson won the quiz.
We had our afternoon tea in the Hokonui Pioneer Village vintage museum where we were shown how to make tussie mussies.
Thank you, Nancy, for a lovely drive in the country.
Words
by Jeanette Kelly (photos by the Editor)
Ken & Jill Youngson with prize
Nancy (L) presenting Jean with her prize
Jean Smale’s MG car was chosen as the pick of the day, giving Jean the honour of organising next year’s Run!
Mystery Tablecloth at the Hokonui Pioneer Village
This was on display during the Ladies Run visit. It seems modern, the material is synthetic, not cotton. Does anybody know anything about it? When and why was it made? By whom?
Names embroidered on it include: Mr Elder, Joan McKay, M Muir, Mr Buchanan, Mrs Ladbrook, Alice Dodds, Mabel Mc Donald, M Tremaine, G McCorkindale.
Any information will be gratefully received by the Pioneer Village.
The Editor
Jean Smale’s car leaving the Clubrooms on the Ladies Run (photo by Alan Ritchie)
Well, that's anotherAuction Night done and dusted.
Firstly, thank you very much to the members who came along and donated their various items (no junk either I might add).
A special mention must go out to the members who brought along the absolutely divine home-baking, preserves, sweets etc. They were a great hit with everyone and all sold very quickly. Most other items sold with some being held over for the Swap-meet as we were unable get a reasonable price on the night so that will increase our total eventually.
Some of the prices for the baked goods were a bit low I thought for the quality. It was certainly a tough crowd but I must take some of the blame for being abit lacklustreas an auctioneer, Idid howeverhavegreat support from my able assistant Marie.
We took $436.00 on the day with a further donation of $60.00 from a member who was unable to be there at the meeting. So, thank you to that member, but also to those who supplied goods and to the people who purchased the said items.
Next year we will spice things up a bit to make it a bit more of a fun evening so watch this space!
I would encourage a few more members to come along and support the night as it is events like this that allow our subs to remain low.
PS. If anyone would like to purchase an “as new” teddy bear for a Christmas gift for grandchildren let me know at the next meeting - we have a great selection.
Denis Knight
To say “Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year” in Welsh you can say “Nadolig llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd dda”.
ToAll Gore Vintage Car Club members
I have been contacted by a reporter, Ella Scott-Fleming, from the local newspaper (The Ensign).
We first met at the Daffodil Day Rally and she was very impressed with the many different types and styles of vehicles we have within the Club.
She has asked me to ask our Club members if they would be interested having an article done on their various cars or collection of cars. Ella has already done various vehicle articles for friends of mine and they were all done well and tastefully. If we wish, we could get one every week in the motoring section.
She will come and visit you at your place or you could meet up elsewhere if you so wished. There would be a few photos taken, a bit of the car’s history noted like make, model specs, or what made you choose this vehicle. Examples may be; Dad used to have one, or it’s been in the family for years, or I always wanted one when I was young but they were too expensive, or it could just be, “I saw it, I liked it, so I bought it”.
Give Ella a call on 027 315 7684 or email her at ella.scott-fleming@alliedmedia.co.nz
If you are unsure, let me know and I can help you with the process.
I believe it can only help enhance the profile of the Gore Club and it will hopefully encourage new VCC membership from the readers.
Denis Knight
Wanted
Early photos of Gore VCC events, cars or members, past or present, for a slide presentation to play during our diamond anniversary weekend, June 2026 Contact Paul Herron 027 210 4131 or email paulandlynne@xtra.co.nz
In Welsh History This Month
12th December
Sent in by Donna North
Set in the fictitious village of Llanwelly in Wales and released on 12th December 1941, “The Wolf Man” was one of the first films in the werewolf horror genre.
It starred the legendary Lon Chaney as the protagonist.
Adapted from https://www.facebook.com/TheHistoryOfWales/
Online Bonuses
Chris Rea, “Driving Home for Christmas”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSjq7x67kzM
How to say ‘Merry Christmas and a Happy NewYear’in Te Reo Māori: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh8ysPF7hcI
How to say “Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year” in Welsh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imL-oAFr6ZU&ab_channel=WillHuw
New Zealand Federation of Motoring Clubs Inc. (newsletter page): https://fomc.nz/newsletters/
FOR SALE & WANTED ADVERTISEMENTS ARE FREE to Club members. Advertisements will be published in three consecutive issues. Please contact the Editor.
