PO BOX 4212 CHRISTCHURCH
NEW ZEALAND
MAY 2015
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COMMITTEE
Club Captain Graham Evans (03)351-5919
Vice Club Captain Bruce Miles 027 2389692
Treasurer Barrie Shipley (03)383-4640
Secretary Brent Miles (03)349-8108
General Committee
Alan Hill (03)313-6008
Peter Bayler (03)313-7067
David Dacombe (03)313-7341
Russell Genet (03)329-9065
Lindsay Painter (03)342-5247
Graeme Scott (03)323-8106
Webmaster Kevin Straw (03)338-3686
Script Editors Russell & Wendy Genet (03)329-9065
Club Car Custodian Graham Evans (03)351-5919
Website www.modelaford.co.nz
Script email [email protected]
Official Newsletter of THE MODEL “A” FORD CLUB OF AMERICA
Canterbury New Zealand Chapter. PO Box 4212 Christchurch New Zealand
HENRY FORD QUOTE:-
“ Thinking is the hardest thing a man can do, probably the reason so few of them
do it “.
COVER PICTURE:- On the way to Dingleburn Station, Wanaka - 14th National Model A Rally
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CLUB CAPTAINS REPORT 12th National Model a Meet WANAKA
What a week to remember, a terrifically run National for the 161 cars and the 366 indi-viduals who attended. The booklet of the organised runs to the evening functions was a credit to Richard and a BIG THANKS to Rolly and the organising committee.
Our club is involved in helping with the Gymkhana and the Model A team assembly events to be held on Easter Sunday at the Pembroke Park. Thanks to Peter for organis-ing and running of the Engine Assembly, and to Brent for running the Gymkahana A big thank-you to all the helpers Happy and save motoring.
CLUB CAR REPORT The Cub car has had no use since my last report. A maintenance check to be carried out in the coming months Looking forward to seeing it used for the 50th Anniversary Rally.
Graham
Due to our planned move to Blenheim we regretfully tender our resignation from the
Canterbury Chapter of the MAFCA.
Although our involvement has been minimal due to our location and business re-
strictions we have appreciated the help and fellowship received from the Club members.
Hopefully we will meet up on the road somewhere once we have settled in further
north. Thank you,
Regards, Don and Linda Laing.
CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT
COMING EVENTS
NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING: Tuesday 19 May 2015 7.30pm, at Dave Dacombe’s home,
2 Green St, Rangiora. If you have any matters you would like raised, please contact a
committee member before this date.
Saturday May 16 Night Trial. Meet at Brent and Lyn Miles home,
6 Devine Drive Templeton at 5.30pm.
Dinner and drinks are BYO after a “short trip around”. You
will need a map or GPS and a torch and an umbrella if it is
raining. Numbers required by Monday 11 May please to
[email protected] or phone 3439482 anytime.
Saturday June 13 Mid Winter Dinner Not to be missed.
Fawlty Towers Theme A surprise with every course!!
To be held at 6.00pm at the Vintage Car Club Barn. The cost
of $20.00 per person is to be paid by 25th May to
PO Box 4212 Christchurch. Or to account number (BYO
Drinks)
The Era fashion judging will take place during the evening
More details coming but mark your calendars now.
July 19th AGM
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While Wendy and Russell are away please , send all contributions to
[email protected]. Emails sent to the genet addresses will probably be overlooked.
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14TH NATIONAL MODEL A RALLY IN THE WANAKA AREA
Wednesday 1 April Wanaka to Dingleburn Station
Briefing in handbook, and highlighted the previous evening “Be prepared- Must be confi-
dent driver and the car must be well serviced with excellent brakes, 2 km of this road is
not for the faint hearted”.
Meeting point was at the St Johns Creek at the bottom eastern end of Lake Hawea, 101
cars in total made a grand spectacle, marshalled on green grass which sloped away to a
calm Lake Hawea. A final statement was issued that there was to be NO STOPPING for
photos.
The signal was given, the one way road is clear, cars can move off leaving 100 metres
space between cars. The metal road sat just above the lake edge, then a gradual climb
up. There was much anticipation of the narrow part to come. A marshal checked drivers
were OK and made sure there was sufficient spacing between cars. The road was very
narrow with the cliff on one side and a drop of 15 metres to the lake on the other side.
Slowly does it, a wonderful sight ahead of Model A’s winding along a dusty windy road,
rock above and below. It was amusing to see a board with two sets of spare knickers, on
the roadside just prior to reaching our destination.
