42
Last Regimental Reunion
For members of the now defunct Nelson-Marlborough-West Coast Regiment, the final reunion and social was something in the nature of a wake. The regiment, now a part of the 2nd Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, may now be officially dead, but its spirit was certainly very alive on the night of the reunion. The drill hell was beautifully decorated for the occasion and about 300 members and former members from all over the Dominion attended.
(Pix by Peter Cooper Studio).
Col Dick Orbell tries out the army bike
Survivors of the regimental football team we published in the last issue. From front, Lee Powrie, Jack Eyre, Darcy Blair, Phil Morgan; rear, Ron Owen, Maurie Alborough, Norm McKenzie, Clive Stallard and Pete Hansen.
Reunion committee: Graham Hodgson, Doug Smith, Jim Robinson, Bob Boyd, Graham Gardner, Rod Evans, Neil Goodman.
Recently retired after many years with the Regiment, Darcy Mcpherson and wife Doreen, from Takaka.
Some of the Regimental Sand boys from Blenheim
43
All the way from Auckland were Paddy and Maree Maskill
Two oldest members present: Major G. R. Jamieson and Lt Col R. Eyre
The top brass, Lt Col Don Blyth (present C. O), Col Denver Fountain (ex Col of Regmt), Lt Col Pick Orbell (ex C. O), Col Trls Hegglun (Commander 3rd Brigade), Col Darcy Blair (Col of Regiment).
Auld Lang Syne brought to a close a wonderful evening