Cover Photo
Canterbury Branch Activities and Events
February
Tues 4th
Grounds Maintenance
Thurs 6th Noggin and Natter
Sat 8th
Boot Sale
Wed 12th 9-90s / Motorcycle Noggin
Sat 15th
Sun 16th
Tues 18th
Wed 19tt
Clip-on Rally
OCBC
Grounds Maintenance
Commercial Noggin and Natter
Sat/Sun 22/23th BRANCH ANNUAL RALLY
Wed 26th
Sat 1st
Tues 4th
Thurs 6th
Sat 8th
North Canterbury Noggin
March
Brooklands to Brighton Run
Grounds Maintenance
Noggin and Natter
Moped Run
Wed 12th 9-90s / Motorcycle Noggin
Sat– Sun 15/16th Jim Toohey Run
Sun 16th
Tues 18th
Wed 19tt
Wed 26th
OCBC / Twin River VCC Run
Grounds Maintenance
Commercial Noggin and Natter
North Canterbury Noggin
Sun 30th Rear Wheel Brake Rally
For the latest status of our events check our website. Online readers click here.
Canterbury Branch Monthly Programme
Noggin Night
1st Thursday of the month
9-90s
1st Wednesday after noggin
Motorcycle Noggin
2nd Wednesday of the month
Commercial Noggin
3rd Wednesday of the month
North Canterbury Noggin
4th Wednesday of the month
Old cars, bikes and coffee
3rd Sunday of the month
Grounds Maintenance Morning
1st Tuesday and third Tuesday of the month
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT: The contents of this newsletter may not be reproduced in a commercial publication without the Editor’s permission.
Parts Department Wednesdays 12.30-5pm, noggin night and every 3rd and 4th Sunday 9-12pm Refer Pages 48 and 49 for Branch Officers, Representatives and Co-ordinators
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Welcome everyone to 2025, hopefully you’ve had a good summer holiday season after a busy 2024, although at times it would have been easy to forget it was supposed to be summer. The weather wasn’t quite what would have been wanted for picnics on Boxing Day and to start the new year at Pegasus, but that didn’t deter some members from getting out to enjoy the day.
Sadly this month founding member Andy Anderson has passed away, leaving the significant legacy of a nationwide club with thousands of members, it’s come a long way from a bunch of mates with getting together with a shared interest in old cars. The world we live in a and the nature of the club have certainly changed since then.
This year our branch are hosting a couple of national events, first up is the club Executive meeting in March, closely followed by the South Island Easter Rally which will be commemorating 50 years since the passing of Pat Cutler, the driving force behind the establishment of our grounds which are named in his honour. Once again a significant legacy, carried on by numerous other members and probably millions of hours spent maintaining and further developing our facilities.
We are fortunate to have a large membership meaning we are able to find enough people for our branch committee and to take on the various roles that keep the branch running, along with the many people who volunteer their time to help out, your contributions are much appreciated.
Looking forward there is a full calendar of events to make the most of the (hopefully) warmer months, so plenty of opportunities to get your vehicles out of the shed and enjoy them, and see some of the countryside and roads around Canterbury.
See you out and about.
Neil Shaskey
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Should be of interest to all members.
As I am no longer the Branch Delegate please direct all matters relating to the up and coming discussions which are to be raised at the executive meeting in March to Canterbury Chairman and Branch delegate.
As the meeting is being held over the weekend of 8th at our Branch Club Rooms any input you have must be in writing and with myself or in Neil’s hands by 22nd Feb so we can discuss this at our March meeting. You have been circulated with information on these matters recently so please give it your attention now. Our delegate needs to know your opinion.
You are entitled to attend this meeting as a member observer but must register with national office if you wish to partake in morning, afternoon teas and lunches or Sat night Dinner as these are limited to registered members.
Forms for registration can be downloaded or filled in on line on National Web Site before 7th Feb. Linked HERE
You will still be able to get a cuppa if you wish. You would not have speaking rights, this is left to the Branch Delegate and Branch observer so it is important our committee know your views.
Regards Rod Thrower (Branch Secretary)
CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT
Happy New Year!
Well last year finished up with a hiss and a roar, with a successful Children's Christmas Picnic and Social. It was a bit sad that it rained on Boxing Day for the picnic, but I am told that a few got out and braved the weather.
Picnic Run went well again out at Pegasus, unfortunately it was a little too windy for the little boats to be out and about.
Commercial Run: Being done a little bit earlier in a hope to get more people on it and not to close to the Annual Rally.
The Annual Rally is taking shape. This year there will only be two rally routes, a medium and a long one. There will not be a large difference in the lengths of the routes. With this in mind Sunday morning we are going to have a short run, particularly for Veterans, this will be the Field Tests followed by a BBQ lunch and the prize giving. We will also have music again this year to get those toes tapping!
Brodie Williams organised a new event held on Saturday 25th January. There was a short run from Bottle Lake Forest to Cutler Park. The trip was about an hour. When people got to the park, Andrea had the bar opened with hot spring rolls to boot.
