This Is Your Life 2002
Melva
57 years for some, is a lifetime
As a foundation member of the 2nd Hastings Company of the Girls Brigade it has been an honour to have known you for those years.
As a girl in The Brigade I wore my uniform with pride, wearing the badges I worked for on my arm and working my way up into the ranks.
I was your first Flagbearer and was very proud of that honour as we marched with The Boys Brigade up Heretaunga Street and into the Church on a Sunday morning Years later looking at my Grandaughter Sarah, again with pride, as she carried the flag into the Church for The Brigade.
I was also your 1st Cadet Leader and it was a joy to see some of those little girls going on into The Brigade and then becoming officers.
I know at times as a girl in The Brigade I caused you a few headaches but there must have been some good in me to have worked my way up through the ranks.
You were my Brigade Leader Melva, which began a friendship which has lasted the past 57 years. You are not only my friend but also the sister of my choice and that is the greatest honour of all.
May this continue for many years to come.
Doreen Stewart
WELL DONE MELVA!
What a celebration – 57 years! I well remember wanting to join Girl Guides with other girls from school, but Mum wanted me to wait for the 2nd Hastings Company of the Girls’ Life Brigade (as it was then called) to begin. I guess that neither you, nor she, would have imagined your serving in the Brigade until your retirement, 57 years later.
You certainly were an influence for good in my life in those early years, and it lasted long after I left Hastings, working my way through the ranks, eventually becoming Cadet Leader and Captain of a new Company at Tawa.
Thankyou for your years of service and input into my life.
May God bless you in your retirement.
WELL DONE MELVA!!
Margaret Manuel (Grave)
WELL DONE THOU GOOD & FAITHFUL SERVANT!
It is an honour Melva to be able to send you my very Best Wishes For a well deserved retirement from The Girls’ Brigade.
It will be hard not to imagine you in that role of Captain next time The Company parades at Church.
My memories of being a member of 2nd Hastings goes back to Sep 46 When I moved to Hastings with my parents from Lower Hutt.
As a bratty young Brigader I know I caused you some headaches With the antics of my highly imaginative comrades in Elizabeth Boyd And Pat Evans. Do you remember the night when Elizabeth and I Wore Pyjama pants under our uniform and at the critical moment During Inspection we released the ties so that the pyjama legs fell Around our ankles? And we wore our hat badge at the back instead Of over our right eye?
All those camps – especially the one at Haumoana where we were In a funny old house with a disgusting loo – Yuk!!! I can still see You and some other brave soul struggling up the stony embarkment to Empty THE BUCKET!!!!!!!
And the traumatic experience of camping in the animal stalls at the Dannevirke Show Grounds. The howling gale and rain drove us Mere non-commissioned members into the hay shed – at least there Were sides and a door to that space.
I remember being the Flag Bearer at parades and playing the piano for Devotions and working hard to get as many badges as I could – So it must have had it’s serious moments as well as all the hilarious ones – you may not agree about the hilarity.
Bless you Melva for all your patience, perseverance and downright Faithfulness.
With grateful thanks and Best Wishes for your future retirement.
Rosalie Petherick (nee North)
I have no special memories apart from a picnic one Saturday when we biked somewhere out towards Havelock North and had hard boiled eggs cooked in the same pot of water which saveloys had been cooked first and the egg shells all went bright red! (Imagine what we were ingesting with these saveloys!)
And on another occasion, Miss Gebby? Who I think was the National President of Girls’ Brigade was coming for a visit and everyone was quite impressed about her impending presence. Talking to us about it beforehand, Melva (Captain!) asked us if we knew who Miss Gebby was and I – having heard you talk of HHS teachers – remember that you were a year ahead of me, answered that she was the art teacher at HHS!! Remember Miss Guppy?
However – what I do remember loud and clear is my absolute enjoyment of going to Girls’ Brigade and the amount that you and I laughed while there. We must have been a nuisance but I think that is was something to do with our sheer enjoyment of it all and the resultant exuberance. Surely a tribute in itself to Melva’s able leadership. How patient she was and what a great job she did – never losing sight of the fact that she was our role model.
I am sure that the celebration of “Melva Mildenhall – This is Your Life” will be very special. What a gift she has given to girls of Hastings. Please pass on my warm regards to her.
Letter forwarded to Rosalie Petherick – from Elizabeth Sutherland (nee Boyd).
My memories as I recall of Melva Mildenhall are those of an outgoing happy enthusiastic bright & positive lady. Melva is someone who gave willingly her time & energy for a good cause & greatly enjoyed herself & gave unselfishly. I wish her health & strength in whatever lies ahead & Gods blessing upon her life.
Coral Parks (nee Martin)
The years at Cadets & Girls Brigade were great years Melva. Thank you for the time and effort you put into it. All the best for whatever you have planned for your future
God Bless
Naomi Braithwaite
TO MELVA
This is a privilege to be writing something for your retirement. We have known each other for a number of years and I have worked alongside you during your time with the Girls’ Brigade. A short period in comparison with what you have given. During these years you have risen to great heights and also been in the valleys but through God’s grace you have achieved many things.
The number of girls that you have come in contact with and given of your time, encouragement and expertise both in craft and spiritual matters is in itself a credit to you. To have more than two generations come under your influence is not something that every leader can claim, and the fact that former parents have encouraged their children to come along shows how they respected you. I would doubt if there are many of these girls that you cannot recall some memories.
Your award from the Queen was another highlight of your time voluntarily given to the Brigades
Some of the Highlights during my short time were the camps. I think the one that stands out was held in an old home at Te Awanga. From photographs I don’t think the weather was all one could have wished for as everything in the way of cooking had to be done outside. Crying girls who didn’t like the mice running over their beds during the night. Was quite a nightmare for the helpers. Church Parades were also on my list. Not so easy getting a whole company to turn out for parades and then the combined social evenings held with the Boy’s Brigade.
Another highlight not connected with the Brigade was the holiday we had at the Chateau Tongariro. You made a good ski-ier [skier] Melva, pity you weren’t able to further your natural potential.
You have served your Master in many ways with your commitment and I know He will say “Well Done Faithful Servant”
Thankyou for your friendship over these years.
Joy Peden – 9.11.02
Melva Mildenhall
I first met Melva in 1950 when I was in my late teen years and to me then, Melva seemed rather “old” (she must have been at least 25yrs) but since then the age gap has completely closed.
If all who have known Melva spoke of our experiences of/with her, this night would never end.
Since those early days I have been associated with Melva in various ways through the Brigade Movement (as B.B. Officer) Parades – Ceremonies – Activities etc. until our departure from Hastings 10 years ago. Also through our activities in the Hastings Baptist Church, and several years of our working life when we were employed by the same company.
In a few words I would sum up Melva’s life in a Bank rating –
Triple AAA&FI
Attitude – Accountability – Adaptability & Friendship – Integrity
Ernest Peden – 9.11.02
Melva
Thank You
How very much I would love to be able to share with you and honour you on this very special occasion. Just a couple of weeks before I received the invitation to your function on Nov. 9th I had committed myself to being in Hastings early in October to coincide with a reunion of my 1953 Std. 6 class at Mahora School. Sadly, much as I would like to, I can’t come all that way again just a month later.
What a precious part of my growing up years Girls Brigade was. My young life revolved around Monday evenings and I felt so proud to march in my uniform in street parades and Church parades. I still clearly remember my first Brigade meeting (in 1951) as an excited and awestruck 10-year-old, the start of many happy years as Brigader.
Thank you Melva for what you meant to me. Thank you for not giving up on me through my teenage years as an irrepressible and scatty adolescent. I’m not proud of my memories of that time. Thank you for your patience and tolerance, for your perseverance and, most of all, for your prayers for me.
I know you will be leaving Girls Brigade with very mixed feelings, but the time has come to move on. Congratulations Melva – congratulations for your long life of service to so many girls. And my best wishes to you as you take things more quietly in the years ahead.
God bless you in your retirement.
Love from one of your early girls.
Kathleen Thomas (Baker)
Dear Melva,
Sorry I can’t be at your special surprise afternoon. Will be thinking of you all & hope you have many happy reminders of years gone by with “your girls”.
You really deserve a medal for “hanging in there” for 57 years. I guess at times you have felt like throttling some of your “brattier” girls – no doubt I would be included amongst those! The nights we disappeared out of the side doors supposedly unnoticed, just for the thrill of escaping for a few minutes, but I’m sure, looking back, you were always aware we were A.W.O.L!
We enjoyed heaps of great times during our meetings however, learnt a lot & loved the camps. So a very big thank you for your wonderful loyal service to 2nd Hastings Company. You will be sadly missed by the current girls I’m sure.
Hopefully you will now have some time to enjoy yourself – a trip away perhaps.
Happy retirement!
Rose Dunn
To Dear Melva.
I was very thrilled to receive the invitation to Melva’s surprise afternoon, but as I’ve been in ill health I don’t think I can make it. I haven’t any great happenings to relate but I do remember Melva as a kind and caring person. I always enjoyed every minute in the Brigade and always felt proud to wear the uniform and looked forward to the next meeting. Melva thank you so very much for the many Happy times we had with you and I wish you all the very best in Health and happiness in your retire-ment
Fondest love
Jean McIntosh
nee Anderson
Some memories of really neat Girls Brigade days…
1953 Girls Brigade in uniform waited & watched & waved to Queen Elizabeth as she passed by us in the Train
Parade, drill & inspection of the uniforms – serious stuff!
fast & furious hockey games in the old Baptist Sunday School Hall – making us hot & sweaty & red faced in our thick G.B. uniforms!
I’d recently come to live in Hastings & G.B. did much to teach the value of belonging to an organisation that provided friendship, education, fun & friendship with a total Christian context.
INTEREST in learning practical skills for Badge work.
FUN & FRIENDSHIP enjoying the company of a group of girls
RESPECT & awe of Captain Mildenhall
PRIDE in receiving a new Badge
DANNEVIRKE CAMP
Sleeping in primitive cattle stalls being cold
singing with seemingly hundreds of girls in Grandstand – “Ten green bottles”
being cold
walking to Anglican Church for Parade being cold!!!!!
great memories!
Melvas devotions that were well aimed to present Jesus Christ as a relevant friend & Saviour for us girls.
THANKS for an enduring friendship with Captain Mildenhall – who I’m privileged to know as my friend – MELVA
MELVA….
A paraphrase of Proverbs 31.10
A woman of noble character… who can find?
Our Melva is worth more than rubies
Her friends have full confidence in her
She lacks nothing of value and has done good, not harm all the days of her life.
While not a “mother”
Yet she has many daughters fondly called “my girls”
Who love and respect her dearly
She has clothed these girls in fine blue uniforms
And shiny black shoes on their feet
These girls call her “Captain Mildenhall”.
She opens up her Girls Brigade to poor & rich alike
She sets about her work vigourously, planning Camps & Tramps
Her arms are strong to accomplish the high aims of Girls’ Brigade International
She gets up while it is still dark to prepare programmes,
Programmes that will equip them for this life and Eternity
She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue
She is clothed with strength & dignity
Yet is full of fun & laughter
Her Brigade girls arise and call her blessed
Her many friends also call her blessed
Many women do noble things
But Melva you surpass them all
Even our Queen has given you a high Award
Charm is deceptive & beauty is fleeting
But a woman who fears the Lord is to be Praised
Give her the reward she has earned
Dear Melva….. this is YOUR LIFE….. We honour and love you for it!!!
(from one of your old “OLD GIRLS”
Jean Taylor nee Jeanette Harrison
G.B 1952-55 approx)
Greetings to the lady who spent almost no time as Lieutenant, but 56 years as Captain.
It’s a long time since your bike rides down Heretaunga Street after Brigade, the 10th birthday camp at TeAwanga [Te Awanga], the first train trip to Te Karaka, the papier mache that was eaten by the rats, and the Diamond Jubilee when you entrusted the company to your young leaders so that you could be part of the New Zealand contingent to the celebrations in England 1962.
Your leadership and training has been a great help in what I have been able to do for 16th Auckland, 7th Dunedin and 1st Waihi, as well as in the Girl Guides.
Thanks for your leadership and the happy memories,
Rae Simpson
Melva
Congratulations on your 57 Years in Girls’ Brigade.
You are truly an inspiration to us all. All the best to you in your retirement.
Jan
Regards to Melva I new [knew] her back in 1959, she was my boss at the Herald Tribune as it was known in those days, I was a bit scared of her because I was only 17 years old. She also came to our wedding in 1961 and I could probably find a photo of her at the wedding if you wanted it.
I have also enjoyed playing the piano at Girls Brigade and helping Melva out in this capacity.
Trust she enjoys her retirement “A job well done for the Lord.”
Val Andrews.
Dear Melva
You may recall there were three Taylor sisters in the Hastings Girls’ Brigade during the 50’s and 60’s – daughters of Eileen and Bob.
At the time I moved from Cadets to Girls’ Brigade, older sister Jeanette was a Lieutenant. The three of us would set off together on our bikes each Monday night, not always coming home together. Our middle sister, Marion, together with her friend Valda Beattie, were rather interested in boys and mum would be waiting for Marion, wanting to know why she didn’t come home at the same time as Jeanette and I. I think she caused Jeanette some embarrassment at times but I was rather a goodie.
My parents and I left for Auckland in 1964 when I was 16 years ending my Girls’ Brigade days. By this time Marion and Jeanette were married and starting families.
Thank you Melva for being part of my ‘growing up’ in Girls’ Brigade and the Hastings Baptist Church. I remember the ‘good days’ of many folk coming around to our home, and they are truly good memories.
I’m so glad you have been recognised for your dedicated loyal service.
Warmest regards
GLORIA SCANLON (nee Taylor)
Hi Melva,
Sorry but cannot attend, but thank you very much for all the happy times we have had in the past
Kind Regards.
Bev
Melva
Congratulations on achieving 57 years with the Girls’ Brigade! And what a wonderful way to recognise your many faithful years of service.
As you will remember my two daughters – Suzanne and Adele – followed in my footsteps in belonging to Brigade, both attending from Cadets to Pioneers and enjoying the range of topics covered and taught.
Suzanne remembers going on camp where there were lots of outdoor activities and also talent shows. She also enjoyed the variety of activities for the Pioneers.
Adele remembers the games in the hall, ‘fall in’ and craft making, especially the “fly swat person” which is still hanging in our laundry!
Personally, the one thing that I remember most was the study of the books of the Bible. I still ‘sing’ the song to remember where to find some of the books!
Once again, many thanks from our family for your untiring love and devotion to Girls’ Brigade in New Zealand.
Marjorie, Suzanne & Adele Jamieson
Melva – On your retirement.
Congratulations! 57 years of selfless service.
As a small girl in Cadets, I held you in very high regard in fact, I was probably a little frightened of you. I couldn’t wait until I was 10 so I could join the “big girls” on Monday nights.
Working for badges in groups or on my own at home was most enjoyable. I especially remember the Bible Knowledge one. You turned it into a fun learning time for us and I still remember a lot of what you taught us.
I really admire the way you have adjusted so well to the changes in Brigade over the years and have also kept up the interest of so many girls. You have really been given a special gift to have kept going for so long.
You left me in charge of the Company for a few months in 1962 when you went overseas and I felt it was a huge responsibility just for that length of time.
The Competitions, Church Parades, Camps, Sports etc. have all been enjoyable occasions.
Thank you so much for all you have done for me
P.S. I am not frightened of you any more but I still hold you in a very high esteem.
Margaret Fowler (nee Baker)
14B Tauroa Road
Havelock North
28.10.02
Dear Melva,
It was with pleasure I was again asked to join in, in the organising of your special “surprise afternoon”.
57 years is a tremendous achievement and you have much to be proud of, and I’m sure you will have many special memories to recall over those years.
My own memories are of growing up through the Cadet section & on through Girls Brigade. I’m sure our group at times were a real trial, but you never made it seem so.
Also, when you asked me to take on the Leadership of the Cadets, I was not all sure of my capabilities. Your faith in me made it that much easier, so that it became a pleasure until I resigned upon my marriage to Tony.
Melva, thank you for your input into my life, and I’m sure many girls will say the same.
May both myself & Tony wish you all the best in your retirement and we hope you really enjoy your ‘special’ afternoon.
Love from
Anne Page
(nee Morton)
2nd Hastings G.L.B. Company – 1961
Barbara Fergusson, Beverly McEwen, Margaret Baker, Margaret Morrison, Diane Fergusson, Anne Morton, Marjory Bewley, Carol Duggan, Cynthia Growden, Norma Hall, Captain Mildenhall, Brenda Drummond, Marion Beattie.
Alison Channing, Wendy Walker, Carol Sawyer, Shirley Smith, Janet Growden, Gail Andrews [? – entered twice], Joyce McEwen, Christine Webby, Carol Humphreys, Jennifer Little, Robyn Scott, Susan Harris, Carol Gammon, Yvonne Bee, Mary Humphreys, Vivian Kemp.
Gail Andrews [? – entered twice], Kathleen Kean, Faye Vitsky, Cheryl Toki, Marjory Growden, Lynne Perry, Janice Murray, Sharon Marshall, Dianne Little.
Melva
Memories from Ruth & Jim Sweatman
We remember the wonderful holidays Melva, Dorothy and Keith had, at a bach in Acacia Bay Taupo. Once or twice a year the white car would “putt putt” into Taupo, and the three holiday makers would walk round the town, dine at an eating place or even do the tourist thing e.g. out on the “Ernest Kemp”.
They would always visit the Sweatmans for a meal, and would in turn have us back at their bach. Roast beef was always on the menu!
The Girls’ Brigade was always a topic for conversation, and Melva & Dorothy would always be busy planning the next term’s programme.
And the return date to Hastings was always based on when Girls’ Brigade recommenced!
These were wonderful times and our daughters always remembered the visits of “The Three”.
Congratulations, Melva, on achieving 57 years.
Ruth Sweatman
MELVA MILDENHALL 1945 – 2002.
1945 a new Officer for 2nd Hastings Company, Girls’ Life Brigade and a new Company of 2nd Napier, Girls’ Life Brigade occurred. Over the next few years G.L.B. saw many changes with other new Companies Officers came and went but still we had our cadets, Juniors, Seniors Pioneers and N.C.O’s.
Our National Field Officers visited Areas and Companies annually and despite the fact that Officers had full time jobs and few had a car, we managed to transport our Visitors by Organising Committee members or even by bus.
January 1950 was a huge undertaking for Hawkes Bay (2 Hastings & 3 Napier Companies), when we hosted the National A.G.M. for G.L.B.N.Z. Not a 2 day event but 5 days event to include training & sight seeing. This was based at the Napier Girl’s High School hostel.
The next New Year Jubilee Camp with Officers A.G.M. at Dannevirke Show grounds, which I think, Melva attended the A.G.M. sessions. For the majority, our sleeping quarters were the cattle pens despite the wet weather.
Let us move over the GLB years to the Diamond Jubilee trip of 1962 when 72 officers & N.C.O’s embarked on their huge adventure – around the World on ‘shoe string’ budgets. . Flying to Australia to be billeted for 2-3 nights before joining our ship (our home for the next 5 weeks).
Many tales could be written about the ship travel, how well known our tour group became, how we practised our Maori performances to present at all sessions in the Albert Hall for the annual rally. Our skirts made fromships [from ships] rubbish bags and bodices from Italian cloth bought at a port shopping visit and hand sewn.
On arrival in London, billets were organised and there, Melva & I made life long friends with Grace Dean, our Hostess & June Rose her young Lieutenant.
Jubilee camp at Bexhill and how the poor Island members froze in their tents. Following camp, all Overseas members being sent to various parts of U.K. for a fortnights private hospitality before we New Zealanders set off on our extended tour of Europe. Experiences galore, many forgotten but remember the detours, etc. resulting an almost midnight arrival and not allowed to have our luggage that night. Another night, 3 to a double bed and what a sleepless night some had.
1968 – first B.I.C. (Brigade International Council) was held in U.K. when the ‘LIFE’ was taken out of G.L.B. along with many other changes within the Organisation
1973 – second B.I.C. was held in Auckland, N.Z. when many N.Z. Officers attended as observers. This was followed by bus loads of Overseas visitors touring N.Z. including Hawkes Bay and we arranged seeing visits from them.
1978 – third B.I.C. held in Grand Cayman and half the delegation were Hawkes Bay Officers, Marjorie, Melva, anne & Mary; and what a wonderfulplace for meetings & hospitality. Remember the Police all around our Motels one morning after an escaped U.S.A. prisoner!!! We travelled the length and width of the Island, including Hell, visiting all their Companies.
Mary Tait.
I met Melva when a party of 72 G.L.B. Officers and Pioneers from New Zealand travelled to England by ship for the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in 1962. It was a wonderful trip, and many lasting friendships were made.
My memories of Melva are of a person with sincerity, a great sense of humour, and always good company and fun to be with.
Some incidents which come to mind are –
“someone” who lost their partial plate down the plughole on the “Orcades”.
“someone” who was a very sick girl in Venice.
“someone” who was one of a group of us, who at every stopping place on the Tour of England, Scotland and Wales, made for the “3 T’s” – Toilet, Tea, and Table Mats.
“someone” who, when a group of us were having a party in a hotel room – I think at Stratford-on-Avon – took a delayed action photo, and then ran to get in it, landing on the cake, and sending everyone into fits of laughter.
Many happy memories, Melva, and congratulations on an incredible 57 years of service.
Eileen Joynt,
Auckland.
56 Graham Rd. Gisborne
21st October 2002
I first remember Melva as a member of the Diamond Jubilee celebration tour to the UK in 1962. What I remember most clearly is her expression when anything surprised or annoyed her was “Fair go!” – long before the TV programme.
To have kept the Co. going all the years is surely a proud record
All Best wishes to her for the future
Frances Lee
(I had 2 days in Auckland last week staying with Eileen Joynt who Melva will know and who gave me your invitation.
Frances
30th October 2002-
Mrs. Lynnette McEwen,
816 Clive Street
Hastings.
Dear Mrs. McEwan [McEwen],
Eileen Joynt has passed on to me one of the invitations to the Surprise Afternoon for Melva. Unfortunately I will be attending the Baptist Assembly in Christchurch so will not be able to attend. Would love to be with you but my position with Baptist Action Community Ministries demands I go to Christchurch !! I will write a few of my remembrances of Melva below and you can do whatever you want to with them.
MESSAGE FOR MELVA MILDENHALL
Hi Melva, What a record of service to Girls Brigade. You must be one of the longest serving officers in the world I reacon [reckon]. We attended many Girls Brigade conferences throughout New Zealand and had many laughs together as I have always enjoyed your company. Then of course we attended the Diamond Jubilee in the U.K with all our other friends in 1962 and got to know each other really well. My first memory of you on that trip was when you blocked the plumbing of the Orcades with your dental plate, and the crew spent some time in taking the ship apart to retrieve same. Eileen has mentioned other things that we both remembered but there is another that sticks in my mind. We were in Innsbrook [Innsbruck] and six of us went for a walk after dinner. A Danish lady asked us for instructions to get to the University and of course we didn’t have a clue but with our usual Kiwi commonsense we stopped several people many of whom did not speak English (the Danish lady had very limited English ) and eventually with the assistance of many people and three languages we actually escorted the lady to the University. When we got there you said to me. “Heather you must remember when you get there you are only half way because you have to walk back again”
There have been many times in my life when I have be [been] walking long distances that I have thought of that evening! Do hope you have a lovely surprise celebration which is richly deserved. With love
Heather Beatson
148 Cliff View Drive
Green Bay
Waitakere City
MELVA MILDENHALL
If I was called on to invent a reliable
dependable
loyal
cheerful
trustworthy
worker in the Church I would have to invent
MELVA MILDENHALL.
For over seven years when I was Pastor of the Hastings Baptist Church, 1964-72, Melva was Captain of the Girls Brigade Company and I knew that every week, every month, every year, there was good sound leadership provided.
There must be hundreds of women in the community who are grateful that in the formative years they were given example and direction in all the good things of life in their membership at the Girls Brigade.
Glen and I were present at the service some years ago which marked Melva’s 50 years service to the Brigade and a special certificate had to be prepared because no one had served the movement for this length of time before. This in itself was a wonderful tribute.
I remember the happy times I went down to conduct devotions with the Company and was always impressed with the courtesy and grace of the leadership.
Melva, you will think back on these years with great satisfaction of a job well done – good and faithful devoted service.
Glen joins me in our congratulations and our good wishes for a well deserved retirement.
Geoff Macann
I joined the 2nd Hastings Girls Brigade in 1967 as a 7 year old, and continued my involvement for a number of years, completing all levels, then continuing to help as a leader at Juniors on a Saturday morning.
I remember Girls Brigade as a fun place to be, learning lots of skills and having fun and fellowship with others, learning to share, and care for others, learning how to get along with different personalities and learning how to work together with other people. Then of course, we had lots of fun outings and camps and got the opportunity to meet other Brigaders, not only from within the Hawkes [Hawke’s] Bay District, but from overseas countries at Fonomaraes, Even today, I am still in touch with a fellow Brigader from the Cayman Islands whom I met in New Zealand back in 1974.
Over these years Miss Mildenhall, you have been an inspiration to us all, with your dedication and endless energy levels which you devoted to doing God’s work – and always doing it cheerfully and, I am sure at times, with limited resources and help available.
The skills and morals I was taught at Girls Brigade, and the example that you always set, has contributed greatly to the way I live my life, and the caring, christian values I was shown, are values which I have been able to continue to live out and pass on to my own family. Together with Miss Almond, you have helped shape many girls into women they are today.
Miss Mildenhall, you have truly blessed a lot of lives, and helped a lot of girls over the years, and the amount of time you have continued to serve in Girls Brigade has been really amazing. I would like to personally thank you for all the memories I have, and all the help and time you gave to me over the years I was involved.
I wish you all the best in your retirement, and hope you enjoy some much-deserved time out for yourself. God bless you and continue to keep you in good health.
Kind regards,
Lynette Clouston (nee Edlin)
The Girls’ Brigade –
written by Lynette Clouston (nee Edlin) at a young age.
The Girls’ Brigades a movement
Which almost any girl can join
It costs $ 1.50
And the occasional little coin.
We have a badge with a golden crown
And a circle of unity
At the base a torch of endeavour
And a cross of purity.
Then we have the uniform
A tie and a blue A-line skirt
A blue V-necked Jerkin
And a white blouse or shirt.
There are many enjoyable activities
From dancing to acting plays
And learning about God’s love for us
In many different ways.
We have our annual sports day
And our annual parade
We also have a parents night
To display the things we’ve made
So if you have any girl friends
Who may like to be a member
Invite them to come along
To something they’ll always remember.
Melva
When I was six I met you!
By the time I was ten I had come to know and respect you!
When I turned 14, I came to help you while you still taught me!
When I turned 18, I became a fellow officer working alongside you and teaching others some of what you taught me!
YOU! Helped make me the person I am today!
Thankyou from the bottom of my heart!
Shirley Donovan (nee Edlin)
6 August 1968 Girls’ Brigade N.Z. (Inc.) “Girls’ Magazine”
JUNIOR BRIGADER AND HER UNIFORM
Beret: Navy blue beret with tassel, a woven Girls’ Brigade badge sewn on beret over left eye. White sockettes and black shoes. Three-quarter white socks in winter. A red cardigan may be worn with the uniform.
Awards: All stars to be worn on the left side of the pinafore – service stars on the neck edge – point stars on the sleeve edge.
Blouse: White shirt style (pointed collar) buttoned on the neck, long sleeves. (As these are easily obtainable they will not be stocked by the Equipment Department). Red bow tie at neck (stocked by Equipment Department).
Frocks: Material obtainable from Equipment Department. Junior Navy ‘A’ line pinafore frock, darted at waist front and back, V neckline in front. Titles worn on right side of pinafore approx. 4-5 inches from the shoulder.
INTERMEDIATE BRIGADER AND HER UNIFORM
Blouse: White overblouse, buttoned at back, Peter Pan collar, short sleeves. These blouses are obtainable from the Equipment Department. If girls already have a suitable school blouse it may be worn, but if a new blouse is being purchased for the Girls’ Brigade it must be the official one.
Dress: Junior Navy “A” line skirt and jerkin with long sleeves, V neckline in front.
Junior Navy bow tie obtainable from Equipment Department. Navy Beret with woven Girls’ Brigade badge on over left eye. White socks, black shoes.
Titles are sewn on sleeve of jerkin 1½” from shoulder.
Service Awards are worn on the right sleeve of jerkin.
Awards to be worn on left sleeve of jerkin immediately below the titles.
Girls’ Brigade N.Z. (Inc.) “Girls’ Magazine” New Uniforms 7
SENIOR BRIGADER AND HER UNIFORM
Blouse: White overblouse, buttoned at back, Peter Pan collar, short sleeves. These blouses are obtainable from the Equipment Department. If girls already have a suitable school blouse it may be worn, but if a new blouse it being purchased for the Girls’ Brigade it must be the official one.
Dress: Junior Navy “A” line skirt and jerkin with long sleeves, V neckline in front.
Senior Brigaders: Light blue bow tie, obtainable from the Equipment Department. Junior Navy forage cap, with woven Girls’ Brigade badge sewn on the left side of cap. White socks and black shoes.
Titles are sewn on sleeve of jerkin 1 ½” from shoulder.
Service Awards are worn on the right sleeve of jerkin.
Awards to be worn on left sleeve of jerkin immediately below the titles.
PIONEER BRIGADER AND HER UNIFORM
Blouse: Pale blue overblouse. Material available from Equipment Department.
Dress: Junior Navy “A” line skirt, jerkin with V neck and collar. J
Junior navy forage cap, with woven Girls’ Brigade badge sewn on the left side of cap.
Flesh coloured stockings and black slip-on shoes with medium to low heel.
