THE HUB
Newsletter of:
THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND CANTERBURY BRANCH
Canterbury Branch Activities and Events
November
Sun 3rd
Tues 5th
Thurs 7th
Sat 9th
All British Day (CANCELLED)
Grounds Maintenance
Noggin and Natter
Hororata Highland Games
Wed 13th 9-90s
Wed 13th
Sun 10th
Fri 15th - 17th
Sun 17th
Tues 19th
Wed 20th
Wed 27th
Sat 23rd
December
Sun 1st
Tues 3th
Thurs 5th
Sat 7th
Motorcycle Noggin
Homestead Run
Show Weekend Tour
OCBC
Grounds Maintenance
Commercial Noggin
North Canterbury Noggin
Motorcycle Annual Rally
Vintage Annual Rally
Grounds Maintenance
Noggin and Natter
Christmas Social
Wed 11th 9-90s
Wed 11th
Sun 15th
Tues 17th
Thurs 26th
Motorcycle & Commercial Noggin
OCBC & Christmas Picnic
Grounds Maintenance
Boxing Day Run
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
Parts Department
Wednesdays 12.30-5pm, noggin night and every 3rd and 4th Sunday 9-12pm
COPYRIGHT
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
It’s been a busy month despite there not being a lot of branch events on the calendar. The Swap Meet is of course more than enough to take up any spare time, with sorting out all the final details and making sure everything is where it needs to be. Colin Hey has once again done an exceptional job of marshalling the troops, keeping track of all the arrangements that need to be made, and hunting around for volunteers for the many different aspects of making it happen. There are a huge number of people involved before, during, and after the weekend, setting it all up and putting it all away again and looking after everyone attending, so thanks on behalf of the branch to all who contributed their time to our fund raising event for the year. Fortunately the weather was on our side for Friday and Saturday to make it a very successful weekend, and although Sunday was a bit damp there were still a few wandering around looking for a last minute bargain.
Looking forward there’s plenty coming up to give the old machinery some exercise, so keep your calendar events handy and make sure you get your entries in on time to make life easier for the organisers.
We’ve had very little feedback on the proposal for updating of the club constitution, the opinions of our members would be very helpful to inform our branch responses at the Executive meetings, and although it’s not the most enthralling subject it will be put to a vote of all members so any concerns or suggestions would be better considered sooner rather than later. Following on from this the branch constitution will also need to be reviewed, and once again input from members will be needed to get this right, so if you have any thoughts or opinions please make them known so they can be considered.
See you on the road
Neil Shaskey Branch Chairman
From The Editors Desk
Hi All
I’m back from my big trip to Thailand. Saw a couple of old cars while I was there.
Last week we had the Christchurch fete out at the club. It was a good sunny day out seeing all the market stands and performances.
Just a reminder to keep an eye on our latest updates on events as some may get cancelled at the last minute due to weather or volunteer sickness, Also a reminder that everyone on committee is a volunteer and may not get back to you straight away if you try to call them. Best way is if you can’t call them send them a text with a brief summery of the message.
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.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Hi everybody, well another financial year for the club comes to an end 31st October. SUBSCRIPTIONS are due NOW if you haven’t paid already you need to attend to this now to avoid the risk of being removed from the membership in March 2025. Accounts were sent out in September as per normal, If you still have not received yours or can’t remember if you have paid then please contact the office as soon as possible (03 366 4461 between 9.30am and 1.30pm).
My records from National office for September show that 45 of the 80 Canterbury members that pay to have a printed copy of the hub have not paid,
It’s up to you I will not be reminding you again. If you have not paid by November 1st I will not be posting out copies to nonfinancial members. I should have a current financial list at noggin.
Well on a happier note summer is around the corner, weeds are growing and my roses are blooming For those members that put their hand up to help last Feb at the Exec meeting held at Canterbury Branch, in Transport, Kitchen Etc. thank you again. Owing to the success of that week- end the branch have been asked to hold this meeting again next march 7/8/9th 2025. I will organize the same food arrangements we had this year and hope that a few of you will step up and put you names forward to me well in advance so will need all the boxes ticked beforehand. The Quote for catering is already a work in progress I will keep you posted, please keep a little time free on this weekend there will be some interesting discussions at this meeting which will be worth sitting in on.
Happy and safe summer motoring. Regards Rod
CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT
Well the next season is well and truly underway.
