A book on the history of the Kakanui Rural Fire Brigade is to be launched at a reunion later this month after more than a year of work by its author, Murray Turner.
The brigade was formed from a public meeting on September 4, 1969, when Kakanui ratepayers decided the town needed a brigade and firefighting equipment.
Even though it is not an anniversary this year - the 50th is seven years away - it was decided to hold a reunion to launch the book and recognise some of the brigade's older members.
The reunion, on April 21 and 22, will bring past and present brigade members together at the Kakanui Fire Station as well as for a dinner on the Saturday night.
Mr Turner was approached by the brigade, initially to "write a pamphlet" about its history. That grew to become a 220-plus page book recording the history and featuring photographs along with the memories of 71 brigade members.
It was important to get those personal recollections recorded, particularly from older members, he said.
The book, limited to 250 numbered copies, would be available through the fire brigade and Adams Bookshop in Oamaru, all the proceeds going to the brigade.
