Formed 40 years ago, ahead of the first Arrowtown Autumn Festival, the band chose to play their final fling at yesterday’s sold-out Super Seniors High Tea, part of the entertainment of this year’s festival’s opening day.
Festival committee member Nicola Bentley said father time had caught up with the band, and noted it was with "a massive lump in my heart and a tear in my eye", she gave them their final intro.
More than 35 members had played a part in the band over the years, on instruments ranging from the piano, violin, guitar, banjo, saxophone, accordion, drums, Barry Bain’s 1890 sousaphone and Les Rogerson’s lagerphone — a stick with bottle tops on it.
While synonymous with the autumn festival, often accompanied by the Buckingham Belles, the band had also performed at the Hokitika Wild Foods Festival, on board the TSS Earnslaw, at The Hills golf course during the New Zealand Open, and had played for the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Ms Bentley said members had also rallied around Arrowtown’s community and helped raise money for various initiatives, including the seismic strengthening and restoration of the Lakes District Museum, painting the Arrowtown Post Office, to cover the costs of the Buckingham Belles junior troupe, the Mini Belles, new uniforms and to restore a 1948 Austin truck, dubbed "Old Red", given to them by the late Alma and Jack Stevenson, which had now been donated to the festival.
"That means that Old Red will continue to carry the memory of the Miners Band, and we can think about them for many years to come," Ms Bentley said.
"We thank you so much — to you and all of your band members who have brought your memorable music to our ears over the past 40 years.
"You’ve forged your place in the history of Arrowtown and our festival.
"We will miss you dearly."
An emotional Peter Doyle, a member of the band for about 35 years, paid tribute to his fellow band members, including the last remaining original player Joe Guise.
"We’ve got some new people that have come and, unfortunately gone — we said farewell to our dear friend Archie [Flint] last week.
"It’s been an absolute dream playing this gig. We’ve loved every minute of it.
"Thank you, Arrowtown, goodbye."
Following the miners band’s performance, other entertainment at the high tea included a special performance by the Remarkable Men’s Ballet, choreographed by Claire Hazledine, fittingly, to Vivaldi’s Autumn.
The festival continues until Sunday.
