RNZYS member Peter Nicholas is ‘actively retired’, dedicating his time to a variety of groups and projects. Along with his busy role as a member of our House & Membership Committee, Peter leads the Squadron Volunteer Programme and is a familiar face at many club activities, often as a volunteer.
We asked Peter to share with us how and why he got involved as a volunteer.
Onshore Volunteers in Action
How long have you been involved with the RNZYS?
I joined in 2020 after being introduced to the club by friends. My wife and I really enjoy the waterfront location, the hospitality, and how close it is to home.
What motivated you to get involved as a volunteer
I get a lot of personal satisfaction from volunteering – contributing to the Squadron felt like a worthwhile activity and volunteering has also been a great way to meet new people.
I also volunteer as Secretary of the Herne Bay Residents Association, and through this role, I saw an opportunity to support the Squadron by promoting membership within my local community. This potential to connect residents with the club was another motivation for getting involved.
Peter Nicholas.
Tell us about a volunteer project you have been involved in at the RNZYS
Recently, I’ve been helping with cataloguing all the important and historic items held by the Squadron, many of them dating back to the late 1800s!
The volunteer team – myself, Gerhard Nagele and Club historian Chris Collins – have now catalogued more than 400 important and historic items. The range and significance of these treasures is incredible. This was an extremely interesting and educational process, very rewarding for us all. We documented trophies – lots of silverware, valuable paintings and prints, and memorabilia, which have been donated to the club over the last 100 years.
There are many other worthwhile activities and projects that volunteers can help with, from welcoming and hosting guests at events, administration tasks, gardening, the reforestation project at Lidgard House, Kawau Island, and in due course, I’m sure that silverware will need polishing!
Thank you Peter, Gerhard and Chris for your time and support. Our volunteer’s commitment and enthusiasm are invaluable to the smooth running and vibrant community spirit of the Squadron.
Offer your support now by completing the Volunteer Expression of Interest Form on our website’s Volunteer page.
