MAY 2012 - Vintage and Veteran Club

MAY 2012
Affiliated to SAVVA
e-mail editor@vintageveteran.co.za
P.O. Box 651901 - Benmore - 2010
Clubhouse: 3 Athol Oaklands Road - Oaklands - Johannesburg
From the Chairman’s desk
April 2012
What a wonderful turnout we had from our club at Angela’s Picnic on 1 April! It felt almost like a
reverse April Fool’s joke but a most positive one. Thank you so much to all who came and a
special thanks to Roy Watson who I believe rallied the troops to bring out the real oldies.
Perhaps it was my bias but I think that the VVC display attracted the most interest of all on the day
and the nice part is that it would be hard to prove me wrong now! The event is a lovely relaxed
one and I am sure it is a great tribute to Angela who started it and all for a good cause too.
The cool or chill of Autumn is with us and before long it will be cold again and while I don’t relish
the chill, the older British cars certainly do so there is always a positive spin in it for us. Biggest
damper of course is the spiraling petrol cost but as I always say every liter burnt in an old vehicle
is still a bargain so get used to it and the bad news is that it is not likely to come down in the
foreseeable either. So just enjoy the cars and bikes and let us be glad we have the opportunities
we do for this.
Our out of town visitors were delighted by both Choir Practice and the Picnic and I believe they
have now started to understand why it was not the end of the world to have moved here from the
coast all those years ago.
Thanks to all those who have recruited new members and to those who are still busy doing so. It
is not too late. There is no closing date for this campaign!!
It is most heartening to see the continued and increasing interest in our events because after all
this is why we have a club so I can only say thank you and keep it up. Of course in this vein any
suggestions of offers to organize something are also very welcome.
I hope you all have a safe and happy period through the various holidays which occur in April and
Sue and I will be sampling the delights of Port Elizabeth with some old friends for a few days.
There is no better way to enjoy a break than that.
Happy motoring till next month.
Ian Holmes
This month’s cover picture
On vintage car and bike Sunday the Club was visited by these two celestial bodies – the Moon
and the Star, owned by Rudi de Groot and Paul Koski.
-1-
SAVVA Technical Tip 59– Fitting Electrical Fans
Hooray! It’s pleasing to see that at least one person reads the Technical Tips. We had response
from Richard Palmer from the VCC who is the proud owner of an MGB and has had over-heating
problems in heavy traffic. His solution was to fit an electric fan which solved his problem.
Many older cars are very marginal and tend to overheat in traffic. On a hot day standing in traffic
the engine driven fan is only turning at idling speed and isn’t going to do much cooling. Under
these conditions a car needs a good water pump and a good capacity radiator. Some cars just
aren’t equipped with these items. There are three solutions:
1) Fit an electric radiator fan.
2) Fit a larger core radiator and upgraded fan. (many MGB’s have a 3 blade which can be
replaced with a more effective 4 blade)
3) Use your modern car.
Let’s look at the fitting of an electric fan. Firstly, decide which side of the radiator you can fit it. On
some cars it can go where the current fan is and pull the air through whilst on others it will be
mounted in front of the radiator blowing or pushing the air through. Incidentally, if you are fitting
an electric fan you may as well dispose of the old engine driven one – you’ll be surprised how
much quieter your engine will run.
There are various sizes of fans available, the popular solution seems to be to fit two fans side by
side rather than one large one. I think that’s because most radiators are oblong. Securing the
fans to the radiator shouldn’t be too much of a problem. I see in fan adverts in USA magazines
they supply cable ties that go through the cooling fins to hold them in position – seems to work.
Electric fans can take a fair amount of current when starting up so it would be advisable to fit a
relay. The thermostatically controlled switch can then operate the relay. The problem is – where to
fit the switch. One has a choice of fitting it into the engine block or into a receptacle in the
radiator.
Ideally, we should try to fit the switch into the engines water jacket. Switches are available from
most parts suppliers for about R75.00 each. If your car has a temperature warning light you can
use the same hole and scrap the light, if however you have a temperature gauge – well that could
present a problem as I’m sure you will want to keep it working.
