June 2025
Neil Farrer. Our new Patron inside.
Winners of the Annual Rally. Lee and Karen Taylor
Official Magazine of the Wanganui Branch of the V.C.C. of NZ P O Box 726, Wanganui , Street Address—Patapu Street, Wanganui East wanganui@vcc.org.nz
Patron: Neil Farrer
Chairman: Bill James 027 353 2190
heatherandbilljames@gmail.com
Secretary: Frank James 06 344 2221 liznfrank@xtra.co.nz
Treasurer: Neil Farrer 027 457 9634 neilfarrer83@gmail.com
Accounts Reviewer: Peter Powell
Club Captain: Wayne Gedye 027 244 7108 waynegedye@gmail.com
Rally Secretary/Trophies: Christine Savage 06 342 4755 wanganuirally@gmail.com
Motorcycle Convenor: Bill James 027 353 2190 heatherandbilljames@gmail.com
Committee : Dale Whitaker 021 0888 2371 dalewhitakernz@gmail.com
Andrew Dittmer 027 379 6969 biffoditty@gmail.com
Heather James 027 353 2190 heatherandbilljames@gmail.com
Jim Bilby 027 636 5529 j.bilby@xtra.co.nz
Hinemoa Ransom-Boyd 027 5111082
Rob O’Keefe 027 433 2626 okjoiner@xtra.co.nz
Compliance:
Wayne Gedye 027 244 7108 waynegedye@gmail.com
Health & Safety: Dale Whitaker 021 0888 2371 dalewhitakernz@gmail.com
Trophies Manager: Mihi McDermid 06 347 6915
Branch Delegate: Rob O’Keefe 027 433 2626 okjoimer@xtra.co.nz
Kitchen Manager: Eilidh and Siobhan Pitkethley 021 147 2341
Hall Custodian/Bookings: Dale Whitaker 06 343 9089 dalewhitakernz@gmail.com
Truck Custodians: Wayne Gedye 027 244 7108
Sam Wilson 06 343 6477
Librarian: Dave Austin 06 344 7513
Parts Custodians: Dave McDermid 027 555 4201 whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz
Chris White 06 348 7335
Graeme Purves 027 929 5026
Editor: Ian Higgins 027 201 2706 ihiggins@xtra.co.nz
Beaded Wheels Reporter: Ian Higgins 027 201 2706 ihiggins@xtra.co.nz
Archivist: Dave Austin 06 344 7513
Vehicle ID’s: Shane Hobman 06 344 5915
Bruce Ardell 06 342 7713
Rivet Distribution Co-Ordinator: Linda Kendrick 027 775 4644
Frank James 021 349 074
Official VCC Website: www.vcc.org.nz
VCC Branch Mags: http://vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches/ Facebook Wanganui Vintage Car Club: https://www.facebook.com/whanganuivcc/?
VCC Codes for Discounts: Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry ANTIQUECAR Interislander Cook Strait Ferry WH5465
From The Editor’s Desk
Greetings members.
Welcome to the June issue. Half way through the year already. Hope that you are all keeping warm and wrapped up. Retirement seems to be making me soft, as I just love to sit in my La-Z- Boy chair in front of the fire on these cold nights. Which reminds me, I must get Frances out to the wood pile and cut up some more logs! Yeah right. I am not completely out of the work scene, however, as I still spend some 12-15 hours per week in the office, plus indulging myself with my car collection, which is hardly work. Speaking of which I am flying up to Auckland this week to pick up a Sunbeam Tiger and to visit two of my daughters up there. Talking cars, you may or may not be interested to know that finally my ‘37 Plymouth is complied and back on the road. Being a street –rod, I am probably pushing the tolerance level with some more traditional VCC members with this creation. How sad! That’s it for me, no more cars!
Of course I still have the Rivet Editorship and Wanganui Beaded Wheels reporting to wade through. Thank you for your ongoing support in electing me to continue. As I have said many times, I do think that someone wielding a new pen would be good for the branch, as everyone has a different slant on matters. If anyone out there would like to assist when I am unavailable, as I cannot guarantee that I will always be able to compile the Rivet early each month, then please do contact me. I would love to hear from you, as I am certain that readers would like to hear from someone else for a change and with a different viewpoint.