White gloves for official occasions.
Titles are sewn on sleeves of jerkin 1½” from shoulder.
Service Awards are worn on the right sleeve of jerkin.
Awards to be worn on left sleeve of jerkin immediately below the titles.
Special awards: These are worn on left side of jerkin near collar –
1. Queen’s Badge.
2. Duke of Edinburgh Award.
3. Distinguished Service/Endurance Award.
4. Pioneer Venture Brooch.
5. Junior Helper.
6. Service Award.
Walking fever catches two groups in HB
The walk fever caught two groups in Hawke’s Bay today with 95 people taking part in a picnic walk at Puketitiri and 260 Girls’ Brigade members competing in a fund-raising walk at Taradale.
The Napier YMCA and the Napier Deerstalkers’ Association organised the picnic walk which was in native and exotic forest areas.
Girls from Napier, Taradale and Hastings took part in the Taradale walk. It was at the Sugarloaf hill and involved plenty of climbing.
Each girl was sponsored for at least 80c, half of which will be donated to the proposed geriatric hospital at Taradale. The balance will go to Girls’ Brigade funds.
The Puketitiri walk was not a sponsored event, but was intended to get people out into the back country and forest areas as suggested by the Minister of Lands and Forests, Mr MacIntyre.
Three members of the Bay Citizens’ Band Group maintained a radio linkage during the walk and the Napier St John Ambulance rescue vehicle was also in attendance.
Nine Napier deerstalkers organized the day.
The walk was not a long one and only minor injuries were reported.
The walkers left from Mr. W. Whittle’s property at the base of Black Birch Range this morning, spending 2½ hours climbing up the steep gradient to a lunch break at Little’s Clearing, about 1000 to 1200 feet higher up.
Groups of about 25 were taken by Gannet Safari wagons owned by the Hawke’s Bay Motor Company on a guided tour of the Makahu Saddle forestry research area, while others walked along the range to Black Birch bivouac.
The groups later returned to Mr. Whittle’s property for transport home.
RECORD ATTEMPT
Meanwhile, world record marathon walker “Gunner” John Sinclair was preparing today for his attempt to walk 250 miles non-stop on the Pukekohe Grand Prix motor racing circuit early tomorrow evening.
The 52-year-old walker plans to complete his walk in about 60 hours.
His existing record of 215 miles non-stop was set in South Africa in 1969, on the tarmac perimeter of an airfield near Capetown.
A busload of Napier YMCA members and supporters will go to Auckland tomorrow to see Mr Sinclair off on his journey and give him moral support during the walk.
Photo caption – On hands and knees, many of the Girls’ Brigade members scramble up the last 100 feet of the steep Sugarloaf hill at Taradale this morning in their sponsored walk.
9/12/75
Lynette Edlin, 15, has become first member of the 2nd Hastings Girls’ Brigade to qualify for her Brigader Brooch. She was awarded the brooch at her company’s yearly break-up last night. It took Lynette two years to gain the award which involved many hours of service work. It is the highest award she could win her section of the brigade.
Shirley Edlin, 17, from the 2nd Hastings Girls’ Brigade Company, has received the Brigaders’ Brooch, a high brigade award.
Shirley Edlin, 17, young leader of the Second Hastings Girls’ Brigade Company, who has been chosen one of 20 girls to represent New Zealand at the Girls” Brigade Pacific fonomarae to be held at Rarotonga in January next year.
Sep 89. MCLAGAN – MILDENHALL. Brian and Shirley Mildenhall (Hastings) have great pleasure in announcing the engagement of their daughter Natalie to Stuart, son of Murray McLagan (Auckland).
Girls’ Brigade award
Miss Melva Mildenhall, captain of the Hastings Brigade Company is the first Hawke’s Bay woman be rewarded with the brigade’s 30-year service award.
Miss Mildenhall joined the company as a lieutenant when it was first formed […] years ago, and was promoted to Captain the following year.
She has worked with the Hastings Company since then, except for six months in 1961 when she went to England to the diamond jubilee of the Girls Brigade International.
Miss Mildenhall first joined Girls’ Brigade as teenager in Wellington. She has since held most positions in the movement.
She said she feels this is work she has been called do by the church. “I feel a Christian and a member of the church I should have to work in the church.”
Miss Mildenhall, assistant accountant at the Herald Tribune, will be awarded the long service medal at a concert in the Hastings Baptist Church on Saturday night.
Photo caption – Miss Mildenhall
IT’S A WONDERFUL WORLD
by Helen Steiner Rice
It’s a wonderful world, and it’s people like you
Who make it that way by the things that they do.
Girls’ Brigade N.Z. (Inc.) “Girls’ Magazine” Aug 1970 5
Around New Zealand
PIONEER CAMP AT GISBORNE
About twenty-six girls and five officers went from Hastings, Taradale and Napier for a Pioneer Camp at Gisborne Showgrounds. We arrived at the camp-site at about 9.30 p.m. on Friday night and met fourteen girls and twelve officers from Gisborne there. We slept in cabins sleeping four or five. On the Saturday morning a man came along to give us hints on good photography.
Then at about 11 o’clock we set out on a sight-seeing tour of Gisborne. Then lunch and a swim at Waikanae Beach. After lunch we visited the Police Station and then we went for a ‘Surprise Visit’ which turned out to be to the Sewage plant!
When we got back to the Camp we all had a discussion about future Camps and things we could do in our separate Companies. After tea we had a lady come along and talked to us about stocking a Glory-box and then we made a Pussy-cat out of an old sock and a candle out of old Christmas cards.
On the Sunday morning we had a Church Service and then Miss Dawn Summers came and told us the training and requirements that are needed for Missionary Work.
After lunch we headed for home, on the way we stopped at Morere for a swim in the hot baths.
We all had a very enjoyable weekend and I do honestly urge you, if you ever have a chance, go for a Pioneer Camp weekend.
BARBARA GROWDEN
2nd Hastings Company.
CAMP AT TE KARAKA
A combined Camp for three Companies – girls from the 1st Marton, 3rd and 4th Feilding Companies got on to a bus at St. Johns Hall to go to a Camp at Waikanae.
We all sat on the bus talking and laughing till we reached Foxton where we picked up Suzanne Bridger because she was going and was staying in Foxton. The bus jerked along to Levin where we picked up Mrs. Davidson (Captain 4th) We were singing and laughing till we reached Camp. Mr. Bottom took off our belongings. We were then shown our rooms for the week. After that we had lunch.
Mrs. Davidson showed us around and afterwards we went for a hike. When we were nearly back we got lost so we asked a man which way to got and he told us the way. It started to rain just as we were turning to go into the road to Camp so we ran there.
On Sunday morning we played ball games. We played volley-ball, bob-ball and Queenie, Queenie, Who’s got the ball. Next we changed into our uniform for a walk to St. Lukes for morning worship.
That night Miss Johnson who had come, showed some slides.
On Monday we cut our lunches for a two-mile hike to the beach. When we arrived we had a run round and then had lunch. Some of us paddled in the water. Some girls who went in got their jeans wet. We arrived back at Camp 4.30 p.m. and we all enjoyed it.
On Tuesday we had a treasure hunt, altogether we had to find 19 things. Only four girls found all nineteen things. Mr. Booth had put wood on the barbeque stand and we cooked sausages and fried bread. It was a very nice tea.
On Wednesday we got into our uniforms again because we were going to Wellington. We walked up to the bus-stop with our coats and lunches. There was just enough seats for us. As we came nearer to Wellington it started to blow. When we finally arrived in Wellington we found it a miserable day.
We all hopped off the bus bundled up in our coats. First of all we went to the Town Hall to find out where to go about Wellington. Then we went to the Display Centre. We all choose the things we would like to have in our own homes. Next we went to Broadcasting House. It was quite interesting. We all wanted to got to Parliament Buildings so we went. A man showed us some seats where we could sit and listen to Mr. Holyoake. We only stayed about 20 minutes as it was very boring. The time was getting on to 5 p.m. so we went to the Newmans Bus depot.
We all hopped aboard the bus. Mrs. Garland said she would shout us a bottle of fizz each. We arrived back at Camp about 6.30 p.m.
Next day brought us a hike to a bach at the beach. When we got there we had afternoon tea. Then we went for a walk down the beach to see a trawler wreck. The trawler came ashore
many of the native trees and shrubs in the surrounding bush. It was a delightful day thanks to all those involved who helped to make the hike such a success.”
NAPIER, TARADALE AND HASTINGS COMPANIES 1977
Can you guess what these Brigaders are doing? Buying medicine perhaps/
Six companies took delivery of bottles of vanilla essence they had pre-sold and arranged to deliver one weekend.
The $1,000 the girls have raised from the sale of the essence is to help build extensions to the Girls’ Brigade Training Centre, “TE KARAKA”, at Waikanae.
Their Regional Commissioner, Mrs Ashby, is handing out the bottles to Alison Havey [Harvey?], Karen Egertton and Tracey McKenzie who were the first to collect their supply to deliver.
Thank you to the Brigaders from these Companies for their really great effort to help rebuild “Te Karaka”.
And “THANK YOU” to all Brigaders who have been working hard to help!
The Short and Tall Of It !!!
Commissioned as officer
Miss Janice MacKay (left) was presented with her commission as an officer of the 5th Napier Company of the Girls’ Brigade by the district commissioner, Miss M. Mildenhall (right) at a parade at St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church, Onekawa. Watching are members of the brigade in their new uniforms.
Three Weeks became 18 years.
In 1978 when Melva Mildenhall went on one of her U.K. Trips, I Lillian Edlin was requested by Dorothy Almond to help take a Monday Evening Cooking class. This was for 3-4 weeks. Luckily they were edible. On Melva’s return one thing led to another, where I helped with a silver paper picture class, a sewing class and Sequence Dancing class.
Next came roll marking for Girls Brigade and the G.B. Church parades.
Uniforms for Seniors and Juniors were also a part of my new found job under Melva’s Leadership. This was a selling, buying and recycling project.
This led to fund raising ventures of selling Meringues Chocolate Almonds and Colourful Calendars, all of which were extremely popular. Profits were used for sports equipment, craft materials etc. One year a Television and Video set were bought to be used for Missionary talk groups.
Profits also helped subsidize the local G.B. Camps, N.Z. G.B. Camps and Fonomaries [Fonomaraes] which were sometimes held outside N.Z.
On my retirement from “The Herald Tribune” as it was then called in 1995 I found as I travelled to my family in Rotorua – Auckland, Gisborne and Timaru I was never here on a Saturday morning or Monday evening to help at Girls Brigade.
Eventually in 1996 I resigned from 2nd Hastings Girls Brigade having had a very enjoyable and eventful time with the girls and many friendships with parents and Officers. So under Melva Mildenhall’s Leadership, my 3 weeks actually turned into 18 years.
All the very best Melva, you deserve your retirement as Captain after 57 fruitful and satisfying years.
God bless you.
Lillian.
Pioneer Camp – HB Poverty Bay region of Girls’ Brigade at Morere. March 1981
Underground world reveals its wonders
A NEVER-to-be-forgotten experience and the challenge of caving was the highlight at a Pioneer Camp for members of the Hawke’s Bay Poverty Bay region of Girls’ Brigade.
The outdoor activities at Morere, where they camped out, were enjoyed by the 40 girls and their leaders.
Under the leadership of Dave Hughes and helpers the group enthusiastic and amazed at what they discovered underground.
For most it was the first occasion on which they had been potholing. A swim in the hot pools was also much appreciated.
It was a good opportunity for the Gisborne Brigaders to get to know the Hawkes Bay girls and everyone benefited from the shared weekend. The theme for the camp was victorious living and this proved to be positive and constructive.
The Sunday morning service was held outdoors, when the group enacted the story of Joshua crossing the River Jordan and marching around the walls of Jericho.
Leonie MacDonald, from Napier, spoke on the Queen’s Award and girls will now compete for the Tait Award based on their weekend experiences.
Photo captions –
ABOVE: Joanne Sparrow, torch in hand, with Marie Painter (left) and Joanna Bound.
ABOVE: Two of the girls at the entrance to the Mangaone caves.
RIGHT: Climbing high into the cave are (from left) in foreground, Anne Dominey and Marie Painter, with Joanna Bound and Joanne Sparrow above.
BELOW: At the cave entrance the group has a last look before leaving.
not spoil the enjoyment.
1st TARADALE COMPANY earlier this year joined with 2nd HASTINGS for a Camp at TUKI TUKI.
Mandy Woodcook of 1st Taradale sent a most interesting account to share with you. Some of the special parts of that weekend were –
“After breakfast we went to the river to collect stones to paint. I chose one that looked like a piece of watermelon…I painted the rounded part green with a thin white line around the edge, the rest of the stone pink and put black dots for the pips. We cooked lunch on hobo stoves and joined in a quiz around the camp grounds – then a walk along the river…a barbqeue tea followed by a concert for which we had prepared earlier – we had plays, music and singing for about two hours. After breakfast on Sunday we had a service celebrating Palm Sunday. Later we made shell dolls from cockle and pipi shells. After lunch a novel quiz using a chart with a ladder marked from 1 to 13 was used for teams to compete using questions on Brigade.”
Mandy describes the shell dolls which sound quaint and fun to make. If you would like to know more about how to make these perhaps you could write to her, care of her Captain, Mrs. J. Zachan, 10 McKeefry Ave., Greenmeadows, Napier.
“UNDERGROUND WORLD REVEALS ITS WONDERS’
– so ran the heading in the “NZ HERALD” reporting on the Pioneer Camp organised by HAWKES BAY/POVERTY BAY REGION at a place called MORERE. 40 Pioneers with their leaders camped out and then went underground to make some amazing discoveries. For most of them it was the first time they had been POTHOLING.
As the theme for the camp was VICTORIOUS LIVING this was very apt and helped to emphasise being positive and constructive.
On the Sunday morning a service was held outdoors when the group enacted the story of Joshua crossing the River Jordan and marching around the walls of Jericho.
Each year the TAIT AWARD is competed for and this year Shirley Edlin of 2nd Hastings Company was the winner with her poem on CAVING.
“CAVING”
Dark ‘n dingy, specks of light,
Twinkle like the stars at night;
Glow-worms shining, the colour of blue;
Water everywhere; mud on your shoe;
An almighty splash – someone’s fallen
into the water – you hear them callin’
Screams echo around you head,
Was so nerve-racking, but nobody cared.
Further ahead we see a glow,
A hole in the rock
where light does flow;
Out we climb with a push and a pull,
We adjust to the brightness, we’re out of fuel.
So, if YOU go to Morere
You’ll have to have some energy
To see the caves so peaceful and quiet
If you’re down that way, you really should try it.
Dear Melva,
I am so sorry I will not be able to attend your retirement party. I will be in Australia celebrating my 70th Birthday with my family.
57 years of Service! How wonderful! I think that must be some sort of record for any organisation involving volunteers.
I will always remember with gratitude, you taking 1st Hastings Company under your wing when we had to fold up. I think we all worked together as a pretty good team. I know I could always rely on you if for any reason I couldn’t make the regular Monday evening meeting. I greatly admired your wonderful hand craft work, you & Dot were so good with the fiddly things. We had a lot of laughs together and could share our frustrations. Lots of memories, too many to write down. – Our camps – Waikanae & the Guide camp. I remember one camp at Waikanae when I had to take Donald with me – he was about 4 I think. What a ball he had with all those girls to spoil him! We always came home tired, but with a feeling of a job well done.
We had 30 years together in Girls Brigade – lots of fellowship and lots of girls whom I hope we made some impression on.
Enjoy your retirement – as I do –
God Bless
Love Mae.
I am not sure whether to tell this story about Melva or not but the truth must be heard!
It happened in the early 70s when I was teaching Sunday school in the old Sunday school building. Those of you who can remember, the old hall had small cubicles either side where the children and their teacher suffered the lesson every Sunday. I had a standard 4 class. To do some of the activities I had brought from home a long table so that I didn’t have to look for a table every Sunday as there was always a shortage of tables.
Well invariably my table wasn’t there and I suspected the thieving Girls Brigade Captain – namely Melva Mildenhall. So I put a sign on the table saying – Please leave this B table alone. I was approached by no less than the Captain herself who said rather indignantly that we could not use this type of language in our Church
I said that I could not see anything wrong with my sign. She said “In this Church we don’t use the B word”,. I told her that I could not see anything wrong in calling it a B table!
After all it was a Big table!!
Thank you Melva for what you have done for our children and many others over 57 years.
May the Lord bless you today and as you walk with Him in the days to come.
Effie & Henk Boekestyn
Dear Miss Mildenhall,
I am sorry that I can’t come to the special afternoon tea in your honour that you thoroughly deserve! I am sure that it will be a wonderful time of celebrating your commitment to Girls’ Brigade. 57 years is an incredible journey and I appreciated being under your care for some of that.
I remember with fondness the many and varied activities you provided. Now that I do similar activities myself with groups I appreciate the effort and time you put into it.
You so selflessly gave up your time to encourage us all to excellence, to inspire us to follow the Christian path and to teach us new skills.
Thanks for your concern for each one.
A tremendous effort!
Diana Mills
(nee Boekestyn)
Reminiscences specially recorded for the Surprise Afternoon Function held on Saturday 9th November 2002, at the Hastings Baptist Church to celebrate
THE LIFE OF MELVA MILDENHALL
and to acknowledge her retirement of Girls’ Brigade after 57 years of service.
My introduction to Melva Mildenhall was on the 18th January 1948 at around 8-30am, when I reported to the Hawkes Bay Herald Tribune Office to take up my Appointment to the Clerical Staff. Melva answered the bell at the counter, and I told her who I was and reason for reporting to the office. She introduced herself, and then said “you had better come round.”
That was indeed a day to remember, because Mr George Brunton the accountant for the company at that time promptly introduced me to the staff members, and then left on holiday immediately after lunch.
My main challenge that initial week was the preparation of the staff wages and this task was accomplished with Melva’s help without any staff rebellion.
Melva and I remained excellent friends throughout my 38 years with the company, and the fact that I progressed through the ranks to become Managing Director of Hawkes Bay News Limited never altered our friendship, and I always considered Melva a confidante in dealing with company affairs.
Melva in her own right became Office Manager of the Hawkes Bay Herald Tribune, and in that role she was most efficient. She did have a certain awe about her in so far as younger members of the staff were concerned. However, they always knew that when under pressure, or hassled by any senior staff member, that Melva would be ready to help, and see that fair play was exercised.
Melva’s interest in Church Affairs, and in particular Girl’s Life Brigade was an important part of her life, and she was always very proud to relate any success that her Brigade Girl’s had accomplished. Also Melva was keen member of the Herald Tribune 25 Year club, and participated tin the many excellent re-union functions held over the years.
For my part I consider Melva a loyal friend, and my associations with her during my professional career was one of utmost trust. She is indeed a person of high integrity, ability, and popular among her many acquaintances.
Melva, Alma and I trust that with less stress and commitments you will now be able to leisurely enjoy your ongoing retirement.
Finally your friendship is something that we both appreciate very sincerely.
Keith and Alma Stinson
07-10-2002
People
44 YEARS WITH HERALD-TRIBUNE
Seventeen-year-old Melva Mildenhall was “scared stiff” of the telephone when she began work with the Herald-Tribune in 1944.
But as she retired on Friday, May 27, nearly 44 years later, she handed over some of the most important jobs in the company, including programming of computers.
Miss Mildenhall started work at the Herald-Tribune as a junior typist and clerk.
For the handsome sum of 21/6 ($2.15) gross a week, minus 2/6 (25c) war tax, Miss Mildenhall tackled and enjoyed all sorts of tasks.
The only thing she disliked was answering the telephone, of which she had no experience and found nerve-racking.
However during the years she worked for the Herald-Tribune, Miss Mildenhall not only overcame her fear of new technology, she progressed from the first accounting machines introduced into the company in 1949 to total involvement and forward planning for the firm’s modern, computerised systems.
From the role of office junior, she rose through the ranks to become the company’s assistant accountant and credit controller.
She remembers when international news took six weeks to get into the paper, although radio speeded things up toward the end of the war.
“Everything was so much slower then. A lot of things never got into the paper because they never filtered through.”
All the ledgers were handwritten, everything had to be added up “in your head because there weren’t any adding machines,” and each copy of a meeting report had to be laboriously typed out on onion paper.
She recalls the one-time proprietor of the Herald-Tribune, Mr W. A. Whitlock, who could never remember her name for the first 10 years she worked for the paper. After that he called her Miss Mildenhall until “Melva my dear” became her title.
Miss Mildenhall has plenty of plans for her retirement. Her first project is a three-month trip to England to visit family and friends.
She will continue her work with the Girls’ Brigade movement, for which she was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal in 1985. Since then she has been awarded a 40-years service award.
Photo caption – Miss Mildenhall pictured with Herald-Tribune general manager, Ron Hall.
CONGRATULATIONS – Miss Melva Mildenhall
In recognition of forty years’ service to youth mainly through her 2nd Hastings Coy. of the Girls’ brigade, Melva was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal which was presented by Her Majesty while on tour recently. We wish Melva well in her retirement.
The Hawke’ Bay
Herald Tribune
Tuesday, December 31, 1985
QSM for Hastings Woman
A Hastings woman today was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for her lifelong interest in the Girls’ Brigade movement.
Miss Melva Mildenhall (pictured), captain of the Hastings No. 2 company of the Hastings Baptist Church’s Girls’ Brigade, has spent 40 years with the brigade.
Miss Mildenhall joined the brigade at the age of 13 in Wellington.
She came to Hastings when she was 17 and helped established a company as a lieutenant. A year later she was promoted to captain.
She has been a Hawke’s Bay district commissioner, secretary, treasurer and held other positions. Miss Mildenhall has advised at a national level.
She was the first Hawke’s Bay woman to be awarded the brigade 30-year-service award in 1976.
As a part of Miss Mildenhall’s interest in the brigade she travelled to England in 1961 for six months to the diamond jubilee of Girls’ Brigade international.
In 1978, she attended the Girls’ Brigade International annual conference in the Cayman Islands, Caribbean for two weeks.
Miss Mildenhall said her interest in the movement stemmed from believing that, as a member of a church “you should be a working member.”
Looking after about 50 girls has been a team effort and without her group of helpers Miss Mildenhall said she would not have been able to carry on.
She still intends maintaining her interest in the company because “I am well known for keeping on.”
Miss Mildenhall, accountant at the Herald-Tribune, also teaches Sunday School at the church and helps with the boys’ brigade.
She is also a ceramic and handcraft hobbyist and skilled at sewing and has an interest in spinning and croquet.
Miss Mildenhall has travelled overseas four times and hopes to make further trips around.
‘Awesome’ receiving medal from Queen
by SUE THOMAS
When Melva Mildenhall walked on the stage to receive her Queen’s Service Medal from the Queen in Wellington last month, she just prayed that one foot would follow the other.
“I was very nervous and just couldn’t believe it was really me up there,” says Melva, the Herald-Tribune accountant who received the QSM for her 40 years’ service to the Hastings Girls’ Brigade.
The greatest moment was when the Queen presented her with the QSM and then asked her if the Girls’ Brigade movement was strong in New Zealand.
“Even if I had the figures in my head I was too dazed to have quoted them,” recalled Melva, who simply replied: “Reasonably so, but not as strong as in Great Britain.”
“Indeed no,” said the Queen.
Melva, in her Girls’ Brigade uniform, bobbed in the way she had been instructed, then quickly walked off the stage, watched by a sea of faces, many of whom had more than an hour’s uninterrupted view of the Queen.
“I’ve never known such a large crowd of people to be so quiet. Even the orchestra was subdued. It made the occasion even more awesome.”
Being among the Queen’s Honours list was a great accomplishment but to have the Queen present the awards was a special honour for Melva and the 90 others.
But if any of the recipients thought they were in for three-hour protocol sessions, learning how to curtsy and to conduct themselves in front of the Queen, they were mistaken.
“It was all rather casual and we had only about a five minute briefing,” says Melva, who was a little surprised they were not thoroughly schooled.
On their arrival at the Michael Fowler Centre they were ushered into a room and directed to chairs on which their names and numbers were pinned.
Following a roll call they were given a clip on which the Queen would place the award. She does not have time to fiddle with pins that will not clasp on to slippery silks.
A sympathetic official, well aware that nerves were fraying, reminded the recipients it was “their big day” and suggested they “sit back, relax and enjoy it.”
They were then told in what order they would enter the stage. For Melva it was a long wait – she was 49th but confessed it must have been even more nerve-racking for the 91st with such a long wait for the big moment.
Tension mounted as the Queen arrived, heralded by the sounds of fanfare and trumpets.
Thankfully there were no speeches formalities to sit through, as the ceremony began immediately.
“The Queen didn’t waste a moment as she was running to time all day,” recalled Melva.
“I couldn’t very well stare at her too long as she was busy looking at me,” said Melva when she recalled shaking hands with the Queen.
But it was a little disappointing for proud family members among the audience who were keen to snap the big event on film.
No photographs were allowed during the ceremony and a group or press photographers were quickly shown the door after they took snaps of the first three recipients.
Official photographs were taken after the ceremony. Proudly wearing their medals, and clutching boxes they collected for them after the ceremony, the recipients and their partners were treated with morning tea with the Mayor of Wellington, Mr Ian Lawrence.
Even when she was in Wellington, still in her uniform and having lunch with family and friends, congratulations kept pouring in as people would stop and inquire about the occasion.
“It seemed like months of waiting in anticipation but it was all over in such a short time,” says Melva.
It may have only been just over an hour during a very routine ceremony, but for Melva and the other 90 New Zealanders it will always be a day to remember.
This must be the perfect wish
Seven into six won’t go.. unless you wish it to.
It was a wish granted which made Friday, February 28, a perfect day for Queen’s Service Medal recipient Melva Mildenhall.
Melva found herself in a quandary when selecting six family and friends she could officially invite to attend her investiture ceremony.
Melva had seven people she wanted to invite and she was only allowed six. So who would miss out?
It seemed Mr Lewis Stewart, a Hastings friend who works at Unilever, Hastings, would be the unlucky one – he had work commitments anyway so was unable to make the occasion.
Melva was disappointed but she was aware Lewis’ daughter-in-law Mrs Debbie Stewart, had entered a radio “win a wish” contest requesting that Mr Stewart attend the investiture ceremony.
And who should win the contest but Debbie. Her wish – and indeed Melva’s – were granted.
Disappointments and work commitments were put aside and Lewis was able to see Melva receive her QSM from the Queen.
“It just couldn’t have […]
Melva meets The Queen
When Melva Mildenhall walked on the stage to receive her Queen’s Service Medal from the Queen in Wellington last month, she just prayed that one foot would follow the other.
“I was very nervous and just couldn’t believe it was really me up there,” says Melva, the Herald-Tribune accountant who received the QSM for her 40 years’ service to the Hastings Girls’ Brigade.
The greatest moment was when the Queen presented her with the QSM and then asked her if the Girls’ Brigade movement was strong in New Zealand.
“Even if I had the figures in my head I was too dazed to have quoted them,” recalled Melva, who simply replied: “Reasonably so, but not as strong as in Great Britain.” “Indeed no,” said the Queen.
Melva, in her Girls’ Brigade uniform, bobbed in the way she had been instructed, then quickly walked off the stage, watched by a sea of faces, many of whom had more than an hour’s uninterrupted view of the Queen.
“I’ve never known such a large crowd of people to be so quiet. Even the orchestra was subdued. It made the occasion even more awesome.”
Being among the Queen’s Honours list was a great accomplishment but to have the Queen present the awards was a special honour for Melva and the 90 others.
But if any of the recipients thought they were in for three-hour protocol sessions, learning how to curtsy and to conduct themselves in front of the Queen, they were mistaken.
“It was all rather casual and we had only about a five minute briefing,” says Melva, who was a little surprised they were not thoroughly schooled.
On their arrival at the Michael Fowler Centre they were ushered into a room and directed to chairs on which their names and numbers were pinned.
Following a roll call they were given a clip on which the Queen would place the award. She does not have time to fiddle with pins that will not clasp on to slippery silks.
Photo caption – Miss Melva Mildenhall, Captain, 2nd Hastings Coy.
Courtesy: Hawke’s Bay Herald-Tribune
A sympathetic official, well aware that nerves were fraying, reminded the recipients it was “their big day” and suggested they “sit back, relax and enjoy it.”
They were then told in what order they would enter the stage. For Melva it was a long wait – she was 49th but confessed it must have been even more nerve-racking for the 91st with such a long wait for the big moment.
Tension mounted as the Queen arrived, heralded by the sounds of fanfare and trumpets.
Thankfully there were no speeches formalities to sit through, as the ceremony began immediately.
“The Queen didn’t waste a moment as she was running to time all day,” recalled Melva.
“I couldn’t very well stare at her too long as she was busy looking at me,” said Melva when she recalled shaking hands with the Queen.
But it was a little disappointing for proud family members among the audience who were keen to snap the big event on film.
No photographs were allowed during the ceremony and a group or press photographers were quickly shown the door after they took snaps of the first three recipients.
Official photographs were taken after the ceremony. Proudly wearing their medals, and clutching boxes they collected for them after the ceremony, the recipients and their partners were treated with morning tea with the Mayor of Wellington, Mr Ian Lawrence.
Even when she was in Wellington, still in her uniform and having lunch with family and friends, congratulations kept pouring in as people would stop and inquire about the occasion.
“It seemed like months of waiting in anticipation but it was all over in such a short time,” says Melva.
It may have only been just over an hour during a very routine ceremony, but for Melva and the other 90 New Zealanders it will always be a day to remember.
From the Hawke’s Bay Herald-Tribune
as reported by Sue Thomas
To Visit The Queen
Doreen and Lewis where have you been?