I recently had a situation where there just wasn’t place for the switch in the engine block as the
only suitable orifice was taken up by the temperature gauge unit which I wasn’t prepared to do
without. The solution was solved by having a radiator shop fit a small socket into the radiator that
could accommodate the switch. (They didn’t even charge me – bless them.) If you go this way, try
to fit it lower down in the radiator because if your water level is low the switch may not operate.
Another very simple alternative which is often used by caravaners is to fit a switch on the dash
and when the temperature goes up you simply switch the fan on manually. Just remember to
switch it off when it’s not needed.
-2-
Profile – Syd Biddulph
Sydney Lionel Biddulph was born on the 22 Oct 1937 on a Freestate farm near Villiers. The eighth
of 10 children, he was taught to read and write by his father who was a farmer and a teacher, and
ran a farm school. At age 13 his Dad told him that it was time to learn to speak English and
placed him in Boksburg High School where he matriculated in 1955.
He went to study medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand and qualified in 1961. Training
as an orthopaedic surgeon took up the next four years and then, on the day that Dr Verwoerd was
murdered, he left for the U.K to qualify as a Hand Surgeon. Whilst in the U.K. he visited friends
who had a 1927 Austin. After driving around in this vehicle for a weekend he was smitten.
Further studies followed in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New
York. While in Grand Rapids, he joined a group, 'Doctors for Vietnam' and spent two months in
Saigon at the height of the war, teaching Vietnamese orthopaedic surgeons the basics of hand
surgery and how to deal with hand injuries.
Back in South Africa after four years overseas, he worked at the Joburg Gen for a year or two
during which time he acquired a 1939 Chev Opera Coupe, the car of his youth. He restored it
himself.
In the momentous September 1973, he bought a house, got married and started a practice in
hand surgery. During 1974 he employed Carroll
Schelinck, a friend of Reg Loney, as his
secretary. She encouraged him to join the VVC
and remained a friend until her recent death
He later acquired a 1934 Ford V8 LDV and in
1986 bought his favourite green Model T Ford.
He later sold the Ford V8 LDV and Chev to buy
the 1933 Talbot. The Frosts from Knysna sold
both vehicles in a week at triple the price he
was offered by South African collectors which is
a very sad state of affairs. Naturally the cars
went to the U.K.
Apart from Hand Surgery, his hobbies are
vintage cars, antique furniture and art.
Doing 4x4 trips throughout Africa is one of his
great interests. Angola is his next destination.
He lives with his wife Pat in a 100 year old
Herbert Baker house in Westcliff and has just
been joined in practice by his son Grant the
actual owner of the Talbot.
-3-
Car Radios – From then until now (Part 3)
By Eric McQuillian
The early 1960’s were milestone years for car radios as there were two major innovations. One
was the introduction of the FM band in South Africa (frequency modulation), and the other the
replacement of valves by a combination of transistors and integrated circuits. By then the
Supersonic Company was well established and offered a huge range of domestic and car radios.
In addition to Supersonic the market also offered a few European makes including Philips,
Blaupunkt etc and they were later joined by a host of excellent Japanese radios including, Hitachi,
National, Sony, Panasonic, etc.
About this time Supersonic was
internationally acknowledged for their
excellent products, superior quality
and technological excellence, so much
so that S.T.&C (Standard Telephone &
Cable) of England, an international
company, purchased the majority of
shares in the company. They had
plans to increase Supersonic sales in
England and to introduce them onto
Early Blaupunkt preselect radio. Very collectable as they
the U.S. market.
ST&C was the
are wanted by owners of German cars
largest of this type of company in
England employing over 30,000 people so they had the finance and marketing expertise.
Unfortunately, as we are aware, politics intervened in Rhodesia’s affairs and the ambitious plans
were shelved. This is rather a pity as Supersonic could have been one of the biggies in the world
today. Incidentally, at about this time Standard Telephone was marketing a superb Supersonic
portable radio in England under the Mullard brand name.
The mid 60’s also saw the introduction
of a new gadget that was a “had to
have” by the enthusiast of the day and
that was the 4 and/or 8 track tape
players. Initially these units were
separate from the radio and mounted
under the dash. By the 70’s they were
built into the radio. One can imagine
an all-wave radio with mechanical
preselect buttons together with a tape
player all in one box. A mechanical
nightmare!
