If you were part of the forestry industry in the Top of the South before 2005, there’s a catch-up just for you.
The Last Century Loggers gathering returns for its fourth reunion on Saturday, July 26 at 1pm, hosted at the Club Waimea Hall in Richmond. It’s a relaxed, informal get-together for old timers in the industry to reconnect over a cuppa or a cold one.
The concept was originally started by former log truck driver Doug Thornley and was mainly focused on the log transport side of the forestry industry. Events were held at the Nelson Suburban Club for two to three years, but interest waned, until around 2016 when the late Ross Dudley and his wife Carmen kick-started interest.
With help from a few others, the first renewed reunion at Brightwater Hall drew around 60 attendees. The next catch up included forestry workers, mechanics, roading crews, and mill staff. Since then, Last Century Loggers has steadily grown, attracting 130–140 people at the latest get together.
One of the event organisers Allan Frew, known as ‘Frewie’, says it’s been a team effort.
“Thanks to the sponsors who have supported us over the years – without them, we couldn’t hold the event.”
Originally, for those in forestry pre-2000, the cut-off has now been extended to 2005 to include a few ‘younger guys’.
Frewie says that all forestry folk are welcome — including log truck drivers, loggers, mechanics, forestry roading crews, and sawmillers.
“It’s just a good, informal, chance to catch up with faces you haven’t seen in years,” Frewie adds.
No guest speakers, no schedule — just good company and shared experiences and memories from life in the bush.
Interested? Give Frewie a call and he’ll fill you in on the details: 027 433 4073.
