VCC WANGANUI RIVET JUNE 2023

June 2023

Mike Marshall with his beloved 52 BSA

Chairman Andrew presents to Linda Kendrick Golden Flash. See inside. prizes for overall rally winners, K & R Brown

Official Magazine of the Wanganui Branch of the V.C.C. of NZ

P O Box 726, Wanganui , Street Address—Patapu Street, Wanganui East wanganui@vcc.org.nz

Patron: Alan Bates

Chairman:

Vice

Secretary:

Treasurer:

Auditor Peter Powell

Club

Motorcycle

Committee

Health &

& Compliance Vacant position

biffoditty@gmail.com.

Beaded

Archivist:

Rivet

Official VCC Website: www.vcc.org.nz

VCC Branch Mags: http://vcc.org.nz/news-from-our-branches/ Facebook Wanganui Vintage Car Club: https://www.facebook.com/whanganuivcc/?

VCC Codes for discounts:

Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry ANTIQUECAR

Greetings Members

From The Editor’s Desk

Welcome to the June edition of your Rivet. Half way through the year...a year that seems to be to going incredibly quickly.

A new look committee this year. Vice Chairman Bill James, Club Captain Andrew Johnson, Ray Savage, Linda Kendrick and Dave McDermid are standing down. Also Sue Dittmer and Ann Berntsen in the kitchen and Sue for hall bookings. We thank you one and all for your outstanding service and hope that you will all be available to stand again in the future. As in any organisation, experience is invaluable.

We welcome in our new committee and officials. Please see the list on page 2 of this Rivet. Our Annual Rally is done and dusted for another year. Please see a full report in his edition. A list of prize winners is also included. As I have done with our previous main rallies, all entrants photos of their vehicles will be published over the next 2-3 editions of the Rivet. I believe that it is important to recognise ALL entrants and not just the prize winners, otherwise those like myself would not get a mention.

There were good numbers for our mid May working bee. Thanks heaps gals n guys for turning out– it really is a great socialising occasion as well as keeping our assets looking spic n span. The outside painting of the Clubrooms looks fantastic. I did not get around to taking any photos this time I am sorry to say. I was too busy consuming some of the delicious hot sausage rolls and savouries our talented former pastry cook, Ray Savage, provided. Thanks Ray. Not too good for my girth though. Ah well, should make me cuddly for wifey...yeah right. On other than VCC matters, the Military Vehicle Club, of which some are also VCC Members, undertook a very interesting on/off road Sunday Run ( much in the same vein as our Branch runs, although the roads/tracks are considerably more challenging.) We returned from a farm run up the Turakina Valley Road via a turn off near Mangamahu, exiting onto the Parapara Highway at Te Rimu Road. I have never been on this “road” before. More akin to a track in places and most enjoyable. Not suggesting that our VCC Branch follow suit though. At least not until the summer months.

On my home front I have been having a re-build undertaken on my old 37 Plymouth, one which many of you may harrumph and frown upon. The old girl ( car not wife) is undergoing an “operation” whereby a 2006 Chrysler 300 V6 has “donated” running gear to convert the Plymouth into a modern cruiser. Mechanically the old Plymouth was great, but the handling terrible. Just as well that this was undertaken, as Tim at ERL noticed that the front end was close to collapsing. Once it was sandblasted to remove decades of grease etc, the chassis was seen to be all but split through in three places. Plus one side 50mm longer than the other. No wonder I had one hell of a job on keeping it in a straight line even taking into account that a wheel alignment had been done. I was driving like a drunken rugby player. ( Yes been there and done that in a past life) Could have ended in a hell of a crash. Pity to wreck two cars to get one, but….. Hope that you all enjoy the article on Mike Marshall’s collection in this edition. Continually looking for others to contribute so please put your hands up!

That’s all this month. Yours in cruising Editor Ian

Greetings Members

This past year has seen some of the restrictions of Covid but otherwise a full programme of events. The success of this is all attributed to the excellent committee. Some of these wonderful members on your committee have been there for up to 17 years and are now calling time. To those who are not standing again I wish to convey my heart- felt thanks to you for your service to this club and to the members.

