Affiliated to SAVVAe-mail: editor@vintageveteran.co.za

website: www.vintageandveteranclub.co.zamail: P.O. Box 651901, Benmore, 2010

clubhouse: 3 Athol Oaklands Road, Oaklands, Johannesburg

MARCH 2013 NEWSLETTER

I have recently returned from a

major indulgence which was a

solo trip to the Eastern Cape and

being alone for all of the travelling

and much of the other time too I

was able to indulge in all kinds of

uninterrupted thinking.

The scary part was in discovering that I

didn’t mind being alone during this time! Anyway,

I digress. I did have the opportunity to think a great deal about

our hobby and what we do in it and some interesting thoughts came up.

The one I would like to share in this piece is that we spend a huge amount of time

fussing over our vehicles and organising events where they can be used and

displayed and all of that is very good. One thing that often seems to be missing

from our conversations however are the roads that we use to enjoy our vehicles

and I think these are really central to the whole thing. To state the obvious,

without these roads where would we take our cars? I am not referring here to

the thousands of kilometers of fine highways which criss-cross our country

but to those lesser known but magnificent roads which qualify to be called “off

the beaten track”.

On my trip I took my Land Rover and of course had very few limitations as to

where I could not go but this was a bonus. I then got to thinking about some of

the roads which our old cars must have traversed and I know they are far more

familiar with mud, rocks and rough stuff that we would never contemplate taking

them on today.

So while the JD fever runs high give some thought to the “roads” those pioneers

raced along and try to imagine what a solid rear suspension bike must have

been at speeds in excess of 120kph on what was largely trails in the veld

punctuated by ant bear holes, dongas and rocks not to mention the mud,

snow and other hazards that they had to contend with.

I would also like to invite anyone who has a memory of a particular road or

trail to share it and enrich our knowledge of that aspect of our motoring past.

In closing I would also like to mention that this year ahead will see far more events

and rallies organized by the club. We sat down recently to do some planning of

these and the biggest challenge is to find dates that do not clash with other

runs and gatherings. We will also need volunteers to help with arrangements

so fasten down your soft tops and prepare for a great year with much happening.

Ian Holmes

From the Chairman’s desk

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THIS MONTH’S COVERPretoria Member Cecil White in his immaculate 1946 Jeep.

NEW MEMBERS ~ WELCOME!This month we welcome 7 new members to our club. Solet us introduce them to you and wish them a happyassociation with The Vintage and Veteran Club. Firstly wewelcomeRod Gray who lives in Parkrand, with a garage filled witha Wolsley 6/110, a couple of Riley’s, a couple of Austin’s,a couple of Citroen’s and lastly a Saab.Next is Rowland McDonald and his wife Ina who live inVereenging. They also have a 1936 Rolls Royce 25/30 intheir garage.Then we welcome Simon Rix and his wife Sue who livein Kensington. Simon is a bike nut with a number of excitingmachines including an Ariel, 2 Norton’s, 2 Ducatti’s and anAustin 7 completes their garage.Now we welcome John Rudman and his wife Yvonnewho reside in Kenmare, Krugersdorp. Unfortunately Johndidn’t let out the secrets of his garage but when we findout, you will all know.Now it’s the turn of Ronnie Suttner, welcome. Ronnie livesin Farrarmere, Benoni with his 1928 Ford model A and 1947Chevrolet Fleetline.This brings us to Bojan and Nicol Tomic who live in Rivonia.Although Bojan has some wonderful ‘Modern’ machinerywhich include a Porsche Boxster, a Rand Rover and a BMWX3, there is a 1962 Beetle as well.Lastly for this month we welcome Lieppe Veenstra wholives in Tarlton. Lieppe didn’t list his vehicles but again wewill pass on this information when it comes to hand. WelcomeLieppe.

Talking of new members, thoughts then turn to our existingmembers. There are still 28 members that have not paid theirsubs for the 2012/2013 year. If you are one of these members

then please pay your subs as soon as you read this.Many thanks.

Please join us on Friday evenings at the club, in the “Milk Bar”!!! for a few rounds!

WANTED!!!Members are invited to apply for

For the position ofEDITOR

Of this newsletter!The package is both tax free

And cash free!!!Please contact a committee

member!!

MEMBER NEWSMary Brodie brought Sue to the club on Friday evening to say farewell to her friends as she is

moving to England. Her new contact details will be: email: lorely.day@btinternet.comSue Shepherd, Heath House, Church Lane, St Albans, Herts, AL4 ONH England.

