The Arrowtown rally went really well as the weather gods were smiling, the rain didn’t get me at all but the wind did play a big part on both days. The sun came out and the temperature rose, a very pleasant 2 days riding. Thanks to Mac, Carol, and the team for a really good rally.
A discussion about how future rallies might look was held at the October general meeting. A very good discussion was held, a pity that only 40 people turned up to share their points of view. One of the points raised was the cost, the $12 cost of the rally badge was raised but it is only 2 coffees’, 1 bottle of beer or 5 litres of fuel (which doesn’t go far in some of our vehicles). Some people, myself included, don’t really want the badges while others have their badges proudly on display. The point to remember is that ANY vehicle can enter ANY rally it just means you won’t be eligible to win prizes. The rally organiser’s put the same amount of effort in for 3 or 30 entrants. It takes a lot of people to create the routes, log the times and compile the results. It is disappointing when there are more helpers than entrants. The most important thing to remember is its all about using and enjoying our vehicles. Keep an eye out for the entry form for 70th Southland Anniversary rally and note the closing date if you want to get a plaque on the day. As this is the final Rumour for 2024 the branch committee and I would like to wish you and your family a happy Christmas and New year. Donald 70th Anniversary and Christmas Dinner Sunday 15th December At The Clubrooms
Hour from 11.30 - 12.30
Next run is Wednesday - 4th December
The VCC Wednesday Run is 4th December 2024 Cost $25 pp Leaving from the Racecourse at 10.30am Menu Choice: Blue Cod, Chicken or Pork Schnitzel, Ring Angus or Elaine @ 0273104239 or 2128956 by Sunday night prior.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO Wednesday Run in January, 2025
November Run
On 6th November, 2024, 35 people in 15 cars left the Racecourse on a fine, sunny morning. They travelled north through Hedgehope, Grove Bush, over to Winton then on to the Wreys Bush Highway and over to Drummond/Heddon Bush Road through to Fairfax/Isla Bank Road and onto Riverton. We had a lovely lunch and a chat at the Aparima Tavern.
Bar Roster
30/11/2024 Ken Officer
7/12/2024 Dave Birss
14/12/2024 Tommo
21/12/2024 Micheal Burt
28/12/2024 Closed Xmas
4/01/2025 Closed New Year
Office Bearers 2023/2024
Patron Wayne Nicoll 215 7136
Chairman Donald Ward 027 294 7692
Secretary Carol McGarry 027 277 6878.... southland@vcc.org.nz
Treasurer Sheryn Warren 021 712 198
Club Captain Gerry Pethick 0210 298 5620
Howard Kingsford-Smith 027 232 3464
Bulletin Editor Stuart Francis 03 213 0529 stuartfrancis9@gmail.com
Welfare Officer Barry Hayman 03 216 3639
Southland VCC website sporty.co.nz/southlandvintagecar VCC website www.vcc.org.nz VCC forum www.trash.co.nz/vccbb
46 Ariki Avenue, Otatara, Postal: PO Box 1240, Invercargill 9840
Parts Shed
The parts shed will be open the afternoon of meeting nights between 1 & 4 p.m. The following people can be contacted at anytime if requiring parts or information on parts in our Parts Shed.
John Burke 217 8177 & 027 226 0067 or Ray McCulloch 03 217 9667
Library
The library will be open on general meeting nights between 7&9 p.m. Other times by appointment - phone 021 159 8319
Rumour Notices
Copyright of the contents of the “Rumour” magazine rests with the VCC of NZ (Southland Branch) unless otherwise stated. The Rumour is available by e-mail as a PDF file, contact the secretary if you wish to receive it this way. Pictures are usually in colour! It also comes earlier. Views and opinions expressed in the Rumour are those of the authors of the articles and are not necessarily those of the Southland Branch of the VCC of NZ, the Branch Executive or the Editor. Mistakes will be corrected if possible if they are pointed out to the Editor.
Secretary’s Notes
Speed Steward’s Expenses
At our October club meeting, reimbursement for expenses was made to our Speed Steward and I would like to explain how this came about. Our Speed Steward attended a training session in Cromwell in October and I asked the National office if his travel expenses could be reimbursed. The National Office accepted my claim and paid the funds to our account and at the October meeting the reimbursement was made to our Speed Steward. The Speed Steward last year brought over $600 into the club for his services at Teretonga.
