Mid Month Run for August
The North Otago Branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand Inc.
Chairman's Report.
This month has been quiet, and it is very cold. However it has not stopped things from tickling along.
A container has been purchased and is on site and needs site preparation and then will be put in the final resting spot.
Last Tuesday a group of hero’s were at the clubrooms tidying up the lawns and digging out a tree stump. Well done Derek, Charlie and Steve.
The Commercial Rally is receiving entries, of course we would like to see more flowing in. Come on Locals, fill those entry forms in.
The revision of the constitution is under way and Ernest, Lindsay and Brian are going through the constitution and finding what needs to be tidied up.
I am writing this on the Eve of the Daffodil Rally. Unfortunately the week's forecast is not favourable.
However Spring is just around the corner.
Bye for now - do not forget to keep your revs up.
Gordon Hay
Temporary Chairman.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES
From a rather shirty day to sublime, is what 24 hrs made to the weather for the July V.C.C. motorcycle ride, which was on Thursday this month. After a chat to Gilbert at the clubrooms [ribbing Vespa’s ], it was perfect weather as we headed off for a blast to the big blue gum tree by Highway 83. We were all conscious of the previous nights icy conditions and moderated our speed and increased following distances. The roads were dry, but we were wary in shady damp areas, Robert took us on a great route, amazing trees lining perfect riding roads. Murray’s 500 cc BSA sounded like a cannon every time it fired and there weren’t many animals that didn’t shy away from the fence line as we went past. Mac was somewhat limited for time today, due to commitments, so at Blue Gum we turned back and stopped at Awagowan Hall, for a talk about the pros and cons of long inlet manifolds and the effect engine vibrations have on carb performance. It was an informative chat which covered everything from techniques to stop fuel aeration in the float bowl to unsupported carb angles due to extended flexible manifolds and its effect on top end performance. After a hearty goodbye to Mac we headed to the Enfield Tavern for refreshments, the majesty of the snow covered mountains as we rode from Weston to Enfield was regal, a sight for sore eyes! There we met up with Bruce on his Velocette. He had ridden to Ngapara and caught up with us on his way back, as he knew where we were likely to end up! We had a great time at the Enfield and got to meet a local bike collector. There were some good work stories, I never knew that cars were built to order in Oamaru, for clients worldwide, Maserati, XK180, XJ13, to name but a few. The depth of mechanical and engineering ability in Oamaru is obviously recognized globally. As it was “Thirsty Thursday” we had our fill of liquid refreshment and made our way home, in due course. Good things take time, so I took the Commando the long way home and gave it a workout along the coast road, deceleration from above 4000 rpm never sounded better, apart from the acceleration! What a great afternoon was had by all and plenty more to come... that’s for sure.
C.K.
P.S. For those who are interested in books, a very generous donation was made to the club last week, comprising a collection of car and bike books and magazines. They are now in the library for those who wish to view them. Many thanks to the donor.
SOUTH ISLAND
Club Captain’s TOUR
Friday 11 April – Friday 18 April 2025
TOUR ITINERARY
Friday 11th: Arrive Dunedin
Saturday 12th: Dunedin to Gore
Sunday 13th: Gore to Te Anau, or Gore to Te Anau via the George Begg Festival at Teretonga Park (as an option)
Monday 14th: Te Anau –Tourist attractions and run to Milford for those that wish
Tuesday 15th: Te Anau to Alexandra
Closing date for entries 15 March 2025
Wednesday 16th: Alexandra to Twizel
Thursday 17th: Twizel to Methven
Friday 18th: Methven to Christchurch (This is registration day for the South Island Easter Rally based in Christchurch)
All touring routes will be sealed with alternative gravel sections for those that would like to use them.
For entry form and accommodation details please email Mark Wilkinson at sicc@vcc.org.nz
Mid Month Run for August
One of the benefits of being a member of the VCC is the many different opportunities we all have to enhance our pleasure of classic cars. Whether it is as a mechanic sharing and/or gaining new information, knowledge or experience; as a restorer perhaps learning new skills, driving a particular vehicle you like for the sheer enjoyment of it or the many opportunities to socialise with like minded classic car fanatics such as Monday morning cuppas at the clubrooms.. There is room for everyone in what ever area takes your fancy.
