PHOENIX
Some would say, surely worthy of worship. The blown Brough at the North Harbour Austin Shed Visit. A Hairy H. photo.
WAITEMATA BRANCH DIRECTORY
CHAIRMAN: ROBERT CHAPMAN 021 038 3281
robman@orcon.net.nz
CLUB CAPTAIN: STAN SMITH 0274 775 475 vintageaircraft@xtra.co.nz
SECRETARY: JACQUI GOLDINGHAM 09 44 58811 waitemata@vcc.org.nz
TREASURER: JACQUI GOLDINGHAM 09 445 8811 goldienz@orcon.net.nz
BRANCH DELEGATE: IAN GOLDINGHAM 09 445 8811 goldienz@orcon.net.nz
EDITOR: MICHAEL GREIG 027 24 55 786 094456760 michael.john.greig@gmail.com
SCRIBE Moveable Feast
PAST CHAIRMAN: BRENDAN LAMAIN 021 132 4557 brendanandterry@gmail.com COMMITTEE: MAX JAMIESON, MIKE HOPE-CROSS, HAMISH ANDREWS.
COMING EVENTS
Looking Forward
1st October Tuesday-Club Night.
Now the First Tuesday of the Month, until further notice. See you at the RSA Room, King George V Memorial Hall, Library Lane, Albany, 7.30 pm.
Be Ready for the October Nautical SweetAdventure with the Fabulous Willy Wonker’s Lunch.
Sunday 20th of October
Starting at the usual place, the “Club Rooms”, RSA Rooms, King George V Memorial, Library Lane Albany at the chosen time of 10.00 am, fully kitted for a sweet nautical time, a truly family event. Bring the friends as passengers as it is spring and a time to use the pride and joy on the back uncluttered roads, what remains of your hair blowing in the breeze, eye protection for dust and insects.
It is an expected duty to attend as if not noted on the roll call, it may involve a name and shame program with the terrifying visit from the Scary Santa emerging from the chimney on certain morning at the end of December.
You Have Been Informed!!
The Balloon goes up at 10. 00 Hrs, Sunday, 20th October!!
The Goldingham Production
of the Ryders Film Evening and the before dinner run.
You have to be there! The effort that goes into the events is considerable; the negations that are made on your behalf to arrange the access to a private film theatre, complementary meal and plan an 80 km back road tour takes a lot out of committed committee members.
A handful of the usual suspects attended the start in Albany and took a picturesque tour of the back roads to the venue. Many images were seen that gave the drive a marvellous touch; a field of young Norfolk Pines that are usually observed alone, the young with horses on back roads enjoying the weather, areas of wetlands being recreated to help mitigate flooding with planting the of a wide range of species, both plant and birds returning, batches of spring lambs nibbling away happily. The chance to return to the gravel
covered roads, slowly disappearing to keep the glitterati (who are invading the countryside as apartment block sprout ever so quickly in the suburbs) happy by reducing the dust. Strange thing about the movement to the countryside is that some take their children back to the crowded city for schooling and the young never meet and socialize with the neighbours and not attending local schools and like events never experience country peer groups and calf day, local sports teams and games. Well, I’m an urban reptile and haven’t moved far from home, what do I know.
Loved the distance, variety of vistas, road surfaces, twists and turns, perfect for the vintage motorist. Only when we arrived back in the West did we encounter the dreaded and spreading everywhere the Road Cones! Turn your back and there is another one.
At the arrival of the venue, I was greeted by others who had decided to miss out on the adventure of the tour and go direct to Ryders and had started off on the nibbles and byo. Soon the numbers swelled with later arrivals and old friends were acknowledged. The babble was interrupted with the call to food, healthy green salad heaped high on the plate by those attempting to be virtuous in their selection, roasted potatoes and pumpkin, lamb and beef, all ethnic fare with the gravy.
Seconds were called for and those with trimmed lamps had brought containers to supply themselves for later repasses. All were satiated. The occasional groan and gasp of ecstasy was heard.
The new call was to proceed to the viewing lounge and collect our dessert, the ice cream of choice could be one of several flavour, and to await the introduction to the screening. As we settled down the projectionist informed us that the choice of entertainment was not his, but the Secretary had chosen it. She proudly informed the audience that with the celebration of her car’s century of existence, a film was required that featured a vehicle of same age and make. With this information, and the presentation to the audience of small flags to wave, we were left with only one choice. “Chariots of Fire”. I must admit that I had not seen this in the time that the film was released and knew of the film thought the music of Vangelis.
The following day I did research the film and understood the plot a lot more and its underlying themes of class, prejudice and the fading days of empire. (Well, everyone has their own view of films.)
I enjoyed the evening, the drive and the company of members yarning, tales being spun and sharing of food. The greatest of thanks to our hosts and the Team Goldingham in arranging such a venue, plotting the journey and bringing such vitality to the event.
The Truly Great Joint Event.
The North Harbour Austin Invite Shed Run.