Swap Meet has just been. This produced some new friendships from locals to our Aussie mates. I caught up with a couple who traveled from Dungudan, Queensland. I met Kerry and Dave at our last Swap Meet social with their daughters. They came back for another look this year. It was nice to see them again, even get in a dance!
This year' band, Awesome Sauce”, was very upbeat and had the crowd either dancing or toe tapping! They were a crowd pleaser. I decided to stay out there this year with a friend from the North Otago branch, Rebecca. It was really cool to stay in her parents' vintage caravan, which incidentally kept us warm and dry after the downpour in the early hours of Sunday morning. The smell of the canvas awning was enough to invoke fond memories as a child camping down in Wanaka. The other part I really enjoyed was “Social Corner”. The weather was perfect to sit there and have a chat and a wine with fellow enthusiasts (drinking and cars). It’s a great wee spot to relax! With a big high to Phil Jeeves!
Sunday the 20th October, a group of us went and did a car display at Summerset Rest Home in Avonhead. The weather was amazing and we were provided with a coffee and a variety of yummy finger food. The feedback I have had was that the residents really enjoyed it. I am thinking there will be some photos later in this addition. Thank you to all who participated and made their day!
Don’t forget the Homestead Run is coming up and to get your entries in sooner rather than later.
The Christmas Social and Childrens Christmas party are also advertised in this hub.
Have a wonderful month. Happy and safe Motoring.
Katryna
Notice for clubrooms key holders.
(Last Month to get these in)
There are keys for the clubrooms whose whereabouts are unknown and need to be located.
There are also changes to be made to the building alarm which will include a reset of alarm codes, therefore contact details are needed to advise key holders when this happens.
If the location of all keys cannot be identified a change of locks and replacement keys may be required, it would be preferable to avoid this unnecessary expenditure of branch funds.
Can all members holding keys for the clubrooms please contact myself and advise the number of your key.
Thank you
Neil Shaskey
SWAP MEET REPORT
Well, it’s come and been, and I’m pleased to be able to report we had a very successful event helped of course by two beautiful days on the Friday and Saturday. As usual there was a tremendous amount of work put in by the Swap Meet Committee and many, many helpers on the weekend itself – not only from our club, but also the Kustom Car Club, the Vintage Machinery Club, Steam Scene and other school and community groups who all play a role in running the event.
Leading up to the weekend all 580 sites were sold, plenty of advertising was arranged, most of the rosters were filled, and all the usual arrangements made to cater for the thousands of visitors that come to the grounds for Swap Meet. Siteholders reported great sales on Friday, a good day on Saturday, and for those who stayed on until a slightly showery Sunday a surprisingly good day as bargain hunters seemed to turn up looking for bargains from those who didn’t want to take their goods home again. Our food vendors also reported very good trading.
The uniform $10 entry fee for one or all days worked extremely well, although on Sunday there were only about 30% of the sites still trading, so entry to newcomers was by gold coin donation, and after 10am we allowed free entry to any public who turned up. At the time of writing, we are still paying bills from our suppliers so we do not yet have a clear idea of what our profit will be, but we are confident it will be well up on last year. A full financial report will be prepared in due course which will also be part of the annual accounts presented at the next AGM.
The committee will meet one last time in November for a full debrief, and then go into recess until April next year when the whole organisation process will begin again.
I would like to thank everyone involved this year, no matter what part you played in the running of the event, from the committee, the Parts Shed team, the grounds and building maintenance teams, the motorcycle section who helped set up the grounds and produced the amazing display of racing motorcycles in the Barn,
and everyone who put their name down for a rostered duty over the weekend. A big thanks too to those who organised the various displays of cars and machinery, and to those who spent many hours on the gates selling tickets and ensuring everyone knew where they had to go.
For me, well, I’m glad it’s all but over for another year. This year my biggest concern was getting a team together to look after car parking, finally achieved by finding a team of girls fundraising for a football tournament in Auckland. They literally ran all day Friday and Saturday and apparently loved it! Without them we would not have managed to park all the cars efficiently in Steam Scene and the Vintage Machinery Club, and there would have been serious traffic problems. Hopefully they will be back next year. The most pleasing aspect for me was turning up on the Monday morning after Swap Meet with morning tea on board for the clean-up squad and coming across a team of about 6 of them working their way up the sides of the road picking up the hundreds of road cones and some signs I’d left along the fence-line on Sunday evening, without being asked to do it. It was a job I wasn’t looking forward to.
Only 12 Noggins until Swap Meet 2025!