I had the job of taking the Fish and Chip orders, whilst Brodie cooked them. Maria and Anthony, Brodie’s parents, helped with the packing and delivering of the orders.
There were about 35-40 people, some who had done the rally and some who just called in. We will have a new name for it next year - being Old Cars and Fish and Chips, or at least something like that. It was a good night.
Have a great month!
Katryna
Annual Rally 2025
Saturday 22nd February 2025 and Sunday 23rd February 2025
The distance this year is 186km return. Yes there will be shingle, about 25kms.
There will be two rally routes of similar distance.
Starting 9.30am for coffee at Cutler Park and heading off around 10.00am.
Picnic lunch for Saturday - please. $30 per car.
Plaque $12.00
Sunday morning we have added in a short rally for the Veteran Cars because Saturday’s event does not cater for that class of car. You can enter using two different classes of car and the overall points will be taken into consideration. Anyone is able to do the short rally, not just the Veterans. Meeting at Cutler Park 9.30am. Field Tests 10.30 Sunday morning.
BBQ Lunch $10 per head
Music provided Then prize giving.
Looking forward to seeing you all there. Any questions to henrylittle@gmail.com katonwheels66@gmail.com
M/ship Number: ………………….
Address: ………………………………………………………………………………
From The Editors Desk
Hi All
Wow already start of February where is the time going?
Lots of events coming up this year and a few big ones like our national rally in easter.
Our fish n chip run the other weekend was a success so many happy faces and a lot of deep frying. Thanks to our club captain for helping out in the kitchen with me.
Just a reminder if those who want to get stuff in to The Hub to have it in by the due date. This month I have had 10 more emails/Texts after the closing date with items people want to put in which means I have to re-edit the whole hub to fit this.
Enjoy this issue!
Brodie
We have a new Hub email, if you haven't yet done so please save thehub@vcccanterbury.org.nz into your contacts. This address will allow you to contact me for Hub related Inquiries.
VETERAN REPORT
There’s not a lot to report on in the way of veteran section events for this issue, but there’s certainly been a few opportunities to do some veteran motoring given it’s summer (well, I think it is anyway). There have been a couple of branch outings, plus we’ve managed to get ours out for a couple of trips and to a local coffee shop on the odd occasion (when the weather has been good enough), to keep them in good shape and ready for the next event on the club calendar.
The 2024 year finished well with a trip down to Clyde for the Pioneer Motoring Group One-and-Two Cylinder Rally this year organised by Bruce and Shirley Shadbolt. There were 12 participants, including a few from our branch, and we had a great time with two days of motoring and socialising in that stunning part of the country over the weekend. Unfortunately as well as motoring memories, a few participants took home a dose of COVID – a good reminder that it’s still around and to be extra-vigilant and to stay at home if you or anyone close to you has symptoms.
The last OCBC for 2024 and the Children’s Christmas Party were both held on 18th December, and we had an amazing turnout of cars and people for both events. Probably around 100 cars and a few motorcycles at OCBC made for a very vibrant start to the day, with a huge cross-section of makes, models and ages represented. I commented to Jenny that as well as having a look around all the machinery present, it’s starting to get hard to talk to all the people you either need or want to, as so many are turning up nowadays! Every conversation is either interesting or long, so before you know it it’s past 11.00am and time to think about heading away to the next activity for the day.
Once again I had the privilege of providing the transport for Father Christmas to the children’s Christmas Picnic on 18th December,
this year with our 1912 Wolseley. It’s a little bit bigger than the 1909 version which Mr Christmas found it a bit hard to get into last year with all of his extra padding. He was whisked straight from his hard sleigh landing in the Club Captain’s room, out the front door of the clubrooms and around to the very busy Christmas party underway in the picnic area on the south side of the hall. A couple of circuits around that part of the grounds to round up the very excited children, and then straight into the picnic area to the side door to the clubrooms, arriving in a flurry of soapy snow-flakes dispensed through a ‘snow cannon’ mounted on the veranda right above the door by Brodie Williams. I certainly wasn’t expecting that, and Brodie said there was a slight look of horror on my face when it started dispensing what looked like very real snow-flakes. The kids thought it was amazing though, and it was a great addition to the occasion and really got both Father Christmas and the children fizzed up and ready to accept their gifts. The whole party was a great occasion, Louise Shaskey and her team of elves did an absolutely fantastic job of making the event both fun and memorable for the 40 or so children who attended.
Unfortunately the weather forecast for the Boxing Day Picnic at the Groynes was nothing short of imminent rain, so we took our Wolseley 6/99 to that one in case things turned wet. We arrived about 11.15 and joined what was a very good turnout of around 30 other cars and families ready to try and make the best of the day. However it wasn’t long before grey clouds were gathering so we decided we’d better eat our Christmas Day leftovers straight away, and no sooner had we finished eating than the rain started to fall. It was obvious it was going to turn into more
than a passing shower, and within a few minutes everyone had packed up and headed home. Such a shame, as it had the potential to be such a good opportunity to enjoy a bit of family fun and to catch up with many friends who were looking to unwind after all the pressures of the day before.