Possible Changes To Rallies
At the October meeting we had a discussion on our rally format. Members said: The entry form is very formal – make less formal and turn up on the day, No food no nothing. Could be part of our present entry form and allow turn-ups on the day. Rally format is currently dictated by trophies at present.
Do all rallies have to be competitive?
Easter rallies I have attended 4 - all non-competitive. Try with entry form having competitive and non-competitive. Have other vehicles to boost numbers.
Why is the Wednesday run so popular? All cars on all rallies. Social runs preferred to meet other people.
Competitiveness can be demanding – keep it simple.
Some time ago entrants were disqualified if they stopped at a pub. Put entrants off. Straight line navigation put entrants off.
Under 30’s not interested in winning or losing. Nothing to attract young people. Like going for a drive, but like to be around people their age, low/loud modified cars, classic cars are too expensive.
Part competitive for veteran vehicles. Entries allow us to know numbers for plaques etc. What do people do with their plaques? Option to pay entry fee on the day – order a plaque to receive later if you want one.
Quiz/activities/treasure hunt. Lolly scramble for children. Children like field tests. Need to encourage children and grandchildren. Used to have a Christmas party with Santa. At the November Executive meeting it was decided to continue with our current rally format with an option to receiving a plaque separate to the entry fee any advising any vehicle is welcome to attend any rally.
Interislander
The Interislander has made some changes to their booking system to make it easier for people make bookings. These changes take effect as of Wednesday 13th November 2024. VCC members will now be able to access the Interislander booking system from the main page interislander.co.nz . Once they have entered their booking code (WH5465) in the discount code box on the first page, the system will display the appropriate member discounts. So, no need to go through the “group code” page. Updated 2025 Interislander Discount Rates with the new booking link is on the VCC website.
Hokonui Pioneer Village and Museum
Hokonui Pioneer Village and Museum – unveiling of memorial Plaques. Sunday 24 November at 2pm at the Hokonui Pioneer Village and Museum, Waimea Street, Gore. We look forward to seeing a number of old faces and families over the afternoon. There will be a BBQ and raffle throughout the afternoon and buildings open for inspection.
Sale of the Club’s Grass Mower
The Club’s Grass Mower is no longer required and will be auctioned by sealed bids at the next club night (28th Nov). If you would like to inspect the machine contact the parts shed team, John Burke or Ray McCulloch. The parts shed will also be open the afternoon of the meeting
Carol McGarry, Secretary
Forthcoming Events
Arrowtown Car Show - 30th November 2024 (entry forms at Clubrooms or contact Carol)
Josephville Hillclimb - 1st December 2024
2024 Windsor Rally - 7th December 2024
70th Anniversary & Christmas Dinner - 15th December 2024
Ladies Run - 19th January 2025 (see page 5)
Brighton Run - 25 - 26th January 2025
29th National Motorcycle Rally - 25 - 27th January 2025
& After Rally Tour - 27th - 31st January
Kick Start Motorcycle Rally (Waimate) - 27th January 2025
70th Southland Anniversary Rally - 1st February 2025
VCC OF NZ Veteran Rally 5th - 8th February 2025 Marlborough
Veteran and Vintage Rally - 1st March 2025
Waimea Motorcycle Rally - 10th May 2025
P60/P80 Rally - 17th May
National South Island Easter Rally - 18th- 21st April 2025
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring 2026
Vintage Car Club of New Zealand
Southland Branch Inc. Celebrates 70 years.
Southland Vintage Car Club 70th Anniversary Rally 1st February 2025 in Invercargill (notedatechange)
Email interest to southland@vcc.org.nz
Events & We need your help
70th Anniversary & Christmas Dinner - Sunday 15th December
Ken Officer has been planning a catered Club Christmas Dinner for some time and at the last executive meeting it was agreed that it would be held on Sunday 15th December at the Clubrooms. Subsequently a member pointed out that the 1st Meeting of the Southland Vintage Car Club was on the 20th December 1954. It has been decided to hold a joint celebration. The cost for a two course meal will be $40 per head. Happy hour is from 11.30 to 12.30 . We hope to have entertainment, as a seasonal gift please bring a donation for the food bank. If you wish to come contact Ken Officer k.yofficer@xtra.co.nz or phone 0274143377. We look forward to seeing you all.
