Personalised vintage fashion shows for events/occasions/functions presented by an experienced team of models
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Professional recolouring of all leather car seats, interior panels etc. Protect and enhance the look of your car interior with our unique quality service
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Phone 455 4065
BROCKLEBANKS
Leather Dyers
Over 50 years serving Otago
Branch Committee 2024-2025
CLUBROOMS
125 Forbury Rd., Dunedin , 9012
Phone 455 0586
BRANCH EMAIL
COMMITTEE MEETS
Postal Address: 125 Forbury Road, Dunedin, 9012
otago@vcc.org.nz
2nd Monday of month 7.30pm
CLUB NIGHT Friday 7.30pm to 11.00pm
MOTORCYCLE NIGHT
MONTHLY MEETING
PARTS SHED
ARTICLES FOR NEWSLETTER
First Friday of the month
Last Friday of the month 8.30pm
Friday 7.30pm – 9.30 pm.
Wednesday 09.00am – 12.00 noon
Can be forwarded to your editor by the 3rd Wednesdayof the month please
VERO INSURANCE APPLICATIONS Please quote Otago “Agent No H0300145— Inspector No 916”
LIBRARY ROSTER
FEBRUARY
7th Bill Veitch
14th Closed
21st Closed
28th Kevin Mason
APRIL
4th Tom Hewson
11th Closed
18th Closed Easter
25th Bill Veitch Anzac
Library open 8.00 - 9.30 Friday night
MARCH
7th Bryan McConachie
14th Closed
21st Closed
28th Bruce Murray
MAY
2nd Kevin Mason
9th Closed
16th Closed
23rd Closed
30th Bryan McConachie
Welcome to New Members
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
BRANCH EVENTS (listed in bold)
Contact Branch secretary for entry forms from other branches
2025
MAR Fri 7th Motorcycle Group Meeting
8th – 50th Annual Motorcycle Rally – South Otago Sun 16th Gore Car boot sale and Swapmeet
22-23rd Southern Backroad Adventure 15th CO Motorcycle Rally
12th Gerald Lynch Bloose Rally – North Otago 11-18th South Island Club Captains Tour
Thur 24th Midweek Lunch Run
18 -21st North and South Island Nat Easter Rallies
Fri 25th Anzac Day – Club Night and Meeting 26th Golden Times Rally – Central Otago
MAY Fri 2nd Motorcycle Group Meeting
2-4th Overnight run to Ashburton incorporating Ashburton Swapmeet
Sun 18th Restoration Rally / Ladies Run
Sun 25th Garage Raid
Thur 29th Midweek Lunch Run
Fri 30th Club Night & Meeting
JUNE Fri 6th Motorcycle Group Meeting
Sun 19th Branch AGM & Pot Luck Lunch
Thur 26th Midweek - Midwinter Lunch Run
Fri 27th Club Night & Meeting
JULY Sat 19th Branch Annual Dinner
VCC NATIONAL EVENTS
2025 August National AGM Invercargill
2026 March 15th -21st Vero International Festival of Historic MotoringNelson
Please WEAR YOUR NAME BADGES when you are attending club events. This helps new members to identify you
Southern BackroadsAdventure
Saturday 22nd-23rd March
Book your own accommodation in Ranfurly
Midweek Run
–
Visit (Piano restorer) and lunch
Thursday 27th March 2025
Meet at Sunnyvale Sportsground car park at 10am
Lunch at Mosgiel Tavern following the visit
Club Night – 28th March 2025
7.30pm open with club meeting at 8.30pm and cuppa to follow
Otago Classic Motoring club
30th March -1.00pm—at Wharf St Carpark
No classes just combined run with some questions for overall winner Meet at car park oppAllan's behind railway station at 1.00 pm. Acouple of visits have been arranged. Bring your own afternoon tea picnic. Idea of numbers would be good for printing and no rally costs
We have had another month of motoring fun with the Jackson Rally and Dunedin - Brighton Run which were both run very well. The Jackson Rally covered some steep roads that I decided not to take the Model T but was a very good run for those able to conquer the hills. The Dunedin - Brighton Run was a good day out and very enjoyable. We must thank the organisers of both runs for the time that they put into organising these. Unfortunately, we have lost Bill Partel recently so it was good that I was able to present him with his certificate before this happened and I guess he will always be remembered for his input into the club which nobody realises until he is not there.