We’ve been to Wellington
To see the Queen
Doreen and Lewis what did you there?
We sat in the Michael Fowler Centre
And viewed her from there
She said “Please to be seated”
And smiled at us all.
Then all being invested lined up for her there.
She gave them their medals
So precious and rare
One for our Melva
Long service from her.
We all were so proud on that great royal day
When our Queen came from London
A long way away
So Doreen and Lewis where have you been?
We’ve been down to Wellington
To visit our Queen.
27/5/95
Golden Jubilee Dinner
The commencement date in April 1945 seems a long time away
But for many girls in Hastings ’twas a very important day
Because before that time there never had been
Something specially for girls in our Church Regime
Our girls were important, they needed a place
Where they could be helped, this hard world to face.
So with prayer & much thought the foundations were laid
For the second Hastings Company of the Girls’ Brigade.
In the beginning the girls were asked to bring 1d per night
Things didn’t come easy, finance were often tight
So 19 girls and 2 ladies of Officers Rank
Held a concert and put 9 pounds in the Bank
Since then they have sold meringues to keep the company floating
As well as Calendars & almonds with lovely chocolate coating
Their Uniforms have been changed three times since they started
And you may have noticed the hat has departed.
The girls are very smart when they come on Church Parade
And their pride in their company will never fade.
Three generations of girls in our Church have been blessed
And Praise God the Company has never gone into recess.
The girls make a promise which certainly isn’t hollow
Relying on God’s help that Jesus Christ they will follow
In 1951 the Cadet Section was born
And these younger girls meet on Saturday morn
The Seniors & Pioneers meet on Monday Eve
Working very hard to put new badges on their sleeve.
So through the years many useful skills they have learnt.
The care of pets, Floral Art – First Aid if you are burnt
Screen Printing, cane work, crochet and macrame
They make pictures from the silver paper that most throw away
Oh yes, attendance at Brigade has changed many lives
And has made many women far better wives
Many camps have been held throughout the years
Bringing companionship and pleasure beyond compare
Their good leaders devotion can clearly be seen
And one of them has been honoured by the Queen
At the Brigade the girls have learnt cooking and many useful things
But what is more important they have been introduced to the King of Kings.
And so our Church says “Thank you” for all the work that has been done
And praise God that 50 yrs ago the 2nd Hastings Company was begun
And may the work continue and may God hold it in His hand
So that at the 100th Anniversary Girls Brigade will still be in our land.
MELVA JOAN MILDENHALL
How many people do you know who have worked on a voluntary basis for the Youth of our city – Hastings for 54 years? Not many I am sure. Indeed 54 years is a long time.
Miss Melva Mildenhall was born in Wellington and educated at the Whaiwetu [Waiwhetu] Primary School and Hutt Valley High School until she came to Hastings and attended the Hastings High School.
Melva first joined Girls’ Brigade as a teenager in Wellington and in Hastings she joined the Baptist Church Girls’ Brigade Company as a lieutenant when it was first formed in 1945 – becoming Captain a year later. Since then she held most positions in the movement including secretary, treasurer and District Commissioner.
Miss Mildenhall spent all her working life as accountant at the Herald Tribune. She has many skills but her main interest is for the girls of Hastings and in particular the Girls Brigade of which there are three sections –
The 5-8 year-olds, who meet every Saturday morning – when the girls turn nine they are promoted to Seniors and meet on Monday evening. The Pioneers meet the same night as the Seniors.
Melva has spent much time and energy organising and running these meetings at which the girls learn about Care of Pets, Indoor Gardening, Creative Marching, Communication, Safety in all Areas, Fabric Painting, Cooking, First Aid, Bible Study, Family Catering and Camps and outings.
Melva received the Queen’s Service Medal in 1985. This honoured her for her National Service with a Civic Award for the work she has done and is still doing for families and girls in the Hastings Community.
MELVA
Thank you for all you have done over the past 57 years for Girls’ Brigade,
in your company with your girls, in the Hawke’s Bay District and Area, in the Hawke’s bay, Poverty Bay Region and nationally during the time you were on Executive.
We do appreciate your loyalty and dedication to the girls and officers. You have touched so many lives and will be remembered with fondness.
Hawke’s Bay Area Girls’ Brigade.
MELVA
Do you remember
Being on Executive and writing all these articles for the magazine with all those craft and programme ideas.
The day we spent at Disneyland with little Elizabeth in her wheelchair, those long, long flights and those meals in Mexico and doing all the bargaining in Hong Kong on the way home.
The week end in Rotorua when you received the special award for 50 years service.
Lots and lots of service and I know you will continue this as you continue to Seek Serve and Follow in the days ahead.
Sincerely Anne Silson
MELVA
I remember especially the day you commissioned me.
I was actually scared of you then, but have learned over the last 32 years that under that gruff exterior is a heart of gold.
It was a thrill for me to share with you the weekend in Rotorua when you received the National Commissioners Award for 50 years service.
I have valued your friendship and encouragement.
Congratulations on 57 years service and Best Wishes for your “retirement”.
With lobe and Gods richest blessings
Brenda
Dear Melva,
There are many memories over the years but one special time 2nd Hastings and 2nd Taradale had together was a mid-winter camp at Stoney Creek Ranch.
I remember the anxiety when a car load of 2nd Hastings girls did not arrive, finally they turned up, they had missed the turn off to Stoney Creek and continued down SH50 several miles before realising they were lost and turned back.
The girls all mixed well together and we had a really great time with all the outdoor activities, plus horse riding. The days were warm and sunny so we spent lots of time outdoors but the nights were cool and those crisp frosty mornings really got us on the move quickly.
The food was great and the lessons learnt by the girls and the love of God, which was shown through the leaders to the girls would have left lasting memories with many.
As you retire I know God will truly bless you and the many memories will stay with you forever.
Denise Dawson
Ex Captain 2nd Taradale
MELVA MILDENHALL –
I am pleased and honoured to be given the opportunity to pay tribute to the long and faithful service Melva has given to the members of The Girls’ Brigade movement.
I have a distinct memory of Melva, always immaculate and smart in her uniform, keen to learn a new skill and positive and focussed during meetings or training sessions.
Looking back over the past recognitions of Melva’s remarkable service both within her community and Girls’ Brigade, including receiving the prestigious QSM in 1986 and the 50 years Girls’ Brigade Service Award in 1995, we can glean only something of the dedication and sacrifice that has been so willingly and sincerely given to so many girls and Officers.
I am sure that Melva will discover that she will become retYred and not retIred – and continue to serve others wherever she is led in her Christian walk, witnessing quietly and faithfully
God’s seal will be upon her work and Girls’ Brigade will remember with appreciation and respect the name of Melva Mildenhall..
Nancy Roscoe M.B.E
(Past National Commissioner, National Secretary, the Girls’ Brigade New Zealand)
30th October 2002
Melva,
What an achievement!
Fifty-seven years in Girls’ Brigade!
I well remember presenting you with your 30 year brooch in 1976 and felt then that this was a record of some kind.
Your love of girls and your ability to gather around you like-minded helpers was something I will always remember.
Your practical down to earth approach to problems was something I always appreciated.
I remember not long after we commenced the Day Care project at the church, I had become discouraged because the numbers were so small and we seemed to be bleeding money, you said “The trial hasn’t gone long enough. You must have faith that it will work.” You also promised money to help it go, and that support gave me new hope for the work.
May your retirement from Brigade be long and blessed.
And may this presentation of your life help you to see that your 57 years have done much for the youth of Hawkes Bay.
Yours in the good fellowship,
Ken McCormack
From the desk of Gordon Mill
Senior Pastor: Thames Baptist Church, 303 Mary St, Thames, N.Z. Ph 07 868 6274
304 Marshall Cres
Thames 2801
New Zealand
Phone and fax (07) 868 6273
Email: gor.lyn.mill[@]clear.net.nz
30 October, 2002
2nd Hastings Girls Brigade Committee
“This is Your Life”
Dear Melva,
57 years with one Girls’ Brigade Company – this must be something of a record!
Melva, you have made a wonderful contribution to the girls and young women of Hastings who have passed through the 2nd Company. You have demonstrated faithfulness and consistency in a way that has gladdened God’s heart – and made many people grateful for your service.
Do enjoy a well-earned retirement!
God bless you,
Gordon Mill
Colin & Julie Crocker
19 Kokiri Street
Te Atatu South
Auckland
New Zealand
Phone (09) 837 5660
Email: crockercj[@]actrix.co.nz
16 October 2002
2nd Hastings Girls’ Brigade Committee
C/- Mrs Lynette McEwen
816 Clive Street
HASTINGS
Dear Lynette
Thank you for writing to tell me about Melva Mildenhall’s impending retirement from involvement with the Girls’ Brigade, and the planned function to honour her. I am delighted to send a greeting, although words seem rather inadequate in light of Melva’s incredible record of commitment and service with the Brigade. Have a great time of celebration when the “Surprise Party” takes place.
Sincerely,
Colin Crocker
FOR MELVA:
16 October 2002
Warmest greetings from Julie and me. We would love to be present in person to honour you for your unsurpassed record of committed service to the girls of 2nd Hastings Girls’ Brigade Company. Fifty seven years is no mean achievement! Few people are able to retain such enthusiasm and passion for any movement across so many years – a reflection of your dedication to the Lord. But more than the wonderful achievement of those years served, are the countless live of girls, parents, fellow officers, pastors and many others who have been touched by Jesus as a result of your example and love. Well done Melva! You are an inspiration to us. We know the Lord delights in you. You can enjoy your retirement from Girls’ Brigade knowing that God’s work will continue on in many lives into which you have sowed the seeds of the Gospel across the years.
Much love and joy for the future.
Colin & Julie Crocker
19 Kokiri St, Te Atatu, Auckland
22/10/02
Dear Melva
I want to be part of this special Day that honours you and honours the Lord for your 57 years with the 2nd Hastings Girls Brigade.
As I look back in my mind I can readily picture you there leading the girls, and their love and respect for you. Penny & I still remember with real fondness the years we had at Hastings and you ministry was a rich part of that.
I trust that today will be a very wonderful surprise
Love & God’s richest blessings
Peter & Penny Eaton
The Girls’ Brigade Beatitudes
Happy is the Brigader who can be trusted in all things, for she will be a strength to many.
Blessed is the leader who has not sought the high places.
Happy is the Brigader who has heard the call of Christ and follows this call, for hers is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed is the leader who knows where she is going, why she is going and how to get there.
Happy is the Brigader who is always ready to help; she will gain more than she givesl
Blessed is the leader who surmounts discouragement.
Happy is the Brigader who knows the true meaning of love, for love is of God.
Blessed is the leader who knows how to lead without being dictatorial.
Happy is the Brigader who forgets herself for others; she will never know the meaning of loneliness.
Blessed is the leader who develops leaders while leading.
Happy is the Brigader who has respect for all living things; she will find God everywhere.
Blessed is the leader who leads for th good of all concerned and not to satisfy her own desires.
Happy is the Brigader who has learnt to obey gladly; for she is fit to lead.
Blessed is the leader who seeks the best for those she serves.
Happy is the Brigader who can laugh when life is dark; for her sun will always shine.
Blessed is the leader who though her head may sometimes be in the clouds, always her feet are on the ground.
Happy is the Brigader who knows the true value of everything, for she will never want for anything.
Blessed is the leader who sees leadership as an opportunity to serve Christ.
Happy is the Brigader whose life is pure, for she will bring light into dark places.
Miss Mildenhall
I was introduced to you at the age of six when I joined the 2nd Hastings Company as a Junior. With lots of encouragement and help from you I was able to work up through the ranks and become an Officer.
I also had the privilege of having you as my boss during my employment at the HB Herald Tribune. Entering the work force at the age of 16 as an Office Junior is daunting enough but this was made a lot easier knowing that there was a friendly face amongst an office full of strangers.
Your commitment and loyalty to Girls’ Brigade and to the 2nd Hastings Company is something that I have always admired, even up to a month ago when you attended a GB Spiritual Course. You would have attended many of these during the last 57 years but you still wanted to be there and support both the people organising and leading that course and in doing so all those attending were able to learn and benefit from your knowledge and experience.
What a privilege and an honour it has been to be part of the planning committee for today’s celebration. From the first phone call I made to someone about this event through to the last, at the mention of your name the reply always came back, “Yes, I would love to help”. This has reinforced to me what I already knew for myself and my family the wonderful teacher, leader, mentor and friend you have been to so many people.
Thank you for all the memories I have and for the input you have had in my life. Thank you also for the support and encouragement I have received from you right to this day.
Congratulations on an incredible 57 years service.
Lynette McEwen (nee Moulder)
DEBORAH FULFORD
1991…
Prior to coming to Hastings I spent 5 years in Girls Brigade in Lower Hutt. For 3 years I was a helper, then I was left with the lot. A bit daunting for a 17 year old.
When I had children of my own, first two girls, I decided to see if Girls Brigade was still around.
I found 2nd Hastings. All the energy and organization I had not experienced before.
Girls were organized to their age groups, with appropriate work, and enough leaders to go around everything just flowed.
Hand crafts were interesting, everybody was encouraged to do their best work and there was always something useful to take home.
New skills were learnt – things that are not often taught at home anymore and everybody was encouraged to try.
Different fitness skills were tried, good old fashioned things, like skipping and musical games making us Mum’s feel right at home.
I started out helping with little things in 1991 and am still here.
You have set a good foundation and built a strong framework Melva.
This has made working within the Company a pleasure and something to be looked forward to each week.
At this time of your retirement Melva I congratulate you on a job well done. Your years of input into young girls lives including my own two daughters have been appreciated by all.
I appreciate your leadership, your personal friendship and the happy times we have spent over the years.
Debbie Fulford
Five Decades Plus
A Poem to commemorate Melva Mildenhall’s 57 years service in 2nd Hastings Company Girls Brigade
In 1945 our Company began
With Miss Mildenhall a Lieutenant 2nd in command
But they knew quality & it was in God’s plan
In 1947 she was promoted to Captain
1951 the Cadet Section was started
With 27 girls & 20 in Brigade
They had camps & tramps & picnics
And smartly turned out Church Parades
In 1955 Captain Mildenhall received her 10 year service brooch
Little did they know!!!
The sixties was some real change
Captain Mildenhall left, but she came back again
Six months away to England by boat
To attend the International Diamond Jubilee of Girls Brigade
Then there was change for everyone
With new uniforms and new badge system too
A new Motto: Seek, Serve & Follow Christ
And a new programme with lots of fun things to do.
Seventies saw service to others
With packages sent to missionaries overseas
And overseas visitors were entertained here
With sightseeing & plenty of afternoon teas
We raised funds for Te Karaka
And planted shrubs at Fantasyland
Girls Brigade in New Zealand celebrated their Golden Jubilee
Captain attended a Girls Brigade conference in the Cayman Islands
In 1975 Captain Mildenhall received a 30 year service award
Little did they know!!!
Eighties & we’re on the go
Trips in Barnabus – the church bus
And the Juniors do a puppet show
Raising funds for overseas
Swims at Callisters – sure to please
In 1986 our Captain got a QSM
That’s the Queen’s Service Medal to you men
Forty years service in our Girls’ Brigade – AMEN
1990 saw two Company camp in one year
And then into the new hall
A Teddy Bears picnic
We all had a ball
’95 saw the 50th Reunion of the 2nd Hastings Company
2002 & 55 years as Captain
Where did they all go
We feel the promotions have not kept up with you
We have created a new one – but it’s not just for show
“Super Brigadier General Captain Eternity”
Debbie Fulford October 2002
Honouring Miss Mildenhall
I began Girls Brigade at the tender age of 7 years, with my good friend, Kim Baker. Over the years we managed to (I’m sure) cause a few extra grey hairs to both Miss Mildenhall, Miss Almond and Mrs Edlin.
During the 8 years that I attended 2nd Hastings, I was taught many valuable lessons in life that helped prepare me for the world of ‘adulthood’. Miss Mildenhall was an influencial [influential] figure in this preparation, including spiritually, practically and socially. Many young women including my sister and cousins, have been positively influenced, and I’m sure that like me, the Girls Brigade years will always hold a special place in their hearts and lives.
Thank you Miss Mildenhall for your commitment to Girls Brigade, for your commitment to young women, and for continuing through the rough spots. Thank you for brigaders with a smile, believing and knowing that we will turn out OK in the end!
Have a wonderful day, as you celebrate your life as Girls Brigader.
Vanya Warren
MELVA MILDENHALL
My poor old brain is once more on call,
I’ve been asked to write a poem about Melva Mildenhall.
I’ve known Melva ever since she came to our city’
Then I went off overseas – lost touch, more’s a pity.
She was always so keen on the Girls’ Life Brigade,
Often talked the wonderful things they had made.
When our Church decided to start G.L.B.
I went along to help them, unofficially.
I had worked with the Life Boys and Girls’ Brigade elsewhere,
So my little knowledge, at times, I could share.
Many, many are the girls who have passed through the ranks;
They’d all love to be here today to express their thanks
For the hours Melva must have spent for meetings to prepare.
No wonder they came so eagerly, they just loved to be there.
But it wasn’t only meetings in the hall week by week,
Other exciting activities for the girls she would seek.
They’d visit other companies and in swimming and games compete
They often won the shield, making their joy complete.
It wasn’t only on Monday nights Melva worked with the scamps,
She and other helpers often took them on camps.
Some of the things that happened there maybe we’ll never know.
They surely must have had such fun, they were eager again to go.
Melva didn’t do all this service alone, many helpers often came –
For fear of missing one or two, I’ll not attempt to name.
Some would help with handiwork, which many still do today;
Some would tell of their work in lands far away.
There was always something to see or do which they’d never done before.
No wonder the girls were keen to come along to learn something more.
After 50 years of brigading Melva was very surprised –
Her service among the girls, at last was recognised.
She was summoned to Government House to meet with the Queen.
We never heard a word of it till after she had been.
The Queen shook her by the hand and pinned on the Q. S. M. –
Others were similarly honoured – then refreshments were served to them.
Entertainment, fellowship, games and fun are not the only aims of Brigade –
To lead the girls to know God’s Son in many ways is made.
A calm, serene and loving nature displayed in daily living
Gives a better example to girls than great long sermon giving.
Christian friends from all walks of life often come to speak
To tell of ways God guides them in their lives each week.
Today, when we think of teenagers, we sometimes heave a sigh –
Whatever will they make of their life as year after year goes by?
Melva was just a teenager when she first appeared on our scene,
What a wonderful example for all those girls she has been.
Of course, we know the secret, at an early age she gave
Her life to God – since then, been His willing slave.
He has always had first place, in her day to day living,
And in His service daily, she’s been giving and giving.
We’re here today to honour her, and I know God’s here, too,
To thank her for all the wonderful things He has enabled her to do.
For the selfless dedication, over those fifty-seven years,
I’m sure you’ll all join in with me in three hearty cheers.
Mavis E Mardon
Hawke’s Bay Area Girls Brigade, New Zealand.
Taradale Road
DANNEVIRKE.
905 Albert Street
HASTINGS
9th November 2002
Dear Melva,
I am privileged to be able to write a few words to you on behalf of the Hawke’s Bay Area.
As I personally have known you for a mere ten years, I feel there are others more qualified than I!
However in those years I have observed a lady so very dedicated to Girls’ Brigade because you know we do the Lords works. You have taken on many and varied rolls within the area and you and your company completing each one willingly and more importantly, accurately.
You have given the “Good news of Jesus” to hundreds or perhaps thousands of girls who are women that will be able to remember the lessons taught by you and they will be passing those messages on to their own daughters.
You may “retire” in the knowledge that you have indeed done well thy good and faithful servant.
May God continue to bless you richly.
Yours in Christ
Gail Ward Area Commissioner
– Seek, Serve and Follow Christ –
Girls Brigade New Zealand
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
Presented to
Melva Mildenhall
In recognition of 57 years dedicated to service to your Lord, your church and your girls
National Commissioner Jennifer Box QSM Date 23/10/02
Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
From Valda Beattie – 1950 Cadets – 1962 GLB
Melva Mildenhall
‘This is Your Life’
Dear Lynette,
Thankyou for the invitation to Melva’s “This is Your Life”. I regretfully am unable to come as I am singing in a concert which we have been rehearsing for some time.
Have a wonderful evening and I just can’t believe this very special lady has been in GLB 57 years. I’m amazed she keep being leader after the years I spent misbehaving. How wonderful and long suffering Melva was.
Very best wishes & God Bless
from Valda Gillies (nee Beattie)
Melva Mildenhall
Quintessential
Service
Memories
Know as Captain Mildenhall to thousands of Girls and Officers of the 2nd Hastings Girls Brigade.
Thanks for the memories from,
Jamee Holman.
Alice Holman.
Stephanie Carrington.
Natalie Carrington.
Paula Carrington.
Also from
Brenda & Ross Carrington. Parents of above.
Tracy & Clint Holman. Parents of above.
Edythe & Paul Holman. Parents of the above Parents!
Your tireless and unselfish work will always be remembered and will be rewarded in eternity by the one who sent you on this incredible journey of witness to young girls, all have passed under your influence for the better.
With the Compliments of
A.J. COLEMAN
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR
TRANSLATION SERVICE – FRENCH & GERMAN
P.O. Box 258, DX MA75004
213N Karamu Road,
Hastings, New Zealand.
Facsimile: (06) 876-5016
Telephone: (06) 876-5349
Email: acmc[@]clear.net.nz
19 November 2002
Dear Melva
Saw a snappy-looking photograph. Read the article. Was envious of six months spent in Britain and time spent lounging on the beaches of the Cayman Islands.
Looked up the Caymans. Found them. Went to ring you. No response.
Yours sincerely
Adrian Coleman
An Invitation
Captain Melva Mildenhall
The Leaders and Girls of the 2nd Hastings Girls’ Brigade Company …..
Would like to invite you to have “Tea” with them on Saturday 9th November at 4:30pm at the Hastings Baptist Church.
We would like you to share a story or two with us about the early days in GB. Please wear your uniform and medal. Thank you
L McEwen
5.11.02
Dear Melva,
As we enter this month I would send special thoughts to you as you begin being “partyed” and the many years of service winds-up.
It has been a wonderful commitment & dedication, you will no doubt shed a few tears of sadness, but also know great joy & satisfaction as you think upon the hundreds of lives you have had influence & impact upon. Most of which will be unknown to you, in this life. But we do know the moulding effect our early years have on us in adult life. Most of all I know you have prayed the seeds of the Gospel have been sawn.
The G.L.B. door will now be ajar, for you as treasurer, but we know He still has purpose & plans for you.
Every blessing & have a good month.
Love
Anne.
To dear Melva,
What an amazing lady you are. All those years at G.L.B. what a lot of young lifes [lives] have been influenced by your efforts. I really don’t know if Hastings G.L.B. will ever be the same without you. Marion & I will never forget our years of learning & teaching. An amazing effort Melva. Have a wonderful weekend
Love & Best wishes from Valda & Marion
(nee) Beattie
To Melva,
Congratulations on 57 years of service in G.L.B./ Girls Brigade – you have out-run us all by far!
Have a wonderful evening – wish we were there.
With love, and Happy Memories, from some of your pals from the 1962 G.L.B. Diamond Jubilee Trip –
Eileen Joynt
Heather Beatson
Gwen Barker
Frances Lee
Dear Melva,
I just had to pen a line to offer my hearty congratulations on the honour bestowed on you on the occasion of your retirement. After 57 years of service it certainly was well deserved – I note almost a New Zealand record. I hope you enjoy your well earned rest as well as having a stock of memories as I know you will have.
Well done!
And many happy memories as well as happy retirement
love and best wishes Verle
Office of Hon Ruth Dyson
Minister of ACC
Minister of Women’s Affairs
Minister of Disability Issues
Associate Minister of Health
Associate Minister of Social Services and Employment
MP for Banks Peninsula
10 October 2002
Melva Mildenhall QSM
2nd Hastings Girls’ Brigade
HASTINGS
Dear Melva
Congratulations on your significant achievement of 57 years service as a leader in Girls’ Brigade. You must have participated in some remarkable changes during that length of time.
I understand that you first joined the Hastings Girls’ Brigade Company after the Second World War and have seen three generations of families progress through the Hastings Company. Your work with Girls Brigade has helped those generations of girls and women to develop their skills and reach their full potential to fully participate in our society.
Best wishes for a successful and happy party and a healthy and long retirement form [from] the Brigade.
Yours sincerely
Hon Ruth Dyson
Minister of Women’s Affairs
Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand. Telephone: 64 4 470 6570, Facsimile: 64 4 470 6784
PO Box 19 661, Woolston Christchurch, New Zealand. Telephone: 64 3 389 2262, Facsimile: 64 3 389 2235
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
New Zealand
Melva Mildenhall
C/o Girls Brigade NZ
PO Box 68547
Newton
Auckland
3 October 2001
Dear Melva,
It has come to my attention that, after 57 years of dedicated service with Girls Brigade, you will be retiring.
You have been with the 2nd Hastings Girls’ Brigade Company since you were 17 years of age, and have stayed with the same company ever since. Such dedication and loyalty is too rare these days.
Over the years, you have received numerous awards for your service, including a QSM. There can be no reward higher, though, than the respect and admiration of your peers, and the knowledge that you were a wonderful role model for three generation of girls.
Melva, your contribution to Girls Brigade and the community at large has been second to none. Your retirement is well deserved although I am sure I speak for many when I say you will be sorely missed. I very much hope that you will continue to stay in touch with Girls Brigade in future years.
My best wishes for the future.
Yours sincerely
Silvia Cartwright
GOVERNOR GENERAL
Private Bag, Wellington, New Zealand. Telephone: (04) 389-8055. Facsimile: (04) 389-5536
House of Representatives
Hon Rick Barker
MP for Tukituki
P O Box 1245
HASTINGS
7 October 2002
Melva Mildenhall
905 Albert Street
HASTINGS
Dear Melva
It is my pleasure to write this letter of acknowledgement for the fine work you have done as Captain of the Hastings Girls’ Brigade Company.
I understand that you have been Captain of this Company for 57 years and that you are soon due to retire from this position after a lifetimes work serving the interest of three generations of young women.
Your leadership, selflessness and commitment to the Girls’ Brigade over so many years, is truly inspirational.
I am sure you will enjoy your well-earned retirement.
Yours sincerely
Hon Rick Barker MP
Ph 06 876 8966
Fax 06 876 4908
Mildenhall M Oct 02
HASTINGS DISTRICT COUNCIL
Private Bag 9002
DX MA 75020
Lyndon Road East, Hastings
NEW ZEALAND
Telephone (06) 878-0573
Facsimile (06) 878-0523
Email: lawrence.yule[@]hdc.govt.nz
Website: [www].hastingsdc.govt.nz
MAYOR’S OFFICE
Lawrence Yule B.E. (Hons)
17 October 2002
Mrs Melva Mildenhall QSM
Captain
2nd Hastings Girls’ Brigade Company
HASTINGS
Dear Melva
I am writing to congratulate and thank you for the 57 years of service to the 2nd Hastings Girls’ Brigade Company. Your service and enthusiasm to this great organisation is a fine model for others in our community.
On behalf of the Hastings District Council, and the community, our grateful thanks for your efforts and best wishes on your retirement from the Girls’ Brigade.
Yours sincerely
LAWRENCE YULE
MAYOR
Melva Mildenhall, QSM
Greetings on behalf of Girls’ Brigade New Zealand as you celebrate 57 years of service in our Movement. I am sure when you commenced Girls’ Life Brigade as it was known in 1945, that you would not have envisaged dedicating all of those years to Girls’ Brigade.
You commenced Brigade at the age of 17 years, becoming Captain of 2nd Hastings Company two years later, a position you have held till today. During this time you will have seen many changes -changes that are necessary to keep Girls’ Brigade relevant to each generation, generations that you have so willingly given your time and energies to.
As you reflect back over those years I am sure there are many girls’ and leaders’ who have had their lives enriched by your leadership. You have given so many an opportunity to grow and discover their full potential, as you encouraged and challenged them to learn new skills and try new activities.
Melva, on behalf of Girls’ Brigade NZ, I would like to thank you most sincerely for your outstanding service, not only within your Company but also within the Hawkes Bay Area. As an Organisation, we are truly indebted to your commitment and dedication over so many years. Matthew 25: 21 “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Girls’ Brigade NZ wishes you all the very best for your retirement, and pray for good health and happiness in the years ahead.
Jennifer Box QSM
National Commissioner,
Girls’ Brigade NZ.
The Girls Brigade NZ (Inc.) 63-71 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn or Po Box 68-547 Newton, Auckland
Telephone: 09 – 360 0204 Fax: 09 – 360 2441 Website: [www].girlsbrigade.org.nz
Girls Brigade
On behalf of Girls’ Brigade New Zealand I would like to extend greetings to Melva and everyone present this afternoon, as you celebrate the GB life of Melva. I am sorry that I am not able to be with you as you reminisce and share memories of the past 57 years.
I am sure today will bring back memories, not only for Melva, but for most of you present as you meet up with old friends and acquaintances from your association with the Girls’ Brigade.
This afternoon we acknowledge and thank Melva for her dedication and commitment to GB over the last 57 years. I am sure Melva that as you reflect back over those years, you will have found memories of the many girls’ and leaders’ who have been in your company, and I am sure that your leadership, your guidance and encouragement, will have enriched their lives.
Melva, on behalf of Girls’ Brigade NZ, I would like to thank you for your outstanding service to GB not only in your company but also in the Hawkes Bay Area. Your commitment and dedication over so many years is truly appreciated.
I would also like to wish you all the very best for this afternoon’s gathering of “This is Your Life”, and good health and happiness for the years ahead.
