Memories from well-known New Zealanders who sang in the children's choirs organised by 'Uncle Tom' Garland of 1ZB.
From the presentation sheet: "We've just passed the 30th anniversary of the death of one of New Zealand radio's best loved characters. Uncle Tom, founder of the children's choirs died on 7 July 1964. Uncle Tom, or the Reverend T. T. Garland, is particularly well remembered by those who sang in his choirs in Auckland in the 1940s . Veronica Allum went to reminisce with two of them - David Lange and Merv Smith."
Merv Smith recalls his days in the choir starting at the age of 10 in 1947 in the Sankey Singers [?]. He was awarded a gold star badge for never missing a rehearsal or performance.
David Lange talks about his memories of being a member of the 'Merry Makers' who sang on Friday nights. He recalls Uncle Tom's daughters and Robert Alderton who assisted him. He sang with Janet Linden and sang for the Queen in 1953 but left the choir after he made a mistake in a performance.
Veronica Allum gives details of T. T. Garland's career and his daughter Marie talks about the early days in a telephone interview. She gives some details about the purchase of stations 1ZR and 1ZB and the development of the various choirs, which all broadcast on different days of the week.
Merv Smith recalls the choir competitions in the Town Hall and a choir trip to Wellington.
Marie Garland talks about the awards given to senior citizens. She says after he died in 1964, Dudley Wrathall of 1ZB organised a choir reunion at the radio theatre, which she says was wonderful. She says she and her sister Molly both enjoyed working with their father very much.