TOPICAL TORQUE
DECEMBER 2024
Taranaki Branch Committee
TARANAKI BRANCH
BRANCH OFFICERS, BRANCH ADDRESS, AND MEETING DETAILS 2024- 2025.
CHAIRMAN:
ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE: E-MAIL:
SECRETARY/TREASURER:
COLIN JOHNSTON. 63 BROADWAY, WAITARA. 021 131 6699 / 06 754 6216. cajohnstoncollections@xtra.co.nz
ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: E-MAIL: ROB THOMSON. 7 LEATHAM AVE, STRANDON, NEW PLYMOUTH, 4312. 027 701 2485 vcc.taranaki@gmail.com
CLUB CAPTAIN:
TELEPHONE: E-MAIL: JOHN MUTER. 06 751 5554 megandjohnny@xtra.co.nz
NEWSLETTER EDITOR:
TELEPHONE: E-MAIL:
JIM LOGAN. 027 604 4821 / 06 751 0316. logandj49@gmail.com
BRANCH COMMITTEE:( ( ( ( KEVIN FABISH: 06 756 7665 kev.fabish@gmail.com
PARTS SHED:( ( (
LES BOGNUDA: 06 755 2810 021 084 82323 bognuda63@xtra.co.nz
DANNY PATTINSON: 06 756 7735 pattinson-family@farmside.co.nz
BRIAN EVANS: 027 956 0441 brian.julie@outlook.com
JOHN MUTER: 06 751 5554
CES BUDD: 06 241 0454
NEIL ROOK: 06 758 6737
COMPLIANCE / VIN’S / VIC’S: MIKE WILLIAMS: 06 765 4419 annmike21@hotmail.co.nz
LES BOGNUDA: 06 755 2810 021 084 82323 bognuda63@xtra.co.nz
MID WEEK COORDINATOR: BRYAN MORRIS: 06 272 8027
SCRIBE / BEADED WHEELS: MEMBERSHIP / ARCHIVIST: NAME BADGES: LIBRARIAN:
CLUBROOMS CUSTODIAN: GROUNDS CUSTODIANS:( (
BRANCH INFORMATION: CLUBROOMS ADDRESS: POSTAL ADDRESS: E-MAIL: MONTHLY MEETING:
COLIN JOHNSTON: 021 131 6699 cajohnstoncollections@xtra.co.nz
ROSE COX: 027 353 9968 roselcox7@gmail.com
KEVIN FABISH: 06 756 7665
JOHN MUTER: 06 751 5554
ROSE COX: 027 353 9968
LES BOGNUDA: 06 755 2810
DANNY PATTINSON: 06 756 7735
TARANAKI [19]
1040 MOUTAIN ROAD, SH3A, WAIONGANA, INGLEWOOD. C/o 7 LEATHAM AVE., STRANDON, NEW PLYMOUTH. 4312 taranaki@vcc.org.nz AT CLUBROOMS, 3RD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, 8.00pm. On The Cover: The Lizzie Bell Memorial Headstone at
Chairmans Chatter for Topical Torque
Hello Folks
As reported in last month’s Topical Torque newsletter the Christmas Holiday season is getting ever closer, so I hope to see a good turnout for Club Captain Brian Evans Christmas club BBQ run starting at the Xmas Village on Egmont Road and ending now at the clubrooms see details elsewhere. and then our December Xmas Noggin and Natter club night with your own BYO tipple.Please bring a plate to share.
On behalf of the Committee, I wish all members a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy and prosperous New Year.
Many members would have known our long time first Year member Des Cornwall who passed away on Sunday 1st December. Des was a 60-year badge holder for continuous membership and had been a member of our branch for 63 years. Thank you to all the members who attended his funeral and also who formed a guard of Honour. Des will be remembered by this branch for his significant contribution serving in various positions as an executive member and a willing helper for our rallies. Deepest sympathy to Lynette and Harvey and all their extended family.