Colin Hey Swap Meet Committee Chairman
VETERAN REPORT
It seems a long time since last month’s Hub report went in, but there’s been a lot happening.
The biggest veteran-related event was of course the big auction of veteran cars and parts in Gore on 21st October. The best part of a lifetime collection belonging to the late Robin Dixon went under the hammer, consisting of complete cars and incomplete project cars sold off in 27 lots, and then pellets of parts sold separately plus numerous individual parts – enough to keep the auctioneer on the go for just over 3 hours non-stop!
Many members from our branch were there, and the whole event was just like a national veteran rally with members and enthusiasts from all over the country coming together, only this time without their cars. There was plenty of greeting and socialising going on, although it would be fair to say that the mood somewhat changed when bidding finally got underway and it was mate verses mate for those elusive parts.
I travelled down to Gore with Malcolm McGibbon. His intent was reasonably clear, as the transporter trailer was hooked onto the back of his Ford Ranger when I arrived at his place. We had a really good trip down to Gore, leaving Darfield at 8.15am and after stopping for the obligatory coffee at the Orari Store and then lunch in Oamaru, we arrived in Gore and checked in to the hotel about 3.30pm, and then headed out to the auction venue at the Waimumu Southern field days centre about 15km south-west of Gore to check out the displayed lots before Saturday’s auction. What an amazing collection, and what a lot of work had been done by Paul Herron from the Gore Branch assembling each individual lot into a kit of parts offering as much potential as possible to make it either a viable project, or a very useable lot of parts to support rebuilding other similar models. Surprisingly, there were not a lot of people there at that time, so it provided a good opportunity to look at everything, and Malcolm I wrote down what we thought each lot might go for at the auction, just for interest’s sake. Back at the hotel that night we caught up with some VCC
friends from Dunedin, and a few others from Christchurch who were staying at the hotel also.
We also caught up with Allan Familton and Lesley Coulsen who had carried on to Invercargill on the Friday afternoon and bought themselves a 1907 De Dion from Russell McIvor (the car was restored by Russell and his brother David many years ago) – a gorgeous single-cylinder small roadster with acres of brass, and had it securely packed away in their trailer to take back home to Rolleston. For them the auction was a side attraction, although Allan would be on the lookout for anything that might prove useful for some of the other vehicles they own, After breakfast the next morning, it was off to the auction to see what would happen. The huge building was filling with people, and there were cars (many also with trailers attached) filling up the grounds outside the building. People were pouring over all the lots, registering for bidding, catching up with mates, or grabbing food and coffee from the vendors operating inside the building. And then at 10am sharp, it all began. Probably around 400 people present, some (like me) just out to look and observe, others (like Malcolm) serious bidders.
First up was a 1910 Ford T tourer, in more or less complete restored condition including a full set of brass lamps. Bidding was very reluctant at first, perhaps because this first lot could very well set the price ‘mood’ for the rest of the auction, if not the current market for veteran cars. However a few bidders finally got their hands out their pockets and some spirited bidding got the price up to $26,500 – a fair price and $5k above what Malcolm and I had thought it would probably go for. Things were looking good! For those wanting projects, or parts for one already on the go, the auction offered some tremendous bargains. It was evident that some people were buying lots with fellow enthusiasts in mind, working out who would need what from the various pellet-loads of parts and then sorting out who would take what home afterwards. Even Malcolm finally bought a car that took his fancy – a very complete 1920 Ford T Coupe, something he can potter away at in the coming couple of years. From the look of it there’s not too much to do to make it roadworthy. The interesting thing though was that it wouldn’t fit inside his trailer, so the De Dion and Ford swapped trailers later in the afternoon, with the Ford only just fit-
ting inside Allan and Lesley’s tall trailer for the trip back home and the De Dion looking very small inside Malcolm’s long trailer. Other active bidders from our branch were father and son combination Tom and Chris Stephens. Between them they bought two Model T kitset lots, and the grand finale of the car lots was bought by Chris – a very complete single-cylinder 1902 Rambler with a known history since 1949, setting the record price for the auction at $85,000. Many have already commented that they regard this as a bargain for a car of that era, so well done Chris! Hopefully we will see it out motoring in the not too distant future. The next highest price was paid for Lot 1, the Model T sold first, as mentioned above. Interestingly too, a single-cylinder 1909 Reo (plus parts) was also bought by a person from Rolleston. After the ‘package’ lots were sold, action shifted to a long line of veteran parts which were sold individually or in groups, depending on who wanted what. Engine parts, axles, wheels, brass lamps, instruments, mirrors and much, much more were under offer, and it was all no-reserve and all sold. Some parts went for scrap, some for garden art, but most went to people who needed them (or thought they did), the best thing being that they were in circulation again after probably 30 years or more in Robin Dixon’s care.
