An annual gathering of former West Coasters could be about to have its final hurrah.
Murray Wieblitz, who has helped organise the gathering of ex-West Coasters for more than a decade, has decided it’s time for him to simply attend for a catch-up, and cease the organisation part of it.
The gathering, held annually since 2006, excluding during Covid, offers a chance for anyone with a connection to the West Coast to come along, meet new people, and chat about the places they once called home.
This year, John Bougen returns as a guest speaker along with Westland district mayor Helen Lash.
“With it being my last year, we want to make it a good one,” Murray says. “I’ve come in and put my mark on it. Now it’s time for somebody else to put another mark and freshen it up and perhaps get the younger ones in.”
John, who is based in Reefton, has visited 243 counties and once travelled to 191 of them in only 150 days, going with just five pairs of underpants and socks, five shirts and the shoes he was wearing.
Murray, along with co-organiser Helen Bennett, hope someone else will put their hand up to continue helping Helen, saying it would be a shame for the event to cease.
“You see people you haven’t seen in years,” Helen remarks.
While the organisation each year doesn’t involve a huge time commitment, Helen, who attended school with Murray in Hokitika in the late 50s, says it’s too much to manage on her own, so unless someone else steps forward, next weekend could mark the end of catch-up that draws around 150.
Murray would like this year to honour the passing of ‘Mr West Coast’ – former Westland Mayor, Bruce Smith.
“He’s been a big loss, what he did for the Coast and promotions was just great,” Murray says.
An afternoon tea is included in the $10 price of the ticket, although Helen says guests do need to RSVP prior so they can finalise the catering numbers.
The reunion is at Club Waimea on Sunday, 10 August, from 1pm. Please RSVP to Helen on 021 378 748 or Murray 027 446 8225 before 2 August.