Our last month’s Noggin and Natter guest speaker gave a very good talk on his modification of a Jaguar MK 7 of which he drove the car to the clubrooms for us all to inspect and then gave us an interesting description with DVD pictures of the work he had to do to enable its use by a wheelchair user.
It is pleasing to report that we have received over 60 responses to our request for membership list collation and we would like to get at least this many again so that we can compile the membership list. So, a big thank you to those who have sent the form into the Secretary.
We have a few name badges for members to collect so if you have asked for one, they will be at the December Noggin and Natter club night for collection.
Please check on the coming events list as over the next 4months there is a lot going on. Motor Show for Cancer, 150 years Celebration for Inglewood Town. Potters Paddock, Waitara Mini Vin Tour, 60th Maunga Moana Rally celebrations.
Thats great Let’s Get Out and About...........enjoy your summer motoring........ Drive Safely.......keep to the left...... Keep the Passion....
Cheers, Merry Xmas
Chairman Colin.
EDITORS’ REPORT
Hello Folks, well its that time of year again, for peace and goo dwill to all?? I hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas, especially if you are out on the roads travelling around. As Colin mentioned, it will be a busy time over the next couple of months, with different events coming up. But please don’t forget to get your membership details into Secretary Rob, so that we can progress the list of members in the New Year.
Many thanks to those who have turned out to represent our Branch at Christmas parades, and still some to come
Hoping for a fine day for Brian and Julie’s run on Sunday 15 th, hope to see you there.
I have attached information on the back page regarding the Rotary Car Show in Inglewood on January 26. This is the day after the 150 -year Parade and Celebration so it could be a busy weekend for some, there is also a tribute to the late Des Cornwall, whose funeral service I had the privilege of attending with some of you on Wednesday.
That’s all for now, see you at one of the upcoming events, Jim Logan
CLUB CAPTAINS REPORT
Brian and Julie's run raising money for awareness for men's health was a great success. Starting it Waitara and travelling over the Tarata saddle then to the clubrooms for a potluck lunch was extremely enjoyable. Great weather scenery food and company, what more could you want. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Midweek run organised by Bryan Morris to Pihama. A good number of members turned up and enjoyed hearing about the history of the area and about the sinking of the Lizzie Bell off the Pihama coast. Thanks, Bryan, for an enjoyable event.
The branch has been donated some tap and die sets the socket set and windscreen removal kit to sell. They are in the library to view if anyone is interested in purchasing them. Don't forget to contact me if you have a vehicle restored since 2020 to go on the restoration board, which will be updated early next year.
COMING EVENTS
Sunday 15 December Brian and Julie's Christmas run - Due to a lack of interest in the Buffet at the Fern Lodge we will now end the Christmas run at the VCC Club rooms and enjoy an end of year BBQ Please bring a salad and desert to share and meat to cook on the BBQ.
The club committee will cook and provide the potatoes. Any that have already paid will receive a full refund. The run will still start at the Christmas Village on Egmont Road and parking is reserved for the VCC up to 9.30am. You can enjoy a trip around the shop before we send the first car away at 10am
Thursday 19 December
Our Christmas club night, Christmas Nog n Natter, please bring a plate for supper, BYO drinks.
25th and 26 January Inglewood 150-year Centenary parade from 12 pm a selection of cars from each era have been selected by their committee to join the parade and our club has been invited to display our cars after this event. Parking will be available in Moa Street before the para. The Lions charity motor show will be held the following day on Sunday 26th.
Sunday 2 February Daffodil Day motor show at Hawera a & P Showgrounds. Please support this important fundraising event with as many club cars as possible. Details to follow next month.
We hope you all have a fantastic Christmas and New Year.
Brian and John
NATIONAL EVENTS 25 – 28 October National Commercial Rally, North Otago Branch.
25 – 27 January 2025 National Motorcycle Rally, Manawatu Branch.
5-7 February National Veteran Rally, Marlborough Branch.
Events Calendar
JANUARY
November Midweek Run.
A group of about thirteen met at the Matapu Hall where we were greeted by Bryan who outlined where we would be going and we then set off in Indian file towards our Pihama destination, Bryan leading the way.
