Special day for former Gisborne Refrigerating Company workers

Workers on the chain at the Gisborne Refrigerating Company. File picture

Organisers of today’s freezing workers reunion now expect close to 200 people to attend the first get-together of former Gisborne Refrigerating Company workers since the works closed in late 1994.

The reunion starts at 2pm this afternoon in the main stage and dance floor area of the Cosmopolitan Club with a welcome, then two minutes of silence in honour of the workers who have passed away since the closure of Weddel Kaiti.

That will be followed by speeches from several former key plant workers and then socialisation for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening.

One of the organisers, Doug Symes, said they were “absolutely happy” with the number of people attending.

“We’re very pleased with the expected turnout this afternoon.

“We are expecting it to be quite an emotional day for many of us as we catch up with old workmates and friends, and we’re really looking forward to it.

“It will be a special day.”