Jennifer Box
National Commissioner
The Girls Brigade NZ (Inc.) 63-71 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn or Po Box 68-547 Newton, Auckland
Telephone: 09 – 360 0204 Fax: 09 – 360 2441 Website: [www].girlsbrigade.org.nz
Girls Brigade
22nd October 2002
M Mildenhall
905 Albert Street
HASTINGS
Dear Melva,
On behalf of Girls’ Brigade New Zealand, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate you on the attainment of your 57 years Service Award. Your dedication and commitment to the Movement is sincerely appreciated.
I am sure that you have had many worthwhile and rewarding experiences, though no doubt over the years you have had your disappointments and often been frustrated too. Yet, if you took time to reflect, you may be amazed at the number of young people in your community that you have had an influence on – a humbling thought. We thank God for women such as you, who give of themselves in His service.
I am confident that God, in whose Name your service has been given, will continue to richly bless you in the future.
Yours sincerely
Jennifer Box QSM
National Commissioner
2nd Hastings Company – The Girls’ Brigade.
1945 – April our company began under the leadership of Capt. B. Lord and Lietenant [Lieutenant] M. Mildenhall. Concert held (outside performers) proceeds nine pounds. Finished year with 19 girls – 2 officers.
1946 – 27 girls – 3 officers – Visit of Miss Faith Green, National Secretary. Joined with other companies at Napier. Miss Green inspected both 1st and 2nd Hastings. Miss M. Mardon joined the company as acting lieutenant.
1947 – Miss M. Mardon farewelled to India. Capt Lord resigned. Lt Mildenhall promoted to Capt. Miss H. Edrige joined as Lt. Dedication company colours. Joined sports day with other local companies.
1948 – Roll number 22 plus Capt. Miss J. Schofield joined Lt. Farewelled Rev & Mrs JR Grave and family. Fancy Dress Social.
1949 – Social G.L.B. Week – G.L.B. collection Twenty seven pounds. Welcome to Rev & Mrs N.R. Wood. 19 girls 2 officers – 4 church parades – two picnics Pakowhai and Waimarama. Joined 1st Napier for Church Parade and taken home to dinner, combined ralley of companies in afternoon.
1950 – 21 girls – 2 officers. 5th Birthday tea – Social G.L.B. week – Collection forty pounds. Two picnics and hikes. Combined sports meeting at Farndon Park, Clive. Weekend visit to Palmerston North as guest of Manawatu Battalion. One district meeting at our own church plus 3 church parades.
1951 – Cadet Section formed. Sgt D. Schofield made leader, assisted by L/C M. Brown and J. Barley. Started with 16 girls and finished with 27. Uniform cup presented by J. Schofield. Camp held at Mangatahi under canvas. 20 girls 2 officers attended. Four Square Shield won by our company 3 church parades.
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1952 – Silver Jubilee Year – H. B. Battalion formed. Visit Dominion President Mrs D. Mackay. Our company won four Square Shield. 40 Girls and 3 officers. In the New Year holidays Capt Mildenhall took nine girls from our company and two from 1st Hastings to the Silver Jubilee at Dannevirke.
1953 – 38 girls – Church Parade Coronation Sunday – Civic Function Coronation Day – Social with 1st Napier. 1st Napier won Four Square Shield. Cadet Flag dedicated. Cadets party for breakup.
1954 – 32 Girls – 4 officers – combined G.L.B. & BB Swiming [Swimming] sports. Battalion Church parade Miss G. Gebbie present. 31 Cadets.
1955 – 30 brigaders – 30 cadets. Capt & W/O North held camp at Te Awanga Queen’s Birthday weekend 24 attending. Capt Mildenhall received 10 years service brooch. Surprise supper given with cake and flowers presented. Visit Dominion President Mrs F. King. Also visited by Miss G. Gebbie.
1956 – 30 Brigaders – 25 Cadets – Swimming sports. Combined G.L.B. & B.B. Social. Miss Gebbie visited H.B. and gave illustrated talk on her overseas trip.
1957 – 27 girls – Capt Mildenhall, W/O Palmer and J. Taylor. B.B. & G.L.B. Swimming sports. Were guests of 1st Hastings on Aug 28 for a tea and social gathering. Oct 12 Battalion Field Day at Hastings Intermediate School. 300 present. The Company was inspected at breakup by Major F. Hodge.
1958 – One commissioned officer, 2 W/O 37 brigaders & 20 cadets. We concluded the year with 41 brigaders & 30 cadets. Combined Swimming sports again this year. A visit to 1st Napier for a social evening during March. Visit of Miss H.M. Rae –
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The officers & Girls of the H.B. Battalion met in Napier at the Red Cross rooms to meet Miss H.M. Rae, Overseas Secretary, International Headquarters. A very wet night but well worth while attending. Miss Rae saw something of the work of our girls. There were demonstrations of Skipping & Maori Stick Games and a display of handcrafts etc.
Four Square Shield held August 9 at Hastings Methodist Church, this year 8 companies entered choirs and verse speaking teams. Health Stamps – This year Girls and Boys Brigades were featured on the Health Stamps – we all endeavoured to sell as many as we could for the cause. Our most exciting highlight of 1958 was our visit to Te Karaka, Waikanae. 11 of our girls and 10 from 1st Hastings combined for the trip. This included a day visit to Wellington where we saw Parliament Buildings (from the inside) the Zoo and a visit to Prestige stocking factory. Then a visit to the shops before returning to Waikanae. We farewelled W/O M. Palmer and gave her a gift on theoccasion [the occasion] of her marriage.
1959 – We began the year with 45 girls but it wasn’t long before our roll was 50. Another social visit to 1st Napier 50 of our girls and 50 of theirs – quite a lot of noise for one evening. Visit of Mrs Jessie Smith – Dominion President – Hastings girls and officers met together at the Methodist hall to hear Mrs Smith – to present some items and then to enjoy supper. Welcome to Rev D.C. Rogers and Mrs Rogers. Miss D. Peden commenced duties as an officer during October.
1960 – 43 girls 2 commissioned officers 2 W/O new cadet leader Miss K. Baker. Battalion Picnic at Brookfields. Our annual visit to 1st Napier Coy. for a games evening. Our company took part in the Hastings Baptist Church’s Golden Jubilee padgeant [pageant]. Girls sang a song especially composed for the occasion. Also a folk dance was demonstrated. We were guests of the B.B. to a social special evening during July. September our company gave a special evening for Lt D Peden and W/O J. Taylr [Taylor] who were shortly to be married. Pioneers attended to the hall decorations and arranged programme and the supper.
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Miss Peden and Miss Taylor were presented with flowers and a gift each of a wall mirror. Our company took charge of the icecream stall and that church garden fete held during November.
1961 – An ordinary year with much the same programme as usual.
1962 – Our usual visit to 1st Napier took place early in the year. Captain Mildenhall had leave of absence to travel to England with the N.Z. contingent to attend the Diamond Jubilee of the Girls Brigade in Great Britain. In her absence Ltd Margaret Baker acted as Captain. The officers & girls arranged a concert programme to raise funds for the Diamond Jubilee fund to be sent to England on behalf of N.Z. Girls also made sweets and biscuits and sold them after the concert. Supper was served. Combined social with B.B. During October 1st Napier were invited back to join us at Hastings for a social evening. During November Capt Mildenhall returned from her trip overseas. She gave a very interesting talk and showed coloured slides of the time she had been away.
1963 – Four girls attended the Diamond Jubilee Camp in Christchurch over the Christmas holiday break. The Queen and the Duke came to visit Hastings and during February our company both brigaders and cadets paraded along with other uniformed groups outside the Memorial Library. Another visit to 1st Napier – this is a very popular annual event in our Company. During April 1963 The Girls Life Brigade sold biscuits our girls started the Saturday early at 9 a.m. going from house-to-house to sell packets of G.L.B. biscuits – some going on well into the afternoon while that eveing [evening] the whole company travelled to Napier for the Four Square Shield Competition. Choir groups G.L.B. song and own choice. We came third. 1st Hastings Seniors and Pioneers were our guests to a special evening when we had the art of makeup and good grooming demonstrated to our girls. Visit of Mrs C. Hollows Dominion President
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during August when she attended our H.B. Battalion Church Parade held at the Hastings Baptist Church Parade held at the Hastings Baptist Church. Mrs Hollows inspected the parade at the conclusion of the service. Our church collection was for the school at Hong Kong.
1964 – 30 girls – Capt Mildenhall – W/O’s B. McEwan, D. Ferguson, M. Bewley and M. Beattie. Cadet Leader A. Morton. Battalion Bi-annual sports held at A & P Showgrounds, Tomoana Our company gained 3rd place. Visit to 1st Napier – games & supper. Mother & daughter evening held May. Girls made pretty covered coathangers for their mothers. A farewell gift was given to Rev & Mrs D. C. Rogers before they left for England. Miss Marion Beattie was also farewelled before she left for an overseas trip. Welcome to Mr & Mrs G.T. Macann. Mr Macann attended our breakup as one of his first official duties in Hastings and presented commissions to B. McEwan D. Ferguson and M. Bewley.
1965 – Commenced session with combined tea with 4th Hastings as our guests. Record and games evening followed. Miss Joyce McEwan was promoted to Lt in charge of Cadets. Weddings – formed guards of honour for Diane Ferguson and Anne Morton on occasion of their weddings. Combined G.L.B. B.B. parade for re-dedication of officers and enrollment of new recruits. Four Square Shield – Company drill and First Aid our company won the shield. Te Karaka Camp – first week August school holidays. 24 girls two officers and two ladies attended.
1966 – A new name The Girls’ Brigade – G. L.B. has now changed its name and also many other things as well. A change of age groups and the names for them. Sports Day, Tomoana Showgrounds March 12 – our company gained 2nd place. Hastings G.B. companies combined for swimming badge tests at local baths. Bible Knowledge Exam – Our girls gained 3rd place in N.Z.
21st Birthday – A reunion banquet of ex officers, girls and present members of the company was held and much could be said the the hard work and the enjoyable time had by all during the evening. This followed the following Sunday morning by a special Church Parade. (June 11 & 12th)
THE GIRLS’ LIFE BRIGADE 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY.
The 19th Annual Report of the 2nd Hastings Company of The Girls’ Life Brigade. Our year commenced with a talk and slide evening of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations which took place in England during June 1962. Four of our own girls attended the Jubilee Camp held in Christchurch during January 1963 and these girls gave a report to the company of the fun and fellowship they had enjoyed.
We commenced our year with 40 girls, two commissioned officers three warrant officers. The Cadet Section was under the capable leadership of Miss A. Morton who was assisted by three helpers.
We joined with other youth groups on February 10th for the Queen’s visit to Hastings. This was a great thrill for the girls to have such a good view.
Monday 10th March the Company visited the 1st Napier (Baptist) Company.
Saturday 23rd March girls and officers met at the Church and cycled to Pakowhai River. Cooked our tea barbeque style, returning home at 6 p.m.
April 6th – Four Square Shield Competition, held bi-annually by the Battalion was held at Napier. The competition was choir items. The shield was won by Taradale, our own company gaining 3rd place.
During April was a special day for G.L.B. biscuit sales. The three Hastings G.L.B. Companies had 200 cartons (25 packets to a carton) to sell. Saturday war our grand effort day and eventually after several weeks Hastings sold their full quota.
Presentation of a mirror was made to Lt. M. Baker on the occasion of her marriage to Mr. T. Fowler. Girls formed a guard of honour at the church.
May 6th Junior girls who were studying for their Care of Pets Badge were given an interesting session by two members of the S.P.C.A.
July 18th – Seniors and Pioneers were given a talk and demonstration on make-up and the correct and economic use of cosmetics by Mrs. E. Christopherson. 1st Hastings girls were invited to join with us.
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18th August Battalion Church Parade was held at our own church. Rev. D.C. Rogers Battalion Chaplain gave the address.
29th August our Pioneers joined the rest of the Battalion in Napier for a get-together tea and eveing [evening].
16th September 3rd Hastings were our guests when we received a visit from Miss M. Johnston, member of H.Q. Field Staff.
Badges worked for during the year were: Bible Knowledge, Care of Pets, Hygiene, Household Management, Tatting, Feltwork Safety, Country Dancing.
Our thanks go to all those who assisted our Company during the year of 1963. Those who supported us financially and those who gave us their time. Mr. Rogers, Miss J. Croucher, Mrs M. Fear. Thanks are due to those officers and helpers who faithfully gave of their time and talents week-by-week. Miss B. McEwan, Miss. M. Beattie, Miss D. Ferguson, Miss M. Baker, Miss A. Morton and her helpers Miss L. Duggan and Miss M. Morris.
We thank God for this work which he has called us to do and pray that he will continue to strengthen and inspire us all to do still greater for his Kingdom.
M.J. Mildenhall, (Capt)
THE GIRLS’ LIFE BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY
Twentieth Annual Report of the 2nd Hastings Coy.
Our company strength at the beginning of the 1964 session was 30 girls and One officer assisted by four warrant officers. Cadet section 28 girls and three helpers in addition to a Cadet Leader. Attendances have been good and girls show much keeness.
Cadets and Brigaders joined with the other Companies in the Battalion for the bi-annual Sports held this year at H.B. A & P Showgrounds. The Sports were organised in a tabloid form which proved to be popular. Our Coy gained 3rd place in the competition. The afternoon was spent playing friendly games of baseball and cricket, while Cadet groups used the afternoon tin “Exploring” with their helpers and leaders.
Girls again visited 1st Napier (Baptist) Company while our hall was used for the Harvest Festival sale.
A Mother and Daughter evening was held when the girls entertained their Mothers and Advisory Committee ladies. At this gathering the Company made a farewell presentation to Mr & Mrs Rogers.
Our thanks to our Chaplain Rev D.C. Rogers who regularly attended our devotions and gave us many good things to think upon.
Badges worked for during this year are as follows: – Bible Knowledge, Crafts (picture-making), Toy-making Handiwomans, Local Knowledge, First Aid, Hobbies (stamp collecting) Skipping and Home Service.
Our thanks go to all those who assisted our Company during this year and those who contributed to our finances during G.L.B. week.
Thanks are due to those officers and helpers who faithfully give of their time and talents week-by-week. Miss B. McEwan, Miss D. Ferguson, Miss M. Bewley and Miss M. Beattie until she left for overseas. Our Cadet
Leader Miss A. Morton and her helpers Miss L. Duggan, Miss J. McEwan and Miss M. Morris.
It is now time for us once again to turn our faces forward and go on in His service in the G.L.B. always remembering our aim to help and encourage firls [girls] to become responsible, self-reliant and useful Christian women.
M. Mildenhall, Captain.
CAPTAIN’S REPORT
2ND HASTINGS COMPANY THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE
(Period – The Annual Report published in the Church Annual Report to May 1965)
It is with pleasure and a sense of achievement that I report that our three warrant officers, Miss B. McEwan, Miss M. Bewley and Miss D. Ferguson (now Mrs D. Baker) have studied and taken their six weeks training course and been granted their commission as Lieutenants in our Company. These three young ladies have been promoted through the ranks. Miss J. McEwan has consented to be Cadet Leader when Miss Morton leaves to be married.
At our breakup early December 1964 we welcomed our Chaplain Rev G.T. Macann who presented promotion certificates and badges of office to Officers and N.C.Os. Sgt J. McEwan, Cps J. Growden and V. Kemp and L/Cpl M. Growden.
Our thanks to Mrs J. Peden who trained the girls for our Biblical Tableau performed at the breakup.
1965 session commenced with a combined gathering with the 4th Hastings (St Leonard’s Methodist) Company. This was an informal tea with a musical and games evening to follow. This was held in our hall.
Numbers are slightly up on last year and attendance have been good.
Brigaders formed a guard of honour at the wedding of Lt D. Ferguson to Mr D. Baker and our cadets formed a guard with members of the Life Boy Team at the wedding of Cadet Leader Miss A. Morton to Mr. T. Page.
During March our pioneers and N.C.Os travelled to Napier to combine with other members of the Battalion to attend a training evening conducted by Miss M. Johston [Johnston] Field Officer from Headquarters. During this training week officers and Cadet officers sessions were held.
Cadets and Brigaders combined with the B.B. and Life Boy Team for a combined enrollment service on Sunday May 2nd at 6.30 p.m. This was well supported by parents and church members.
CAPTAIN’S REPORT.
2ND HASTINGS COMPANY & THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE.
1st September 1964 – 31st August 1965.
21st Annual Report.
It is with pleasure and a sense of achievement that I report that our-three warrant officers, Miss B. McEwan, Miss M. Bewley and Miss D. Ferguson (now Mrs D. Baker) have studied and taken their six weeks training course and been granted their commissions as Lieutenants in our Company. These three young ladies have been promoted through the ranks.
At our breakup early December 1964 we welcomed our Chaplain Rev G.T. Macann who presented promotion certificates and badges of office to Officers and N.C.O’s Sgt J. McLMan, Cpls J. Growden and V. Kemp and L/Cpl M. Growden.
Our thanks to Mrs J. Peden who trained the girls for our Biblical Tableau performed at the parents evening.
1965 session commenced with a combined gathering with 4th Hastings (St Leonard’s Methodist) Company. This was an informal tea with a musical and games evening to follow. This was held in our hall.
Numbers are slightly up on last year and attendances have been good.
Miss J. McEwan was appointed Cadet Leader at the commencement of the 1965 session. Cadet Leader J. McEwan after studying and training taking the six week’s training course now holds the rank of Lieutenant.
Brigaders formed a guard of honour at the wedding of Lt D. Ferguson to Mr D. Baker and our cadets formed a guard of honour with members of the Life Boy Team at the wedding of Cadet Leader A. Morton to Mr T. Page. During March our pioneers and N.C.O’s travelled to Napier to combine with other members of the Battalion to
2.
attend a training evening conducted by Miss M. Johnson Field Officer from N.Z. Girls’ Brigade headquarters. During this training week officers and cadet officers sessions were held.
Cadets and Brigaders combined with the B.B. and Life Boys for a combined enrollment service on Sunday May 2nd at 6.30 p.m. This was well supported by parents and church members.
Four Square Shield – Our company. competed for the Battalion competition on August 2nd when girls were judged on their Company Drill and Bandaging. Our company were very fortunate to win the shield this year. The marks were very close very few separating the first and last placings.
Te Karaka – Waikanae Camp – First week August school holidays. Perhaps the most exciting event during this session. Two officers and two lady helpers with 24 girls were booked for this holiday week. The weather could have been much better but this did not take away any enjoyment from the fun and fellowship which all participated in. The highlight was our day trip to Wellington which included lunch at the Zoo a bus ride and sightseeing and a visit to Broadcasting House. This visit was made more exciting with the meeting with a number of T.V. personalities, whose duties include a certain amount of time spent in broadcasting. All the girls were given an opportunity to spend some time shopping for gifts for those at home.
Thanks are extended to Lt D. Baker, Mrs J. Bewley and Miss D. Almond whose help and hard work in assisting me made the week possible. Thanks are also due to parents who so willingly assisted with all the extra requests made of them.
The officers and girls wish to thank all those who assisted our company financially during G.L.B. week.
Special thanks to Mr Geo Wallace who took Scripture with the Company for the Auckland Sunday School Examinations. It is good to note that our average percentage being 63%, fifth in N.Z. the highest being 77%. We had four girls with 80% or over which is Honours. It is also interesting to note that the highest average outside of the Girls’ Brigade entries was 62%.
Our Company have attended Company and Battalion Church Parades. during this session.
Badges worked for this year have been Bible Knowledge, Feltwork, Safety, El Hygiene, Crafts, Handwork, Hobbies and First Aid and Home Service. and Scripture.
The officers wish to thank those ladies who are also members of our Company, (being on the advisory committee,) who have so willingly assisted with supervising examinations supplying transport and who helped with food for our camp.
Thankyou to our Chaplain Rev Macann who regularly attends our devotional services.
Enough of looking back! It is good to assess whether our work is reaching its aim or not but we must remember that the Girls’ Brigade aim is to encourage girls to become responsible, self-reliant and useful Christian women. May we all remember our first commission is to introduce our girls to Jesus Christ as saviour.
M. Mildenhall. Capt.
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY. (1966)
22nd Annual Report.
During this past year our movement has accepted the challenge of many changes. Our name is now The Girls’ Brigade and we have a new badge which is made up from the three badges of the three amalgamated organisations for girls, namely The Girls’ Brigade, The Girls’ Life Brigade and the Girls’ Guildery. To most, The Girls’ Life Brigade was “our” organisation and indeed in N.Z. was the only one established but we must remember that our is an international movement and changes elsewhere must affect us here in N.Z.
Our aim is to help girls to become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ and through self-control, reverence and a sense of responsibility to find true enrichment of Life.
Our age groups have had slight changes, our Cadets at 6 years of age are now Juniors, 10 years Intermediates, 12 years Seniors and at 14 years and upwards Pioneers. Our Pioneer Brigaders have a complete new Pioneer Venture programme which is aimed to encourage girls to develop their individual talents, and preferences. It is also presented in such a way so that these girls may receive knowledge with enjoyment. Each girl is assessed on her own attainment and not examined or tested.
Along with all other companies in N.Z. ours has accepted these changes and our officers have worked hard to bring the G.B. ideals before our girls in this new manner.
At the beginning of the 1966 session our girls joined other G.B. girls in Hastings to be tested for their swimming badge. This was conducted by a swimming club official.
During February an evening was arranged when W/O Alison Spurdle, 1st Hastings Company spoke and showed slides on her trip to the Pacific Islands, and the Girls’ Brigade work there.
N.C.O’s attended the district N.C.O. training weekend at the end of February which was conducted by a member of Headquarters Field Staff.
Sports Day March 12 was held at Tomoana Showgrounds. Our Company gained 2nd placing.
The officers sincerely trust that our Company may be a place where girls may feel more closely drawn towards Jesus Christ and that they will all become followers of Him.
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Bible Knowledge Badge and Trophy – Girls 12 years and over who studied for this badge gained 3rd place in N.Z. for our Company. Our thanks to Mr & Mrs Kenning who assisted our senior girls with their studies.
During June our Company celebrated its 1st Birthday. Much could be said about the planning and hard work our Advisory Committee and friends put in to make the banquet and re-union of ex officers and girls the happy time it proved to be. Many joyous and amusing “do you remembers” were re-told and friendships and companionship of past days re-newed. Our present members thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Our special Church Parade was very well attended.
Our Company have been active in joining in with the District activities. The Pioneers have on several occasions combined for very informative evenings when competent speakers have been invited to speak to our girls.
The officers and girls would sincerely thank all those who in any way have assisted the Company during the past year. Not only financially but in the giving of their time, we have been assisted in many ways with badge work and other activities. We always welcome our Chaplain Rev Macann who regularly shares our devotions. We were particularly pleased to welcome Rev Gordon Jones who conducted our devotions during his visit to our church.
Badges worked for are as follows: Floral Art, Bible Knowledge, Knots, Canework, Handwork, Local Knowledge and Crochet.
N.C.O’s have received promotion during the year and Janet Growden has attained the rank of Warrant Officer.
Included in this report is the work of our Junior Section which is conducted by Lt. Joyce McEwan along with her helpers who teach, instruct and entertain our Juniors each Saturday morning. During August the Junior Sections in Hastings combined for a visit from Miss M. Johnston, H.Q. Field Staff who was thrilled with the groups and the high standard of work being done with these girls.
(1967) THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY:
The twenty-second annual report of the 2nd Hastings Company, The Girls’ Brigade:
Our Company combined with 4th Hastings Company (Methodist) to spend a week at “Te Karaka”, The Girls’ Brigade Training and Holiday Centre at Waikanae, Wellington, for a week during the January school holidays.
Five officers attended, along with twenty-five girls. This proved to be a delightful week together, with ideal weather and living conditions. This was conducted as a holiday camp, so swimming, sunbathing and outdoor activities were foremost on the programme.
1967 session commenced with an evening together at Te Awanga, swimming, singsong and supper. We were very fortunate to have a beach cottage loaned to us for the evening.
4th Hastings were our visitors on February 27th, to a Games Evening and Supper. Coloured slides were shown, which were taken at the Holiday Camp in January.
Girls formed a guard of honour at the wedding of Lt. Marjorie Bewley to Mr. Carl Jamieson on April 29th.
June 12th our Company were guests of 4th Hastings at an evening arranged by them, when Miss Susan Hooper, one of their members, gave a talk and showed many interesting articles and pictures from her visit to Fiji with the Girls’ Brigade party during the May school holidays.
Hawke’ s Bay District Four Square Shield Competition: This year’s competition was conducted in Company groups: The
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subjects being – Intermediates: Posters for Safety; Seniors, Posters for the Girls’ Brigade Motto, “For Christ in Service”; and the Pioneer girls compiling an illustrated set of recipes from a supplied list of recipe types. The shield was won by 1st Taradale and 5th Napier gaining equal marks. Our Company gained second placing. It is of interest to note that Pauline Kemp gained first place in the Pioneer Section for our Company.
September 13th – Visit Miss G. M. Gebbie, National Secretary, The Girls’ Brigade, to Napier, to present the first Hawke’ s Bay Queen’s Badge to Miss Janice Mackay of the 1st Napier (Baptist) Company. Miss Gebbie showed the- girls slides and gave a very interesting talk on the movement’s work in the Pacific Fellowship. Fiji, Samoa, New Guinea, Solomons, Hong Kong, Malaya, Singapore, Nuie [Niue], Australia and New Zealand being some of the members of the Fellowship This broadened the horizons of Girls Brigade to our girls.
Badges worked for this year are Local Knowledge, Maori Arts and Crafts, Crochet, Floral Art, Hobbies, Crafts, Bible Knowledge, and Art.
The officers and girls wish to thank all those who have assisted them in any way, either financially or by giving their time and talents to help our movement.
We thank Mrs. M. Jamieson (Lt. Marjorie Bewley) for her work and interest in the Company during her past years of service. We have had Miss Beverley McEwan working with us again for some weeks during July and August, between her nursing appointments.
It has been our pleasure to have working with us during this year, Miss Carol Palmer from Cardiff, Wales. She has contributed much to our work, and we feel she will be using this time and experience with Girls’ Brigade in New Zealand to advantage, when she returns to her own Company later this year.
Our Junior Section is making good progress on Saturday mornings, under the very capable leadership of Miss Joyce McEwan and her helpers, Miss Jan Growden and Miss Dawn Bewley, who has recently joined her staff.
Junior Section numbers are gradually increasing, which is of great encouragement to the leaders.
Our aim is to help girls to become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and through self-control, reverence and a sense of responsibility, to find true enrichment of life.
M. Mildenhall.
GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY.
24th Annual Report, 2nd Hastings Company, The Girls’ Brigade.
1968 has been a challenge to officers and girls, the first year of our new national programme planning. New uniforms decided on, new badge system adopted and a new motto decided on at the World Council meetings held in London during September-October of this year. “SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST”.
Changes often bring about delays and 1968 has had its frustrations. New uniforms are only just becoming available at the end of the session and unfortunately the new badges are not to hand for presentation this year unless companies are having their functions very late in the year.
We as a company have been very fortunate with our officers and helpers, Mrs D. Baker, Miss D. Almond and Miss J. Growden and Miss J. McEwan, officer in charge of our Junior section have worked as a dedicated and willing team. Our N.C.O’s and N.C.O’s in training are developing into fine young leaders.
Our programme is based on Educational – Physical – Spiritual – Service. Each girl is expected to attain a well balanced badge programme and the years cycle should be made up of two educational subjects and one from each other one three sections. This meant that badge subjects must be planned accordingly for all age groups.
Subjects for this session have been crafts, toymaking, childcare, crochet, knitting, scripture, country dancing and Florentine Tapestry.
Our Senior and Pioneer girls were most fortunate as Miss Almond arranged for them to visit the tutorial block at the hospital for part of the childcare instruction. Three of our Pioneer girls visited the children’s ward one Saturday to assist in giving some of the children and babies their lunch they also assisted in other ways.
All our girls entered the N.Z. Sunday School Union’s scripture examination held during July. The officers are
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very grateful to the six deacons and our chaplain who came and presented the scripture lessons to the girls. It is most encouraging when church officers show interest and are willing to assist in a practical manner. We as a company are very fortunate in this respect.
Late in March our company travelled to Napier for the H.B. District Bi-annual Tabloid Sports Competition. Our Company gained second place.
The District Church Parade was held at our own church during April when Miss J. Baker, National officer who was attending a training week in Hawke’s Bay was present. Parents and girls were most interested to see sample new uniforms modelled at this parade. Miss Baker held an afternoon for Intermediate girls from the three Hastings companies in our hall on Thursday April 25th, when she explained the new badge system and uniform to the girls.
It has been a pleasure to have Miss Margaret Ball, a teacher at Heretaunga Intermediate School to take Country Dancing. Miss Ball is keen and has a pleasing manner when teaching her subject. Both officers and girls have enjoyed working with her. Once again it is encouraging to receive help and assistance from friends of our movement.
During October we had Miss Gilchrist from the Edinburgh Medical Mission to talk to the girls and show slides of her work in the hospital in Palestine. Her slides of scenes and places such as are mentioned in the new Testament brought to life many bible stories which were well known to us all. As we plan to take Missionary for our spiritual subject next session all were most interested in the work of this mission.
Our Company roll is at 36 with an average attendance of 29. It is noticeable that we are at present in contact with a number of homes who until girls have joined our company had very little if any contact with any church. This is an important part of our work if we can attract girls to come into the reach of our Sunday School and Church.
Keeping in mind our motto “Seek, Serve and Follow Christ” and our aim “To help girls to become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and through self-control, reverence and a sense of responsibility. to find true enrichment of life” we look-forward to further service for “Him”.
THE GIRLS‘ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS.