It was quite a busy May for our branch, the undoubted highlight being the Annual Rally, a report of which in in this edition. Rather disappointing that entry numbers were so low though. Something that the incoming committee should address, in my opinion. The course set out for us was brilliant-a mixture of sealed and metal roads, and some that I personally have never travelled over. I do take my hat off to Rob and the team. It must be a challenging task to find new roads to travel on. Something that would be right out of my league to set.
As you know, I always photograph every vehicle that crosses the start line at the rally and copy into the Rivet. I try to photograph those lucky enough to be awarded prizes, but I am over tracking down those who do not appear at the prizegiving, to get their pics into print. Perhaps they do not care. But it does complete the awards list to have their photo included. In future I will not attempt to chase non attendees down, and if they wish to adorn the pages in this fine magazine, then please phone me up and come out to the farm office for your photo in order to be published. Grumpy old bugger, aren't I.
I want to give a shout out to all those who assist with running our rallies, and work tirelessly behind the scenes. People like the scorer, Andrew Johnson, all the Marshalls, Tail-end Charlies Shane and Noeline Hobman, Frank James for assisting Rob setting the course, to mention but a few. Especially to Club Captain Rob and Rally Secretary Christine-well done.
Thanks to Leatham Broadhead and James Whibley for setting a rather challenging Sunday Run recently. And what about the fabulous High Tea organised by the Pitkethley family? Fabulous. I will be doing a story about this family in a future edition! Watch this space.
By the time you read this, we will have had our AGM and a new team elected, including a Chairman and Club Captain. Please give them your full support.
That’s all from me this month. Yours in cruising Editor Ian
Chairman's Report — June 2025
Greetings members
Retiring Chairmans Report.
It has been a most rewarding experience to have been the Club’s Chairman over the last 3 years. I have found the Wanganui Branch to be an extremely friendly and helpful group to be involved with. Although the branch membership is geographically spread out, we enjoy each other’s company and our love for older vehicles.
I personally want to thank you all for your contributions to the running and success of this branch. Your committee over this time has been outstanding. Some are now standing aside for health reasons or commitments and now is a great opportunity for some new members to play a greater role in the running of your club. I wish to thank Bill James for taking on the role of Chairman. With Heather his wife at his side on the committee, and now Hinemoa also on the committee, I believe we are in great shape going forward.
I wish to thank Bill James and Ray Savage for their work in sprucing up the ablution areas. Take note next time you need to use these areas.
I also want to thank Ian Higgins for his work as our Editor. His work with the Rivet and the Beaded Wheels reports is first class. Ian along with Sietse and Pierre Zeilstra have stood down from the committee.
Neil Farrer has become our new Patron and wishes to retain his role as treasurer. We wish him a speedy and full recovery with his health issues.
Andrew Dittmer
Immediate past Chairman.
Club Captain’s Report— June 2025
Greetings members
May has been a very busy month for our club with members and people organizing events being kept very busy.
We kicked off with an interesting talk from Bill Ritchie about his career in the military and working with cars all around the world. Another person that makes you scratch your head as to how they fit everything in and get involved in so much.
The Working Bee at the clubrooms was an enjoyable morning with a good number of people attending. We got through a lot of work. On top of that plans were made for more jobs to be done as time and enthusiasm allowed. Thank you to everyone who came along, especially Liz and her assistant Frank who organized morning tea.
The next event was our big day out on the 18th. The first event for the day was a collection of cars being displayed for the Toy Fair at Springvale Stadium. Thank you to everyone who displayed a car, and Sietse and Pierre for organizing the cars, both prior and on the day.
Following the Toy fair was our monthly run which proved to be a challenge for old and young alike. Thank you to Leatham Broadhead and James Whibley for making up the run.
The icing on the cake for the day was the High Tea fundraiser organized by Eilidh and Siobhan for what is now an enjoyable annual event. Eilidh and Siobhan enjoyed good support from the club, and hopefully we helped with funds for Siobhan’s trip.
The Annual Rally on Sunday the 1st of June, hopefully a lovely day for all who attended. I know everyone who helped with the organization enjoyed bringing the day together. We had 35 entrants this year which was down on previous years but didn’t dampen entrants’ enthusiasm to have an enjoyable day.
Thank you to everyone who helped on the day with the rally.
This is my last report as Club Captain as I will be standing down at the AGM. It has been a privilege to serve the club in the Club Captains role. I have enjoyed working with members to organize events, that for the most part I think have been enjoyable. I’d like to thank everyone who has made their time available to help with organizing events.