On New Year’s Day Jenny and I went to the New Year’s Day Picnic at Little River (organised by the Banks Peninsula Branch). This is usually an event we take one of the veteran cars to, but rain was forecasted once again so we opted to take the 6/99 instead. Fortunately it stayed dry and reasonably warm for the whole day, but only around a quarter of the normal participants (probably around 100 cars) turned up. Despite this, we had a very good day and as is typical for that event, caught up with a number of people we generally only see at car-related activities. The event is renowned for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere and regardless of the numbers this year was no different.
All eyes then turned to the weather forecast for Sunday 5th January for our Branch Picnic and display at Pegasus, and that wasn’t looking that flash either! Once again showers were forecast, and I’m aware that most people who attended left their decision right up to an hour or so before our reporting time of 10am. Last year we had a brilliant turnout of 72 cars plus a few motorcycles, however this year only 30 mustered up the courage to come out. A cool southerly wind blew up the lake, but we did get the odd bit of sunshine and it didn’t rain at all. The Lake Pegasus Radio Yacht Club (who co-organised the event) did go ahead with their regatta, but the poor conditions meant they could only use smaller yachts, and even those struggled to stay upright. We took our 1912 Wolseley to that one, and Malcolm and Anita McGibbon had their 1913 Model T Roadster there. Also great to see Graeme Sword there on his 1914 Triumph, having ridden it from his home in Kaiapoi. Providing a lot of interest however, was “Gypsy”, a clinker-built steam-boat owned by Allan Familton and Lesley Colsell. This was steamed up and launched into the lake, and did several runs throughout the day with various people on board.
Making no noise apart from the occasional steam whistle, it was a popular exhibit with our members and the public alike and certainly added to the occasion. A special thanks to John Forster and his team from the Pegasus community who organised the whole day.
Our Veteran Coffee morning on the second Tuesday morning of the month went ahead as usual for January. A couple of our regulars were away in Oamaru with their cars for the filming of the “East of Eden” movie, but we still had enough for a good catchup, and this time good weather for the drive out to Kirwee. This was the first outing for our Wolseley 16/20, now back on the road again for the first time since the 2006 when it was last used for a one-off display in Rangiora by the previous owners, and before that used very little since the 1960s. There’s still a bit more to do before we’re ready to use it on club events, but it motors well and drives nicely so will be another option for our veteran outings.
Talking of cars back in use again, Malcolm McGibbon has now got the 1922 Ford T Coupe he bought at the Robin Dixon Gore auction in September going. After a lot of work going through the fuel and electrical systems and then rebuilding the broken differential with help, advice and parts supplied by Chris Dyer, it burst into life following a short tow after probably at least several decades off the road. Matthew and I were doing the tow duties, and it was great being there to see it happen, despite the nerves wondering if it was actually going to fire up, and if so, whether it was going to be a good runner or not. After a bit of adjustment to the gearbox bands it now drives and stops well, and Malcolm now plans to finish a sympathetic tidy-up and then maybe will start the registration process. Likewise, Chris Stephens now has the 1902 Rambler (also purchased from the Robin Dixon auction) running and driving, and had it at the January OCBC where it was the centre of attention. There are some neat old photos of this car at VCC events dating back to the 1960s appearing on Facebook, so
it’s great that it’s stayed local and best of all that it’s running again. Well done to both of you and your helpers.
As I write, this coming weekend Jenny, Matthew and I are off to the Dunedin to Brighton Run with the 1912 Wolseley – an event we really enjoy attending. The run is always a bit of a challenge, and we really enjoy catching up with the regulars from all over the South Island on this event. Ten days after that we’re off to Blenheim for the National Veteran Rally, so some good motoring coming up.
Coming Events
Later in the Hub you will find information on the Brooklands to Brighton Run, to be held on Sunday 2nd March. (Note, it is definitely Sunday 2nd March – not Saturday 1st) If you can breathe any life at all into your 100-year-plus motorcycle, car or truck, then you simply must enter this event. This is the second running of this event, which is an easy, flat run with very few stops, and will showcase all of our vehicles 100 years or older. Note too, that there will be a special prize at this rally for the oldest car/youngest driver combination, so get your children and grandchildren trained up and ready to enter. They will thoroughly enjoy it. Do check out the full information later in the Hub or on the branch website if you have an eligible vehicle.
Also an advance mention of two other events:
· Firstly, a VCC display we’re planning for the Annual Twin Rivers Motoring Extravaganza on Sunday 16th March. For those who want to, we will meet at OCBC at Cutler Park, and /or then you can motor to the A&P Showgrounds to arrive by 10am. There will be a large area set aside specifically for our club display. There is a separate notice about this elsewhere in the Hub.
