Waikanae Dad's Army

GETTING OLDER AND BOLDER: Given the choice between becoming coach potatoes or doing something to keep them active, Waikanae surf livesaving stalwarts (from left) Barry McLean, Garry Thompson, Joe Green (sitting), Dick Glover, Doug Callahan, Alistair Thorpe, Bryan Duncan, Mark Pickett, Murray Kemp and Kevin Barrett chose the latter. Picture by Paul Rickard

“THE guys’ ages range from 62 to 83, a total of 733,” spokesman Doug Callahan, 70, said.

“I’m not allowed to disclose their individual ages. If I did that, I probably wouldn’t be allowed back into the group.

“We’ve known each other for a long time and get on well, and when somebody suggested we get together three times a week at the club’s new gym facilities, everyone was for it.

“It’s better than sitting around at home watching television.

“We have been called the club’s Dad’s Army, with Murray Kemp as Captain Mainwaring.”

Although members of the group had won “hundreds of medals” over the years in surf carnivals, they had no intention of coming out of retirement, Callahan said.

“You must be joking, although I will say that Barry McLean, the oldest at 83, puts the rest of us to shame.

“After our exercises we have a cup of tea and reminisce about competitions and the surf lifesaving scene.

The club and all those who helped fund and build the new clubrooms should be congratulated and very proud.

“It’s a great asset and a great place for the new generation of surf lifesavers to learn a craft that has helped save many lives over the years.

“We’re very fortunate to have three great surf lifesaving clubs here who come together to form one team representing Gisborne at carnivals.”