Supersonic all wave preselect radio. An excellent radio
which is very collectable by owners of mid 60’s to 70’s
cars. It was standard fitment to many locally assembled
cars.
-4-
A typical 4 track player that would be mounted under the
dash and play through the radio.
About this time there was total
confusion in the market place. Since
the introduction of the FM band
manufacturers and importers believed
MW would never be used again so
dropped it. Radios were therefore
offered with FM and SW bands only. A
year or two down the line stations like
702 popped up using MW bands and
LM
radio
using
Short
wave
disappeared so they again changed
their minds and dropped the SW
bands and replaced them once again
with MW.
Letters
Message from Henry Watermeyer
I have been asked several times why Dorian Radue was not at this year’s DJ. The following
extract from an e-mail she sent me explains it well.
“Hi Henry
Thanks for info on DJ and congrats on your finish! I had a couple of texts indicating that it was
very hot and very long – why was it long? I am livid I had to miss it but am planning for the
centenary next year.
I couldn’t make it due to floods here. I was evacuated twice and in fact stayed in 4 different
places during a week of being displaced, but am now back in my townhouse, sans carpets. The
bikes stood in 2 foot of water for 2 days and when it dropped slightly I wheeled them out in case
the water came back. They are now holidaying on higher ground and I have been around and
started them both so I believe that no lasting damage was done. A club member is looking after
them and checking them over for me – he is Rudge enthusiast Ginge Davies (86) who kindly lets
me use his 1933 250 4-valve on local rallies. What a lucky girl!
The floods were the worst in the area and the company’s 100 year history. It turns 100 in July –
but the celebrations are going to be somewhat muted. So leaving in the middle of a crisis was not
an option, especially considering that we are short-handed and have been doing double jobs for
over 6 months already. Fortunately new CEO and CFO start in 2 weeks and I feel like a child
counting 14 sleeps! The floods are moving through the area we control and although still critical
we hope the worst will be over in about 5 more days.
Then I will look to see when I can re-schedule my trip and look forward to seeing you then and
catching up.
Take care
Dorian”
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Angela’s Picnic
The turnout of VVC members and friends and their magnificent cars was excellent, and the VVC
stand proved to be one of the most popular, especially as there were so many of the really old
vehicles there. For those who were not able to attend, here is a taste of what VVC exhibited.
Make sure you join in the fun, fellowship and picnic next year as apart from seeing the VVC cars
there are hundreds of other clubs there too, the majority being single marque clubs.
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THE 99th DURBAN JOHANNESBURG EVENT EPERIENCED BY A “TEAM
DEMENTIA MEMBER”
Author : “de Late Mr Allison”
This was the pre-curser to the magical 100th DJ. In some ways this event started out as
something of a disappointment for me as I had not quite managed to complete the restoration
work on the Rudge “Fireball” which you may recall had been engulfed by fire on last year’s DJ.
I had hoped to ride the resurrected and re-christened Rudge “Phoenix”, but mostly due to
magneto problems, it didn’t happen. (It will be ready for the 100th DJ.) However, my dear wife,
Barbara, agreed to lend me her wonderful little BSA, 250cc – itself a venerable participant in 18
DJ’s, 8 under Barbara’s derriere. Despite some small problems along the way including some
invoked by the pilot, the gallant little bike rewarded me with a hard earned finisher’s medal.
On the way down to the start in Hillcrest, the three of us – Mike Milner-Smyth, Henry
Watermeyer and yours truly – enjoyed lots of chatting about almost everything that 3 senior bog
wheelers can still recall and that’s actually plenty – no time to doze off or listen to the radio.
