The Blue Top Walkers was established in mid-1988 by the supervisor of the Assid Corban Recreation Centre. It came under the auspices of the Auckland YWCA who set up walking groups around New Zealand under the name "Y's Walkers". The early groups consisted of 10-15 ladies who met on Tuesdays and Thursdays to walk locally with the guidance of Recreation Centre staff. The YWCA regularly supplied information of 10k walks - Orewa, Woodhill Forest, One Tree Hill and Cornwall Park. The ladies combined with council teams to compete in the "Round the Bays" in 1992/3. We are left with only one of the originals, Myrtle, still active in the group. The other originals, Marlene, Maude, Margaret T and Joyce have retired from activities over the past year. Dianne, the council staff leader, suggested the group should have their own identity, and the Waitakere Council supplied mid-blue shirts, printed with "Y's Walkers". By late 1995 the group had expanded to 26 women and one husband. Sarah from the Recreation Centre provided a van and took the group on Away-walks to various parts of Auckland. When Sarah left, the group became more independent and continued with the away-walks once a month. Longer trips developed after this time. The group has been to Waihi, Whangamata, Taupo, Paihia and even a 10 day tour in the Nelson/Blenheim area. About 30 members have completed the challenging Tongariro Alpine Crossing, as well as competing in the Waitakere and Taupo half marathons.
The Recreation Centre had a name change to Big Top and for a while the group was known as the Big Top Walkers, but this was changed to reflect the colour of the shirt that had been adopted. By 2000 we had grown to over 50 members of various ages and fitness levels. The Tuesday and Thursday walks evolved into 3 groups of walkers to match the capabilities. In 2007 the Waitakere Wave Centre was closed for refurbishment and we moved to the Henderson Squash Courts, which we now regard as home. After 34 years we now have 50 ladies and 24 men enjoying the many and varied activities. The loose structure and co-operative nature appeals to many and all agree that joining the group has been a great decision. contributed by Myrtle & Margaret T. updated July 2017 |