Welcome to this, the January- February edition of your Rivet. Great to be back and to welcome in 2025. I hope that you all managed to spend some time with your beloved vehicles ripping up the tarmac. Speaking for myself, I really enjoyed parking up my keyboard in my editor’s role for the branch for a few weeks, although I still had my notebook and camera primed and ready recording events over the break. I am still enjoying my role, but would willingly step aside should someone else like to take the opportunity to step into my shoes. Initially, I would dearly love someone who has the time to assist me and deputise as editor when I am away for any reason. A software program called Publisher ( on Microsoft Office 365 ) handles all the data and publishing for the Rivet. All one requires is a computer which could handle this programme. Let me know please. I would be grateful for some assistance in this busy role as, although officially retired, I still have some business commitments and other issues to contend with.
Onto what has been happening of late in our branch. Plenty to satisfy even the most difficult to please members, including myself! The Gumboot Rally, club picnic and of course Vintage Weekend were all great events. To all of those who so willingly organised and assisted in the running of these events, take a bow and accept the deserved gratitude due to you.
It was great to see Graeme Purves at our last Club Night and not looking any worse for wear after that horrific looking crash he had in the Burma Rally. His partner Liz is still a little sore apparently, but on the mend. I hope that his Model A is likewise.
I have been up to the hospital to visit our treasurer Neil on a couple of occasions lately. On the last visit he looked and sounded more like the Neil of old. He has been through quite an ordeal. The work that this man does for our branch, and length of service he has given, is truly amazing. Get well soon my friend. Neil wanted to pen an obituary for the late Ivan Kendall in this edition, but his hospitalisation had other ideas. Thanks to Sue Voss, who stepped up and you will see her tribute to Ivan in these pages. Ivan always struck me as a no nonsense sort of man, with a wonderful memory of past events in the branch. I always made a point of acknowledging his presence at club events. Rest in peace, Ivan.
Other motoring news. Two VCC members and their wives, plus Frances and myself, set forth with other hardy and indeed some younger enthusiasts, on a Military Vehicle Club event to the back blocks and beyond in our trusty old 4x4s. Corporal Colin Matthews, organised and run this event. We camped at Basecamp Rangiwhia where a recent VCC run led by Glyn Clements from Manawatu VCC, were stationed. We had a long nine hour day on the Saturday, travelling up to the end of the Kawatau Valley and onto a farm, after refuelling at Mangaweka. The farm tracks were quite demanding in places, but nothing to stop all but one of the old 4x4s, which had gearbox issues and a leaf spring actually inverted when climbing a track better suited to goats! The following day we journeyed through part of Apiti forest, which bordered Basecamp. Rugged tracks in places were quite demanding the further in we journeyed. Thoroughly enjoyable weekend. The VCC members on this MVC run were Colin and Tracey Matthews, Phillip and Gillian Avery, and Frances and myself. Thank you Colin for organising this run.
That’s all from me at present. Yours in cruising Editor Ian.
Chairman's Report — February 2025
Greetings members
The last few months have been so full of motoring fun and catching up with old friends. We had our Grandson with us for around a month and he also enjoyed one rally with Grandad. For him it was the Gumboot Rally which we deliberately undersold the event to him to see his reaction. He was absolutely amazed that such a diverse collection of people in an equally diverse collection of vehicles could be so very happy. This year’s rally was a little unique in that there was absolutely no dust at all anywhere. Robert, you organise the best start to any year I could wish for.
The club picnic turned out brilliant in spite of the weather. We are so fortunate to have the ability to swap venues at short notice to allow us to enjoy each other’s company. The Vintage weekend and especially the Burma Rally were other fantastic events. Sue and I chose to assist as marshals this time and we accompanied Linda onto Fields Track for the checkpoint. We found the whole experience a lot of fun.
I have been helping a friend get his Austin 12/4 New Ascot back on the road. It is now registered and warranted and if you wonder what that unusual glow is in the sky near Marton, it is the overjoyed owner’s smile as he drives his pride and joy around. It still has some finishing touches to be done but I love people’s reaction when the vehicle they have been working on comes to life again.
