Dunstan Friendship Club awarded two new life memberships at a luncheon for 80 members on Tuesday at the Alexandra District Club.

Both former Dunstan Friendship Club (DFC) presidents, Max O’Leary (90) and Graeme McCristell (83) were presented with certificates and pins celebrating their contributions to the club. The certificates were presented by DFC president Maryon Beer and life member Lenore Townsend. 

Max is the club’s longest surviving member, and possibly the oldest. He joined the committee as vice president in 1999, was president from 2000 to 2001 and stayed on the committee until 2004. He now lives in Goldenview retirement village in Cromwell.

Graeme spent seven years on the committee, organised many trips and was president in 2013 and 2014. 

He was surprised with acknowledgement and said it was “totally unexpected”. His previous involvement in the Gore Lions Club which he enjoyed, led him to join Probus when he moved to Alexandra, where he still lives.

Graeme was responsible for a new sound system for DFC and also produced the DFC 26th annual report during his time as president. He is pictured here with current president Maryon Beer. PHOTO: The Central App

DFC is a welcoming social organisation for people who are retired, semi-retired or soon-to-retire; and Dunstan’s is one of the largest Friendship Clubs in New Zealand with about 150 members.

Members who attended this week's celebrations were entertained by guest speaker musician and traveller Martin Curtis.

Martin, who is known for his song 'Gin & Raspberry, was the organiser of the very first Cardrona Folk Festival in 1976, and has released nine albums of New Zealand music to date.

Watch a short clip of Martin’s festive performance in front of the DFC members. VIDEO: The Central App

The Returned Service Association (RSA) gentlemen singers also sung carols prior to the lunch and certificate presentation.

Festive feels from a local choir who performed Christmas songs. PHOTO: The Central App

Watch RSA singers perform Grandma got run over by a reindeer. VIDEO: The Central App 

Guest speakers and entertainment along with trips are a mainstay of the club, and members The Central App spoke to said the camaraderie was a big part of why they attended events and meetings.  

The group recently went on a trip to Wānaka for lunch at Edgewater Resort and then to Paradiso Cinema. They occasionally join forces with the Cromwell and Districts Friendship Group for social activities.  

DFC is affiliated with Friendship New Zealand Incorporated (FNZI), and is a non-political and non-denominational group.  

FNZI transitioned from the Probus organisation and the name changed in 2016. The original ethos of friendship, fellowship and fun continues. 

Women were able to join the club from 2000, and there are now more women who are members than men in Dunstan. 

DFC meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 10am at the Alexandra District Club. For more information contact DFC president Maryon Beer on [email protected]

Read more: In July this year DFC celebrated its 35th anniversary.