So, all up a really interesting weekend. It was great catching up with people we didn’t see very often (a couple of whom stayed with us on their way home to the North Island), and what was especially good was seeing that there is still an active market for veteran car projects and parts indicating the interest is definitely still out there.
A week after we got home we decided we should organise an impromptu Single and Two-cylinder outing to celebrate the Allan & Lesley’s De Dion coming to Canterbury, so an email was sent out to the veteran group to see if anyone was interested. The result was a 30km outing on 1st October with 5 cars which started in Sheffield, travelling to Springfield for lunch using the sealed local roads through Russells Flat, and then returning to Sheffield in the opposite direction after lunch. A very, very good outing enjoyed by us all. Allan got a new WoF for the De Dion for the run, and it managed the whole trip, the final half of the run back being driven by Lesley.
And then, to cap the month off, our regular coffee/lunch Veteran catch-up at Thirsty Acres, Kirwee on Tuesday 8th October, with our regular attendees, four veteran cars in attendance plus a few moderns, and lots to talk about. Jenny and I took our 1912 Wolseley to that one and had another really good day out. Coming up this month we have the annual display at the Hororata Highland Games on Annual Veteran Rally on Saturday 9th November, and then our Annual Veteran Rally on Tuesday 12th November. Entries have closed for the Highland Games display (we needed to book tickets and arrange space well in advance), but I can accept late entries for the Annual Veteran Rally if anyone has forgotten to enter. Details were in the last Hub.
After those two events we’re into the usual summer activities, so keep your eye on the branch list of events and hopefully we’ll see you at some of them.
Coming Veteran Events
Tuesday 12th November - Annual Veteran Rally (note – Veteran coffee at Thirsty Acres, Kirwee will be included as part of the Annual Rally)
Sunday 17th November - Old Cars Bikes and Coffee at Cutler Park from 9.00am
29th November to 1st December – Pioneer Motoring Group rally for 1 & 2-cylinder veteran cars and motorcycles in Clyde, Central Otago. For more information contact me.
Tuesday 10th December – Veteran coffee at Thirsty Acres, Kirwee, 11.00am.
Sunday 15th December – OCBC and Children’s Christmal Party at Cutler Park, from 9.00am
Thursday 26th December – Boxing Day run (see elsewhere for details)
Wednesday 1st January – Banks Peninsula Branch picnic and display at Little River Domain
Sunday 5th January – Branch Waiora Links Picnic and public display, Lakeside at Pegasus, incorporating the Pegasus radio sailing club regatta.
Sunday 19th January – OCBC at Cutler Park, from 9.00am
Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th January – Dunedin to Brighton
1 & 2 Cylinder outing to Springfield
Projects and parts aplenty
Impromptu
Auction action underway in the Waimumu Events Centre
Malcolm McGibbon loads his Model T Coupe purchase - it did fit in the trailer (just!)
Chris Stephens purchased this 1902 Rambler
OCBC
Old Cars Bikes and Coffee
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to be at OCBC on 20th October – Jenny, Matthew and I treated ourselves to a trip to Dunedin to the Autospectacular down there. I’m told however that there was a great turnout of regulars and new visitors to OCBC, with many remarking there was virtually no evidence of the Swap Meet that had been held in the grounds one week beforehand.
The next OCBC is on Sunday 17th November. There will be an area set aside for club eligible Japanese cars and motorcycles, so if you’ve got anything tucked away in that category get it fired up and get a WoF on it, and bring it out to show off.
As usual you can bring any vehicle out, be it club eligible or not –if it’s something that you like owning, driving or riding just bring it out and show it off. New members especially too are encouraged to come out with your car, bike or truck and meet a few members and perhaps check out the parts shed and club grounds and facilities.
Colin Hey
Vintage Car Club Canterbury
Summer Picnic Run
Sunday 5th January 2025
Join in January’s Picnic Run on 5th January at Lake Pegasus (Pegasus township is just north of Woodend), where we will be joining with the Radio Sailing Club to put on a display of cars at the Pegasus lakeside and with the Pegasus Radio Sailing Club who will have their annual regatta in the lake. Open to all club members and free to attend, it would be absolutely great to have a large display of VCC vehicles again this year – it’s a very public event which will be publicised throughout North Canterbury –once again a great opportunity to show our vehicles off to the public whilst enjoying the event (and our picnics) on the lakeside.