One of my early observations was that the Clubrooms were in need of a spruce up. Bill organised the advice on the paint scheme from a professional consultant and also the paint at a most agreeable price. Before we could organise a suitable event to carry out the repaint, Ray, Christine, Bill, Heather and the Zeilstra brothers had already prepared and painted the majority of the building. The rest was finished at the last working bee. Please take time to admire their handiwork and to thank them.

During this year we had to address the issue of the stolen large gas bottles. We took the opportunity to try to also address safety issues with a poor work layout in the kitchen where very hot water was being carried around in a crowded area at times. With Rob O’Keefe’s help we have overcome most issues but a little fine tuning may still be needed. We can still have gas hot water but need to use 2 x 9kg bottles and remove them after use for security reasons.

All of the VCC branches throughout New Zealand are finding that 80% of their membership is definitely over sixty to seventy years old. To this end being able to find folk capable of performing some roles is becoming more difficult. This club is not alone and we may have to learn to work smarter in order to carry out what we need to. I can see the need for members with computer skills to become more active.

After the AGM we will be looking for a candidate that can be trained into the Club Captain role. This will suit anyone who has some computer skills and a passion for Vintage Cars. We are blessed with a plethora of wonderful roads and lots of folk with great ideas on routes are always available to help. Andrew Johnson has had to pull back due to other commitments but is most willing to help.

Andrew Dittmer Chair

A warm welcome to newcomers on the committee– Dale Whitaker, Sarah Howell and Wayne Gedye. We look forward to work with you all. Also a big thank you to Graeme Purves for officially joining up with the guys in the Parts Shed and to Dale Whitaker for taking on hall bookings/custodianship. Editor Ian

Club Captain’s Report — June 2023

Greetings Members

My year as club captain has drawn to a close. It was with sadness that I realised with all my commitments something had to go. I have found the position demanding but also incredibly rewarding. As of the AGM the position of club captain is unfilled. I am sure there will be a large effort to find the right person for the job. I will be around to help whoever takes it on. To those that have taken on new positions congratulations. I am sure the club is in good hands.

I would like to pay tribute and thanks to every member of the committee I have worked with over the last few years, they and many others put in a huge effort to make this club the success it is.

The running of our bigger events require help from many members. Virtually all those that helped with our recent Annual rally were volunteers that came to me, thanks your help was appreciated. It has been great to see our events over the last year have been well patronised. Going forward it is my opinion the club must continue to grow its membership especially younger members. Also the committee should reduce its own workload which may require more delegating to other club members. Looking at event entries show a steady climb in the numbers in the “newer” classes. This is to be expected but at the same time we need to keep catering for all members.

In the future I will be doing my best to help the club. I believe the best action for me is to help with the running of events and training others.

The very best wishes and safe motoring

Andrew J

Annual Rally Pics

Left: Chairman Andrew presents the first prize in the raffle to Heather James.

Right: David Robinson in party mode at the dinner. Seen here wearing his underpants on the outside plus a beanie on top and drinks in hand. Makes for an interesting pic?

Mike’s Collection

Much to my delight Mike Marshall from Feilding has agreed to share his love for the VCC and old vehicles with our membership. I am very grateful to Brenda, Mike’s lovely wife, for working with Mike in order to present this article to share with Members. I say this every time when I interview someone who is prepared to “open their garage doors,” that I really do get blown away with the knowledge and dedication strongly evident upon “digging” into their treasured vehicles and their involvement with our movement. Mike has the collection “bug” really bad. So many vehicles have been restored by him and he has not finished yet! I really enjoyed my time with Brenda and Mike when I visited them in Feilding. They are a very hospitable couple and a real pleasure to work with.

Here is Mike’s story brought to you by the man himself, ably assisted by Brenda. Editor Ian

I joined Wanganui VCC 25 years ago when we lived in Whanganui for a short time. I received my 25 year badge last month.

When we moved to Feilding – then further a-field to Raglan and Woodville, I remained a member of Whanganui as I had made so many good friends there. We lived in Woodville for 8 years and every first Wednesday of the month without fail, I travelled to Whanganui to attend the meetings.

I have served as Club Captain for 6 years and on the committee for years. I have enjoyed helping with working bees and have supplied my digger and truck when needed.

There has to be a start to vintage car collecting madness. It began when I was 14 at boarding school and 3 of us bought a 1930 Essex (until the principal found out). During my apprenticeship I bought a 1928 Willys Whippet and drove it around for 2 years without brakes, so you soon learn to be aware of everyone on the road. Double-declutch gear changes became very precise!

