Report by Helen & Les Duggan
CHAIRMANS CHAT
Our Klaxon Editor Bryce Strong emailed me today and asked if I could do the 'Chairman's Chat'. Chairman's Chat? Strewth... That's my job now! Thinking back over the years quite a few tasks have been asked of me when it comes to motoring and motorsport, car clubs, promotions, charity events (always with a car theme) fund raisers, public speaking (always with a car theme) - the list seems to be endless! Recently one of our Sons asked me 'How did this all come about?'
There's a bit of a story as to just how this came about - and no way can it be all told here but by strange coincidence it started 54 years ago this month when I joined the Hamilton Car Club as a very keen 18 year old. It can be best said that the new recruit needed a fair degree of monitoring and in those early days any participation in speed events by a minor needed a signed form to be presented at scrutineering by a parent or guardian. This was a good system thinking back. One's parents knew what you were up to (in saying that my Mum steadfastly refused to sign the forms!) and as a young recruit you learned to quickly respect the marshals and stewards - all of which were volunteers.
And this fast forwards me to July 2024. We have a vibrant VCC branch right here in Tauranga all staffed by volunteers. Heading the committee I'm very mindful that we wouldn't even have a functioning branch if it were not for the committee members who devote their time and energies for the enjoyment of all the club members. However don't think for one moment that because you're not a committee member - that you don't or shouldn't have to do anything. Please feel free to come to us with ideas and suggestions. It all contributes to the vast tapestry that any club can unveil. With heaps of participants we all become winners and then accumulate fabulous motoring memories to look back on.
It's taken 54 years for the penny to drop concerning those notions - maybe I'm a slow learner but I took a leaf out of a mate's book who worked with the TAB virtually all of his working life. The tip was that he never let a really hot and genuine tip go unanswered - plus he always was searching for new ones!
I look forward to sharing our mutual love of motoring with you all in the months ahead.
Donn 1971 Putaruru Car Club, Donn in a 1970 MG Midget
“End of Month Run”
JUNE 2024
DATE - Sunday June 30th , another Damn Run to Arapuni.
MEETING PLACE & MORNING TEA - Aim to join us at Robert Harris Cafe, Main St. MNEatamata around 10 am for Morning Tea.
ITSTRUCTIONS - After we have gathered there, instructions will be given to you for a backcountry drive to Arapuni Village with a prize for the first observant Club Member to answer a Question related to one of the Village streets!!
LUNCH - Following lunch at RhubarbCafé,and a wee briefing on the Dam’s famous features, a short move down the road will take us to the suspension bridge to view the historic power station allowing you to return home at your own pace.
WHAT TO BRING – Please bring a good raincoat, and a hot toddy if it is a wet day. It will not be cancelled unless it is extremely wet. You will be informed by the BUZZ late Saturday afternoon if that is the case.
Any Questions
ORGANISER - Alastair 5761124
WINTER BOP Gold Card Morning Tea
DATE – Tuesday 9 July
TIME & WHERE – Please meet at ‘Greenwood Park Village’ at 10am
COST – there will be a charge of $5 pp for a scrumptious morning tea
ORGANISER – Brian Pratt – 544 7952
RSVP – Friday 5 July to Brian 544 7952 or Kaaren 021 664341
This event is a social outing, and a great opportunity to catch up with your fellow members for a chinwag in a relaxed environment. Twice a year, our Club has a Gold Card get-together, once in the Winter, and the other during the summer months. Come along!
Report on the VCC 70th Irishman Creek Rally. By Helen & Les Duggan
31May–2June2024.OrganisedbyCanterburyVCCBranchMembers
Les & I headed south to attend our second Irishman Rally. Talk of extreme cold weather down south ensured we packed lots of warm clothing (far too much it seems). Our ‘little red car’ was loaded onto the trailer, along with the prerequisites for the rally – 1st Aid Kit, Fire Extinguisher, Chains, Tow Rope & Spare Fuel; (+ 1 car electric blanket).
We stayed in Wellington Tuesday evening ready for our crossing at 8.45am next day. Also waiting for the ferry on Wednesday morning were 4 cars from Hawkes Bay Branch, difference being, they were more hardy souls driving their beloved cars the entire distance. Off the ferry, we travelled direct to Christchurch. The following day we caught up with local friends and travelled to Fairlie leaving the Ute and trailer at the camping ground.
The rally, normally a two-day event, had an extra day added this year due to it being its 70th anniversary.
ThursdayeveningCanterbury Branch Clubrooms were opened for early collection of Rally Packs to enable a smooth departure on Friday morning. The pack included an ‘Event Safety, Risk Management, and Hazard Identification’ form which was required to be read and signed, Rally number, plaque/sticker, notes & Route Instructions. Plenty of reading material to keep one occupied for the evening. Perusing the list of participating entrants, we were surprised that Les and I were the only entrants from our BOP Branch.