The committee has been very busy with the new constitution for both the National and our branch. I would like to thank those of you who have had input for this as we do not all think the same way and so we have been able to clarify members concerns, as next month we have another meeting in Christchurch to try and finalise the national constitution. We are also working on getting the branch constitution in order as well so we are having some long sittings with that. The National Office has purchased new offices which were well needed. These are on North Road and virtually ready to move straight in with very little cost which is a saving. There is also a separate building for the archives which is very good as if a fire hit the main building our archives would be safe. I will be seeing them when I am in Christchurch for the National Executive Meeting, and will perhaps see the inside later when HQ is moved in. Once again there are events coming up so check out the Roadrunner for these and help where you can and if you have a problem see me. Thank you GRAEME
Clubrooms are open every Wednesday From 9.30 am until 11am
From your Branch Secretary
The start of 2025 has definitely been busy with club activities – not only within our own branch but also elsewhere throughout the region. Mark and I had a great weekend down in Invercargill at the beginning of February at the 70th Anniversary of the Southland Rally. Were you aware that there are trophies handed out during the annual prizegiving for members who have travelled large distances or attended the most events? Please remember to let me know if you have attended another branch event so I can keep a note of this for when the committee look to allocate the trophies.
Otago’s inaugural Southern Backroad Adventures is being held shortly and from an idea by Nevin that we could arrange a tour to compliment the Irishman Creek Rally and Highland Fling – this is turning out to extremely popular. I for one am looking forward to hearing all the stories afterwards.
Updating the Resource Consent – As advertised elsewhere in the RoadRunner the committee is investigating updating the resource consent to allow us to rent out the clubrooms however, we need to know if we would have the support to make this worthwhile. Please contact me if you would like more details on the type of groups that would meet the resource requirements.
Newsletters from other branches -remember to check the VCC website each month to read what is happening in other branches around the country. You can also find their event entry forms there as well. The website address is https://vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches/ Other branch events & National Rallies - please let me know if you would like an entry form for one or more of the following events: Gerald Lynch Blosse Rally 12th April based in Oamaru
South Island Easter Rally 18th – 21st April based in Christchurch
North Island Eater Rally 18th-21st April based in Cambridge Wheels at Wanaka 19th-20th April
Highland Fling 25-27 April based in Feilding
Branch Facebook page - Did you know that along with the main club Facebook page, Otago branch also has its own page – search for Otago Vintage Car Club. I set it up a few years ago and have been doing my best to look after it however would love to add another administrator who can help with content etc. Please contact me if you are interested
Branch Activities - We all know the success of the Wednesday morning noggin and natter plus the Monthly Thursday run howeverwhat can we offer members that are not able to attend due to work or other commitments and that may also attract new members. Some suggestions are Fish & Chip nights, Breakfast at Emerson’s (or similar). Please let me know if these appeal to you so we can organise. VIC and Lighting Endorsement Forms - These are available via the website vcc.org.nz/vic-vehicle classification. Vero Insurance -The VCC Vero scheme is solely for financial members and the discount we enjoy ceases when your membership is cancelled either through non-payment of subs, resignation or death. National Office can arrange for it to be transferred to a joint member, so the simplest way to continue receiving the discount is to add your spouse to your membership. This means that in the unfortunate event of the main member passing, the surviving spouse has time to decide what to do without worrying about the insurance. Please contact me if you want more details.
ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS
Are you due for your 25, 35, or 50 YearAward
Please contact your branch secretary for a copy of the application form as soon as possible for presentation in June
Do we have your correct contact details
Please contact your Branch Secretary or National Office of any changes of phone number, email, and address. We also record the sales/purchases of vehicles to keep our club database as current at possible.Email admin@vcc.org.nz or Post to VCCNZ,POBox 2546 Christchurch 8140
Nicola
Would you like to rent our Club rooms?
To help us decide whether we should apply to vary the resource consent, the committee is wanting to gauge if there is sufficient interest from various groups to renting the club rooms. The permitted activities would need to fit under community and leisure and have no more than 50 people in attendance. The rooms available would be the main hall and kitchen plus toilets. While this is solely a fact-finding mission for now and no guarantee of usage, can you please contact me if you know of a group or groups that may be interested and fall under this category.
Nicola – 021 1803225 or otago@vcc.org.nz
A branch members’ generosity to an elderly gentleman
I would like to start off by thanking Travis Michelle for his generosity. Last year my grandad, Ted, had a few health scares that we were worried he wouldn't come back from. Thankfully, he managed to get back on his feet and return to his old self.
Ted had a Model A Ford back in his youth, which, many years later, he still talks about fondly. I am sure that if he ever managed to find one for sale, he would have it in his garage within the hour. While we couldn't find him his car, my dad had the great idea of ending this difficult year on a high by organising a ride in an old Model A to remind him of the good old days.
He got in contact with the Otago Vintage Car Club who directed us to Travis. Travis was onboard with the idea right away and offered to take Ted for a ride in his own Model A. We told Ted we were going out for a surprise. He did think he was going into a home at first but the Model A in Travis's driveway changed his tune.
Travis had an incredible collection of vintage cars that had clearly been taken care of and were in good condition. Even me, as someone who knows nothing about cars, found myself listening in with interest. My grandad enjoyed getting to talk to Travis all about the history of his cars and how they all worked.
A LEISURELY ROAD TRIP
In last months Roadrunner Tom Grant invited members to join him and Kelvin Henderson on a 10 day meander around Southland and Central Otago. On Saturday 22nd of February they attended the Gore Festival Rally having travelled to Gore via the Catlins coast on the Friday before.
No other members have joined them on this run, but we look forward to hearing of their adventures when they return.
JACKSON RALLY REPORT 2025
The Jackson Rally is traditionally the first of the new year and includes a run on Otago Peninsula which on 19 January 2025 was picture perfect. We spread our wings a little this year and included Mount Cargill and Upper Junction Road on the West Harbour making the course something of a figure 8.
The entry list produced a great spread of vehicles including the veritable Ford Model T and Model A, a delightful and rare Ansaldo 4C, an Austin 12/4, a 1929 Chevrolet, a pre-war Vauxhall, a 1962 PA velox, a 1963 Hillman Minx, an immaculate Mini Cooper, VW Karman Gia, 1970 Sunbeam Rapier and 1980s Volvo 240. Bikes were represented by two BSAs and a 1980s Yamaha and sidecar. We were certainly ‘driving our history’!
The Jackson Rally winners are found using a complex and secret formula. ( If I told you I would have to shoot you!) It does require entrants to provide their route distance and time taken. This data alone is interesting. The lowest mileage recorded was 3% lower than the official distance while the highest was 11% higher. The closest to the official distance was Merv Thomson in his Minx which was within ¼ of a mile. Average speeds were surprisingly close with Malcolm Eunson in his flying Volvo recording the highest at 26.25 mph!
A pleasant cuppa and chat at the club room finished the afternoon off. The Rally winner was David Newberry, pilot of the 4C Ansaldo who was awarded the GC Jackson Memorial Trophy while Andrew Roxburgh with Donna navigating from the sidecar won the Mary B Jackson trophy for Motorcycles.
Thanks to Bill Veitch who co-organised and to David Mills who arranged the afternoon tea.
