Driving our History
“For all Vehicles over 30 years old”
AORANGI - TRICAR
NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTH CANTERBURY BRANCH OF THE VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF NEW ZEALAND INC.
CLUB ROOMS NOGGIN AND NATTER
19-25 REDRUTH ST. Replica First Thursday of the Month
TIMARU SOUTH Timaru’s First Car Built by C. W. Wood
October 2024
Lunch stop view (above) on Opening Rally and Lunch time chats (below)
Hi everyone - a 'busy' month for our branch, with multiple activities and events happening!
We welcomed Ross HAMILTON to our committee as of 22 August - Ross and Wendy are also involved in the local MG Club - with Wendy also looking after the secretarial duties, and their club's 40 year anniversary approaching next month.
Sunday August 25th was our annual Cancer Society Daffodil Day rally out of CBay. The day was cold and the turnout was a little less than expected with around 90 vehicles, but the rally and the venue at the Holme Station homestead was welcoming and interesting. Sadly we couldn't enter this historic residence due to a water leak issue, but hopefully we might return for a future visit. Thanks to all who attended and were involved in the organisation for this event, and for the Daffodil Deliveries on the Monday 26 August. Special thanks to Nola Day and John Foster for their continued organisational contributions to this most worthwhile cause.
Some of us also were rostered as collectors of public donations at Pak 'n Save on Saturday 31st August. We were buoyed by the generosity of the public towards such a worthy cause. Nationally, the VCC branches have raised between $85K$90K for the Cancer Society. Our effort was just under $3K.
5th September saw Rangitata MP James Meagher attend & address our 'Noggin & Natter'. James was very well received and we appreciated him coming along and he will follow up on some our our vehicular concerns raised. Our next 'Noggin' on October 3rd will see us host Leighton BREHAUT - a local fire safety officer, who is familiar with our club and club-rooms.
8th September was our Opening Run, with Ashburton Branch attending with a sizeable contingent. A total of around 50 vehicles from both branches. 2 routes were planned and ended up out at Taiko where a new multi-million dollar contaminant waste landfill is nearly complete. We had lunch on the elevated area with great views across to Fox Peak & Mt Dobson ski areas, and later a talk from one of the principals of the landfill development. Thanks to our Club
Captain Michelle and co-organiser Kevin Manchester for their organisation. Also thanks to Sandy and his band of Family Helpers in assisting with morning tea refreshments for the good crowd at the club-rooms prior to the rally start. 15th September - Continental Rally: ably organised by Kevin Mercer. A great attendance this year, with 15 vehicles, 30 people, a couple of dogs, and a good route with points of interest included on the way. Lunch at the 'House of Hop' on SH 79 on the Geraldine/Fairlie highway. We even managed to secure a couple of new members from this event too! Our thanks to Kevin & Nadia Manchester for their work on the day - and the morning tea offering was very well received. Mt Cook Rally entry forms are out - so please enter now if you are intending to go.
Colin HAWKE Chair
PARTS DEPT. REPORT September 2024
Welcome to Spring....Ha, Don't put those warm clothes away just yet!!
We have had our Opening Run and a good one at that. For all those who attended I hope you had a trouble free day, and that vehicle is safely back in the garage, but what about the other one that’s awaiting that missing part?
Maybe it can be found, perhaps on this List of Parts.
Flywheels; Morris 12/4 '35-'37
Rover 3 Ltr
Austin 7
AustinA30
Dodge 4
Chev. '36
Clutch Plates; Austin A 30
Mk 1 Escort
Mazda 2000
Axles; Chev,'28 / '34 /'37 /'38
Mk1 Zephyr
Humber Super Snipe
Ford V8 '52
Morris Minor
Anglia 105E
Plus Many more, so do come on down and have a look. We are open each Wednesday from 9am to 12 Noon.
Barry Smith Parts Manager.
NOGGIN & NATTER,
Thursday October 3rd
Christopher Smallridge
Alan Jenks
3 Day Tour 22,23, 24 November 2024 ( Fri, Sat, Sun).
Day 1 Timaru to overnight at Balclutha by devious routes
Day 2 Balclutha to maybe Roxburgh or Alexandra. Hopefully cross the Tuapeka punt and visit Lawrence along the way.
