SOUTH OTAGO BRANCH
Chairman Robin McCall 027 4159478
Secretary Gary Beaumont 03 415 9169
Treasurer Sue Beaumont 03 415 9169
Newsletter Noeline Milne noeljoy@xtra.co.nz
Club Captain Branch Email southotago@vcc.org.nz
Vintage Car Club of NZ – South Otago Branch, Account number: 031734 0005630 00
May 2024
With much sadness we report the passing of long-time member, friend and all round good bloke, Philip James Sell. Several members were able to attend the service for Phil and hear of his love of family, fishing escapades, days at Pounawea and of course his enjoyment of motorcycles. A very nice 1974 Triumph Toledo I spotted in the park outside the doors was a credit to his mechanical skills and attention to detail. Phil looked after the Parts store at the Clubrooms along with Alan Budge for many years. Phil often spoke of the early days of the Club in the shed on Johnston Road. His knowledge and help will be greatly missed. To Beverly and family we pass on our condolences.
Our sympathies also go to the Souness family as John is now at rest after his battle with Motor Neurone. John and Betty enjoyed many club outings and activities, have supported the Club in a lot of ways over the years. Citroen and Studebaker were vehicles they motored in.
Wednesday Run report:
A start from the Clubrooms saw folks travelling along the country roads to finish at the Clydevale Tavern for a welcome cuppa. Organised by Gaynor Falconer and Julie Nicol this time, which was changed from the planned outing to the Taieri for various reasons.
The June 5th Run will be leaving the Clubrooms at 1 p.m. and meet with any Milton folks along the way by Taylor Park. Travelling to the Taieri as was planned last month to David Dickson’s then on to Wals nursery for cuppa and/or shopping.
Chairman Robin reminds us that the AGM will be next month and positions will need to be filled.
Robin has also joined the Vintage Machinery Club and enjoyed an outing to Winton to view a very large shed filled with 100 tractors and old cars, being impressed with a Stanley Steamer.
Bill Cross shares some Balclutha business memories.
Long before the motor car was seen in Balclutha James Bremner, a watch maker and jeweler, in 1894 purchased land in Clyde Street opposite John Street and built three shops known as Bremner Buildings. The middle shop he kept for himself and remained a jewellers shop until the present day [now for sale] when C.G.Richardson took over the jewellers shop he modernized the old shop. The shop on the south side [now a bank of red post boxes] was F.W. Preddy cash grocer followed early in the century by
C.E .Naish of Naish Park, a seed merchant, while going to school I often wondered why this shop was blank and of course seeds did not make a window display. The shop on the north side before it became a chemist shop was Mrs Brownlies Central Tea Rooms where in June 1908 advertised in the Clutha Leader ‘Mrs Brownlie begs to notify she has opened her tea rooms in Clyde Street, opposite John street and will supply only the very best quality of refreshments’.
Gordon Duthie completed the Trans Alpine Scooter Safari and reporting that he had to peddle quite a lot and was humbled by the amount of people who were supporting this Cancer fundraiser. Well done to all the participants.
Congratulations go to Robin Benington who celebrated his 90th Birthday on 14th of this month. We wish you all the very best Robin.
Wishing Gary Beaumont well on his recent hip replacement.
Coming Events:
May 28th Monthly Meeting 7.30 p.m.
June 5th Wednesday Run 1 p.m. Clubrooms to the Taieri
25th Annual General Meeting