The weather was fine when we met at the ‘clubrooms’ with a mixture of motoring dyed-in-the-wool adherents who had bonded that day from Austineers, Dart-ers and Branch Hairy Chested motorists. All had come under the spell of Dee who with Hairy had told of a special ’cavern’ holding things which are held sacred to adherents to the dual wheeled amongst us. It was a short journey to the hills that surrounded the valley and soon the road was blocked as we fought for parking space.
I followed the throng and looked into a modest shed and was taken by the XK chassis and engine with wheeled magic that brought a smile of appreciation to many, glimpses familiar names of forgotten makers, some complete, some awaiting the gentle hand of the restorer or the gloved hand to lead them to the road. Small delicate vee twins of the early days of motoring appeared like jewels on the bench awaiting the breath of volatiles to gently putt-putt back into life. The mirror on the far wall gave a vision of the hall of the Mountain King.
We gently drifted from here to a lower level where we entered another building through an innocent door which we saw on a shelf a blown Brough, a model Zeppelin looked sidewards as we passed, an imperial espresso machine with many cooper pipes ready to hiss and whistle scarily stared with menace at us. Turning the corner was a Triton ready for combat and then we fell into a place far beyond the great expectations of the Enchanted Sheds of Uncle Mike.
It was this cartoon on the wall that showed the suffering that one goes through with dedication to one’s passion.
The time stood still in this wonder land and it was filled with joy and memories as the raconteur, Mike, told personal stories of many of the cherished ones; their histories, those that had previously looked after them and much more. These were not museum pieces but restored, treasured and ran. This was demonstrated many times with over 100-year-old bikes with little effort encouraged to give voice to the enthralled audience. Some of the younger spirited makes made aural internal plugs vibrate, loosen and melt. The visitors provided afternoon teas and the host was most generous in his hospitality and welcoming to his happy place.
On behalf of all those that attended, many thanks are not enough to express the pleasure of sharing such passion, such dedication and time with all of us mere mortals. May wafts of castor oil and laurels surround you.
It must be stated that without Dee and Keith on a quest looking for alternative transport, they were able to make this fortunate contact with Mike and bring about this event. They have that skill to be able to bring about such successful joint events for many to enjoy. They are motoring heroes to which ever club they are associated with.
Uncle Mike, attendee.
Certainly not a Museum of Silence, Darkness and Immobility
The little shed.
The lightweights will be made running but not restored.
1908 Norton
More than you can shake a stick at.
Two Flat tank Nortons and the FN
Pair of Scots, have a special tone (a yowl) and two stroke. As a youth I had a ride on one of the last whenthey were made post war.
Alfa powered Bug Special, Mk II track car.
Young Latins
Brace of Big Port AJSs.
Veteran FN 4 cylinder.
Veteran Indians have such delicate beautiful looking engines.
A most appealing Zundapp 4 cylinder. A rare survivor.
Photos from the magical eye of Keith Humphries.
Editorial as expected.
It has been a busy time with the new computers that has been donated by a committee member to update the pre-steam one that the Hon. Secretary was passed down to try to get things in order and the magazine will be in better fettle with a specific unit to bring out the monthly news and update in a hopefully timely manner.
Our leader, the Chairman Rob, happily has returned home and is on the long road to recovery. He has requested not to visit but telephonic communication is preferred. He stresses that any symptom relating to the heart must be attended to, however minor. We wish him the best in regaining his strength and health to enjoy his motoring again.
With the joint ventures arrange by Dee and Keith over the last few months, there has been much to enjoy in the motoring events we are offered. If anyone has some contacts that would enjoy a visit please bring it to the attention of the committee. We are a branch that has many interests, I am sure there would be interest in many topics that may be offered to us.
I attend some of the meetings of the Motorcycle Section of the Auckland Branch and they do have very interesting speakers, such as the last meeting had a RNZAF pilot who flew a Canberra Bomber to Australia to bring the reel of film of the landing on the moon so it could be played on the television on the news. They have had many engineers and researches on a variety of topics. Would you like a guest speaker occasionally?
While reviewing a lot of overseas material, magazines and bulletins from club I belong to, I look for articles that may be relevant to members. I have noted some articles in the English magazine, The Automobile, an article on cars that have lived some time in NZ. One was on the Riley Brooklands, or should I say the Speed Model. It was on the second Riley that FOB, William Hearne had bought and imported it with his brother. He had the ‘Dexter’ car for many years and this one had not as active life as the ‘red’ car. This one that came in was Burgandy, with the Vee screen fitted. The Dexter car has been sold to Australia and had ended up in England where is a very competitive car on the track. I see its pictures in the VSCC Bulletins.
I have seen images of the Katipo, the GN of Louis McNair (son of Robert) who is working at Tula Engineering (Bugatti specialists) in the VSCC hill climbs.
His enthusiasm and craftsmanship reflect the skill of these three generations of vintage motorist artisans, proud members of the Branch.
The Never Ending Story of Members
Vehicles.
A Michael Greig Saga.