Much of the chat related to the early DJ’s. All 3 of us have lots of DJ’s under our belts. Mike
and I were actually on the First DJ (no stupid, not the 1913 event) I mean the 1970 Dick Osborn
Job. In those early days stop watches were of the Zobo type - wind-up jobs - and we thought
that regularity was about arriving at the toilet in time or something. However, those early DJ
days were a barrel of fun
Arriving safely at the Collingwood Guest House, Hilton (previously enjoyed) we had in the
course of the journey resolved to form a team in the hopes that there may be some vague
possibility of us threatening the high echelon of top rallyists and taking home some kind of
trophy to crow about. Of course we had to enter under a nom-de-plum – a name that would
mean something to us. A name that we would remember! Several ideas came up – resulting
in “TEAM DEMENTIA”. That night a great party was put on by the VVC Natal at their wellknown Clubhouse. Many thanks to them for a warm welcome and friendships re-visited. Team
Dementia dillied and dallied and were about the last to leave, however, we were in good fettle
and enjoyed a good night’s sleep
The next day at “scruteneering” all went well with lots of goodies being plied upon us by the
Organizers. Later on that evening we were briefed at the Competitors meeting by Pierre Cronje
(Clerk of the Course) and we were also given a glimpse of what might be the format for the
100th DJ event which will be run from Johannesburg to Durban. This promises to be the
“Daddy of them all” ending like the 1970 event with an illustrious formal dinner affair. Once
again after dining and wining it was back to the Collingwood for an early night and an early
breakfast, then off to the start.
The Epic Journey begins at the starting line with + 120 riders leaving at 1 minute intervals.
During my last few minutes of preparation I was approached by a familiar figure inhabited by
my old friend Steve Hurst, over from England. We nattered for far too long. Suddenly it’s far
too close to my start time now! Start little bike, get to line quickly. Good all is well or is it?
After a short distance I realized I have actually started on “Page 2”! However, I attempt
furtively to make up for lost time, not easy on a little 250 BSA, but we try valiantly, only to be
dogged by a slipping clutch, becoming progressively chronic to the extent that I virtually dogpaddled the little beast into the busy Pietermaritzburg petrol stop. I phoned Pierre Cronje
(hereafter referred to as PC 99) to say that I think I have had it. He informs me that a sweep
vehicle should arrive soon. I decide to investigate the slipping clutch (meanwhile the whole
field has departed in a haze of smoke and noise). I feel somewhat isolated when suddenly a
friendly and familiar voice enquires as to why I’m lying down alongside the little beast with my
-7-
greasy hands deep into the internals of the clutch. Eureka says I as I manage to wrangle a
quick repair. My spirits rise as I discover my rally is not yet over. The little BSA bullets out of
the garage and up the hill with not a trace of clutch slip. Pierre Roussouw the Sweep Driver
takes care to follow me at some distance to make sure that I am ok.
Of course, by now, I am 1 hour behind my time (purely academic). The little bike is, like me in
good spirits and riding high. I can tell you that there is no more depressing feeling than falling
out of a DJ!! Yet, unbeknown to me, the saga is far from over as I sing happy songs inside my
helmet; the BSA providing a happy beat. No worries about time keeping, just ride to lunch at
Estcourt and renew my acquaintance with the rest of the lads. Newcastle now looks like a
strong possibility and then 18kms from there it happens again – that bothersome clutch! I
realize by now that it takes about 25 minutes to put it right, but it’s getting late and once again, I
am stranded behind the field. The last sweep has disappeared. I try to phone PC 99, but my
cell phone has also expired! To my rescue comes Gideon, a modern day Good Samaritan,
who stays with me until the job is done; and also tries to resuscitate my dead cell phone, to no
avail. The clutch is fixed again, but now she won’t start, so lots of pushing, changing of plugs
and adjusting of points etc until I reach the point of giving it one last try. Amazingly she
responds with a mighty roar, off into the fading light with my new found friend Gideon following
me in his car, all the way into Newcastle. I told the little bike that I could not spare the whip and
she responded magnificently arriving at Mortimer Motors, our traditional overnight stop, into the
workshop with headlight blazing (thank goodness for this) where all the bikes park at night. I
was greeted by my anxious pals, (nice to know they care, but a hell of a way to test that!)
Gideon, an absolute Knight of the Road is with me and not surprisingly a keen biker himself –
My Hero – thank you / thank you / thank you. We were both lauded and photographed and
then it was time for Gideon to continue his much delayed journey home. PC 99 was informed
that I had arrived. Hmmm … quite eventful for the first day.
Team Dementia member, Mike Milner-Smyth had unfortunately broken down - his Manxman
expiring close to his Alma Mater, Michael House. Not a preferred way to drop in at your old
school! What followed was another jolly night with the troops and off to bed for a well-earned
sleep.
