About Mid Canterbury Vintage Machinery Club
The Mid Canterbury Vintage Machinery Club has been catering for the vintage machinery enthusiast from our Ashburton base since 1983.
We are a group of individuals with an interest in all types of vintage machinery, and the preservation of equipment used in New Zealand's agricultural and construction heritage.
Our History
The club was founded in 1983 by a group of locals with a vision to have a club based in Ashburton to bring together vintage machinery enthusiasts from throughout Mid Canterbury. What started as a small group has grown to become the thriving club of well over 100 members that we see today. Members range in ages and occupations but all share a passion for vintage and classic machinery. Some have large collections, others only own 1 or 2 tractors or vintage machines, while a number don't possess any vintage machinery at all but are interested in things mechanical from a bygone era. They all enjoy the fellowship and comradery of joining with likeminded enthusiasts.
Receiving an unexpected bequest initiated thoughts of building a permanent base for the club, resulting in the construction of a new 600 square metre commercial building at the Ashburton A&P Showgrounds. Opened in 2019 it contains a furnished meeting room, while the remainder is used for the storage and display of several vintage and classic tractors and machines owned by members.
Over the years the club has arranged a number of vintage machinery shows and events, including what have become our popular "Wheat & Wheels" rallies. Members have also participated in numerous other events throughout Canterbury and beyond.
When formed the aims of the club were to promote friendship among vintage machinery enthusiasts, associate with likeminded organisations, arrange field events and displays for machinery from a bygone era, and to hold social events and meetings to bring members together. These aims remain as the basis for the club today.
Monthly Meetings and Activities
Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month (except January), usually starting at 8pm in our clubrooms located off Seafield Rd in the Ashburton A&P Showgrounds. Most meetings feature a guest speaker from a business or community group, or club members and others sharing part of their life with us, whether that be life and work experiences, trips abroad and within NZ, club trips and outings etc. Often these involve power point or photographic presentations. These meetings are a great chance to learn something new, connect with fellow members, and enjoy time to socialise at supper time.
A newsletter, "Bits and Pieces", is produced every second month and includes reports on club and other activities, notices of upcoming events and a free classified section. This, along with email notices, helps keep members informed about club activities.
Other activities include visits to various business and farming operations, and machinery and vehicle collections within Mid Canterbury and further afield. Tractor treks to various attractions around Mid Canterbury, an annual ploughing match, and our "Wheat & Wheels" Rallies are other activities we arrange. As our clubrooms are located in the Ashburton A&P Showgrounds, we stage a vintage machinery display in and around our building during the annual two day A&P Show. Members also participate in various displays and activities arranged by other community groups.
