Collectable Car Club celebrates
Mark Hume and Karen Jarrett with their lime green car “Kermit” which is a 1975 Holden HQ.. Photo supplied.
Members of the Collectable Vehicle Club of Golden Bay celebrated their 20th anniversary last weekend with around 40 former and current members and friends all attired in outfits to match the color and era of their vehicles.
Celebrations began at 2pm with a Rogaine (combination of rallying and orienteering) organised by member Des Molloy. The event was won by Peggy Packard in her 1937 Packard, driven by grandson Hamish. Victoria Saunders and Stu Hill in Stu’s 1955 Ford F100 were second and Mark Hume and Karen Jarrett in their 1975 Holden HQ were third. Prizegiving and a dinner and dance at the River Inn followed with live music by club members Anne and Ray George “Rayzanne” accompanied on drums by fellow club member Paul Sangster.
The CVCGB was formed in June 1991 when a group of thirteen local enthusiasts and five members of the Nelson Branch of the Vintage Car Club met at the Junction Hotel to gauge interest in forming a car club here. This group included convener Mike Bryan, who, along with Allan Smith, returned for the weekend celebrations and cut the cake which was made and decorated by Aaron Riley, grandson of club treasurer, Ivan Riley.
Other foundation members who remain members today are Jack Ainsworth (life member), Barry Bayliss, Sue and Pat Byrne (both life members) and George Whiting.
The meeting decided its aim was to foster enthusiasm for the restoration and preservation of interesting vehicles. Any interested person was eligible, whether they owned a vehicle or not. As cars, trucks, tractors and motor bikes were involved, it was decided to incorporate Collectable Vehicle into the title of the group and so The Collectable Vehicle Club of Golden Bay was formed.
Today the club has about 50 members with 25 regularly playing an active role in club activities and outings. Members meet regularly in the clubrooms at Brownies Inn at the Takaka Recreation Grounds and enjoy monthly outings around the Bay. We occasionally enjoy weekends over the Hill if the weather and the mood of the vehicles permits.
The club has a strong commitment to the local community, annually providing vehicles for the Santa Parade, even organising the event in 2008 and 2009. The club also played a major role in Operation Jump Start in 2007 to raise funds for a new defibrillator. The campaign raised enough funds to purchase one large defibrillator for the Medical Centre, two smaller “life pack” units and two adjustable beds.
The club provides a sizeable display at the Takaka A & P show and, for a donation, regularly provides vehicles and drivers for local weddings, said president Peter Woods.
“We’ve been fortunate to have been joined by some enthusiastic younger members recently and they’ve been happy to take on committee and organisational roles, so the club is in good heart. We’re always happy to welcome new members.”
Contacts: President; Peter Woods, 525 9804, Vice president; Teri Goodall, Secretary; Lydia Milne, 524 8386.
