Brian obtained his surf bronze (award) in 1954 but his association with the club has been lifelong in that he came to Taylors from the time of his birth. His father, Monty, was an active member of the club and his family were an important part of its operations at the time. Brian was part of the “junior surf” section of the club, then known as the “midgets’ or “nippers”.
Brian was a more than competent swimmer, R&R member, ski and board rider.
In respect of the board there is a photo accompanying Bev Breward’s write up in the Annual Report. Brian is the fellow holding the long board at the far right. In those years not only were there no ladies events in ski and board, there were quite a number of similar junior (Under 18) events excluded, and Brian had to compete against seniors.
Brian completed with distinction over many years and has been placed many times both locally and nationally. The pinnacle was as a member of the Taylors Mistake Junior Surf Race Team that was first and won the NZ Title in 1958. That year Brian was also picked to represent Canterbury. He still competes when able in masters events at local and national surf life saving championships.
Brian’s Achievements:
a) At the Club, Junior Club Captain 1957-58.
b) Locally at Canterbury. As a Junior 1st in Ski Rescue and Junior Surf Teams Race and many placings over all disciplines. As a senior 1st Black and White Surf Relay Team and many placings over all disciplines over many years.
c) In the Taranaki while teaching there for a number of years, member of Taranaki Inter-Districts Team.
d) At Nationals. Apart from the 1st with the Junior Surf Race Team mentioned above a number of 2nd and 3rd in Junior 4 man R&R, Senior Ski and Senior Canoe.
e) At Masters Championships in different age groups above 60yrs, 1st in Surf Race (2), RunSwimRun, Iron Man and 2nd and 3rd in Ski, Beach Sprint and Taplin.
He has done more than his fair share of patrols over the years, being part of those “old timer” patrollers who looked after the beach on carnival/competition days and during nationals well into the 1990s at a time when lifeguards didn’t need to continually “re-qualify”.
A Physical Education teacher, Brian has been responsible over the years for directing many students with the appropriate skills to club membership, an invaluable service for the club. He also coaches swimming and has for a good number of years, even up to this day, organised pool training for those members willing to partake. Brian is also a foundation contributor to the TMSLSC Trust.
Brian’s dad Monty was awarded life membership in the 1960s and his son Cameron got his surf award in 1985 and patrolled and competed for a number of years until his work took him out of town. There’s a photo floating around somewhere of the three “generations” at the Clubs 75th anniversary diner in 1991.