Cheers Rob
This Is Your Life….Neil Farrer
It gives me great pleasure to have our long serving Treasurer, Neil Farrer, featured in the Rivet. As you will all know, Neil has, and still is, going through a struggle with health issues of late. He has spent some time in hospital, but thankfully now convalescing at home. With his usual dogged determination, Neil shrugs this off and appears to remain positive. That’s our Neil. Quite unbelievable that this man has held the branch purse strings for 26 years. This surely must be a record for one person to have such a long tenure. We are all very grateful that Heather James has stepped up to fill Neil’s shoes while he has been unwell. Thank you Heather. He had also been our Branch Delegate for many years, only retiring from this role at last year’s AGM. He is a fountain of knowledge over anything to do with our movement from Head Office down. His professional career has been a huge benefit for our branch, and his prudent finance handling skills legendary. Neil is now our new Patron. Congratulations.
Above all, Neil is one heck of a nice guy and a pleasure to be with. With out further to do, here is his story written by the man himself. Editor Ian
Born 26.7.1940 - Parents living in Bulls ( But I was born in Marton - closest Maternity facility)
Father appointed Postmaster at Piopio. Moved there in 1945.
Started school at Piopio District High School - catering from Primer 1 to form 6.
Highlights from Piopio - We made our own fun, such as large ball bearing units being the wheels for a trolly. Made a lot of noise but was great fun going down the footpath in the town. Often in winter, boating in flooded paddocks using half 44 gallon drums - nobody could swim that well .
Left Piopio in 1951 when Father was appointed Postmaster Otaki. Went to Otaki Primary school and later by bus every day to Horowhenua College in Levin. Great place for outdoor adventures with scouts, etc. Built 6 foot and 7 foot dinghies. Again adventures on the Otaki River and around the river mouth - a dangerous area with rips etc on the coast. Biking up into the hills to explore old timber milling tracks and a plane crash site ( Plane crashed approximately 1944 - a twin engined plane) Later often used to bike from Otaki to Levin for schoolboy cricket games. Every Wednesday was sports night at the wreck during summer. I loved the cycle races for youngsters - grass track and towards the end of the season in 1953/4, I was handicapped at the start line, the younger ones up to 3/4 lap in front - but I usually won. I have a cup for those races.
Father appointed Postmaster Levin so 5th form living in Levin - finished School Certificate. Father during the year appointed Postmaster Hawera so 6th Form at Hawera Tech. Met Patricia Stewart, later to be my first wife. Lots of cycling around Hawera - in summer bike to Opunake for a swim and then race back to Hawera. Great fun and at one stage we were clocked at 50 miles per hour on the Manaia straits. I used to work as a telegraph delivery boy in the school holidays.
Time to start work - Father lined me up to start at Bank of New South Wales. Was transferred to Palmerston North in1957. Transferred to Wellington 1959. Worked in many branches around Wellington, Petone and Hutt Valley. Joined Star Rowing club - mainly in the lightweight fours and single and double sculls and also in the bow seat of maiden 8’s. Raced in Wellington, Lyttleton Harbour, Picton and Wanganui. Won a single scull race on Wanganui River in 1960.
Transferred to Queen Street South Branch of Bank of New South Wales 1961. Married 1962. I remember that the accountant, one other , and I were working on the day that JFK was assassinated in Dallas. We were cleaning out old records that Saturday. My wheels around Auckland was an Austin Big 7.
This Is Your Life ….Neil Farrer
Transferred to Taihape 1964 as accountant BNSW. At that time I think I may have been the youngest bank accountant in BNSW. Great place to live - shooting and fishing and certainly serious changes in the weather. The first winter there we had children staying from Auckland and there was 6 inches of snow so I was making a toboggan at 7am. The town was isolated both north and south with snow. Many of the shopkeepers etc enjoyed a snow fight in the main street that morning.
The Wanganui Savings Bank opened in 1963 and I was appointed Manager for Taihapeopened the branch . Also had responsibilities for Raetihi and Ohakune agencies. Lots of fun attending Waiouru Military Camp and Irirangi Navy Base, where I marketed the bank successfully to officers and men plus canteen accounts. I remember the white navy rum - quite often I would sing all the way back to Taihape.
