On Tuesday afternoon I was privileged to attend the opening of the 2012 Vintage Car Club International Rally, an event attracting over 700 cars from 12 countries including 200 overseas entries. There are 96 makes of vehicles represented. Speakers at the opening included the NZ National President John Coomber from Christchurch, Mayor Annette Main and MP Chester Borrows who officially opened the event. Nick Mason, drummer from Pink Floyd and himself owner of around 40 cars, is a special guest of the Vintage Car Club at the rally.
Special tribute was paid by the speakers to Ed Boyd whose vision it was to bring the rally to Wanganui. 6 years ago Ed convinced then Deputy Mayor Dot McKinnon, MP Chester Borrows and the Wanganui Vintage Car Club to apply to hold the event. It has been 6 long years of planning and organising and agonising over the details, culminating in the wonderful sight we see daily as these beautifully restored vehicles cruise our streets and rural roads. I am extremely proud that Wanganui and surrounding district Rotary clubs have embraced this event and are lending their skills to make it a success - from my quick count 8 clubs are involved. Rally Director Bruce Hutton wants to see this event become an annual one with a heritage theme. This is a challenge to Rotarians of our district - very influential members of our society who can make this happen if we so desire. Do we?
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| Essex Motors, Detroit, USA produced this vintage beauty |
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Wanganui South Rotarians
Neville Proctor and Bill Campbell stocking up the Events HQ bar at Jubilee
Stadium
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