ACTING CHAIRMANS CHAT
I’m not sure whether I’m regurgitated , reactivated, or just reawakened!
Anyway, it’s good to have to focus on what the Club is doing or needs to do to meet the needs of a changing Membership. It was a wake-up call to lose 3 Members in a very short space of time and made me think about my own mortality. Doing a house-shift over the last month has occupied every waking moment in trying to work out what is needed in the new place and how to summon up the courage to get rid of stuff that has been kept for years in case it was needed one day. I have come to the conclusion you keep stuff because it is connected to memories, and really, how often do you unpack old photos and look at them. Maybe that’s what people are doing these days in public places scrolling on their phones.
Enough navel gazing on possibly what some may think are less positive thoughts, and let’s move on to heart-warming matters. I have always considered closer connections with other Branch’s activities, and also other likeminded Clubs is the way to go and I’m delighted the Mustang Club has joined in with us and their efforts should be supported. Way to go!
Lastly, I have been following trends in car ownership that are resulting in just about everybody moving into newer vehicles because they feel finding a mechanic to do maintenance is nigh on impossible. Despite pleas to the Club-Night audience to offer useful contacts, nothing has surfaced. If this resonates with you and you have found a “spannerhand” who likes working on old cars, let us know. Thank you for any info.
However, I’m delighted to let you know that a husband and wife team who have been motoring in a 60’s-70’s sort of vehicle and having been looking on from the sidelines at Vintage events, have decided to get involved in “grassroots” motoring. I have been permitted to have close-up look at their acquisition and was most envious, and couldn’t help imagining getting behind the steering wheel and enjoying the feel that only a well driven Vintage vehicle evokes.
In days gone by, there was no better way to enjoy life than to drive on back country roads in a Vintage vehicle with a few others, coming across a rural hostelry, having a celebratory drink, and then handing over the driving to the co-pilot and resting ones head on the folded hood, and with eyes closed, listening to the exhaust note that only a Vintage vehicle can produce.
I’m sure the new Vintage enthusiasts are the sort of folk who will enjoy similar emotions, and more will be revealed next Club-night.
On that note I will resume “downsizing” and dreaming of the good old days.
Yours dreamily, Alastair Jones
COMING EVENTS — October to December 2024
OCTOBER EVENTS
11 – 13 – October – NZ’s Biggest Swap Meet & Display – McLean’s Island Road , Christchurch
14 – October – Club Night – Guest Speaker TBA
16 – October - Mid Month Run – Organisers- Alastair & Gwen Jones
25 – 28 – October – National Commercial Rally
27 – October – End of Month Run – event details to be confirmed
28 – October – Committee Meeting
29 – October – Nog & Natter – TheRainBar , Papamoa – Organiser – Lynn Howard
NOVEMBER EVENTS
1 – November - Northland – Far North Tour
3 – November - Club Car Boot Sale & Annual Restoration Award – Organiser – Bruce Tait
9 – November – Waikato Veteran Rally
11 – November – Club Night - Special Guest speaker – Garry Jackson President FoM – Organiser – Kaaren Smylie
13 – November - Mid Month Run
17 – November – Waikato Swap Meet
25 – November – Committee Meeting
26 – November – Nog & Natter – TheTaurangaCitzClub
29 – November – Club Annual Christmas Party – ‘OakTreeRestaurant’– Organiser – Brian Pratt
DECEMBER EVENTS
9 – December – Club Night – Guest Speaker – Chris Cole – LifeintheArmedForces
11 – December – Annual Christmas Run – Organiser – Kaaren Smylie
12 – December – Committee & Other Elected Officers – Christmas get-together – Organiser –Kaaren Smylie
THINGS TO KNOW—There are NO Club Events during the month of January
Every Monday morning CaféCliffat the clubrooms opens 10am for a cuppa and a few biscuits
New Years Day Club Picnic – ‘TuapiroPoint’– Noon – Organiser – Kaaren Smylie
Like to hire our Clubrooms for your special event - contact person – Kaaren Smylie
Birthday Celebration
On Saturday 14 September several members of our Club were invited to join the family of one of our older BOP VCC stalwarts to celebrate her 80th birthday. Margaret Goldsmith celebrated her birthday at the Oak Tree Restaurant with an enjoyable occasion.
Margaret was widowed in December last year when well-known VCC member, and Margaret’s dear husband Owen, passed away. It is just wonderful to know that Margaret is continuing to stay involved in the branch activities and helping in the kitchen on club nights.