· Secondly, the Rear Wheel Brake Rally on Sunday 30th March. This will be an “Old School Run”, starting in Sheffield Domain and visiting some old schools in the Malvern area with a couple of oth-
er interesting locations thrown in. Mark the date in your diary and look out for all the details in next month’s Hub. All Veteran vehicles and rear-wheel-brake Vintage vehicles will be eligible to take part.
And before I finish, just a mention too for those who are also members of the Veteran Car Club, don’t forget the Mid-Summer Adventure weekend in Methven. If you are contemplating going to this event and have not sent your entry in yet, please do this as soon as possible. All of these events will provide great motoring and it would be great to see a good contingent of our branch members attending. If you require more information or have any questions about any of the above, please don’t hesitate to give me a call.
Colin Hey, Veteran Convenor.
Phone 021 883 807
BARN HIRE & CAMPING
Display and picnic line-up at the Pegasus Picnic
Gypsy the steamboat navigating Lake Pegasus
One and two-cylinder rally Veteran line-up on top of the Clyde Dam,
December’s OCBC of course coincided with the Children’s Christmas Party, and there was an amazing turnout. Knowing it would be a busy one, the coffee van had plenty of extra milk on board but still almost ran out – there was a steady queue in front of it from arrival at 9am right through until it left just before lunchtime. There was a huge variety of cars and several motorcycles, a couple of veteran cars, many vintage, and then a broad selection of PV cars right through to modern classics, all of which were interesting to look around. Even a couple of race cars which were brought to the grounds on trailers!
By around 11am, most of the families attending the Children’s Christmas Party had arrived, and it wasn’t long before their various activities got underway in and around the picnic area behind the hall. Truck and fire engine rides, running races – you name it, it was all going on and great to see.
January’s OCBC was also another memorable one, with once again a very large turnout. A few cars we’d never seen before were brought out, including the single-cylinder 1902 Rambler belonging to Chris Stephens. Chris purchased this car not running at the Gore auction in September, and since then he and father Tom had been working away on it to get it back into running and driving order. There was a small gathering of people around it the whole morning – it certainly created lots of interest, particularly
when Chris stared it and left it running for a while. Also present was a good number of Vintage Austin Register cars and members – they were using OCBC as the meeting point for their January picnic outing, which is definitely what we want to encourage with any one-make club looking for a Sunday run meeting location.
February’s OCBC will be on Sunday 16th February. We’ll make this one an optional “bonnets-up” day so you can show off your good work in the engine bay of your car, or if you bring your motocycle out you’ll have to do nothing more than park it and display it
. Colin Hey
Chris Stephen's 1902 Rambler on show for the first time
Pegasus Lake Picnic
Fortunately we have some hardy souls in the VCC who braved the elements on Sunday and still turned up at the picnic. The strong, cold southerly kept up all day and even made erecting our gazebos a hazardous experience. 22 cars turned up and one motorcycle ridden by Graham Sword, who was the only person brave enough to battle the wind. Colin Hey and Malcom McGibbon towed their beautiful veterans out to the lake and the other highlight of the day was Allan Familton and Lesley Colsell arriving with their lovely steam boat which joined the radio controlled yachts on the lake. The local Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon was offered a ride in the steam boat along with Colin Hey and of course the skipper, Allan Familton. The Waiora Trust organized four $50 vouchers, one for car of the day, motorcycle of the day , and boat of the day and person of the day. Graham Sword got the motorcycle, Allan won the boat of the day, the 1929 Packard won car of the day, and I think the mayor won person of the day. The radio boats were still racing most of the day ,with storm rigged sails fitted and with coffee, music, and hot chips available the day was still a reasonable success. Many thanks to all the souls who braved the elements on a cold windy day.
Cheers John Forster.
Sunday 2nd March 2025
Grounds Log
PARK GOING FORWARD GROUNDS
Pete's away this month he’s headed for a well deserved month long holiday in the north island.
Grounds are looking good ,A few weeks back Pete painted the gates and then we rehunged the sign over the gates on the last maintance day you will see from the front page it was a team effect.
As always Pete is looking for volunteers to help with the grounds we hope to get the grounds looking good for the up coming easter rally
Grounds Maintenance Co-ordinator
Pete Blacklock 021 181 3491
Twin Rivers Motoring Extravaganza
Sunday 16th March
Special VCC Display
This year our Branch has been invited to put on a special display for VCC eligible vehicles, so all members are invited to come and enjoy this event, and at the same time help promote the club. The event has a huge following, usually with around 500 vehicles attending, many of which are VCC eligible with owners unaware that they can join the VCC.
We will endeavour to display our vehicles in their various categories – Veteran, Vintage, PV, P60 and 80 etc, Commercial, and even Motorcycles. All vehicles will be eligible for prizes for the various sections which will be awarded by the show organisers.
