Cyril Barclay Greater Hastings Involvement

CYRIL VALENTINE BARCLAY (by George Kearns)

GREATER HASTINGS INVOLVEMENT

Greater Hastings was a natural for Cyril Barclay- this public-spirited citizen became actively engaged with Harry Poppelwell’s crew from the earliest days of 1950.  He was a member of the “Active General” committee, the guys who voluntarily did all the work for the organisation. This was but a small part of Cyril’s involvement for he was always a most prominent sponsor.

BLOSSOM FESTIVAL: sponsorship of Queen Candidates and Blossom Queen Concerts and also supporting floats in the processions.

HIGHLAND GAMES: the Barclay name was always to the fore in sponsorship of major events at The Games.

FANTASYLAND: Again Cyril was to the fore and along with Harry Poppelwell, Ron Giorgi, Jack Agnew, and Tony Wane, was greatly involved in getting Fantasyland off the ground. Cyril built the Fantasyland Train (which is still in existence) and presented this to the city. The train was built about a Ferguson tractor and was constructed with the help of his family in their home property at Clive. A major problem with the development of the railway line at Fantasyland was the construction of the bridge at the entrance to the park. Cyril was not to be deprived – he was instrumental in the engagement of a promoter to conduct a Mystery Envelope Appeal in Hastings to raise funds for the bridge – as usual Cyril’s project was successful.

1968 CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL: sponsored by the NZ meat Board but involving many locals. Masako Sato, a 23 year old Japanese girl was brought to Hastings to promote the festival theme. Cyril was currently HB Agent for Isuzu Cars and he arranged as part of the prize for the winner, Sue Harvey, a trip to the Isuzu factory in Tokyo. A Sukiyaki dinner party was sponsored in the Barclay home for local dignitaries to dine with Masako Sato and Greater Hastings Executives.

Without the shadow of a doubt, Hastings is a better city for having had the benefit and experience of Cyril Barclay – a quiet, unassuming giant always there to support the under-dog.