Day 3 A biggie if all comes to plan.
Eyeing up a dry weather only road, and return to Timaru via plan A, B, or C. Still to sort.
Mixture of shingle and seal, or seal only is available.
Need expressions of interest to see if tour is viable please.
Contact Grant Stewart 027 378 6149 or Alistair Day 027 202 5007, email chevy39@xtra.co.nz.
I have a request from the current owner of the 1923 Buick model 55 sport touring that was previously owned by Russell Cross then Lou Pemberton, Does anyone have any photos of the car when Russell Cross was motoring it? Or can anyone tell me what the original colour was? Any other information on the car would be greatly appreciated. Please email Kevin Mercer, khmercer@xtra.co.nz, thanks.
White Ribbon Day. Sat 23 Nov.
Cars, motorbikes required for display by Caroline Bay Hall 10 till 2. Kapa haka, Rapid Relief food and possibly Bronze motorcyclists. Those who went last year enjoyed it.
Grant Mitchell 021 2961126
Magazine Articles
I’m always looking for articles, even short ones, for the Tricar, or a photo or two of an event that you have attended in your club eligible vehicle.
Les-Tricar editor
To access other club newsletters go to www.vcc.org.nz scroll to News from our Branches as hard copy newsletters are not mailed out now.
SCVCC website - September 2024
- September newsletter placed up
- Mt Cook Rally information and forms (online and print) placed up
- Focus given to Mt Cook Rally on homepage
- South Canterbury MG Car Club 40th Anniversary info placed up
- Events page updated
- Behind the scenes wordpress updates
Upcoming - More stories of various runs, online version of newsletter, information about upcoming events, members vehicles in gallery, Stories and photos from members are ENCOURAGED and can be sent through to website.scvcc@gmail.com
Calendar of Events 2024 /2025
for the South Canterbury Branch of the VCC
October 26th,27th, 28th
November 1st, 2nd, 3rd
November 9th
November 17th
December 14th
2025
January 1st
January 19th
Mount Cook Run
Safari Weekend
Grasskhana - Bentley Downs
Vintage, Veteran & Commercial Run
Club Christmas Party
New Years Day - Fairlie
Ladies Run
February 9th Chairmans Run
February 22nd Open Day
March 9th Mid Island Rally
March 23rd Motorcycle Run
April 4th, 5th Swap Meet
April 10th Midweek Run
May 8th Midweek Run
May 10th P Class Rally
May 25th End of Season Run
June 1st All British Day
June 5th AGM
Shona Weir, Nora Hawke and Bill
Weir getting set to deliver Daffodils.
( Photo courtesy S.C. Cancer Society)
Many thanks to those who helped with the delivery of the Cancer Societies daffodils, It was a job well done in pleasant weather. I know that the Cancer Society really appreciate our efforts and we all appreciated the cuppa and a biscuit at the end of their deliveries, My thanks on behalf of you all go to Norm Bunt for his input. We couldn't operate with out him. Have fun out there.
John Foster
From the Archives September 2017 Tricar
VCC National Daffodil Day
Since SCVCC came up with this Charity rally for Cancer last year and was enthusiastically supported by local motorists the national VCC has adopted the rally as a national club event and as such most clubs in the country put on an event for the 27th August 2017.
Our club followed on from last years concept with a rally ending up at Clayton Station north-west of Fairlie.
Neil Manchester planned an interesting route from Caroline Bay out through Blue Cliffs over Pareora Gorge, Cannington then out through Ma Waro and up to Fairlie. Lunch destination was the woolshed paddock at Clayton Station, the local Lions did the Sausage sizzle lunch.
A very pleasant late winter’s day was enjoyed by all, a pity the station owners or staff were not available to give a summary on Clayton Station, however thanks to the organising team for a very successful day with approx. 120 vehicles entered. Hi there Nola
I just wanted to reach out to again say THANK YOU to the Vintage Car Club for their support of Daffodil Day! Particularly the delivery of Fresh Flowers and the Rally!
Raising $2756 in today’s climate is not an easy task. We are incredibly Appreciative! It was lovely to meet many of the members and admire their beautiful cars on the Sunday.
