Year End Rally and Function -
One cannot believe the year of 2014 is drawing to a close. Our club has certainly experienced an exciting and eventful year to date.
Our Year End Rally was again a great success and the team responsible for the rally route was Terry Bunge and Dirk de Beer and marshalls Allan Holmes, Dieter Oltmann and Ted Hermann.
14 Cars participated of which 3 entered the vintage category and the balance in the classic category. The route covered a total of 76km's and the average anticipated time factor for the two categories was 74 mins and 67 mins respectively. The rally route was slightly different to the past in as much that the instructions were in the form of visual diagrams which made it very interesting.
The rally started and ended at our new clubhouse at Cecil Emmett Park and all 14 cars completed the rally successfully.
The successful winner of the vintage category was Harvie Van Heerden and the winner of the classic category was Cassie Lourens.
Our thanks to Rene and Harvie for the many photos taken at both the rally and the year end function.
The year end function was hosted at the Vryheid High School sports pavillion and well supported with the dress theme being "Cowboys & Crooks". What a wonderful and successful evening and our members went that extra mile on the dress code. Kowie and Carrol were the most impressively dressed couple, although there were a few other very close contenders.
Our thanks to Harvie, braaiers and ladies for the setting of tables and decor and the excellent food that was prepared. Well done!
Various trophies were also presented to the members by the chairman.
The past chairman, Kobus Botha, gave an overview of the successful events during the year and introduction of the new chairman and committee namely as follows:
Chairman - Cassie Lourens
Vice-Chairman and Treasurer - Harvie Van Heerden
Secretary - Harry Heyns
Events Managers - Leon v.d. Berg & Des Lemmon-Warde
Clubhouse Managers - Dirkie Kruger & Neels Nortje
Our thanks to outgoing chairman, Kobus and his committee members for a well done performance over the past year.
In conclusion, one must add that there is a great atmosphere of enthusiasm in our club and one looks forward to another exciting year ahead.
Submitted by Des Lemmon-Warde
Enjoying Talana Museum - 18 October 2014
Our club once again did ourselves proud with the participation of so many members at the above show held at the picturesque grounds at the Talana Museum, just outside Dundee and the commemoration of the Great War 1914 - 1918.
15 Vintage and classic cars and 2 stationary engines were exhibited by our members. The trip entailed a round trip of +-150km, however 2 of our members, namely Arthur and Johan, travelled from Pongola with a round trip of 430km. Well done!
The following members that participated in the day, namely: Allan, Dirkie, Dirk, Harvie, Neels, Tienie, Willem, Arthur, Johan, Cassie, Andre, Leon, Albie, Terry and Des.
The show was well supported by the local community with historical and heritage demonstrations as well as an enactment of the battle of Talana and of "Red Coat" battle tactics and also the parade of the Irish Guards.
Various food and refreshment stalls were available and enjoyed by all.
Our thanks to Joe Mitchell for the certificate of appreciation and photos that were handed to our members for attending the show.
Certainly a very enjoyable and interesting day enjoyed by all and unfortunately time was calling and we proceeded back home in convoy.
Submitted by Des Lemmon-Warde
Outing to Jan Randell - 4 October 2014
Visit to Jan Randell at Lothair.
Early departure from Vryheid in our modern cars for a day to be spent on the farm of Jan Randell at Lothair.
Our tractor enthusiasts, namely Harvie, Neels, Cassie, Leon, Pieter, Dirkie, Cornell, Jaco vw and Jaco vr, had a wonderful and interesting day.
For some of us that do not know Jan Randell, he is a prominent businessman and successful farmer in the area and as a hobby has a great passion for the restoration of tractors and stationary engines. His collection, possibly being the largest in the country, is visited by various enthusiasts throughout the year.
The collection comprises of restored tractors and various classics dating as far back as the early 1900's, with over 200 restored tractors that are housed in large warehouses.
Jan made available a large quantity of fuel and our members had a field day starting the various tractors, as can be seen by the photos.