Report supplied by Trevor Kempton
Southland Branch 70th Anniversary Rally- Report
We decided to attend the Southland Vintage Car Club's 70th Anniversary Rally to be held on the 1st of February 2025. We motored down the day before. Abeautiful day greeted us on the morning of the rally where drivers briefing was to be held at Queen's Park at 9.30 am. Abit of navigation was required to this point as the city is suffering from the orange cone plague. With approximately 60 competitors there was an interesting and varied line up of cars at the start ranging through the classes from the oldest, a 1907 Darracq Service Car owned by the branch to the youngest a 1991 Rover Mini Cooper S. We had elected the long route, proceeding through the park heading through Makarewa full of lifestyle blocks On to SH 6 towards Winton. Well documented instructions took us through many stop signs and give ways. Before Winton we proceeded left towards Wallacetown. The long stretches of straight roads along with miles of flat land were a considerable contrast to the roads we travel on in Otago. Definitely dairying country with the odd paddock of sheep to be seen. Onwards through Drummond towards Otautau. The terrain made a change when we turned off out of Fairfax to Riverton. The latter being our lunch stop with field tests to be held there. This was also a good chance to wander around and view the other participants vehicles. There was a return route with an optional visit to a Machinery Museum. Before departing we went to Riverton Rocks. What a spectacular spot with great ocean and landmark views. The prize giving dinner was held at the clubrooms in the evening. Of the 5 entrants from our Otago Branch, Trevor Kempton in his 1961 Daimler SP250 was successful in obtaining a certificate for his class in the Field Tests. Other Otago branch entrants were:Mark and Nicola Wilkinson -1973 MGB GT, Colin and Joan Pearce – 1977 Ford Falcon, Malcolm Eunson andAlison - 1984 Volvo 240. An enjoyable rally which offered a chance to experience for me a different area of our country.
Report written by Alison N
Gore Festival Rally report 2025
Bryan and I stayed on in Gore following the National Model T Rally which was held in Gore the weekend before. On Saturday 22nd we joined 9 other Otago Branch entrants for the Gore Rally for morning tea and briefing. We had opted for the long route in the Model T but then looked at the looming black clouds and decided to follow Nevin and Janeane in their Model T on the Short Route. Not long into it we came across another Model T owner who was parked on the side of the road. The engine had made a terrible noise and stopped. Out came the tools and about an hour later we had him running smoothly again. The route took us around the back roads of Western Gore to Heriot for lunch at their Community Centre. The return trip took us on a history lesson – it talks of how land was settled and the discovery of Gold in the 1860’s. We observed the previous home of NZ’s richest family, the Todd family of Todd Corporation. Charles Todd came to Heriot in 1884 and owned a fellmongery and wool scour. During the next 31 years he diversified into auctioneering and storekeeping, building up a stock and station agency, a motor garage and acquired land holdings. He sold out to Dalgety & Co in 1925 and established Todd Motors in Wellington selling Gray and Chrysler cars. In 1929 he acquired the Rootes Motors dealership for Hillman, Humber and Commer vehicles. – To much more to mention here but I will leave a copy of the lesson at the clubrooms. Some of our branch members decided to cross over to Raes Junction and drive back to Dunedin from there. The rest returned to Gore for prizegivng and dinner. The Gore district has lots of amazing sealed backroads – with not to much traffic on them. The area still has lots of places for us to discover.
Congratulations to Keith Heineman on gaining Overall Winner for the day – plus 1st time trial, 1st field tests and People’s Choice in the Vintage Section: Colin Winter on gaining 1st Field Tests and Peoples Choice in the Veteran Section: Stu Neil 1st Field Tests in the P80 Section: Malcolm Eunson Peoples Choice in the P80 Section. Other entrants were: Mark Wilkinson and Colin Deaker in his MG, Tom Grant in his MG, Gil and Ruth Edmunds, Bob & Myra Herron, and Stephen Kidd with his 1908 Talbot
On Sunday – Mandeville – had their annual Fly In with their historic aircraft on display and offering flights to paying customers. There were a group of MG’s and Winter’s Wolseley on display, and the steam train and traction engines offering rides. Report by Marion
Keith Heineman and Colin with their trophies and certificates
The 71st Dunedin-Brighton Run – Report No 2
The 71st Dunedin-Brighton Run was held on the 25th-26th of January 2025, and this year I was a co-organiser, along with Colin Winter. There were 27 entrants this year, all cars, apart from the 1910 Triumph Roadster motorcycle, which was ridden by Andrew Roxburgh, and Grame Duthie's 1917 Ford Model TT truck.