Fridaymorning , we travelled to Rangiora where 212 pre-1932 cars & their passengers assembled for the 8am briefing. What an unbelievable sight, just magical. Here the rally organiser reminded us that “No Dogs’ were allowed. In the exact words of one station owner –“NOBLOODYANIMALS”ifyouhavebroughtany–gohomenow. He also iterated “do not give/send copies of the ‘run sheets’ to anyone,” the organisers do not want to deal with ‘parasites’on the rally. Carry plenty of fuel, stay on farm tracks and have fun.
Cars, predominantly Model A’s, started spilling out onto the road leaving the built-up area for back country roads around Sefton, Balcairn, Amberley, Broomfield ending in Hawarden for lunch.
Report on the VCC 70th Irishman Creek Rally—
Morning entrants had a choice of two routes, Plan A was to travel over a farm that required chains and Plan B was a deviation away from the farm. It turned out that the chains were not required on the farm. Canterbury has had little rain; the farms were dry and the roads very dusty.
Highlights from Route B were - the unexpected welcome we received as we passed Broomfield School. The children, and teachers, were lined up along the fence and the cheering and enthusiasm was so heartfelt. Visiting Waitohi Downs, home of ‘Alpine Horse Safaris’. A well-appointed property of 1012 hectares (2,500 acres) stocked with sheep, cattle and red deer, along with the horses. The property descends to the Hurunui River Valley offering spectacular views. Returning back out the farm, we travelled more country roads, crossed the Waitohi river ford and onto Hawarden.
Many of the roads travelled were gravel meaning windscreens were quickly caked with dust & photos taken were grainy or blurred through the constant bumps that occurred. The dust required one to keep well back from the car in front to enjoy the views.
Lunch was provided by the ‘Lions’ and well received by entrants. Afternoon Instruction sheets were signed for and handed out. Once again there was a choice of Route A or B, this time dependent on weather conditions and stream levels. The weather was warm with clear blue skies so Route A was chosen.
The afternoon route meandered through more back country roads onto ‘Karetu Farms’. Here we followed the main track through the farm, past the ‘Old Brothers Homestead’ and after many miles, exiting the farm to travel through an area of the Ashley forestry, back onto public roads, across the Ashley River into Rangiora.
Our accommodation was in Springfield, so another 30 minutes of travel, refueled, a quick visit to the supermarket & ready for bed.
Report on the VCC 70th Irishman Creek Rally continued Saturdaymorning , we were to travel to Sheffield to the farm of one of the organisers. Our instructions for today – “beinthepaddockby8amforaonceonly,nocameraorsocialmediaperformancethatwillcomparewithwhatourdefenceforcescanoffer” Here we were treated to an impressive display of flying pumpkins across the Waimakariri River.
Highlight for today was a visit to Mesopotamia Station. Leaving Sheffield, we headed south, through Colgate and further, where we were to ford the Hororata River. As we continued back onto the main highway, strong winds started to build. We crossed the Rakaia River & into Staverley where we decided to refuel to avoid the rush in Mayfield. As we began to refuel, a ferocious windstorm kicked up and the skies opened. A short deluge but ferocious drenching us & the car. Frantically trying to put the side curtains on, the rain seemed determined to clear the dust from inside the car. Wet, but not beaten, we plugged in the electric rug & attempted to warm ourselves and dry our clothes. It worked and in no time, we had forgotten it had even rained. As predicted, Mayfield had a huge line of cars waiting for fuel.
Continuing south, via the Rakaia Gorge Road, over the Rangiata River, we then turned inland toward the Peel Forest and the 35km to Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia Station is an unspoiled highcountry station running merino sheep, deer and cattle. It is located at the headwaters of the Rangiata Gorge at about 457 metres (1800 ft) above sea level rising to 2660 metres (7500 ft). Its size is just over 15,000 acres. It was named by Samuel Butler in 1860 and remains one of New Zealand's oldest high-country stations.
Returning back through the Peel Forest, we turned south to take on the Orari River. The crossing was quite soft in places with several cars needing to be towed.
Continuing south we approached the Hae Hae Te Moana River crossing and encountered a sudden drop onto the ford. Being pre-warned was useful. Back onto the highway we headed for Fairlie. Picking up the Ute & trailer from the campground we made our way to our Air BnB. Another early night.
Report on the VCC 70th Irishman Creek Rally—continued
Sundaymorning , saw 200 plus cars lined along the main street of Fairlie. This must have looked an amazing sight for people passing by. Leaving Fairlie we headed south east then west and circled the Albury Range returning north to meet Burkes Pass. Of course, here was the compulsory stop at Three Creeks.