25th Annual Report of the Hastings Baptist Girls’ Brigade Company to 30th September, 1969
1969 has brought about a building up of numbers in our Company. Unfortunately 4th Hastings (St Leonards Methodist) went into recess transferring their members to lst Hastings, as a result of this change our Company gained 4 regular and keen girls. Our membership would average at 45 girls meeting on Monday evenings and 18 on Saturday mornings. Our officer strength has been good. Mrs D. Baker, Miss D. Almond, Miss J. Growden and Miss C. Chetwin. Our young leaders-in-training Miss Pauline Kemp, Miss Pauline Cudby, Miss Jane Livingston and Miss Barbara Growden have been of great assistance to the officers sharing fully in the life of the company.
Our Company activities begun early in the year when in January two officers and several young leaders accompanied 21 girls to “Te Karaka”, Waikanae, Wellington to the Girls’ Brigade Training Centre for a weeks holiday. We were very thankful to Mr and Mrs T. Fowler and family for joining with us and taking care of the cooking. River walks, swims at the beach, trips to the township and for the Pioneers a day trip to Wellington, and games of Badminton in the recreation hall were among some of the past-times for the girls enjoyment. During our stay we were joined for several days by two of the National training officers Miss M. Johnston and Miss J. Baker who were resting between the two Outward Bound courses held this year at Nelson and Masterton for Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award girls in the Girls’ Brigade movement. Our girls appreciated the friendliness of the officers and the opportunity to get to know them better.
A Mother and Daughter evening was held during May when all the girls invited their Mothers to attend our company parade. A special programme was arranged trying to keep certain aspects of the evening as much like a company night as possible. Some games and competitions for girls and mothers were very popular and some coloured slides taken at our recent camp
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were shown to an interested audience. During the evening the girls gave their mothers gifts they had made for them. Intermediates coathangers, Seniors nylon stocking dryers and Pioneers draught stoppers. 83 were counted at supper and the officers were very pleased with parents co-operation. The District Church Parade was held during August at the new Baptist Church, Napier. Also during August we were pleased to invite lst Taradale company to join us for a games night and supper. During the construction of their new church games have not been possible as their church hall has not been suitable for use.
The weekend September 21-22 was spent at Pukahu Riverbend Youth Camp, when 4 officers and Mr and Mrs Fowler were joined by 25 girls from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon. Saturday afternoon Mr Rex Smith Y.M.C.A. Napier arranged and accompanied the girls and officers on a hike. He also gave them a talk on the safety measures to take when tramping and covered all the other sections in our hikers syllabus. Saturday evening Mr and Mrs Spurdle visited us, Mr Spurdle kindly showing films chosen by the officers. Sunday morning our Chaplain Rev. G.T. Macann conducted our own church service. The services of these friends are much appreciated.
Hawke’s Bay District Competition – 1969 Choir Singing was held at St Matthews Hall on Saturday evening September 27th. Our girls gained 3rd placing. The presentation of the Shield to lst Taradale was made by the District Chaplain Rev. G.T. Macann.
The Officers and Girls extend thanks to all those who have assisted our work during this year. All those who supported us financially during Girls’ Brigade week, Miss Brown, Medical Social worker who spoke to our Seniors and Pioneers on her work with the Aged. Mrs Bradley who brought to our Seniors the history and work of the British & Foreign Bible Society. Our Chaplain Rev. G.T. Macann for devotion talks. Miss M. Mardon for Bible Knowledge papers. Mrs Hall Snr
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who helped our Seniors with their project “My Friend the Aged”. Mr and Mrs T. Fowler for their willing participation in our camp activities.
Subjects for this session have been Silver Paper Pictures, Floral Art, Childcare, Embroidery, My Friend the Aged, Bible Knowledge, Hiking, Indoor Camping, Knitting, Citizenship, First Aid, Care of Pets, and Travellers.
Our Junior Section has been very well conducted under the leadership of Miss Joyce McEwan and her assistant Miss Janet Growden, Jane Livingston also giving assistance in this section. This is a very important part of our Company work. These girls 6 – 9 years are at a very impressionable age and their training in the Junior Section reflects later in the other sections of the company. The District is very much aware of the importance of this work and during this year two special training sessions were arranged to assist Junior Leaders and Helpers. The purpose was to try and give extra help with new ideas, craft suggestions, and generally give them inspiration for their work in their own companies.
I conclude this report with the words of our motto “SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST”. We the officers pray that we may encourage girls to SEEK CHRIST and having found Him to teach them how to SERVE HIM and give them the example of FOLLOWING HIM.
M. Mildenhall, Captain.
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY
(27th Annual Report)
1970 Parents Night gave to parents and friends a good idea of some or the work and activities of the company both in active displays and work done. Nine girls were promoted from the Junior Section and two girls promoted from Seniors to the Pioneer Section.
The membership of the company has been good 46 girls meeting on Monday evenings and 22 girls on Saturday mornings in our Junior section. Officer strength has been 3 officers controlling the main section Mrs Baker, Miss Almond and the Captain, while Miss Almond has taken the Junior leadership with the help of a tem [team] of Seniors and Pioneers assisting her. We were very pleased to welcome Miss L. Sell to our membership as an adult helper, Miss Sell has been assisting in the Company and also in the Junior Section. Miss R. Petherick has helped us with music – we have no pianist among our leaders Our chaplain Rev G.T. Macann has assisted us in many ways.
Our first activity for 1971 was a week’s holiday came at Te Karaka, The Girls’ Brigade holiday house at Waikanae, Wellington. Three officers and Mrs E. Kemp together with 19 girls enjoyed a whole week of fun and fellowship together. the highlight was the day in Wellington when we visited the zoo and the city sights. It was good to have Miss V. Kemp with us at this week – her last time with us before taking up her new teaching appointment.
Pioneer Weekend – The H.B.P.B. Regional Pioneer training weekend was held at Riverbend Christian Youth Camp, Pukahu during March when we had eight girls attend this course. March 27th the whole company from Juniors to Pioneers participated in a sponsored climb arranged by the 1st Taradale Company. The girls were to get parents and friends to sponsor them to climb to the top of the Taradale Sugar Loaf. Half the proceeds were donated to the Presbyterian Social Service Assn for their proposed home for the aged of our district while the other half was for our own Girls’ Brigade Fonomarae Fund. Fonomarae simply
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means “Big Gathering” and is an International Camp to be held in Auckland during January 1973 when girls will be visiting New Zealand from all over the world – the same time as officers will be gathering in Auckland to attend world council meetings of the Girls’ Brigade. Each Company in New Zealand has been levied a minimum of 40 cents per member towards a hospitality fund. It is hoped that all oversees visitors will be given two weeks travelling throughout various parts of New Zealand at no expense to themselves. Our girls in helping a worthy cause in our own district also raised enough to cover our own Fonomerae levies. This doesn’t mean that our obligations are over. We will be having a bus load of overseas visitors visiting us in Hawke’s Bay and they will be our guests for two days. We must still encourage our girls to work towards this great occasion.
April 25th (Anzac day) The District Church parade was held at Wesley Methodist Church, Hastings. We were very pleased to welcome Rev. G. Carter National Chaplain to the service. The opportunity was taken during the parade to make a presentation to Mr Lennon of the P.S.S.A. the cheque from the three companies who participated in the Sponsored Climb at Taradale.
A combined Church Parade for both sections of the Boys and Girls’ Brigade attached to the Hastings Baptist Church was held in May when the officers from our uniformed organisations were re-dedicated for a further year of service in the Boys and Girls’ Brigades.
The Company held a Mothers’ night on Monday 31st May when a very happy evening was spent together. The girls presented their Mothers with gifts they had been busy making for them during the early part of the year. Membership cards and good service awards were presented by Rev G.T. Macann. A talk was given by Mr F.C. Fraser, Press Photographer, to Mothers and Girls about the forthcoming Girls’ Brigade International Photographic Competition.
June 8th – 15 Girls’ Brigade Week – the Officers and girls wish to sincerely thank all those who contributed to our Special week by making donations to the work of our local company.
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Four Square Shield Competition – July 31st at Napier – Our Company was awarded third placing in this competition – there were three marks between the winners and ourselves, the competition was keen and was for the Company Fall-in and Country Dancing.
Four [For] our Spiritual subject this year we chose Missionary and based our studies on The Missionary Aviation Fellowship – we were fortunate in having the co-operation of Mr Nelson McLean who arranged for Mr Ted Crawford to come and give us his talk and film on his work in New Guinea as a MAF Pilot. Later in the year we had another talk and film arranged by Mr McLean and have made contact with a mission hospital in New Guinea and have sent two large parcels of surgical gloves (paired and packed by the girls). This is a project we intend keeping a regular service from our girls to the mission hospital. We have yet to finance and arrange for a parcel to be sent to a Girls’ Brigade Company in Papua or New Guinea. Miss K. Tate spoke to our girls about the difficulties encountered by a woman missionary in a foreign lane. The girls were very interested in Miss Tate’s work in Lebanon.
The Junior Sections in the Hawke’s Bay District had a morning at Napier on Saturday August 14th when five groups joined together at the Baptist Hall for games and non-competitive items. This was a most successful gathering and gave these young girls the opportunity of meeting others of their own age group and realise they all belong to the same movement.
The following Saturday August 21st our Junior Girls visited Mr E. Burns farm at Twyford to see the chicks and lambs. Our thanks to all those parents and friends who assisted us with transport on these two occasions.
We have six Pioneer girls who are working for their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and who have been covering their interests with the co-operation of many people in the community who have willingly given of their time.
Early in September five girls walked from North of Ormondville
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to Norsewood – for their 7 mile walk. They visited the woolen factory and the Pioneer cottage to find out some of the history of Norsewood.
Three of our Pioneer girls assisted in the kitchen at the Officers Outdoor Camping training weekend, these girls also gave 25 hours service to the church during their school holidays as part of their Girls’ Brigade Pioneer programme.
Subjects worked for this year are Child Care, Travellers, Crafts, Pets, Sewing, Missionary, Country Dancing, Figure Marching, First Aid and Floral Art.
so we continue in the work to which we are called and it is with God’s help we seek, serve and follow Him.
M. Mildenhall
1971-72
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY (28th Annual Report).
“TO SEEK, SERVE & FOLLOW CHRIST”. Numbers continue steadily to increase with promotions and new members and with the closing down of the lst Hastings Company due to lack of leadership it appears that unless we receive more help from women willing to devote time and energy to Girls’ Brigade activities then it may be necessary to close our Company membership and hold a waiting list of those who wish to join. In tweny [twenty] eight years of service this has not yet been necessary and the Officers would hope that even now we will not have to refuse anyone memership [membership] for this reason. The present full strength of the Company from Juniors through the ranks to Officers is 72.
Know N.Z. Quizz [Quiz] was held by the H.B. Dist – 11th March at Taradale when Mr Colin Cottrell and Mr Rex Smith, Napier assisted to run a quizz for girls. This was run in connection with a talent quest. Several of our girls were featured in the talent quest but our participation in the Quizz was in the early peliminary [preliminary] stages only.
Early in the year several of our Pioneers attended the Regional Pioneer Camp at Gisborne.
During March four of our Pioneers were chosen to attend a Young Leaders Training Weekend held at “Omatua”, Rissington which was organised by the H.B. District officers – this was quite an extensive course on basic training which could eventually lead to officership.
1972 has been our special effort year to raise funds for our overseas visitors who are coming to N.Z. during January 1973 to attend the Fonomarae in Auckland. Our particular project in H,B. is to raise money to pay expenses for one weekend when a bus load will be the guests of H.B. Girls & Officers. Very early in the year we commenced a money jar which is passed amoung [among] all members at weekly parades each member is asked to contribute a minimum of 2 cents weekly. Our jar is almost full and the project has been very faithfully followed through.
Sports Day 1972 18th March, was held at Tomoana Show grounds Lunch – Tabloid Sports and a scavenger hunt based on the letters
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Girls Brigade. Our girls once again won third plade [place] in the Sports Competition.
During March we received a visit from Miss Shirley Funnell of the Wycliffe Bible Translaters who told the girls of her work and that of her Society in the Phillippines [Philippines].
Combined Church Parade with the B.B. was held on Sunday evening April 24th when enrollment service was held for both companies.
Mothers Night May 1st – all mothers were invited to join the officers and girls for a social evening during which a Bring and Buy table was organised. The officers wish to thank all concerned. $23 was raised towards our special Fonomarae Fund.
Girls’ Brigade International Day of Prayer Saturday 10th June – A cooked evening meal was organised by Mr & Mrs T. Folwer [Fowler] and helpers which 55 girls with their officers attended, Followed by a special church service conducted by the H.B. District Chaplain Rev Roger Hey (Methodist Minister, Greenmeadows).
Once again special thanks to all those who assisted our Company during Girls’ Brigade Week in June – this is the only time we may appeal to friends and parents for direct donations.
Visit of National Commissioner Mrs N. Roscoe. A Buffet meal and an informal chat and discussion period was held at our church hall when Chaplains, Officers and Pioneers were given the opportunity to meet Mrs Roscoe who was on a short visit to H.B. Mrs Roscoe has a charming personality and the time was well spent with her learning of Girls’ Brigade in a much fuller sense.
District Church parade was held at Trinity Methodist Church, Napier on August 13th when Dist. Chaplain Rev R. Hey conducted a very impressive service for the girls.
Many people have assisted us during this year, and our grateful thanks is extended to them for their willingness and interest.
Our Pioneer girls attended Continential [Continental] and Asian Cookery classes which were conducted by a number of people with special qualifications. Miss E. McKennie (an ex-member of the
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Company) Italian & Danish dishes. Miss J. Baptiste, Indian, Mrs A. Wilms, Dutch, Mrs Chu, Chinese and Austrian dish was handled by the officers. Our sincere thanks to all concerned.
Subjects taught this year – Indoor Gardening (Mr Wallace) Pets, Life Saving from Fire (Fire Station Staff) Canework (Mrs Stewart, Mrs Williams & Mrs Peden) Sliver paper pictures, Fimo Beads, Record Appreciation (Mrs Steatman [Sweatman?]) Citizenship, English Country Dancing (Mrs Ball), Rhythmic Hoop Movement, International Friendship and God’s Family (conducted by 6 ministers from 6 Hastings churches).
During September we farewelled Lt Jane Livingston who is taking up Nursing Training at Dannevirke and welcomed Mrs May [Mae] Moir (ex Captain of 1st Hastings) to our membership as a Lieutenant.
Our Junior Section has been under the capable leadership of Miss D. Almond assisted by Miss L. Sell, here [her] assistance is really needed, these girls are worked in their age groups, which means four working groups and a minimum of a staff of four is required. However, in spite of difficulties, an excellent programme has been carried through and a keen group of up to 26 girls meet every Saturday morning to carry out their programme.
A small but loyal group of officers are to be thanked for their services to the Girls’ Brigade and to the Church during this year when for several months they maintained the company in difficult circumstances when due to illness the Captain was not able to give very much practical support to the work. Miss Almond, Mrs D. Baker and Miss J. Livingston and Miss Barbara Growden worked well as a team.
M. Mildenhall.
1972 -1973
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THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY: (29th Annual Report).
Our numbers have been smaller this year – 35 in the main Company and 20 in the Junior Section.
A loss to our staffing was the resignation of Lt. Diane Baker, who, with her husband, left Hastings to reside in Auckland. Diane had been a member of our Company from an early age, progressing through the ranks, and had given many years’ service as an Officer, and has been badly missed by all. Her enthusiasm and co-operation in all aspects of Company work, were very much appreciated, and cannot be easily replaced. This leaves only three Commissioned Officers to lead and control both the Girls’ Brigade Company, and the Junior Section, and unless we can obtain replacements by the commencement of the next session, then we will be forced to keep the membership to a manageable figure.
During September last year, Mr. B. Mitcherson presented Pioneer Triangles to S. Growden and M. Livingston.
Our Parents’ Evening held December 4th was a happy occasion, during which the “Bring and Buy” table raised $30.00 for the new Sunday School building. Special awards were presented by Mrs. M. Marshall, the National Commissioner, who is also Captain of 1st Taradale Company. Those presented are as follows: Attendance Cup – Shirley Edlin; Uniform Cup – Annette Gibson; Hardest worker Girls’ Brigade Week – Lynette Edlin; Captain’s Shield for most consistent worker – Julie Donaldson; and the hardest trier – Sally Burns. Margaret Livingston gained 2nd and 3rd Pioneer Triangles.
During January, 1973, three of our girls attended the weekend held in Napier, when 40 overseas visitors were entertained by the H.B. District – Officers and girls, 13 and over, were invited to live- in with the overseas contingent, and thus have the opportunity of getting to know them.
The first session during 1973, Girls’ Brigade Corso Cent Club was conducted throughout N.Z., when every member was asked to contribute 1c. per meeting for 10 meetings, towards Corso. This, it is intended, will be an annual effort. Our girls also sold mini recipe books to raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Bebe – $21.00 was added to the District total.
During 1973, five cartons of surgical gloves have been sorted, packed and dispatched to a missionary doctor working in New Guinea.
30th April, our Pioneers attended a social function held by 1st Taradale Company. .
8th-15th June – Girls’ Brigade Week: The Officers and girls very much appreciate the interest shown in our Company, and the financial support given to the members during the special annual appeal.
10th June – International Day of Prayer: This year, 10th June was a Sunday, and we commenced with breakfast at 8 o’clock, followed by a service in the church, conducted by Rev. W.J.K. McCormack. Thanks are extended to all who helped make this a successful gathering.
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Four Square Competition – Held at Taradale during July, when girls participated in verse speaking and miming. Although our team received top marks for the mime, we didn’t get a place in the top three in the Shield marks. Our thanks to Mr. McCormack for his help and advice with the verse speaking.
District Church Parade – Sunday, 16th September, at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Napier. Attendance was good, considering we experienced a very wet afternoon.
Subjects taught during the year are as follows: Health Attitudes towards Smoking, Drinking, Drugs; Laundry; Indoor Gardening; God’s Family Embroidery (Mrs. Kilgour); Hiking (Mr. M. Simkin); Pets (Miss S. Simkin); Scripture; Marching; Silver Paper Pictures; My Friend the Handicap (which includes speakers from I.H.C. Society, Crippled Children’s Society, and Sister J. Mitchell from the Geriatric Ward, Memorial Hospital. The girls in this group spent a Saturday afternoon visiting the “Old Folk” in Sister Mitchell’s ward, and also took a carton of gifts suitable for distribution by Sister on special occasions, such as birthdays, etc.); Fretwork (Mrs. P. Davies); Cooking.
The Officers, Miss D. Almond, Mrs. M. Moir and myself, would like to thank all those who helped in any way by taking various subjects, and supervising exams, or helping with transport, and in numerous other ways.
Our Junior Section has been working well together. Miss Almond, as Junior Leader, assisted by Miss L. Sell and Misses Margaret and Barbara Livingston, have made a good team. Here girls 6 years to 9 years, meet at 9.30am. to 11am. Saturday mornings. They play games, learn dances and crafts, and various other activities based on numerous subjects which are of interest to girls of all ages.
Miss Pam Rowlands gave these girls an interesting session on the life and work of a missionary. An exciting morning was held recently, when the whole group visited Mr. and Mrs. E. Burns’ farm at Twyford. These little girls are now practising hard for a District Competition to ‘be held later this year.
M. MILDENHALL.
1974
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY: (30th Annual Report).
Membership numbers 70 – this includes Chaplain, Officers and girls from all sections. There are always vacancies for more adult helpers, whether commissioned as Officers, or those who are willing to assist according to their abilities.
Miss A. Moffatt and Miss A. Thompson joined our staff during the year, Miss Moffatt being a newcomer to Girls‘ Brigade, but Miss Thompson was previously Lieutenant with a Palmerston North Company. Unfortunately Miss Thompson was unable to continue for more than a few months due to study commitments etc.
During November last a Company weekend camp was held at “Omatua”, the Girl Guide camp site at Rissington. Twenty-five girls, three Officers and two mothers, Mrs. D. McEwan and Mrs. M. Livingston, to cook the meals, enjoyed a full and instructive weekend. Our guests on Sunday were Mr. and Mrs. L.A. Spurdle. Our Sunday morning devotions were conducted by Mr. Spurdle.
A small number of our girls, with an Officer, participated in the Y.M.C.A. Walk to Napier – sponsorship money was donated to Te Karaka extensions and improvements.
Our annual Parents Night, 3 December, 1973, again included a “Bring and Buy” Stall, and raised $50 for Te Karaka extensions, etc. Special awards were as follows: Attendance Cup – Karen McEwan: Uniform Cup – Marama Newton and Louise Clouston (1st equal): Hardest worker, Girls’ Brigade Week – Lynette Edlin: Captain’s Shield (most consistent worker) – Christine Gibson: Hardest trier, 1973 – Erin Hillis’ Bible Knowledge Cup for Scripture – Carolyn Williams.
1974, March 10 – Officers joined with other Officers of Hawke’s Bay District for a communion service held at St. Mark‘s Church, Greenmeadows. This service was for re-dedication, and to pledge service to God and His work in the Girls’ Brigade.
Our Pioneers joined with others from Hawke’s Bay-Gisborne-Tauranga and Rotorua for a training weekend.
District Sports were held at Tomoana Showgrounds, 6 April. A picnic lunch and tabloid sports and a treasure hunt were on the programme. Our girls were not successful in gaining a top placing this year.
Sunday evening, May 5, Baptist Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade Companies combined for a service of re-dedication of Officers and enrolment of members.
Ladies Night, May 6 – A special programme was arranged of games, competitions, a sing-song and a screening of films of our Company activities. A ‘”Bring and Buy” stall raised $30.18, which was in aid of our own camp to be held during August holidays.
Our girls again participated in the National Girls’ Brigade Corso Cent Club: Every member donating 10 cents for Corso. In this way everyone helps, and a substantial cheque is then presented to Corso in the name of “The Girls’ Brigade, N.Z.
International Day of Prayer, June 10 – Devotions were conducted by Rev. McCormack, and special items and features covering information and prayers for Brigaders and Officers living in other countries from our own.
Girls’ Brigade Week, June 8-15 – The Officers and girls again say “Thank you” to all those who supported our Company financially. This gives us much encouragement and practical help.
Visit Rev. Tom Skinner – Our Pioneers met for tea and then as a group, Officers and girls joined the crowd at the Municipal Theatre for a never-to-be forgotten occasion.
During July we were fortunate to receive a visit from Dr. L. Samson, Baptist Missionary Society Representative, who conducted devotions and gave an interesting talk about his medical work among lepers of Tripura.
Te Karaka, Waikanae, August 24-30, 1974 – Twenty-five girls, along with six 3rd Napier girls, four Officers and two mothers, Mrs. M. Livingston and Mrs. M. Newton, to cook for us, spent a week at the Girls’ Brigade Training Centre. This was a much looked forward to event, and came up to expectations for Officers and girls. It was a thrill for the girls to see their photograph in the newspaper. The weather could have given us-many problems, but wet nights were followed by dry and often sunny days, so that our plans were all carried out to the full. Walks, hikes, handcraft sessions, social, concert, competitions, quizzes and games, and visits to Wellington and Paraparaumu were among our many activities. This week gave the Officers an opportunity to really get to know our girls, and no doubt the girls felt the same. Our attendance on the Sunday morning at the Baptist Fellowship meeting was most welcome for us, and also for the local worshippers, who enjoyed the larger gathering at their service.
I would like to thank all the Officers who plan, prepare, and give of their time and energies week by week. Miss Almond, who is also Junior Leader, Mrs. Moir, Miss Moffatt and Miss Thompson, who join with me in thanking all others who have assisted in any way. The Junior Helpers – Miss Sell, Miss Margaret Livingston and Miss Barbara Livingston; also Sandra Ireland, who helps at Juniors for Pioneer service marks. These ladies, under the leadership of Miss Almond, work with our girls aged 6-9 years every Saturday morning. There are vacancies for more members in this age group. Any further information desired may be obtained from any Officer at any time.
Our aim is to teach girls with God’s help to Seek, Serve and Follow Christ.
M. MILDENHALL.
1975
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY: (31st Annual Report).
Membership this year numbers 75 – this includes Chaplain, Officers and girls in all Sections. Officer strength varies from year to year. Miss A. Moffatt resigned at the end of 1974. We were very pleased to welcome Miss Betty Ireland as an Officer in training at the beginning of 1975, while in September Miss D. Burr, a Lieutenant on transfer from Lower Hutt, joined our Company.
of1974 District Church Parade was held in our own Church at Hastings, the service being conducted by the Hawke’ s Bay District Chaplain, Rev. W. J. K. McCormack.
Some of our girls participated in the Y.M.C.A. Walk to Napier, their sponsorship being donated to Girls’ Brigade funds for extensions being built at Te Karaka.
Parents’ Evening, 2 December, 1974 – A good number of parents and friends attended this function. Presentation of awards was made by Mrs. J. McCormack to the Junior Section, and Rev. W.J.K. McCormack to the more I senior girls. A varied programme was presented. Everyone had the opportunity of viewing the movie film made at Te Karaka during August, when our girls spent a week at Waikanae.
Special awards were as follows: Attendance cup – Helen Graham: Uniform cup – Maree Richards Hardest worker G. B. Week – Sally Burns: and Captain’s Shield for most consistent worker – Lynette Edlin.
Early in 1975, Officers joined with others of Hawke’ s Bay District for an early Sunday morning Communion Service of re-dedication, which was held this year in our own Church at Hastings.
During April, our Officers attended a training weekend at Riverbend for Officers from Wellington-Lower Hutt-Masterton-Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay.
Three of our Pioneers, Lynette Edlin, Sandra Ireland and Lesley Hillis have been attending Young Leaders’ training classes held by the Hawke’s Bay District Commissioner, while Lynette Edlin has taken an extra six weeks’ course on physical activities and group control, which was run by the Hawke’s Bay Community College, along with Y.M.C.A. Officers.
H.B.P.B. Regional Pioneer outdoor camping weekend, March 8-9, was held at Morere. Our girls, with Miss D. Almond, joined with girls from Gisborne, Napier and Taradale for a weekend of training and fellowship. Outdoor camping is proving very popular among our girls, and at the present time three of our Officers are attending course to gain their certificates authorising them to run camps of this nature.
Pioneers attended a two day Charm School during the May school holidays. This was organised by G.B. Officers, and was conducted by Mrs. O. Nelson, a well-known beauty consultant now living in Hawke’s Bay.
Ladies’ Night was held early in May, when an enjoyable evening was attended by mothers, daughters and Officers, at the conclusion of which a
“Bring and Buy” table was operated, raising $30.00 for furnishings for the new extensions at Te Karaka.
G.B. Week, 1975 – The Officers and girls would once again say “Thank you” to all those who, year by year, support our Company financially. This is very encouraging for the Officers, and makes their work so much easier.
A number of social evenings have been held during the year for older girls. These have been combined with Boys’ Brigade, Scouts and Guides.
Four Square Shield Competition – This year Choir singing: A Girls’ Brigade hymn and a song of our own choice. Our thanks to Mrs. Ruth Sweatman and Mrs. Kay McKenzie for their training of our girls. Due to their efforts, we gained second placing. A non-competitive section concluded the evening’s entertainment. Each Company presented a sketch or play.
Badge subjects have been – Care of Pets; Indoor Gardening; Toymaking; Travellers; First Aid; Good-Housekeeping; Silver Paper Pictures; Hikers; Floral Art; Tapestry; Cane-Work; Cooking and Missionary.
Our Missionary section was based on mission work in Papua-New Guinea. We thank all those who assisted us – Mr. Chris Mardon, Mrs Sandy Mardon, Mr. Nelson McLean for Missionary Aviation Fellowship, Mr. Bert Stevens, and also Asian Pacific Christian Mission for supplying us with material and films. Me also had a visit from Rev. Delaney, Mission to Lepers – Missionaries in Papua-New Guinea have a great deal of medical work with lepers. Our Company have a Missionary jar – each girl is asked to contribute 2 cents per meeting to this fund. We were able to donate $10.00 to the Mission to Lepers, and still have some funds towards a missionary parcel to be sent to Papua-New Guinea, together with a parcel to a G.B. Company in the same area.
Our girls have parcelled up surgical gloves and boxes of needles for medical work with the missionaries who are working with the lepers in Papua-New Guinea.
Visits during the year have been as follows: Housekeeping group to the Hospital Tutorial Block, to learn to make beds, etc: Pioneers to a local Supermarket, to put into practice their research into budgeting for the family meals: Hikers – a day out to the Blowhard Bush. A friendly netball afternoon was held among Hawke’s Bay Companies at Colenso High School Courts.
This report is not complete without mention of our Junior Section – girls 6 to 9 years, who meet Saturday mornings under the leadership of Miss D. Almond and her helpers, Misses Margaret Livingston, Lynette Edlin, Sandra Ireland and Lesley Hillis.
Our Juniors participated in a Junior Get-together at Taradale during September, when they had a morning of singing, story-telling and painting.
I wish to put on record my thanks to all those who have so willingly given us help during this year. It has been a great encouragement to the Officers and myself to find so many friends and parents who have only to be approached for help, and the job is as good as done. The service and devotion given by the Officers, Mrs. M. Moir, Miss D. Almond and Miss B. Ireland, speak for itself in the lives of our girls.
We thank God for His help in leading us to teach girls to Serve and Follow Christ.
M. Mildenhall
1976
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY.
Thirty-second annual report as presented to the Hastings Baptist Church for year ended 30th September, 1976.
A combined Girls and Boys Brigade evening church parade was held on Sunday 19th October 1976 when our Juniors and Brigaders joined with the Hastings and H.N. Boys Brigade companies.
Junior Section attended a District gathering at Taradale when a “Paint In” was held.
Our Pioneers attended a Hastings City Council meeting on the 28th October as part of their Community Service award.
