RSA award for man who like to get things done
RSA Gold Star recipient Barry Pomeroy: “We’re here to take care of our members.”
Barry Pomeroy's exceptional service to the New Zealand Returned and Services Association was recognised this week when he was awarded the association's prestigious Gold Star and certificate.
Barry's musical skill was his entry to the Collingwood RSA in 1954.
"I used to be in a band playing cornet when I was a kid. When I came back from Nelson College the Collingwood RSA was looking for a bugler to play The Last Post on ANZAC Day. My first parade was the 1954 ANZAC Day parade and I did that until about 2005 or 2006. I've played the bugle at parades and funerals in Wellington, Motueka, Nelson, Takaka and Collingwood."
Barry was helping the RSA before he was able to officially join the organisation. He did his compulsory military training (CMT) in the 20th intake in 1956.
"I stayed in the army until 1960 and when I came back and got married I carried on helping the RSA out. In 1967 I was made an honorary life member of the Collingwood RSA for services to the organisation. In 1984 CMT service was recognised as a qualification for full membership of the association, so I joined officially. I became vice-president in 1988 and president in 1990 and I've been president ever since. Someone said to me many years ago that being president was a lifetime position. I didn't think it was possible but it's looking a bit that way."
Barry said that belonging to small branches and sub-branches makes things different.
"We're a sub-branch of the Takaka branch and we're unique," he said. "All of our members here are executive members. When it comes time to do something we can call on a wide range of expertise. Like on ANZAC Day, it all just happens. Various people do various things and all I have to do is pull it together."
The RSA is an evolving organisation but its principal purpose does not change.
"We're here to take care of our members," said Barry. "The ranks of those who served overseas may be thinning but we make sure our oldies are taken care of. Our motto is ‘People Helping People'. That's what we do. More and more people are attending ANZAC Day parades so the RSA has a responsibility to make sure that things are remembered in the right ways. "
The criteria for the award of the RSA's Gold Star include the requirement to be involved in wider community service as well as service to the RSA. Barry has been a stalwart and executive member of many community organisations including the Collingwood rifle range, the Takaka Golf Club, the Rockville School Committee, the Pohara Boating Club, the Collingwood Rugby Football Club, and the Totaranui Sea Anglers' Club.
Barry plays down a lot of his community service and modestly says he is just a person who likes to get things done.
"I don't like a lot of talk."
Neil Wilson