The line of cars snaking through our North Otago roads on our regular 3rd Thursday is evidence of a happy lot enjoying being members. We seem to have a bunch of regulars and others that turn up every so often when they can. Either way, it certainly is good to get out and blow the cobwebs away; to drive to somewhere you may not normally go to, and have a drink and a yarn, talk nonsense, discuss world happenings and generally enjoy another of the club’s benefits.
Big ups to John and Jo Gale as they regularly arrange a destination for us to enjoy. This month was the Flying Pig at Duntroon. We managed to completely fill the inside tables and spill out to the lovely courtyard area. A couple of wayward relations saying with family were intrigued with the Smithy and the story of the water hole. Several others had previously lived in the Duntroon area and shared some of their experiences. With several routes available back to town, we all dispersed in our own time making our own way.
Thanks to you all for a very enjoyable afternoon. Lee and Derek
SOUTH WAIKATO V.C.C. INC
Irish Women’s Rally
Saturday/Sunday 8th & 9th March 2025
A non -competitive rally into the back country. Mainly backroads, gravel and farm tracks can be expected. Entry to cars before 1931 only. Please note: 30 cars only on a basis of first in first served.
For more information contact:
Pieter Ebeling on 0274845071 ebelingfamily@farmside.co.nz Or Trevor Appleby on 02102711049
National AGM.
A very special weekend with a chance to meet other Delegates and Management Team.
Flying from Christchurch above the clouds I was surprised to see Mount Ruapehu rising above the clouds. I was surprised by the size of the crater lake. First time I have seen this so close. A great start for the weekend.
A warm welcome to Tauranga by The Bay of Plenty members. Nice to catch up with familiar faces. After tea into the executive meeting for a couple of hours. A social drink was the order of the day only to find the bar closed, never seen a bar opened so fast. LOL.
The AGM started with a welcome to everyone who attended. The minutes from the AGM will out soon. I have brought everything back to our Branch to view and were discussed at the meeting last Wednesday night.
Guest Speaker for Saturday night was Stephen Partridge local Bay of Plenty member, who was a competitor in the Peking to Paris rally. What a special trip.
Sunday morning visit to the BOP Clubrooms. Great scones and cuppa before leaving Tauranga. Had a look at the parts shed. I didn’t buy too much. Plane was late leaving, so had more time to socialize with others.
A very busy weekend with learning about the changes that’s coming and hearing what other branches are saying as how the Vintage Car Club of NZ is progressing.
Ernest George.
Coming Events
September
4th Wednesday 7.30pm. Clubrooms Auction Night. Waimate Branch have been invited to join us. Get your bits and pieces out that you would like to donate and bring them along to auction them off. Don’t forget to bring cash along on the night to buy something from the auction. Need an auctioneer and helpers please. Money raised goes to St. John. A plate for supper please.
18th Wednesday 7pm. Committee Meeting Clubrooms
19th Thursday Mid-Month Run. Meet 1pm Clubrooms Start 1.30pm John Gale 0276554296.
25th Wednesday Motorcycle Run. Meet 1pm Clubrooms. Start 1.30pm John Gale 0276554296.
October.
2nd Wednesday Club night 7.30pm Club rooms.
16th Wednesday Committee Meeting 7pm Clubrooms.
17th Thursday Mid-Month Run Meet at Clubrooms after 1pm Start 1.30pm. John Gale 0276554296.
19th Saturday Tea Pot Rally with Waimate Branch more details later.
