15 – 18 August 2024
The annual Country Reunion was held in Gisborne this year and was a huge success. There was sunshine all weekend and the hospitality and generosity of the local Gisborne people was to be admired. The organisers David Mossman, Matthew Bridson and Ross Marsden were determined to showcase Gisborne and make sure everyone had an enjoyable time.
Old Boys started gathering on Thursday in the conservatory at the Tatapouri Fishing Club for a Meet and Greet evening. All Old Boys were given a goodie bag on arrival which was filled with bits n pieces to help make their stay in Gisborne comfortable and something to remember the event by. This night started the reunion with a bang as the expected number doubled in size therefore lengthening the evening somewhat and many new friendships being formed. Some Old Boy’s had not seen each other for 60 years so you can imagine the conversations that were had. The platters of fresh seafood, squid rings, spring rolls etc went down like a treat and added to the ambience.
Friday saw some gathering for breakfast at the local café for bacon and eggs and a good coffee to start the day. While Ross collected people from the airport Matthew and David drove groups around Gisborne on a sightseeing tour. This was well received as many of the guests had not even been to Gisborne let alone seen what was on offer. A drive by the Footrot Flats statue of Wal and his dog Pooch from Murray Ball fame made for some good photos, the many beaches on offer, and the significant historical sites around the area.
On Friday afternoon a group went for a ride on the MV Takitimu, a historic pilot boat built in 1921. This boat is believed to be the oldest pilot vessel in the world still being operated. Many others were happy to sample the good food on offer and mix with friends back in town.
Friday evening we joined together for our Welcome Evening at the Tatapouri Fishing Club Shark Bar. This was another well attended evening with a great buffet meal and dessert being devoured by all. There were 22 Dilworth Old Boys from the Gisborne area, and they really enjoyed the camaraderie shown and getting to know other Dilworthians. There were a lot of friendships formed that night in a really relaxed setting.
Saturday morning some chose to participate in the Railbike Adventure and this provided many a laugh. Two chose to ride the e-bikes and the remaining on standard bikes. Not knowing what to expect we gathered for instructions, a chainsaw and off we rode on the railway line heading towards Mahia with a tour guide leading the way. A very different way to riding a bike however we took on the challenge riding through farmland, over bridges with no sides which crossed rivers, through tunnels and up the Wharerata’s arriving at the end of the line near Mahia where the view was stunning. Here we sat for a drink of water, a bite to eat (including cheese and crackers with the specially hand-made Dilworth Pickle) and listened to the tour guide explaining the history of the area. On our way back it was a little easier riding downhill until we hit the headwind on the home straight. This was a great experience and something to recommend to anyone. The only Railbike Adventure like this in the world!
Back to the hotel for a quick rest before Saturday evening’s formal function where we headed off in taxi vans for the Bushmere Arms hotel. This was a superb event, with canapes, roast beef or fish being the choice for mains and a selection from 4 desserts. The meal was delicious the atmosphere was electric and many just chatted and made new connections.
Sunday a group went to feed the stingrays at Dive Tatapouri. This was a unique experience with all putting on our waders and gumboots to walk out in the tide to feed the stingrays. With the stingrays swimming around your legs and being able to feed them was another great experience. It did take a while to adjust to what was happening but once accustomed to the idea and listening to our guides we realised that we were safe and protected. Once this amazing activity was completed we met up with others who attended the Poverty Bay Club for breakfast before heading home.
The overall weekend was a huge success made special by all those who took the time to attend the Old Boy’s Reunion. Reunions are a great way of connecting with others and many friendships were formed. Thank you to the Dilworth Advancement Team, Emma Zigan and Ed Whiffin for their assistance with ‘getting the word out there’ and supporting our determination to make this a successful reunion. David, Ross and Matt have made this a memorable occasion for a lot of people and we expect a few of the attendees will be returning to Gisborne for a holiday.