It is sad when one partner passes on and the one left doesn’t always feel comfortable in coming along to events on their own. It is great that you make the effort Margaret, we all enjoy seeing your happy smiling face. Happy belated birthday young lady.
Kaaren Smylie BOP VCC Club Captain
A visit to the Packard museum
By Bryce Strong
In August Christine and I visited Whangarei, and I took the opportunity to visit the Packard Museum, located in Maungatapere, just outside Whangarei, on the Dargaville road.
And it is not simply Packard cars that they have it is a very large and diverse range of vehicles in five different sheds on the site.
The list below explains the large range of items/categories!
Thislandauismyideaofa classicPackard!
There is plenty to interest anyone interested in vehicles of all type and origin, in heavy machinery, in
Military items, and lots of memorabilia!
I spent three hours there, and recommend a visit to all Klaxon readers.
Their hours are limited, so ensure that you check their website https://packardmuseum.co.nz/
ACoupeRoadsteramongstothermodels!
A visit to the Packard museum (continued)
PurportedlyagunfromHMNZAchilles
Brenguncarrier
Theroom containingoldermodel
Packards—Shed1
A visit to the Packard museum (continued)
Most BOPVCC members will have seen the Auckland VCC Charabanc well there is another in the Packard Museum!
Motorbikes galore! Not my thing, but of interest to those who like them!
A visit to the Packard museum (continued)
A visit to the Packard museum (continued)
A very old power shovel—not many left!
Traction engines, and old Americana.
Part of the British lineup!
A visit to the Packard museum (continued)
Fire engines
Earthmovers, sewing machines, guns
September Mid-Month Run Report—
by Keith Perkins
On a beautiful sunny Spring day, 35 members met at the clubrooms and received their route instruction / quiz sheets. The Mid-Month ‘Urban Sprawl Run’, organized by George and Lynn Howard, was an excellent ramble through Tauranga, Papamoa and Te Puke.
Morning tea was enjoyed by all adjacent to the Papamoa Surf Club. Then onwards, exploring the ever expanding Papamoa, that seems to be stretching ever closer to Whakatane !!
On to Te Puke and through the suburbs and the beautiful inland countryside, before stopping for lunch at the Daily Café a workplace where all profits are donated to Te Puke charities.
Coming down the pothole ravaged No 1 Road my Model A developed yet another raffle in the back. Stopping to check, I looked up to see many others have stopped fore and aft to help. All was well and long live the support and comradery of our fellow club members, always willing to stop and help.
The quiz enroute kept everybody on their toes, and at lunchtime George and Lynn distributed treats to all those who’d completed the quiz correctly. And I suspect, to anyone else who had tried.
An excellent run and our thanks to George and Lynn for their organization and accurate route instructions. We were guided through areas most of us have never seen before and, to my knowledge, not one of the 35 lost their way.
FOR SALE
Chromed Lucas Headlight shells (Lucas # MB148).
8” diameter rim and depth of the shell is 7”. Most suited to a medium/large British car. Chrome in good nick, a few minor dents, no rust. $50 the pair.
Contact ron.elton@kinect.co.nz or 07 579-9621
Members car seeking a good home!
VCC Member Grant Secker has asked us to circulate his offer. If you are interested, please contact Grant directly on his email at: skybeast330@hotmail.com
My name is Grant and i have a 1975 Nissan Datsun that I've had for just about as long as i can remember!
It was my intention to refurbish it after I stopped using it years ago. But life has taken a different course i have grown older and my interest has waned.
I would like my beloved old car to go to someone interested in working with it rather than it going to the dismantlers or the car crusher.
Is there anyone who might like it?
VETERAN RALLY 2024
TO: All owners of Veteran and ‘Rear Wheel Braked Vintage Vehicles’.
VENUE:450 O’ Regan Rd Ohaupo WHEN: Saturday 9th November 2024
TIME: First car away at 10.00am sharp
DRESS:Period clothing to match the era of your vehicle is encouraged
RSVP: To Rally secretary by the 31st October 2024
By Order of the High Court of Veteran Motoring
WAIKATO BRANCH OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB (NZ) INC.
General Information
The Waikato Branch of the VCC NZ cordially invite you to partici-pate in this year’s Veteran Rally to be held on Saturday the 9th Nov 2024 The rally is based on sealed roads. Both a short route and a long route will be offered for both the morning and afternoon runs. For example the short route morning run will be 30 miles plus, easy going. The long route will be 50 miles, both easy going.