Motor bikes then took over my life for the next 10 years until I travelled overseas.

I have a thing about having to wear seatbelts so owning cars built before 1955 got around this issue. Over 20 or so years I owned a long line of Austin Sheerlines and Princesses, now all sold. When my son and daughter reached driving age, I bought Steve an Austin A90 Atlantic and Jennie a Nash Metropolitan.

Most of you will have visited my shed in Feilding, we sold it 3 years ago but I still retain the use of the workshop and a quarter of the main area to store cars and bikes and tinker to my hearts content.

My current collection includes both bikes and cars mostly under various stages of repair. Firstly, I fully restored 1912 Austin 10HP from just a box of parts. It took 7 years to restore and a lot of the work on this car was done by my good friend Ian Chamberlain. The man is a magician not a car restorer!

Next I restored a 1937 International D2 Pick-up which I drive around Feilding from time to time. Then I went completely mad and imported a bright red 1969 Pontiac Firebird from the States. This turned out to need more body work than I had been led to believe. Sadly I had to sell it after my stroke as it was very heavy to steer. I then turned my attention to working on a 1924 Austin 12/4 which is now owned by another “Austineering” friend. I have always been keen on Austin A 90 Atlantic's since I bought my son one all those years ago and now own 3. Recently I purchased a convertible, some work was done and it just needs a tidy up to be complete, I drove it to Kimbolton on a VAR outing but one of the wheels parted company with the rest of the car and it had to return home on the back of a tow truck. Just part of the fun of owning an old car! My last car (?) is the Atlantic owned by my old boarding-school mate, the late Neil Deighton, which I rescued from an old dairy factory at Utiku. This needs quite a bit of work, its been sand blasted is now ready for panel beating and paint.

Mike’s Collection

My love of motor bikes is still as strong as ever and over the past 10 years my collection has included:

1947 C11 BSA.

1952 BSA Golden Flash.

1954 BSA Bantam.

1961 Ariel Leader.

2023 Royal Enfield.

Over my life I have owned 102 vintage and collectable cars and motor bikes and I keep telling myself I have enough and wont buy any more, but you and I both know that this vintage car collecting madness never ends! I look forward to my next “find”.....

Thank you Mike and Brenda for opening your garage doors. Really enjoyed chatting with you both.

Editor

Ian

Top left: Mike’s favourite-1937 International D2. Reproduced photo.

Top right: 1951 Austin Atlantic under restoration. Ex Neil Deighton car.

Above left: Two Austin Atlantic's. 1949 convertible on left and a 1947 on right.

Above: My pick-1923 Austin 12/4

Left: 1912 Austin 10HP at a rally. Reproduced photo as this vehicle and the pick up International were locked away at another locality when I called.

Annual Rally 2023

A crisp yet thankfully fine morning greeted 51 entrants at the Wanganui Racecourse for our Annual Rally. Following a driver’s briefing, vehicles were set on their way at regular intervals by Rally Secretary Christine Savage. The entourage of yesterday’s motoring masterpieces made for an interesting spectacle as they set forth. No tyre squealing or wildly revving engines, just a refined array of immaculately prepared vehicles departing in an orderly fashion.

Proceeding through Wanganui East and onto Number 3 Line, the rally run sheet directed entrants onto SH3 by way of the Warrengate Road and onto the Turakina Valley Road and the start of the timed section, which really does sort entrants out. From here there was an interesting array of twists and turns over many different roads keeping navigators on their toes and ending up back on Turakina Valley Road where more turn offs had to be negotiated before following Kauangaroa Road into Fordell where the timed section finished.

From here our motoring masterpieces wound their way back to our Clubrooms in Wanganui East where a well earned lunch break was taken. After lunch the rally sheets directed our brave gals n guys to negotiate their way into the rural settings of Rapanui and onto the Kai Iwi Valley Road. Crossing SH3 and onto Rangitatau Road, three more turns brought the seasoned travelers onto to the Blueskin ( this name always fascinates me) From here the rally sheet directed everyone onto Brunswick Road, through Aramoho and across Dublin Street Bridge and back to the Clubrooms. There were of course, several strategically placed silent checks throughout the rally, displaying various car and motorcycle makes to keep navigators and drivers on their toes. A well thought out route. The day was capped off with a superb dinner at the Wanganui Racecourse Function Centre provided by Master Chef, Michael Hos and his team. And of course much socializing. Prize giving followed. a list of which is included in this edition of the Rivet. Special thanks to our Rally Secretary, Christine Savage, Club Captain Andrew Johnson and the many willing helpers and marshals, without whom these rallies would never eventuate. Finally a big thank you to all entrants. You are the most important ingredient in the mix! Really great to see so many out of town folk, who year in year out, venture to our fair city to ply their rallying skills and to enjoy the comradeship.

