Heart of the parade

OPINION: It's scary!" said one of my Southland Spirit of a Nation student representatives chosen to be part of the historic Ranfurly Shield paradecorporal, writes Gerry Forde in this week's Southlander.

We tried to practice a chant: "Southland Ra Ra Ra! Southland Ra Ra Ra! Southland Ra Ra RRRRRRRanfurly Shield! Yeh!!!"

Unfortunately, the Stags turned up and everyone ran off to get their paper flags autographed.

"My daughter has taken on this role as a student leader because she is shy and needs to push herself forward," said one mother while her daughter glanced up at the hundreds of expectant fans on Dee St.

"It's about coping with pressure," I replied, lying on the ground to take the big photo of the students and the Stags. I got everyone in the frame, and click! – pushed the "off" button.

Just imagine if Robbie Robinson had let the pressure get to him with his sideline shot against Canterbury and actually missed the ball! We still got our shot.

Just as the Stags had broken the fetters of 50 years, students in the parade were inspired to reach a little beyond themselves.

The younger ones gave out flags like lollies, the older students from Southland Boys' High shouldered their 3m banners, riding that fine line between being proud and remaining cool for their peers.

My chant was lost in the brass band but at the Civic Theatre, everyone joined in a "Sooouuuthland" that ACDC couldn't smother!

Courtney from Limehills was the first student to leave. She had her picture with the Ranfurly Shield and was off to training to win her own tennis championship.

A youngster begged me to get him a poster that had hung on the wall of the Civic Theatre above Jamie MacKay when he paraded the "log of wood".

I went inside, gate crashing the official function. That youngster got his special memento, I got an asparagus roll. And a chat with Robbie Robinson about his love of carpentry.

Inspired to reach beyond my own limits, I invited Bill English round home. He arrived with three security men and fish 'n' chips.

Whether you're a Stag who's won a Ranfurly Shield, a Dipton farmer who's risen to acting Prime Minister or a student rep facing a throng of Stag fans, Southlanders have this ability to rise above ourselves without changing ourselves.

» Gerry Forde is the Venture Southland regional identity brand manager.

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Elle   #1   02:18 pm Nov 04 2009

Is Gerry on Facebook? Can he be emailed? Give us the chance to chat with him direct. It is never more clearly indicated than in this column that being able to directly correspond - even if not face to face with someone - is the way we progress both personally and as a province.

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