Thank you so much for the continued support
Ngā mihi | Kind regards
He waka eke noa | We're all in this together
Tracey Barratt Community Manager‑ South Canterbury
CANCER RALLY THANKS
Hello everyone. I would just like to express my sincere thanks to ALL those who helped out on our fundraising CAR RALLY for CANCER day. Without your help this event would not be able to continue. For all those who generously donated prizes I thank you so much. The numbers for this year were well down as we expected, but an enjoyable day was had by all. With the rally entries, the raffle sales plus donations, we were able to donate $2756 to the South Canterbury Cancer Society. They were very grateful and appreciate the effort you all put into the day.
They also really appreciate the support they receive when it comes to the flower deliveries. That saves them many dollars which would otherwise be spent on courier drivers etc. So thanks also for doing that.
Next year our date is 31st August. Mark your memory banks for that now. A new venue is organised so we hope for a better sunny warm day.
Thanks once again to all those who helped. Cheers Nola
Really!!!!!
The South Canterbury branch 2024 Daffodil Rally for Cancer took place on Sunday 25 August, starting at Caroline Bay. Adjacent to our start venue were a fair few cars from across the ditch with a display of their own, the weather more English winter like than Australian heatwave. With participants vehicles ranging from the 1920s to the 2020s the run took us through a labyrinth of Timaru streets before taking us through Fairview, Hadlow, Claremont and Taiko regions before reaching Cave - a vehicle or two were seen with bonnets up at this point. After
Cave it was a trip through Cannington and up into the Pareora Gorge before reaching Southburn, and Holme Station homestead, where the lawns were filled with just bloomed daffodils, and the garden’s driveways easily swallowed up our vehicles. Much time was taken exploring the gardens, and the hot coffees and BBQs went down a treat. A talk also was had about the homestead, currently under renovation, and the raffles were drawn. Thanks to the local organising team for making the event happen.
Cars being set off on rally by “Daffy”
(photo Compliments of SC Cancer Society)
Just a few of the cars lined up for the Rally
Having a break at Cave
Photo courtesy Dave Barnard
Photo –Shannon Stevenson
Holme
Some of the cars at Holme Station
Rosie Gordon giving a talk on history of Holme Station.
Raffle SalesLunch at Holme Station
Helen & Les Rzepecky, Ruth Mercer
Photo –Shannon Stevenson
Continental Run
The Continental Run. We had 15 cars which has grown in numbers from last year. We travelled through Pleasant Point to Waitohi and ended up at the House of Hop for lunch. We pre-ordered our lunch before we left the club rooms and the meals came out quite quickly. After lunch we drove around The Downs great views most of the afternoon was on shingle a lot of roads I have never been on before. We visited The St. Thomas Anglican Church at Woodbury what a magnificent building beautiful stonework stained glass windows and lovely wooden oak pews. A man gave us a talk about the history of the church. We finished up at the Farm Shop in Geraldine for a coffee.
Many thanks to Kevin Mercer for organizing such an interesting run.
Cars
Kevin Manchester negotiating the ford . Only 3 cars attempted this
Fiat 500 Renault Floride
Write-up and photo’s -Kevin Manchester
Interior view of St. Thomas Anglican Church
lined up in grounds of Church
Hurry Up and get your forms in Entries close on Friday 18th October 2024
No Late Entries accepted
MP James Meagher chatting with Wayne Young and Ray Harkness at the September
Noggin & Natter
NOTES
FROM THE LIBRARY October 2024 by Barry Barnes
Greetings from Vancouver Airport on our way home from our visit to British Columbia. In fact by the time you read this we will have been home for a wee while.
Last month I mentioned seeing a very nice Morris Minor Traveller in dark green and lo and behold a couple of days later encountered this one in a very original grey parked in a big supermarket carpark. They must be the thing for everyday transport around London.