New this year, was Stephen Kidd's stunning 1908 Talbot. This had only driven 4 miles since the restoration was completed, and went well. Another car I hadn't seen on the run before, was John Wilson's 1914 Ford Model T Speedster. This was a gorgeous car, and got a lot of attention. There were eight Model T's this year, with the three Pearce Sunbeams following up as the next best presented marque.
Stephen Kidd had four cars entered, and Ryan Dewes came down from the North Island to drive the 1913 Darracq for him. The 1909 Briton was driven by Gary Turner, while Gary Winter drove the 1914 Talbot 4CBX. Having entered three cars last year, I'm aware of the massive amount of preparation that would have gone into this. Stephen won the Concours trophy for the 1908 Talbot, as well as the W.D Read Cup (entrant's choice) for the same car.
The veterans all presented well in the carriageway in the Octagon. Councillor Lee Vandervis was MC and did a great job on the microphone, while Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich enthusiastically flagged the veterans away. Alan Familton's 1910 Stanley Steamer left in a cloud of steam, and was a great favourite with the spectators. Also enjoyed by the crowd were Gavin Hunt's 1903 Darracq G and Colin Winter's 1900 Wolseley, which left on it's 71st annual trip to Brighton.
Most of the more capable veterans went to Taieri Mouth, before arriving at Brighton, but a certain Steam powered vehicle was seen searching for a supply of fresh water on the way. Much relief when Brighton was reached and a hose was attached to the tap at the Rugby Club. Many members of the public came to the roadside to watch the procession, which this year, went 'over the hump' to Kaikorai Valley via Serpentine Ave / Hawthorn Ave.
At Hestbank, a house in the middle of Brighton, a group of enthusiastic ladies always dress up in period clothing, and offer the occupants of the veterans sandwiches, savouries and even a glass
of wine....all on the house! Being one of the last cars through, the ladies were becoming very merry. Great stuff! I enjoyed the pikelets with cream and jam.
We were extremely fortunate with the weather. The forecasts leading up to the run all included rain, but it only amounted to a sprinkle, and cleared to a pleasant sunny afternoon for the lunch and field tests. Young people were having a great time on the Brighton domain, scoring rides, and even getting some time behind the wheel. Unfortunately, the weather was not so good for the drive to Carey's Bay on the Sunday, with most taking modern cars in the light rain. A handful of veterans braved the conditions though.
Prize giving was held at the Edgar Centre again this year. A special presentation was made to a participant who had trouble with a Dunedin traffic light. He was awarded a red lollipop to symbolise the traffic light he had gone through, and red and blue lollipops to symbolise the lights that came on when a police car pulled him over. I believe negotiations were immediately entered into, and fortunately only a warning given.
And so ended another great Brighton Run. It is a unique event. There really isn't anything else quite like it! Thanks to all those who made the effort to prepare and bring a vehicle. It is what makes the 'Brighton Run' magic.
Report by Nevin Gough
RALLY OTAGO – 4-6TH APRIL ROAD
BLOCK
MARSHALLS REQUIRED
As in previous years members of our branch volunteer to do Marshalling as required on Saturday or Sunday at allocated Road Blocks on Stages along the course. Our branch gets a donation for the work done. If you are able to volunteer to do this for the team please let Nicola Wilkinson or Marion McConachie know as soon as possible NB: Details of stages where people are required will be emailed out to everyone when those details are recieved
OBITUARIES
Bill Partel – Just as our February Roadrunner went to print we heard of the passing of Bill.
