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Otago Daily Times
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
After 40 years, Miner's Band play last hurrah
The Arrow Miners Band (from left) Joe Guise, Lyn Jefcoate, Peter Doyle, Barbara Kerr, Cheryl Collie and Colin Macnicol delivered their final performance at the Super Seniors High Tea, part of the Arrowtown Autumn TRACEY ROXBURGH The Arrow Miners Band have officially disbanded. Formed 40 years ago, ahead of the first Arrowtown Autumn Festival, the band chose to play their final fling at yesterday's sold-out Super Seniors High Tea, part of the entertainment of this year's festival's opening day. Festival committee member Nicola Bentley said father time had caught up with the band, and noted it was with "a massive lump in my heart and a tear in my eye", she gave them their final intro. More than 35 members had played a part in the band over the years, on instruments ranging from the piano, violin, guitar, banjo, saxophone, accordion, drums, Barry Bain's 1890 sousaphone and Les Rogerson's lagerphone — a stick with bottle tops on it. While synonymous with the autumn festival, often accompanied by the Buckingham Belles, the band had also performed at the Hokitika Wild Foods Festival, on board the TSS Earnslaw, at The Hills golf course during the New Zealand Open, and had played for the late Queen Elizabeth II. Ms Bentley said members had also rallied around Arrowtown's community and helped raise money for various initiatives, including the seismic strengthening and restoration of the Lakes District Museum, painting the Arrowtown Post Office, to cover the costs of the Buckingham Belles junior troupe, the Mini Belles, new uniforms and to restore a 1948 Austin truck, dubbed "Old Red", given to them by the late Alma and Jack Stevenson, which had now been donated to the festival. "That means that Old Red will continue to carry the memory of the Miners Band, and we can think about them for many years to come," Ms Bentley said. "We thank you so much — to you and all of your band members who have brought your memorable music to our ears over the past 40 years. "You've forged your place in the history of Arrowtown and our festival. "We will miss you dearly." An emotional Peter Doyle, a member of the band for about 35 years, paid tribute to his fellow band members, including the last remaining original player Joe Guise. "We've got some new people that have come and, unfortunately gone — we said farewell to our dear friend Archie [Flint] last week. "It's been an absolute dream playing this gig. We've loved every minute of it. "Thank you, Arrowtown, goodbye." Following the miners band's performance, other entertainment at the high tea included a special performance by the Remarkable Men's Ballet, choreographed by Claire Hazledine, fittingly, to Vivaldi's Autumn. The festival continues until Sunday.
Otago Daily Times
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Festival head-turners
Members of the Remarkable Men's Ballet, from left, Irik Anderson, Steve Kay, Jim Curry, Uan Spijkerbosch and Jake Neaves, surrounded by Arrowtown's Buckingham Belles, from left, Amanda MacPherson, Diana Cowie, Marion Vulliermet, Jacqui Elson and Heather Beard. PHOTO: TRACEY ROXBURGH It's an Arrowtown Autumn Festival first. Now in its 39th year, this year's festival — which starts today — will feature six highly-skilled (according to them) local dancers who are hell-bent on bringing the entertainment value. The Remarkable Men's Ballet troupe, traditionally only trotted out at the annual Queenstown Christmas Show, have this year been invited to perform — in their much-loved tutus — at today's Super Seniors High Tea, in the Athenaeum Hall, and as part of the lunchtime entertainment on the Buckingham Green tomorrow, between 1 and 3pm. Additionally, they'll take part in Saturday's street parade, which starts at 2pm. Autumn festival co-ordinator Vanessa Williams says she "cannot wait" to see the burly ballet boys in full flight, performing a routine, fittingly set to Vivaldi's Autumn, choreographed by Claire Hazledine. Balletman Uan Spijkerbosch is full of confidence ahead of their special performances. "We think we've got it. It's solid, it's dynamic, and we've nailed it." Williams says the weather forecast for the duration of the festival's looking great, and the leaves have turned at the perfect time. She's particularly looking forward to the Saturday events, which run from 8am till 4pm — drawcards include the market day, street parade, this year featuring about 40 entries, street entertainers and a vintage car display. Williams says she's also curious about two new events on Sunday. First up is the 'Pub Choir', at which punters can pop into the Athenaeum Hall at 3.30pm, and enjoy a pint while learning a couple of songs under the guidance of Natasha Wilson (In Harmony) and Rozy Winstone (SkyTop Children's Theatre), and then belt them out as a community chorus. Following that is the R18 'Casino Royale', at the New Orleans Hotel, at which ticket-holders can enjoy a night of gambling, food and drinks to bring the festival to a close. Williams, who's organising the festival for the first time this year, says she's "so excited" about what's to come. "I think everything's coming together swimmingly ... the only questionable factor is how many pumpkins we get in [for tomorrow's Pumpkin Comp]."
