Cheeseman - The making of a Ski Club DVD

Here it is at last - The historical documentary on DVD

The purpose initially was to capture and preserve archival film footage that came to light during research for the clubs book "75 Years On Cockayne". Some of the footage was shown at the 75th Anniversary in 2004.

Since then more old flim footage of Cheeseman days was discovered and the project grew into a four year, part time, mammoth undertaking on a shoe string budget, with club menber Michael Kircher completing it over the last 18 months.

The result is a professionally produced DVD showing a 92 min. long highly entertaining documentary! The story is also an important insight into New Zealands pioneering history and captures the adventurous spirit of our small country.

The DVD is an absolute must for all Cheeseman members, past and present and for all who enjoy a journey into our past - Especially skiers!

ONLY $20.00 - Order now!

Download order form here or contact us

Extract from Margaret Agnew’s review in “The Press”

“This feature- length DVD is a fantastic collection of archival footage, old photos and happy, snow-filled memories that bring to life the history of club skiing at Mt Cheeseman, Canterbury.

Through artfully edited montages and interviews with long-time club members, the documentary covers 79 years from 1929 to 2008………..  Steeped in nostalgia, the DVD uses modern footage too, but it’s the old stories which are the most interesting”

Review by Shaun Barnett - NZ Alpine Club & NZ Wilderness

"This DVD captures all the hard work, camaraderie and fun generated by an outdoor club, and follows on from a book 75 Years on Cockayne that the club produced in 2004. A remarkable collection of footage spanning virtually the whole history of the club right up to the present day forms the basis of the 90-minute feature. A well-chosen narrator, apt choice of music and good editing ensure the documentary has a professional touch.

Interviews with older club members add much to the historical detail provided by the narrator, detail that provides context without ever compromising the flow. Individual members often made extraordinary efforts to keep the club going, and overcome such difficulties as poor snow seasons, hut fires and managing avalanche risk.

Interesting anecdotes include one about well-known Canterbury artist Olivia Spencer Bower getting caught in a small avalanche, and there’s even footage of Sir Edmund Hillary attending a club function.

At $20 this fascinating DVD would make an inexpensive show for a great evening on a club night".