Bill joined the Vintage Car Club in 1996 having received his 25 year Award in 202, and was an active member from the beginning. He and Susan attended many events both locally and around the country in their beautifully restored Chevrolet. A picture here of them participating in the field tests during an Easter Rally in
Timaru. Bill took on the position of House Manager earlier on and enjoyed being able to set out the clubrooms for functions and dinners with Susan’s help. The tables were always set with white tablecloths, cutlery, placemats, and colourful flowers from his own garden. He also set up the displays of memorabilia in the cabinets around the hall and ensured that the yearly restoration award photos were displayed on the walls. He would spend hours at the clubrooms ensuring everything was in place and tidy. And assisted Alistair Drummond with his House Manager duties. He enjoyed doing back up, and ensuring enough supplies were on board for many Dunvegan Rallies. Road Block marshalling for Otago Rallies were another thing he got into – he was a stickler for rules and ensuring that the wayward spectators would keep well clear of roads being used for the rally. Bill’s name appears a good number of times on the Clubman’s Trophy for the Best attendance at Local Events – well deserved too. Last but not least – he did not like waste and if there was ever any food left over from a function he would take it home. Bill you are already missed – our thoughts are with Susan and family
Paddy Williams - Paddy joined the Vintage Car Club in 1971 and was presented with his 50 Year Award in 2021. He was an active member while also restoring several motorcycles and cars, having received a Restoration Award for his Talbot in 2021. He spent some years as house manager at both Park Street and Forbury Road clubrooms. He also had active involvement in overseeing the parts department at the time when these parts needed relocation to Townley Road. Paddy also spent some time producing the branch newsletter in the earlier years. In more recent years he enjoyed the motorcycle section of the branch having participated in many of the local and other branch motorcycle events. He will be missed here and amongst the motorcycle fraternity. Our thoughts are with Paddy and family
Peter Hesson - Peter had been a member for many years and had an interest in Motorcycles in earlier years. He was known to join in on the Annual Dunvegan Rally to their lunch stop and then head back home again. It is understood that he worked in our current clubrooms when it first opened as a Telephone Exchange. Our thoughts are with Denise and family
Murray Ruthven – Murray was a recent member to our branch and also involved with other car clubs in the region – many of you might have come across him during the annual Autospectacular shows. Our thoughts are with Maureen and Murray’s family
From the Editor
The last month has been a busy one around the region with various branches offering our members plenty of opportunities to get their VCC eligible vehicles out for a drive. Thank you to those members who have submitted reports in this month’s Roadrunner. It would be nice to get some more photos of your motoring experiences.
Bryan and I have spent 10 days around the Gore area with members of the National Model T club. Three to four days around the Gore for our Annual Rally and then a smaller group travelled to Te Anau for a booked bus and cruise to Milford Sound. The tour was an interesting and informative experience. We learned how the roads are continually monitored and maintained over the summer season and the systems in place that keep that tunnel open and safe for all motorists. 16 of us had our own mini bus and tour guide. He was a local, born and bred and had interesting stories to tell of the history of the region, and stopped at points of interest where we could get out and see the attractions e.g. the Chasm, Mirror Lakes, water falls close to the road. This was really the only day we had when it rained. So had some good waterfalls during our cruise in the Sounds.
A sealed Light Bean front light in Red Box
A picture in old wooden frame of a 1915 Model T – with a write up about it – worth a look
Please contact Dean 0210709867 no txt or message please
WANTED
Archive Material - for Otago BranchArchives
Copies of any past events/rallies that you have organised in the past. These are needed to ensure that the branch Archives are kept up to date.
Please deliver to the clubrooms – with my name on it – thanks Marion -
WANTED
I am looking for some 19 inch tyres secondhand or new if anyone has anything For sale 4.75 5.00 19 Or similar to fit a Model A Ford Thanks Kelvin (021) 041 4796 -
Just asking if any of our members might by chance still have any copies of this journal in you possession. Or if you might know if there are any still in our branch library. Another Branch librarian is looking for a certain addition of it. For further details—please contact Marion
