The Regular Force Cadet Association

About M.P.

Name	M.P. Beech
Class	Burrows (1974)
Whereabouts	Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand

M.P.'s Contact Details

Phone

06 354 3940

M.P. says...

Burrows class of 1974, one year only, B. Coy. Joined as a chef. Graduated 1974, then to Linton Camp, 10 Coy A.S.C. I was posted to Burnham, Waiouru, Linton, then back to Waiouru as a Chef/Caterer. Finished my career in Catering in 1989 with 4 Composite Sqd,RNZCT, having managed all the Messes in Waiouru at one time or other. Due to a back injury, had to make a decision as to continuing in my trade. Was being forced into an office role which I did not enjoy. I enjoyed working with my staff and passing on skills to the up and coming trades men and women. Defence offered to accept my resignation at this trying time, but I was given some timely advice from a senior Defence member (who shall remain nameless) and I offered Defence the opportunity to medically discharge me. Due to the fact that this would cost them, they decided I was still a fit enough Defence employee to continue in my trade. At this time I was offered a position at the Army Museum as the Firearms Curator/ Conservator. As firearms were a hobby of mine, I took this as an great opportunity to pursue my hobby as my job, and educate myself within the Museums industry. I stayed at the Army Museum for a very enjoyable 10yrs, continuing as a civilian employee 4 yrs after retirement in 1994. This position allowed me to up skill and train as a firearms conservator, which in turn gave me the opportunity to work in a number of other main Museums in N.Z. on their firearms and militaria collections (on contract as an Arms Conservator and Historian). In 1998, I was offered a position with the N.Z. Police as the District Arms Officer, which I currently hold. I continue carry out Museum contract work part time. I moved from Waiouru to Palmerston North where my wife and I currently live. We have 6 grown up children, the youngest being 21 and grandchildren. I enjoyed my military career, starting with a good grounding in Cadets, and have been lucky with the opportunities it has provided me. 06 354 3940 is my contact number