Ladies Run - Sunday 19th January 2025
Meeting at 9 Abbot St at 1pm for a 1:15 start, Cost $15.00 plus pocket money for afternoon tea. Please advise numbers coming for catering purposes by 13th Jan On 021 130 8271
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring 2026 - Update
Vero International Festival of Historic Motoring 2026 – link to November 2024 update https:// mailchi.mp/vcc/vero-ifhm-june24-accommodation-8331660?e=a966f6a02d.
Vintage Automobila Auction
Steve Trott is downsizing his collection – collection of automobilia and petrolina featuring enamel signs, petrol pumps, hubcaps, radiator badges, AA badges, pedal cars, money boxes and so much more. Register interest at https://artdecofestival.co.nz/events/vintage-automobiliaauction/. Or email vintageautomobiliaauction2025@gmail.com Auction date: 14 February 2025 Location Napier City.
2024 Windsor Rally Saturday 7th December 2024
Entries Close 24th November 2024 https://forms.gle/doydNmxtjgbB8SVD7 windsorrally@gmail.com Windsor Rally Organiser PO Box 360, Oamaru 9444 The North Otago Branch cordially invite you and all Club Members to participate in our 2024 Annual Windsor Rally Departing from NOVCC Clubrooms Stoke Street, Oamaru.
Cleaning Roster
The cleaning roster is on the noticeboard. Please add your name to the list and assist in the running of your club. We need all members to keep our club running.
New member
Stephen Mussen who has a 1990 Corolla FXGT hatchback and Ross Pavitt who has a 1979 Honda XR500z and a 1930 BSA sloper unrestored.
Aparima College 25th and 26th January 2025.
Aparima College at Riverton is celebrating its 50th Anniversary Reunion, since changing the name from The Riverton District High School, on Saturday and Sunday 25th and 26th January 2025. The main activity and event is on the Saturday, and they are holding an open picnic at the rugby club grounds for the entire community on the Sunday. They are asking if the Southland VCC would be interested in showing their cars off, say from noon till 3pm on the Sunday. Bruce Marshall has volunteered to co-ordinate this event. Let Bruce know if you can show your car or contact club Secretary – Carol McGarry on 027 277 6878 or email southland@vcc.org.nz
Firewood Working Bee
Olly is looking for volunteers for a Firewood Working Bee to move the pile of firewood on the carpark to its proper storage - hoping to do it the week of 7th December, If you can help please contact Olly on 0274 784 666.
Editorial
I unfortunately missed the last club night where the future of the Clubs Rallies was discussed but from the Secretary’s notes there were a number of good ideas. I think the key to the future is finding a way of separating out the competitive element without undermining the event and allow members to go for a good drive and social event if they want. The other key issue is spontaneity, one of the reasons that the Wednesday runs are so successful is that entrants can decide to go on the run 3 day before event, not having to book weeks in advance. An approach that allowed non-competitive entries on the day would clearly boost numbers.
There are a number of members within the branch who unstintingly give up their time and effort to ensure the branch operates and events are organised. The key roles like Club Captain, Secretary and Treasurer take dedication to undertake. However I think there are times when the branch expects too much, particularly when it comes to out of pocket expenses. Organising a Rally takes time and petrol to plan and prove the routes. In the past organisers have swallowed the petrol costs, but with soaring petrol costs and an increasing number of retired members, I think, as a mater of course, that these costs should be paid and recovered from the entry fees.
Arrowtown Rally - Overall Winner
Matt Furness
Arrowtown Rally - 2nd PW Field Test
Stephen Hackett
Arrowtown Run
I had been watching the weather forecasts every day in the run up to this year’s Arrowtown Run, the forecasts for virtually every day changed during that time, however they predicted strong North Easterlies and early rain showers, they got it right!
