No business like show business

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No business like show business
At the May meeting of the Mangawhai Probus Club, Ken McGillvray spoke about his experiences with the Wellington Operatic Society which started in 1974 as props master for My Fair Lady.

In 1975 the society moved from Aro Street to a building on the waterfront which they shared with Circa Theatre.

Further shows included The Boy Friend (1975), Hello Dolly (1976), The Great Waltz (1977), A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (1978), Fiddler On The Roof (1979) and The King And I (1980), the show Ken loved the most.

Ken was voted onto the WOS executive committee in 1976.

The show Oklahoma in 1981 was the year the Wellington Operatic Society changed forever. After almost 100 years of using other club halls they purchased their own building.

Shows after that included Jesus Christ Superstar, Annie, The Merry Widow, and South Pacific.

In March 1986 Ken was made a Life Member of the Society, of which he is very proud.

In 1994 the Wellington Society joined a consortium and produced Les Miserables, playing to full houses every night.

Ken and his wife Helen farewelled Wellington Musical Theatre in 1998.

A family affair
Helen McGillivray was second speaker, detailing her experiences in the Weapons Licensing Branch of Queensland Police in Australia.

The department originally had six staff and all licence holders had lifetime firearms licenses. This all changed in 1996 when Martin Bryant shot and killed 35 people and wounded a further 23 at the historic Part Arthur Prison Colony in South East Tasmania.

Australia reacted to the horrendous event with shock and horror and the political effects were significant and long-lasting.

Upcoming Probus events

* Bus trip to Whangarei and Maungatapere, June 18

* Mid Winter Christmas Dinner, midday July 16

* Operatunity Concert, September 17

Next meeting
Mangawhai Probus meet every third Thursday in the month at the Senior Citizens Hall, Fagan Place, Managwhai at 2pm. Next meeting will be the bus trip on Thursday June 18. If you require more info or transport please contact Ron and Gaylene Lawrence 431 5617 or Beve Smith 431 5777. All visitors are welcome.