An open rural green valley greeted us, black cows standing silently watching. Onto the
homestead area which had several cottages for permanent and casual workers and mus-
terers along with a shearing shed. We were welcomed by the Mead family who have
owned the Dingleburn Station for 27 years.
This was the first car rally group allowed on their private narrow one way road. A real
privilege the sky was a perfect blue and the lake a mirror, it was so calm. We had our pic-
nic lunch on the grass and then had a walk up a small hill which revealed the top of the
lake. Scenery was magic with many photos taken, perfect view of green rolling hillside
and a glacial blue lake. We then walked down by the gentle rolling stream with an area
of trees either side, another picturesque setting. Anne Evans
Thursday 2nd April High Tea Report at 63B Wanaka
At 3.30pm we presented ourselves with many others at ‘The Venues’ for the Garden Party and High Tea, dressed in our finery, daywear, the first of 3 era fashion occasions. This appeared to be a popular event and it was brilliant to see that so many had made the effort to dressup in 1930’s style. The menfolk especially looked fantastic – a lot of coloured blazers and white trousers and straw boaters. The ladies also were outstand-ing with hats and furs to complete their ensembles. We all began with a complimen-tary drink of ‘bubbly’ and this was followed by savouries, sandwiches and cakes. This was a welcome 2 hours of relaxed socialising with an organist playing a background of soft easy music. Judy Straw
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WELCOME
Restorer Magazine and MAFCA Membership
Free membership is offered to all new members of the Model A Club.
This includes the Restorer Magazine. The usual cost is US$56 (nz$73.14 or thereabouts
depending on exchange rate at the time) reduced to US$25 to cover postage of the magazine.
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ANZAC Gymkhana
April in New Zealand, the season of hard frost or driving rain – but not today 26 April 2015.
A nor west wind greeted the Model A’s gathered at the Peg Hotel Belfast.
Our hosts of this trip were Marlene and Graeme Scott. Graeme’s plan was to continue with
the ANZAC theme for this special 100 year remembrance. Instructions were given and after
a squabble about modern v’s vintage by my children we set off, next time I will borrow an A!!
Graeme and Marlene’s plan was to give us a whistle stop tour of War Memorial’s in the
Waimakariri district – finishing back at their place in Belfast.
Our tour took us to Kaiapoi, through Tuahiwi to visit the Urupa. It was fascinating that some
of the soil had been returned to Tuahiwi from those war graves in Greece, Alamain etc, so
long ago.– some of us got our wires a little crossed when we found a private cemetery at the
back of Aunty Pat’s house (a local Kaumatua) instead of the Urupa. At Rangiora we stopped
at a sun dial in Victoria Park which I never knew was a war memorial despite walking past it
and playing on it hundreds of times. On we went to Ashley to the Memorial for the Ashley
Bank Men (one assumed they were from the banks of the river Ashley – not a large head
count of bankers from a small town like Ashley). We checked out the mill wheel on the way
through Ohoka and the Peace Hall at Clarkville.
Finally with tummy’s rumbling we pulled in to Marlene and Graeme’s urban oasis. What a
surprise to find a paddock in the middle of Belfast. Model A people are nothing if not stylish
– there appeared a tremendous array of picnic baskets and delicious food – but Bruce took
first prize with a darling little milk jug for his cup of tea.
We began to drive after lunch and my girl Grace (14) had a play in the paddock – a few bunny
hops and she was away. Not to be outdone my daughter Harriet (12) took to the wheel and
nailed a smooth start. It is great to give them a safe way to get the feel of a car – so thanks
Gramps for your patience.
The gymkhana began with darts, balls in boxes and containers, jousting and an ANZAC style
cross which you had to drive into and turn the car around in and drive out of – this was
timed. How I longed for power steering …I had never heard of Armstrong steering until that
day! It was great fun and there were some speed freaks amongst the Newell Family – who
also added to our ANZAC theme by supplying our Australian Katie for the occasion.
Never let it be said that Model A people are not there to lend a hand – Debbie was even kind
enough to provide some judicial pruning for Marlene while she was there of the roses along
the fence line.
Once again a fantastic day was had by all – special thanks Marlene and Graeme for being
such amazing hosts. Leanne Liddell
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LOOKING BACK MODEL A 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Continued from last month
Planning is underway for the club’s 50th birthday celebrations, so it is appropriate to continue
our look at the club’s first major event. In December 1977 we held a weekend of celebrations
to mark the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Model A, supported by Hutchinson Motors
(now Team Hutchinson Ford), the VCC motorcycle section and enjoyed by 87 entrants.
