S.N.O.T Weekends - Otira The Company started S.N.O.T Weekends in the mid 1970's as part of the programme for Senior Boy's, and continued every year to the Company closing in 1994. Over this period Seniors looked forward to their Senior Nostaligic Otira Trip. |
Photo B04-30/02 Here is the S.N.O.T group of 1984: David Wilkinson (eating), Posenai Mavaega, Stuart Roxburgh, Les Bouterey, Andrew Scown, ? Stephen Cable, ?, Peter Climo, Steven Ahlbrandt, Paul Shepherd, Michael De'Ath, Paul Redden, Bruce Cable, Ron Tasman. |
The S.N.O.T name I'm sure would have been dreamed up by Ron Tasman. The place was always the Beaumont's Batch at Otira near Arthurs Pass. The purpose - to promote a Team spirit between Senior Boy's, NCO's and Leaders in a relaxed informal fun atmosphere. August weather was guaranteed to be unpredictable. One year the road was closed, but we still found a way through the Otira Gorge zig zag. Another year, it was snowing for the return trip home, but the car and trailer passed all the others that were stranded. We even had to show the local Cop how to put snow chains on his 4WD, and helped many others to get their vehicles under way again. Events and people made these weekends to be remembered for the Seniors. |
Guyrope Gossip |
Activities were dependent on the weather. Snow fights were popular, with day climbs on the local peaks like Mt Philistine, B'limit, Kelly Range and Temple Basin, or a swim in the school heated pool. One year we played rugby with the local youth. The grounds were flooded, and the rain still dropped from the heavens. Les watched the game from inside the car with the wipers trying to keep up. It was a game best played in bare feet, with many a goal taken as you aquaplaned across the line.... It was a tough but enjoyable game with the 6th winning? At night, cards, Cluedo, Chess, Monopoly and many other table games were played into the wee hours of the morning. Devotions the next day were quiet but informative periods for those who could keep their eyes open. The main event on Saturday however, was to prepare and cook, in groups, the evening meal. |
The rivalry between the Leaders and the groups grew over the years. Each aiming to outdo the other....... Les Bouterey and Ron Tasman set the standard but had some stiff opposition from Stephen Lineham and Andrew MacKenzie. Their invitation said it all..... |
The following year (1983) Michael De'Ath and Paul Shepherd really out classed the Leaders by bringing along candles, the best silver, as well as dressing in dinner jackets. What an impressive table display and the food, from what I remember was very well cooked. (if you get my drift). Michael DeAth serving the (imitation?) wine before the meal. |