Jan Randell, being an accomplished pilot, offered Pieter & Chantell a flight over the farm and they were certainly privileged to be given this opportunity.
The hospitality of Jan Randell was reciprocated by the members with a braai enjoyed by all.
For those who have not shared in the experience of visiting this collection of tractors, one must certainly diarise a day in the future. The VVCC is very privileged to have Jan Randell as an honorary member of our club.
Our thanks to Jan Randell for the hospitality and time shared with our fellow members and further to the great interest and effort undertaken by himself in the preservation of this wonderful collection.
Submitted by Des Lemmon-Warde
Early departure from Vryheid in our modern cars for a day to be spent on the farm of Jan Randell at Lothair.
Our tractor enthusiasts, namely Harvie, Neels, Cassie, Leon, Pieter, Dirkie, Cornell, Jaco vw and Jaco vr, had a wonderful and interesting day.
For some of us that do not know Jan Randell, he is a prominent businessman and successful farmer in the area and as a hobby has a great passion for the restoration of tractors and stationary engines. His collection, possibly being the largest in the country, is visited by various enthusiasts throughout the year.
The collection comprises of restored tractors and various classics dating as far back as the early 1900's, with over 200 restored tractors that are housed in large warehouses.
Jan made available a large quantity of fuel and our members had a field day starting the various tractors, as can be seen by the photos.
Jan Randell, being an accomplished pilot, offered Pieter & Chantell a flight over the farm and they were certainly privileged to be given this opportunity.
The hospitality of Jan Randell was reciprocated by the members with a braai enjoyed by all.
For those who have not shared in the experience of visiting this collection of tractors, one must certainly diarise a day in the future. The VVCC is very privileged to have Jan Randell as an honorary member of our club.
Our thanks to Jan Randell for the hospitality and time shared with our fellow members and further to the great interest and effort undertaken by himself in the preservation of this wonderful collection.
Submitted by Des Lemmon-Warde
Our trip to the Vaal Old Wheels Show - 6-8 September 2014.
The Vaal Old Wheels Show.
Another outing well supported by 14 members, with an early start on Saturday 6 September with a get together at the Wimpy at 5h00, setting in motion the start of our plus minus 860km round trip to Vanderbijlpark and the Vaal Old Wheels Show.
First stop Newcastle as some cars already needed some fuel. Next stop to check vehicles and stretch the old legs.
En-route to Villiers Neels's Benz had a flat tyre. With plenty of hands and even more commentary and apologies, we finally got the spare fitted and reached the Engen at Villiers for fuel and a Wimpy breakfast. As usual the Wimpy breakfast was of the accustomed high standard.
Fortunately Andre's Rolls left some fuel for the other cars, so we were able to drop in at Piet Minnie's for a tour of his collection. This is a worthwhile visit and Piet even managed to arrange a replacement for "The Benz".
Once again the time was catching up and we were on our way to VDBP to book in at the Beethoven and Asante guest houses. The accomodation was impressive and everyone felt right at home.
Formalities concluded we were on our way to the Sylviadale Museum of Ziggy Duvel. This was a very interesting visit, with a large collection of items from yesteryear under preservation. Another 2 hours later we were on our way to the River Palace to board the pre-arranged 16h00 boat cruise on the Vaal River. The weather was impeccable and the hour long cruise was supported with good conversation and the obligatory refreshments in solid and liquid form.
Back to our guest houses for a quick shower in preparation for supper at the Emerald Casino. On arrival however we were surprised by a large gathering of students for some or other celebration. Quick caucus and the conclusion was that we would not leave our vehicles unguarded under these circumstances and the decision was made to rahter support the Ocean Basket or Dros. However, leaving the casino premises we were held up by security staff, as we did not have the "exit coupon" and were not allowed to leave. After the intervention of our "A-Team" and the application of suitable pressure, special security was called in and we were allowed to leave.
After the Ocean Basket had made arrangements for our group of 30 to dine, the Dros was chosen as the preferred supper venue. (Hey guys it is only a lady's prerogative to change her mind!) Yes, there were delays and some received their starters after their main meals, but a good time was had all round with a lot of laughs.