The other day I was working in my back garage when I heard a very unusual sound somewhat like a stationary engine motoring up our driveway. It turned out to be Roger and Christine Corlett in their veteran Warrick. He had remagnetised the magneto and after a quick shove was motoring again. Of course we had to have a ride and that is not for nervous passengers. It is however very “cool” in more than one way. Even our 86 year old neighbour got a short ride. Our editor has expressed interest in doing an article on the Corlett collection so there will be more information to come on this interesting machine.
Chairman Andrew Dittmer
Club Captain’s Report— February 2025
Greetings members
2024 Ended well for the club with some well supported and enjoyable events. The Christmas Parade attracted a good turnout with some nicely decorated cars. The weather played it’s part and it was very enjoyable going back to the clubrooms and having some afternoon tea which Dale had organized some treats for. An anonymous person also shouted a beer for those who wanted one, a lovely gesture thank you Frank. The Gumboot Rally was held as usual on New Years Day. I’ve been told this year’s run was one of the better ones and everyone who went had a great time. We couldn’t make it because of family commitments but hopefully next year we’ll get there. We had to shift the Club Picnic from the Bason Reserve back to the clubrooms because of the weather forecast which wasn’t to flash. For once they got it right and it was a good call to change back to the Clubrooms. The Picnic for me is one of the more enjoyable annual events held by the club. The shared plates members bring makes a meal fit for a King or Queen.
Vintage Weekend is our busiest weekend of the year. Friday nights gathering at the clubrooms attracted only a few members. It makes for a good introduction into the weekend so if we decide to organize it next year please come along, Thanks to Ray and Christine Savage who put the food on for this event. Saturdays events, the Wheels on Victoria and the Classic Cruise, were well supported and went off without a hitch thanks to our club organizers and marshals who helped on the day. I believe $1,200 was raised for the cancer society. The Burma Rally presented a challenge for some competitors and organizers alike. Overall we had a good day, the weather was good and the roads were very nice and scenic. Graeme Purves and Liz would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who stopped and helped them Graeme would also like to apologise for disrupting rally entrants day. Bruce and Jenny Ardell organized the Monday morning run. There was a good turnout. The morning was well organized as usual. We had a good look through Bruce’s shed and museum with a nice morning tea to see the weekend out. Thank you Bruce, I know you were busy with your family Anniversary weekend.
Sunday the 2nd of February the Manawatu Club had a day out visiting Bruce and Jenny, looking at their museum and warehouse then came to our place to look at our cars before coming to the clubrooms for their dinner. Thank you to our members who came along and shared dinner with them and Dale who opened the clubrooms and got everything ready for the visit.
On the 16th of February we are having a Gymkhana at Craig and Wendy Ryland’s, 227 Waireka Road. Meet at 1.00pm, bring your club eligible car and a capable navigator and have some fun. Please also bring a plate for afternoon tea. For the March Club Night , Hinemoa has invited members to have a look through Ed Boyd’s Autobarn at 3 Pickwick Road. Usual start time of 7.30pm. There are Classic and Vintage cars to see, old Whanganui photos and the movie of the Whanganui River Story. Bring a plate for supper. This will be a great night and one-off opportunity as the use of the buildings is changing so we won’t be able to see the displays again. March Sunday Run is a full day event being organized by Mike Marshall. We are travelling to Feilding and a bit beyond, visiting a museum and the Black Barn. Please bring your lunch.
That’s all from me folks, it looks like we’re spoilt for choice again.
Club Captain Rob
Gumboot Rally Taihape
40th Anniversary New Year’s Day
January 1st Gumboot Rally is firmly etched in my mind, as well as that of many other VCC members from around the North Island, as a rally not to be missed. This year’s event was a special occasion as it marked the 40th anniversary of the Gumboot organised by local VCC and Wanganui Branch stalwart, Robert Baines. Long-time Wanganui members, Dave and Lyn Austin, assist Robert in ensuring that this fun-loving rally is held every year at the home of the Gumboot, Taihape. For those who wonder what VCC branch Taihape falls into, it is proudly an integral part of Wanganui. Robert was the deserving recipient of the most recent John L Goddard Trophy, the highest annual honour bestowed by the New Zealand VCC.
Pictured is Robert on the left and VCC NI Club Captain, Glyn Clements, at the prizegiving.