Many years ago, I had ended up with a scooter, the Yamaha Beluga 80cc. It was from my brother who passed it on to me. He lives in Westmere and only had a few kms to get to work at the bottom of the city. Quicker than a car or the bus. He was going through a scooter stage and was progressing to bigger ones.
The family used it for a while, later it went to the neighbour, who after much struggling kept it in the shed. A few years later I approached him and he returned it. I contacted a friend down country who is impassioned with small Japanese scooters and revived it and as you can see it has a new and very active life.
Peter Cooper has been active in NZ with speed events and racing for many years. I have an interesting article from him. I will put in a following issue regarding his California speed days.
Below is an e-mail I received from him after the scooter was revitalised and put into action.
Howdy,
In case you haven’t already seen it, your old Yamaha Beluga successfully completed The Southern Scooter Challenge on the 7th .
The scooter ran very well in some very challenging weather conditions and just buzzed along the somewhat shortened 220 km ride – the 150 entrants had to start the event from Invercargill, as the winds were extreme down in Bluff.
Over $100,000 was raised for Hospice Southland and the Southland Charity Hospital, which is pretty impressive.
Rae and I travelled the farthest to participate in the event and – of course! – we were the oldest entrants. People seemed surprised that we completed the ride, for some unfathomable reason. Considering that the Seals to Eels on Scooter Wheels that we did last March was 25 kms longer, it’s not a difficult ride.
I’ve attached a picture of a couple of tired septuagenarians and your old scooter taken at the finish of the event.
Have a good’n, Peter
Once Again, the offerings from the Enchanted Garages of Uncle Mike.
Selling the very garments off his back, comes the oilskin coat for the Proper Vintage Motorist. Lined, warm, water and windproof. New reproofing applied by skilled hands. The brand is R.C. Toughwear- Country Classic fashion for you. Traditional dark green.
A pair of contemporary merino fine wool suits, single breasted, Working Style. Size is XL, good for heavy set individual. In aged and in smart condition, a pair of ‘Beatle Boots’, a marvellous period driving shoe. Size 8 ½
Mountain packs. Traditional frames, and modern ones for that expedition that awaits the back road motorist. Will look fine lashed on to the stern of the vehicle or the running boards. Heavy duty canvas and modern weather resistant material that will keep out the dust and mud.
A variety of suitcases, some leather and modern material in the style for the 40’s to 60’s.
Services offered at present include commissioned walking sticks and traditional ‘tokotoko’ (carved and decorated for ritual encounters).
Re coating of oilskin garments and leather with fragrant unguents and oils. Some repairs to leather and heavy material (repairs to Tonneau covers and strapping) is offered since the purchase of a Singer 29/71 Boot Patcher awaits use.
16-foot narrow sailing/ rowing vessel with good trailer seeking use in the coming season seeks new owner.
9.5 Hp Johnson outboard with tank. Good for small launch or sail boat.
Collection of Primus and assorted Kero stoves from the 1920’s. Some completish, spares and related bits. Minor donation to the pension fund.
Purchase of above items and costs of services are open to robust and spirited negotiations.
Enquiries to Uncle Mike at 027 24 55 786
For sale
1993 Nissan Bluebird Special Edition.
1.8 litre petrol injected, five speed manual sedan.
Genuine 151,000 Km. Rego and WoF, Club eligible Towbar, Tinted windows, reversing camera, factory mags.
No rust, good condition. Needs an appreciative custodian.
Owned for twenty-four years by current engineer owner.
Price $3,500.00
Phone (09)483 6801 Waitemata Branch Member
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Future warning in later publications!!
The Editor will be exploring the alternate energy sources that may or not be suitable to the vintage motorist in the future and will start with the unsuccessful ones that until now have not been reported. It starts with the use of the geothermal internal recycling energy process, that was brought to a stinking and sticky end by the notorious Van Murphy Twins. So much damage was done to this fragile and innovate natural organic fledgling industry that it has never recovered despite the funding that poured in from the Dilettante Institute Directors, Frank Purr Sang (the Unrepentant Defrocked Forensic Anthropologist) and ‘Snow” Fearless (World Champion Extreme Sport Dance Exponent).
Don’t forget Mac’s Garage. Top advice, professional service and well known and respected in the Vintage Austin and Riley world. 09 443-3733, found at 4 Ashfield Road, Glenfield.
PHOENIX
The OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER of THE WAITEMATA BRANCH of the VINTAGE CAR CLUB OF N.Z. INC.
1925 Armstrong Siddeley Jaguar IV Aero engine that was amongst the bikes.
CLUB NIGHT
Tuesday 1st October
7.30 pm at the RSA Room, King George V Memorial Hall, Library Lane, Albany.
Take Exit 410 Oteha Valley Road. Travel west along Oteha Valley Road, ahead through 2 roundabouts and straight ahead at Traffic Lights into Albany Highway then almost immediately RIGHT into Library Lane then very soon go right again into the parking area. The RSA Room is at the rear.