Had to buy a house in Taihape as nothing to rent and the only house suitable was the one owned by the bank officer I was replacing. Even had to borrow extra to pay for legal fees. I worked at the bank, in the weekends I would work in shearing gangs, planting poplar poles in winter, on farms for Rangitikei Catchment Board, pumping petrol at local garage, or one summer had a scrub cutting contract. My wife also worked and we had boarders to get our mortgage under control.
In 1970 we were planning on building a new house (Lockwood), but the bank decided that I was required in Wanganui. We shifted house to Wanganui - at that stage I had a Mini Estate and light trailer which was called on to move a lot of household things, but the big shift was handled by a furniture removal company. I had many roles with the bank -basically there was a third tier, with four of us under Gerald McDouall (manager) and Neville Phillips (second in charge). I looked after premises, marketing and other internal roles, including participating in Trustee Bank admin meetings, working on common systems and interchange of deposits and withdrawals. Then Savings Banks were allowed cheque facilities, so starting that part was my baby. I remember hanging onto John Souter (Wanganui photographer) who was leaning out of the plane door to take photos that later became the bank’s cheque design.
In 1979 I was invited to join Armstrong Barton as Practice Manager. Later I worked with architects and designers to create the building that Armstrong Barton are still located in. I studied and became a qualified Legal Executive which increased the type of work I could do. I also ran a Basis User Group of around 200 law firms who all used the same software. Armstrong Barton became the test site for any new software development by the then software design firm, Armstrong & Springhall Ltd.
Things changed - my marriage ended in divorce. Then Armstrong Barton partnership broke up. I was by this stage doing consulting work on Legal Office Management and went out as a consultant.
I saved and had up to 5 houses as rentals. Then purchased Nixon Street, and persuaded Jennie to join me - we had nearly 40 wonderful years together.
I spent two years in Hamilton working with one law firm in particular, and others, then came back to Wanganui. Tried my hand at insurance selling for 6 months with Sun Alliance. Then got the job of Practice Manager at Cooper Rapley (Palmerston North and Feilding). This was a challenging job, plus travelling at least 5 days a week to Palmerston. After 6 years I retired. I had maintained around 50 beehives at this point and expanded to 300 plus hives to earn a reasonable living. By this stage my wife Jennie was getting National Super so we managed well. We enjoyed a number of overseas trips to Australia, Europe, UK, and Ireland. Jennie was able to meet with relatives in Canada, England and Northern Ireland on these trips. She had come to NZ as a baby so it was a big thing to travel and meet with her relatives. Her father’s brother was still alive in Belfast aged 92. He died shortly after our first visit to Ireland.
This Is Your Life…. Neil Farrer
Being interested in old cars, I joined the Wanganui VCC in1995. Keith Patterson was Wanganui Branch VCC treasurer for many years. He died in 1998, Anne Voss took on the treasurers role but then decided to visit family in Perth and I became Treasurer. Keith had been trying to get me to join VCC for years but I did not have a suitable vehicle. Later I purchased an Austin A35 and subsequently a number of other vehicles. Keith left me his 1953 Hillman Convertible and I decided to also increase the range as follows: Humber Hawk, Humber Super Snipes (2) Hillman California, several Hillman Hunters, Singer Vogue, etc. Then Ed Boyd introduced me to the Vanguard Ute 1958. Purchased locally by Ted Halliday and used on his farm. Ted died and the Ute was in a shed for a number of years -it was a mess at the back. Took 8 years to restore and became my main vehicle for VCC rallies. I never touched the motor - after the initial tow around the paddock to get it started the motor never faltered. I toured all over the North and South Islands and it never let me down. So that is how I got into Vanguards. I had a Phase 2 and Phase 3 and several wrecks for spares. Went to the International Rally in Invercargill in the Phase 2 Vanguard. Jennie and I had a great trip. Steve Voss and I went to Waimate for the 3rd Commercial Rally and later to Gisborne for the 4th Commercial Rally. The Vanguards were comfortable cruisers. Later I sold the Ute in 2023, but purchased the 1961 Vanguard 6 cylinder estate which I intend to keep.
After Jennie died I purchased the 1952 Triumph Renown (which has 2088cc Vanguard motor, gearbox and diff, so another Vanguard produced by the Standard Motor Co UK)
Looking back over the years - cars I have owned:
Austin 7 Ruby, Austin A30, Austin Big 7, Austin A35, three of those but not all at the same time, two Mini Estates, Austin 1300 Estate, Austin 1800 Princess, several Holdens including 1964 EH Estate, then double cab Utes - Holdens, then a Mahindra, now a SsangYong Rhino. I also owned Phase 2 and Phase 3 Vanguards.
