'Old Antarctic Explorers' re-enact midwinter rites

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 7, 17 July 1984, Page 5

'Old Antarctic Explorers' re-enact midwinter rites

ror most people m this area mid-winter just means that we are about to enter the gloomy, cold, wet part of winter which should bring the snow and the skiers flocking to the region. The mid-winter, to those who are wintering over at Scott Base, in Antartica, represents the passing of the halfway mark in the period of total darkness and is a time for great celebration. The Old Antartic Explorers, who have worked 'Down South', gather each mid-winter to relive their experiences and reflect on the serious, as well as the lighter side, of the great white 'wilderness. The Sunbeam Restaurant was the venue for the group assembled in the Central North Island, and the other diners were justified in taiyng a second look, at the rather unusual clothing worn that night. The organiser, Robin Foubister, who wintered over in 1969 had reo.uested that the Black and White (Penguin look) colour scheme would be worn.

From the assorted garments worn by the O.A.E. and their partners, (ranging from long johns to chest waders) it was obvious that the evening was to be a memorable occasion.

For the dinner this year former local residents returned to join in the celebrations, and two other O.A.E. who happened to be at Whakapapa for the weekend, came to swell the numbers. Karen Williams and Harry Keys, who worked for Turoa Skifields in 1982, are now resident in Wellington but are keeping a working relationship with the Tongariro National Park, the mountains and the staff. Chief Ranger, Bruce Jefferies, Senior Rangers,

Lisle Irwin and Graeme Ayres, all of T.N.P., and John Lythgoe, formerly of T.N.P. and now of Wanganui River Reserves, are the other local residents who have spent either a summer or a full year 'on the ice'. However, there are very few people who can claim the distinction of having been married on the ice, as were Karen and Harry. Their marriage took place during a memorable voyage, with Mr David Lewis, around the Antartic in the yacht the 'Ice Bird'.