The visit was the last formal event for Gisborne Friendship Group which, as its members aged and numbers dwindled, had decided to wind up.

And to the surprise of the on-duty Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter crew who hosted them, they came bearing a $1200 donation for EHRT’s support of the service.

“When we decided to wind up we had a bit of money left in the kitty and decided it should go to a worthy cause,” says former FG committee member Tony Barton.

“The Eastland Rescue Helicopter is definitely that. The team does a huge amount of work in the district – especially up the coast – and it’s a job they do extremely well. Everyone felt it was a wonderful cause so we were pleased to get behind it.”

The day proved to be a win-win for all involved with the guests enjoying a “very informative” visit to the Gisborne base.

The tour was led by critical care flight paramedic Gareth with air crew officer Caz and pilot Mike on hand to answer questions about their specific areas of work.

As well as sharing information about the operation of the service, the visitors got a winch demonstration, learned about how the various crew members worked together and, in response to a query from Tony, got a thorough introduction to the engine of the team’s BK-117 helicopter and the aircraft’s fit-out as a working air ambulance.

“It was all so interesting,” Tony says.

“After our visit to the hangar we went over to the (Darton Field) café at Gisborne Airport to have lunch and talk about our experience. Everyone agreed it really was marvellous.”

Meanwhile, for Tony, though the Friendship Group may have disbanded, his community connections remain solid.

Having marked his retirement a decade ago by moving from Napier to Gisborne to spend more time with his grandsons, he plays bowls and is engaged with other local groups.

“We’re all getting fragile and a bit less agile but you can’t let that stop you,” he says. “You just have to get out there and be involved.”

CAPTION: THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP: Ostensibly visiting for a tour of the EHRT hangar, members of the now-disbanded Gisborne Friendship Group (pictured) came bearing a $1200 gift to help the trust in its support of the Eastland Rescue Helicopter.