Veteran Report

VETERAN REPORT

Lots of veteran activity this last month, having attended the National Veteran Rally in Cromwell and then the Pioneer Motoring Group run in Clyde two weeks later. Jenny and I trailered our 1909 Wolseley Siddeley to Cromwell, and left it locked up in the VCC compound for the two weeks so we didn’t have to take it back home again between times. Both events were extremely enjoyable, and we were glad we went. The National Veteran Rally attracted 46 entrants, including 5 motorcycles. Our Saturday run involved a long run north of Cromwell on SH8 towards Tarras, where we finished at a farm belonging to a VCC member with a shed full of MGs and other interesting buildings on the property. Running into a strong north-west wind all the way up there was a challenge for some of the lower-powered cars and bikes, but we were rewarded with a very easy run home in the afternoon which saw most of us literally blown back to Cromwell, even on the slightly uphill sections. A sunny and warm day with lake views most of the way certainly added to the enjoyment, enhanced even more by a great lunch and a hugely friendly bunch of veteran enthusiasts to enjoy the day with. That afternoon we were free to visit a few places of interest – we went to see the workshop belonging to John Martin (the rally chairman) who has a business building wooden body frames and steering wheels, to check out his projects. A social gathering that evening was held in Cromwell, with plenty of time to socialise and chat about family, and of course veteran cars, parts and projects! On Sunday morning we gathered again at the clubrooms, and then departed to the Highlands Motorsport Park where all of the cars and bikes were parked in the visitor’s park after some brief field tests. Although we were not able to do a lap or two of the circuit (not much point in a veteran car, I guess), the museum and café were open, and other attractions were all operating as well. If you’re a

petrol-head at heart, it’s a great place to spend some time. From there we drove down into the Cromwell historic precinct where the cars were put on display, and we were able to enjoy our lunch and then take in some of the history of the area. The prizegiving and closing dinner were held that night. It was great to see our branch featuring in the awards, including the concours trophy and entrant’s choice trophy being presented to Bruce & Shirley Shadbolt for their 1904 L’Etoile, and overall winner’s trophy going to Graeme Sword who rode his 1914 Triumph on the event. A great effort! All up a great event, and congratulations are due to the Central Otago branch for pulling it all together and making it work in such difficult times. Rumour has it that next year’s National Veteran Rally may be in Blenheim. After the rally 12 of the cars (including Bevars and Lois Binnie in their 1914 Hupmobile) successfully completed the Prince Henry Tour, which ran into Central Otago over the next 3 days. Reports suggest that this was a most enjoyable event too Two weeks later we headed down to Clyde for the biennial Pioneer Motoring Group rally – an event organised by Stephen & Helen Kidd from Otago exclusively for one and two-cylinder veterans, and attended by more than 20 vehicles and one motorcycle. The event began with a meet and greet at the Old Post Office in Clyde on the Friday evening, which set the scene for what was to be a thoroughly enjoyable weekend of social gatherings with some excellent veteran motoring thrown in. Saturday morning dawned quite wet, but it did stop raining long enough for those of us with open cars (most of us) to decide we weren’t going to be put off the run. After gathering at the old railway station, we set off on a run of about 1 hour towards Alexandra on the west side of the Clutha River, with some side-trips up into the orchard areas running off Earnscleugh Road. We then got a bit wet for the last 15 minutes or so as we headed to the rowing club clubrooms for lunch on the northern side of the Clyde Dam, but spirits were high (some even served up) as we enjoyed lunch

together. Returning into Clyde, we enjoyed more socialising back at the motel and then at dinner that evening. Sunday’s run was a 20km overland trip to Galloway, bypassing Alexandra in favour of the short and sharp climb up the hill on Springvale Road to then enjoy the long gradual downhill run down Letts Gully Road. We then crossed SH65 to carry on to the old Galloway school building (now a community hall) for a lunch lovingly prepared by the hall committee. Once again the rain held off, and with no wind to speak of it was pleasant motoring through picturesque countryside all the way. Even a bit of mud to drive through in the last 200m to make it look like we’d actually done some pioneer motoring! We returned to Clyde via Alexandra, keeping to the back roads to stay away from the traffic (which was very light anyway). A fabulous dinner to conclude the event was held that night at the Orchard Garden Function Centre (just out of Clyde), where it was decided that we’d reconvene in 18 months’ time to enjoy the autumn colours in the valley. Allan Familton and Lesley Colsell were presented with the rally trophy – their 1910 Stanley steamer was appreciated by everyone as it silently whisked passed most of us at some point on the runs, leaving its impressive signature steam trail billowing out of its rear end as it disappeared into the distance. Coming up, we have both the Boxing Day run and the Picnic run in January to look forward to. Both of these events will be suitable for veteran vehicles, so do consider bringing them along on the day. For those taking veterans to New Plymouth for the Vero Rally, do enjoy yourself – I hope you have trouble-fee and enjoyable motoring. I have to confess that Jenny and I have booked to go there, but we’re taking something a bit more modern –our 1933 Wolseley Hornet Special.

Colin Hey