Ruth BlackwellMichael FlemingTony WatsonJames McGeeHeinz BeinrothHoward FreemanPhillip GordonRobert HartDerek HeardRoy JonesVince Warren-HansenKC SaaymanHamish MorrisonColin OakhillIan ShepherdAlan GardenWillian van RooyenAlan HoggDanny AndropoulosRon WheeldonEdward DoelNeville Bensted-SmithHarry CalverMichael StephanouWilliam HebentonBert ScheepersNorman Blieden

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!This month we say

Many Happy Returns to:

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69SA

VVA

TECHNICAL TIP69 SAVVA TECHNICAL TIP 69 – Door Handles

Simple. Over the years people have beenover enthusiastic when opening doors tothe point they have bent the square metalshaft that goes from the handle to the lock.

The next question is how do we sort itout? Very simple. Remove the handle,place the square shaft in a vice, heat it upand gently straighten it.

It will make such a difference to thecosmetic looks of the car.

JD 2013 UPDATE

It is around the corner and everything that should be is in place. There are some frantic workshopscenes taking place and it is going to be a photo finish for some of the bikes but we are hopeful thatthey will be ready in time. It is amazing how what should have been a simple job usually turns out tobe far more complex and time consuming on an old vehicle. I have learnt that statements like “we justneed to put whatever together” invariably turns out to be a major rebuild!There will be a cocktail party on Tuesday 5th March at the VVC clubhouse for the entrants who arealready in town by then as well as the organizers and some invited guests.We would like to see as many members as possible at the start on the 7th March from Carnival Mallon the East Rand.There are some withdrawals so some on the stand-by list will be lucky and the number of starters shouldbe just under the 200 mark which will be a record for this event.The participants will be treated to a Civic reception in Durban on the Saturday afternoon and a messagewill be handed over from the Mayor of Ekhurlweni to the Mayor of Durban.Our club wishes all participants a safe and enjoyable ride and we look forward to celebrating theHundredth Anniversary of this great event in fine style. - Ian Holmes.

So often one sees a beautifully prepared car spoiled by“hanging” door handles.

This is especially noticeable on cars that have achrome strip running along the waistline and the handle should fit in withthe sweep of the strip. The question is why are these handles arehanging down?

Thanks to Colin Brauteseth for this tip.

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THE FIRST “DJ”

The following is an extract from an article by Jock Leyden, the famous cartoonist who knew a participantin the first ever Johannesburg to Durban Motorcycle Race and who wrote this item in the early 1960’s.

“The Hutchison Tyre Company decided to put up a R210,00 Silver Trophy, 2ft 6in (75cm) high andweighing 106oz (3kg) to be held by the winner for a year. Second Prize was R21.00 and third R10.50.To the first ten, Club gold medals would be awarded, silver to the following ten and bronze to the luckymen finishing within twelve hours of the winner. In addition the Rudge Douglas and Matchless companiesoffered trophies to the winner if he was mounted on one of their machines.Petrol and oil were provided by the Texas and Vacuum Oil Companies” (Be great if Caltex and Mobilnow Engen did the same again!!)Such were the rich stakes that attracted 63 entrants for the 1913 Johannesburg to Durban race overfour hundred and twenty miles (672 km) on the 10th May 1913. Leyden goes on to say “that the racestarted “on the Natal road just beyond the last cottage on the City Deep property and a more variedcollection of speedmen’s clothing never appeared in a race. Some wore ordinary clothes others hadjerseys riding breeches and leggings the seasoned riders sported tight fitting leather skull caps manymore ordinary cloth caps the most dashing of course with the peaks at the back (so that is where itstarted! Ed). Prominent among them was “tick” Ellis Brown of the well known Durban family in abeautifully pressed white duck suit. The elegant Mr Brown’s Triumph was exactly as he used to ride itaround Durban only he had taken the precaution of carrying an extra belt in case the old one broke.Most of the competitors carried loads of spares belts chains plugs tubes. Woodville from the Cape hada spare pair of forks tied to his carrier!”The race was handicapped with the last to go being George Weddell on a big 987cc BAT. This handicapwould have been over three hours after the first man had left.“Some went off like competitors in a burst of speed others as leisurely as if they were going to a picnic.To C Morris of Durban went the doubtful homour of crashing his Rudge on the first corner and it speaksvolumes for his courage that despite breaking his collarbone he remounted and continued the race. “The route went from Joburg via Greylingstad where thirty of the riders got lost (there were some 200markers on the route) to Standerton where the first overnight stop took place. The second day wentfrom there to Charlestown over the Majuba Pass to Newcastle and on to Ladysmith. Newcastle toLadysmith was “ across the Biggarsberg Mountains was always notorious and in 1913 it was extra hardgoing in many places a mere track which at times lost itself in grass up to seven feet (2.2m) high!After the second overnight stop at the famous Siege Town was the final day’s 173 mile (277km) runto Durban. “Natal mountain roads were never good at the best of times being the old ox wagon trailwhich fought its way laboriously across the ranges. There were steep climbs crazy descents suddendips into drifts and sluits always badly cut up in good weather and in the rainy season veritable quagmireswhere mud was so thick deep and glutinous that the bikes stood up by themselves when the ridersdismounted. If the weather was good there would be no mud to contend with just clouds of thick foglike dust to blot out the sight of other road users going and coming plus the added risk of riding intoboulders that had fallen off the mountains. ”There are many accounts of accidents and incidents and this one really is an insight into the medicalrescue services available then. “ F Brokensha crashed badly and when he tried to restart he found hehad broken his leg but a passing farmer lent him a horse and then proceeded to push the bike to hisfarmhouse where first aid was rendered”Interest in the event was high even then and this account supports that. “Ladysmith like other townsen route was packed to see the racers arrive. The whole place was en fete and tables of foodstuffs andliquid refreshment had been laid out for the weary riders. A good job too for soon all the food in thehotels there was finished . The order at Ladysmith was Holder (Douglas) Arnott (2.75hp Hazelwood)McKeag (Bradbury) Clinch (Rudge) Thompson (Rudge) and Reckenburg (Douglas).The race finally finished on the 12th May in Durban and of the 63 starters 20 made it to the finish.Arnotts machine had caught fire but this was extinguished with sand!