In Canada as expected there was a lot more interesting stuff around. The old 1949 Dodge I saw in Greenwood last year was still sitting on the same lawn (as was the big Cadillac along the road from our son’s place). Both were apparently untouched and I doubt improved over the year. Just along the road from the Dodge were a big Buick straight 8 and a Chev Camaro, the latter for sale, no price quoted. I hope Les can find room to include photos of them, and also the 1955 Chev panel delivery that has been a feature of the Greenwood main street where it has served duty as a promo vehicle for at least the last 14 years we are aware of. It has developed a fair bit of trendy patina over that time but I suspect the Café has had its money’s worth out of it. Also in Greenwood we inspected our daughter-in-law’s sister’s two Honda motorbikes. She has had the Hawk for at least 20 years and it was her everyday transport as a young woman. The other bike is a CB350 she was recently given by a friend who has had it since new and stored it unused for years. It is in excellent original condition with an unbelievable 3050km on the speedo! On a trip to visit friends in the town of Grand Forks we spied this 1957 Chev panel delivery also for sale. On the property was a sleek black restored example. In Midway we encountered this International pickup which has also done promotional duty for the local pub for many years, photographed especially for Bill Weir and Les Bennett from Ashburton if he should get to read these pages. On Vancouver Island we saw a well presented Karmann Ghia Volkswagon and various other vehicles spotted on the Island and the mainland included several Land Rovers and VW Kombis, a 49 Ford 2door, a big mid 60s Chrysler Newport and the ever ubiquitous Chev, Dodge, GMC and Ford pickups from the 70s to the 90s. Finally, seen just around the road from our son’s place was a Volvo P1800 coupe looking just a little forlorn and neglected looking. All in all, there’s no shortage of projects around over there. This is supposed to be a Library column so I will make mention of a book I purchased at the Library clearance in Greenwood called “Made in America” by Bill Bryson, all about American English, a bit heavier going than some other Bill Bryson books but great reading none the less, which has a considerable number of references to the motorcar and its influence on the American way of life and consequently the language.
His observant comments on immigration are very pertinent though written nearly 30 years ago and I would recommend them to one D Trump, often in the news these days, though I understand he does not actually read books.
Chev Panel Delivery
Selection of Photos from Barry and Carla Barnes latest OE
Buick 8
Chev Camaro
Karmann Ghia VW International Pickup
Morris Minor Traveller
Other Coming Events Elsewhere
(Check our Web Page for further details on Events listed below) Dunedin
-
& 2nd
Scenes from Ashburton and South Canterbury branch’s combined opening run, Sunday 8 September 2024.
Starting from the South Canterbury branch club rooms at Redruth, the run took participants over either a sealed or a gravel route - via Southburn and Maungati - to Taiko, where the end venue was the lime works. The lunch stop was at the top of the hill, where there were natural formations with views across South Canterbury.
Alongside is a managed landfill, for which further information is here https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/350268980/new-landfill-perfect-siteedgescloser-openingOpening Run
Photo’s Courtesy of Shannon Stevenson and Les Rzepecky
The final mid-week run for 2024 was held on September 12th. We started off from Morgan’s Road Stadium as our clubrooms were being used by another group. Meeting at the car park lea to a few curious onlookers who came to view the cars before we departed.
After turning left on to Morgans Road then left on to Pages Road we proceeded to follow the instructions that saw us travel out to Levels, on into Temuka, then towards Clandeboye, and into Winchester, following on to Orari and Geraldine before ending up at Woodbury Domain for afternoon tea. Although the wind had been quite strong while on the run, the Shelter belt of trees at the domain made for a pleasant time to enjoy our cuppa and chat.
The weather then turned to rain and for those who dared, we continued to follow the rest of the instructions that took us to where we should have had afternoon tea had the weather been much better, the Waitohi Bush Reserve. Apparently the views are amazing but all that was visible was cloud. Maybe another day for this cuppa stop.
Thanks Clive and Penny for an interesting afternoon of driving.
VCC Otago Annual Motorcycle Rally
Sat 5th & Sun 6th October 2024
The Rally is semi-competitive with a timed section, interesting roads and this year staying overnight at Alexandra Motor Camp. Follow- up and rally support vehicles will be available. Expect the Saturday run to cover about 200 km.
ENTRANTS MUST SUPPLY THEIR OWN TOWEL AND SLEEPING BAG.
Saturday
Assemble at Chinese Gardens car park.500 metres south of the Railway Station Briefing at 9.15AM Bikes starting at one minute intervals at 9.30am. Lunch on own account at Beaumont..
