The Order of St John priory dean Simon Rae, who began his career with St John in Balclutha, was among the distinguished guests at this weekend's 75th anniversary celebrations of the Clutha area Order of St John.
The Penguins and St John youth gave first aid demonstrations on Saturday morning, before guests were treated to a bus tour of the Clutha area, guided by historian and former St John member Bill Cross.
About 50 people attended Saturday night's anniversary dinner at the Balclutha Town and Country Club.
Following dinner, a jubilee certificate from the Priory of St John was presented to the Clutha area and a certificate of appreciation was presented to Mr Cross for compiling a book detailing the history of St John in the Clutha area.
After the anniversary cake was cut, guests were invited to "dance the night away" to music provided by Middle Earth.
A formal parade at St Mark's Anglican Church yesterday morning wrapped up the celebrations.
• Team manager Linda Howell said the St John Lawrence 45th anniversary celebration dinner on Saturday was "low key, but very peasant".
About 40 past and present ambulance crew, committee members and partners attended the dinner at the Lawrence Golf Club.
The dinner was followed yesterday by a parade to the Presbyterian church, where Maryn Cameron spoke about the history of St John in Lawrence.
