Inspired by the production of Heels in 1971, we asked people to contribute material about their time in the club, both on a tramping and social level. The decades were divided into sections encompassing every five years and a Heels committee was set up to research these periods mainly through back copies of Heels. The reason for this committee was in order to involve more club members in what is the 75th celebration of VUWTC! Unfortunately we were unable to talk to the majority of VUWTC 1972-1996 as we limited our contact range to ex-Chief Guides and Presidents and members who they put us in contact with. Nevertheless, people have responded thoroughly to our requests. Apologies to anyone who felt they should have contributed and were not contacted. Although we acknowledge that this view of VUWTC is not entirely representative of all that has happened over the last twenty five years we hope that it will make a useful and interesting collection for the 100th anniversary.
Thankyou to the Victoria University Student's Association, Bivouac, Kathmandu, Cactus, and Ian Baine Agencies for supporting us financially. Thanks also to all who have helped out in this production through advice or contribution and especially to the 1996/1997 Committee. Thankyou to David Hodson and Adrian Pike in particular for their support and I wish them the best of luck for 1997.
If you would like to pursue a history of the club before 1972 please refer to Heels '71 by B.A. Sissons and material in the Beaglehole room of Victoria University Library. Copies of Heels 1972 - 1996 will also be available on request.
Melinda Short
(VUWTC 1995-1996)
1972. Allaway-Dickson hut had been built by the VUWTC in the Tauherenikau valley as a memorial to Stanley Alloway and Roy Dickson who were killed on a club trip to the Hopkins valley in 1947. By '72 it was falling apart and a decision was made to demolish it, a task that was accomplished during Easter of that year to the accompaniment of much partying. Trips during '72 included a number of South Island transalpine and climbing trips, both as club trips and private trips of club members. Places visited included Garden of Eden, the Darrans and Aspiring.
1973. There was a female chairwoman who strengthened the stereotyped view of the era held by many by ending her report "Burn your bras". During '73 many classic Tararua tramps were held including a 23+1/2 hour 'day-trip' up the Makaretu stream. A major event was the first ascent of the South ridge of Grave in Fiordland by Barry Scott, Conway Powell, Dick Price and Kevin Helm. A death occurred when Kelvin Kennedy died crossing the Otaki river.
1974. "... as most of you will already know, the position of chairman has been recaptured by the stronger sex". Members were still attracted to climbing in the South Island with trips to the Darrans and Cook. Big club trips to N.W. Nelson and Nelson Lakes were successfully run as well as the Tararua staples.
1975. The club was going through a recession with membership down on 50% compared to the previous year. The endless cyclic nature of tramping club had showed itself again. The same group of people seemed to go on all trips - but trips still went and the TC carried on.
One key difference between the club then and the club now is the way rock climbing was/is approached. This era was prior to the explosion of the use of bolts for protecting climbs in New Zealand and the advent of 'sport climbing'. Whanganui Bay was only just being 'discovered' and most rock climbing was done at Titahi Bay, the Mt. Cook area and the Darrans. Now most climbers will never reach the Darrans or Alpine rock, being content with safe(r), shorter and less committing sport climbing or low altitude traditional climbing. Areas such as Whanganui Bay, Wharepapa and Paynes Ford will satisfy most, along with a regular dose of indoor climbing (plastic pulling).
Other than this the club hasn't (probably never will) changed too much. The changes that have occurred mirror the changes in society and VUWTC's role, relative to the rest of society, has barely changed - it is still about getting people into tramping, climbing and other outdoor pursuits and providing a place for like minded people to meet and nurture these passions.
One key thing that came out of this was the attitude towards older trampers. They were doing epics when we were still in nappies. Every era has its group of 'Hard persons' (generally Hard-Men) and we all think of ourselves as the most pioneering, or most social, or most active or whatever. We will eventually be replaced by new trampers, they too will be replaced .... ad infinitum - it is the job of the VUWTC to make sure this cycle never ends.
Dave Hodson
The club has now reached its 75th jubilee. This edition of 'Heels' includes reports from the past 25 years since our 50th jubilee. I hope that the next 25 years are as colourful as the last!
After a record breaking growth in the previous year, in 1996 we saw a decrease in the membership which was characteristic of most other varsity clubs. However, I feel that we have retained our usual share of people to form the hard core of trampers.
The club culture must be nurtured on trips, at meetings and through social events. The activities must be designed to appeal and cater for the new and old members alike.
I must thank all those active members, both committee and non-committee people alike, who have helped run the club and organised activities over the last two years. I should also thank those people who introduced me to life inside VUWTC.
As a new year in the VUWTC begins, it is time for a new person to lead and steer the club. I wish Dan and his team well. It is important for all people in the club to support and help their leaders, both on trips and in the general running of the club. If the club is going to succeed, it is going to need continued support to promote life in the outdoors to it's new members.
Nigel Thomson
(President 1995-1996)
Some members of our club over the last few years have built up other activities, such as climbing. They have done this despite the prevailing attitude a few years back that the tramping club was only for tramping and if our members wanted to try other activities then they could go and join another club at Uni. This attitude has really disappeared now thanks to these trail blazing members and I think that most people in the club respect the newer activities and also take part in them. As a way to retain members for whom tramping is not really their 'cup of tea' (amazing as it sounds there are people out there who just don't suit tramping) we can now offer these other activities. I think however that the club still needs to develop its social side so that new members can be integrated more quickly into the club and also we can all make more of an effort to encourage new members.
The trips last year went well and you are all to be thanked for this but particularly the trip organisers who have given their right arms to ensure that trips go and are as enjoyable as possible. Trip organising is not as difficult as it seems and if you want to put something back into the club, is an ideal way to start so give it a go. Also to be thanked are those of you who have lead trips, you are the most important people from my perspective in terms of safety. I take a lot of time to consider who should be leading trips and so if you are asked then it is because I believe you have the necessary ability and common sense.
This year (1997) will be even better than last year. We will be including activities other than tramping a bit more than previously and the old faithful trips such as 'Bash on thru" and the mid year South Island trip will be there. We will be visiting some areas we don't often get to, such as the Rimutakas, and will be adding some new trips such as the coast to coast tramping challenge. Remember though, that it is up to all of you as to how successful these trips are.
Finally I would like to thank everyone who participated last year in the trips and look forward to seeing you all in the hills or on the rocks in 1997.
Matt Ravlich