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 afordscript@gmail.com

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

brent@glassmiles.co.nz 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

afordscript@gmail.com. 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 afordscript@gmail.com

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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