Veteran Report

VETERAN REPORT

Jenny and I have just returned from the Vero Rally in New Plymouth, and really enjoyed the event. We didn’t take either of our veteran Wolseleys, opting instead to use our 1933 Wolseley Hornet Special, which did prove to be a good decision for us. Perfect weather for the whole time we were away (except for one short spell of rain one night) meant that the hood didn’t even come out of the bag for the whole trip, and most of our motoring was done in shorts, tee-shirts and sunhats with lots of sunscreen applied! I take my hat off to those who did the event in veteran vehicles (there were 26 altogether) - the shortest runs meant about 50 miles of motoring in a day, and the longest runs over 100 miles. Lots of rolling country with short steep descents and ascents would have also been a challenge for the lower-powered cars. The routes were plotted to keep us off the highways as much as possible, however sometimes there was no option and there was a lot of traffic and heavy trucks on some of them, meaning keeping one eye in the mirror was essential. Once off the highways though, the motoring was superb and very scenic. There were a few breakdowns amongst the veterans, but most were fixable on the side of the road, and I only heard of one car suffering a major failure. Highlights for us were the trip to Opunake on the south coast (an excellent day of motoring), the huge open day/display/ street party in Inglewood on the Thursday evening, and catching up friends from all over the country. Congratulations to the large team who organised the

Enjoying a break during the Vero Rally at one of the many beaches south of New Plymouth. Jenny Hey with the Wolseley Hornet Special.

event, and well done for getting it in the bag just 48 hours before going into Covid Red setting (how lucky was that!). Over Christmas and the new year we had our 1909 Wolseley-Siddeley out a few times, using it on OCBC day and Children’s Christmas Party day at Cutler Park on 19th December, and on the Model N Ford belonging to Steven and Banks Peninsula Branch Veronica Oliver (New Plymouth) having picnic run to Little River. Once a quick clean-up after a hard run to again our car and the Tikorangi on the first day of the Vero Rally. McGibbon’s 1914 Renault AX were the only veterans at Little River, but we do have to admit to trailering them most of the way there. Both days were really good, with perfect weather. Malcolm McGibbon (Renault), Kelvin and Lesley Finlay (Hupmobile) and Allan Familton and Lesley Colsell (Stanley steam car) all ventured south to the Dunedin to Brighton on 22nd January, and joined 37 other veterans on the run - a very good turnout considering many of the regulars were away at the Vero Rally. This event seems to be slowly getting stronger each year despite, it seems, ongoing difficulties securing the necessary approvals to start and finish the event in the Dunedin CBD. In 2024 the Allan Familton sharing some steam at the finish of the Dunedin to Brighton. (photo by Malcolm event will celebrate it’s McGibbon) 70th anniversary run -

one which will no doubt bring a large attendance, so note that date now! As yet, and until our main committee meets next week, I’m a bit uncertain how our coming events are going to happen now that we are back into restrictions of no more than 100 people, but rest assured it won’t stop our ability to run events – there will just have to be added precautions to ensure we’re sticking to the rules. It will certainly not be a problem just for the veteran section. Colin Hey

OTHER VETERAN EVENTS

If we cannot hold a full branch noggin in March, I’ll organise a veteran noggin at some unlucky owners house (any volunteers?) on that same night (Thursday 3 March), and advise everyone by email. In discussion with Malcolm McGibbon, the Dutton Anzac Day run will still go ahead as planned, but will be restricted to only 100 people. This is another perfect event for veteran vehicles, and it may be supplemented with another day of visits to local collections the day before the run to provide a bit more activity for those who are coming from out of town. Happy Motoring Colin

OLD CARS BIKES AND COFFEE (OCBC)

We’re still planning on holding OCBC in February and beyond, however we will keep to groups of 100 people within the grounds as was done in December. You will need to bring your Vaccine Passes, and bring a facemask as well if you plan to have a good look around and a chat to your friends. This probably goes without saying - please do not come if you are feeling unwell or have any flu-like symptoms. We’ll email out a reminder a few days beforehand to advise if there is any change or last minute alterations to the gathering rules. February’s date is Sunday 20th February.