The Branch receives commission if you insure your vehicle(s), boat(s), house(s), contents or travel with Vero Insurance and quote the Branch number (300135).
https://vcc.org.nz/vero-vcc-insurance-scheme/
Gore Branch VCC name badges: are available to order by contacting the Branch House Convenor, Paul Herron, (phone 027 210 4131). N.B. If you’re not wearing one at a meeting you will attract the Sheriff’s attention and are likely to be fined!
You are very welcome to come on Branch runs in your modern.
Join the VCC online at https://vcc.org.nz/how-to-join/
Both Bluebridge and Interislander Ferries offer discounts to VCC members: https://vcc.org.nz/membership-benefits/
To Let: the Gore Branch Clubrooms are available to VCC members for personal functions at very reasonable cost.
Newsletters from other Branches are posted on the VCC Website each month. Go to: https://vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches/
They are also sent to each Branch by email and can be obtained on request from the Secretary or the Editor.
GORE BRANCH BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER
The Branch bank account number is 03-0915-0246885-00
Please put your name and the reason for the payment in the details boxes. Thank you. The Treasurer Thank you. The Treasurer
COOKERY CORNER
Easy Alison Holst Christmas Cake
This is the recipe I always use for my Christmas cake. It has a lovely moist texture and flavour as the fruit is soaked in rum or sherry. No need to get the Kenwood out to cream the butter and sugar.
Ingredients
1kg small dark raisins or a mixture of raisins or currants (I often use the 1kg of mixed fruit)
½ cup dark rum, sherry, port or cold tea or fruit juice
100 – 200gms butter
2 cups unsifted bread or high-grade flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¼ cup golden syrup
½ cup milk
2 large or 3 small eggs
Method
Put dried fruit in a plastic bag with rum or whatever you choose. Close the bag and lie it flat so fruit comes in contact with the liquid. Leave to stand for 24 - 48 hours until fruit has soaked up all the liquid. I turn it a number of times during this period. If you want to speed up this stage, lie the almost closed bag in the microwave and heat on full power for 1 minute until fruit feels hot. Flip bag over and repeat. Cool on a cool surface.
Turn oven to 150ºC. Line a 20cm cake tin
Cut butter into flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Can use a food processor. Measure golden syrup with a hot wet measuring cup into bowl. Stir in milk. Add eggs and beat with a fork or whisk till well blended. Place drained fruit in a large bowl. Add flour and golden syrup. Stir well. You can decorate the top with almonds or cherries. Turn mixture into prepared tin and bake for 2¼ – 2½ hours. Cool in tin.
Best left at least 1 week before cutting.
Jill Youngson
6-cylinder, 4-litre, manual gearbox, 4-door sedan. Current WOF & Rego. 125,000 miles. Interior: walnut dashboard & leather seating original. Restored in ex condition through 1996. Good history kept over the years of service. Many spare parts available. Located in Gore, Southland. $40,000 ono.
Contact Nancy: Tel. 027 310 9105 or email nancy.stronach@xtra.co.nz 2/3
Four new old stock 600x16 inch crossply tyres with tubes. Only done about 100 miles. $450 the set. Phone Hartley Hay 027 814 2051 1/3
Sent in by Donna North
Tailpiece
Run reports, articles of interest, photos, technical tips, letters and feedback are always welcome.
The Wiper is usually distributed on or around the last Tuesday of each month
Please send all contributions to David North before the 3rd Wednesday of each month for inclusion in the next issue of The Wiper
If you don't have a computer, I can get a hand-written article typed up or put your notes or jottings into shape for The Wiper. If you prefer, I can even take notes as you talk to me and write up the story for you - I am always ready to help so just let me know how!
e-mail: northd14@gmail.com
physical and mail: 4 Trotter Street, Riverton 9822
telephone (mobile) 021 172 3281
Please support our advertisers so that they, in turn, can continue to support the Branch
The opinions and statements in The Wiper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy or views of the Gore Branch or of the VCC. The Branch accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any statements. The Wiper is printed by I-Cue 10 Wood Street, Invercargill Telephone (03) 218 3350