Vintage eligible vehicles I own: 1958 Morris Commercial truck for beekeeping, later replaced with a 1988 1.5t Toyota Lightace. (My son Paul is custodian of the Morris Truck.) A 1914 Veteran Rover Van, 1925 Willys Overland Deluxe, 1938 Hillman 14, 1952 Triumph Renown, 1956 Austin A90, 1961 Vanguard 6 Estate.
At the moment I am trying to reduce the fleet and have 3 vehicles for sale. I hope that you have enjoyed reading my story.
Neil Farrer
Thank you Neil. You are indeed a legend. Lots of things that I did not know about you until I read your story. Pictured above are what, I believe, to be your two favourite cars. The mighty Vanguard and the Triumph Renown. Editor Ian
107 Rapanui Road Westmere
Farm shop opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8am to 5pm
Saturday 8am to 1-30 pm
Bates Watchmakers
130 Victoria Ave, Wanganui
Phone/Fax 06 345-2235
Email: bateswatch@gmail.com
Watch Specialists for Whanganui
Sales & Repairs
Mainstreet’s Top Shop Award Winner
WANGANUI ELECTROPLATING CO. LTD
‘NZ’s Finest Automotive Platers’ 68 Wilson Street Wanganui
Acknowledged experts on all types of Vintage and Post Vintage Nickel and Chrome Plating.
For all your METAL FINISHING REQUIREMENTS
Copper, Brass, Bronze, Antique Finishing and Metal Polishing Phone Dave on Wanganui 06 345 5042 or 021 057 6726 for prompt and efficient service.
Annual Rally 2025
By Editor Ian
A fine but coolish morning heralded in our Annual Rally for 2025. As is usually the case, the Cornmarket Reserve by the city side of Dublin Street Bridge was the starting point for the rally. An ideal location close to a fuel station, toilets, nibbles and coffee to enjoy before the cars get underway. Several members of the public arrived to view the motoring masterpieces of yesteryear. Club stalwart Bruce Ardell summoned all drivers and navigators at 9am for the trial briefing, with the first car away at 9.30am, under the guidance of Rally Secretary, Christine Savage, ably assisted by her husband, Ray. Club Captain Rob O’Keefe and his wife Linda, were out on the rally route placing silent check signs in intentionally somewhat difficult to spot locations, to keep navigators ‘on the ball’ by spotting and recording the car makes printed on them. Entry numbers were, unfortunately, disappointingly lower than what was anticipated, with thirty six cars registering.
The rally route took excited entrants along Taupo Quay, through Castlecliff streets, past the first manned checkpoint and out to Rapanui via Tayforth Road. A gravel section was encountered on Handley Road leading onto Maxwell Station Road marking the finish of the first timed section. Turning right onto SH3 and motoring up to Waitotara, the intrepid travellers turned right after the Waitotara Bridge, where the second timed section began. Another section of gravel road loomed ahead after Block Nine Road entered into Henson Road. Several twists and turns later, the timed section concluded on Moumahaki Road.
From here and with a destined lunch stop imminent, the Waverley Border Rugby Clubrooms came into view for refreshments and a nature stop.
The afternoon section was a non-competitive one, taking the homeward bound entrants out through the back-blocks of Waverley towards the beach, through a gravel section, onto Lower Ihupuku Road and eventually turning right onto SH3. From here the homewards route eventually took us to the once Kai Iwi township, where we turned onto Rangitatau East Road and twisted and turned our way through a lovely series of typical Wanganui area back country roads until arriving at Blueskin (just love this name), and turning into Kaikokopu Road and Aramoho, arriving back to the Clubrooms in Wanganui East for afternoon tea and socialising. Our well stocked parts sheds lured several into looking for that hard to procure item.
That evening, a Rally Dinner and Prizegiving evening was held at the Wanganui Racecourse Centre. The whole event was very well organised by club officials and their willing helpers, from Club Captain Rob O’Keeffe and Rally Secretary Christine Savage, to the array of people assisting to make this a very enjoyable occasion.
