A magician, a story-teller, team games and quizzes were amongst activities on offer at a free fun day at a Presbyterian Church camp near Oamaru over Easter.

The church celebrated having owned the camp-site for 65 years, and also farewelled a man called Ken Gemmell (aged 86) who had chaired the camp's management board for 50 years.

Easter activities began with a service at the Maheno Otepopo Parish on Good Friday. The fun day for children on Saturday included free transport and entertainment but families were expected to bring their own food and drink.

On Sunday there was a reunion of church members who had attended the camp since the 1950's. But Mr Gemmell was the only one attending of the original twenty young male Bible Class members who decided to buy the camp-site in 1938. The men paid regular payments from their wages, even while fighting in World War II, and finished paying it off by 1945, says Mr Gemmell.

The camp, which offers a river, bush and outdoor activities, has been extensively developed and regularly used by various church and community groups. An open day including demonstrations from group users, (eg scouts) was held on Easter Monday.

Mr Gemmell's contribution to keeping the spirit of the camp alive was made more poignant by the fact that he lost his sight fifteen years ago as the result of a blood clot. He was able to continue managing bookings with the help of his wife Joyce.