We held a company weekend camp at Rissington 25-27th November 1975 – A time of fellowship and practical craft sessions and most enjoyable weather which gave the girls outdoor sessions of swimming and cooking their own lunch down at the riverside.
Our annual presentation of awards and promotions was held December 8th. At the conclusion of this function we held a “Bring and Buy” table where we raised $40 for out- door camping equipment. We later brought lamps with this money.
1975 Attendance cup was won jointly by H. Graham and L. Moulder. Uniform Cup – L. Moulder. Hardest Tryer H. Boekestjn [Boekestyn] – Captain’s Shield for the Most Consistent Worker – S. Edlin and the Hardest Worker Girl’s Brigade Week – L. Edlin.
1976 February began another session when we welcomed Miss Jocelyn Shuker as Assistant to Miss D. Almond in the Junior section. Miss Shuker has herself been a member of our company has always been interested in Girl’s Brigade. Mrs Kay McKenzie has associated with us to assist us as official Pianoist [Pianist], for her help we are very grateful.
Our Senior girls attended the H.B. District Camp held at Riverbend Christian Youth Camp 13-14 March – This was a new venture for the District – Girls – 12-13 years of age all together for fun fellowship and learning. Our own Captain was the officer-in-charge and with a team of willing officers and helpers was able to report a very successful camp.
Four of our Pioneers attended the Regional Outdoor Camp at the Presbyterian Camp site at Haumoana – this was attended by girls and officers from Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu – here too a successful camp was reported.
June 1976 – Girls Brigade Week – The girls and officers wish to thank all those friends who supported them during their special effort for funds – every gift was very much appreciated.
H.B. District Concert – Another new venture – for fellowship and fund raising. With the help (which encouraged us to step out) from Mr and Mrs McCormack and the cast of The Healer who supplied the second half of our programme we held a concert on Saturday 19th June in the Hastings Baptist Church. Each company was to supply an item (some companies entered their Junior Sections as well). The Church was packed and the District was well pleased with its fund raising effort as well as the success of the evening.
During the evening Mr McCormack presented Captain with her 30 year service award as commissioned officer in the Girl’s Brigade and incidentally in our Company. Mrs Moir presented an orchid on behalf of the officers and girls of the company and Mrs Rene Ashby, Commissioner presented Miss Mildenhall with a book on behalf of the H.B.P.B. region. Later, on a company night the officers and girls gave a surprise gift of a dozen crystal tumblers. The pioneers and officers arranged an informal dinner at one of their homes to celebrate the occasion.
Saturday 10 July, A netball tournament was held in Napier for all Intermediate in the District. Our numbers were small owing to another function involving this age group but everyone who participated enjoyed their games and also the light meal provided afterwards.
Te Karaka Camp – Aug-Sept 1976, Our company arranged for a camp at Te Karaka, Waikanae for the second week in the August school holidays. Now that these premises have been partly rebuilt the accommodation is far greater than previously available, 1st Taradale company were invited to join us making a party of 40 girls and 6 adults. The weather was not the best but an excellent programme was planned and very interesting sessions were taken,
We were fortunate to have the National Commissioner Mrs Ann Thomas visit us briefly and talk with our girls. The Sunday evening was conducted by Rev Glen Duncan, National Chaplain and another evening Rev Geo Carter – a previous National Chaplain and a former missionery [missionary] in Papua New Guinea spoke to the girls about the Pacific Fellowship of the Girls’ Brigade of which we are all members. A visit to Wellington which included a tour of the Tip Top Icecream factory – lunch at the Baptist Friendship Centre and a visit to the zoo. Many craft sessions were taken and many and varied were the articles made and taken home.
A group of our Pioneers together with some Juniors made sweets and visited senior church friends one Saturday morning and afternoon.
Our Junior Section visited Mr Burns farm and also Fantasyland.
Badge subjects this year have been – Indoor Gardening – Infant Care – Cooking – Our Bible – My Friend the Age – Outdoor Camping – Tapestry – Laundry – Pictures – Scottish Dancing – Canework – Floral Art – Fretwork.
With 60 girls – 53 in the company and 27 in the Junior Section our officers Miss D. Almond, Mrs M. Moir and Miss E. Ireland and Miss J. Shuker are kept busy. The Junior section are ably helped by Miss L. Edlin, Miss C. Gibson, Miss S. Edlin and Miss S. Burns. The company wishes to acknowledge grateful thanks to all those who have assisted in any way. Some for an evening and others for a series of weeks for without their help and cooperation we could not maintain the standard of work among these girls. We close with our promise.
“With God’s Help we promise to Seek, Serve and Follow CHRIST.”
2ND HASTINGS G.L.B.
Captain – M. Mildenhall reporting…
Combined Church parade with B.B. and Team Section successful…
Display of G. L B. work and activities, December, 1976 – Presentation of awards, annual display, Christmas pageant, Characters of Christmas meet Christ”…1976 attendance cup to Lynette Moulder…Uniform cup to Helen Graham…Hardest Worker, G L B. Meek, shared by Lynette and Shirley Edlin…Captain’s shield to Wendy Gerbes…January last, Pioneer outdoor weekend at Mr. Burns’ property, Twyford…Mrs. Betty Sullivan trained officers and girls.
Other highlights – Visit of Queen Elizabeth and Duke…Early morning communion service, Napier…Picnic, Fantasyland…Pioneer camp, Opoutama…Fund raising for G L. B. project was busy time…Also G.L.B. Week, and sleep-in at Napier.
Shirley Edlin and Karen McEwan [McEwen] are training as Young Leaders… Lynette and Shirley Edlin assisting as Junior Helpers…Officers: Misses D. Almond, B. Ireland, J. Shuker, Mrs. M. Moir, and Miss K. Johns, an officer attached to Junior Section.
1978
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY: (34th Annual Report)
As a Company we have taken an interest in various missionary projects. It is our custom to take up a collection each parade for missionary work, and at the end of last year our contribution was used to sponsor a girl at the Dr. Graham’s Homes in Kalimpong, who was participating in a sponsored walk to raise funds for a new dining-hall at the School. Miss M. Mardon received our cheque for $20.00 from the older girls, and $10.00 from the Junior Section.
A number of our senior girls attended a District weekend camp held at Riverbend towards the end of the session.
At the annual presentation of awards held on 4 December in the Church, an interesting programme was given, promotions to senior sections and a play, “Nine Cheers for Christmas”, was presented.’ Special awards were as follows: Young Leaders’ stripe – Shirley Edlin. Attendance cup – Helen Boekestyn Uniform cup – Melanie Salamonson. Hardest worker, Girls’ Brigade Week – Shirley Edlin. Captain’s Shield to the hardest trier – Lynette Robertson. Highest sales of vanilla – Nancy Chu.
Miss J. Shuker was farewelled after 2 years of working with our Company. We also had Mrs. Sandra Teal as an Officer for a few months at the beginning of the year, before she returned to Levin. A Welcome to Mrs. Karen Carding, who has joined our Junior Section as an Officer on transfer from Auckland.
1978 is Golden Jubilee Year for Girls’ Brigade in New Zealand, and various special programmes and events are planned. In February a Special early morning Church service of re-dedication was held in Napier for Officers and Pioneers.
Our Junior Section joined with the rest of the Juniors of the Hawke’s Bay District for an outing at Anderson Park, Greenmeadows, for competitions, and in July our Intermediates and Seniors did very well in the Four Square Shield Competition held at Taradale. Our Company visited the 5th Napier Presbyterian Company and we were visited by the 1st Napier Baptist Company.
The Hawke’s Bay Golden Jubilee Weekend was held on 23/24 September. A concert was held in the Hastings Baptist Church on the Saturday evening with all Companies and Junior Sections participating. A packed Church and a very happy and entertaining evening. The following afternoon our District Church Parade held at the Cathedral in Napier. The Mayor of Napier and the Dean, along with our District Chaplain, Rev. Guss, and the Regional and District Commissioners took the salute during the street parade. The Napier and Taradale Boys’ Brigade Companies
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joined the girls for this parade.
We have three Pioneers as young leaders. Shirley Edlin has been training for her second stripe, while Helen Boekestyn and Lynette Moulder have received tuition for their first stripes.
The Officers extend their grateful thanks to all who assisted in taking our Company while the Captain attended the International Girls’ Brigade Conference on the Cayman Islands, and also during the times that Mrs. Moir and Miss Almond were on trips overseas. Special thanks to Mrs. Lilian Edlin who is now assisting in the work of the Intermediate Section.
All the Hawke’s Bay Companies donated trees and shrubs to commemorate Golden Jubilee. The Taradale and Napier Companies planted roses and citrus trees at a Welfare Family Home in Napier, and our Company planted three Winter Sweet shrubs in the Scented Garden at Fantasyland, which resulted in a photograph in the local newspaper.
We continue in the work to which we are called, and it is with God’s help we seek, serve and follow Christ, and seek to bring girls to a personal knowledge of Him.
(M. Mildenhall)
GIRLS’ BRIGADE:
The annual Girls’ Brigade and Boys’ Brigade Church Parade was held on Sunday evening, 8 October, 1978, when a good number of girls and boys attended the evening service – membership cards were presented to new members and our Chaplain, Rev. McCormack, presented the challenge for all to “Follow Christ”.
A Company camp was held for the weekend of 17-19 November, at Omatua, the Girl Guide property at Rissington. The weather was delightful and girls and officers had an enjoyable time together. Outside cooking, swimming, games, handwork, crafts, music and films kept everyone busy the whole weekend. Our camp concluded with a devotional service held after lunch on Sunday in the sheltered garden area. Mr. and Mrs. Mitcherson joined us for lunch, Mr. Mitcherson being the Speaker at our service.
Parents’ night and presentation of awards was held on 4 December – the officers aim for this to conclude at an early hour. Our members are aged from 6 years upwards, and all entertained with songs and plays they had been working on for
[continued on page 14]
the Aged; Toymaking; Canework; Silver Paper Pictures; Hiking; Outdoor Camping; Weaving; Cooking; and Fun with Flowers.
Our pioneers have learned among other things to use a slide projector, movie projector, tape recorder, and to present a flannelgraph talk: Upholstery – re-cover chairs as a service to others: Healthy attitudes – to myself, others family society and God.
We congratulate Mrs. M. Moir, who has concluded 10 years service to Girls’ Brigade, 7 of these to our Company. Her service brooch is to be presented at the next Church Parade.
The officers wish to thank all those who have assisted them in any way during this year. It is with God’s help we seek, serve and follow Christ.
M. Mildenhall.
Captain.
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the occasion – promotions were made for various girls into other sections of the Brigade, and awards earned during the year were presented. The evening concluded with a Bring and Buy stall arranged by the officers and pioneers. This raised $48.00.
Special awards were as follows: Attendance Cup – Melanie Salamonson: Uniform Cup – Diana Boekestyn: Hardest Worker G.B. Week – Shirley Edlin: Captain’s Shield for the Hardest Trier – Helen Boekestyn: Most Consistent Worker – Lynette Moulder.
During 1979 our numbers have not increased, and we have vacancies for more girls in all our sections. However, our members are very loyal and regular in their attendance to Company parades. 24-25 March, seven pioneers and an officer went to Gisborne to attend a regional weekend arranged for at a Maori marae. This was a unique experience and a privilege – they learned much of Maori culture and crafts, living in the meeting house communal style.
Girls’ Brigade International arranged a special competition for the Year of the Child, together with special studies for Melanesia. We didn’t enter the competition but we did take the studies, life in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and New Hebrides: We had speakers and films from all three places, special series of devotions based on helping others and that God loves us all. This qualified girls for their International Friendship Badge. We also worked to raise funds for Girls’ Brigade in these islands of the Pacific. Our district arranged for a Gala Day for 31 March to be held at the Baptist Church grounds in Napier. $500 was raised for Melanesia, and $80 each for the six companies in the Hawke’s Bay District.
Our Junior Section went to Napier by railcar, visited Marineland, had afternoon tea, games and a sing-song before travelling back to Hastings by bus. This trip came up to expectations and was very much enjoyed by all.
A district “sleep-in” for intermediates and seniors was held during July at Napier. Only a few of our girls attended, but felt it was most worthwhile. Shirley Edlin assisted the other young leaders to run the social evening as part of her young leaders’ training.
Our Company has always been interested in missionary news and missionary speakers. Miss Ruth McKenzie visited us and spoke to the girls on 2 July, prior to leaving for missionary service in India. Girls bring a coin each week for our missionary offering, and we were able to present Miss McKenzie with a cheque to show our practical interest in her and her work.
We have had a steady year working for badge awards as follows: Care of Pets; Indoor Gardening; Laundry; My Friend
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GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY
Towards the end of 1979 our Junior and Intermediate sections held a hike at Chambers Walk, H.N. which gave both sections the opportunity of mixing together before the nine year olds were promoted to Intermediates.
Our breakup and parents night was held early in December, this concluded another successful year of interest and activity.
Special awards were as follows: – Attendance Cup – Anitia Tonkin and Kerry Moulder lst Equal. Uniform Cup, Kerry Moulder. Captain’s Shield for Hardest Tryer, Nancy Chu and the Most Consistent Worker, Julie Reynolds.
Our Pioneer section presented Mr Lionel Nunn with two chairs they had re-upholstered for their service to others, these were for his new office.
Girls and officers made and collected toys suitable for distribution as Christmas gifts by the Hastings Social Welfare Dept, these three cartons were presented to a member of Mr Dunk’s staff.
A Bring and Buy table operated by the Pioneer girls was to raise money towards a cheque presented to Shirley Edlin towards her attendance at the Pacific Fonomarae held in the Cook Islands during January 1980.
Early March a district Pioneer Camp was held at the New Life Camp at Maraekakaho when Mr & Mrs Lionel Nunn were guest leaders.
During April a visit from Miss Ruth Gordon representing the Wycliffe Bible Translators was most interesting giving a new insight into the work this society are doing.
Girls Brigade World day of Prayer – June 10th – Our girls met together for tea and a special service on Monday June 9th. Our Chaplain Mr McCormack attended and spoke to our girls.
Our members are encouraged to be interested in Missions and Missionaries – both Junior and Senior sections have a missionary collection each parade and the opportunity is taken to present a cheque to visiting missionaries for their
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personal use.
During July we were fortunate to spend an evening with Miss Dorothy Bevan who gave a very interesting talk and showed slides of life in Japan, particularly the Japanese girls and the life they lead.
Our juniors were to attend a kite making and flying day at Taradale but the weather was so bad it had to be cancelled. However, they had fun making their kites and trying to fly them the following Saturday even if the Church grounds were smaller than the park.
Interests taken this year are Pets, Indoor Gardening, My Friend the Aged, Healthy Attitudes, Country Dancing, Travellers, Toy making, Liquid Embroidery, Silver paper pictures. Activities include swimming sports, games, singing, hikes, sleep-ins, camps etc.
Congratulations to Miss D Almond who has concluded 10 years service to Girls Brigade and our company. Her service brooch is still to be presented.
We require more girls to become members of our company. There are vacancies in all sections. Juniors meet 9.30 – 11.30 Saturday mornings, ages 6-9 years. Our other sections 10 years and upwards meet Mondays 6.30 – 8.30 p.m. Enquiries are always welcome. Girls or parents may call in at any meeting and observe our activities or further information is always available from any officer or from the Church office.
The girls and officers wish to thank all who have assisted Girls Brigade during this year.
It is with God’s help we SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST.
M. Mildenhall, Captain.
1981
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY.
Our Girls’ Brigade Company participated in the District Church during September which was held at our own Hastings Baptist Church. Mr Lionel Nunns is the District Chaplain and at his invitation members of our company assisted him in the service.
Also during September last our Pioneers attended a H.B. District get-to-gether when girls end officers Were given a demonstration and the opportunity to cook chinese food the Chinese way by the use of a wok. This was a very successful gathering.
Our Junior Section also met with other companies during October for a Junior walk. They all walked up the Sugar Loaf at the back of Taradale and spent a happy time having a picnic lunch and games.
The highlight of our 1980 breakup was the Puppet play “Aladin [Aladdin]” presented by our Junior Section. The puppets were made by their leader Miss Almond who together with her helpers trained the girls in their parts.
Awards for 1980 were as follows: Attendance Cup – Helen Graham. Uniform Cup – Helen Graham. Captain’s Shield for Hardest Tryer – Jillian McKenzie and the Most Consistant [Consistent] Worker- Lynette Moulder.
Sadly we farewelled our Chaplain Rev W.J.H. McCormack. A presentation of a leather key pouch with the Girls’ Brigade badge on the front was made to Mr McCormack.
The new session commenced in late February 1981 – our company numbers were considerably reduced due to several transfers out of the district and a number of older girls deciding that their interests were leading them to other youth groups and activities.
It was decided that a recruiting drive would be made in several primary schools in our area. Young Leader Helen Graham volunteered to speak to any girls who might be interested in joining a movement such as ours. Her efforts were successful resulting in our Junior section gaining 15 girls and the older group 10. Numbers at the time of writing this report are Juniors 20 and others 28.
Our girls missionery [missionary] interest is still being encouraged. We sent $25.00 to Miss Ruth McKenzie in India and Miss Ruth Gordon in the Philippines. When Rev Rob Thomson spoke to our senior section of his work in Papua-New Guinea a gift of $20 was given to him.
1982
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY.
We have a roll strength of 26 in the evening section and 18 in the Junior Section. Monday evening attendances are good but Saturday morning numbers are lower than are sometimes practicle [practical] to work with. Officer and Helper strength is strong and larger numbers of girls can be encouraged to join our company.
Heretaunga Tramping Club supplied us with training for Seniors and Pioneers which culminated in a day’s outing at Blowhard Bush.
The District Church Parade was held at Havelock North during September when Mr Lionel Nunn our District Chaplain conducted the service.
An effort to raise funds for our company was made during October when we sold Talcum powder among our families and friends. This was a successful venture and assisted the company to purchase new uniform material.
Our end of year function was held 14th December when we raised $60 at a Bring and Buy table. This we reserved for hire of Barnabus.
Awards for 1981 were as follows: Uniform Shield Melanie Salamonson, Attendance Shield Carol Dunnett, Captain’s Shield for the Hardest Tryer Carol Baker, Most Consistent Worker Natalie Mildenhall.
To commence the 1982 session we hired the Maddison Baths for the evening – a swim and a barbecue supper gave us an enjoyable evening – even if the weather was cooler than expected.
The opportunity to hire the church bus for District functions has been welcomed by our Company – this simplifies arrangements for travelling and is very much enjoyed by the girls.
Seniors and Pioneers studied Childcare with Miss Almond which included a visit to the Hospital and the Plunket Rooms. a visit from Mrs Jill Thomas of the Parent Centre. Other subjects taken are The Bible, Care of Pets, Indoor Gardening, Silver Paper Pictures, Toymaking, Liquid Embroidery, Screen Printing and Scottish Dancing.
Girls and officers joined with lst Taradale for a weekend camp at Haumoana 10 – 12 April. A most enjoyable time was had – everyone getting to know other brigaders better and to realize and appreciate that we are a small part of a great international movement.of
Our pioneers attended a weekend at Morere together with girls from H.B. and Gisborne. Shirley Edlin was awarded the Tait Award for her participation at the weekend.
A Mothers and Ladies night was held at the end of the first term. Our girls had been learning about Refugees and their problems so our Pioneers and Officers arranged for a Bring and Buy stall at the Mothers Night to raise money for refugees. We invited Mr Barry Sutton back to speak to us again on his work with World Vision and were able to present him with our Cheque for $ . He had previously shown films and spoken to us while we were learning about refugees.
An officers and pioneers evening was held at Taradale during August – a learn a new craft night when leather work, pottery, cloth sculpture, beadwork and other creative crafts were demonstated and taught.
Our officers and girls wish to thank all who have helped in any way – Mr Lionel Nunns who has deputised as Chaplain and Mr E. Peden who trained our Intermediates in Figure Marching.
It is the wish of our Officers that more girls may be reached and influenced for Jesus Christ and may we lead them to SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST.
M. Mildenhall,
Captain.
31/8/83
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY.
Our Company membership stands at 57 – 21 Juniors, 27 Intermediates Seniors-Pioneers and 8 Helpers and Officers. Average attendances have been very good.
The whole Company attended the District Church parade at Napier Baptist Church on September 19th where several of our Pioneers and Seniors participated in the service led by the District Chaplain Mr Lionel Nunns who presented Miss Shirley Edlin with a 13 years through-the-ranks brooch.
At an end of year Company Church parade our Pioneers presented six Teddy Bears to the Childcare Centre.
At our Presentation Night three new officers were commissioned. Mrs Ann Perry was welcomed to our ranks, coming to us with many years experience, while Lynnette Moulder and Helen Graham were promoted through the ranks, Both these young ladies joined Girls’ Brigade as Juniors. Our leadership has been strengthened as a result of these additional officers.
At our first meeting for 1983 Miss Dorothy Beavan who has been a missionary in Japan spoke to our girls about her work on the mission field. Miss Beavan was presented with a cheque from our Missionary Fund.
Monday 28th February 5th Napier Company were our guests – a swim at the Heretaunga Swimming Baths which we hired for the evening followed by supper back at our own hall. Outdoor camping is on our programme for 1983 – a weekend was spent 18-20 March as guests of Mr & Mrs E. Burns, Farm Road, Waipukurau – sleeping under canvas and enjoying outdoor activities – making new crafts and getting to know each other better made a memorable weekend. One certainly to be repeated. Our thanks to “Barnabus” and Mr & Mrs E Petherick who joined us for our weekend. We raised the cost of hiring “Barnabus” with a Bring & Buy at our end of year function.
Miss Ruth McKenzie visited us and spoke to our girls during April, Ruth also received a cheque with our love.
An evening Church Parade combined with the Boys Brigade and Team Section was attended 17th April.
GIRLS BRIGADE – 2 –
The District Concert was held on 7th August at the Napier Boys High School Assembly Hall – our grateful thanks are extended to Mr R.L. Stewart who trained the firls [girls] singing and Mrs Glenys Reynolds pianist. The girls participated well and were congratulated for their efforts.
Shirley Edlin has been commissioned as an officer – Shirley joined our company as a 6 year old Junior and has been through the ranks and for some considerable time has been back helping in the Junior section as a Young Leader.
Our Junior Section visited Fantasyland with the rest of the District Juniors for funtime and lunch. On behalf of our officers Miss D. Almond, Mrs M. Moir, Miss S. Edlin and Helpers Mrs L Edlin, Miss L. Moulder and Miss H. Graham I wish to thank all those who have Helped us in many ways.
* TAKE IN
It is our Girls’ Brigade motto SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST which draws us into this work and with God’s help we seek to claim lives for Him.
M. Mildenhall,
Captain.
*Especially Mrs L. Wallace who cut out all the new uniforms ready for sewing and Mrs Helen Dunnett who Cut out and made Junior Hats.
1984
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY.
Membership of our company has increased this year – 38 Intermediates, Seniors and Pioneers but the Junior Section are down to 15 – we would love to have more girls join the Juniors – ages 6 to 9 years meeting Saturdays 9.30 a.m. to ll a.m. Our officer strength is down to 5 with the resignation of Miss Helen Graham and the marriage of Miss Shirley Edlin and her move to live in Timaru. Mrs Lillian Edlin give valuable service as treasurer, uniform and records also are in her capable hands. 19th September ’83 – Visit to 5th Napier (Presbyterian) company for games and supper.
25th September ’83 – H.B. District Church parade held at H.N.
22nd October ’83 – Girls formed a guard of honour at the wedding of Miss Shirley Edlin to Mr Robin Donovan – a gift evening and morning had previously been held for Shirley by the Senior and Junior sections. Shirley had been a member of our company since joining at 6 years of age.
11-12-13 November ’83 – An outdoor camp at Waipukurau – Another enjoyable weekend sleeping under canvas and cooking outdoors. Our thanks to Mr 3 Mrs E. Burns and Mr T. Petherick with Barnabus Bus.
Late November Pioneers packed and posted a parcel which was financed from our missionery giving to Miss Ruth McKenzie in India. We had doubts whether it would be received by Ruth but in due course we learned from her of its arrival late February ’84.
December 12 ’83 – Parents Right and presentation of awards. Presentation of “The Music Machine“ was enjoyed by all. Special awards are as follows: – Uniform Shield – Alison Mildenhall – Attendance Shield – Julie Reynolds – Capts Shield “Hardest Tryer” Glenda McKenzie – “Most willing Worker” Suzanne Jamieson.
Monday 27th February ’84 – lst Napier (Baptist) were our guests – a visit to the Heretaunga Swimming Club baths for a swim and back to our hall for supper before returning to Napier.
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Four Square Shield – H.B. District Inter-company competition was held at our church Saturday 25th June 1983 – Each company presented a Parable – either miming, acting or singing. Also a Bible Quizz – we were represented by Suzanne Jamieson and Carole Dunnett. Although we didn’t win any top placing our girls made a great effort and were to be congratulated. We were later invited to present our parable “The Sower and the Seed” to the St Matthews Ladies Fellowship.
Our Junior Section entered in the Swimming Sports held at Napier earlier in the year. They also had a special morning for Mothers during May when they raised some money with a Bring & Buy table to help them pay for an outing planned for later in the year.
A fund raising effort was organised by the H.B. District Girls’ Brigade. Each company was allocated a pallet of Meringues – 45 cartons containing 20 boxes each – this raised $225.00 – $100 for the District and $125 for the Company.
Subjects covered for badge work are Fun with Flowers, Cooking, Travellers, Healthy Attitudes, Care of Pets, Indoor Gardening, My Friend the Handicapped and the Elderly, Silver paper pictures, Toymaking, Liquid Embroidery, Canework and Outdoor Camping.
The whole company are now in the new uniform – the change-over period seems to have been quite a long one and our thanks are due to parents and Mrs L. Edlin who have worked together towards this end.
On behalf of our company officers, Miss D. Almond, Mrs M. Moir, Miss S. Edlin, Mrs A Perry, Miss L. Moulder, Miss H. Graham and Mrs L. Edlin I wish to thank all those who have assisted us in any way. On behalf of our girls I would say “Thankyou” to all the officers for their devotion and loyalty at all times.
We continue to follow our motto to “SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST”
M. Mildenhall.
1985
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS.
Our Girls’ Brigade Company was commenced during May 1945 and can claim 40 years of service for Christ among girls in the city of Hastings. We quite regularly have girls claim that Mum came to this Company when she was a girl. In actual fact one of our present members can claim that her Grandmother was also a member of 2nd Hastings.
Girls are welcome to join us either Saturdays 9.30 – 11 a.m. 6 – 9 years or Mondays 6.30 – 8.30 p.m. 10 years and upwards.
The opportunity to meet friends, to play together, work together under trained leaders, to learn new skills, exciting new activities; to find through Brigade that the world is wider than at first thought. Parents – here is an organisation to which you may safely trust your children, whether they are 6 year old Juniors or lively teenagers.
The Girls’ Brigade is an international and interdenominational movement and are happy to number themselves among the major youth organisations in the world.
Our membership this year has been less than during 1984 due to several transfers to other parts of New Zealand. The senior company numbers 25 and the Juniors 18 girls. Officer strength is five with a regular adult helper in the senior section and two adult helpers in the Junior Section.
We were pleased to welcome Mrs Barbara Tod as an officer in training in the Junior Section.
H.B. District Church parade was held at Napier Baptist Church 23rd September, – the whole company attended thanks to the services of Barnabus bus.
Our members participated in the Meringues sales late October – part of the money raised was for the H.B. District and the balance for our Company funds.
Christmas gift making afternoon was held early November – Two G.B. officers from 5th Napier demonstrated and taught crafts and novelties – this concluded with tea at the end of a busy but rewarding afternoon.
Late February our Senior Section held a barbeque and swim at the home of Mrs A. Perry and on another occasion the Junior Section had a morning swim and outdoor games at Mrs Perry’s. Missionary has been one of our badge subjects – Miss Heather Hunt spoke to our girls and Mr David Youngson told of the work he was taking up with Youth for Christ. We look forward to seeing Miss Ruth McKenzie when she returns home later this year.
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March 12 ’84 – Lois & Evan Baxter visited our Company and spoke of their work in PNG. A gift of $20 was given to them from our girls.
March 24 ’84 – Our Junior Section joined the rest of the District for a walk at Chambers Walk, Havelock North – followed by a picnic lunch, games & a Singsong.
March ’84 – Pioneers attended a H.B. District weekend held at H.N. – A two night get-to-gether is a must for Pioneers wishing to gain their Brigader Brooch.
7th April ’84 – Four Square Shield Competition – Netball Tournament held at Colenso Courts, Napier. Our girls played well and hard – a good afternoon was spent together. The shield was won by Havelock North Company.
June 10 – International Girls Brigade Day – A Sleep-in was held at the Church – Saturday 9th June, crafts, games and supper followed by a sleep-in. Sunday morning breakfast with Rev & Mrs Taylor joining us followed by a special service led by Mr Taylor and officers. An order or service had been prepared by Brigade International for this occasion.
The officers, Miss D. Almond, Mrs M. Moir, Mrs A. Perry, Miss L. Moulder and Mrs L. Edlin wish to thank all those have helped us over the past year – God calls us to this work but He also supports us with willing helpers. With His help we continue to encourage girls to “SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST”
M. Mildenhall.
1986
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2nd Hastings Company
The Girls’ Brigade (NZ) is part of an international Movement for Girls. It is found in over 50 countries throughout the world. There are 15,000 members in NZ where it has worked strongly for 54 years. The Girls’ Brigade offers to girls 6 years and upwards a programme based on four sides – Spiritual; Physical, Educational and Social – catering for the whole of a girl’s growing life. Our Company meets Saturdays 9:30-11am girls 6-9 years; and Mondays 6:30-8:30pm girls 10 years and over. All girls are welcome to come and participate in our activities. A Christmas craft afternoon followed by tea, a Company picnic held at Fernhill, and an enjoyable programme and presentation of awards concluded our 1985 programme. Uniform Shield awarded to Hayley Morgan; Attendance Shield to Suzanne Jamieson; Captain’s Shield for Hardest Trier to Joanne Sutton; Most Willing Worker for 1985 – Wendy Morgan. 1986 parades commenced with a swim and fun evening at the home of one of our officers.