Entry will be off Pegasus Boulevard – just follow the VCC signs.
Grounds Log
PARK GOING FORWARD
“SWAP MEET”
Ground maintenance team had the park looking really smart for the swap meet. I have had a lot of good comments from members and visitors to the park. The swap meet was a great success, thanks to all volunteers who put their hands up, give yourselves a big pat on the back. Well done everybody involved.
“TUNNEL BARN HAPPENINGS”
As I mentioned in my last report, we have had a tidy up in the barn with some old gear, ie. Non compliant mower rideon, 3 handmowers, stainless bench tops and old gardening tools etc. Income from the sale of these items was $2000 for the VCC . Some members have heard we have purchased a John Deere Model 1435 2009 front mower, ex Oamaru Golf Course . Very tidy, it has been out on the park a couple of times, the team is very happy about the purchase, thankyou. We have just purchased a John Deere series 3 Tractor, model 3520, year 2014, clip on bucket and forks and weight bucket for chains & ropes etc, ex Tai Tapu Golf Course, arrives this week. This is to replace the Ford Tractor automatic which is for sale, look for the advert in the Hub.
“GROUNDS”
The park has a couple of big projects coming up
1. Custom Car Club boundary. The pine trees along this boundary, that were planted for shelter for the native planting a few years ago, are to be topped and thinned out. This job will be done early 2025
2. Tree Removal VCC grounds. Colin Hey and Peter Gatehouse are working with Ecan to expedite this work within our grounds, hopefully starting after National Easter Rally, fingers crossed for this.
Well I think that is all from me this month “ Christmas is Coming “ If you think you have some time to help out with maintenance around the park, ie. Painting the kids swings, seesaws & slide, Tree work, Mowing or Machine Maintenance involving oil checks, greasing, filter cleaning, checking tyre pressures & general maintenance, give me a call. Thanks to all volunteers for all your help
Grounds Maintenance Co-ordinator
Pete Blacklock 021 181 3491
Pete dropped the old piano after swap meet. Playing one last tune
VINTAGE REPORT
Noggin Night this month was well attended, Anne and I helped with food and hot drinks. We had two exhibits, one was Colin Hey’s; Veteran Wolseley and a couple of Japanese Corollas from Tony Gooding.
I didn’t attend last Sundays OCBC, as I was in the Westcoast walking part of the Heaphy Track.
I am impressed by the work that goes into the running of the Swap Meet. Swap Meet Organiser Colin Hey and the team make this 3 day event something to be proud of.
This year was my first having a site and it made me more appreciative of what goes on behind the scenes.
We had a large crowd through on Friday and Saturday with the weather spoiling early Sunday.
My team enjoyed the weekend and this time more went than came home.
As I write this, I am preparing for a Labour weekend in Oamaru joining the 17th National Commercial Rally.
Sunday December 1st 2024
Lunch stop will be south of the city in a country Domain
plaque cost of $12 optional and entries close 24th Nov
ENTER ON LINE HERE
COMMERCIAL REPORT
Greetings all,
I didn’t think I would say this in spring, but it would be good to see a few light showers through to keep the grass green!
I have a few jobs on at home – My Austin A30 needed new rear spring hangers and bushes, they are now awaiting paint and installation so that should be on the road again fairly soon. The Lagonda has been lagging behind a bit, not that it was ever racy, but modern fuel hasn’t been kind to it, so it may have a burnt-out valve or two which is likely why it is lacking power. It’s only 12 HP and my ride on Husqvarna lawnmower is 19.5 driving a much smaller chassis and just one passenger so perhaps an engine swap? A purist might notice so I had better not!
I hope you all enjoyed the swap meet and picked up a few treasures. The weather on Friday and Saturday was perfect and it looked like there was a great turnout. Thanks to Colin and ALL of the people that help make this such a successful event. No matter how large or small – the event can’t be run without those people that help.
Our October Commercial noggin was held at Protranz new yard near Ruapuna. It was two years ago that we last visited Protranz at their old premises and seeing as they have moved, I thought it was time we caught up with them again. They have some impressive new buildings out there housing a new workshop and storage. Still some work to do though to get the yard fully established and organised. 22 members attended which was great. Next thing to go in is a 6000sqm building that will be used to house Gerard’s extensive collection of trucks, motorcycles, and various other vehicles. I’m hoping it won’t be too long before we see that finished –that will a noggin in the future!
