The official magazine of the Gisborne Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Inc.
CELEBRATING 51 YEARS AS A BRANCH 1973-2024
Registered at the P.O. Headquarters, Wellington, as a magazine
AUGUST 2024
Clubrooms open Wednesdays and Sundays, 9am to 12 noon Club night is held third Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm (except January) Main Road, Makaraka (use Showgrounds Gate 3)
The only known photo of the Carlton car taken circa 1929
CLUB NIGHT is held third Wednesday of every month at 7.30pm (except January)
CLUBROOMS OPEN Wednesdays and Sundays, 9am to 12 noon
Main Road, Makaraka (use Showgrounds Gate 3)
Branch Bank Account Number 03 0638 0378651 00
Coming Events
August 24
BRANCH ANNUAL DINNER, Forces Café (RSA), Childers Road, $35.00 a head. See page 9 for more information. Numbers wanted urgently!
August 25 NATIONAL DAY, DAFFODIL DAY RALLY FOR CANCER (details on page 11)
August 31
September 8
SULPHUR CITY RALLY, Rotorua. Entry form available.
RUSSELL WILCOX MEMORIAL TROPHY RUN, club run and scavenger hunt. NOTE CHANGE OF DATE
September 11 COMMITTEE MEETING
September 18 CLUB NIGHT
September 21
RUBBER DUCKIE MOTORCYCLE RALLY, New Plymouth. Entry form available
October 6 NAVIGATOR’S TROPHY RUN
October 9 COMMITTEE MEETING
October 12
MOTORCYCLE RALLY, Palmerston North. Entry form available.
SCENIC TOUR OF THE KING COUNTRY, Taumarunui. Entry form available
October 16 CLUB NIGHT
October 18-19
POVERTY BAY A&P SHOW celebrating 149 years. Vehicles wanted for display.
October 26-28 7TH NATIONAL COMMERCIAL RALLY, Oamaru. Entry form available
2025
January 25-27 29TH NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE RALLY AND AFTER RALLY TOUR, Manawatu. Entry form available.
February 8,9,10 THREE RIVERS RALLY, GISBORNE
April 18-21 NATIONAL NORTH ISLAND EASTER RALLY, WAIKATO
April 18-21 NATIONAL SOUTH ISLAND EASTER RALLY, CANTERBURY
2026 VERO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF HISTORICAL MOTORING, NELSON. See pages 4 and 5 for an accommodation update from Mike Wilson, Communications Manager, 2026 Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring, Nelson Tasman.
IN MEMORIUM
JOE WEBBER
It is with deep sadness that we report that our founding member Joe Webber passed away on August 7 aged 96. His funeral service will be held mid-September as his daughter Irene and husband Dawson are on a six-week tour overseas.
KINA WORSNOP
It is also with sadness that we report that Kina Worsnop passed away yesterday (Wednesday August 21) after a period of illness. A very obliging man who always had time to have a chat. Obituaries for both men will be published in next month’s Carlton.
THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
FORCES CAFÉ (RSA — Entry from Childers Road) Drinks from 6pm; Dinner served from 6.45pm
$35 per head — Please pay into account number 03 0638 0378651 00 using your name and “dinner” as reference.
Numbers please to the Branch Captain Tony Bartlett ASAP!
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring 2026
Your Frequently Ask Questions Answered, July 2024.
Hello Rodney, we’ve had a few questions pop up on repeat about the Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring so have collated some answers in one handy newsletter. If you’ve got a question not answered below just send an email to the address below. We’ll send out a personalised answer and add it to the list for further newsletters.
FAQ:
Dates
When does the Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring start and finish?
First day — Sunday March 15, 2026 is a half day in the afternoon with time set aside for entrants to register, socialise, and take part in an opening ceremony.
Final day — Saturday March 21 is a full competitive day combined with a public display, followed by the Grand Finale in the evening, so those with stamina enough will actually probably finish on the Sunday morning . . .
Eligibility
Is my vehicle eligible?