Editor Ian

Overall winning car at our Annual Rally 2023 was this stunning 1962 Chevrolet Belair belong to Karl and Rebecca Brown of Wanganui. Rebecca is the daughter of Linda Kendrick, who was one of the navigators in the Chev. Linda, as most of you will know, is our Patron Alan Bates daughter. Rallying is in the family!

Annual Rally 2023 Prize Winners

Vintage over 2500c Warwick Bain Cup: Graeme Purves & Liz Taylor 1930 Ford Model A Runner-up: David and Mihi McDermid 1930 Ford Model A

Post Vintage A & R Voss Cup: David & Glynis Robinson 1939 Ford Deluxe Runner-up: Craig & Wendy Ryland 1939 Chevrolet

Post War Boyd Challenge Cup: Frank & Liz James 1959 Austin A35 Runner-up: Jim Bilby& Marr-Ann Vandyk1955 Zephyr Mk1

Commercial Commercial Trophy: Toni Jenkins & Fay Wilbur 1962 Austin A35 Runner-up: John & Wendy Bullock 1928 Ford Model A

Post 1960 Post 1960 Trophy: Karl & Rebecca Brown 1962 Chev Belair Runner-up: Tim Ross & Elizabeth Common 1972 Honda Civic

Post 1980 Kendrick Family Trophy: Owen & Heather Duncan 1983 Holden C’dore Runner-up: Steve & Joy Growden 1982 Ford Cortina

Overall Winner Cromarty Tray: Karl & Rebecca Brown 1962 Chev Belair

Highest Placed Local Bates Cup: Karl & Rebecca Brown 1962 Chev Belair

2nd Overall Frank & Liz James 1959 Austin A35

3rd Overall Tim Ross & Elizabeth Common 1972 Honda Civic Only 2 points separated the first 3 overall places

Furthest travelled Steve & Joy Growden Whakatane

Best dressed lady Julie Riepen

Best dressed man Bruce Ardell

Raffle 1st Heather James

2nd Graeme Langridge

3rd Dave McDermid

Annual Rally 2023

Chairman Andrew on left of each photo presenting prizes:

Left: Graeme Purves Winner Vintage

Right: Dave McDermid Runner-up Vintage

Left: Dave & Glynis Robinson Winner Post Vintage. Caught displaying their goodies.

Right: Wendy Ryland Runner-up Post Vintage

Left: Frank James Winner Post War and Runner-up overall

Right: Jim Bilby Runner-up Post War

Annual Rally 2023

Chairman Andrew on left of each photo presenting prizes:

Left: Toni Jenkins winner Commercial Vehicles

Right: Wendy & John Bullock Runner-up Commercial

Below left: Rebecca & Karl Brown, kids and pooch Winner of Post 60 plus Overall & Local Winner.

Photo supplied by Rebecca’s Mum, Linda Kendrick

Above right: Tim Ross Runner-up Post 60 and 3rd overall

Left: Heather & Owen Duncan Winner Post 80

Right: Steve Growden Runner-up Post 80

Annual Rally 2023 Car Pics

Top left: First car off the grid was a 1959 Austin A35 piloted by Frank James

Top right: Tim Ross sets his 1976 Honda Civic alight

Middle left: 1929 De Soto Phaeton driven by Wayne Gedye takes centre stage

Middle right: Peter Hardy at the controls of his 1968 Riley Elf

Below left: 1955 Mk.1 Zephyr has Jim Bilbly behind the wheel. Too cold to drop the top

Below Right: Graham Jack nudges his 1976 Ford Capri forward to the start line

Top

Top

Annual Rally 2023 Car Pics

Lee Taylor overshooting the start line in his 1928 Ford Model A

1930 Ford Model A with David McDermid at the controls

Middle left: Graeme Purves steadies his Ford Model A close to the line.

