OBITUARY Tom Clements It is with great sadness that we mourn the recent loss of Tom Clements and our kindest thoughts are to be extended to his proud family. Tom’s entry into the VCC membership was very much part of the “early bird few” having joined the club in 1949 participating in events such as the well documented early hill climbs in his Fiat 501S. With the formation of Canterbury, as a stand alone branch in 1956, saw Tom’s involvement in club affairs and becoming Branch Chairman in 1966. This period of the Canterbury Branch involved some massive projects which culminated in establishing McLeans (Cutler Park) as Canterbury Branch headquarters in 1978. As secretary of the McLeans Island establishment committee, Tom was personally involved in the team that set up the “Barn”, the design and building of the Main Hall whilst clearing 35 acres of gorse and sowing grass seed. Tom’s 1930’s Wolseley Drop Head Coupe being reassigned to tractor duties. We as club members will forever be grateful for the incredible contribution of Tom’s efforts and his love for the VCC movement. In his later years Tom and his late wife, Coleen, got much enjoyment from the fruits of his achievements becoming a regular entrant in branch activities in his “Caleche” Vauxhall. Thank you Tom. George Kear (Snr)
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