Early surf club history wanted

Local old-timer and keen historian, Stu Murray, is researching the early history of the Mangawhai Heads Surf Life Saving Club, starting with the first ten years.

A conversation with some of the ‘middle-aged’ club members at Christmas got the ball rolling.

“They came back to me a couple of weeks later and told me quite sternly they knew nothing of the club’s early days and that it needed to be written down,” says Stu. “I discussed this with Jon Drucker, the club’s current president, and he said the club would take this further in 10–15 year increments. So, that meant for me there was no turning back.”

An Easter Sunday meeting with three original members and six others soon had the memories flooding back says Stu.

“The talk, the laughs and memories of comradeship, the surf boat, Mrs Hastie’s scones, the pig in the barrow visiting pubs in Auckland while raising money, pouring concrete, visitors, picking rocks on John Wharfe’s farm on the Tara, trips in Murray Hall’s truck and all things in between.”

Stu is wanting to hear from anyone with memories and experiences of those early exciting times: Patrols, rescues, money raising events, the grand opening by the Governor General Sir Arthur Porritt, the hi-jinks and lo-jinks. Photos would add seasoning to the stories.

Contact Stu 0277 111 006 or email stumurray1963@gmail.com or alternatively contact Vicky Monday-Thursday at the surf club on 431 4679.

The surf club takes shape back in the early 60s. PHOTO/SUPPLIED