Dannevirke Scandinavian Club

A History of Dannevirke Scandinavian Club

Club Stall at Norsewood Fair, 26/11/2000

On October 8th 1982 a notice was placed in the Dannevirke Evening News to the late Mac Larsen of Wellington, inviting interested Scandinavian descendants to a meeting, with a view to forming a local club. However, lack of numbers delayed the official formation of the club until January 1983.

Two months later, the club assisted with the Scandinavian weekend (the first 'Scandinavian Gathering') that was being held in Norsewood. This was the beginning of several club outings both in the north to Hawkes Bay and south to the Wairarapa and Manawatu.

The club, through the years, has also hosted many inter-region and international groups, visiting local sights and enjoying the local hospitality.

The combination of fellowship and hard work contributed to two successful Scandinavian Gatherings, one held in 1987 at Te Rehunga and a more recent one in 1997 at the local Holiday Park.

The Scandinavian Club enjoys meeting and assisting those who seek to capture their forebears' sense of adventure in this new homeland of Scandinavian heritage.

The Club's Mission Statement is: "The Dannevirke Scandinavian Club will foster and promote the social, cultural, educational and historical aspects of our Scandinavian heritage."

Club achievements to 1999 include:

1983    Club Formation

1986    Hosted 40 Norwegian tourists

1987    Scandinavian Gathering at Te Rehunga. Queen Margrethe visited Dannevirke

1991    Unveiling of Plaque to the early settlers in Copenhagen Square, Dannevirke

1996    Plaque revamped

1997    Scandinavian Gathering, Dannevirke. Hosted Norwegian Ambassador. 125th Anniversary of Dannevirke celebrations.

1999    Hosted the Danish Boys Choir.

Last updated 2/12/2000

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