Day Two: Start at Ngogo Station. Bike and rider feeling good, even making good times past
the Marshall Points. Uneventfully Greylingstad petrol stop looms, still on good times, but with
that clutch again – dammit!!!! Another hurried clutch routine +22 minutes, start from the petrol
station 7 minutes late. Out comes the whip - the catch-up game. Now of course, on the next
leg of the journey is the dreaded spot evidenced by a darkened patch on the side of the road,
where the Rudge inferno occurred, regurgitating a mental vision of that dramatic event. Good
to put it behind me. After lunch my rear chain jumps off. OK, out come the tools again – a quick
fix watched over by my friendly Sweep Pierre Roussouw in attendance. Catch up time again
we are now eating up the miles. Now, now John, don’t whip the little girl too much – just get to
the end. Eventually I meet up with Hamish Morrison and we ride like Brothers in Arms through
the gates of the James Hall Museum and into the arms of Barbara, my wife. Henry
Watermeyer of our Team Dementia, had already arrived safely at the finish on his Sunbeam.
Well done Henry.
The 99th DJ: What a ride. What an epic. Love it to bits.
VIVA BIKERS!
-8-
Of This and That
The club was sad to hear that our founder member John Okell’s wife Maureen passed away on
Easter Sunday. Our condolences to all the family and friends.
It was good news that both Harry Shutler and Dirk Lourens were better, and we wish Sheila Heard
a speedy recovery.
Breakfast Run
For details of the next Breakfast Run to be held on Sunday 13 May, please contact John Hassall
direct at jh29@pixie.co.za or on 011 679 2342.
Welcome to new members
Michael Burnette who lives in Bryanston with a VW, 2 Mini’s and a Citroen Pallas. His phone
number is 082 852 3549
Etienne Terblanche who lives in Weltevreden Park with Maria and a Volvo 122S, some Fords,
Mercedes and BMW’s. His home phone number 011 679 2197.
Garth Edwardswho lives in Glen Austin with his wife Elize and a 1913 FN 2 seater and a 1928
FN Motorcycle and the 1929 Automoto motorcycle. His business phone number is 011 238 7804
Happy May birthdays to:
Saul Braun, Mary Brodie, Leon Hoffman, Jonny Horne, Keith Jeffrey, David Laing, Don Lindsay,
Johan Miny, Steve Renecle, Cecil White, Bruce Woolley,
Events to diarise :
KZN Meander 18 – 20 May 2012 – Formerly called the Durban Dash
Here is a taste of what is planned.
Day 1 from the Petroport at Heidelberg via Balfour, Standerton, Memel, NewCastle, Glenco
Dat 2 from Glenco via Dundee, Greytown, New Hanover, Albert Falls, Pietermaritzburg
Day 3, after breakfast to Cars in the Park.
For more information contact Evert Louw – Cell 082 509 4974 or Eugene Steenkamp - Cell 082 448 5996
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INVITATION TO ALL VINTAGE/CLASSIC CAR, AND MOTOR-CYCLE CLUBS
The VRYHEID VINTAGE CAR CLUB is hosting its annual Car Show on 16th JUNE 2012. This is
by far the LARGEST VINTAGE CAR SHOW in Northern KZN. Last year we exhibited more than
280 vehicles! Visit our website: www.thevvcc.com
All Vintage/Classic Car, Hotrod and Motor-Cycle Clubs as well as Owners of Vintage
Tractors/Implements and Stationary Engines are hereby cordially invited to display their
Vehicles/Machines. New Car and Motor-Cycle Dealers are all welcome to display their latest
models. Let us use this opportunity to Showcase our Heritage Vehicles to the public and
especially to our youth of today.
VENUE: VRYHEID LUCAS MEYER SCHOOL RUGBY FIELD
Corner of High and South Streets Vryheid.
Entrance gates will open at 07h30 and you can enjoy the following activities - Spitbraai, Beer
Tent, Tea and Coffee, Food Stalls, Jumping Castle, Lucky Ticket Draws. Bring the whole family
and enjoy the day with us! A list of B&B’s is available on request.