30th Wednesday Motorcycle Run Meet at Clubrooms 1pm. Leave 1.30pm John Gale 0276554296
November
6th Wednesday 7.30pm Club night
13th Wednesday Committee Meeting 7pm
14th Thursday Mid- Month Run Meet 1pm Leave 1.30pm John Gale 0276554296
Christmas Street Parade More Details Later
16th Saturday Swap-meet. A&P Showgrounds. Oamaru Derek Brehaut 021390518
16th Saturday Victorian Parade Pre-1942 Vehicles. Assembly by Scott’s Brewing 11.30am Start Noon. Ernest George 0272090609
27th Wednesday Motorcycle Run. Meet 1pm at Clubrooms Leave 1.30pm. John Gale 0276554296
December
4th Wednesday Xmas Party at Clubrooms 6.30pm. Potluck Xmas Dinner and Drinks BYO.
7th Saturday Windsor Rally Ernest George 0272090609
11th Wednesday Committee Meeting 7pm
National Events
October 25th Friday/28th Monday National Commercial Rally Oamaru. Rally
Secretary Wandy Kent 0274401621. Don’t forget to get your entry in.
29th National Motorcycle Rally 25th-27th January 2025 Host Manawatu Branch.
National Veteran Rally 5th-7th February 2025 Host Marlborough Branch.
North and South Island Easter Rally 18th,19thand 20th April 25
South Island Club Captains Rally 11th till 18th April 2025
January 2025
25th Saturday Moped Rally.
February
15th All British Day. Vehicle of the Day Rover
April
12th Saturday Gerald Lynch- Blosse Motor-cycle Memorial Run
June
8th Sunday Clubrooms 1.30pm. AGM North Otago
Other Areas Events
September
7th Saturday Waimate Swap Meet
21st Saturday Dickson Auction Gore
28th Saturday Alexander Bossom Festival. Central Otago
28th& 29th Horsepower Rally Levels Raceway Timaru
October
5th& 6th Dunvegan Motorcycle Rally Otago
11th,12th& 13th Swap Meet Christchurch
November
2nd Saturday Taieri Tour Otago
More Events for other Branches may be found in Beaded Wheels or in NZVCC website under Branch Newsletters.
White Stripes: The History of the Whitewall Tire
1980 Briggs & Stratton HybridJay Leno’s Garage
Why Electric Cars Failed 100 Years Ago
Click on the picture to view
Items for the Newsletter can be posted or dropped off to 6 Waiareka lane, off Saleyards Road Or emailed to gsimpsonyyy@gmail.com
Newsletter submissions. Preferred formats are Open-office, Libre-office or MS Word as an attached document. Plain emails create extra work. Please, no “enter” key at the end of every line. Contact me for advice if not sure.
Thanks, Graeme
Chairman
Immediate Past
Chairperson
Vice Chairman
NORTH OTAGO BRANCH
OFFICE BEARERS 2024/25
Clive Blunden (Jen) 03 439 5207
Secretary Brian Harrison (Janette) 03 434 2148
Club Captain Ernest George (Brenda) 027 209 0609
Treasurer John Gale (Jo) 03 437 1112
Committee:
Beaded Wheels Scribe
Custodian
Librarian
Archivist
Newsletter Editor
Spare Parts
Vehicle Verifiers
Tony Hales (Jenny) 03 434 7729
Lindsay McLeod (Margaret) 021 871 526
Athol Caldwell (Patricia) 03 437 0897
John Adamson 0274 347 009
Gordon Hay 028 400 7586
Murray Hayes 027 239 9009
Clive Blunden 03 439 5207
Steve McDonald 027 928 0002
Murray Bain 0211 785 783
Kathleen Perry 03 434 7226
Graeme Simpson (Wendy) gsimpsonyyy@gmail.com 027 293 1059
Derek Brehaut (Lee) 021 390 518
James MacKenzie (Angele) 029 770 7105
Wayne Croft 027 608 0002
Quentin Barrow (Ange) 027 434 5570
Bruce Watt (Barbara) 03 434 5306
Club email address northotago@vcc.org.nz
Committee Meetings 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7.00 pm. Members Welcome. Club Nights 1st Wednesday of the month at 7.30 pm (details in The Distributor)
Daffodil
rally