The event is a fundraising event organised by Avonhead Rotary Club, and this year they are raising funds to support Hohepa Canterbury. You will need to arrive by 10am, and stay until the prize giving around 2.30pm. The entry fee is $20, all of which goes to the supported charity. You can enter here
We will need to know if you are coming so please enter no later than Friday 7th March.
Full information will be provided in the March Hub, or go to: https://www.facebook.com/TwinRiversCarParade/
SLASH CLEANUP
A call to arms was put up by Chris Leith via his A.P.B email communications to the Motor Cycle Section “ We’re having a working bee on Monday 23rd December with an 8am start, morning tea provided. We need to clean up the slash from the recent tree pruning in our grounds working mainly around the Social Corner”
Well the troops sure turned up in abundance and from about 7:45am on a team of 21 personnel were on the job both ladies and men with the welcome help from VCC club member Vaughan Morrison with his digger with an amazing “grabbing” attachment on the boom plus a tip truck. Crikey did this save a lot of time consuming back breaking work with loading up the slash and moving it over to the now HUGE burn piles. Meanwhile the troops on the ground with “lighter machinery” viz rakes, trailers, pitchforks, blood and sweat were left to clean up the massive amounts of cones and smaller twigs and branches to leave the area once again in a neat and tidy condition ready for the campers staying in the area over the Christmas & New Year period.
A HUGE thankyou from the Motorcycle Committee and the Canterbury Branch VCC to all those that turned up on that morning.
A job well done.
Ps We did have a great morning tea also. It was a welcome relief to get off our feet for a few moments and enjoy the scones raspberry jam and cream plus Mike Glenday’s favourite “raspberry slice”
COMMERCIAL REPORT
Greetings all,
December and January have been another busy time for me. My dad’s funeral in Christchurch was on the 4th of December. Thanks to those members of our club who attended the funeral or sent their kind wishes. My intention was to use the Lagonda on the day, but the engine was still in bits, so it had to be the Daimler. There were also a couple of club members who brought their cars along – Special thanks go to Peter Croft who parked his Model T outside the church and Tony Gooding represented the Riley club with his 1.5. It was a lovely day and a very fitting service.
The ride on lawn mower still isn’t going. Having had a complete engine rebuild it just wouldn’t start. After much double and triple checking, and head scratching it took a third person to ask to compare the old and the new crankshaft. Turns out the keyway has changed to 90 degrees of the original part, and it was trying to fire halfway up and halfway down the stroke. Now I’m waiting for the keyway in the flywheel to be regrooved, so it fires in the correct spot. Who knew! I now know all about “wasted spark” single cylinder engines too. Good old YouTube for tutorials eh!
The Lagonda is back running again (only in the past 7 days though). Not just valve guides as it turned out. Also, a replacement block, pistons, rings, valves, valve guides etc. It’s running lovely, now just to get a few miles on it before we head up to Napier for the Art Deco Festival in February. The engine bay is spotless and I’m hoping it might stay that way a little while as most of the leak spots have had a resurface and new gaskets and sealant etc. I’ve also been busy getting Ian’s car trailer back into service and recommissioned after 20 odd years of Karamea salt air had aged it a bit. It’s had new guards, new lights, completely rewired, new spring hangar bolts, coupling refurbished and we are building a steel frame so we can cover it in for the trip north.
The January Commercial noggin was a casual catchup sitting out under the veranda at the Barn in Cutler Park. A very pleasant
evening it was too! Two of our group even brought their club vehicle out for a run.
The February Commercial Noggin is to be at Neil Shaskey’s house on Wednesday 19th February – usual time.
8 Autumn Place Mairehau
Coming events are:
Canterbury Branch Annual Rally – 22nd/23rd February 2025Please see the entry form in this edition of the hub.
Brooklands to Brighton run for our 100-year-old and older! –2nd March 2025
By the time this edition hits the press our Commercial Rally will be over and done with. We moved the rally to February this year with the hope of getting more entries, but we have exactly the same number as the previous two years. See you out on the road, Michael
The Lagonda motor reassembly - The block has to be lowered onto the pistons (you need to be an octopus) as it is a fully enclosed cylinder housing and an "F" head with overhead inlet and side valve exhaust.
9-90s
Happy new Year! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
Our 9-90s Christmas lunch went off very well with lovely Christmas decorations on the tables supplied by the restaurant.
Apart from the seating being a bit cramped before I bought it to the staff’s attention, when they quickly moved to spread the tables out a bit, then because of the noise of all our chatter a few meals were delivered to the wrong people but once again the staff were quick to put things right.
The staff were polite and helpful and tried very hard to give us an enjoyable occasion.
I think most people enjoyed their meal, I know Jill & I did.
I think both the staff and I learned from the experience and things will run a lot smoother If we go back there next year.
Jill & I had a fairly quiet Christmas day until getting together with Kids & grand kids at my daughter & Son in law's home for a BBQ evening meal. Then it became a noisy fun time with excited little ones opening parcels and trying out new toys followed by a lovely meal around their large dining table. Rachael’s hand made fabric Christmas crackers were pulled, hats & noses donned and jokes told. A great time had by all.