For the November noggin Dave Inwood has arranged a visit to Donald Wright’s farm. The address is Westview Farm, Frasers Road, Sheffield (Annat). We will have a VCC sign at the gate, and it will be light of course now that we are well into daylight saving hours. Call me if you are lost on 0275160029 and we will assist with directions. Please don’t ask me before hand because I don’t
know where it is either! Dave Inwood might be able to explain it if you organize it with him in advance.
Coming events are:
Ashburton Branch Commercial Run – 09 November 2024
Meet at 10 - 10.30am Ashburton Branch Clubroom 86 Maronan Road, Tinwald, Ashburton. All commercial vehicles welcome. Travelling to Geraldine Vintage Car & Machinery Museum 178 Talbot Street, Geraldine. $10 Entry Fee. Enquiries: phone Peter 027 222 6768
Our own Homestead run on 10th November. This is one of my favourite rallies of the year. Our Vintage Rally is on December 1st –please look out for the entry form. If you commercial is Vintage then please consider bringing it on the rally. See you out on the road, Michael
We are so lucky! To have a group of key players among our 9-90s crowd.
People like Les, Fred, John x 2, Allan, Barbara, Rex, Wendy, Tony x 2, Annette x 2, Ngaire, Bruce, Lloyd, Dianne, Grant, Ray, George and others Who organise the runs for us and help out in many other ways. Once a month a small group of people step up and organise a wonderful day out for all.
Thank you so much to all of you!
Like the October run when 48 car loads left left the Belfast pub car park and headed off on the northern motorway then out South Eyre Rd to swing north again for a very pleasant drive through spring green countryside bringing us back through very different driving conditions from Dry fords to busy intersections, Ohoka, Kaiapoi, Brooklands and Spencerville to finish up at a beautiful Private garden owned by Michael and Tammy which is home to a number of thought provoking and dramatic metal sculptures all created by Michael.
Tammy gave us a lively and entertaining introduction to the property then set us free to explore followed by lunch in our usual huge circle and the announcement of the winning club eligible car competition won by Lloyd & Dianne’s V8. A beautiful car chosen by Tammy & Michael. Our usual raffle rounded off the day in beautiful weather and 9-90s
surroudings.
November’s run will be organised by Les ably helped by John W, Fred and George.
We will leave the Rolleston Community centre at 9.55am. Please remember to bring an extra $2.00 pp for entry to our final destination. A beautiful restored homestead. Happy motoring. Ken.
WE NEED YOU……
…… to check in your linen cupboards at home to see if the branch missing tablecloths have made their way there!
If you do find them, please return them and leave them on the clubroom’s stage. If they have been stored elsewhere in the club rooms (or other than where they should be) please contact me, as we really do need them.
It will be an unnecessary cost to the branch to replace them, as they have been made fit for purpose.
I do hope they can be located.
Leigh Craythorne (342 9110)
https://forms.gle/GGK6HnEXH76YWh6n6
MOTORCYCLE REPORT
Spring is almost finished, next month is SUMMER!!! Enjoy the great bike riding weather!!
Past Events.
28th September – Fish & Chip Run. Not a great turn-out, but 6 or 7 riders and a couple of car loads made their way to Waikari to view a museum set up to honour the sheep shearing pioneers of North Canterbury. The owner, John Philp, gave us a very entertaining and detailed talk on the museum and other farming memorability on display. Thanks to the organisers and our host. The group adjourned to the Star & Garter for a late lunch afterwards.
4th October – Dunvegan Rally, Otago. A bit of a wash-out. Severe floods cutting Dunedin off north and south prevented the Canterbury riders from actually getting past Oamaru on the Friday, so Saturday instead of getting to Dunedin for the rally start went directly to Alexandra and caught the tail end of the run. All eventually made it back to Chch Sunday evening.
9th October – Motorcycle Noggin. Y’know, I forgot this completely, so don’t know what happened… Apparently it was mostly the campers at Motorcycle Corner that took part in the noggin…
11th -13th October – Swap Meet. Motorcycle Display in the Barn, older competition bikes. A very successful display, with a steady stream of people coming in to view throughout the weekend.
16th October – Old Codger’s Run. About 14 riders rode to Methven for lunch, from what I found out it was pretty much a direct ride down, have lunch, and a direct ride home.
