A charitable group with deep roots is eyeing fresh growth this spring.
The Tapanui Men’s Fellowship — better known to West Otago residents as "Dad’s Army" — wants new recruits to join its regular Tuesday firewood gang.
Dad’s Army leader Alan Parks (85) said he and some of the 13 other members were becoming "long in the tooth", and were ready to pass the chopper on to younger, fitter volunteers.
The group raises funds for local and national good causes, mainly through sales of firewood it processes throughout the year from donated trees.
He estimated the group had raised more than $300,000 since the late Bill Horton established it in 2006.
"Originally it raised money for Presbyterian missionaries, but we distribute the money pretty widely nowadays to local schools, the fire brigade and so on.
"It’s good, physical work, in good company, with a bit of banter and fun along the way, but a few of us — not least me — are getting on now.
"It’s got to the stage where the body sometimes won’t do what the mind thinks it can."
Dad’s Army cohorts could expect to split and shuttle 30cum of firewood "on a good day", a portion of which was donated directly to local people in need, he said.
Volunteers also received free firewood for their labour.
The majority was distributed at prices calculated to guarantee a sale, a factor that sometimes pulled in buyers from far afield.
"There’s one guy who comes each year from Christchurch to visit relatives. He complains firewood’s got to $160 a metre up there, so I’d say we’re pretty competitive at $70 for blue gum."
He said the group was fortunate to have two skilled forestry workers for tree felling, but needed additional fit and willing hands for sawing and wood-splitting work.
Although keen now to step back from the more physical side of the project, Mr Parks would not be relinquishing his role as gang chief any time soon.
"They call me ‘The Boss’.
"But there’s not much bossing to be fair. They’re all old hands."