Anyway, onto the rally. A mixture of members' vehicles, thirty-nine in total, lined up at Memorial Park in Taihape at 9am New Years Day, comprising some eighty excited people. A few were looking a little weary from New Year's Eve celebrations, as apparently several entrants partied up in the town. This whole rally is centred on having fun, while there is a competitive edge to it, nevertheless.
Dave and Lyn Austin sent the intrepid entrants on their way at regular intervals, armed with the morning instructions. Dave, a former military man, policed this with gusto! After negotiating a few streets around the town, we entered Mataroa Road, then eventually into Pungatawa Road and over the bridge into Moawhango Valley. We were now into the back blocks of Taihape, real Gumboot territory. This is superb VCC country, with roads meant for us. The scenery is second to none with steep hills as far as the eye can see. The roads were a mixture of seal and gravel. No dust as we encountered some light showers of rain along the way. My navigator was a local gentleman who knew all the twists and turns we were instructed to take, while I kept the Holden on the straight and narrow, the whole time looking for various yellow VCC signs where boxes containing playing cards were held. Yes, you guessed it, this was a poker run, with each card collected containing a pre-determined number. To make things interesting, the winning hand was determined by either the highest score or the lowest, which was decided by a coin toss before the prizegiving commenced!
Eventually, we entered the Kawhatau Valley Road and from here journeyed to Mangaweka Primary School where we had our lunch stop. With full bellies and empty bladders, our afternoon section took us onto Ruahine Road and then Mangamako Road. We eventually entered SHI after encountering lovely winding roads, some metaled, and turned off just past the Rangatira Golf Course and then into Watershed Road. Back to more lovely scenic Taihape country roads, eventually entering Ridge Road North, into Pukenaua Road, back onto SH1 and civilisation, finding our way into Taihape township and finishing the rally at Robert Baines TSM Motors. Great rally! Editor Ian
Gumboot Rally Taihape
40th Anniversary New Year’s Day
Socialising followed, while several BBQs were pouring out a variety of tasty meats, with salads, awaiting the famished entrants. North Island Club Captain, Glyn Clements, alongside Robert Baines, welcomed the rally contestants. It was great to have Glyn in our midst and attending the rally. There were members from various branches among us, as there always are at the Gumboot. Tables full of prizes were laid out before us, as is always the case, with no one going home empty-handed. Credit to Robert and his team for organising these. The overall winners were Manawatu branch members, Chris Rhodes and Judy Lewell in a 1977 Triumph TR7. Chris should buy a lotto ticket as he also won the raffle! Congratulations. They were awarded the coveted Gumboot trophy plus another one to keep presented by Dave and Lyn Austin for the 40th anniversary of the Gumboot. Thanks to Robert and his team for once again organising this annual rally. See you all in 2026.
Prize Winners
1st Chris Rhodes and Judy Lewell from Manawatu branch Their TR7 Triumph pictured above right.
2nd Genny and Ted Matthews Wanganui on the right. Top Wanganui branch entrant in their 1930 Model A.
3rd Tony Prebensen from Napier CHB Branch in a 1928 Ford Model A.
Above are the coveted Gumboot first prize awards.
Left: Some of the entrants enjoying their meal and socialising.
Wheels on Victoria January 2025
On Saturday 18 January 2025 as part of the Vintage Weekend 2025 Celebrations the ‘Wheels on Victoria’ vehicle display took place in Victoria Avenue, Whanganui.
Vehicles started arriving soon after 7:30 am to park in the Avenue and some 350 vehicles ranging from Vintage Cars, Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, Classic Cars, Sports Cars, Military Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles, Trucks and Motorcycles took over the main street of Whanganui.
The vehicles of all ages, makes, models and colours created huge interest for viewing from 10:00 am through to around 4:00 pm by enthusiasts and public alike. The occasion also provided an exciting meeting place for visitors and old friends.
What a great day for everyone who attended – an event which always provides fun for all.
Thank you to everyone who bought their vehicles along for the display and to the helpers who assisted with parking etc.
Frank James and Peter Hardy
Below: Mr Editor found this rather amusing...a spot of foreplay with the 4x4 on the left mounting the customised poor old Jeep Rubicon.