In bed by 10.30 New-years eve only to woken by neighbours fire works at midnight but had an enjoyable afternoon with old friends new-years day.
An impromptu email sent out saw eleven cars (23 people) turn up for a picnic on Wednesday 15th January at Jack Graham reserve in Cust. It was a very enjoyable social get together in lovely surroundings and in good company.
February’s run Organised by Laurie James will start at: Nga Puna Wai sport centre 9.55am Enter from Augustine Dv off Halswell Rd. Pass the indoor Sport building on your left and park behind it. (VCC sign)
We will be heading West to view yet another Private collection most of you will not have seen before in beautiful surroundings for our usual huge circle for lunch.
I look forward to seeing you all. Best wishes.
Ken.
MOTORCYCLE REPORT
The Hub Motorcycle Notes February 2025
You are running out of summer!!! Next month is the first of AUTUMN!! Enjoy the ride while you can!
Past Events.
30th November – Annual Motorcycle Rally. An excellent event with over 30 entries. The lunch break at the property of John Stewart hosted about 40 riders and partners. See elsewhere for the report and gong winners.
11th December – Xmas Noggin in The Barn, with the Commercial Section joining in as well. About 46 or so members and partners enjoyed the end of year Xmas function held in The Barn. The meal was excellent, and there was plenty for all to enjoy. Many thanks to Royce for organising, and also to those from the Commercial Section who joined us
18th December – Old Codger’s Run. About 20 riders took in a quiet ride out to the Leithfield Pub for a Christmas lunch and good old chin-wag. Fine sunny day. Thanks to those riders who have supported this new initiative. This is all about getting bums on bikes, no matter who you are or what aged bike you ride… 21st December – Fish & Chip Run. I don’t think this happened; the weather was not flash…
23rd December – Working Bee at Motorcycle Corner. A very short notice call went out for helpers to tidy up slash from the topping of the trees surrounding the enclosure at the Corner. About 20 eager helpers armed with chainsaws, trailers, axes etc. to tidy up the mess and inside a day there were two heaps of slash waiting burning, and the corner was totally cleaned up. Special Thanks to Vaughan Morrison who came with a digger with mechanical arm and grab and a tip truck. This gear certainly made short work of the task in hand!!
2nd January 2025 – New Year Motorcycle Run. About 13 riders (and a pillion rider) plus a couple in an old Model A started, but apparently 2 peeled off at Rangiora. I did receive a run report about this, see elsewhere for it… In order to protect the inno-
cent I will not name names… however this approach also ensures anonymity for the guilty as well… Not sure if this is correct…
8th January 2025 – No Noggin this month.
15th January 2025 – Old Codger’s Run. Met at Leeston for a coffee then on to the Thirsty Acre Pub in Kirwee for lunch… Fine but overcast day made it very comfortable for riding. An excellent turnout of about 28 motorcyclists, from a 150cc BSA Bantam through to late model Ducati’s, Hinkley Triumphs, and everything in between. Several new faces and several faces not seen out for some time, so a great day out.
19th January 2025 – Committee Meeting @ The Island. Gees, we are a keen bunch – all in the name of getting an accurate report of events to go into the February Hub!!! On a Sunday as well!!!
24th – 31st January 2025 – National Motorcycle Rally, Palmerston North. Safe Travels to those from Canterbury attending this National Event.
25th January 2025 – Fish & Chip Run. Meet at Bunnings Airport Carpark 10.15am for a 10.30 am departure. Destination to be decided by attendees.
12th February 2025 – Motorcycle Noggin. At this stage, Motorcycle Corner at McLeans Island.
15th February 2025 – Clip on Run. This event has been cancelled, but is being combined with the Moped Run on the 8th March, and run on that day. We are organising suitable routes and destinations to run both on the one day.
19th February 2025 – Old Codger’s Run. Meet for coffee at Coffee Culture, 9 Masefield Ave, Rolleston at 10.30 am. After the usual catch-up a suggested destination for lunch is a run through to Lincoln, Motukarara, Gebbes Pass, to the Governor’s Bay Pub. To be confirmed on the day.
22nd February 2025 – Fish & Chip Run. This cannot happen on this date; it is the date of the Branch’s Annual Rally being held 22nd & 23rd February. So, an executive decision has been made as per below:-
1st March 2025 - February’s Fish & Chip Run. - A run to Kowai Bush is being organised. There is a jet boat museum there – Jet Boat World, 651 Rubicon Road, Springfield , well worth a
look at. Entry to the museum is $15 a head. In addition there may be an opportunity to go for a jet boat ride, this would be $55 a head and is dependent on numbers (15 – 18 people at least…) and also is weather and river conditions dependent as well. Are you interested in going? Email Stuart Skurr at sjskurr@hotmail.com to let him know – ASAP.
