Letters: Derek Allan - in memory of

Derek Allan, pictured in 2023, died earlier this month. He was an active promoter of Gisborne. Photo / Gisborne Herald

I note with sadness the passing of another of Gisborne’s active promoters - Derek Allan.

When I moved to Gisborne in 1979, Derek was next door, in JS Allan Plumbing.

I soon got to know of his enthusiasm for the arts and for the betterment of Gisborne.

I recall his fine voice in the Operatic Society’s ambitious and inspiring shows.

Then he applied his energies to expanding the activities and facilities of the A & P Showgrounds.

He was deeply involved in the Millennium celebrations, which gave entertainment and pleasure to so many.

Placing the beach stage for Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the National Symphony Orchestra was a major success, as was the Parade of Light involving young people.

Where to place the stage platform on the beach was one of the questions of the operation, and I suggested to Derek that it would be a real plus if it could be positioned to have the rising sun of the new millennium as a backdrop.

Using astronomy, I plotted where the sun would appear between the headland, the old lighthouse and Tuamotu island.

The morning dawned, and the sun rose magnificently behind the waka and fleet of boats on the sea, and the stage on the beach.

Events such as these and the promotion of Gisborne are thanks to the energy and efforts of people like Derek Allan.

Roger Handford

Gisborne

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