The Regular Force Cadet Association

PARKINSON CLASS (1964) 40th REUNION

16 - 18 JAN 2004

The Regular Force Cadet School class of 1964 (Parkinson Class) celebrated the 40th anniversary of their march-in to Waiouru with a reunion during the weekend 16 – 18 Jan 04. The reunion was held at Trentham Camp, the original home of the RF Cadet School.

A "Now and Then" book was produced by Keith Westwater with a large input from Owen Dance. This is a quality publication that documents life as an RF Cadet in 1964 and provides a synopsis of the lives of Parkinson Class members from enlistment to the present day. A deserving congratulations to Keith and Owen for their efforts.

Friday 16 Jan 04

Registration opened at the Messines Army Centre, Trentham at 1300 hours with assistance from two Regular Force Administrators provided by the Army. A walk through Trentham Camp for interested personnel commenced at 1400 hours and was conducted by Major Peter Still (Gentry Class), who is Camp Commandant.

Of the 144 class members 12 are deceased and 22 could not be located. The reunion catered for 110 people. Attendees were given the option of being hosted by Wellington based class members, finding their own accommodation or staying in the Army barracks.

Class members came from as far as England, Vietnam, Australia and of course from all points of the compass from within New Zealand. There were five staff members who served at the school in 1964 who attended as well. The guest of the weekend was Warrant Officer Class One (Ret) S.F. Hill (Tiny), RNZA, the SSM in 1964/65, who provided the attendees with entertaining stories over a leisurely breakfast in the soldier’s mess. Being the gentleman he is, Tiny’s good humour allowed the cadets the chance to confront the man known as the "Rock", and to their complete astonishment find that the staff really did have our welfare at heart!

As expected, the Friday night was given to tall stories, re-acquainting with those who had not been seen for years and meeting their partners (new and old).

Saturday 17 Jan 04

A bleary eyed bunch gathered at 0900 hours for a class photo. For the first time in many an ex cadets life the command "tallest on the left, shortest on the right" rang out in the hall, after much confusion and shuffling of bodies and the natural leadership style of Bob Davies order was restored and photos taken.

Saturday was a free day with cadets being required to report back at 1830 hours for champagne hour. Suggested activities to fill the day included races at Trentham, shopping in Wellington, wine tasting in the Wairarapa or relaxing in the reunion’s sponsors bar.

The NZ Army Band provided a cabaret for the buffet meal and after formal speeches tall stories were swapped, friendships re-cemented over a glass or two and the reunion cake cut by the Deputy Chief of Army, Brigadier Rick Ottaway also of Parkinson Class.

Sunday 18 Jan 04

Church parade was called for 1000 hours and a gathering of even more bleary eyed cadets and their partners assembled under the guidance of the New Zealand Defence Force Principal Chaplain Julian Wagg. The NZ Army Band provided the music for the service and several speakers read passages or poems and shared experiences of church parades 1964 style.

Morning tea followed the church parade and farewells were made, addresses and phone numbers exchanged and with the words "See ya all at the 50th" ringing in our ears, the reunion was over!

The reunion of Parkinson Class (1964) was an outstanding success, which was enjoyed immensely by those who were able to attend. Of course these types of functions do not happen without considerable planning and the generosity of our sponsors.

The reunion committee would like to thank the following sponsors:

Totara Lodge Hotel Trust

New Zealand Army

New Zealand Army Band

Trentham Camp

Armed Forces Canteen Council

RF Cadet Assn