Next Meeting
Tuesday 24th September 2024
7.30 p.m.
Clutha Rally Saturday 9th November 2024
VINTAGE CAR CLUB
SOUTH OTAGO BRANCH
Chairman Robin McCall 027 41594
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
September 2024
Spring is bringing some very mixed weather days. The Magnolia in my garden has been laden with blooms and I have been expecting it to be well frosted as usually happens but not the case this time. The winds have created a carpet of petals on the lawn now though. Hoping to get some potatoes in the ground soon. Hope you have been able to get out in your garden too.
The August meeting night was enjoyed by those who were able to attend. Thanks to Gary for getting the Fish & Chip orders. Progress on the Clutha Rally was reported on with all coming together well. Entry Forms would be ready to go out very soon.
An advertisement for Beaded Wheels for the Branch’s 50th Motorcycle Rally next year to be organised.
The upcoming Veteran & Vintage Car Auction being held on 21st September at 575 Waimumu Road, Gore was discussed with several members intending to attend.
Wednesday Run began from the Clubrooms, travelling to Tapanui. 22 from our group were seated for afternoon tea at the Benger Nui café on their very first day of opening. Patrons were able to choose from a good selection of food. Some took the opportunity to visit the Nursery for some plant purchases and the journey home was through Beaumont. Thank you to Gaynor Falconer and Julie Nicol for organising the outing.
Neville King has the Wednesday Run for 2nd October all organised. Meet at the Clubrooms 1.30 p.m. for a short tarseal run to view a private property with gardens and cars to view – weather dependant.
A surprise email arrived from Gerry Spenser of Wanaka with some early history of cars in Clutha that he thought would be of interest to members taken from newspaper reports. This is much appreciated, perhaps they have been mentioned before but are interesting reading for our newsletter. Will add a few each month.
23 Dec 1902. The first car passes through
The first car to appear in the district passed through on Friday evening. The machine was going at a good speed and the two occupants seemed to be enjoying the ride. The journey Invercargill-Dunedin was done in twelve hours.( Reference Clutha Leader Volume XXIX Issue 1581 Page 4)
19 Jan 1909. There are now two motor cars in town
Already in town there are two motor cars and it is reported that another will find its way here in a month or so, while a well-known landowner is investing in one. The utility of the motor-car was exemplified in country agents’ circles last Thursday in this district. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, a perfect downpour prevailing all day, by the aid of their motor-car ….a pretty considerable extent of country being covered, and diverse conditions of roads being encountered during the afternoon. [Not much has changed then. (Ref. Clutha Leader Volume XXXV Issue 2123 Page 4)
Kevin Barron has spoken with Chairman Robin regarding the South A & P Show which will be the 158th Show. He has indicated that they would like several vehicles from our Club to take part, Robin will talk about this at the meeting. Entry would be free for vehicle and 2 people.
Coming
September
Events:
st Veteran & Vintage Auction – Dickson’s Estate
th Monthly Meeting 7.30 p.m. 28th Blossom Festival Rally October 2nd Wednesday Run – 1.30 Clubrooms
5th/ 6th Otago - Dunvegan Rally
11th – 13th McLean’s Island Swap Meet
29th Monthly Meeting
November 6th Wednesday Run 2nd Taieri Tour 3rd Lawrence Heritage Day 9th Clutha Rally
30th South Otago A & P Show