The usual hard core of aging reprobates gathered at Lumsden Railway Station for the 10;30 start. Those that brought machines on trailers were kick starting their reluctant mounts into action. Numbers were slightly up this year with 26 machines entered. The oldest machine was Greg Eunson’s 1913 Royal Enfield V twin, closely followed by Brad Mcleod's 1918 Triumph TT, there was one Vintage machine Robert Eunson's 1929 Rex Acme, there was nine Post-War machines, ten Post 60 machine (including two outfits) and four Post 80 machines, the youngest was Kevin McDonald’s 1986 Yamaha RZ350. A few local riders decided to ride along, frustratingly some were on VCC eligible machines and a couple of them were branch members. The intention was to follow the usual two routes, short and long, to the end of the timed sections at the Athol District Memorial Hall. However a route check a couple of days before the event revealed major road works in a couple of places along State Highway 6 making timing impossible. The organisers decided to abandon the timed sections and go straight to Kingston Golf Club. Ironically the road works were shut down for the weekend and the road was clear! The lunch stop at the Kingston Golf Club was a welcome break to stretch the limbs and a chance to catch up; the excellent bagged lunches went down a treat. The quiz and skill test was conducted at the golf club.
The absence of tourists made the run down the Devils Staircase an absolute hoot, wrestling a large outfit along the lakeside twist and turns with the spectacular scenery, is hard work but guaranteed to put a smile on my face.
After the difficulties of the last few years, securing the Arrowtown Bowls club, for the second time, for the evening event and prize giving was much appreciated. The mobile catering wagon did a roaring trade, Bowls club members and some locals also partook.
Overall winner was Matt Furness on his 1984 Yamaha SRX 250. The Hard Luck Trophy went to the organiser Mac McGarry. The machine he originally entered on expired on the way to getting a WoF, the replacement made it to Lumsden, then blew a cylinder head gasket.
The run back was a blast, the strong Northerly wind meant most competitors virtually flew home. Travelling up I used a tank and a half of petrol on the way back I didn’t even go on to reserve.
Mac and Carol McGarry, and the team, deserve praise for organising and running a great rally.
Commercial Rally - 2nd November 2024
On the 2nd of November 2024 the Commercial Rally left from the Club Rooms at 1.30 pm, with seven vehicles taking part, on a very wet day. We started the rally with a field test and then continued through Tisbury on to Mill Road North. The first stop was at Myross Bush Hall, where we had two more field tests and it was the start of the timed section.
After completing the two field tests we headed through North Makarewa, Grove Bush, Wilson’s Crossing, Forbes Road and through Wallacetown, West Plains Road, continuing back to the Club Rooms for the results of the rally. Full marks to the organisers for running the rally in such terrible weather.
Glenys McKenzie 25 year badge presentation.
Glenys has held a number of posts within the branch, including chairman. She also organised two very successful National Rallies.
For Sale
DA Dodge De-Lux ex Milton car Very original in concours condition with original upholstery twin wire spare wheels $25,000 phone Russell McIvor 2178481 (repriced)
VCC early edition surplus library books for the sales table
1969 Triumph Herald Convertible in good condition but is not on the road (no WOF and registration is on hold, in Auckland(!)) contact david@mcewen.co.nz.
Peugeot 404 windows Windscreen, back & side windows, Contact Ray McCulloch.
2001 Jaguar Daimler Super- charged V/8, 4 litre, long wheel base. Has travelled 93,000 km. Very tidy and runs well. Heaps of grunt. Ex Steve Thomas. $16,000.00 ono. Contact Barry on 021949531
1995 Jaguar XJ6 3.2 litre, long wheel base. Travelled 141384 km. Light green metallic paintwork. Tidy car. Ex Steve Thomas $6,000.00 ono. Contact Barry on 021949531
Model ‘A’ Ford Zenith ‘2’ Carburettor. Complete and 100% original with original unworn jets. Float height is correct and the whole unit is in good working order. Priced at $195.00 plus postage of $27.00. Ph 027 2245 045.
Wanted
Suitable old vintage era objects for the sale table (sold $40 of items last month)
Radio Controlled Racing Cars - Dave Harris
This month’s presentation is about Dave Harris’ passion for racing radio controlled cars.