Missionary interest was stimulated by visits from Dr Lesley Bond and Miss Shirley Ingram – both ladies were given a cheque from our Missionary giving.
The New Year’s Honours announcement that our Captain had been awarded the Q.S.M. for her services to our Girls’ Brigade brought congratulations and good wishes. A special evening was arranged by a group of ex officers and their helpers when girls and ladies (past members and officers) met together for a reunion. A gold watch was presented engraved “Melva much gratitude 40 years fun – Brigadiers past and present 1986″.
The officers wish to thank all those who have helped in many ways both in the church and in the community. We believe Girls’ Brigade has a great deal to offer to girls of all ages giving them opportunities to discover their potential and to develop their abilities and above all to find out about themselves, about God, and about other people and the world in which they are an important identity. We endeavour To Seek, Serve and Follow Christ.
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We have a collection each meeting for Missionary funds which are used for gift cheques or to finance parcels for our Missionary friends.
We were delighted to welcome our Chaplain Rev Peter Pritchard and Mrs Pritchard who joined us for a special tea and service on Monday June 10th – International Girls’ Brigade day – Mr & Mrs Peden were also guests – this was concluded with Scottish Dancing taught by Mr & Mrs Ian Harris. Our subjects have been varied – Fun with Flowers – Cooking -Communications – Photography- Citizenship – Missionary – Care of Pets – Indoor Gardening – Safety – Scottish Dancing – Macrame – Canework – Liquid embroidery.
Special Awards were Attendance Shield, Kerry Moulder, Captain’s Shield “Hardest Tryer“ Debbie Lane, Most Willing Worker, Linda Gillies.
We endeavour to live by our motto to “SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST” and encourage our girls to learn to do the same.
M. Mildenhall.
1987
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY.
Girls’ Brigade is for girls and young women from 6 – 20 years of age.
Girls’ Brigade gives girls opportunity to develop the skills they need to live successfully – in their relationships with others in our modern and changing world.
Girls’ Brigade provides safe, qualified leadership approved by the local church.
The Girls’ Brigade aim is to help girls to become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ and through self-control, reverence and a sense of responsibility to find true enrichment of life.
Our pioneers made sweets to sell to the members of our company and made crafts and novelties to raise funds for Girls Brigade in Asia Pacific companies.
Our Officers and girls conducted a service at Eversley Home – girls sang and gave items – these were enjoyed by all concerned.
The H.B. District Church parade held at Taradale was well attended. Our end of year function held 30 November was well supported by parents and friends.
Special Awards were as follows: – Uniform Shield Melanie Sutherland, Attendance Shield – Natalie Mildenhall, Captains Shield for the hardest tryer – Selina Hargreaves.
Brigade recommenced end of February 1987 when an enjoyable evening with Havelock North Girls Brigaders was held at the home of Mrs. Ann Perry – Swimming, games and supper. The Junior section numbers have increased this year but the Intermediates, Seniors and Pioneers have decreased due to three families leaving the district and a number of older girls giving their time to school work pressure and other interests.
The Junior section visited Fantasyland and held a Mothers morning near Mothers Day.
Early in the year our company joined with lst Havelock North Girls for an afternoon of games and activities prior to a sleep-in over the Saturday night. This was voted a great success by the girls.
We received a visit from Annette Johnson from Nuie [Niue] Island who was a guest of the H.B. District for several days. Our girls enjoyed her company and gave her two souvenir spoons with the Hastings crest and Fruit Bowl of N.Z. We have been raising funds for our company by selling Shampoo and Calendars.
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A special friends night was held during the July school holiday week which was well attended.
We have been working at Fun with Flowers, Travellers, healthy attitudes, care of pets, conservation, toy making, indoor camping and folk dancing.
On behalf of all our girls I would like to thank the Officers for their devotion and loyalty as we endeavour to follow our motto “SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST”.
1988
The Girls’ Brigade
2nd Hastings Company
Girls’ Brigade is for girls and young women 6-18 years of age. We have a varied programme to keep the interest of girls. The Girls’ Brigade aim is to help girls to become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and through reverence, self-control and a sense of responsibility, to find true enrichment of life. We have a reduced number of members this year, but the girls we have are enthusiastic and loyal. We welcome the prayer support of the church in our efforts to recruit new members.
The district held a flower show in October. The entries were of a high standard, several of our girls received lst, 2nd and 3rd prizes. Other activities have been cooking, missionary, My Friend the Elderly, crafts, macrame, dancing and travellers. Whilst doing a study of the Cook Islands, we had a visit from lst Hastings Company who demonstrated crafts and dancing from the Islands.
The Junior section is planning a trip to Napier by bus and train later in the year. Our end of year break-up was held on 30 November 1987. Several special prizes were presented in Company and junior sections, plus work and attendance awards. Earlier this year we had a visit from Miss Ruth McKenzie who told of her work in Bhutan.
We continue to raise funds by selling shampoo, calendars and meringues.
Our Captain, Miss Melva Mildenhall, has been away overseas for a period this year, and the officers would like to thank her for her support in our endeavour to follow our motto: “SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST”
D. M. Almond,
Junior Leader
1989
The Girls’ Brigade
2nd Hastings Company
What is the Girls’ Brigade?
The Girls’ Brigade (New Zealand) is part of an international movement for girls aged from 6-20 years. It is founded in over 50 countries throughout the world. It is the oldest movement for girls in the world – but is far from old fashioned. There are 15,000 members in NZ. where it has worked strongly for 60 years. Our Company (2nd Hastings) has been working in the Hastings Baptist Church for 44 years. During this time many girls and young women have followed our motto “Seek. Serve & Follow Christ”.
I am pleased to report that recruitment programme carried out in most of the primary schools earlier this year, our Company has gained new members. Particularly pleasing is the strength of the Junior Section (ages 6-9 years) which is now 24. The older group has been depleted with a transfer out of H.B. for work reasons. However, our group, although not large in numbers following is keen and loyal.
At the end of 1988 our breakup and presentation of badges was held in the church, followed by afternoon tea and a display of work done during the year.
1989 session commenced with an evening swim and games and sausage sizzle at our good friends, Harry and Norma Callister, and this was followed up on the following Saturday morning with a similar gathering of the junior section. Early in the season, the junior section visited Napier’s Marineland etc., returning home to Hastings in the train.
1989 commenced a new fund raising organized by National Office – the sale of chocolate almonds. We did not anticipate the wonderful media support we received, and could have sold twice the amount we had ordered. This effort is to be an annual one during Girls’ Brigade week 8-15 june. This is a welcome source of financial support – our fees to Girls’ Brigade NZ are $14 per member on an annual basis. We still have some shampoo for sale at $2.20 a bottle. This will be the last order we will be handling.
Early in the year we had a visit from Miss Margaret Motion (a Baptist missionary) who has been a G.B. Captain before working overseas. The girls presented Miss Motion with a cheque for $50 (proceeds from our Missionary Jar).
We thank all those who have helped us in any way; Mr E. Peden, marching. and Mrs Maureen Lambert, macrame. I thank the officers for their loyal and enthusiastic support during another year of endeavouring ‘To help girls become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and through self-control, reverence, and a sense of responsibility, to find true enrichment of life.”
M. Mildenhall
Captain
1990
Girls’ Brigade
The aim of the Girls’ Brigade is to help girls become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and through self-control, reverence and a sense of responsibility, to find true enrichment of life.
45th Annual Report of the 2nd Hastings Company, attached to the Hastings Baptist Church, is as follows:
A membership of 22 juniors and 22 intermediates and seniors, together with officers and helpers, totals 50. Attendance averages about 18 at each meeting. We were delighted to welcome Mrs Carol Narborough as a Lieutenant at the beginning of 1990. Our recruitment drive during February each- year keeps our numbers growing with new girls.
We have had two Company camps during this year – one early November last and another during July of this year; on each occasion we joined with Taradale companies at Stoney-Creek Ranch, Maraekakaho. Our craft afternoon and pot-luck tea held in November is always popular with our girls. District sports day and district church parades and company church parades have been held. Commencement of 1990 session, the Company and junior section made our annual visit to Norma and Harry Callister’s home for a swim and funtime.
For the second year we participated in the national chocolate almond selling programme. Many thanks to all those who bought their share. This is enabling us to keep our funds healthy. Our programmes are varied and work covers all aspects of a girl’s interests. A list of subjects taken this year are as follows: God’s Book, pets, childcare. macrame, canework, woodwork, communication, travellers, fun with flowers, and maori stick games and pois.
We thank all those who have helped us in any way, particularly Mrs Lynette Clouston, Mrs Maureen Lambert, and Mr Terry Fowler, who gave us weeks of tuition during the winter months. I wish to thank all the Officers who give such loyal support to our Girls’ Brigade Company. Especially, Mrs Lillian Edlin, our treasurer, who does a great job of controlling our uniform accounts and chocolate almond sales, and many other duties such as keeping girls’ attendance records which leaves officers free to work with the girls.
We trust that with God’s help, these girls will learn “To seek, serve and follow Christ”.
M. Mildenhall (Captain)
1991
GIRLS’ BRIGADE
The aim of the Girls’ Brigade is to help girls become followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and through self-control, reverence, and a sense of responsibility, to find true enrichment of life.
46th Annual Report of the 2nd Hastings Company presented to the Hastings Baptist Church.
Our membership has slowly been increasing – 27 Juniors, 25 Seniors, plus 10 Officers and helpers; a total of 62. We were very happy to welcome Mrs Jane Wilson on transfer from 2nd Taradale, who brings with her youth and enthusiasm, together with a background of GB experience (Jane has gained her Queen’s Badge). Mrs Carole Narborough has been on maternity leave and Miss Dorothy Almond and Mrs Mae Moir have been on extended leave overseas.
This has been our first year in the new hall – giving us much more scope for games activities than we have had for a long time. Early April we had a ‘sleep-in’ for the Seniors (using the hall and lounge) from a pot luck tea Friday evening and finally joining our Junior section for devotions after breakfast Saturday morning, when Pastor Peter joined the whole company and gave us a talk. Chocolate Almond sales were again successful – many thanks to those who helped us by buying when requested. Juniors and Seniors had happy gatherings for a swim at Callisters, and all participated in Church Parades, both Company and District.
A highlight during the year was a visit from our National Commissioner, Mrs Anne Nicholson, from Nelson. We don’t often receive visits from VIP’s these days. Costs have to be considered and travelling doesn’t come cheap. The girls all loved meeting her and had a great time with her. Mrs Nicholson brought us greetings from Rev. Ken McCormack, the National Chaplain, and who was previously our Company Chaplain.
Our badge work covers the four-square programme for girls – Spiritual, Physical, Educational, and Society; this year’s as follows: Healthy attitudes, Home nursing, Indoor gardening, Dancing, Macrame, Cane work, Puff painting, Applique, Travellers, Communication, and Cooking. Visiting speakers were Alan & Pam Bird, Mrs Beverley Humphries, Traffic Officer Griffiths, and a representative from the Leprosy Mission.
Our special thanks to all who have assisted us in any way, particularly pianists, and especially Mrs Val Andrews, who comes most Monday evenings to play for our devotions.
We believe Girls’ Brigade has a great deal to offer to girls of all ages, giving them opportunities to discover their potential and to develop their abilities and above all, to find out about themselves, about God, and about other people and the world in which they are an important identity.
Melva Mildenhall
(Captain)
1992
GIRLS’ BRIGADE
The Girls’ Brigade (NZ) is part of an International movement for girls. It offers to girls, 5 years and upwards, a programme based on four sides – spiritual, physical, educational and social – catering for the whole of a girl’s growing life. Some of our girls have church affiliations, but most have no church influence other than girls’ Brigade.
This is the 47th Annual Report of the 2nd Hastings Company presented to the Hastings Baptist Church. Membership numbers are encouraging – 26 juniors and 34 seniors – 5 commissioned officers and 3 adult helpers. We have been greatly assisted by other friends – Mrs Val Andrews: music; Ernest Peden: marching; Terry Fowler: woodwork; Mrs Margaret Fowler: crafts; Mrs Margaret Martin: Canework.
It has been a pleasure to welcome to our Junior Section, Mrs Janet Donaldson (nee Growden) as an adult helper. Janet was a member of our Company when a girl.
Our activities have been varied and interesting – pioneers had a sleep-in, November 8th, followed by a craft afternoon with the rest of the Senior section. A display of work and presentation of badges and special awards took place on December lst. The church puppet group entertained parents and girls. 1992 commenced with recruiting leaflets distributed to those showing interest at eight Hastings schools. This resulted in more girls joining our company. Both our Junior and Senior sections commenced the year with swims and funtimes at our friends, Mr and Mrs Callister. A company weekend camp was held 24-26 April at Stoneycreek Ranch. Our Regional Church Parade was held in Napier on 14th June and the Regional Four Square Competition held 15th August, was Trivial Pursuit covering – G.B. knowledge, National and International – Bible knowledge, Old and New Testament. We entered two teams – one gaining second place – 2 points behind the winners.
Our Juniors had a visit by the ambulance and officer, who gave them a talk and demonstration on emergency techniques. Juniors also had a Teddy Bear’s Picnic (held in our hall on account of the adverse weather). Subjects taught have been communications, travellers, cooking, missionary, indoor gardening, home nursing, my friend the disabled, marching, cane-work, woodwork, silver paper pictures and puff painting.
We believe Girls’ Brigade has a great deal to offer to girls of all ages, giving them opportunities to discover their potential and to develop their abilities and, above all, to find out about themselves, about God, and about other people and the world in which they are an important identity. We teach them to seek, serve and follow Christ.
M. Mildenhall (Captain)
1993
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE
48th Annual Report of the 2nd Hastings Company presented to the Hastings Baptist Church for year ended 31st August 1993.
Membership numbers on a Monday evening have been encouraging – 34 girls with an average attendance of 28. Junior numbers were lower on account of quite a number being promoted to seniors at the beginning of the session. Five commissioned Officers and two full time helpers. Carol Narborough and Jane Wilson are on Leave of Absence. Mrs Val Andrews has again come to our assistance for music for devotions. A great number of others have come to our assistance when requested.
A happy and interesting craft afternoon was held on Saturday, 14th November. Our Pioneers held a cake stall during November to raise funds towards the Centennial Girls’ Brigade Camp to be held during March 1993. Another was held in March prior to the camp. Our thanks to all the church ladies who contributed to this effort. 24 girls were assisted by paying $10 each towards their camp fee. The camp was arranged and held by the H.B. area to celebrate 100 years since Girls’ Brigade was first commenced in Ireland.
We commenced the 1993 session with both junior and senior birthday parties. Our cakes were in the form of 100 (banana cakes made by the Officers). party games. balloons, decorations and prizes – girls learned some of the history of the beginnings of our movement.
Juniors had a fun and swim morning at Callisters, but the weather cancelled out the seniors swim evening. We cooked our sausages and had them in the hall after an evening of fun and fellowship. We had a visit from Mrs Irene Stretton, National Field Officer. and Mrs Jill Lane. Area Commissioner. We also had a visit from 3rd Hastings Company (St Andrews’ Island Company). At a later date we are to return the visit.
Our juniors have had two special mornings – end of the first term they had a mothers’ morning. and during July they had a grandparents’ morning – they entertained 22 adults and served them with morning tea and all had a happy time.
Our subjects this year have been – God’s family. indoor gardening. home nursing, my friend the Handicapped, square dancing. silver paper pictures, canework, puff painting, woodwork, cross stitch, toymaking. Our sincere thanks to all who gave of their time and talents to teach our girls to achieve such a high standard of work.
Our goal this year for our chocolate almond sales was to purchase a video player for use by the Company. This was purchased in time for our Chaplain, Pastor Peter Eaton, to come and dedicate it for God’s work, and to give them a talk about how these wonderful inventions can be used for good or for bad.
1994
GIRLS’ BRIGADE
49th Annual Report of the 2nd Hastings Girls’ Brigade Company presented to the Hastings Baptist Church for the year ended 31st August 1994.
Hawke’s Bay dinner for Pioneers and Leaders was held at our hall on 4th November – the evening had an International theme. A craft afternoon was held 6th November when our girls were taught crafts suitable for Christmas gifts.
Company break-up and presentation of awards was held Sunday afternoon, 5th December. This was well attended and a pleasing display of work done was shown. We concluded with afternoon tea. We commenced 1994 session with 5 commissioned officers and 2 full-time helpers. We welcome our new chaplain, Pastor Colin and Mrs Julie Crocker to our company and hope to see more of them as they settle into their work in Hastings. It was good to welcome Carol Narborough back part-time. Part way through the year, Mrs Lynette McEwen requested maternity leave. Our grateful thanks to Mrs Val Andrews for her musical support throughout this year.
Our numbers are much the same in the Senior and Pioneer sections – we would very much like to see more girls join the Junior Section 5-8 years which meets on Saturday mornings 9:30-11 am.
Our programme this year has been fairly routine – interesting sessions conducted for various badge subjects for all age groups. Our big effort was in learning two songs for the HB Area Four-Square Shield competition. Our sincere thanks to Mrs Andrews and Mr Lewis Stewart for their tuition and encouragement. We were all delighted to report to the church that we gained first place and hold the shield until the next competition in 1996.
Chocolate Almond sales – this year we found, this a greater effort than before – probably due to the number of other organisations who are selling sweets from door-to-door. However, we will quit them all even if it has taken longer than usual. Our aim this year is to subsidise girls for a company camp to be held at the end of September.
The Officers wish to thank all those who have helped in many ways both in the church and in the community. We believe Girls’ Brigade has a great deal to offer to girls of all ages giving them opportunities to discover their potential and to develop their abilities and above all to find out about themselves, about God, and about other people and the world in which they are an important identity. We endeavour To Seek, Serve and Follow Christ.
M. Mildenhall, Captain
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SENIORS RECEIVED SELF-DEFENCE CLASSES, TAKEN BY A POLICEMAN FRIEND.
WE BELIEVE GIRLS’ BRIGADE HAS A GREAT DEAL TO OFFER TO GIRLS OF ALL AGES, GIVING THEM OPPORTUNITIES TO DISCOVER THEIR POTENTIAL AND TO DEVELOP THEIR ABILITIES AND ABOVE ALL, TO FIND OUT ABOUT THEMSELVES, ABOUT GOD AND ABOUT PEOPLE AND THE WORLD IN WHICH THEY ARE AN IMPORTANT IDENTITY.
M. MILDENHALL,
CAPTAIN.
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE NZ (INC)
50TH BIRTHDAY REUNION – 2ND HASTINGS COMPANY.
SATURDAY 27TH MAY 1995.
EVENING PROGRAMME.
GREETINGS AND APOLOGIES
GRACE
MEAL – FIRST COURSE
CHOIR – SWEET ADELINES
PUPPETS
ROLL CALL
DESSERT – SECOND COURSE
DUET – V GILLIES & M MORGAN
POEM – B GRAHAM
CUTTING OF BIRTHDAY CAKE
TEA OR COFFEE – CAKE
“Seek, Serve and Follow Christ”
GIRLS’ BRIGADE.
50th Annual Report of the 2nd Hastings Girls’ Brigade Company presented to the Hastings Baptist Church for the year ended 31st August 1995.
H.B. area church parade was held at St Andrews Church, Hastings during September – theme was “Year of the Family” our offering being sent to Save The Children Fund Rawanda [Rwanda]. The highlight for the girls was the afternoon tea supplied by the parents of 3rd Hastings Cook Island Company.
A company camp was held 30th September at Stoney Creek Ranch – a popular venue for both girls and officers. ‘ A good number were able to attend – we were able to subsidise the costs for parents.
An introduction to Pioneers for seniors to be promoted was held late November for H.B. area girls – A morning session at Taradale finishing with lunch at Georgie Pie, Napier.
End of year breakup was held 4th December with presentation of awards earned – a display of work done and concluded with afternoon tea.
Once again we began our new session with a swim and fun evening at Mr & Mrs Calisters [Callisters], their hospitality is very much appreciated by both Senior and Junior groups.
The special highlight of 1995 was the 50th Birthday & Reunion held 27th and 28th May. Over 50 years hundreds of girls have been part of our company membership but many have moved away and of course changed their names making it very difficult to make contact. However, a pleasing number showed interest and we catered for 78 at our dinner. There were nine of the original foundation members present. An informal afternoon gathering – many photographs displayed generated many “do you remembers” and many a laugh. Group photographs were taken by Ashley Clapperton and were made available the same evening for purchase.
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We received greetings from former chaplains – Mrs Rogers sent a note on behalf of Rev Derek Rogers and herself, and Rev Ken McCormack, Rev Peter Prtichard [Pritchard] and Rev Peter Eaton also sent their congratulations and best wishes. To our delight Rev Geof Macann and Mrs Glen Macann attended the celebration and gave their greetings in person. We also received greetings from Mr Jeremy Dwyer, Mayor of Hastings and others who couldn’t attend. Our special church parade on the Sunday morning was well attended by both girls and former members.
Chocolate Almond Sales – Our grateful thanks to all those who have supported us by buying a packet or two to help us raise funds.
Both our Senior and Junior Sections have progresses well this year. our total membership averaging 40. It has been an encouragement for our officers to note that more church families are showing interest in our activities a number of Baptist girls have joined our ranks during this year.
REBECCA DAWN CATLEY – It is with sadness we record the death of one of our Pioneers on 27th August 1995. Rebecca received serious head injuries in a motor accident when travelling to school on 13th July. Rebecca was 13 years old.
The officers join me in thanking all those who have contributed to our programmes this year. Our special thanks to our friend Mrs Val Andrews who supplies our music for Monday nights devotions. Our girls enjoy their singing with Val.
My personal thanks to all our officers who give of their time week-by-week, the Junior leaders who have been without Dorothy Almond for a great part of the year. Lynette McEwen, Debbie Fulford, Jan Donaldson, Mae Moir Carol Narborough and also Jane Wilson who stood in for Dorothy with the Pioneers.
The aim of the Girls’ Brigade is to help girls discover the beauty of life and the boundless opportunities it has to offer. We endeavour to develop the social, physical, educational and spiritual growth of the girls so they are able to play a vital role in our society. Based on Christian principles the well- planned programme covers a wide variety of activities both indoor and outdoor.
M. Mildenhall, Captain.
51st ANNUAL REPORT
of the 2nd Hastings Girls’ Brigade Company
presented to the Hastings Baptist Church for the year ended 31st. August 1996.
The Hawkes Bay Area Church Parade was held at Taradale early in September 1995. we would have wished for a larger number to attend.
Four Square Shield Competition – October 1995 – this year was a netball competition – our girls played very well but not good enough to retain the shield – 3rd. Hastings were the winners.
Girls’ Brigade N.Z. agreed that all companies should assist with Deafness Awareness Week by selling chocolate fish etc. Our girls did very well, selling our allocation for the appeal.
Parades for 1996 commenced a little earlier than usual due to the school year now having four terms instead of three. Once again, we began our new session with a swim and fun evening at Mr. & Mrs. Callister’s home. Their hospitality is very much appreciated by both senior and junior groups.
We joined with 3rd, Hastings (St Andrew’s company) to learn all about outdoor camping – three sessions trained our girls for an area outdoor camp held at Omatua Rissington, held 22nd. -24th March – 17 girls attended with two officers This was a most successful weekend but we must be honest and admit not everyone found that this was the favourite way to spend a weekend.
It is with much sadness we record the death of Dorothy Almond on 6th. May 1996 at Palmerston North Hospital. Dorothy was Junior Leader and also worked with the Senior and Pioneer section of our company. She had been a Commissioned Officer in Girls’ Brigade for 26 years all in our company. Dorothy had valiantly battled cancer for 14 years with periods of remission. She never gave up any of her interests during these years. She loved working with her juniors the best of all. She is missed by us all but her ideas and influence lives on.
1996 Area Church Parade was held at our Church on Sunday afternoon 23rd. June at 4 o’clock, followed by a pot-luck tea.
Chocolate almond sales – it gets harder each year to keep up this project – our way of supporting ourselves. Our grateful thanks to parents and those who have supported us in buying a packet or two. This year we also have 1997 calendars for sale.
Our Senior and Junior sections have progressed well this year – our total membership is a little lighter, being 35 girls. Mrs. Lynette McEwen has taken over the leadership of our Junior section. Lynette and her assistants Janet Donaldson and Debbie Fulford are running an exciting programme for girls 5 – 8 years. They are at present running a recruiting programme for more girls.
The officers join with me in thanking all those who have helped us this year especially Mrs. Val Andrews for her music contribution.
The 1996 Four Square Shield Competition was held in August, this year based on our spiritual programme – Bible knowledge quizz. One of our teams won the highest marks and brought the shield back to our company again.
We have a well balanced programme aimed at developing the social, physical, educational and spiritual growth of our girls so they are able to play a vital role in our society.
This report is concluded with the reminder of our Girls’ Brigade motto “TO SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST”
M. Mildenhall
Captain
52ND ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE 2ND HASTINGS GIRLS’ BRIGADE COMPANY
PRESENTED TO THE HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 1997.
1996 YEAR CONCLUDED WITH A POT-LUCK TEA AND BARBEQUE TOGETHER WITH PRESENTATION OF BADGES EARNED DURING THE YEAR.
1997 YEAR COMMENCED EARLY IN FEBRUARY, OUR SECOND YEAR WITH FOUR TERMS TO COMPLY WITH THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS. THIS IS NOT PROVING AS DIFFICULT AS WAS ANTICIPATED.
WE WELCOMED BACK MRS JANE WILSON WHO IS NOW RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR PIONEER PROGRAMME (GIRLS 13YEARS AND OVER). JANE IS DOING AN EXCELLENT JOB WITH OUR FIVE GIRLS AND HAS A GOOD COMMUNICATION WITH THEIR PARENTS. THEY HAVE HAD AN EXCITING PROGRAMME WHICH HAS INCLUDED TWO SLEEP-OVERS AT JANE AND HER HUSBAND BRUCE’S HOME: AT THE TIME OF THIS REPORT WE HAVE 20 SENIORS AND 16 JUNIORS- 3 LADIES TAKING JUNIORS AND 4 ON MONDAY EVENINGS, PLUS OUR MANY FRIENDS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO OUR PROGRAMMES DURING THE YEAR.
H.B. AREA CHURCH PARADE WAS HELD DURING JUNE IN NAPIER WHEN OUR
OUR CHAPLAIN REV MARGARET MOTION CONDUCTED AN INTERESTING SERVICE FOR THE FIVE COMPANIES IN OUR AREA.
JUNE WAS CHOCOLATE ALMOND SELLING TIME AGAIN – MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO SUPPORTED OUR GIRLS ACHIEVE OUR SALES THIS YEAR.
DURING JUNE 3RD HASTINGS COMPANY JOINED UP FOR THE VISIT OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSIONER MRS VALMAI REDHEAD – THIS WAS A SPECIAL TREAT – WE DON’T OFTEN MEET SPECIAL PEOPLE ON ACCOUNT OF THE EXPENSES INVOLVED IN RECEIVING A VISIT. MRS REDHEAD LIVES IN DUNEDIN WHICH COULDNT BE MUCH FURTHER AWAY FROM H.B.
THE OFFICERS JOIN WITH ME IN THANKING ALL THOSE WHO HAVE HELPED US DURING THIS YEAR. MISSIONARY SPEAKERS (6) HOME NURSING TUITION (7) MRS VAL ANDREWS WHO ATTENDS OUR DEVOTIONS AND SUPPLIES US WITH MUSIC. MR COLIN BARKER AND HIS ASSISTANT FOR SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING AND OTHERS WHO HAVE ASSISTED US WITH TRANSPORT. MR BRIAN BISLEY WHO NOW AUDITS OUR ACCOUNTS A BIG THANKYOU.
MY OFFICERS AND I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR PRAYERS TO KEEP US KEEN AND ENTHUSIASTIC PATIENT AND FRIENDLY AND AT ALL TIMES A TRUE EXAMPLE TO OUR GIRLS OF CHRISTIAN WOMANHOOD.
WITH GOD’S HELP WE SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST.
M. MILDENHALL,
CAPTAIN.
53RD ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE 2ND HASTINGS GIRLS’ BRIGADE COMPANY
PRESENTED TO THE HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH FOR YEAR ENDED 31sT AUGUST 1998.
FOUR SQUARE SHIELD COMPETITION WAS HELD AT TARADALE ON SATURDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 1997 – THIS IS HELD BETWEEN THE SENIOR SECTIONS OF THE SIX COMPANIES IN OUR AREA. WE FEILDED TWO TEAMS – THIS YEAR WAS PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES. OUR GIRLS PERFORMED WELL BUT NOT WELL ENOUGH TO WIN THE SHIELD.
LATE IN SEPTEMBER WE HAD A VISIT FROM MRS HEATHER MILLAIS FROM NEPAL. HEATHER ALWAYS ENJOYS AN EVENING WITH OUR GIRLS, WHO MADE A PRESENTATION OF A CHEQUE TO HER AND HER HUSBAND.
OUR 1997 BREAKUP WAS WELL ATTENDED BY BOTH PARENTS AND FRIENDS WHO JOINED US FOR A POT-LUCK TEA AND PRESENTATION OF AWARDS.