Back at the guest houses the crowd at Asante decided the night was still young and that, with the assistance of a few bottles of red wine, all the problems of the world could be resolved in one night. Pity no one thought of keeping minutes of this intense "think tank".
Sunday morning breakfast at 7h00, we must compliment the hosts for a superb meal, and we met up with the other group and travelled in convoy to the car show. Ziggy assisted with arranging our parking area under the trees by the river side. The weather was good with hot and clear skies and the show well attended. Numerous food stalls and a vast cross section of vehicles and ancillary equipment, related to the motor industry, were on display.
Our group did not take home any of the prizes, but everyone indicated that they had had a wonderful day.
Some of our number had to travel back on Sunday afternoon and we are told that this trip was enough for another few pages of reporting on its' own! Just reading the messages on "WhatsApp" it was clear that "The Benz" was again the hot topic, with fuel starvation problems. The fact that the Ford's sun visor was constantly coming loose was only aggravating the stress levels and for this the Noddy badges now have new owners, i.e. Neels and Harvie.
With all these hold ups and a late supper at KFC in Newcastle the group got home safely at around 10 pm that night.
Back in VDBP the stay over group of Kowie, Kobus, Andre, Albie and Des had a pleasant supper at Ocean Basket. Monday morning breakfast at the guest house and we were on our way back to Vryheid and Piet Retief. Kobus took the lead and after 1 or 2 wrong turns and u-turns were soon on the right way home again. Dankie Kobus!
Lunch at Wimpy in Newcastle and thereafter a fond farewell to Kobus and Riekie and the trip back to Vryheid.
In conclusion the VVCC members had a wonderful weekend at the Vaal-Old-Wheels Car Show. Our thanks to Havie for all the arrangements and many photographs and likewise to Leon for the video's en-route.
Great camaraderie and good fellowship was established in this group outing and we trust that we can build on this good spirit.
Submitted by Des Lemmon-Warde
Another outing well supported by 14 members, with an early start on Saturday 6 September with a get together at the Wimpy at 5h00, setting in motion the start of our plus minus 860km round trip to Vanderbijlpark and the Vaal Old Wheels Show.
First stop Newcastle as some cars already needed some fuel. Next stop to check vehicles and stretch the old legs.
En-route to Villiers Neels's Benz had a flat tyre. With plenty of hands and even more commentary and apologies, we finally got the spare fitted and reached the Engen at Villiers for fuel and a Wimpy breakfast. As usual the Wimpy breakfast was of the accustomed high standard.
Fortunately Andre's Rolls left some fuel for the other cars, so we were able to drop in at Piet Minnie's for a tour of his collection. This is a worthwhile visit and Piet even managed to arrange a replacement for "The Benz".
Once again the time was catching up and we were on our way to VDBP to book in at the Beethoven and Asante guest houses. The accomodation was impressive and everyone felt right at home.
Formalities concluded we were on our way to the Sylviadale Museum of Ziggy Duvel. This was a very interesting visit, with a large collection of items from yesteryear under preservation. Another 2 hours later we were on our way to the River Palace to board the pre-arranged 16h00 boat cruise on the Vaal River. The weather was impeccable and the hour long cruise was supported with good conversation and the obligatory refreshments in solid and liquid form.
Back to our guest houses for a quick shower in preparation for supper at the Emerald Casino. On arrival however we were surprised by a large gathering of students for some or other celebration. Quick caucus and the conclusion was that we would not leave our vehicles unguarded under these circumstances and the decision was made to rahter support the Ocean Basket or Dros. However, leaving the casino premises we were held up by security staff, as we did not have the "exit coupon" and were not allowed to leave. After the intervention of our "A-Team" and the application of suitable pressure, special security was called in and we were allowed to leave.
After the Ocean Basket had made arrangements for our group of 30 to dine, the Dros was chosen as the preferred supper venue. (Hey guys it is only a lady's prerogative to change her mind!) Yes, there were delays and some received their starters after their main meals, but a good time was had all round with a lot of laughs.