8th March 2025 – Moped Run and Clip-on Run Combined. This combined event will cater for both Clip-on bikes and small Mopeds. The organiser of last year’s event, John Benn, has made available (via Mike Glenday) a run which begins at the Famous Grouse, Lincoln, starting 10.45am. The run is approx. 30 km’s, so is suitable for both classes of competitor.
12th March 2025 – Noggin Night. Jens Christensen is organising an interesting “garage raid” to a place we have not visited before, so look out for the advising email with more details during February.
14th - 16th March – Jim Toohey Run. The run for 2025 will again be a three day ride starting Friday morning. We will be riding to Punakaiki on the Friday staying overnight in serviced cabin type accommodation. On the Saturday the ride will be through to Blenheim staying at motels overnight. The run on Sunday will be home to Christchurch via the Kaikoura coast. Friday’s start will be at Motorcycle Corner, VCC grounds - meet 8.30am for 9.00am start. Royce & Jan Baker are back up but try to carry your own bag please. No sleeping bag required. Entry form will be out in February. Jens would like an early indication of who intends on going, please give him a quick call/txt as this will assist in accommodation. Jens - 0274 334179, or kajens70@gmail.com. E-mails are much preferred… One of the issues with Punakaiki is the accommodation has to be paid for in advance so last minute cancellations etc. won't cut the mustard. An increasing trend is couples going and needing their own accommodation, and one or two single riders requiring their own separate accommodation as well. If you fall in either of these categories please ADVISE accordingly.
Please advise ASAP your decision to take part in this iconic run. 19th March 2025 – Old Codger’s Run. Stu Halligan & Chris Leith to advise, and send out emails.
29th March 2025 – Fish & Chip Run. This will be a run to Waika-
ri, to take in a very interesting museum of sheep shearing. We visited this place last year. There was demonstration shearing of sheep using blades as well as machine shearing. More details in the March Hub, but in the meantime Brian Hayman is organising –027 201 7837 or b.jhayman@xtra.co.nz if you have questions etc.
That is probably enough for this month, Cheers, CML.
January 2nd Motorcycle Run
Slowly the group arrived and after a bit of preamble chat the destination of Greta Valley Tavern was established. . . . There was discussion about a route and Marshmans Rd near Ashley was mentioned. . . a leader was nodded to and the group proceeded. . .on entering Ashley, Marshmans Rd appeared to the left and "The Leader" slowed quickly and lead the group onto a tar seal road that turned into shingle and went through a flowing ford. . "The Leader" thought about making excuses but pressed on regardless. Meeting at the Waikari turnoff to Scargill humour was present. We pressed on to lunch at Greta Valley. I'm sure next ride there will be checking for cleaned bikes. – Anon.
VOG’S Report
The Festive Season is over once again and it’s back to business again for one and all even the VOG’s are on the road again entering into our 10th year of activity – and the sceptics said we would never last. Little did they know how keen and loyal “The Team” are.
Our December 2024 gathering was lunch at the Hornby Club and what a turnout we had with 27 attending on the day including our wives who wanted a piece of the action. We welcomed Denise McKenzie and Kay Hirst wives of the late Alistair McKenzie and Lyall Hirst respectively to our gathering, always nice to have these two ladies join us as their late husbands were some of the founding members of the VOG’s.
And now onto January. A brilliant morning greeted us on Tuesday 14th so we were raring to go as our machines had languished in the shed for the last 2 months and we were itching once again to knock up a few k’s of hooning around the streets and terrorising the locals (not quite) just having a lot of fun in the fresh air. A smaller number attended this time with a total of 11 riders on the day for a ride organised this time by Wayne McCrone – a short but interesting ride around the Aidanfield, Oaklands and Halswell areas departing from Nga Puna Wai Sports arena. What a huge complex the new indoor Netball courts is with plenty of off street parking provided and well used during the winter months.
Not such a happy day for your’s truly (VOG 1) my little “tart” started misbehaving herself again. She seems to be starving of fuel and slows right up it’s happened several times before and I work on her with my “limited mechanical knowledge” (and some spanners) and think she is going good but then nah!!. Here we go again. So needless to say I ended up on the backup trailer this time so I’ve given up trying to figure it out and have handed it on to someone with higher powers and knowledge of these matters. Dave Backhouse will take the beast home and put her on his workbench and figure it out. All these problems of mine really
made Gary Thompson very happy as he could now willingly pass on the Hardluck Trophy. This was done with great ceremony and mirth at our lunch stop at Good Home at The Landing in Wigram. (The photos tell the story)
I’m sure I’ll be back riding the wee “tart” again sometime soonwell I hope so.
Until next time.
Royce VOG 1
Gary presents VOG1 the trophy with great delight.