The order was: 1) W McKeag Bradbury 12hrs 45 mins 54 s 2) G Fenwick Rudge 1hr 9m 30s (behind)3) HJ Thompson Rudge 1hr 11m 28s4) W Arnott Hazlewood 1hr 45m 38s5)W Witherspoon Premier 1hr 49m 33s6) GB Usher BSA 1hr 54m 13s

It is this epic feat of endurance and skill that we are commemorating with the running of the 100thanniversary event and we should spare more than a thought for those great pioneers who had no ideaof just what they were starting back in 1913.

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GREAT ROADS I HAVE TRAVELED…

Having been raised on a farm in the Eastern Cape there was no choice when I outgrewthe farm school where my Mother was the teacher, that I would have to go to boardingschool. The towns of Grahamstown King Williamstown or Queenstown were the optionsas all were just seventy miles from the farm but because the rest of the family had goneto Queens College, Queenstown it was.

So every term (we seldom if ever had long weekends off) the journey between the farmand Queenstown was undertaken and this great trip offered a choice of passes on theway. There were two alternate routes of equal distance and we used to alternate betweenthem for variety. They were equally picturesque and dramatically different. The one wasthe Katberg Pass and the other known locally anyway as De Waal’s Hoek. The Katbergis the one I would like to share here.

The Katberg Pass in the Eastern Cape once was on the main road between Port Elizabethand Queenstown and was a fairly busy road. It has the distinction of have been craftedby that Colossus Andrew Geddes Bain although he died before it was finally completed.History records that the work was actually completed by one Adam de Smidt who wasthen a District Inspector of Roads (don’t you wish we still had those?) After he had livedfor five years and undergone many hardships while trying to execute Bain’s daring plan,it was “ galling for him to receive the report of JG Gamble Acting Chief Inspector of PublicWorks who took a jaundiced view of the whole enterprise. He thought the road wouldbe a liability to the Roads Department and that the new railway line to Queenstown (fromEast London) would render the Katberg Pass unnecessary. “ Little did he know that thearrival of the motorcar twenty five years later would change everything and that millionsof motorists would have the joy of seeing Bain’s brilliant pass. My grandfather was atransport rider and with his wagon and span of Afrikaner oxen did trips carrying orangesfrom the Kat River Valley to Queenstown before the turn of the last century. Anywayenough of the old history.

From the early 1900’s this pass linked the Port of Port Elizabeth with the hinterlandaround Queenstown and it was our joy to travel it Twice per term in initially our 1937Plymouth and later in a 1957 Opel Caravan. My parents of course used it long beforemy arrival and the weapons of choice then were a 1928 Model A Ford Phaeton and latera 1934 Hillman Wizard. One of the hazards of any road on the Escarpment is the presenceof fog. This pass has some of the best you will see!

I recall a night drive back fromQueenstown after attending aschool concert when the mist wasso bad and the Plymouth’s lightsso bad that my Mother had towalk ahead of the car for nearlyhalf of the descent until the mistcleared at lower altitude.

In the winter time the pass oftenhas a thick fall of snow and thatalso produces some specialchallenges one of whichpossible is a story on its own.

