Christmas Edition

The photograph depicts Barney Turnbull giving a spirited rendition of "Jingle Bells"just before the Christmas break in December 1961. He was ably assisted by Cadet Carlos Santana.

We are now getting close to the date of the reunion and there has been no change in number of those attending. The list posted in November remains the same. This blog has served its purpose and any further communication with those going to Queenstown will be made by email. I thank all those of you who sent me photographs that have been published on the blog. I also thank those who helped me find old members of the Goss Wing.

Special appreciation to Roger Serjeant who has handled the booking of the hotel in Queenstown and the monies paid by those attending the reunion.

All that remains is for me to wish you all a Happy Christmas and hope that you gained some enjoyment from these monthly publications over the past year. Regards Rod Rees

November Edition

Photo -Tararua trip 1962 -I can still remember how cold that water was!

This is the list of those going to the reunion:

Barrie Andrews, Eric Bryan, Russell Edie, Ferg Freeman, Mark Gilmour, Alan Harris, Russell Hendry,

Guy Howell, Pat Hunter, Roger Kelso, Geoff King, Andy Mitchell, Pete Messervy, Trev Morley,

Rod Rees, Norm Scott, Roger Serjeant, Brian Smith, Des Stapleton, Wayne Strong, Barney Turnbull.

Six will be going solo, the rest will be taking someone with them.

On the first day (Wednesday the 9th of February) we will be meeting at around 4 p.m. at the bar in the Goldridge Resort, Queenstown where most of us are staying. That evening will be informal with all present getting to know each other again after being parted in some cases since 1962.

On the second day (Thursday the 10th of February) those attending may wish to partake of the great variety of things to do in Queenstown. The group will assemble again at the bar at the Goldridge at about 5 p.m. and after nibbles, drinks and more chat we will attend dinner in the room set aside for us at Goldridge.

A bit closer to February I will give you all a more detailed account of what is happening but this should give you some idea of what is planned.

October Issue

Me old bed, tucked in the corner of a cubicle made for three. Who can recall the the correct measurement of the folded over sheet and the distance from it to the top of the bed? Please note the neat arrangement of the pillows. Many a bed was pulled apart by the inspecting

NCO for not complying with the specifications!

There are now 20 ex members paid up and ready to attend the reunion in February. I am really happy with this result considering 28 were able to be contacted after 50 years with the others

either deceased (6) or could not be found (2). There are still a few undecided and I hope they go because it is a memorable occasion which will never be repeated. Guy Howell and myself are working on the format of night of the dinner, trying to make it simple with as much imput by those present as possible. We we also make time for autograph signing by our very own TV star Roger (shakinallover) Kelso!

The September mystery men.

1. Norm Scott. Living in Dunedin. Still working full time as a racecourse detective. Has six grand daughters and a daughter who is a detective in the Police. Spends his leisure time relaxing in his holiday home.

2. Trev Morley. Living in Wellington. Still running his own business a a private eye. He is a Justice of the Peace and authorised to perform marriages (Civil Union Celebrant). He has a large collection of law enforcement related ephemera. ie toys, figures, model cars.

3. Eric Bryan. Has resided in Palmerston North since 1972. Has been married to the same woman since 1963 and was courting her whilst still at Trentham! He is retired and is a bit of a bowls and golf champion.

For those who are still vacillating (buggerizing around) about going to the reunion - make your minds up now because the bookings will close very soon.

September Issue

This photo was taken at a lunch arranged by Geoff King and was held at a local pub in Auckland recently. They are all Goss Wing boys. Can you recognise everyone?

The response has been good for payment to ensure attendance at the reunion. So far the following people are starters. Russ Edie, Mark Gilmour, Alan Harris, Guy Howell, Geoff King, Andy Mitchell, Trev Morley, Rod Rees, Norm Scott, Des Stapleton, Barny Turnbull. Pete Messervy, Roger Serjeant.

We have not heard from our Australian contingent, namely, Brian Smith, Wayne Strong and Barrie Andrews (I sent an email to Barrie the other day and I received a notification it could not be delivered).

The August mystery men.

1. Bob Knox - living in Auckland. He is employed as a teacher at Mount Roskill Grammar School. He enjoys good health and continues with his lifelong hobby of photography.

2. Roger Kelso - Living in Christchurch and is still involved in the family business as a jeweller.

His son works in the business too. Roger is keen on travelling and lists fishing and golf as his sporting activities.

3. Alan Harris - Resides in Christchurch and Marlborough Sounds. Has a house in each area and spends time at both. Now retired and when not travelling between his houses goes overseas. Just came back from a trip to Cyprus and on the way back called at Raro and saw Goldy Goldie.

For those who are intending to go to the reunion please send your $40 per person to Roger Serjeant now and book your accommodation to avoid disappointment.

August Edition

Start of the Tararua trip 5th of February 1962. As you can see all bright eyed, bushy tailed and ready to go. What I remember well of that exercise was being in a long line of heavy pack carrying young men trudging up paths through the bush and being subjected to maloderous clouds of powdered egg farts.

This months mystery men.

1. Pete Messervy. Living with his family in Napier and enjoying outdoor work at the nearby Mission Vineyard.

2. Wayne Strong. Now residing on Bribie Island near Brisbane, Australia. After retiring from the Constabulary ran his own feijoa orchard in Palmerston North for a few years and then took off across the ditch. By all accounts a keen and competitive croquet player and has children living in Oz, Nz, and the USA.

3. Bob Andrews. Has lived in Hamilton for the past 38 years and currently working two days a week. Enjoys a spot of golf and is a proud great grandfather.

Reunion Arrangements: Roger Sergeant has written an email to send to you all which will be forwarded today. It outlines dates, times, the venue and the costings. The bottom line is that you have to send him $40 per person as soon as possible so we know how many people are serious about going. Andy Mitchell has already booked a room in the hotel for his wife and himself.

Local Activities: Geoff King has arranged for a lunch at an Auckland pub on Saturday the 7th of August. So far six ex members will be attending so if you happen to be in Auckland on the 7th either email me or Geoff and you will be welcome.

JULY EDITION

I found this snapshot entititled "Waiting for Lunch"in an old photo album. You know all those depicted and will remember the wonderful and nutritious meals served to us in charming surroundings by expert chefs and pretty waitresses. We would wait in anticipation for the next gastronomic delight.

The June mystery men.

1. Mark Gilmour. Currently living in good health in the hills above Lyttleton. Still very much into tennis and still competes both in New Zealand and Australia. Mark is a veteran tennis champion. He also coaches tennis which he has done for many years. Until recently was a resident of Rotorua for a considerable time.

2. Brian Smith. Living with his wife in Melbourne, Australia. Has taken up a job managing a Retirement Village. Brian has an illustrious past career. When barcoding was first introduced to NZ he became involved in the administration and was head hunted by the Australians. After sorting out barcoding in Oz he went on to Belgium as the international C.E.O. retiring in 2003.

3. Geoffrey King. Resides in Howick, Auckland and for the past thirty years has owned and is still operating an electrical appliance business. Had a bit of a health scare about ten years ago when he suffered a brain haemorrhage but fortunately fully recovered with no after affects. Still claims to be devilishly handsome and a latent genius.

The time has come for you all to make up your minds whether to attend the reunion in February next year. Shortly you will receive an email and a request to deposit some money into an account that Roger Serjeant has set up for the reunion. We are not talking mega bucks just the cost of the dinner and a share of hiring the venue.

I have now run out of photographs, so those people who have not emailed me a current snap shot of themselves please do so, otherwise I will have nothing to show you. I am sure by the feedback that it is worthwhile but I cannot continue without participation.