Left: 1908 Holsman
Right: 1948 BSA and sidecar
Mitre 10 Mega “Classic Cruise” January 2025
On Saturday 18 January 2025 as part of the Vintage Weekend 2025 Celebrations the ‘Mitre 10 Mega Classic Cruise’ was held - meeting in the carpark at Mitre 10 from 4:00 pm with the first vehicles leaving to go on the ‘Cruise’ at 5:00 pm. Some 80 vehicles went on the ‘Cruise' around the streets of Whanganui and some through a few rural roads as well with many of the local rest homes being driven-by on the way. There were lots of laughs and hilarity for participants and also the people who viewed the vehicles and their occupants as they drove through the streets.
Drivers, navigators and other friends completed the ‘Cruise’ by 6:00 pm and ended at ‘The Barracks’ bar which soon filled with some 120 to 130 people who enjoyed cooling-off with drinks and food. Spot prizes were drawn and the lucky winners took home small picnic bags provided by Mitre 10 Mega Whanganui. Thank you to our great sponsor.
All proceeds from the ‘Classic Cruise’ will be donated (final amount not available yet but expect around $1200.00) to be paid to the Whanganui Branch of the Cancer Society to help them with their work with so many people.
Frank James and Peter Hardy
Top: Wayne, Frank and Peter in full flight at the prize giving at Barracks after the cruise.
A selection of pics that appealed to Mr Editor:
Above left: Newly imported Dodge.
Above right: Railton convertible.
Left : Morgan
Anniversary Day Run
On Wellington Anniversary Day, Bruce and Jennifer Ardell organised their traditional run. Assembling at the Cornmarket at 9am, a good number of members, including some from other branches, set off on a short run over Cobham Bridge and along Anzac Parade. Following the Whanganui River, the route took us through to Kaimatira Road turn off and left onto Number 3 Line. Turning left at the top of Okoia Hill, we continued through to Fordell to 86 Kaurangaroa Road, the property of Bruce and Jennifer Ardell. Morning tea waited us, after which our host, Bruce, gave us a very interesting run down of his well known business, Mechanical Restorations Vintage and Classic Spares, supplying those hard to find parts for engine and auto parts for 1912 to 1997 vehicles. I doubt that there would be anyone in the VCC and Classic car fraternity in New Zealand who are not aware of the services Bruce provides. Following his presentation, Bruce took us through a guided tour of his fabulous vehicle and machinery museum. For those who have not viewed this collection, members were in for quite a surprise. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, tractors, machinery and lots of memorabilia, screamed out to the visitors “look at me.” It really is quite an eye opener and a credit to the Ardell's for amassing such an impressive collection. I have visited before, and many of the tractors were not there. As I am somewhat a tractor enthusiast myself, I was really taken back with what was in the museum. Thank you, Bruce and Jennifer, for opening up your premises for members to take a peek inside and to be more aware of your business. So much to photograph I could have filled up many magazines! Editor Ian
Top: Bruce with his favourite.1928 Chevrolet. Driven by Bruce since he was 16 years old!
Above left: Old farm machinery greeted people to the museum.
Above right: I just love this old 1937 Farmall. My favourite.
Burma Rally 2025
At last the ‘big’ day over Vintage Weekend, the Burma Rally, had arrived. Fifty nine vehicles gathered at the Cornmarket Reserve on the corner of Somme Parade and Dublin Street at 8.30am where the busy Marshalls organised them into numerical order by the numbers attached to the front of the vehicles. Briefing at 9am preceded the first car away at 9.15am. Engines roaring, (well most just puttering) the eager drivers, under the watchful eyes of their navigators, awaited the Rally Secretary, Christine Savage, to set them away every few minutes. It seemed like an eternity for the competitors as they awaited their starting orders. Nevertheless the last car rocketed away, that of yours truly, Mr Editor, who was kept busy photographing each vehicle at the start line.
The route took us over that old dinosaur, the Dublin Street Bridge, and onto Anzac Parade and the Parapara Highway. Field’s Track turnoff loomed in the distance, where we turned into and found the first manned checkpoint, being the start of the timed section. Whangaehu Valley Road was our next turnoff, which eventually led to the second manned checkpoint and the finish of the timed section.
