Spring Tour 23rd September
The Spring Tour was organised by David Lane And Sally Whitley.
Most of us met at the BP Drury and after a coffee stop headed for the Karangahake Gorge. All the spring blossoms were out and it was so pretty. Onto Waihi beach for lunch. A very nice restaurant which just happened to be Carole Healy’s old home. Right on the beach and the food was lovely.
After lunch we visited the first of several sheds that we planned to visit over the weekend. The first one was Craig & Nicky Marshall’s. They own the iconic 14 litre La France Speedster and a complete fire truck and also a fifties Buick station wagon aptly name “Driftwoody”. Next shed stop was Gordon’s restoration workshop at Kati Kati where a lot of restoration work was in progress. The last shed of the day was at Eric Greens home. He has a big collection of stationary engines, vintage cars and lots more interesting old things. We then drove onto Greerton Tauranga to the two motels that we were booked into. Everyone met in the lounge for the all important “happy hour” which was followed by dinner in the Oak Tree restaurant at the RSA. Fairly early night for most after a full days touring.
Sunday morning we were off to Spike Allen’s industrial workshop where we witnessed a demonstration of water cutting and a laser cutter in action. They also had a fabulous collection of model ships built by Bill Janes (NZVCC member). The detail and accuracy of these ships was amazing. Next we visited Graham and Lois Thrupp’s replica Route66 diner and Cadillac collection. Graham has recreated an exact copy of the iconic diner complete with a number of post war Cadillacs. Lois had a large collection of Morris and James garden pots that was also impressive. It was now time for lunch at the Classic Flyers Museum in Tauranga. Volunteers awaited our arrival and we received preferential parking amongst the aircraft. A band was playing and a group of Gentlemen Bikers arrived . Most were formally dressed complete with bow ties to raise funds for Prostate awareness.
The rest of the day was free until happy hour back at the motel.
Monday was another stunning day weatherwise as we all made our way back home after a wonderful weekend. Thanks and appreciation go to the organisers and to the participants whom without we would not have a rally. Looking forward to the next get together.
The Spring Tour was organised by David Lane And Sally Whitley.
Most of us met at the BP Drury and after a coffee stop headed for the Karangahake Gorge. All the spring blossoms were out and it was so pretty. Onto Waihi beach for lunch. A very nice restaurant which just happened to be Carole Healy’s old home. Right on the beach and the food was lovely.
After lunch we visited the first of several sheds that we planned to visit over the weekend. The first one was Craig & Nicky Marshall’s. They own the iconic 14 litre La France Speedster and a complete fire truck and also a fifties Buick station wagon aptly name “Driftwoody”. Next shed stop was Gordon’s restoration workshop at Kati Kati where a lot of restoration work was in progress. The last shed of the day was at Eric Greens home. He has a big collection of stationary engines, vintage cars and lots more interesting old things. We then drove onto Greerton Tauranga to the two motels that we were booked into. Everyone met in the lounge for the all important “happy hour” which was followed by dinner in the Oak Tree restaurant at the RSA. Fairly early night for most after a full days touring.
Sunday morning we were off to Spike Allen’s industrial workshop where we witnessed a demonstration of water cutting and a laser cutter in action. They also had a fabulous collection of model ships built by Bill Janes (NZVCC member). The detail and accuracy of these ships was amazing. Next we visited Graham and Lois Thrupp’s replica Route66 diner and Cadillac collection. Graham has recreated an exact copy of the iconic diner complete with a number of post war Cadillacs. Lois had a large collection of Morris and James garden pots that was also impressive. It was now time for lunch at the Classic Flyers Museum in Tauranga. Volunteers awaited our arrival and we received preferential parking amongst the aircraft. A band was playing and a group of Gentlemen Bikers arrived . Most were formally dressed complete with bow ties to raise funds for Prostate awareness.
The rest of the day was free until happy hour back at the motel.
Monday was another stunning day weatherwise as we all made our way back home after a wonderful weekend. Thanks and appreciation go to the organisers and to the participants whom without we would not have a rally. Looking forward to the next get together.
RSS Feed