The top of the pass

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continued…

The pass starts at the foot ofthe Katberg mountain wherethe well known KatbergSanatorium and later theKatberg Hotel is located andwinds its way initially in opengrassland past what used tobe the Highlands Resort(for a time run byone Cliffy Boyle) and thenpast the Government ForestStation where the road entersthe forest. Apart from one ortwo turns the gradients are easy(Top gear for the Plymouth!)and one could easily miss thebeautiful Black Bridge.

This work of engineering art spans a deep gorge and although the span is only aboutforty meters, the depth of the gorge is considerably more. The bridge has two beautifuldressed stone buttresses and the deck is made from imported timber which is as soundtoday as it was when the British soldiers laid the beams across the gorge circa 1868.One of the features of the Black bridge is that it has a rest spot and actually it need nothave been built as this rest spot offers a perfectly good if slower alternative around thecorner! The best apart of the rest spot is that it has a perennial spring with the loveliestfreshest mountain water you have ever tasted. My late mother , long before bottled waterbecame commonplace always used to say that the water there was good enough topbottle and sell. If only! We used to stop there for a picnic breakfast on the way toQueenstown and the spot is still pristine if somewhat overgrown.

The road continues to wind through beautiful natural forest and the occasional commercialplantation until about halfway up it emerges from the trees and the exciting part starts.Shortly after emerging from the trees one crosses over a neck and the infamous “DomkragDraai” awaits.

This is a sharp turn which derived its name from the ox wagon days and the story goesthat it would take a few hours to negotiate Domkrag (Jack) Draai as the wagon wouldslide toward the apex of the corner and the jacks would have to be used to get it aroundthe turn hence the name! The pass then continues to the top of the escarpment wherethe gentle descent towards the Whittlesea District begins and the Devils Bellows awaits.

Today the road is no longer maintained but offers a wonderful four wheel drive trip as itis still open. Because it is somewhat inaccessible the absence of litter is striking and thesolitude sublime. If you sit very still and close your eyes you could hear a model Tchugging up in Low gear!

The Nico Malan pass has replaced this great historic old road but it remains there forthose who seek it out and what a pleasant experience it is.

The picnic spot at the Black Bridge

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Subject to amendment – see Magazine & Notice board for more current information)

MARCH 2013

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17 31

VVC JD ParticipantsWelcome FunctionPlace: VVC club houseTime: 18h00

JD Motorcycle Rally7th March Carnival Mall,Brakpan 06h00 - 09h20

finish: 9th MarchHillcrest

See www.djrun.co.za

JD Prize GivingPlace: Kloof Country

ClubTime: 18h30 for 19h00

Piston RingSwop MeetPlace: Piston Ring clubModderfontien

CLUBBREAKFASTvenue TBA

VVC Club MeetingVintage Cars &BikesPlace:VVC Club house, AtholTime: 08h30

Tuesday Thurs-Sat

Saturday Sunday

Sunday

TO BE ARRANGED(other ideas will be welcome!): -- Concours d’Whatsit- Brian’s Fun Run- Visit to Don Lindsay’s Farm- Social evening- Monthly breakfasts (usually 2nd Sunday)

Contact alan.h@mweb.co.za to add your event

Sunday

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2013 CALENDAR OF EVENTS(Subject to amendment – see Magazine & Notice board for more current information)

FEBRUARY9/10 Feb SCOCC Southern Cape Old Car Club Show (George)10 Feb CMC Pre JD Run.17/18 Feb British Motorcycle Gathering Knysna24 Feb VVC DJ Bikes on Show

MARCH5 Mar VVC JD Participants Welcome Function at VVC7/9 Mar VVCJD Motorcycle Rally9 Mar VVC JD Prize giving function at Kloof Country Club17 Mar PR Piston Ring Swop Meet31 Mar VVC Vintage Cars & Bikes

APRIL7 Apr Angela’s Picnic (SAMCA – Johannesburg)14 Apr VMC Century Run28 Apr VVC Red Cars & Bikes

MAY9 May VSCC Cars in the Park (Pietermaritzburg)26 May VVC Motorcycle Day with VMC & CMC

JUNE1 Jun POMC Mampoer Tour (Pretoria)9 Jun JHMT DJ Commemorative Run10/13 Jun EPVCC Milligan Rally30 Jun VVC American Cars & Bikes with Piston Ring

JULY6/7 Jul CMC 1000 Bike Show (Johannesburg)28 Jul VVC Your Favourite Car or Bike

AUGUST4 Aug POMC Cars in the Park (Pretoria)25 Aug VVC Annual General Meeting/Post-vintage Cars & Bikes31 Aug VOWC Wheels on the Vaal (Vereeniging)