If your vehicle is VCC club eligible i.e. more than 30 years old, then yes! You do need to get a VIC though — a Vehicle Identity Card — as this is a ‘national’ event. This is a very straight forward process that one of your branch members will be able to walk you through — if not, get in touch with VCC head office. There’s a form to fill out, an inspection to check details and then a few weeks later a wee certificate and a window sticker arrive in the mail. VICs last ten years so think about getting yours done now to avoid a bottle neck in 2026. If you’re bringing a car from overseas there are a few hoops to jump through. We’re working on a guide to that and will send that out once it is ready.
Dietary Needs
Will my dietary requirements be catered for?
Yes. We’re working with a very experienced caterer capable of dealing with large numbers of people and multiple dietary requirements so we should be able to cater to your needs. The registration form will ask for your dietary needs but if you have something you’d like to check with us now or you feel is out of the ordinary please let Mike know at festivalcomms@vcc.org.nz
Trailers etc
Will there be somewhere to park a trailer and our tow vehicle?
Yes. The site is still to be finalised but it is unlikely it will have overnight security so plan to lock your trailer.
Veterans
Will there be good rally routes suitable for my veteran vehicle?
Yes. Kyra and Jim are working furiously on rally routes and they are very well acquainted with veteran vehicles having experienced the trials and tribulations of rallying their own. At the other end of the spectrum they are also working on long routes that will keep those in more modern vehicles and/or those with an adventurous streak entertained. The competitive day(s) will also cater to the full range of vehicles we’re lucky to see at the event.
Accommodation
Where can we stay?
We’ve had some great offers from hotels and motels around Nelson Tasman (see last month’s Carlton — Ed.). They have been sent out to pre-registered people in our earlier July Newsletter which you can read here: www.bit.ly/VIFHMstayoffers
All indications are that while it is officially shoulder season in Nelson, there is still some pressure on accommodation availability so get in as soon as you can and secure a place to stay. Continued next page
Venue(s) (Continued from page 4)
What/where is the venue?
The rally headquarters will be at the Trafalgar Centre, Nelson’s largest venue. Some events are planned to be at other sites but registration, and most of the evening food and entertainment will be there, plus some of the rallies may start from there.
Please keep sending questions to festivalcomms@vcc.org.nz
If you’ve had a friend forward it to you and you want to be kept up to date leading up to the event please sign up at www.historicmotoring.org.nz — remember to tick the “Sign me up for the newsletter!” box otherwise we can’t send you updates.
Please feel free to forward this information on to anyone you might think would be interested. The more the merrier!
Best regards,
Mike Wilson — Nelson VCC Branch Member
Communications Manager, 2026 Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring - Nelson Tasman
From Your Editor
We sadly report that Bill Harding, a 50-year member who acted as our auditor for several years at no cost to us, has resigned from the club due to ill health. We thank him for his services to the club over the years and wish him a happy retirement
I have received a request from a John Wade who is restoring a 1928 Dodge in Gisborne and is on the lookout for two 475/500 19 inch tyres. Email jdwade@pm.me if you can assist.
The committee has decided against raising our branch levy for this year (currently $25.00) and will review it next year. This is the only cash we receive each year apart from sales from the parts shed.
.Tony Bartlett’s run on August 4 attracted nine vehicles on a run skirting the city before visiting a private aviary. His report will follow next month
I have received an email from Maureen Wilson, who joined our fundraiser rally in August 2022 when she was visiting Gisborne from Christchurch. “I really enjoyed the car line up in the Warehouse carpark and the chats with the owners and their stories.
“I would like to join with your fundraiser rally this year in memory of my dear father-in-law Allan Watson who lost his battle with cancer after three years. He spent his last days in the Nurse Maude Hospice in Merivale.
“So once again I would like to pay my $10 to the fundraiser and ride with someone in their car please. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Kind Regards, Maureen Watson.”
Please let Graeme know if you are able to give Maureen a ride on the day.
Pics From The Past
Graeme Revell has provided these pictures of the 1974 End of Registration Run organised by the late Merle Webber as reported in last month’s 50 Years of Carlton article.