Onto Tekapo where many stopped for a variety of reasons. An encounter with a couple of young ladies taking photos of the cars, proved a highlight for us. Melissa, from Ireland, may likely be a relative of Les. (butthat’sanotherstory).
The Irishman Creek Station beckoned us in. Apparently, the rally hasn’t been on the station for quite a number of years and being the 70th anniversary, the overseas owners allowed it once again. Here we had an early lunch and the chance to visit the Museum and Power Station. The history of the Station is incredible. This was once the home of Sir William (Bill) Hamilton and the birthplace of the Hamilton jet. He bought the property in 1921 and over time he went from being a sheep farmer to a full-time engineer turning Irishman Creek into an innovative hub.
Not only inventing the jet engine he also designed and constructed many pieces of earth-moving equipment. Along with a water turbine to produce electricity for the house and workshops. A large man-made lake stands above. This was used for jet boating, sailing & swimming during the warm months & ice skating and curling during the winter months. The original workshop, still stands, and holds many of his original machines, equipment and tools, along with the water turbine and the original two-storey homestead.
Back into the car we were soon travelling over the vast Mackenzie country tussock and farmland. The station is wrapped in waterways, Irishman Creek, the Tekapo Canal, Lake Tekapo, the Tekapo River, Fork Stream and stunning Lake Pukaki. Exiting the farm, we travelled along the canal turning back onto the main highway and headed for Fairlie. Sadly, this was nearing the end of our weekend. Many travelled to Strathconan Farm for the ‘Pete’s Patch Trials’ where driving skills are tested around cones etc. The weekend was over all too soon and will be remembered as a successful, well organised rally. We travelled 440 miles on the rally and 494 miles in total. Our ‘Lil Princess’ behaved perfectly. “Go the Model A”. Thanks to the organizer's for a great time. If any of you are considering attending the Irishman, Les & I highly recommend this rally.
Afewstatistics(goingbythelistweweregiven).
222vehicles:10moderns(supportetc),3unknowns, 114ModelA;13Chev;12Austin;9 Dodge;8Chrysler;6DeSoto;6Essex;
Theother41weremadeupofAlvis, Bentley,Buick,Cadillac,Durant, Erskine,Fiat,ModelT, GrahamPaige,Hudson,Humber, Humpmobile,Oakland,Plymouth, Pontiac,RollsRoyce,Studebaker, Sunbeam,Talbot,Willys
Helen Duggan
BOP VCC LONG SERVICE AWARDS
If your 25-year, 35-year, 50-year, or 60-yearlong service badge is coming due, please contact our Secretary Michael Thorman on 07 544 4291.
The processing of the badges takes time, so it would be appreciated if you would let Michael know sooner, rather than later.
PLEASE NOTE - To receive your badge, you must have had a continuous membership with the VCC.
NEW DETAILS FOR NOG & NATTER
Please note changes to the venues and day that our monthly Nog & Natter (N&N) will be held on for the rest of the year!
From April there will only be TWO VENUES that N&N will be held, Tauranga and Papamoa, alternating between:
1) Tauranga Citizens Club, and
2) Rain Bar & Restaurant, 3now0 Gravatt Road, Papamoa Beach.
Also, please note that N&N will be held on the LAST TUESDAY of every month.
It is with regret we advise we had to make the decision to cancel meeting in Katikati, due to the lack of the availability of a venue that is priced to suit our members.
Therefore, commencing in April, N&N will be at Papamoa, at the Rain Bar & Restaurant. Thereafter, on the 28 May we are at the Tauranga Citizens Club.
Any questions please contact Kaaren Smylie 021 66 43 41 or 07 576 4180
HUMOUR
Mecon Limited Laser-Prep
Cleaning with out chemicals or abrasives, it is an eco friendly and cost effective way compared to other methods such as media blasting or paint stripping.
It can remove light rust off delicate car/engine parts. It will easily clean a metal head gasket previously impossible with conventional cleaning methods.
Benefits are - no harsh chemicals, no abrasives, no expensive set up cost (as with media blasting), no loud noises during the process, no hazards as with high pressure equipment, very precise cleaning and no clean up cost!
This cleaning can be done in your garage if required as it is plug and play! Cost is dependant on size of job and location (if it cannot be delivered to us)
For applications on Mould, Welds and pre-welds, Food manufacturing stainless steel, Delicate Machine parts etc.
BOP
VIC Application forms
PLEASENOTE:The application form for a Vehicle Identity Card has changed from a 7 page application to 15 pages. The extra pages relate to explanations regarding whether you receive a “DOMAS” or a “VIC”, depending on the state of the Vehicle at the time of the application. Go to wwww.vcc.org.nz, and in the panel on the LHS is the option “RESOURCES/ DOWNLOAD” accessing that will show “VIC Application”. Print the required pages and note the requirements for the photos.
