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Recently, Wing 64 graduates caught up again after 50 years while, in a few days, members of the Bill Fell Wing will mark 60 years since joining Police.

Wing 64 for evermore

Twenty members of the Frank Gordon Wing gathered in Christchurch in February to celebrate 50 years since they entered Police College at Trentham on January 19, 1976.

Functions centred on the Wigram Hotel, formerly the officers’ mess of RNZAF Base Wigram. Nine members attended with their spouses, with one supported by her son.

Friday evening was a simple “meet and great” at the hotel bar with accompanying finger food. On the Saturday morning, most of the group visited the nearby Air Force Museum before another get-together in the afternoon followed by dinner.

Some members had changed little over the half-century, being easily recognisable, reunion organiser Peter Shaw says, “while some definitely needed name tags”.

“It was great to catch up and there were definitely no embellished stories,” Peter says.

Members of the Frank Gordon Wing who gathered in Christchurch in February included, standing, from left, Paul Baird, Kevin Pugh, Brian Ware, Peter Shaw, Tina Jakes (nee Winterburn), Geoff Rowe, Mike Fitzsimons, Mike Hill, Paul Visser, John Price, Deborah McGregor, Derek Keys, Mike Luxon, Geoff Pitcaithly, John Baines; front, from left, Steve Hathaway, Robin Smith, Sue Marshall (nee West), Mark Leys, Ray Van Beynen.

 

Bill Fell reunion month

The 60th reunion of the Bill Fell Wing (1966-67) is planned for March 23-24, 2026, in Kāpiti. Members will meet up throughout the day on March 23 before a barbecue lunch the following day. 

If you’re from the Bill Fell Wing or know others who were and think they’d be interested in attending, email Rob (robert.royce23@gmail.com) for more information.

Members of the Bill Fell Wing (1966-67).