On behalf of the Executive of the HCCNZ I thought it appropriate to congratulate the Club on a very successful public display event yesterday at the Ellerslie showgrounds.
 
We had a great turnout of cars with many different brands represented. I think we need to especially acknowledge the presence of the magnificent Locomobile belonging to David Porter. This was its first public outing and it is surely a credit to all those involved.
 
I believe our attendance at public displays such as this is fundamental to retaining our relevance in the fast-changing world in which we live.
Let's hope we are always welcomed by the organising Committee of this Concours and Classic Car Club.
 
 
Cheers
Phil Henley

After many years of holding our Xmas function at Howick Club in the evening, it was decided to try Bucklands Beach Yacht Club at Half Moon Bay at lunchtime. If the sun had been shining, we could all have pretended that we were in the South of France as the view overlooking the Marina was lovely. It was a great turn out of people with several members bringing friends to join us. A nice lunch of roast beef (cooked to perfection for most) and ham with all the usual trimmings was served, followed by mini pavlovas and Chocolate Brownies. It was noted that several members were absent mainly due to ill health or covid. On a lighter note we celebrated Roy Sharmans 80th. Three trophies were given out and the recipients were Ben Porter, Monty Scarborough and Peter Le Gros. (Photos attached). A little added unexpected surprise was that Santa arrived by a powerboat. Despite the lousy weather, he was actually there for the club members children's party. But it gave us a little treat too. Many thanks go to Caroline and Phil for arranging this successful event. Happy Xmas to one and all.

The entrants all met at the Botanical Gardens Manurewa and after the usual meet and greet chit chat we set off to follow the instruction sheet, Somehow several cars missed the Twilight Road turn off and followed the West Road route courtesy of the GPS in our mobile phones. The sun was shining and the country side was green as we travelled to our lunch stop at Turua Bakery Cafe. After we had satisfied our tummys we headed to the Historical Maritime Museum at Paeroa. Then it was off to the antique shops or a visit to Neil Dobson's home to view his Model T collection. After dragging the men away from this venue we proceeded to our accommodation at Central Motor Lodge Morrinsville. Happy hour was held in Jacky & Murrays rooms till it was time to leave for our dinner. Most of us ate at Morrinsville Thai and some at the Village Kitchen. Both restaurants got the thumbs up. 
We returned to the motel for a nights rest and met up again in the morning to meet in the conference room to watch the All Blacks play South Africa. No further comments are required only to say congratulations to the winners South Africa. Back into our cars and onto the Classic Car Museum in Hamilton. We toured the museum and had lunch in their cafeteria. All too soon it was time to say our goodbyes to head for our relevant homes. What a great weekend. Thanks go to the organisers and helpers  and roll on the next one.
​

On Sunday 10th July the HCC club celebrated with a Mid Winter Xmas Dinner with the theme American Independence Day. This was organised by Jeanette and Geoff and held at the Howick club. Appropriate dress was encouraged and there were some great outfits on the night. Several committee  members got together to provide us with some very different entertainment. Song sheets were provided and we joined in with their improvised band of singers, piano organ players and even a homemade double base which was played admirably by Geoff. Sally composed an original song and we all had a laugh at the words. Well done Sally. All the band members looked great in their USA costumes. Sadly several members were unable to attend either due to ill health or bereaved and these were acknowledge by David. On a happier note the evening was well attended and the food provided by Howick club was lovely. This was another great night for the HCC club.

A huge thank you to Lois and Tom for hosting this event at their home in the Fairview Lifestyle Village back in June, when Auckland seemed a much happier and brighter place to be. It was a lovely day and about 20 people enjoyed the hospitality. Lois is a great ambassador for this style of living. John Morrison turned up in his Hupmobile which was previously owned by Lois and Richard. and Lois was thrilled to see her again. 

On Aug 15th  the AGM and kickstart breakfast was held at the Maungakikie Golf Clubrooms. About 40 people attended and once again we were served a very nice breakfast. Club revenue was reported to be a little down but mainly due to the pandemic lockdowns. Geoff Roberts decided to stand down from the executive committee after many years of service and the club thanked him in the appropriate manner. Nicola Birchall has assumed the title of Member Welfare Officer to make sure we keep more up to date with the lives of our members and John Morison has been co opted into the new role of New member Liaison Officer. Geoff and Jeanette had planned to have a mid week Luncheon event at their home  towards the end of September but sadly due to Covid this was not possible. The Spring tour is now postponed which makes our next event the Christmas Party which will be held at the Howick Club, once again organised by Geoff and Jeanette. Attending form is on this website. the date is 12th December. Lets hope this date is not cancelled too. 

The group started arriving on Friday afternoon and most of the party met up for pre dinner drinks followed by a meal at a café along the road from the “Salty Dog”,  Snells Beach, where we were all staying.
After a night’s sleep we woke to a very miserable, wet, windy day, so everyone with the exception of one very brave couple decided to use their modern cars and leave our treasured oldies warmly wrapped in their covers.
The local newspaper turned up to take photos and Murray Greig’s 1914 Model T joined Phil Henley’s 1906 Cadillac for the photoshoot.
The run was very wet and there was quite a bit off rough roading. More so for Pauline and Monty with Jacky & Murray as passengers, who lost their way, not once but twice and ended up doing a good extra 25ks. All good fun. None of us envied Caroline & Phil doing it the hard way in the Cadillac. But good on them.
We arrived at the Port Albert café for lunch where the lovely ladies gave us a warm welcome and considering this café is a bit off the beaten track, it was very busy. Food was nice too.
Back to the “Salty Dog” for Nana naps then we all met again for Happy Hour and our evening meal. Moses our host, was so accommodating and the food was well organised. Plenty of chat and laughs throughout the evening.
Prizegiving was a little different with a bit of Kiwi ingenuity for the awards. Caroline & Phil received a trophy for the oldest car on the run. Murray Greig was given his for the oldest 4 cylinder car and for driving it to the venue. Penelope & Warwick were awarded theirs for the furthest distance travelled to the venue, and Pauline & Monty’s was for getting lost not once but twice. Shame about the red shoes (Private joke).
Sunday morning we awoke to a much better day. The sun was shining and it was nice and warm. Perfect for motoring. At 9.30am we took off for a drive to Leigh, where we had our morning coffee fixes. Then we travelled back to Morrison & James Pottery, for a tour of the company.
This being the end of the drive we all thanked Caroline & Phil for organising a great weekend. Despite the weather on Saturday, we enjoyed great fellowship and we are all in awe of Caroline and Phil’s pioneering spirit to do the whole run in their very exposed 1906 Cadillac as shown in the pictures.
20210410_222230718_ios.jpg