Nelson, Peggy
Production date
2002
1940-1949
1950-1959
Description
Oral history. Shirley Adams talks with Peggy Nelson (nee Klenner) about her involvement with the Vanguard Marching team in the late 1940s. She recalls (1947) the advert inviting girls to form the team, average age of team members, practice, coaching by Mr Plumb, competition work etc.
Recorded on 15th Aug 2002 at her home in Hinau Street, Inglewood during a get together of former team members Collette Bendall, Jeanette Morrison and Lesley Herlihy.
Object detail
1940-1949
1950-1959
Part 1
Research copy.
0.2 Introductory information by Shirley Adams (interviewer).
1.6 Mrs Klenner (Peggy's mother) formed the Inglewood Vanguard's marching team she needed 16 marchers, 100 applied. Details are given.
3.2 Captain (Jumbo) Rowe, New Plymouth was very helpful in forming the team in 1947. Several others (names given) assisted also as time went by. The average age of the team members was 17/18.
4.6 They practiced first at the Children's Park adjacent then to the Moa Dairy Factory, later at Jubilee Park.
5.2 Mr Bernie Plumb (ex Army) was approached as regards training the team. He agreed after a discussion with Nyla Downs, Betty O'Sullivan and Peggy Klenner. Mr Plumb was a cordial manufacturer.
6.2 Throughout the years the girls' mothers were wonderful as regards support, chaperoning and raising funds. Peggy lists them by name.
7.0 Betty O'Sullivan (Charteris) made the first uniform. Peggy describes this, also the beret and the need to paint their legs rather than wear stockings.
8.1 Their first leader was Nyla Downs (La Hood). First marker was Peggy, then Colette Hutchinson (Bendall). It was military style marching with Brass Bands; 'Invercargill' was the marching tune.
9.1 They marched in New Plymouth missing the Taranaki championship by half a point. Peggy gives the reason for this.
9.7 Peggy's highlight was the day on the Lyttleton to Christchurch ferry after the Taranaki Championship was won.
10.1 She cannot remember how funds were raised, perhaps others can.
10.4 A funny incident involving headaches, 'aspro' and raspberry jam is recalled.
11.4 Skellern's bus was used for traveling, also recalls being billeted at Featherston. Peggy left the team in 1951 to be married and has regretted leaving the team ever since.
12.7 They were a happy family with no arguments and they had some wonderful times.
Tape 1 Side 2 Blank
Date 15 August 2002
Interviewer Shirley Adams
Abstraction Floss Lambert
Restrictions Not restricted
Part 2
Master copy.
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