A short twenty minutes later we arrived at the entrance to the Stevenson’s property on S H 45.We were met at the parking area on front of the old Church by Mark Stevenson, who was the principal behind rescuing the Church from demolition and getting it transported the 15 Km over neighbouring farmland to its current resting place. And what a credit to his efforts it is. The church interior has been faithfully restored to its original native timber glory, including what is reported to be the smallest working example of a wind organ worldwide!!
Alongside the Church, but attached, is a collection of Mark’s dad’s memorabilia portraying some of the history of the Pihama area going back to the late 1800’s. A very illuminating collection of photos, newspaper reports and personal recollections from some of the early settlers of the region.
After a short drive we then arrived at the Lizzie Bell cemetery, the second stop on our run. This privately maintained cemetery has been in existence since late1800’s and is the final resting place for many locals including the 12 sailors lost when the ship Lizzie Bell went on the rocks near Oeo in 1901. Also of interest is the old horse drawn dray, now restored, that was used to carry the bodies of the sailors from the coast to this, their final resting place. It is housed in a purpose - bu ilt display constructed by our own club member Neal Carter.
A heartfelt thank you Bryan for a most enjoyable and informative afternoon, and I would say that if you are ever travelling through that area, the old Church is well worth a look. That can be arranged by contacting the Stevenson’s by prior arrangement.
The Lizzie Bell of 1037 tons built in Sunderland Great Britain under Capt John Rees was an iron Barque of two decks, owned by Mrs Iredale, Porter and Co of Liverpool, the Barque on its maiden voyage arrived in Dunedin in June 1901 from Glasgow with general goods, then sailed for Wellington discharging the balance of cargo.
On 24th July with 600 ton of earth as ballast the Lizzie Bell sailed for Newcastle New South Wales to load coal, when the bark ran on to the Wharanaki Reef a mile from the Oeo river mouth. The captain and crew (18) boarded the lifeboat under terrible conditions - after being overturned on two occasions both with loss of life - then drifting for several hours the lifeboat was thrown on rocks near Captain Good's Oeo farm. Further men died of exposure during the night and the six survivors eventually made Capt Good’s home. Three other ships had ended up on the same coastline over the previous four years.
The funeral of the sailors took place at Pihama, 28 July 1901 with 10 being buried and two more were found later and are buried nearby the monument. Mr H Wagstaff, the Pihama storekeeper organise a collection on the day of the funeral, the funds collected to be used to help Pihama finance the fine marble headstones as a permanent memorial to the sailors of the Lizzie Bell.
At the enquiry that followed, Capt Reese insisted that the Barques compass was faulty, but the enquiry found the shipwreck was caused by negligent navigation, and Captain Rees certificate was suspended for 12 months, he also was ordered to pay £25 toward the cost of enquiry
. Another item of interest is the anchor, retrieved from the sea at Oeo in the early 1960s, taken to Hawera and installed in Mr J Blake's garden for 10 years, then sold to Mrs Patterson (Capt Goods daughter) for her garden, until it reached its final resting place on the Lizzie Bell grave site at Pihama Cemetery. The ship's bell was for nearly 100 years, used daily at the Oeo primary school to call students to their classes. The school has recently closed and the fate of the bell is unknown. Mr J Blake and Mr W Beanie, Otakeho farmers, salvaged timber and steel from the wreck, later building a cowshed and other buildings on their land on the Omuturangi Road, Otakeho. The captain's table was salvaged at the time of the disaster and is in daily use in a Pihama Homestead.
DID YOU KNOW –
That any members are welcome to visit our parts shed by contacting a committee member to organise a suitable time for a visit. There is a wealth of parts within and there is not always time on Club night to rummage through them all.
WANTED TO BUY
• Ford T 21-inch wheel and rim, 4 stud bolt on type, ph John 7515554(mem)
FOR SALE
• 1936 AUSTIN 7 OPAL, Bodywork is original but has some rust. Hood and Hood bows included. Chassis has been blasted and painted, and some restoration done. Believed to be complete but for rear mudguards and upholstery. Seat frames included and some spare mechanical parts. $1,200 Photo indication of completed project.