Middle right: Toni Jenkins with “Grasshopper” a 1962 Austin A35

Below left: Yet another Ford Model A. This one belonging to Peter Robinson

Below right: David Robinson in his left hook 1939 Ford Deluxe waiting patiently

left:

right:

Highland Fling Taihape

Submitted by

Mihi McDermid

Up early on Saturday and off for the briefing outside the Gretna Hotel at 7.45am. This was given by Alistair Jones in his usual very entertaining style. No timed sections and we already had our route instructions as they were in the rally pack, picked up on Friday, so off we went.

For the first section we drove mostly back roads to Mangaweka via the Kawatau Valley. Morning tea stop at Mangaweka Hall. After morning tea motored by more back roads, back towards Taihape to the lunch stop at “River Valley” tourist spot. After lunch ended up on the Napier Taihape Road and turned into Ohinewairua Station and proceeded across country on farm tracks. This involved a decent of 1500 feet then across grass paddocks followed by a climb back up 1500 feet to emerge through Erewhon Station back to Taihape. A long day 144 miles. We were very lucky with the weather as the cross country section was dry and we didn’t need our chains.

Day two began 7.45am again with more wit from Alistair Jones and we were off travelling to Hunterville via mostly metal roads, stopping at Huntervile School for morning tea. Then back on the road to travel up the Turakina Valley road, rough and slushy, to Mataroa School for lunch. What a great lunch the school committee put on for us, nice venison steaks etc. It was then off to Barry Cleavers farm for a bit of fun on the grass. The dinner was at the Gretna Hotel with Bagpiping, Speeches, Haggis eating and a spot of Whiskey drinking.

A big thanks to all who put this fun event on especially Kaaren Smylie, Alastair Jones and others of the BOP Vintage Car Club. Also, Jim Whittle and helpers who organised the X country.

Now a chapter of incidents and breakdowns. There were a lot and all but 1 of the Whanganui entrants suffered in one way or another.

Dave and Mihi McDermid’s Model A wouldn’t start Friday morning. Clean points and got the car running. Completed rally.

Lee and Karen Taylor’s generator failed them on their Model A on reaching Taihape. They borrowed a battery charger from Chris Lawrence and charged up each night. Completed rally.

John and Wendy Bullock burst a water hose in their bus, at Fern Flats, which was trailering their Model A. John drove the Model A the rest of the way to Taihape. He broke a head light lens at the end of day one. Completed rally.

Graham and Karen Langridge burst 2 tyres on the trailer carrying their Model A at Fern Flats. They took wheels off John Bullocks trailer to repair. Completed rally.

Bill and Heather James travelling with Heather’s brother in a Dodge broke down on rally – no spark. Provided with a condenser by another entrant and got going. Completed rally.

Rob and Linda O’Keeffe broke a push rode in the Buick on day one and retired from rally.

Shane Hobman and Ray Dennison had problems with the voltage regulator and fixed with a piece of cardboard. Then on way home their Commodore Ute which was towing the trailer with Chevy 4 on board broke down. Completed rally. Thank you Mihi. Great report. Editor Ian

Monday–Friday: 8am–5pm Saturday: 8am–12noon

Heads Road, Wanganui Ph: 06 348 7108

Annual Rally 2023 Car Pics

Top left: Verdon Heath in the 1964 Saab chatting to the Starter, Christine Savage

Top right: 1939 Chev Coupe driven by Craig Ryland itching to get away

Middle left: John Bullock in his 1928 Ford Model A Pickup ready and waiting

Middle right: Sporty 1971 MGBGT piloted by Glyn Clements set for a flyer off the line

Bottom left: Mac Keene has his big 1952 Austin Sheerline A125 all set to go

Bottom right: 1982 Ford Cortina driven by Steve Growden inching forward to the line

Annual Rally 2023 Car Pics

Top left: Ken Foot in his 1958 Humber 80 receiving instructions before starting

Top right: 1977 Saab 96 piloted by Philip Pearce looking impatient and ready to roll

Above left: Bill James driving Ann Berntsen’s 1930 Ford Model A

Above right: 1956 Vauxhall Cresta with Bruce Thomas at the wheel waiting on starters orders

More Rally Pics in the July Rivet Editor Ian

Club Captain’s Sunday Run

Very heavy overnight rain caused slips and flooding around the region. Sunday morning dawned to closed roads and the prospect of postponing our run. Sunday morning I checked a few roads and a clearing forecast gave some optimism. To my surprise 11 cars braved the chilly day and after a brief discussion it was agreed there was no reason not to proceed.

