PARK SIDE MEDIA CHRISTMAS PICNIC TOUR OF CANTERBURY
On Sunday, 18 November 2018, the fifth annual Parkside Media Christmas Picnic tour was held in almost perfect weather conditions. Entry numbers were a little down on previous years, at 79 vehicles, but there was a wide range nevertheless. From a vintage Desoto sedan and Vauxhall tourer of similar age to tiny Fiat Bambinas and a Renault 750. Departing from the Hurunui District Council car park, using backcountry sealed roads with practically no traffic, the first port of call was the Mingle Mangle craft emporium. Developed by Katrina and Les Platt over many years, this collection doesn’t focus on anything in particular — you name it, and they probably have it.
Following on from this, our next visit, to a private collection and shop, was a real eyeopener. I now quote from the issued route sheet: “Our second stop today is at number 95 on your right. The highlight of today, probably for most, is a real interesting collection of many British cars and parts mostly of the ’60s period. Be sure you see the collection behind the house, as well as the street front shop”. There were around 20 or so derelict Vauxhall Victors and Consul 315s. Good for parts mainly, but the best examples could be restored if you were keen on these models. There was also one very rare Borgward station wagon in remarkably good condition, considering it has been outside for some time. (I intend to go back to this place with my camera and notebook to furnish a special report for this publication.)
On we travelled, proceeding to Hawarden. It was here that Scottie opened his longestablished motor garage to us. It now specializes in repairing/restoring vintage and classic vehicles, mainly on the mechanical side. A local family, for instance, had sent in their Morris Minor for a brake overhaul, as it had been unused for many years, and a new wiring loom had recently been fitted. This car is a typical one-owner, original-but-worn vehicle — a back-to-the-future project.
Our final section of the morning route was a drive through Mayfield to the historic Hurunui Hotel, built in 1863. This iconic building had been badly damaged following the Kaikoura earthquake on 14 November 2016 and was closed immediately. However, it has recently been completely repaired to the exact original specifications. The owner opened it up for us during our lunch break and gave us a talk on its history. This was an ideal venue to stop at, with a small motor camp beside and vineyards just metres away. We will be back.
After lunch, with the weather still brilliant, the afternoon plan almost retraced the morning route but branched off at Broomfield to head to our final destination, which was The Old Leithfield Hotel, built in 1870. The draw for three six-month subscriptions to New Zealand Classic Car, plus one for 12 months, was undertaken in the beer garden. The route sheets are numbered, so you had to be present with your instructions on hand to prove that you were one of the lucky numbers drawn. This proved an ideal and popular way to finish off a great day’s outing with our classic vehicles and friendly, like-minded people. Our next outing is on Sunday, 31 March 2019.