One notable entry was the AA fire engine from Ferrymead. The first part of the article re-
printed last month covered the motoring part of the event and got to the point where cars
were being lined up for a photo at Coes Ford. It continues –
After shifting the fire engine numerous times Eric Mattsen and Ian Smith were eventually
satisfied and the assembly of cars was well photographed, capturing on record what
would probably be the biggest line-up of Model A’s ever seen in New Zealand. Much
talking and reminiscing later we packed up and headed for home.
Many thanks to the VCC motorbike section for organising an excellent trial and also to
the news media for their comprehensive coverage of the trial, incidentally who was the
modest man who arranged to have his telephone number broadcast over Radio Avon all
day Friday?
Friday Night Family Social:
The weekends activities started on Friday night with a family social at the Bishopdale
Community Centre. This was attended by approximately 120 people and included quite
a few children. It was very pleasing to note that quite a number of the out of town en-
trants had been able to arrive early enough to join in this first get-together.
A brief welcome was given by the Club Captain and Garth Moore elaborated on details
for Saturday’s runs. An excellent home-made supper of sandwiches and cheerios which
had been prepared by some of the ladies of the club was served at the end of the even-
ing.
The bar was closed at 11pm and most departed soon after except for a number of mem-
bers and wives who stayed to wash up and clean out the hall – Nick Harrison revealed
unsuspected talents at the end of a floor mop.
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Old Time Dance: On Saturday night an enjoyable Old Time Dance was held in the
Bishopdale Community Centre. Interest in the evening was heightened by the op-
portunity to wear costumes of the 1927 – 1930 era, and quite a few couples took
advantage of the opportunity arriving in a wide variety of styles.
In the competition for the most authentically dressed, the judge, Shirley Wills,
looked for such indications of the period, as patent leather toed shoes for the men
and silk stockings for the women, and the prizewinners were:
Best Dressed Couple - Sid and Eileen Thew Best Dressed Woman - Helen Smith Best Dressed Man - Peter Keir
Opportunity was also taken to present the 50th Anniversary Rally prizes.
A delicious supper and more dancing concluded the evening.
Prize List
Short Route - 1st Noel Beecroft 2nd Derek Thomasen 3rd Warren Newell Last Murray Sutton Long Route - 1st Lockie Griffen 2nd Ian Smith 3rd Morrie Anderson Last Dayrell Brown 1st Modern Barry Lovegrove Hard Luck John Dow North Island Entrant Tink West Furtherest Travelled David Calvert, Myles Turnbull Sunday Morning Tea: The weekend activities closed with morning tea at Cutler Park on Sunday. Many of the visitors from out of town called in for a final chat and a cup of tea before heading homewards.
With the temperature hovering around 30 deg those members of the Club who
stayed on for a picnic lunch spent most of the time recumbent in the shade sleeping
off the effects of the night before and there was very little activity of any sort.
Many thanks to the three ladies who organised the morning teas.
As you have seen, that weekend in 1977 was a mixture of motoring and socialising and it
was enjoyed by all. This was the first time the club had invited non-members to an event
and as well as one North Island entry there was a good number from Nelson, the West
Coast and the South. The line-up of 87 Model A’s remained.
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Help us make The Script a success. We would be grateful for any material you feel could be appropriate to include in our Club’s newsletter. CLOSING DATE for copy for the next Script is 20th May 2015. Please send to the Editor, Lyn or Brent Miles 03 3498108 or [email protected]
The views expressed in this magazine are personal opinions of those who contribute and do not necessarily represent the views or methodology of the Canterbury Chapter of the Mod-el A Ford Club of America. Thanks goes to MAFC member magazines and web site as well as other sources who supply material to our club which we reprint in the magazine. CLUB CAR : Remember that the Club Phaeton is available for members to use. If your Model A is not mobile, give some thought to borrowing the Club car to join in one of our runs. Guidelines for its use are printed inside the back of the membership list. Graham Evans (ph. 03 351 5919) is the custodian of the car and looks forward to your call requesting the use of the car. CANCELLATIONS : In the event of unsuitable or doubtful weather, cancellations or postpone-ments will be emailed to you. We will be printing the run organiser in the coming events, please feel free to contact them or any of the Club committee members.
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