The Regular Force Cadet Association

                                  RF CADET DAY OBSERVANCE

MANAWATU REGION

The Manawatu Region had a good turnout at the Palmerston North RSA on Saturday 16th of Jan with 17 x cadets and 7 partners, in addition 2 apologies were received who could not make it at the last minute.A good day was had by all  and we were fortunate we had a spread between  over the classes from 1948 to 1991.   Many memories and stories were tabled and plenty of laughs were th order of the day.   Those in attendance much appreciated the free handouts and we pass on our thanks to the executive committee for making them available.

We have taken the steps to form a committee to further encourage  participation in events and get togethers on a more frequent basis.   My thanks to those who put their names forward to assist me.

I would also like to thank all those x cadets and partners who took the time to celebrate the day and look forward to meeting up again in the very near future

Terry Brougham,  Area co-ordinator     Mobile  021 995 400

WELLINGTON – KAPITI COAST REGION

Ex Cadets and partners from the Hutt Valley, Wellington, Tawa and the Kapiti Coast gathered together at the Paraparaumu RSA to celebrate Cadet Day on Saturday 16th Jan.   The time passed quickly as memories and stories from our Cadet days were bandied about and the excellent personalities - Staff members who controlled and directed our  scholastic, military and trade education – were given due credit for their efforts and for  their influence on what we became as men.

Jim Twist, Committee Chairman                       04 902 3451

MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT

In fact our area had two observances..   Despite having mid-week exposure in the Blenheim Sun which is delivered to every household we only enticed four others to our Cadet Day celebration held at the RNZRSA Delta Lounge in the Clubs of Marlborough.   The group consisted of Dave Bannister (Ardagh 68), Rex Harrison (Greville 51), Dave Rasmussen (Hansen 71) My self Les Pye (Miles 49) and my ever supportive wife Diana.   We chewed the fat from 11.00am to 1-00pm before retiring.

Two apologies were received; one from Gordon Howartson (Russell 60) who was working in the province, and the other from an Aunt of the late Donald Bensemann (Barrowclough 65) KIA Vietnam 16 Nov 68.

For those having an inability to attend on the 16th  I arranged a Services Cemetry gathering in respect of Donald on the 17th at 11-00am.   It was wonderful to have 6 members of the Bensemann family in attendance but sadly only Dave Rasmussen, Diana and myself were RF Cadet reps  We thank also Peter Slape,Marlborough RSA Vice President and Vietnam Veteran (Donald’s Company) aand Pipi Boyd (Korea andVietnam).   Not as many as we had hoped.

On a sadder note to end, Laurie Young (Mead Coy and 41 Sqn RNZAF) of Kaikoura passed away on this RF Cadet Day following a long illness.   We will remember him.

Les Pye,  Marlborough Area Rep                    03 578 2966