• Please text only 027 457 3200 New Plymouth. (Member)
• 1934 BSA 10 hp. Rare as hens’ teeth. Almost complete mechanically. Wheels mudguards. Scuttle, radiator, plus other bits. $1000. Text Jim Watson. 0274573200.
• 150mm Bench grinder, double – ended, $50, Chev gearbox -1937 -39 $100, piston ring sets many and individual sizes from 1920’s to 1990’s, ph John on 7515554
• Yakima brand roof rack. Excellent condition. New price $495, will sell for $200 cash.
The S16Y Aero ThruBar silver pair, fits around 1,000 makes and models. Visit www.yakima.co.nz to see if it fits your vehicle (Neil also has a list). Contact Neil Rook, 06 7586737.
• Kent driving lights , chrome, as new $40.00 pr. Electric cooling fan, as new, $25.00 Metal Velocette sign, approx 400mm x 300mm new $20.0. Sunroof, suit 80’s on. NOS Vanguard rocker panels [sills] NOS, light surface rust, $50. Mazda B1600 ute tail gate skin, NOS, $5. Luggage carrier, rusty but will clean up, $50.00. Audi 5-cylinder engine, $200.00. Contact Taranaki Branch - Parts Dept.
• Morris 1300, twin engined, unique, road legal and drives well, asking $9,000, ph Albert 0278588072)mem)
Anyone wanting one or more of these stylish decals to go on your vehicle’s windows, please see Kevin Fabish, size 5cm x 12cm
29th ANNUAL CHARITY CAR SHOW
Sunday 26th January 2025
Venue - Inglewood High School
The Inglewood Rotary Club invites you to be part of the day and bring your vehicle or vehicles, along to display. If you know a fellow owner of a ‘vehicle of interest’ who would like to participate, please extend this invitation to them on our behalf.
The entry fee for exhibitors is $5.00 which includes the vehicle, the driver and one passenger. Extra passengers will pay the gate fee of $5 for adults with U15’s free. Exhibitors entering more than one exhibit will be asked to pay for the first entry only.
Gates will be open to the public from 10.30am until 2.30pm. We would like exhibitor vehicles in position by 10am. Exhibitor gates will open at 9am.
If you are coming as a club or a group and wish to park together, please endeavour to arrive together and if you give us a heads-up as to numbers, that would be a great help.
At 2pm a draw will be made for a $250 Prezzy Card and 10 Goody Bags all containing great value of products from our event supporters. You must be present to win.
Prizes will be awarded at this time for Best - Australian, American, British, Continental, Japanese, Bike, Hot Rod ................. and President’s Choice vehicle.
Should the weather be unsuitable on Sunday 26th of January, the show will reconvene on Sunday 2nd February - same venue, same times, same arrangements. Postponements will be notified via Facebook and email.
You can contact us in writing to The Secretary, Inglewood Rotary Club, c/- 11 Tainui Tce, Inglewood 4330
Desmond Henry Cornwall (Des) as we all knew him.
Passed away peacefully at Radius Windsor Court Rest Home Ohaup o on Sunday 1st December. Previous of Stratford. Loved Husband of past member the late Phyllis Cornwall.
Our branch is saddened at the passing of Des their long-time member and 60-year continuous membership badge holder. Des has served our Branch as Chairman, Past Chairman, Secretary, Club Captain and committee member over the 63 years of his club membership. We acknowledge the significant contribution that Des has made to our branch.
I am sure that if Des was looking back over all those years of involvement and membership of our club, he would have felt proud being so involved in a movement that he had shown so much passion for in the positions that he held over the 63 years of which he made many friends and enjoyed the camaraderie.
We the members will always remember his contribution to our Taranaki Branch by seeing D H Cornwall recorded on the honours boards with his name permanently recorded in the history of our branch. Our deepest sympathy to all the family.
Rest in Peace Des.
Colin
Johnston - Chairman Taranaki Vintage Car Club