The call is out for former members of a Whangarei marching club to put their best foot forward and take part in a reunion next month.
The Otangarei Marching Club (1971-1976) will be holding a reunion on October 22 for all Silhouette Guards' marching teams including midgets, juniors and seniorteams.
The club was established in 1970 by the late Frank Moore and his daughters Gwen and Pat who coached the teams. They were well supported by the Otangarei community with fundraising for registration, uniforms, competition and travel expenses.
One of the reunion organisers, Gwen Lawson, said there were bottle drives, meat raffles and catering for Housie nights held in the Otangarei School hall to raise funds. The girls practised in the grounds of Otangarei School during the week and on Saturdays when there weren't any competitions.
They travelled by private car and bus to Auckland, Kaitaia, Kaeo, and Dargaville and took part in competitions outdoors at showgrounds, school playgrounds, muddy rugby fields and parks.
The girls also took part in Christmas parades at Kamo and in Whangarei, while North Island and national competitions gave them opportunities to travel to Hamilton, Napier and Whanganui.
Ms Lawson said the uniforms developed over time starting out with emerald green waistcoats over a white school blouse and white pleated skirts with white boots. The Silhouette seniors in 1975-76 marched in gold and white busby hats and green tartan skirts.
In later years the name of the teams was changed to Glen Argyll and a new uniform was produced.
The Silhouette teams had great success at competitions including their leader becoming a North Island and NZ champion.
The organising committee is keen to hear from past members and their families and whanau as well as anyone involved with the Northland and Whangarei Marching Associations as judges in these years.
People can get in touch through the Otangarei Marching Club Facebook group or by calling Dorreen Fisher on 435 9107 or Gwen Lawson 437 3050.