The rally will start and finish at 450 O’Regan Rd Ohaupo.
Please park your modern and trailer where directed near the start
Be ready for briefing at 9.45 for a 10am start.
Morning and afternoon tea will be available at the start and the finish. Lunch is BYO, including your preferred drink, or you can pur-chase from a choice of options near the lunch stop. Lunch will be followed by a tour of the location of interest before the afternoon run back to the starting point
Toilets are located at the start and the finish and at the lunch stop
Post rally formalities will be followed by an inspection of the hosts projects in the workshop for those interested
A back-up vehicle will be provided.
Please wear your club badges
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.
RALLY INFORMATION:
The Scenic Tour of the King Country is an informal rally through the roads of the King Country, we have some questions for you to answer along the way and along with silent checks.
You will travel over a mixture of gravel and tarseal roads. Journeying through country North and South of Taumarunui, stopping for lunch at Ngakonui Valley School and then heading back through Taumarunui where you can get petrol if necessary. The route is approximately 180km long.
The event is open to members of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand.
The Road code must be obeyed at all times. One person in each vehicle must be a member of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand and may be called upon to show their current membership card.
The Driver must hold a valid driver’s licence and may be required to show this document.
No entries will be accepted after closing date due to catering requirements.
In event of a dispute, the decision of the Rally Organising Committee shall be final.
A back-up vehicle carrying petrol and water will follow the route.
Electronic navigation aids are not to be used during this event.
PROGRAMME
Saturday 12th October 9.00a.m. MeetattheCarpark (OppositethePostOfficeinMiriamaStreet.) (Rally Pack will be given out)
9.15 a.m. Welcome briefing 9.30a.m First vehicle departs. Lunch provided by Ngakonui Valley School PTA.
Afternoon tea at conclusion of Rally at clubrooms.
6.00 p.m. Pre-dinner drinks at the Taumarunui RSA, 10 Miriama St.
7.00 p.m. Dinner and prize giving upstairs at RSA.
Contacts
Prizes:
There are no set Rally classes. Classes will be determined on vehicle entries.
Prizes, which have been donated from our local businesses, will be awarded.
We will also have a raffle for sale.
Accommodation:
Twin River Motel - Are offering 7% off their standard rate and are holding rooms for VCC members.
Make sure you mention you are attending our Rally for discount. 078958063
Rally Organisers: Wayne and Julie Gilbert & Campbell Wright.
Rally Secretary: Jacki Sinclair, 0277791166
Postal Address: 936 Taringamotu Rd, RD 4, Taumarunui
PONDERISMS OR TRUISMS
-I changed my password to "incorrect" so whenever I forget it the computer will say, "Your password is incorrect."
-Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
-I'm great at multi-tasking I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at once.
-If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.
-Never tell your problems to anyone, because 20 percent don't care and the other 80 percent are glad you have them.
-I hate it when people use big words just to make themselves sound perspicacious and when diminutive ones would suffice
-Hospitality is the art of making guests feel like they're at home when you wish they were.
-I'll bet you $4,567 you can't guess how much I owe my bookie.
-Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.
-There may be no excuse for laziness, but I'm still looking.
-Women spend more time wondering what men are thinking than men spend thinking.
-Give me ambiguity or give me something else.
-He who laughs last thinks slowest.
-Women sometimes make fools of men, but most guys are the do-it-yourself type.
-I was going to give him a nasty look, but he already had one.
-The grass may be greener on the other side but at least you don't have to mow it.
-Money is the root of all wealth.
-No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.
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 RON ELTON - 07 5799621 or GEORGE HOWARD 020 40427624 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!
19 Random thoughts—(check out #18)
1. When one door closes and another door opens, you are probably in prison.
2. To me, "drink responsibly" means don't spill it.
3. Age 60 might be the new 40, but 9:00 pm is the new midnight.
4. It's the start of a brand new day, and I'm off like a herd of turtles.
5. The older I get, the earlier it gets late.
6. When I say, "The other day," I could be referring to any time between yesterday and 15 years ago.
7. I remember being able to get up without making sound effects.
8. I had my patience tested. I'm negative.
9. If you're sitting in public and a stranger takes the seat next to you, just stare straight ahead and say, "Did you bring the money?"
