History

Our Club was formed in 1998 as a family club to foster the knowledge and interest in vintage machinery, associated memorabilia (rural and household equipment), models, and to promote the restoration and retention of vintage and heritage machinery, associated memorabilia and historical literature in New Zealand.

Although the majority of our members are families, we also have subscriptions for individuals and juniors (up to 21 years of age) to encourage the younger generation. Being a member gives you access to information on a particular machine that you may own. You don’t have to own machinery to become a member, just having an interest in anything historical is good enough reason to join our Club. Our members are spread around New Zealand and overseas.

Our monthly magazine is very informative and covers an outline of coming vintage events both here and overseas. It includes informative articles on various vintage machines, has a classified column and also includes a ladies section.

Our club is very active with displays at shows and rallies throughout Canterbury, with some members travelling to rallies throughout the South Island. Wheels 98 was the first event the Club was involved in organising. Following that was Iron in Action, 100 Years of International, 100 Years of Ford and the Kirwee Country Fair and Rally, which celebrated 100 years of the tractor. This was the largest vintage machinery rally ever run in New Zealand. The next rally was titled New Zealand Made. The McLeans Island Vintage Country Fair was held in conjunction with the Vintage Car Club and The Canterbury Steam Preservation Society for several years. This was followed by the Last of the Summer Wine Rally. Currently we hold Bus Trips, Fun Weekends and Ploughing Matches. We also run an annual Vintage Machinery Auction at Keating Park, which is very successful. Tractor Treks are organised and local information is gained and shared on the journey. All who participate enjoy the fellowship.

Originally our meetings were held in the Afterhours Hanger at Christchurch Airport until the Club took out a lease on 14 hectares at McLeans Island, named Keating Park after our first Patrons, the late Pat and Joan Keating. This has been developed into our grounds. A Scout den was purchased, relocated to Keating Park and after much hard work was converted into our clubhouse. Thursday working bees are beneficial for members to come out, share ideas, construct and restore. Chatting with a fellow member can sort out problems with machinery and be a source
of ideas where to get parts. A problem shared can be a problem solved.

Our Club has a very extensive Library with regularly donated new additions. This is available to all members. Our latest addition at Keating Park is the Display Shed which houses machinery, household items and related memorabilia. This building, combined with our workshop, blacksmith and wood working facilities will be used for educational purposes, be open to the public and perhaps inspire younger generations.

A committee is appointed annually to run the Club and meets every second Wednesday of the month. Our general meetings are held at the Clubrooms on the fourth Wednesday of each month. We may have a guest speaker and finish with supper.

Thanks to a dedicated band of volunteers we have achieved much. It is our desire to continue in this manner and preserve the machinery, equipment and memorabilia of yesteryear and thereby the heritage of the pioneering folk who have made this land what it is today.