Back at the guest houses the crowd at Asante decided the night was still young and that, with the assistance of a few bottles of red wine, all the problems of the world could be resolved in one night. Pity no one thought of keeping minutes of this intense "think tank".
Sunday morning breakfast at 7h00, we must compliment the hosts for a superb meal, and we met up with the other group and travelled in convoy to the car show. Ziggy assisted with arranging our parking area under the trees by the river side. The weather was good with hot and clear skies and the show well attended. Numerous food stalls and a vast cross section of vehicles and ancillary equipment, related to the motor industry, were on display.
Our group did not take home any of the prizes, but everyone indicated that they had had a wonderful day.
Some of our number had to travel back on Sunday afternoon and we are told that this trip was enough for another few pages of reporting on its' own! Just reading the messages on "WhatsApp" it was clear that "The Benz" was again the hot topic, with fuel starvation problems. The fact that the Ford's sun visor was constantly coming loose was only aggravating the stress levels and for this the Noddy badges now have new owners, i.e. Neels and Harvie.
With all these hold ups and a late supper at KFC in Newcastle the group got home safely at around 10 pm that night.
Back in VDBP the stay over group of Kowie, Kobus, Andre, Albie and Des had a pleasant supper at Ocean Basket. Monday morning breakfast at the guest house and we were on our way back to Vryheid and Piet Retief. Kobus took the lead and after 1 or 2 wrong turns and u-turns were soon on the right way home again. Dankie Kobus!
Lunch at Wimpy in Newcastle and thereafter a fond farewell to Kobus and Riekie and the trip back to Vryheid.
In conclusion the VVCC members had a wonderful weekend at the Vaal-Old-Wheels Car Show. Our thanks to Havie for all the arrangements and many photographs and likewise to Leon for the video's en-route.
Great camaraderie and good fellowship was established in this group outing and we trust that we can build on this good spirit.
Submitted by Des Lemmon-Warde
We visited the Hoeka Toeka Car Show - 26 July 2014
The Hoeka Toeka Car Show in Piet Retief.
Another outing well supported with 14 members - 12 vintage and classic vehicles. The weather was a perfect winters' day. Over and above the cars that two members, Johan Horn and Pieter Colloty displayed, were two outstandingly restored stationary engines, which drew a great deal of interest.
The show was fielded at the Piet Retief rugby grounds and one must say lends itself ideally to this type of display. The club facilities were of excellent standard as well as the catering of various foods.
Numerous car dealers and stalls were on display with their products. Credit must be givien to the young Hoeka Toeka Organisers for the great effort on this day as can be seen in the photographs.
The stalwarts of the club, both Kobus Botha and Paul Mouton, displayed numerous vintage and classic cars at the show.
The support of the sponsors for various prizes was outstanding with a number of out members taking home some wonderful items or prizes.
Father time was again calling and we had to make our way back home. The cars performed well on the round trip of 200km's in as much as a challenge was laid down by Harry Heyns to surpass all Model A Fords on performance.
Submitted by Des Lemmon-Warde
Another outing well supported with 14 members - 12 vintage and classic vehicles. The weather was a perfect winters' day. Over and above the cars that two members, Johan Horn and Pieter Colloty displayed, were two outstandingly restored stationary engines, which drew a great deal of interest.
The show was fielded at the Piet Retief rugby grounds and one must say lends itself ideally to this type of display. The club facilities were of excellent standard as well as the catering of various foods.
Numerous car dealers and stalls were on display with their products. Credit must be givien to the young Hoeka Toeka Organisers for the great effort on this day as can be seen in the photographs.
The stalwarts of the club, both Kobus Botha and Paul Mouton, displayed numerous vintage and classic cars at the show.
The support of the sponsors for various prizes was outstanding with a number of out members taking home some wonderful items or prizes.
Father time was again calling and we had to make our way back home. The cars performed well on the round trip of 200km's in as much as a challenge was laid down by Harry Heyns to surpass all Model A Fords on performance.
Submitted by Des Lemmon-Warde
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)