19th -20th October – Girder Fork Rally. Not sure, but I think about 27 entries for the event, and a few extras on more modern bikes went along for the ride, and were planning on staying over at the camp. All in all, it looks like the experiment in running this type of event ending has been a success. See elsewhere for a detailed write-up of the event.
Future Events.
26th October – Fish & Chip Run. More info next month.
13th November – Motorcycle Noggin. Motorcycle Corner, 7.30 pm.
20th November – Old Codger’s Run. Will put out an email for this later on.
23rd November – Fish & Chip Run. Being cancelled as the Annual Motorcycle Rally is on the next weekend.
30th November – Annual Motorcycle Rally. See elsewhere for full details, entry form – both in The Hub and on line. The rally starts at McLeans Island, 9.30am for a 10.00 am start. The long route bikes will start from Cutler Park, the short route bikes (which will be on trailers including Velo Solex’s, veterans, clip-on bikes, mopeds, and other “fragile” machines) will motor on their trailers to their start point for a very short run to the lunch venue. The lunch venue will feature a paddock for lunch, space for the field tests, plus there is a very interesting “side activity” that will be sure to surprise and amaze both riders and their partners. See elsewhere for entry form which will include details for the partners to find the venue.
Please note, a resolution of the committee has declared that:
Annual Motorcycle Rally is to be held on the last Saturday of November each year.
11th December – Xmas Noggin in The Barn, with the Commercial Section joining in as well. Fully catered meal, from 5.30 – 6.00 pm, meal served 6.00 pm. See elsewhere for full details.
18th December – Old Codger’s Run. Look out for the email prior or next month’s Hub for details.
21st December – Fish & Chip Run. We have a destination in mind, look out for more details next Hub.
2nd January 2025 – New Year Motorcycle Run. Starting at VCC 10.30 am, to a destination being worked on. More details next month.
8th January 2025 – No Noggin this month.
15th January 2025 – Old Codger’s Run. More info next month, or look out for event reminders.
24th – 31st January 2025 – National Motorcycle Rally, Palmerston North.
25th January2025 – 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. More details next month.
19th February 2025 – Old Codger’s Run. More info next month, or look out for event reminders.
22nd February 2025 – Fish & Chip Run. Look out for the email prior or next month’s Hub for details. A bit like a diary this month, but as there is no Hub in January we have to look ahead so that you are all well informed as to what is going on.
Cheers, Chris
VOG’S Report
No runs for the boys in September or October but two very interesting visits on both those months.
September was a trip to CWF Hamilton’s factory in Lunns Rd Middelton the “home” of the famous world renown jetboat. VOG member Barrie Walker had organised this trip with one of his many contacts (don’t know where we would be without Barrie). We were given a comprehensive tour by Hamilton staff member Gianni Barbafiera a very knowledgeable man. We were shown the propulsion units made there both small and “enormous” and the machinery involved in casting these. A well run factory with some very clever personnel on the staff.
Next time I see a jet boat zooming up the Waimak I will be well aware of the engineering that has gone into the building of this. Mr CWF Hamilton would be blown away if he was around to see just how his business has grown from the humble beginnings down on Irishman’s Creek Station in the McKenzie District.
October 15th saw us on another visit out to Doyleston, it was far too cold to ride on that day so we all opted to parkup our vehicles in Osbourne Domain and head along to “Leech Wood Products” on Leeston Rd. A lot of you will have passed this unassuming factory on your way to Leeston when passing through Doyleston I know I have. Well what a hidden gem this factory is. Besides making wooden dowels of all shapes and sizes they also produce hand rails for your staircases etc both straight and curved and fabricated from various woods, plus axe handles and shovel handles. Among the unusual items were the rakes designed to
groom the sand bunkers in the higher class golf courses with specially shaped tines to match the grooves on the greens that have been aeriated for improving grass growth. Another item manufactured are maul handles, every farmer needs a maul and Leech Wood Products are about the only place in NZ that make these, they even make the maul heads. Mark the owner told us he has sent single handles as far away as Northland. The freight for this was far more than the value of the handle.But as the client needed the handle and Leeches are the only place that make these it had to be sent. The machinery in the factory is most impressive and uniquely designed for the purposes of this industry. The timber used by Mark is all sourced specifically for their needs such as ash, hickory, pine, kwila, white pine etc, etc.
We went away from this visit full of talk and were most impressed with the uniqueness of this manufacturing business. Thankyou to VOG member Gary Thompson for organising.
The day was rounded off very nicely with a sumptuous lunch and fellowship at the Crate and Barrel Leeston.
