I marched in the Claudettes Marching Team in Kaitaia. I started as a seven year old in the midgets as reserve and the next year became leader which I remained through the ranks of Junior & Senior until I left at 17years. I think I marched from around 1962 until 1972.
My first instructor was Merle Bryljevich with chaperone Winnie Lunjevich (now Hanlon). Junior instructor Rex Woods and chaperone Val Barriball (now Mcgregor). Senior coach Reg Dixon.
There were up to 12 teams around our area at the time-Xmas parades were great. We always had to travel for competitions so our parents were always fundraising (just like now really!. Since then I have married twice, first to Trevor Ryan & for the last 26 year to Eric Shackleton. I have one son & two stepsons and between us we have eight grandkids, soon to be 9!
I work in a pharmacy and have done since leaving school. I drive twice a week to Kerikeri for practice, a round trip taking nearly 3 hours! But of course I don't mind one bit since I LOVE Marching.
Frances Cookson (nee Carver)
I joined the leisure marching team in 2007 never having marched before. Learnt a lot and it has proved to be a lot of fun.
We laugh a lot, enjoy the camaraderie and practice hard so as not to make fools of ourselves. The trips away to display days are always enjoyable and not so nerve racking now we've had a few years practice! It certainly keeps the mind active remembering the display - we try so hard not to make mistakes!
I was brought up in the Bay of Islands spending my youth in Kerikeri. I went to the South Island and the big OE through my twenties, married in my thirties, worked hard in my forties, enjoyed step-grandchildren in my fifties. Now I'm in my sixties I am looking forward to the day I can retire, lead a more leisurely life and spend even more time with the step-grandchildren.
Christine Atkinson (nee Mumby)
Hi I'm Christine. As a girl in Stratford, I marched for the Empire Guards, sponsored by the Empire Hotel. The two coaches I can remember were, Ray Sager, who had 2 daughters in our team and Albee Thomas, an Ex Army officer who was very firm but we loved him. Leisure Marching for me as a adult is fantastic, keeps me alive, fit, active and I love catching up with old friends and new, family, cousins and Aunty's who march around New Zealand. GO NORTHLAND TUI'S.
Christine Mumby, left row centre (No 4). New Plymouth Christmas Parade - circa 1969
Others known in photo, Marie Stavely (No. 2), Cheryl Taylor (No 8), Ive McGillam (blond girl in from of me (Marker)), Janice, Susan Segar (leader), Susan's sister (left back rank). Coach - Ray Segar.
Lindis Capper-Starr
Hi I'm Lindis, In October 2012 my partner came back from a trip to Wellington very excited. “I met a whole lot of marching girls – and they were all your age or older!” he told me. Given my age at the time was 40-something, I could understand his excitement.
Never having been a marching girl in my youth, I doubted my ability to start at such an advanced age, but I went along anyway to try out with the Northland Tuis. What a hoot. I had to keep going back each week to find out whether my two left feet would correct themselves into “left, right” and whether I could learn to swing my arms in time with my legs.
These days I count the “girls” in the Northland Tuis as great friends. They have eased my integration into Kerikeri life, kept me up to date with the local gossip, widened my horizons and (at times) my eyes. Meanwhile the marching itself is wonderful exercise for the body and brain.
For the record, I can generally swing my arms in time with my legs. Except when I am trying to learn a new move and all co-ordination goes out the window. Just as well marching girls have a sense of humour.
Barbara Holmes
Hi I'm Barbara, I have danced from very young. I met my husband Peter in 1961, we have danced together as amateurs and professionals and had a very successful career in teaching. I was introduced to marching by a friend, I just went along to have a look and was instantly hooked! This all started in 2012, I love the exercise, friendship and all the fun that we have. It certainly keeps me on my toes and also fit. It is a great sport.
Maree Collins
I joined the Northland Tuis
Leisure Marching Team in 2007, never having marched before.
It was also about that time my
husband and I sold our sawmill business. After 26 busy years of working in a
male-dominated environment and raising our children, I really have enjoyed
having some 'Me' time at last.
Through marching I have made a
great bunch of friends. We have such fun together. I especially enjoy our
trips away to the Display Days.