Then those vehicles in the last two thirds of the rally, rounded a corner to see a Model A ‘parked’ up a bank and into a tree. Everyone’s first thoughts were of course, that the occupants of car number twenty, Graeme Purves and Liz Taylor, were uninjured. I understand that they are now thankfully both on the mend. Police, Ambulance and Fire Service were quickly on the scene. Thoughts go out to you both, Graeme and Liz, and hope that your lovely old Model A will soon be back on the road. This really does bring one back to earth and realise that we are all at risk whenever we venture out onto our roads.
We then had an option over which road to negotiate. Turn off onto a gravel section or continue on the seal. I believe that most opted for the latter! Anyway our intrepid travellers eventually turned onto SH49, the Volcanic Loop Highway and on to Raetihi. Here we stopped for a well earned lunch break after handing in to the Marshalls our cards, which recorded the silent checks observed, by noting the names on the VCC signs placed at various points on the route from Wanganui. Thus ended the competitive sections of the rally.
After lunch, most opted to venture down the Whanganui River Road and back to the clubrooms, while the less adventurous motorists returned via the Parapara Highway.
Dinner and prizegiving followed that evening in the Wanganui Room at the Wanganui Racecourse. Because the timed section had to be omitted owing to the unfortunate accident on the rally, no trophies were awarded and prizes were allocated by draw. Anyway, the winning of trophies is unimportant as to who gets their names on what. It is the joining in, taking our beloved vehicles for a good run and the comradeship that is what we are all about.
Special thanks to Club Captain Rob, Rally Secretary and Starter Christine, the many Marshalls, Scorers, Sponsors, Tail End Charlie’s Shane and Noelene, and others who assisted in order for this rally to be held.
Last but certainly not least, thank you to the many entrants who entered the rally. Without you, we have nothing. This was an exceptionally well planned and well organised event, evidenced by the many positive comments made.
Editor Ian
Burma Rally 2025
Prizes awarded after dinner by draw
Veteran: Chris and Leon Lawrence, Waiuku, 1913 Ford Model T
Vintage: Frank and Margaret Forlong, Wanganui, 1930 Ford Model A Ute Wayne and Philip Gedye, Wanganui, 1929 Desoto
Post Vintage: Craig and Wendy Ryland, Wanganui, 1939 Chevrolet Master 85
Glen Loveridge and Janine Vicars, Taihape, 1939 Chevrolet Master 85
Post 1960: Sue Voss with Eilidh and Siobhan Pitkethley, Wanganui, 1978 Marina Shaun and Maureen Roberts, Wanganui, 1963 Mini Cooper S
Post 1980: Steve and Joy Growden, Whakatane, 1982 Ford Cortina
John Pratt and Martin Everard, Wanganui, 1984 Toyota Corona
Other Prizes
Best Dressed Lady: Alice Brotherston, Wanganui
Best Dressed Man: Neil Beken. Auckland
Furthest Travelled: Neil and Trish Beken, Auckland, 1929 Austin 7
Raffle Main Prize: Jim Bilby, Wanganui
First entry received: Wayne Gedye, Wanganui
PS. I unfortunately cannot locate in my notes who the prize winners were in the Post War section draw. Let me know please, if anybody can recall. Wife Frances really slipped up here, as this was her allocated task! But don’t tell her that I said this! Editor Ian
Burma Rally 2025
Top left: First car off the grid was Wayne and Philip Gedye, Wanganui.1929 DeSoto
Top right: Oldest vehicle.1913 Ford Model T. Chris and Leon Lawrence Waiuku
Above left: Lee and Karen Taylor, Wanganui. 1915 Ford Model T.
Above right: Neil and Trish Beken, Auckland. 1929 Austin 7 Tourer
Below left: 1973 Ford Mercury Cougar. Peter and Ann Robinson, Palmerston North.
Below right: Frank and Liz James, Wanganui, in their 1959 Austin A35
Burma Rally 2025
Top left: Frank and Margaret Forlong, Wanganui, in their 1930 Ford Model A Ute.
Top right: 1939 Chevrolet Master 85. Craig and Wendy Ryland, Wanganui.
