That Was Then

I refer, of course, to The Past. 25 years of it in our case. And we couldn't let that quarter century of achievement go by without a bit of a do. So we did do. And now it's done. Truckloads of Arrow supporters turned up to Harlequin Theatre in December to celebrate with us and pay homage to the many dedicated personalities who have assisted Arrow's trajectory across Wairarapa skies. We bunged on a bit of a show for them and were quite surprised when it turned out to be over 90 minutes long. But there was so much to show! Acts ranged from the historical re-enactment of our founding moments, to the latest hi-tech telecommunications distance interface (Keith from NZ On Air called us on the phone). Sonia and Geoffrey Drake showcased cross-species presentation methods, heaps of Arrow programme-makers lurched onto the stage with inspired cameo performances, Cheryl held the whole event together with a virtuoso display of marathon compèring, and a spectacular Son-et-Lumière (two sparklers and a guitar) concluded the theatrical extravaganza. The evening wound down over a cuppa and a piece of exquisitely-decorated birthday cake. Planning is already underway for our 50th, with logistics experts investigating a 3 sparkler scenario!!


                       

This Extravaganza was partly funded from proceeds of our Garage Sale. While we didn't pull in enough to serve caviar and Moet, it certainly helped us to put on a decent spread. Thanks to Wayne at Masa Deli Kitchen for giving us a special discount rate on the catering.

And then it was Christmas. Many of our dedicated programme-makers continued right through the break, and others had the foresight to pre-record their programmes before going away, so few of our listeners suffered withdrawal symptoms over the break. Veronika worked right through (apart from the "statulary holidays') and I tore off up to Whakatane on the Jim Wilson Memorial Ashes Road Trip (scattering my Dad's ashes in defiance of local bylaws).

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