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
Ford Tractor 1975 automatic 4500 Model
This machine is in a tidy condition, well maintained in the hands of the VCC
We have replaced this tractor with a John Deere series 3 year
Mazda MX5 2000 cc 6 speed tiptronic automatic 2006 NC model ,not a club eligible vehicle but a fabulous touring Roadster .travelled only one hundred thousand kms
Imported by us in 2017 from Singapore and we have done 28000 km of great motoring since. fitted with rear mounted spare wheel (as this model had only a foam tyre inflator system)
Gray with Black interior , $12,000
Alan Wills 021 08700692
1928 chev national 2 door coach restored 1970's, runs & drives, 12V rego on hold, $12,000
Gavin Craythorne 0278390935
1939 Nash 400
A great cruising car. I believe there may be an overdrive unit with the spares that go with the car.
Asking $20,000 or near offer
Contact Judy on 027-254-7601 or email gjw.briant@xtra.co.nz
1927 Essex Sedan
The engine has had a complete rebuild approx 2014, otherwise a very original example. Spares include, vacuum tank, brake bands, engine block, sump etc.
Asking $12,000 or near offer
Contact Judy on 027-254-7601 or
Zephyr 1978
A very tidy roomy Classic Caravan, great 4 berth layout,
Contact Rod on 021 126 3529
Rally Holders are now available through Henry Little.
New Members
January/February 2025
With 17 new members joining over the Christmas period make it a long list to add to The Hub.
Welcome to our club we would love to see you at our up coming events! Most of this are at the front of your Hub or a pocket size Calander of events is available from bar staff at any of our club nights.
Once again Welcome to the Canterbury Branch of The Vintage Car Club of New Zealand .
OTHER BRANCH and ORGANISATIONS EVENTS
See Notice board posters for more information.
2024-2025 Representatives
Motorcycle Convenor
Jens Christensen (Karen) kajens70@gmail.com 027 433 4179
Velosolex Group
Royce Baker (Janice)
whisky17@xtra.co.nz 03 322 5529
Parts Dept. Rep.
Wayne Stocks waynestoxy@gmail.com 03 383 1380
9—90’s Co-ordinator
Ken James kenjj10187@gmail.com 03 980 0547
VIC Representative
Don Bennetts (Judy) djbennetts@compassnet.co.nz 03 385 6333
Grounds Maintenance
Peter Blacklock (Chrisy) c.p.blacklock@gmail.com
021 181 3491
Barn Bookings/Camping
Rod Thrower (Lynda) canterbury@vcc.org.nz
03 338 2320
021 126 3529
Bar Manager
Andrea Dallow (Gilbert) regmad1957@gmail.com
027 224 1465
Librarians
Ted and Jill Hockley hockleyjt@xtra.co.nz
027 403 4511
Swap Meet
Colin Hey (Jenny) heywolseley699@gmail.com
03 359 8737 021 883 807
Swap Meet Sites
Neil Shaskey (Louise) swapmeetsites@gmail.com 03 352 8802
027 289 6201
North Canty Noggin
Alan Hill (Barbara) abhill@usnet.co.nz
03 313 6008 021 161 5866
Beaded Wheels Reporter
Colin Hey (Jenny)
heywolseley699@gmail.com
03 359 8737 021 883 807
Trophy Custodian
Leigh Craythorne (Tony) craythornes@actrix.co.nz
03 342 9110
027 772 8660
New Members’ Liaison
Jack Porter (Dorothy) jackhporter@xtra.co.nz
03 352 6672
027 432 2041
Branch Vehicle Custodian
Mark Drury
markdrury@icloud.com
03 342 9297
Hub Editor And Web Site
Brodie Williams thehub@vcccanterbury.or g.nz
027 848 7775 (Text)
Building Maintenance
Pete Merrifield petemselwyn@gmail.com
021 423 118
Chairman
2024-2025 Main Committee
Neil Shaskey (Louise) neilandlouise@snap.net.nz
03 352 8802
027 289 6201
Secretary
Rod Thrower (Lynda) canterbury@vcc.org.nz thrower.rod@gmail.com
03 338 2320 021 126 3529
Treasurer
Robyn Cox (Eric) robyncox99@gmail.com 021 237 6777
Club Captain
Katryna Shaw (Bryce) katonwheels66@gmail.com 021 0277 2375
Committee
Vintage Convenor
Graham Evans ( Anne) gaevans@xtra.co.nz
03 351 5919 027 320 7948
Veteran Convenor
Colin Hey (Jenny) heywolseley699@gmail.com
03 359 8737 021 883 807
Commercial Convenor
Michael Hedgman (Claire) hedgesonholiday@gmail.com
03 745 9240
027 516 0029
‘P’ Group Convenor
John Enright (Debbie) jenright51@yahoo.co.nz 027 439 6572
027 355 8387
Asst Club Captain
Henry Little (Michelle) henry.little@hotmail.com
03 327 5471
027 288 8277
VERO CIS—telephone 0800658411
Canterbury Branch Agency Number 300130
This number needs to be quoted when taking out insurance for Canterbury Branch to benefit.
Open Hours Monday to Friday 8:00am—
We now stock cloth tape for vintage vehicles. Several widths.