SEPTEMBER1 Sep VOWC Wheels on the Vaal (Vereeniging)14 Sep SAVVA AGM15 Sep PR Piston Ring Swop Meet24 Sep National Drive it Day! SAVVA25-29 Sep SAVVA National Rally and Rendezvous (OFSVCC)29 Sep VVC Post-45 Cars & Bikes & Buick Club

OCTOBER21 Oct PR Motoring Memories at Piston Ring27 Oct Studebaker Club Show Day, Smuts House27Oct VVC Sports Cars & Bikes& Rolls & Bentley Club & BDC

NOVEMBER10/11 Nov Fairest Cape Motorcycle Tour CVMC24 Nov VVC Veteran Cars & Bikes

DECEMBER29 Dec VVC Christmas meeting

To be arranged (other ideas will be welcome!): - Concours d’Whatsit; Brian’s Fun Run; Visit to Don Lindsay’s Farm; Socialevening; Monthly breakfasts (usually 2nd Sunday of month)

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KALK BAY VETERAN RUN FEBRUARY 2013Ally Van Jaarsveld in the 1902 Curved Dash Oldsmobile on the run

CLUB SUNDAY JOKE

Murphy, a furniture dealer from Dublin, decided to expand the line of furniture in his store, so hedecided to go to Paris to see what he could find.

After arriving in Paris, he visited with some manufacturers and selected a line that he thought wouldsell well back home. To celebrate the new acquisition, he decided to visit a small bistro and have aglass of wine. As he sat enjoying his wine, he noticed that the small place was quite crowded, and thatthe other chair at his table was the only vacant seat in the house.

Before long, a very beautiful young Parisian girl came to his table, asked him something in French(which Murphy could not understand), so he motioned to the vacant chair and invited her to sit down.He tried to speak to her in English, but she did not speak his language. After a couple of minutes oftrying to communicate with her, he took a napkin and drew a picture of a wine glass and showed it toher. She nodded, so he ordered a glass of wine for her.

After sitting together at the table for a while, he took another napkin, and drew a picture of a plate withfood on it, and she nodded. They left the bistro and found a quiet cafe that featured a small groupplaying romantic music.

Back at their table, the young lady took a napkin and drew a picture of a four-poster bed. To this day,Murphy has no idea how she figured out he was in the furniture business.

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SOME OF THE GORGEOUS CARS SEEN AT LAST SUNDAY’S CLUB MEETING

photos captured by Richard Dismore.11

Disclaimer: While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice, information and views givento readers, the Editor, Club Committee and Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any

damages or inconvenience that may arise

VVC COMMITTEE FOR 2012/2013

Ian Holmes ianhol@iafrica.comEric McQuillian eric@anatomical.co.zaBrian Lawlor bjclawlor@cinet.co.zaPaul Koski paul@frontiers.co.zaNoel Fordred daisymiss59@gmail.comAlan Hogg alan.h@mweb.co.zaPierre Rousseau pierrer@akhane.co.za

Ex-officio Portfolio Holders:Ian Holmes ianhol@iafrica.comJohn Hassall jh29@pixie.co.za

CORRESPONDENCEAll correspondence to the club should also be addressed to info@vintageveteran.co.za.

Please note that the deadline for articles for the next issue is the 7th of the previous month, and dokeep your articles coming in. Your contributions are appreciated.

When submitting photographs please ensure that they are in high definition, to do justice to thepictures, particularly in the printed version.

REMINDERThere are still 28 members that have not paid their subs for the 2012/2013 year.

If you are one of these members then please pay your subs as soon as you read this.Many thanks.

To advertise in our newsletter please contact ianhol@iafrica.com

CO

NTA

CTS

VINTAGE AND VETERAN CLUBANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION

2012/2013

Joining Fee: R125.00 (Including Name Badge)Extra name badges R 25.00

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS:Ordinary Members: R480.00 with printed Newsletter R360.00 with e-mail Newsletter

Honorary Life Members: FREECountry Members (outside of Gauteng):R360.00 inclusive of printed Newsletter

Country Members (outside of Gauteng):R240.00 if Newsletter is received by e-mail

Banking Details: Vintage and Veteran Club, Nedbank,Benmore Gardens Branch197305. Account No. 1973 038 617

Chairman 011 793 7304Vice-Chairman 011 888 3790Clubhouse 011 883 2054Treasurer 011 442 6662Register/members 011 465 1084Special events 011 786 1911Clubhouse/General 011 728 4172Dating 011 678 2162Social breakfasts 011 679 2342Library 082 706 8120

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