While setting a previous run I noticed two completely different businesses with a similar name. From there the idea grew so all the questions had an answer relating to wood. The run went up Brunswick hill, along Blueskin Rd, then SH3 onto Rapanui Rd, Francis Rd and eventually out to the airport. Then up Durie Hill, down Okoia Hill then via Kaimatira Rd and back to the clubrooms.

Congratulations to the 6 teams that got all the questions right. And thanks for braving the weather it was great to see you all.

Andrew J Thank you for the run and report Andrew Editor Ian

Annual Rally Pics

Presented by Chairman Andrew on the left in the photos:

Best Dressed Lady Julie Riepen

Best Dressed Man Bruce Ardell

Club Calendar

All runs meet at the Clubrooms at 1pm unless otherwise stated

July

5th Club Night. Speaker from St Johns

16th Sunday Run

Aug

2nd Club Night

20th VCC National Day for Cancer-Daffodil Sunday Drive. Depart from Clubrooms 1pm

24th Daffodil Business Deliveries. Details follow

Sept 6th Club Night-Shiny Parts Auction

17th Sunday Run to Hawera. Details to follow

Oct

4th Club Night

20th-23rd Commercial Rally. Details to follow

Farm shop opening hours:

Tuesday to Friday 8am to 5pm Saturday 8am to 1-30 pm

Bates Watchmakers

130 Victoria Ave, Wanganui

Phone/Fax 06 345-2235

Email: bateswatch@gmail.com

Watch Specialists for Whanganui

Sales & Repairs

Mainstreet’s Top Shop Award Winner

107 Rapanui Road Westmere

Ed Boyd Parts Shed

We have an outstanding collection of engines, gearboxes, body parts, spares, new and used, from a vast range of manufacturers. These parts span from the early 1900’s to more modern production vehicles. If you are looking for anything, large or small, to keep your car on the road call us to see if we can assist. You will find our prices unbelievable. Please call of email us:

Dave 06 347 6915 027 555 4201 whanganuiriverboats@xtra.co.nz

Chris 06 348 7335 027 443 1184 cgandkrwhite@gmail.com

Trevor 06 345 8897 027 245 7770

lf we don’t have it, we may know someone who does!

For Sale/Wanted To Buy

For Sale: Holden HR wagon 1966. Manual transmission 186 motor, in very good condition throughout. Sold with new WOF. Realistic offer will be accepted. Please phone for more details on 0274 896 284 Frank Forlong

For Sale: 1965 Riley Elf Mk2. 81000 miles. Current owner 30 years. Reg & WOF. Excellent runner. Very original English classic. Reluctant sale $8800 ono. Phone Bryan 027 443 4403

For Sale: 1937 Plymouth motor and gearbox. Complete. Sound and running unit. $2000 Various other parts available soon. Wanganui Branch car. Phone Ian Higgins 027 201 2706

Wanted to Buy: NZ number plate with AZ prefix. Phone Evan Forsyth 021 335 003

For Sale: Morris Minor 1000 gearbox. Good condition. Put straight in. $350. Sam 027 235 5657

Wanganui Toy Fair

On Sunday 14th May (Mother’s Day) a group of VCC enthusiasts made their way to the Springvale Stadium to display their vehicles as part of the Wanganui Toy Fair. Although early in the morning the weather looked a little threatening, the forecasted showers didn't arrive until after we had departed the scene. In all we had a good collection of yesterday’s cars and a couple of trucks present. The vehicles were very warmly received by the public. For those Members who stayed for the duration of the display, there was an opportunity to indulge in some retail therapy and by all accounts it appeared some worthwhile purchases were made ... after all timing is essential to score something at a discounted price.

We very much appreciate those members who gave up their time to display their vehicles for the day’s event.

Pierre and Sietse Zeilstra

And thank you Pierre and Sietse for organising this display and the report. And to Dale Whitaker for sending in this interesting photo of her and her friends ??? looking scary

Editor Ian