Club Captain Rob announced that this was his last rally as Club Captain, with committee man Wayne Gedye taking up the position. A huge thank you, Rob, for a job well done. I have no doubt that Wayne will be calling on your expertise as he moves into the role. He has already had a good grounding by assisting you with organising rallies.
Thank you Wayne, for volunteering for this position. I know that you will have the support of the committee and members.
Annual Rally Prizegiving
Veteran 1st Chris and Leon Lawrence Waiuku 1913 Ford Model T
Vintage 1st Lee and Karen Taylor Whanganui 1928 Ford Model A 2nd Ted and Genny Matthews Whanganui 1930 Ford Model A
Post Vintage 1st David and Glynis Robinson Whanganui 1939 Ford Deluxe
Post War 1st Ken and Annette Foot Feilding 1958 Humber 80 2nd Graeme and Karen Langridge Whanganui 1946 Ford Coupe
Post 1960 1st Bruce and Jennifer Ardell Whanganui 1967 Chrysler Valiant 2nd Mike Green and Les Kelly Whanganui 1964 Hillman Minx
Post 1980 1st George and Leigh Buchanan Inglewood 1983 Daimler Sovereign 2nd Steve and Joy Growden Whakatane 1982 Ford Cortina
Highest Local Points Lee and Karen Taylor Whanganui
Overall Winner Lee and Karen Taylor Whanganui
Best Dressed Lady Karen Langridge Whanganui
Best Dressed Man Ted Matthews Whanganui
Longest Travelled Home Alan and Christine Allbon Hillsborough 1989 Mazda Eunos
Hard Luck Pierre and Sietse Zeilstra Whanganui 1965 MG MGB
Main Raffle Winner Mike Loosemore Franklin
To quote an old cliché :It is not who wins that is the point (in the rally). It is the taking part that counts. I know that this sounds a little ‘old hat’ but perfectly true in my opinion. Always good to strive for gaining the maximum points though and to keep on improving. Well, that’s what I tell myself and Frances anyway… Have to, I guess, as our names’ seldom make this famed list! Oh dear, how sad, never mind.
On a serious note, thanks heaps to all entrants at the rally, even though the number attending was a tad disappointing. Lets improve this at the Burma. Without you we have nothing. Thank you to all of those who willingly gave up their time to organise and run this 2025 Annual Rally.
Editor Ian
Annual Rally Prizegiving
Left: Chris Lawrence 1st Veteran.
Right: Lee and Karen Taylor. 1st Vintage.
Chairman Andrew (on right) presenting the awards.
Left: Glynis and David Robinson 1st Post Vintage, receiving award from Chairman Andrew.
Right: Karen and Graeme Langridge were 2nd in Post War. Chairman Andrew on the right. 1st place were Ken and Annette Foot (absent).
Left: Jennifer and Bruce Ardell were 1st Post 1960.
Right: Joy and Steve Growden were 2nd Post 1980. 1st place were George and Leigh Buchanan (absent).
Chairman Andrew (on right) presenting the awards.
Annual Rally Pics Winners
Above left: David and Glynis Robinson, Whanganui, 1939 Ford Deluxe. 1st Post Vintage.
Above right: 1958 Humber 80. 1st Post War. Ken and Annette Foot, Feilding.
Below left: Bruce and Jennifer Ardell, Whanganui, 1967 Chrysler Valiant. 1st Post 1960.
Below right: 1983 Daimler. George and Leigh Buchanan, Inglewood. 1st Post 1980.
Top left: Overall Rally Winner, Lee and Karen Taylor, Whanganui, 1928 Ford Model A.
Top right: 1913 Ford Model T. Chris and Leon Lawrence from Waiuku. 1st Veteran.
Annual Rally Pics
Top left: Wayne Gedye and Graeme Purves, Whanganui. 1929 Desoto Phaeton.
Top right: 1930 Ford Model A. Ted and Genny Matthews, Whanganui.
Above left: Mike Loosemore, Franklin, in his 1930 Austin 7.
Above right: 1929 Ford Model A. Bryan and Viv Christie, Whanganui.
Below left: John and Wendy Bullock, Whanganui, 1985 Citroen 2CV.
Below right: 1982 Ford Cortina. Steve and Joy Growden, Whakatane.
Annual Rally Pics
Top left: Len Haycock and Esther Williams, Bulls, in a Peugeot.
Top right: 1950 Morris Minor Convertible. Pat and Sandra Carrick, Whanganui.