1998 COMMENCED IN HOT SUMMER WEATHER – WE WERE GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO USE THE SWIMMING POOL AT MR & MRS CALLISTER’ FOR BOTH OUR SENIOR AND JUNIOR SECTIONS.
ANOTHER MISSIONARY EVENING WAS HELD WHEN ROSS & CINDY MEYER VISITED OUR COMPANY.
OUR SPIRITUAL SUBJECTS THIS YEAR WERE “CREATION” FOR OUR JUNIOR SECTION (AGES 5 – 8 YEARS) AND “THE TEN COMMANDMENTS” FOR SENIORS AND PIONEERS (9 YEARS AND UPWARDS).
EVERYONE HAS BEEN BUSY WORKING AT THEIR BADGE WORK – INDOOR GARDENING, HOME NURSING, MY FRIEND THE HANDICAP. A SPECIAL TREAT WAS A SIX WEEK COURSE OF ROCK N ROLL, TAKEN BY TUTOR FROM THE H.B. CLUB.
CRAFTS ARE ALWAYS POPULAR WITH MOST GIRLS AND WE HAVE BEEN VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE WILLING HELPERS TO TEACH AND INSTRUCT.
OUR JUNIOR SECTION HAD A SPECIAL DAY WITH OTHER GROUPS AT FANTASYLAND. OUR PIONEER SECTION (13 YEARS UPWARDS) HAD A SLEEP-IN EARLY IN THE YEAR AND AT THE END OF AUGUST SPENT AN ENJOYABLE WEEK-END AT TAUPO WITH THEIR LEADER MRS JANE WILSON AND HER HUSBAND BRUCE. MID-YEAR THEY HAD SEVERAL NIGHTS INSTRUCTION ON SELF-DEFENCE.
OUR NUMBERS AT THE TIME OF THIS REPORT ARE – 17 JUNIORS, 20 SENIORS, 5 PIONEERS. 5 OFFICERS AND 1 ADULT HELPER.
MY OFFICERS JOIN ME IN THANKING ALL THOSE WHO HAVE HELPED US IN MANY WAYS -SPECIAL MENTION FOR VAL ANDREWS AND MARGARET MARTIN.
WE BELIEVE GIRLS’ BRIGADE HAS A GREAT DEAL TO OFFER TO GIRLS OF ALL AGES, GIVING THEM OPPORTUNITIES TO DISCOVER THEIR POTENTIAL AND TO DEVELOP THEIR ABILITIES ABOVE ALL, TO FIND OUR ABOUT THEMSELVES, ABOUT GOD AND ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE AND THE WORLD IN WHICH THEY ARE AN IMPORTANT IDENTITY.
OUR GIRLS BRIGADE MOTTO IS TO “SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST”
54TH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 2ND HASTINGS GIRLS’ BRIGADE COMPANY PRESENTED TO THE HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 1999.
THE LAST TERM IN 1998 WAS A BUSY ONE – SUBJECTS COVERED WERE COMMUNICATION, EARTHCARE, TRAVELLERS COOKING AND PHOTOGRAPHY. OUR THANKS TO ALL WHO ASSISTED WITH THESE SUBJECTS.
IT HAS BEEN A JOY TO PARADE AT CHURCH FAMILY SERVICES – PASTOR GORDON GAVE US WELCOME SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT. OUR GIRLS HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE SERVICES.
OUR YEAR CONCLUDED WITH A POT-LUCK TEA FOLLOWED BY PRESENTATION OF AWARDS AND ITEMS FROM EACH SECTION OF OUR COMPANY.
IT WAS A BLOW TO RECEIVE JANE WILSON’S RESIGINATION [RESIGNATION] AT THE BEGINNING OF 1999 DUE TO FAMILY COMMITMENT, WORK AND HAVING MOVED TO MARAEKAKAHO TO LIVE. WE APPRECIATE THE TIME AND EFFORT SHE GAVE TO OUR PIONEER GIRLS. JANE ALWAYS WENT THE EXTRA MILE.
MID-YEAR MAE MOIR COMPLETED 30 YEARS SERVICE IN GIRLS’ BRIGADE – THE FIRST 10 YEARS CAPTAIN OF 1ST HASTINGS THE 20 YEARS WORKING AS PART OF OUR TEAM. THE LAST 10 YEARS TRAVELLING FROM TARADALE EVERY MONDAY NIGHT. MAE HAS OFFICIALLY RESIGNED AS AN OFFICER, IT IS HOPED SHE MAY BE ABLE TO ASSIST US ON A CASUAL BASIS IN THE SUMMER MONTHS WHEN THE EVENINGS ARE LIGHTER.
WE HAD NO MISSIONARY SPEAKERS THIS YEAR SO SENT OUR MISSIONS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BMS FOR GIRLS IN BANGLADESH.
WE ONCE AGAIN ENJOYED MR & MRS CALLISER’S [CALLISTER’S] HOSPITALITY AND THE USE OF THEIR SWIMMING POOL TO COMMENCE OUR NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES BOTH JUNIORS AND SENIORS HAD A GREAT TIME ONE MONDAY EVENING AND SATURDAY MORNING.
BOTH JUNIOR AND SENIORS TOOK “THE PARABLES OF JESUS” FOR SPIRITUAL – INDOOR GARDENING AND CARE OF PETS FOR SERVICE – CREATIVE MARCHING FOR PHYSICAL AND VARIOUS CRAFTS WHICH ARE ALWAYS POPULAR WITH ALL GIRLS.
OUR JUNIOR SECTION HAVE HAD AN EXCITING AND STIMULATING PROGRAMME UNDER THE CAPABLE LEADERSHIP OF LYNETTE MCEWEN. THEY ATTENDED A DISTRICT DAY EARLIER IN THE YEAR WHEN THEY MADE “FRED FLINT- STONE CARS – CARTONS, GLUE, PAINT ETC, AS MUCH ON GIRLS AS THEIR CREATIONS. MUCH FUN WAS HAD BY ALL WHO ATTENDED. TO EVERYONES RELIEF WE DECIDED NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN SELLING CHOCOLATE ALMONDS FOR OUR FUN-RAISING EFFORT INSTEAD WITH THE HELP OF CHURCH FRIENDS AND PARENTS UNDER THE GUIDANDE [GUIDANCE] OF OUR GOOD FRIEND BETTY GRAHAM WE HELD A CAKE STALL AND GARAGE SALE
55TH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 2ND HASTINGS GIRLS’ BRIGADE COMPANY PRESENTED TO THE HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2000.
THE LAST TERM IN 1999 WAS AS USUAL A BUSY ONE DUE TO A SHORTER NUMBER OF WEEKS ENDING ON 6TH DECEMBER WITH OUR COMPANY BREAKUP AND PRESENTATION OF AWARDS. THIS WAS WELL ATTENDED BY PARENTS AND FRIENDS.
COMMENCEMENT OF ACTIVITIES FOR 2000 WERE VERY ENCOURAGING FOR THE JUNIOR SECTION A NUMBER OF NEW MEMBERS RESULTED FROM A RECRUITMENT INVITATION GIVEN OUT AT PRIMARY SCHOOLS. OUR JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP IS 17. NUMBERS IN THE SENIOR SECTION WERE DISAPPOINTING THIS APPEARED TO BE DUE TO SCHOOL HOME-WORK AND OTHER INTERESTS. BOTH SECTIONS ONCE AGAIN ENJOYED A SWIMMING SESSION AT CALLISTER’S POOL.
EARLY IN MARCH WE WERE DELIGHTED TO WELCOME MISS TOLI SAGAGA AS A HELPER IN OUR SENIOR SECTION. THIS WE BELIEVE WAS AN ANSWER TO PRAYER. TOLI IS A YOUNG SOLICITOR AND HAS COME TO HASTINGS TO LIVE AND WORK – SHE IS NOT AN OFFICER BUT HAD HELPED IN HER HOME TOWN COMPANY AND OFFERED HER SERVICES TO OUR COMPANY.
AT THE END OF MARCH AN EXCITING DAY WAS ARRANGED BY THE H.B. AREA CALLED A “POOH BEAR PARTY”. THE MORNING WAS SPENT IN COMPETITION BASED ON THE THEME AND ANIMALS FROM A.A. MILNE’S STORIES OF POOH BEAR AND FRIENDS. AFTER LUNCH WE ALL GATHERED TOGETHER FOR OUR ANNUAL CHURCH PARADE – THIS PROVED TO BE A GREAT SUCCESS.
OUR GRATEFUL THANKS TO ALL THOSE FRIENDS WHO AGAIN ASSISTED AND RAN THE GARAGE SALE AND CAKE STALL TO HELP US RAISE FUNDS – PROCEEDS THIS YEAR WERE $570. THIS MEANT GIRLS DIDN’T HAVE TO SELL CHOCOLATE PEANUTS AS ORGANISED BY GIRLS’ BRIGADE N.Z.
OUR JUNIORS HELD A MOTHERS MORNING TEA IN MAY WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY THE AREA COMMISSION GALE [COMMISSIONER GAIL] WARD AND PASTOR PAUL.
EARLIER THIS YEAR WE HAVE REDUCED OUR MONDAY PARADES FROM TWO HOURS TO 1 1/2. TO BRING US IN LINE WITH OTHER G.B. COMPANIES.
– 2 –
DURING JUNE. THIS WAS A GREAT SUCCESS RAISING $825.
THE AIM OF THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE IS TO HELP GIRLS DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF LIFE AND THE BOUNDLESS OPPORTUNITIES IT HAS TO OFFER. WE ENDEAVOUR TO DEVELOP THE SOCIAL, PHYSICAL, EDUCATIONAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF OUR GIRLS SO THEY ARE ABLE TO PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN OUR SOCIETY. BASED ON CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES THE WELL-PLANNED PROGRAMME COVERS A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES BOTH INDOOR AND OUTDOOR. REMEMBERING OUR MOTTO “TO SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST”
M. MILDENHALL, CAPTAIN.
Melva
56TH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 2ND HASTINGS GIRLS’ BRIGADE COMPANY PRESENTED TO THE HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2001.
DURING SEPTEMBER WE HAD A VISIT FROM REV JAMES ROXBURGH, A FORMER PUPIL OF MISS MAVIS MARDON WHO TOLD US OF HIS WORK IN INDIA.
EARLY IN OCTOBER A DELIGHTFUL LUNCHEON WAS HELD IN THE CHURCH HALL BY OUR THREE PIONEERS. PARENTS AND OFFICERS BEING THEIR GUESTS.
PLANS FOR TERM FOUR WERE DISRUPTED WITH THE ABSENCE OF MYSELF DUE TO HEALTH REASONS. MY THANKS ARE DUE TO TEE TEAM OF OFFICERS WHO RALLIED ROUND AND KEPT INTERESTING ACTIVITIES ARRANGED FOR THE SENIOR SECTION. PRESENTATION OF AWARDS AND COMPANY BREAKUP TOOK PLACE ON 4TH DECEMBER AND WAS WELL ATTENDED BY PARENTS AND FRIENDS.
A RECRUITMENT LEAFLET WAS PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED TO A NUMBER OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN OUR AREA AND RESULTED IN A PLEASING NUMBER OF GIRLS JOINING BOTH JUNIOR AND SENIOR SECTIONS. JUNIOR ROLL AT 18 WHILE SENIOR AND PIONEER NUMBERS HAVE BEEN LIGHT AT 13 BUT VERY KEEN.
A SPECIAL INVITATION TO COMMENCE 2001 WAS ISSUED TO THE GIRLS “LETS GO BANANAS” GIRLS TO WEAR SOMETHING YELLOW AND BRING A BANANA EACH. FOR SUPPER WE MADE THE LONGEST BANANA SPLIT BANANAS, ICECREAM, CREAM, CHOC CHIPS ETC ALL LAID IN A LENGTH OF PLASTIC GUTTERING. THIS WAS A GREAT SUCCESS.
AFTER MANY YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE AS PIANIST, MRS VAL ANDREWS RESIGNED. OUR GRATEFUL THANKS TO VAL FOR HER FRIENDSHIP AND INTEREST.
OUR JUNIORS HELD A MORNING TEA FOR THEIR MOTHERS. OUR JUNIOR LEADER HAD TAKEN EACH GIRLS PHOTOGRAPH FOR WHICH THE GIRLS MADE FRAMES AND PRESENTED THEIR GIFT TO THEIR MOTHERS.
SATURDAY 9TH JUNE “TEDDY’S CHRISTMAS” – H.B. AREA ANNUAL GATHERING HELD THIS YEAR AT DANNEVIRKE. THIS INVOLVED THE EXPENSE OF HIRING A BUS AND DRIVER. WE SHARED WITH NAPIER THUS HALVING THE COST TO EACH COMPANY.
EVERYONE HAD A GREAT DAY. OUR ANNUAL CHURCH PARADE SERVICE IN THE MORNING, GAMES AND CRAFT SESSIONS, THE HIGHLIGHT BEING A VISIT TO THE CHRISTMAS SANTA CAVE, CREATED AND OPERATED BY RETIRED PEOPLE OF DANNEVIRKE. OPEN TO GROUPS BY ARRANGEMENT DURING THE YEAR BUT OPEN EVERY DAY THREE WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
AT THE END OF JUNE THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE NATIONAL CONFERENCE WAS HELD IN NAPIER. PASTOR PAUL DAVISON ATTENDED THE OFFICIAL OPENING ALONG WITH THREE OF OUR OFFICERS. OUR COMPANY WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SATURDAY AFTERNOON TEA FOR 130 MEMBERS.
OUR GIRLS FROM JUNIORS, SENIORS THROUGH TO PIONEERS HAVE HAD SOME VERY INTERESTING AND EXCITING SUBJECTS AND PROGRAMES ARRANGED FOR THEM. THANKS ARE DUE TO OUR JUNIOR LEADER LYNETTE MCEWEN AND HER TEAM, JAN DONALDSON AND DEBBIE FULFORD ALSO OUR MONDAY TEAM JAN DONALDSON AND TOLI SAGAGA.
SO WE CONTINUE IN THIS WORK TO WHICH WE HAVE BEEN CALLED AND IT IS WITH GOD’S HELP WE “SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW HIM”.
M. MILDENHALL, CAPTAIN.
57TH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 2ND HASTINGS GIRLS’ BRIGADE COMPANY PRESENTED TO THE HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST AUGUST 2002.
VISIT OF THE NATIONAL COMMISSIONER DURING OCTOBER WAS A HIGH- LIGHT FOR OUR GIRLS. JENNIFER BOX SPOKE OF OUR MOVEMENT THROUGHOUT N.Z. GIVING OUR GIRLS A WIDER UNDERSTANDING OF GIRLS’ BRIGADE.
DURING NOVEMBER SENIOR GIRLS AND 9 YEAR OLDS TO BE PROMOTED ATTENDED A SLEEPOVER AT THE CHURCH. GIRLS ENJOYED VIDEOS, CRAFTS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES.
END OF NOVEMBER WE HELD OUR ANNUAL PRESENTATIONS WHICH WERE WELL ATTENDED BY PARENTS AND FRIENDS.
AFTER MUCH THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION IT WAS DECIDED THAT FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE 2002 GIRLS’ BRIGADE YEAR OUR JUNIOR SECTION (5 – 8 YEARS) WOULD NO LONGER MEET ON SATURDAY MORNINGS BUT COMBINE WITH THE SENIORS ON MONDAY EVENINGS 6.30 – 8 PM). THIS BROUGHT US INTO LINE WITH OTHER COMPANIES IN THE AREA AND ALSO GAVE GIRLS WHO WISHED TO JOIN THE SATURDAY MORNING SPORTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO. WE HAVE A TOTAL OF 26 MEMBERS ACROSS ALL AGE GROUPS PLUS 6 LEADERS.
MAY 4TH WE HOSTED H,B. AREA PIRATE DAY. GIRLS ATTENDED FROM DANNEVIRKE, TARADALE, GREENMEADOWS AND NAPIER. IT WAS A GAY AND COLOURFUL GATHERING 130 GIRLS DRESSING-UP AND JOINING IN THE CRAFTS, COMPETITIONS AND GAMES ORGANISED.
WE WERE INVOLVED WITH SELLING CHOCOLATE PEANUTS THIS YEAR AS A FUN-RAISER. WE THANK ALL THOSE WHO HELPED US BY BUYING SOME.
CHURCH PARADE 12TH MAY – LYNETTE MCEWEN, JANET DONALDSON AND TOLI SAGAGA WERE PRESENTED WITH THEIR COMMISSIONS, WE ALSO WELCOMED AMY VAN DEN HOUT TO OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM.
THE WHOLE COMPANY HAS DEVOTIONS TOGETHER AS ONE GROUP, WE HAVE TRIED HAVING GAMES TOGETHER BUT FEEL THE DIFFERENCES IN AGES A DRAWBACK AT PRESENT. SEPARATE BADGE CLASSES ARE AS BEFORE. BOTH GROUPS HAVE SETTLED DOWN VERY WELL.
THE OFFICERS AND GIRLS WISH TO THANK ALL THOSE FRIENDS WHO HAVE ASSISTED OUR COMPANY IN ANY WAY. A NUMBER HAVE BEEN APPROACHED TO SPEAK TO OUR JUNIORS ON THEIR WORK – “THE KINGS HELPERS” – CHRISTIANS IN THE WORKPLACE. TAILOR, TEACHER, SCIENTIST, POLICEMAN, ARTIST, PASTOR.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OUR OFFICERS WHO PLAN, PREPARE AND GIVE OF THEIR TIME AND ENERGIES WEEK BY WEEK.
2
GARAGE SALE – JUNE 22ND. OUR SINCERE THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED EITHER WITH GOODS OR WITH PRACTICAL HELP BEFORE AND DURING THE MORNING. THIS RESULTED IN RAISING $570.
THIS YEAR THE WHOLE COMPANY HAVE BEEN FOCUSING ON “REACHING OUT TO OTHERS” MAKING POSIES AND BUTTONHOLES, BISCUITS, CARDS, NEEDLECASES AND BAKING ETC – OUR AIM TO GIVE OUR EFFORTS AWAY TO OTHERS. JUNIORS MADE SPECIAL FATHERS DAY CARDS WHILE SENIORS MADE EASTER CRAFTS AND MOTHERS GIFTS.
IT WAS A THRILL TO BE INFORMED THAT ONE OF OUR SENIOR GIRLS HANNAH FAMILTON HAD WON HER SECTION OF A POSTER COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE PACIFIC FELLOWSHIP. THIS INVOLVED TEN PACIFIC COUNTRIES. OUR GRATEFUL THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE ASSISTED IN ANY WAY. SPECIAL MENTION FOR MR BRIAN BISLEY WHO AUDITS OUR ACCOUNTS AMD MR HENK BOEKESTYN FOR MAKING OUR NOTICE BOARD.
ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND OUR GIRLS THANKS ARE DUE TO OUR OFFICERS FOR THEIR DEVOTION AND LOYALTY AT ALL TIMES. WE CONTINUE TO FOLLOW OUR MOTTO TO “SEEK, SERVE AND FOLLOW CHRIST”.
M. MILDENHALL, CAPTAIN.
This Is Your Life Programme
Saturday 9th November 2002
All guests to be seated in Church prior to 4:15pm
Melva arrives (taken to lounge via kitchen door)
Juniors, Seniors and leaders in Lounge
Melva welcomed and all is revealed!!
Girls to unfurl a “This Is Your Life” Banner
(this is cue for bi-folding doors to be opened) 5-10 min
Melva seated etc and presented with floral spray Lynnette McEwen present spray
Juniors and Seniors to be seated in front rows.
Mr Lewis Stewart – Welcome and Introduction 2 min
Dorreen Stewart, Lorna Cowan, Mary Kilgour Colour Party to enter from rear of Church
Melva to receive Colours
Doreen to speak. 1-2 min
Mrs Beulah Mount Speaker – How it all began. 1-2 min
**Surprise Guest – Mrs Anne Burden Share story & card 1-2 min
(Attended Diamond Jubilee Celebration 1962 in England)
Miss Betty Graham Share story and poem 1-2 min
**Surprise Guests – Joy and Ernest Peden Share story etc. 1-2 min
Mrs Jean Taylor Share Parap. Proverbs 31:10 1-2 min
**Surprise Guest – Ruth Sweatman Share story etc 1-2 min
Audio – Mrs Mae Moir Greeting 1 min
Mrs Lynnette Clouston (nee Edlin) Share Poem 1-2 min
(Former Officer of 2nd Hastings)
Video 3 generations of family 2 min
Mr Tony Page (wife Ann Page a cadet) Solo 2 min
Mr Henk Boekestein [Boekesteyn] Share story 1-2 min
Mrs Natalie McLagan (nee Mildenhall) Rep Family – share story etc 1-2 min
Mr Keith Stinson Rep – HB Herald Tribune 1-2 min
Mr Neil Donaldson Rep – Church 1-2 min
Present Brigaders and Leaders of Company and HB Area come to stage.
GB HB Area Commissioner – Gail Ward National Presentation & Letter 1-2min
Miss Anne Silson Area Presentation & Share story 1-2min
Official Letters to be read by Seniors Govt General – Dame Silvia Cartwright
Min of Women’s Affairs – Hon Ruth Dyson
Mayor – Mr Lawrence Yule
MP – Rick Barker 2-3 min
2nd Hastings Juniors & Seniors Poem – When We Grow Up 1-2 min
2nd Hastings Leaders Poem, lighting candles & cutting of cake.
Jan Donaldson, Debbie Fulford, Lynnette McEwen, Toli Sagaga, Amy Vandenhout [Van den Hout]. 1-2 min
Present Brigaders and Leaders of Company and HB Area leave stage
Miss Mavis Mardon Share Poem 1-2 min
Thanks you’s Mention there is a card for everyone to sign.
Followed by meal.
Original digital file
MildenhallMJ1177_ThisIsYourLife.pdf
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Description
Abbreviations:
AGM – Annual General Meeting
BB – Boys’ Brigade
BIC – Brigade International Council
Capt – Captain
Coy – Company
GB – Girls’ Brigade
GLB – Girls’ Life Brigade
GLBNZ – Girls’ Life Brigade of New Zealand
HB – Hawke’s Bay
HBPB – Hawke’s Bay – Poverty Bay
HHS – Hastings High School
HN – Havelock North
HQ – Headquarters
L/Cpl – Lance-corporal
Lt – Lieutenant
NCO – Non-commissioned officer
QSM – Queen’s Service Medal
Rev – Reverend
SPCA – Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
UK – United Kingdom
W/O – Warrant Officer
YMCA – Young Men’s Christian Association
Names – Miss Dorothy Almond, Gail Andrews, Val Andrews, Mrs Rene Ashby, Miss K Baker, Margaret Ball, Miss J Baptiste, Colin Barker, Gwen Barker, Rick Barker, Rosalie Barker, Lois & Evan Baxter, Heather Beatson, Marion Beattie, Valda Beattie, Miss Dorothy Beavan, Yvonne Bee, Dawn Bewley, Marjorie Bewley, Alan & Pam Bird, Brian Bisley, Effie Boekestyn, Henk Boekestyn, Miss Helen Boekestyn, Dr Lesley Bond, Mavis E Boult, Joanna Bound, Jennifer Box, Naomi Braithwaite, Mrs Anne Burden, Mr & Mrs E Burns, Sally Burns, Harry Callister, Norma Callister, Mrs Karen Carding, Brenda Carrington, Natalie Carrington, Paula Carrington, Ross Carrington, Stephanie Carrington, Reverend Geoff T Carter, Dame Silvia Cartwright, Rebecca Dawn Catley, Alison Channing, Miss C Chetwin, Mrs E Christopherson, Nancy Chu, Ashley Clapperton, Louise Clouston, Lynette Clouston, nee Edlin; Adrian Coleman, Colin Cottrell, Lorna Cowan, Ted Crawford, Colin Crocker, Mrs Julie Crocker, Miss J Croucher, Pauline Cudby, Mrs P Davies, Denise Dawson, Anne Dominey, Jan Donaldson, Julie Donaldson, Neil Donaldson, Robin Donovan, Shirley Donovan, nee Edlin; Brenda Drummond, Carol Duggan, Reverend Glen Duncan, Rose Dunn, Carol Dunnett, Mrs Helen Dunnett, Mayor Jeremy Dwyer, Ruth Dyson, Pastor Peter Eaton, Penny Eaton, Mrs Lillian Edlin, H Edridge, Karen Egertton, Hannah Familton, Mrs M Fear, Barbara Fergusson, Diane Fergusson, Anne Foley, Terry Fowler, Margaret Fowler, nee Baker; Debbie Fulford, Shirley Funnell, Carol Gammon, Miss GM Gebbie, Miss Gebby, Wendy Gerbes, Annette Gibson, Christine Gibson, Linda Gillies, Valda Gillies, nee Beattie, Miss Ruth Gordon, Helen Graham, Reverend JR Grave, Barbara Growden, Cynthia Growden, Janet Growden, Marjory Growden, Reverend Guss, Norma Hall, Ron Hall, Selina Hargreaves, Mrs & Mrs Ian Harris, Susan Harris, Alison Harvey, Reverend Roger Hey, Lesley Hillis, Mrs C Hollows, Alice Holman, Clint Holman, Edythe Holman, Jamee Holman, Paula Holman, Tracy Holman, Dave Hughes, Carol hHumphreys, Mary Humphreys, Mrs Beverley Humphries, Miss Heather Hunt, Miss Shirley Ingram, Betty Ireland, Sandra Ireland, Adele Jamieson, Carl Jamieson, Marjorie Jamieson, Suzanne Jamieson, Miss K Johns, Annette Johnson, Miss M Johnston, Eileen Joynt, Kathleen Kean, Mrs E Kemp, Pauline Kemp, Miss Vivian Kemp, Mr & Mrs Kenning, Mary Kilgour, nee Martin; Mrs Maureen Lambert, Debbie Lane, Mrs Jill Lane, Frances Lee, Dianne Little, Jennifer Little, Margaret Livingston, Janet Livington, Captain B Lord, Glen Macann, Reverend Geoff T Macann, Leonie MacDonald, D MacKay, Janice MacKay, Margaret Manuel, nee Grave; Mavis E Mardon, Mr Chris Mardon, Mrs Sandy Mardon, Sharon Marshall, Mrs Margaret Martin, Mrs Jessie McCormack, Reverend WJK (Ken) McCormack, Karen McEwan, Beverley McEwen, Joyce McEwen, Lynette McEwen, Jean McIntosh, nee Anderson; Miss E McKennie, Glenda McKenzie, Jillian McKenzie, Miss Ruth McKenzie, Mrs Kay McKenzie, Tracey McKenzie, Natalie McLagan, nee Mildenhall; Nelson McLean, Margaret McMillan, nee Brown; Ross & Cindy Meyer, Alison Mildenhall, Brian Mildenhall, Melva Mildenhall, Shirley Mildenhall, Gordon Mill, Mrs Heather Millais, Diana Mills, nee Boekestyn; Sister J Mitchell, B Mitcherson, Miss A Moffatt, Mae Moir, Hayley Morgan, Wendy Morgan, Margaret Morrison, Miss Margaret Motion, Kerry Moulder, Lynette Moulder, Mrs Beulah Mount, Janice Murray, Mrs Carole Narborough, Mrs O Nelson, Miss Marama Newton, Mrs M Newton, Mrs Anne Nicholson, Mr & Mrs Lionel Nunn, T Page, Anne Page, nee Morton; Marie Painter, Carol Palmer, Julie Parbhu, nee Donaldson; Coral Parks, nee Martin; Ernest Peden, Joy Peden, Miss D Peden, Lynne Perry, Mrs Ann Perry, Rosalie Petherick, nee North; Mrs & Mrs E Petherick, Reverend Peter & Mrs Pritchard, Miss HM Rae, Mrs Valmai Redhead, Julie Reynolds, Mrs Glenys Reynolds, Maree Richards, Lynette Robertson, Reverend DC Rogers, Mrs Nancy Roscoe, Miss Pam Rowlands, Reverend James Roxburgh, Miss Tili Sagaga, Melanie Salamonson, Dr L Samson, Carol Sawyer, Gloria Scanlon, nee Taylor; Miss J Schofield, Robyn Scott, Miss L Sell, Miss Jocelyn Shuker, Miss Anne Silson, M Simkin, Miss S Simkin, Rae Simpson, Reverend Tom Skinner, Mrs Jessie Smith, Rex Smith, Shirley Smith, Joanne Sparrow, Mr & Mrs LA Spurdle, Bert Stevens, Debbie Stewart, Lewis Stewart, Mr RL Stewart, Doreen Stewart, nee Schofield; Alma Stinson, Keith Stinson, Mrs Irene Stretton, Mrs Betty Sullivan, Melanie Sutherland, Joanne Sutton, Jim Sweatman, Mrs Ruth Sweatman, Mary Tait, Miss K Tate, Bob Taylor, Eileen Taylor, Marion Taylor, Reverend & Mrs Taylor, Jeanette Taylor, nee Harrison; Mrs Sandra Teal, Mrs Ann Thomas, Mrs Jill Thomas, Sue Thomas, Kathleen Thomas, nee Baker; Miss A Thompson, Reverend Bob Thomson, Mrs Barbara Tod, Cheryl Toki, Anita Tonkin, Amy Van den Hout, Faye Vitsky, Wendy Walker, Geoff Wallace, Mrs L Wallace, Gail Ward, Vanya Warren, Christine Webby, Mr Whittle, Carolyn Williams, Mrs A Wilms, Bruce Wilson, Mrs Jane Wilson, Reverend NR Wood, Mandy Woodcock, David Youngson, Lawrence Yule, Janice Zachan
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Business / Organisation
Girls' Brigade 2nd Hastings CompanyFormat of the original
FolderDate published
9 November 2002Accession number
1177/2160/45502Supporters and sponsors
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