Above left: Tim Ross and Elizabeth Common, Wellington. 1973 Alfa Romeo GTV 2000.
Above right: Philip and Pat Pearce, Paraparaumu in their 1977 Saab 96.
Below left: 1930 Ford Model A. Ted and Genny Matthews, Wanganui.
Below right: Verdon Heath and Viv Spiers, Levin. 1964 Saab 96.
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We remember Ivan Kendall A tribute by Sue
Voss
Thanks Ivan for being in my life from a teenager to a senior citizen.
I first met Ivan, and the late Alan Bates, when I joined the staff at the Automobile Association, as a teenager. We became good friends and all socialized together. Every Friday night we went to the Manager’s office and enjoyed a few drinks together. Ivan and Alan made sure the younger ones were looked after.
I remember buying an engine for my Morris 8 from Ivan, which was in the car for the next thirty years. Ivan enjoyed the Austin club, which was run from Feilding. Some of the members are Mike Marshall, Dale Whittaker, Ann Berntsen, Andrew and Sue Dittmer, Stephen and Claudia-Anne Voss and myself. The club is still going strong. It didn't matter if one did not have an Austin, as all cars, even modern, were accepted into the fold.
I also had the pleasure of playing tennis with both Ivan and Jackie, who were good players. I remember sitting in the lounge of the AA and watching on the television the ferry Wahine sink and capsize. It was terrible to see this tragedy happen before our eyes. It affected all the staff in our office.
I have had some lovely times with Ivan at various functions. He was a pleasure to be around as he was always happy and pleased to see people.
I shall miss you, Ivan. I thank you for your friendship.
Sue
Thank you Sue. Our treasurer, Neil, was unable to contribute with his tribute to Ivan in this edition of the Rivet, owing to his current hospitalization. Hopefully Neil will be back to his old self for the March edition. Editor Ian
More Burma Rally Pics
Above left: Mike Loosemore, Waiuku, in his 1936 Austin 7 Ruby Pickup.
Above right: Phil and Coral Kidd, Wellington, in their 1934 Railton Sports Tourer. Further. Burma Rally pics in the next edition. Editor Ian
VCC NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE RALLY 2025
The VCC National Motorcycle Rally was held on 25 to 27 January 2025 hosted by the Manawatu branch of VCC and was based at the Manawatu clubrooms. Three riders from the Wanganui branch of VCC participated in the rally – Mike Marshall, Dave Henwood and Frank James. Mike rode his 1960 BSA D7 Super, Dave rode his 1980 Honda XL500S and Frank rode his 1979 Suzuki GT125.
A field of 130 motorcycles and their riders competed in the rally with 20 VCC branches being represented with entrants coming from far and wide from Northland to Southland and everywhere in between. Seven riders travelled over from Australia to join the rally. The rally included motorcycles of various makes and models with some 26 makes represented including some very old motorcycles and sidecars from as far back as 1913.
On Saturday all riders rode on various routes around the greater Manawatu area enjoying many lovely picturesque country roads with all meeting for a BBQ lunch at the Cheltenham pub. The refreshments were great and highly welcomed by all riders who battled the soaring summer weather temperatures. The afternoon ride was a little shorter than the morning one with everyone arriving (except for a few breakdowns during the day) back at the clubrooms mid to late afternoon.
Sun and rain helped to make Sunday’s riding very interesting with field tests being held on a farm near Ashurst which is the home to a huge ‘Black Barn’ which houses outstanding examples of vehicles and memorabilia from earlier years. Following the fun of the field tests everyone enjoyed the shelter of the Barn to have lunch. The formal part of the Rally concluded with a dinner and prizegiving held at the clubrooms on the Sunday evening with some 160 motorcyclists and their supporters present. The camaraderie amongst competitors and supporters from all around was a special feature of the whole event.
Frank James
Short History of the Vintage Weekend in Whanganui
The Heritage/Vintage weekend run over Wellington Anniversary in the decade leading up to 2012 had never quite taken off in Whanganui. There had been a list of coordinators who would gather all the exhibitors and entities together and get them to agree to a programme and timeline. Once the 2012 VERO International Vintage Car Rally had been in town it created such a buzz that Rally Chairman Bruce Hutton and (soon to be) National President of NZVCC Diane Quarrie (and previous founding member of Art Deco Weekend) suggested that the Wanganui Vintage Car Club build on our Vintage weekend. Ed Boyd and Ian Chamberlain were tasked with the job of looking into this. They went to see the Mayor and previous organiser of the Caboodle, Elise Goodge, to discuss. A sub-committee was formed for Vintage Weekend.