Above left: Graham and Thelma Jack, Tauranga. 1976 Ford Capri.
Above right: 1985 Nissan Laurel. David and Jill Philips, Matamata.
Below left: Craig and Wendy Ryland, Whanganui. 1939 Chevrolet Master 85.
Below right: 1964 Hillman Super Minx. Mike Green and Les Kelly, Whanganui.
Format:
Manawatu Branch-Night Trial
Saturday 21st June 2025
Entry Form
Meet at the Clubrooms at 8.30pm for a cuppa and briefing.
First car away at 9.00pm, returning to the Clubrooms by 11pm for soup and toasts/crumpets.
The event is open to all vehicles-old or modern.
Entrant Name____________________________________________________
Navigator Name___________________________________________________
Passenger Names_________________________________________________
Phone_________________________Email______________________________
Address__________________________________________________________
Vehicle Make/ Model/ Year_________________________Rego______________
RALLY ENTRY @ $10 per head including supper. Number People___________
TOTAL =
Payment details by Internet Banking:
Manawatu VCC 03 0718 0027253 01
Ref: Name, Reg no. Night Trial
Please send entry form to: Glyn and Kath Clements PO Box 232 Feilding Or email: cbz1@xtra.co.nz
Phone Cath 027 286 2927
Entries close Monday 16th June 2025. If you have not received confirmation by closing date, please contact the organisers.
Club Calendar
Club Runs meet at the Clubrooms at 1pm unless stated
. June July August
12th and 26th Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre10 at 11 am
22nd Sunday Run.
2nd Club Night.
10th and 24th Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre10 at 11am
20th Sunday Run.
6th Club Night.
14th and 28th Ladies Coffee Meet at Mitre10 at 11am.
24th Daffodil Day Run. Details to follow.
Reminder: Don’t forget to register for the Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring. See your latest Beaded Wheels. Entries close August 31st 2025.
New Members
We, the Wanganui Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand would like to welcome the following people who have become new members of the Club over the past few months;
John Pratt of Wanganui who has a 1984 Toyota Corona
Ross Greener of Marton who has a 1930 Ford Model A
Stephen and Gillian Osborne of Wanganui who have a 1972 Triumph Spitfire
James Burnside of Marton who has a number of Zundapp motorcycles
Wayne Keenan and Juanitta Culhane of Wanganui who have a 1957 Vauxhall Velox
We welcome one and all and look forward to seeing you at our future events.
Frank James Secretary
Toy Fair Park Up
Sunday 18th May rolled around and the weather didn't look too favourable for a dry weather display at the Springvale Sports Stadium for our park up at the Toy Fair. This was the third time we organised a gathering. As it happened we trundled in after most of the stall operators had arrived to set up shop. This year vendors travelled from as far afield as Auckland and Christchurch, so lets hope that it was worth their journey.
We had twelve cars and two motorcycles on display, ranging from 1927 to 1985, representing a good selection of yesterday’s motoring. We believe that it is important to have different selection of vehicles on display each year. Our VCC display was well received, with the public appreciating our contribution to the fair, and prompting them to reminisce on bygone times when they, or people they knew, had vehicles like those on display, and hoping that we will return next year.
As the day came to a close, there were some worthwhile purchases at the fair to be had as some of the stall operators were heavily discounting their wares in an attempt to clear stock.
Well, that is it for another year. We wish to thank our members who gave up their time to display their vehicles. It was very much appreciated.
Pierre and Sietse Zeilstra.
Thank you guys, for forwarding this report. 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
Graeme 06 3431324 027 929 5026 graemepurves@yahoo.com
lf we don’t have it, we may know someone who does
Vehicles/Parts For Sale and Wanted to Buy
For Sale: 1927 Essex. (Right) Very original. $12000 ono. Includes spare parts ALSO 1939 Nash 400. ( Below) Great cruiser. $20000 ono. Includes spare parts. Contact Judy 027 254 7601
For Sale: 1947 Austin 8. Complete rebuild engine 2024.All receipts. Includes spares. Original interior. $10000 ono. Phone Grant 027 3278830
For Sale: 1953 Lanchester Leda (right) 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. $4000 ono. Barry Cleaver 06 3887871, Taihape
For Sale: For Sale: 1978 Leyland Marina HDL. Original condition. Health reasons for selling. $6500. Phone Sue Voss 021 296 6210