Sunday
Return to Dunedin. Lunch own account. The clubrooms will be open from 1.00pm for afternoon tea and to recover baggage.
Social Gatherings
Friday 4th Oct. at 8pm at VCC Otago Clubrooms Forbury Rd. Supper provided.
Saturday 5th Oct. The evening meal and prize giving will be at the destination. Alexandra Motor Camp . The evening meal will be a BBQ.
Awards
To be eligible for awards entrants must be on an eligible motorcycle and be a VCC member and follow the Saturday competitive route. No electronic navigation aids permitted.
Enquiries and contacts
Contact : Bill Veitch Ph.03 4891626 or 0272010565
Entry to: Rally Organiser P O Box 5015 Dunedin
Entry Fee is $ 100.00 per person. This includes all direct rally costs including plaque, Friday night supper, Saturday evening meal, accommodation, and Sunday Breakfast and back up.
Payment to be made to Bank Acct Westpac 03 0903 0390951 00
Please use “Dunvegan” as ref. and include your name elsewhere.
Out of respect to breakdowns and riders, we are unable to provide rides for non entrants.
Grasskhana will be held Saturday 9th November at Bentley Downs and is open to all VCC eligible vehicles including unregistered specials.
Here are some YouTube links from Trials events;
https://studio.youtube.com/video/TGBdB2smPiM/edit
https://studio.youtube.com/video/WSb__EJ4buo/edit
https://studio.youtube.com/video/CjE-cNcr6t8/edit
https://studio.youtube.com/video/Rw65W4W3l6Y/edit
https://studio.youtube.com/video/OzO2omb10Kw/edit
Kevin & Ruth Mercer
Kevin 0272009474
Ruth 0211597798
Club Captains Report – September 17th 2024
Just a brief report this month. We had an excellent turnout for the Opening Run. The weather was perfect for a drive in the country. Our venue was the new landfill site at Taiko. It was a great stop for lunch at the top of the hill with great views to the snow capped hills.
After lunch we had a quick briefing before heading down to the land fill site. There we were given a talk about the process they had been through with thousands of consents required and millions of dollars spent. The site will be used to break down toxic materials such as asbestos etc.
Then we had a trip home through Pleasant Point where many stopped for ice creams and toilets.
Thank you for a great run and day organised by Kevin. Mount Cook Rally entry forms have bee sent out but entries are slow coming in with only 14 received so far. Planning is well underway as far as our prize giving dinner etc. goes. We just hope for a rush of entries soon. We also have a deposit to make for the catering which I will sort out with Nola. Kevin and I are hoping
to have a meeting shortly to start working out the sealed route. Then once Gavin is home next weekend we will get together to do the unsealed route. Thanks. Michelle,, Kevin and Gavin.
Chairperson: Colin Hawke (Glenys) 6889955/ 027 4896663
Vice Chairperson: Vacant
Immediate past Chairman Alistair Day 027 2025007
Secretary: Pauline Young (Wayne) 6861833/ 027 5399225
Treasurer: Nola Day (Alistair) 027 2035007
Club Captains: Gavin and Michelle Munro Michelle 021 1726168 Gavin 021 0528264
Kevin Manchester (Ngadia) Kevin 027 5178769
News Letter Editor: Les Rzepecky (Helen) 021 1220011
Clubroom Convener: Sandy McMillan 027 6155150
Parts Shed Manager: Barry Smith (Lynette) 6847405
Librarian: Barry Barnes (Carla) 6885105
IT Officer: Shannon Stevenson 6863263/ 027 2453519
Committee: All of the above
Ross Hamilton (Wendy) 021 2407137
Identification and Certificate: Alistair Day, 027 2025007 Colin Hawke. 6889955/ 027 4896663
Swap Meet:
Chairman:
Site Convenor/ Secretary Michelle Munro (Gavin) 6864824/ 021 1726168
Treasurer: Nola Day (Alistair) 027 2035007
Ground Convenor: Barry Smith ( Lynette) 6847405
Committee: Gavin Munro (Michelle) 6864824/ 021 0528264 (Plus all above)
Krystal Munro 027 8567940 Glen Hawkins 027 2076625