Top picture, right to left are Myles Walters 1930 Hudson Coupe, the newly restored 1928 Ford A Tourer of Ivan Harris that was later destroyed in an arson fire at his property, Robin Cameron’s 1930 Whippet, Joe Webber’s 1928 Austin 7 Top Hat, and Brian Butler’s 1929 De Soto beside the Clayden Hupmobile (obscured).
The lower picture from right to left are Merv Clayden’s 1929 Hupmobile, Alan Wilson’s 1930 Ford A, and George Hibdidge’s 1925 Model T Pickup.
A certain clergyman enjoyed cherry brandy but was unwilling to buy it lest he upset his teetotal parishioners. A friend said that he would buy him a bottle for Christmas, provided the clergyman acknowledged it in the parish magazine. Sure enough, the bottle of cherry brandy arrived and was enjoyed. The next parish magazine contained the clergyman’s thanks to his friend for his gift of fruits and the spirit in which they were given.
Disclaimer: The opinions or views expressed in this publication are those of the editor and/or any contributors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the branch committee or its members. The designations employed in this publication and the presentation of material therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Gisborne branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Incorporated.
Readers will recall in last month’s newsletter an article from Phill Dodds about his journey to Tauranga to take part in this year’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.
This article gives an overall view of its beginnings as a world-wide motorcycle event raising money for prostate cancer and men’s mental health.
The next page covers the foundation of a new movement — the Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive, for owners of classic (pre-1980s) and exotic cars to stop men from dying too young.
The Movember Foundation is a leading charity changing the face of men’s health — they know what works for men and what doesn’t.
The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride is a global motorcycle event raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men's mental health programmes on behalf of the Movember Foundation.
Open to all genders, The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride was founded in 2012 by Mark Hawwa in Sydney, Australia, and is centred around classic and vintage styled motorcycles. While the event encompasses classic and vintage style, it also welcomes niche custom motorcycle styles such as cafe racers, choppers, scramblers, and more.
To date the event has raised $31.6 million USD, from 340,000 classic and vintage riders, located in 115 countries.
The ride provides an outline of dress and behaviour, suggesting riders wear dapper clothing, silk vests, tweed suits and behave courteously, donning not only classic style, but classic manners. Suggested motorcycles for the themed ride include café racers, bobbers, classics, modern classics, flat trackers, scramblers, old-school choppers, brat styled, classic scooters, and classic sidecars. The ride carries no entry fee; however, some rides require minimum donation amounts to join. All riders are encouraged to raise funds for prostate cancer research and men's mental health programmes on behalf of charity partner the Movember Foundation.
In 2014, Triumph Motorcycles started to support and sponsor the ride. For 2019, joining global sponsors Triumph Motorcycles are luxury helmet brand, Hedon Helmets, as well as REV'IT!, and Elf Lubricants, joining the event as global prize sponsor.
In 2015, one of the three motorcycles ridden by actor Chris Pratt in Jurassic World was auctioned off, with the profits going to the prostate cancer funds.
In 2012, over 2,500 riders participated in rides across 64 cities. The success of the event encouraged the organisers to consider how it could be used to support a worthy cause.
In 2013, over 11,000 participants in 145 cities around the world raised over $277k AUD for the research of prostate cancer.
In 2014, 20.000 riders in more than 250 cities collected nearly $1.5m USD into prostate cancer research on behalf of the Prostate Cancer Foundation UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
In 2015, more than 37,000 participants in 410 cities from 79 countries mounted their motorcycles to raise awareness and $2.3m USD into prostate cancer research on behalf of the Prostate Cancer Foundation UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
In 2016, more than 57,000 participants in 505 cities from 90 countries mounted their motorcycles to raise awareness and $3.65m USD to help fund research into prostate cancer and support male suicide prevention on behalf of The Movember Foundation.
In 2017, more than 93,000 participants in 582 cities from 92 countries rallied to raise awareness and $4.85m USD to help fund research into prostate cancer and support men's mental health on behalf of The Movember Foundation.