The outcome was satisfying in that the Wanganui VCC got approval to have Victoria Avenue blocked off for a “park up” so the public could wander through and look at the cars. Other activities were added for the public in that area which created quite a vibe. The key to it seemed to be that each attraction/event was responsible completely for taking care of their event. Also it was decided that “Vintage” could be interpreted in whatever way people wanted it to be. Which opened “dress ups” to Georgian, Victorian, 20s, 50s, 60s and even 70s. There’s so much happening now that the weekend is self-sustaining, having It has grown year on year and suits Whanganui’s Heritage vibe. It’s also inexpensive, open and fun. Thanks to Bruce Hutton and Diane Quarrie for initiating it, the Council for their acceptance, and of course the Wanganui Vintage Car for the enthusiasm and consistency year on year to share that weekend with the Burma Rally.
Ian Chamberlain and Hinemoa Ransom-Boyd
Club Calendar
Club Runs meet at the Clubrooms at 1pm unless stated
February
13th and 27th Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre 10 at 11am.
16th Gymkhana at Craig and Wendy Ryland’s, 227 Waireka Road, Papaiti at 1pm. Please bring a plate for afternoon tea. Also a seat and sun umbrella.
March
April
5th. Club Night, 7.30pm at Ed Boyd’s Autobarn, 3 Pickwick Road. View a selection of classic and vintage cars, old Wanganui photos etc. Also a movie of the Whanganui River Story. Please bring a plate for supper.
13th and 27th Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre 10 at 11am
30th Sunday Run. Full day out with Mike Marshall to Feilding and beyond. A museum to visit and the Black Barn in Ashurst. Something for everyone. Meet at the clubrooms at 9.00am. Bring your lunch, drinks and a seat.
2nd Club Night.
12th-13th Annual Motorcycle Rally. Details to follow
Other events of interest
Automobilia Auction in Napier 14th February 2025 as part of Art Deco. See email forwarded to you all who can receive them.
A reminder the Ruahine Ramble is on Sunday 9th of March . I emailed you all about this event on the 8th of January. Entries close 1st March. Editor Ian
Ed Boyd Parts Shed
We have an outstanding collection of engines, gearboxes, body parts, spares, new and used, from a vast range of manufacturers. These parts span from the early 1900’s to more modern production vehicles. If you are looking for anything, large or small, to keep your car on the road call us to see if we can assist. You will find our prices unbelievable. Please call or email us:
Dave 06 347 6915 027 555 4201 whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz
Chris 06 348 7335 027 443 1184 cgandkrwhite@gmail.com
For Sale: 1920’s Studebaker, 1920’s Dodge and a Yamaha motorcycle. Includes numerous parts for the cars. Suitable restoration or parts. Phone Maggie 027 450 0590
For Sale: Leyland Marina HDL 1978 $8750 or near offer. Phone Sue Voss 021 296 6210.
For Sale: Austin 7 Single Seater. Unfinished project.
New Alloy Body. Modified front end – split front axle to increase width of track. Rack and pinion steering. Modified radiator Brass panel and alloy radiator assembly. Extractors. Aisin Supercharger 1 ¾ SU Carb. Diff housing off set to allow lower seating of driver. Large selection of spare mechanical parts. Extra (engines gearboxes springs etc) Engine dummy assembled to check. New Phoenix crankshaft. New rods pistons rings valves. New valve springs. New Alloy cylinder head. New upholstered alloy seat.
Please contact Mike 021 235 2035
For Sale: 1953 Lanchester Leda 4 cyl 4 speed Wilson pre-select, Rego on hold, 58574 m, new tyres, brakes relined, has been running, always garaged, sound body, fair interior, purchased in 2005 to restore further but unable to complete. $4000 ono. Barry Cleaver 06 3887871, Taihape
Please forward any items for publishing in the Rivet by the 25th of the preceding month.
