The Regular Force Cadet Association

R.K. Carter (Williams class)

Graduated from Williams Class (1991) and was posted to School of Signals, then to 2 Signals Squadron. Left the Army in 1995 and went to work for the NZ Police as IT Systems administrator. From there I travelled overseas and spent 4 years in the UK working on various IT projects as a contractor and travelling around europe. I am now back in New Zealand (2002 to current) and have been self employed since. Remember being a cadet as being pretty tough for a young one - always running after the bugle and confinement to barracks, though after graduation and moving to my unit things balanced out somewhat. To be honest my army days are to be regarded as some of the best times of my life and always remember those days as being tough but fun. Any contact via email can be sent to kiwi9929@yahoo.com. Thanks

Archie Chapple

Hi, It's Paul Chapple here. Since leaving Cadet School, I was posted to 1 base workshops for a year, then posted to Linton where I was working at 2 Field Workshops, and made it to Transport NCO. After 3 years I decided it was time for a change, so left and went truck driving for 2 years Next I did Gas Conversions for 3 years when the Government scheme was operating. Following that I moved back to New Plymouth and worked at the old Moa Nui Dairy Factory in Inglewood, working on Trucks. When the factory closed, I started up my own business specialising in VWs. Unfortunately the business folded after 2 years as customers wouldn't pay their bills. Next, I got a job working as mechanic at Taranaki Hire, doing that for 6 months when they asked me to manage the branch, which I did until Hirepool bought us out 2 years ago. I stayed on in a 2ic role, where I still am, training for the Managers role. If anyone would like to get in contact you know what to do. paulchapple@in2net.co.nz

DVC Cheetham (Taylor class)

After Cadet School I was posted to QA Sqn. I am currently employedas an accountant in Napier. If you are in the Napier area and wouild like to catch upver a cold one or two send me a quick e-mail

R.K. Christiansen (Burrows class)

oined 7 Jan 1974. Grad Dec 1975 into RNZAMC. Served 22 yrs in two blocks - One for 10 Yrs and the next (Couldn't handle civy street the first time out) then 12 yrs.   Couldn't handle the change Defence was going through particularly with political correctness!  Have worked in the public service since and with NZTA at present.   Went to the reunion  at Palmerston North a wee while ago and had a great time specially on Sunday in the RSA where it seemed we were back in the "Pine tree Tavern!"   Contact kevnkim@xtra.co.nz

B.K. Clark (Parkinson class)

I joined the army in 1964, discharged in 1971.

Went to Whangarei, worked for Terry Motors, then the Whangarei City Council for a number of years. Moved to Waipu in 1982, and worked at Pacific Motors, now working for United Carriers as a mechanic in the earth works department.

Married Lyn in 1986 and have two boys Hayden and Ian.

I am envolved in the Waipu Highland Pipe Band as Pipe Sargeant and the local Fire Brigade.

L.E. Clarke (Burrows class)

Hi there everyone. I am living in Sydney with my lovely wife Jing and her 18yr old daughter. I have a couple of degrees, but I find myself driving a truck for a living. It is a good job with pretty tidy money so I am not complaining. I moved from NZ about 3 yrs ago because Jing is a teacher of Chinese Dance and we thought there would be more of a market here in Sydney. This is so faproving to be correct. I miss the fresh air of NZ but I do love the smells of Sydney in the evening when things cool down and the scents of Sydney's flower life are everywhere I miss rugby union and I am happy that Robbie is noe the Wallaby coach. It may encourage interest in the game here. I have decided that over the years, as I have matured ha ha that I am a Monarchist, that the NZ Army was a very rich experience that I am only now beginning to appreciate. Youth is wasted on the young. I attended the Burrows Class 20th reunion in 94. It was greatto march on that old parade ground behind Maleme Barracks again and to mention to Morrie Watts that where he had painted over the "grad 73" graffiti on the B Coy roof had still not been repainted.I spoke at length to Paul Creedy who ha since died too young at 46. Moments like these are priceless to me. I have so many, thanks to many of you. It woukld be nice to hear some of your stories. I know life has not always been easy, but I think it always has promise and it is made worthwhile by the association of good friends. Take care guys. Lindsay. email linbow122@yahoo.com

D.R. Clarke (Taylor class)

Kia Ora to all you clubbies. Left army in 1993 after doing a chef apprenticeship then joined the NZ Police for 14 yrs. Now ops manager for a PHO(disability sector) in South Auckland. Still keep hand in trade, own the Great Western Steakhouse, New Lynn, Auck. Had an awesome time in cadets, tough but good. contact me on fivekinas@ihug.co.nz God Bless.

L. Claxton (Upham class)

Did 2 years in Clubbies and have been trying since then to amend the way I do things now for the better. Great times, great mates and many happy memories. Barrelling, gunge parades, inspections, hell I miss them days. 71 was the year men were men then after that they became not quite as good. les-claxton@paradise.net.nz In Christchurch so if passing contact me, would love to talk crap and catchup. Les

G.K. Clunie (Hudson class)

Graduated to 42 catering troop, Waiouru.Left the army in 1981 and went to Aussie for 4 years then of to see the rest of the world ,working in and managing different restaurants then after 9 years in the UK came home to N.Z. Now living in the beautiful village of Kinloch on the shores of Lake Taupo and working as a green keeper at Wairakei International golf course. Married to Lyn with a beautiful 4 year old daughter

Cods Codlin (Dittmer class)

Posted to Papakura. Spent around 7 years in Auckland. Have an electrical contracting business in Opotiki for the last 20 plus years. Have 2 grown up boys and 2 grandchildren. Life is good.

Dick Collins (Weir class)

After the Army sent me back-packing around Indo-China in 1965/66 I completed my term, and worked at various places while I gained NZ Certificate of Engineering(Telecom). I have worked for the NZ Police for many years now, enjoying the variety of work, the use of the latest technology, the environment and the people. The resident gymn and the weekly game of social soccer helps to keep one leg moving in front of the other. The Information and Communications Technology group that I am part of is based at the Police College in Porirua. Music still takes up some of my spare time not only playing but recording locals in my basement studio proving that electronics can do wonderful things. Looking forward to the next 5 years before I finally retire.

D.R. Collins (Upham class)

Went to Gen Tps Wksp on first posting then to 3 Inf Wksps and on to 3 Tpt Coy. Fractured my skull on flying fox during PE at Waiouru. Sgt Ken Turner saved my life as I had swallowed my tongue. Just looking at the namews brings back memories. Married and have 2 daughters. Now a Clinical Manager at NZ Care.

JC Collins (Bennett class)

Graduated from Bennett class from Waiouru Workshops, posted to 161 Battery, Vietnam 1968. Returned 1Inf. Workshops, Papakura, 1968. Then went to Singapore 1971-1973.Returned to Papakura.Discharged 1975.Went into business as an Auto-electrician for 30 years, which I have just sold. Now working part-time in the business.I married Janice in 1966, we had two lovely daughters and now have 5 wonderful grandsons.Cadet schools would be the best grounding for any trade and has stood me in good stead through my professional and personal life.  jayceeandjan@xtra.co.nz

E. Conaghan (Thorpe class)

Working for the Army in Trentham.

Pickle Corby (Webb class)

Left in '92. Sailed and worked overseas for a while. Married, divorced, two kids. Had a motel for a while. Electrical contracting is now main business. Just renovating my own house. Then back into the real work. Feel free to drop me a line if inclined. Cheers