Royce VOG1
New Members
September 2024
Daryl Roy Olsen
Mr Rex Walker
Miss Taylor Milne
Mr Ross Melhop
October 2024
Mrs Maria Williams
Mr William Jack Howells
.
Ms Jaime Stewart
Mr Henry Wilson
Mr George Ritchie
Mr Chris Stephens
PLUS two new members who’s details are suppressed
November 2024
Mr Benjamin Neville
Mrs Joanne Beryl
Miss Caroline Boyd-Clark
Mr Richard Smit
Mr Brad Smith
PLUS 3 new members who’s details are suppressed
Next years girder rally will be the 40th running of this event and the committee will be striving to
Trophies were awarded as follows:
Most original condition - Vaughan Morrison 1941 Indian
Publicans choice - Richard Daglish 1913 AJS
Best veteran - Brad Govan 1914 Humber
Best vintage -Tony Ayling 1927 AJS
Best post vintage -Andrew McGuire 1937 Triumph
Regulatory trial - Dave Warren 1917 Henderson
Overall winner - David Williams (Auckland) 1939 Harley Davidson
Dick of the Run - Roger Abel 1928 Norton. 3 attempts at keeping it going.
Homestead Rally 2024
Spend the day travelling around Canterbury and some time at local homesteads and gardens. We have three homesteads of interest and a little side attraction.
Sunday 10th November 2024
Picnic Lunch required.
Starting at Cutler Park: 9.30 for a 10.00am departure.
Registration: $20 per car.
We look forward to seeing you at one of the most popular events on the calendar. Please get your entries in early.
Contact Henry Little 027 288 8277
Entry ONLINE
Overall winner Pat O’Connell with officials Paul, Royce and Joseph.
We are sad to announce the passing of these Members.
Mrs Judith Graham
Our Thoughts are with those families during these hard times.
Christchurch Santa Parade 2024
The Christchurch Machinery Club is preparing floats for this year's Santa Parade on Sunday 24th November. The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one of the prime floats, and they would like two vintage-era Tourers to accompany the float in the parade - one in front and another behind. The parade is held in the A&P Showgrounds. The float is towed by a tractor at 5km/h and does one circuit of the showground. The tourers can have passengers (grandchildren?), and can have appropriate VCC regalia attached.
This is a very good opportunity to promote the VCC, so if anyone is able to help, please contact Jason Reckers on 027 599 1990 or email jasonreckers@gmail.com as soon as possible. Thanks.
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
Rally Holders are now available through Henry Little.
Some years ago my late father in law in Blenheim, Graeme Edwards, sold his red 1930ish Chrysler (attached picture) to someone in Christchurch.
Now we find two wheel rims in the garage for this vehicle and we'd like to get these to whoever might own it. Maybe this classic motor rings a bell in Canterbury vintage circles?
Regards
Craig Terris
Nelson
021 0412962
OTHER BRANCH and ORGANISATIONS EVENTS
See Notice board posters for more information.
Fairlie New Year's Parade
Fairlie Mackenzie Museum we would like to invite you to our New Year’s Parade & Market Day. This will be held at the Mackenzie A & P Showgrounds on Wednesday 1st January
If you would like to come as a group or individually from 12:00pm to 6:00pm on the day you would be most welcome. The actual Parade itself starts at 2.00pm from the Fairlie Museum, travels down towards the Main Street from Alloway St and continues up past the old Moreh building towards the Mackenzie A & P Showgrounds. There all vehicles, trucks, tractors etc. can be parked up and admired by everyone.
If you have any enquiries, please email me or phone/text me on the following email address or cell phone. We hope you can attend!!
Kind regards Cindy Sheehan
Fairlie Mackenzie Heritage Museum Society Inc. 027 282 1559 fairliemuseum@gmail.com
Art Deco 2025 in Hawkes Bay
Entries are now open for the Art Deco 2025 rally and associated events. The entry form is here: Art Deco 2025 Entry Form
As with previous years, we expect the Thursday night dinner to fill up fast. We have limited capacity at our clubrooms (the dinner venue), so make sure you get your entry in quickly so you don’t miss out.
All payment details are on the entry form. You will get an automatic email as soon as you send in your entry, but I won’t be sending out your rally number and confirmation of your payment until after Labour Weekend, as I am currently out of the country for a couple of weeks.
For any general enquiries regarding the entry form please contact our Treasurer, Paul Eager at hbdecorally@gmail.com
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
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)
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.