For further information please contact:
Cassie Lourens (Chairman) Cell: 082 904 5360 e-mail: cassiejl@lantic.net
Kobus Botha (Vice-Chairman) Cell: 082 807 0747 e-mail: kobusb10@absamail.co.za
Our Children Come First” “
Fund Raising No. 001262 NPO
WINTER WHEELS - SUNDAY 22 JULY 2012
You are invited to join in the fun from 9.30 am
“Concours de Whatsit” will be judged by the ladies of the Monday Club
Delicious Brunch served at 11 o’clock
All this for R90 per person – plus prizes for category winners
For R50, you can enter your name for the chance of a great prize – details to be announced in
next newsletter.
Thanks to the VVC for their assistance with this fund-raising effort – every cent made will go
towards helping very needy children
Please give your names to Ian Holmes – 011 793 7304 or Janet Jones 011 706 6730
Bookings will also be taken on Sunday 24 June at the Club
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2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
(Subject to amendment – see Magazine & Notice board for more current information)
Apr
May
May
Jun
Jun
Jun
Jun
Jun
Jul
Aug
Aug
29
20
27
2
10
11-14
24
30- 1Jul
29
5
15-18
VVC
Aug
Sep
Sep
Sep
Sep
Sep
Oct
Oct
Oct
Nov
Nov
Dec
26
1/2
15
16
24
30
21
21
28
9/10
25
30
VVC
VVC
VVC
VVC
VVC
VVC
VVC
VVC
Red Cars & Bikes
Cars in the Park (VSCC – Pietermaritzburg)
Motorcycle Day with VMC & CMC
Mampoer Rally, Pretoria (POMC)
DJ Commemorative Run JHMT(*TBC)
2012 Milligan Vintage Trial/Tour
American Cars & Bikes with Piston Ring
1000 Bike Show (CMC – Johannesburg)
Your Favourite Car or Bike
Cars in the Park (POMC – Pretoria)
SAVVA National Car & Bike Tour, Hazyview including
Magnum Tour Cars & Bikes (POMC – Mpumalanga)
Annual General Meeting/Post-vintage Cars & Bikes
Wheels on the Vaal (VOWC – Vereeniging)
SAVVA AGM
Piston Ring Swop Meet
National Drive it Day! SAVVA
Post-45 Cars & Bikes & Buick Club
Motoring Memories Piston Ring
Studebaker Club Show Day Smuts House
Sports Cars & Bikes& Rolls & Bentley Club & BDC
Fairest Cape Motorcycle Tour CVMC
Veteran Cars & Bikes
Christmas meeting
To be arranged (other ideas will be welcome!): - Concours d’Whatsit; Garage Visits; Social
evening; Monthly breakfasts (usually 2nd Sunday of month)
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COMMITTEE FOR 2011/2012
Ian Holmes
Eric McQuillian
Brian Lawlor
Paul Koski
Noel Fordred
Ian Middleton
ianhol@iafrica.com
eric@anatomical.co.za
bjclawlor@cinet.co.za
paul@frontiers.co.za
daisymiss59@gmail.com
muddles@global.co.za
Ex-officio Portfolio Holders:
Jean Gobey
gobeyj@mweb.co.za
Harry Shutler
John Hassall
jh29@pixie.co.za
Gwyn Thomas
Chairman
Vice-Chairman
Clubhouse
Treasurer
Register/member sec
Special events
011 793-7304
011 888-3790
011 883 2054
011 442 6662
011 465-1084
011 887-8930
Newsletter
Dating
Social breakfasts
Library
011 794-9478
011 678-2162
011 679-2342
082 706-8120
CORRESPONDENCE
All 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 10 May 2012, and do keep your
articles coming in – especially those motoring memories - stories about little events, trips or
adventures which you may recall from earlier days of motoring. Your contributions are
appreciated.
VINTAGE AND VETERAN CLUB
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION
2011/2012
Joining Fee: R125.00 (Including Name Badge)
Extra name badges R 25.00
Annual Subscriptions
Ordinary Members: R460.00 with printed Newsletter
R340.00 with e-mail Newsletter
Honorary Life Members: FREE
Country Members (outside of Gauteng): R340.00 inclusive of printed Newsletter
Country Members (outside of Gauteng): R220.00 if Newsletter is received by e-mail
Disclaimer: While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice, information
and views given to readers, the Editor, Club Committee and Publishers cannot accept responsibility for any
damages or inconvenience that may arise therefrom.
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