CLUB CORNER

Car clubs come in all shapes and forms. Some produce slick, glossy magazines, which are obviously supported by the national or international offices of their brand and their various club websites are similar. Others produce a photocopied sheet or two of local news, and the website, if there is one, only gets updated from time to time.

The New Zealand Morris Minor Federation Inc. is one of the less-conspicuous clubs. In spite of this, it is probably more active than most, and it is also probably the meat and veg of this magazine as well. That is, most of the cars

are more or less ordinary, as are the people involved. These people share a strong interest in the various permutations of the various vehicles that are part and parcel of their various clubs.

The 10 regional clubs affiliated to this national group are found from Auckland to Invercargill and they probably represent hundreds of cars and many hundreds of people.

This year, the Rotorua Morris Minor Club Inc. is hosting the federation’s annual convention event, which is held in the North Island and South Islands on alternate years. Denise Newby, one of the convention organizers, says, “It’s all about having fun.” That fun might be anything from a drive to the beach for a picnic to a day out racing at a local race track. Recently, 16 Morris Minors raced their way around Hampton Downs track on a club day.

Having fun is certainly a major part of any car club’s activities, but it is also usually a serious attempt to promote the marque and help those interested to have the knowledge about and access to information and bits and pieces for their cars.

If you’re interested in getting a Morrie and joining a club, check out the federation website: morrisminor.co.nz.