It is suggested that you complete all the pages and then contact either Alastair Jones 07 5761124 - or - Ivan Allen 07 5432629 beforesending the photos to Nat. Office Christchurch. This is to ensure the photos are as required and don’t get there before the paperwork, which in almost all cases has to be checked against the vehicle to make sure there aren’t any errors. Either of the VIC Officers are there to assist not hinder!
HUMOUR
BOP VCC COMMITTEE 2024-2025
CHAIRMAN DONN WHITE 0274 764465
PAST CHAIRMAN
JOHN WHITCOMBE (JILL) 027 552 4201
SECRETARY MICHAEL THORMAN (JANE) 07 544 4291
TREASURER JILL WHITCOMBE (JOHN) 027 552 4201
CLUB CAPTAIN
COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE
KAAREN SMYLIE (JIM) 021 664 341
ALASTAIR JONES (GWEN) 07 576 1124
BRIAN PRATT (CINDY) 07 5447952
COMMITTEE KAAREN SMYLIE (JIM) 07 576 4180
COMMITTEE ALAN MACKENZIE 027 564 7785
COMMITTEE
GEORGE HOWARD (LYNN) 020 40427624
COMMITTEE DOUG BROWN 021 668117
COMMITTEE KEITH PERKINS (JANE) 027 5781231
COMMITTEE
HELEN MEREDITH (GRAHAM) 027 7111 249 OTHERELECTEDOFFICERS
PATRON ALASTAIR JONES (GWEN) 07 5761124
HALL HIRE KAAREN SMYLIE (JIM) 021 664341
PARTS SHED JACK ANDERSON (MERILYN) 07 5766346
PROPERTY MANAGER JACK ANDERSON (MERILYN) 07 5766346
KLAXON EDITOR BRYCE STRONG ( CHRISTINE) 0274 966706
FACEBOOK/WEBSITE DEIDRE RENNIE (TONY) 021 665 875
WELFARE
MERILYN ANDERSON (JACK) 07 5766346
KITCHEN CO-ORDINATOR JILL WHITCOMBE [JOHN ] 07 552 4201
HON. SOLICITOR PETER BUTLER (MARION) 021 423 453
VIC CERTIFICATION ALASTAIR JONES (GWEN) 07 5761124
VIC CERTIFICATION IVAN ALLEN (YVONNE) 07 5432629
SAFETY OFFICER BRIAN PRATT 07 5447952
LIBRARIAN PET ER WITHERS 0220 173798.
NAME BADGES
MICHAEL THORMAN (JANE) 07 544 4291
GREETING NEW MEMBERS BRIAN PRATT & JOHN WHITCOMBE (Ph #’s elsewhere on list)
KLAXON EMAIL: klaxoninfo@gmail.com CLUB WEBSITE: www.bayofplentyvintagecarclub.com
SECRETARY EMAIL: bayofplenty@vcc.org.nz FACEBOOK bay of plenty vintage car club (Public
BOP VCC—Operational Information
The Club Rooms are 29 Cliff Road. P O Box 660, Tauranga, 3144.
Key contacts are:
Acting Chairman– Donn White 0274 764465
Chairman– John Whitcombe 027 552 4203
Secretary– Michael Thorman 07 5444291
Club Captain Kaaren Smylie 07 576 4180
Monthly events—
Email: johnandjill37@gmail.com
Email: bayofplenty@vcc.org.nz
Email: kaaren@smylie.co.nz
Club night (except January) - 2nd Monday, start time 7.30pm
Mid week run
Wednesday following the club night
End of the month run Held on the last Sunday of the month.
Committee Meeting — Last Monday of the month
Noggin ‘n’ Natter
Last Tuesday of the month at 6pm
Coffee Mornings - Every Monday Morning Noggin ‘n’ Natter held last Tuesday of the month at 6pm and location alternates between-
1. Tauranga- Tauranga Citizens Club, Cameron Road.
Contact is Kaaren Smylie phone 021 664341 or 07 576 4180.
In 2024 at Citz Club in - May, July, Sept, November
2. Papamoa/TePuke– Rain Bar and Restaurant, 30 Gravatt Road, Papamoa
Contact is - Lynn Howard. Phone 020 4042 7624.
In 2024 at Rain Bar in April, June, August, October, December
If your birthday falls in this month please remember it is your turn to provide a plate for supper. Thanks to last months birthday people for their food.
Please remember to wear your name badges to all events. BADGES ARE FREE TO NEW MEMBERS if they need one.
LIBRARY HOURS— The library is open whenever the Club is open. Members wanting to search for or return books should ask a Committee member to open the library. We accept good clean car service manuals, or books that relate to automobile history or travel for our library
PARTS SHED Clean out your sheds and bring those surplus parts down. They may be just what someone else needs Parts shed open most Monday morning. Contacts are Jack 07 5766346 or Colin 027 2629161