In 2018, more than 115,000 participants in 648 cities from 101 countries rallied to raise awareness and $6.1m USD to help fund research into prostate cancer and support men's mental health on behalf of The Movember Foundation.
The ‘Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive’ — a plan to bring owners of classic (pre-1980s) and exotic cars together to help stop men dying too young
The first worldwide outing for the ‘Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive’, which included BLENHEIM New Zealand, one of only two NZ sites invited to join, was planned for May 31, 2020.
Revell’s Ramblings
A LIST OF FUNCTIONS ATTENDED BY BRANCH MEMBERS SINCE THE LAST NEWSLETTER Gas Guzzlers on Reads Quay, August 4, 2024
Possible new member.......................................................1925 Dodge Tourer
Ray and Prim Stevenson..................................................1936 Morris 8
Andy Stevenson................................................................1948 Ford V8 Club Coupe
Tony Browne.....................................................................1955 Buick
Dave McLean....................................................................1956 Chevrolet
Graeme Revell..................................................................2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser
Andrew Teesdale..............................................................2022 Ford Mustang
Taking a look: Trevor Jukes, Phillip Cook.
1957 MORRIS MINOR 1000 FOR SALE — $6500 PHONE 0274 901 373
Pothole Run, August 4, 2024
Josh Whye (prospective new member) and dog................1928 Ford A Pickup
Gavin, Deanne, Oscar and Louie Bartlett..........................1930 Ford Model A
Phillip Cook and Graeme Revell.......................................1959 Thunderbird
Ray Squires .....................................................................1969 Chrysler Valiant
Lynsey Bartlett and Colleen Williams................................2004 Mercedes Benz
Barry and Pam Hilton........................................................1990 Mazda Eunos
Brian and Anita Hall..........................................................2018 Mazda
Gavin and Helen Leckner..................................................2022 Suzuki
Tony Bartlett.....................................................................2005 Toyota FunCargo
Ecmot Fire section report 2023-2024
May 1984 saw the arrival of our second appliance, the 1956 Dennis F8 pump EM1813. All its service was in Gisborne, and during Cyclone Bola it pumped water from the Awapuni Golf Club lake into the city mains for several days.
September 5, 2023: A ute and trailer load of portable pumps and equipment arrived from Kawerau.
January 2024: Along with the car park the front of the station was tar sealed, which improved things a lot.
January 14, 2024: Saw the arrival of a 1987 Hino FD NN4902 on site. It had seen service in Hawke’s Bay and Tokomaru Bay, and was kindly donated by New Zealand Fire and Emergency.
January 28, 2024: The Live Day saw Hino NN4902 providing rides around the rear section all day. Dennis SS BDE562 was on static display with equipment on show and International 2150B JB7129 promoting the Cancer Society Sun Smart.
February 11, 2024: The 1988 International 1850D OF1755 which had no service history in Gisborne was traded on the 1988 International 1850D NN4918 which saw service at Patutahi.
March 8, 2024: Visitors from California plus school groups throughout the year helped spread the word.
May 12, 2024: A ute and trailer load of surplus equipment arrived from Rotorua and a monsoon bucket was picked up.
Many thanks to those who carried out maintenance in keeping appliances running throughout the year. Graeme Revell
A young man drove his scooter in to a gas station and dismounted.
"I'll need about a pint of gas," he said to the attendant, "and a few ounces of oil for the motor."
"Certainly, sir," the attendant said, "And would you also like me to cough into your tyres?"
CLUBROOMS CLOSED SEPTEMBER 21/22
The committee has agreed to a request from the Gisborne Dog Training Club to use our grounds for a small event they are intending to run over the weekend of September 21 and 22. The event will be a scent work trial, similar to the event they ran over Matariki weekend 2023. This event will be on a much smaller scale. They have spoken to the Vintage Motorcycle club and will have the use of their clubrooms for this event.
50
Years Ago . . . This page is reprinted from the 35 Years of Carlton article in the August 2009 edition
August 1974: A short meeting held the previous month at which Allan Kellett was welcomed as a prospective member was followed by a shed raid “in one of the best pea-soup fogs the city has turned on for many years”.
