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The former Warkworth Boys Brigade will reunite at a function at the Warkworth Methodist Church on Friday, June 10.
Organisers are inviting all former chaplains, officers, members, honorary members, instructors and supporters to attend.
The formal programme will include a laying-up of company colours ceremony, followed by an informal get-together and supper. Special guests will be Boys Brigade director Mike Brewer and honorary chaplain Rev. Simon Williams.
Guests are encouraged to bring along memorabilia, photos and stories.
Fifty years ago, the 1st Warkworth Company of the Boys Brigade, now in recess, was once one of the strongest and most adventurous youth groups in New Zealand.
At that time, the group catered for around 200 boys, officers and instructors.
Since then, there have been hundreds of members aged between eight and 17 years.
The company was well known for its extensive outdoor activities, such as canoeing on North Island rivers and lakes. Over the years, members participated in sailing, self-defence, tramping and camping, and did numerous cycle tours of Northland, Coromandel and the Waikato. The company even had its own bugle, drum and pipe marching band.
Community service was a feature of the group, particularly care of the elderly. As an incentive, senior members participated in both the Queen’s Award and The Duke of Edinburgh Award programmes. Some were awarded the Gold Award.
A reunion organiser, Dave Parker, says many of these young men developed great leadership and life skills, and went on to hold positions of responsibility within communities nationwide.
The Warkworth Boys Brigade went into recess on 2001. The movement has now been revamped and is called ICONZ, with a strong unit in Snells Beach.
The reunion will start at 7pm. Guests are asked to rsvp to either Dave at dh.parker@xtra.co.nz or Bernie McClean at berniemccl39@gmail.com