10. When you ask me what I am doing today, and I say "nothing," it does not mean I am free. It means I am doing nothing.
11. I finally got eight hours of sleep. It took me three days, but whatever. 12. I run like the winded.
13. When someone asks what I did over the weekend, I squint and ask, "Why, what did you hear?"
14. When you do squats, are your knees supposed to sound like a goat chewing on an aluminum can stuffed with celery?
15. I don't mean to interrupt people. I just randomly remember things and get really excited.
16. When I ask for directions, please don't use words like "east."
17. Don't bother walking a mile in my shoes. That would be boring. Spend 30 seconds in my head. That'll freak you right out.
18. Sometimes, someone unexpected comes into your life out of nowhere, makes your heart race, and changes you forever. We call those people cops.
19. My luck is like a bald guy who just won a comb.
HUMOUR
Sent in by Tony Fraser
Similar elements exist in New Zealand!
Oxford University researchers have discovered the densest element yet known to science.
The new element, Governmentium (symbol=Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312. These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called pillocks.
Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second, to take from 4 days to 4 years to complete.
Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2 to 6 years. (In NZ 3 years)
It does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganisation in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.
In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganisation will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.
This characteristic of moron promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as a critical morass.
When catalysed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium (symbol=Ad), an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium, since it has half as many pillocks but twice as many morons.
4.It'sthestartofabrandnewday,andI'mofflikeaherdofturtles.
WhenIsay,"Theotherday,"Icouldbereferringtoanytimebetweenyesterdayand15yearsago.
7.Irememberbeingabletogetupwithoutmakingsoundeffects.
1.Whenonedoorclosesandanotherdooropens,youareprobablyinprison.
3.Age60mightbethenew40,but9:00pmisthenewmidnight.
52nd Northland Far North Tour 2024
Friday November 1st
For those who have booked, Dinner will be a simple main and dessert, served starting at 6.30pm. BYO drinks if you wish. The Clubrooms will be open from 5pm. Rally Packs will be available to pick up either Friday Night or Saturday Morning.
Saturday November 2nd
The tour will start from the clubrooms with the first car away at 9am and tea and coffee will be available for those arriving early. Please ensure you are at the Clubrooms by 8.30am for the briefing. Bring your own morning tea if you would like to stop at one of the beaches on the Tutukaka coast.
Following a lovely scenic drive, via at one point a choice of sealed or lovely unsealed roads, the next stop is for lunch on the wharf at the Russell Boating Club.
With Time to explore the Historic village and nearby beaches at Russell, the next leg will be via ferry and a drive to Paihia.
The Saturday night dinner will be held at the Scenic Hotel in Paihia, where accommodation is also available. Dinner will be at 7.30pm with pre-dinner drinks from 6.30pm.
BYO is not permitted, but the bar will be open.
If booking accommodation at the Scenic Hotel please mention the VCC tour, as a special price of $175 per room has been arranged.
All meals will be via meal tickets issued for each meal.
Please make payment via direct credit to the bank account below.
Further information: nvccrally@gmail.com
BOP VCC COMMITTEE 2024-2025
CHAIRMAN DONN WHITE 0274 764465
ACTING CHAIRMAN ALASTAIR JONES (GWEN) 07 5761124
SECRETARY MICHAEL THORMAN (JANE) 07 544 4291
ACTINGTREASURER KEITH PERKINS (JANE) 027 5781231
CLUB CAPTAIN
COMMITTEE
KAAREN SMYLIE (JIM) 021 664 341
ALASTAIR JONES (GWEN) 07 576 1124
COMMITTEE 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) 0276 222667 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 ELWYN PIRIE 027 4914600
HON. SOLICITOR PETER BUTLER (MARION) 021 423 453
VIC CERTIFICATION RON ELTON (KERRY) 07 5799621
VIC CERTIFICATION GEORGE HOWARD (LYNN) 020 40427624
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 07 5447952
KLAXON EMAIL: klaxoninfo@gmail.com CLUB WEBSITE: www.bayofplentyvintagecarclub.com
SECRETARY EMAIL: bayofplenty@vcc.org.nz
FACEBOOK bay of plenty vintage car club (Public page)
BOP VCC—Operational Information
The Club Rooms are 29 Cliff Road. P O Box 660, Tauranga, 3144.
Key contacts are:
Chairman– Donn White 0274 764465
Acting Chairman– Alastair Jones 07 5761124
Secretary– Michael Thorman 07 5444291
Club Captain Kaaren Smylie 07 576 4180
Monthly events—
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 —
Noggin ‘n’ Natter
Last Monday of the month
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