The first call was to Eric Ninness’ where they had a look at his 1928 Ford Model A and a 1928 AJS motorcycle. The chassis and running gear of the Model A had been restored and mudguards and new valances were in place. The body was about to receive attention.
The next visit was to Tony Notting’s where the fully restored 1926 Pontiac was viewed, as well as parts for a veteran Stoneleigh and another 1927 Pontiac.
From there it was on to Bill Harding’s place where the watchdog kicked up a ruckus before settling down as visitors viewed the 1927 Buick Roadster and the 1949 MG TC sports roadster. The Buick chassis and running gear were restored and awaited the roadster body.
The final visit was to Ivan Harris’ shed — his newly restored 1928 Ford Model A tourer was locked away in someone else’s shed but the chassis and running gear of another Model A was reported as coming along nicely. However, the greatest interest was taken in Ivan’s latest acquisition — parts of a 1913 Humberette. The motor and tank in good condition had been acquired recently, and following a lead he had dug up the diff and chassis for it. The biggest surprise was reserved for last, however, when Rodney Clague produced from the boot of his car the original gearbox for the Humberette, which had been given to him only weeks previously.
Most returned to the clubrooms for supper, but some sneaked around to Gary Laskey’s to view the restoration of his 1930 Model A.
“Twistgrip” (Barry Hilton) welcomed Brian Hall, who had acquired a 1929 Ariel 500 twin port from Ruakituri, to the bikie scene. The bike had been much sought-after by enthusiasts from all over the North Island, and was as complete as one could hope for. There were a few imperfections mechanically, but all immediately repairable.
Chairman Adrian Joyce conveyed condolences to Graeme Revell on the passing of Nola, his wife, navigator and helpmate of 38 years, and offered best wishes to Joe Webber who was in Waikato Hospital awaiting surgery and to Doug Fairbank who was recuperating from surgery.
Secretary Rosalie Douglas reported that the Ladies’ Trophy Run held the previous month attracted only two lady drivers and neither was in an eligible car! The other six drivers were men. Those taking part were Lynsey Bartlett with her mum Celia in a 1979 Daimler, Naomi and Dick Neill 1982 Rolls Royce, Joe and Merle Webber 1968 MGB, Tony Bartlett Model A, Gavin Bartlett and mate Model A, Adrian Joyce and Sonia modern, Ray and Janet Squires (and Judy and John) 1969 Valiant, and Rodney Clague modern.
The rest of this issue was taken up by a story “A Delightful Round Trip—Wellington—Bay of Plenty—Wellington” written by A. P. Godber from the Petone Workshops October 1, 1928.
Editor’s Note: Eric Ninness’ Model A started off as a flatdeck pickup which he used on many club runs with his dog as navigator until he acquired a tourer body to fit on it. It was later sold to David Scott who also used it frequently before selling it to a chap in Auckland. Tony Notting’s Pontiac is still in Gisborne with Michael White, and the Stoneleigh parts were later sold to a chap in the South Island. Bill Harding’s Buick Roadster (ex Frank Mettner) was sold to someone in Gisborne, and the MG TC was replaced by the SS100. I have no idea as to what became of Ivan Harris’ Humberette parts but must assume that they were later onsold to a Humberette enthusiast. He also restored a 1930 Model A Tudor which he rallied extensively as well. Rod
1913 Sunbeam 16/20 for sale: This vehicle boasts:
Elegant design capturing the essence of a bygone era
Powerful 4.0L 4-cylinder engine for a thrilling driving experience
Open-air motoring for enjoying the wind in your beauty of the open road
Meticulously maintained condition ensuring longevity and enjoyment
We are offering this rare collectible at $35,000 ONO.
Contact amy.jansen@pgtrust.co.nz or 03 9055 3779 or 027 463 4906.
BRANCH BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER
Please note that the account number for the Gisborne branch is 03 0638 0378651 00 as printed on the first page of this newsletter. All deposits should be made to this number.
