Youth group man hands over reins

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 311, 31 October 1989, Page 5

Youth group man hands over reins

by

philippa

french

John Fortes is the president of the Waiouru Youth Group following an involvement with them for one and a half years, but he leaves Waiouru in December to join the 7th Napier Squadron.

Terry McEnroe will take up his position. The youth group started when a group of soldiers used to practice basketball in the old gym and young children used to watch as they had nothing else to do. Dale Leathers, also in the Army, and John decided to set up a youth group for the children. Dale moved to Taihape in August this year where he has set up another youth group. He now commutes to Waiouru for work each day. The Waiouru group meets once a week on Friday night at 5.45 until 7.30pm and all children are welcome although children under seven years must be accompanied by their parents. They play all sorts of minor games from basketball to touch football, and there is a tuck shop run by committee members for the children. As well as weekly meetings the committee usually run special projects. Their latest wa^ a youth day on 14 October. Youth Clubs came to Waiouru from Palmerston North, Taihape and Raetihi to join in a number of activities like the confidence course, swimming, barbeque and a concert. The day was brilliant, says John, and he got reports from parents saying the

children were so exhausted they had trouble getting out of bed on the following Sunday morning. The committee's current project is to organised a trip to Auckland for the children. John hopes the date will be 25 November. The club has been a success thanks to all the people who have volunteered their time and energy for the children. The youth club has

also fielded a team in this year's softball competition, the interest was so great there could possibly be a second team.

John would like to thank all the people who have contributed time and support to the youth club, especially the committee; Donna Rigley, Deirdre Kellehere, Barny Tulisi, Tangi Tukaki, Blue Shaw, Sophie. Other people who have helped are Padre Wilson, Cpl Marama, Garrick Workman, Mjr Parsons, St Mjr Astwood, Mrs Stephanie Mills, St Mjr Colin Prylie, Lucky & Kiri, Mr & Mrs Grey and W.O. Cantell.