2023 BAgrSc 1959 Bed Pushers Reunion

BAgrSc 1959 Bed Pushers Reunion on 28 April 2023

THE BED PUSHING STORY

In early 1961 Massey Agricultural College with a team of 10 students pushed a Hospital Bed around the Square in Palmerston North (95 laps) for a distance of 57 miles. They then threw out the challenge to other Universities to "try and beat that"!!

And so, the Lincoln Agricultural College team was coddled together, to smash Massey's record. The idea was to push a Hospital bed anti-clockwise around North Hagley Park in Christchurch during Capping Week as a stunt, and to assist in the raising of funds for the Cholmondery Children's Home.

• A bed, plus several spare castor wheels were obtained from Christchurch Public Hospital
with the blessings of the Medical Superintendent, Dr Morton.
• Accommodation was arranged at Rolleston House, Bealey Avenue, courtesy Canterbury
University.
• Rations for the adventure were obtained from the Refectory (Frank) supported by a request by Warden Doug Mackay.

On Saturday 29th April 1961 at 1 pm outside Rolleston House the big Bed Push began, with teams of two students completing two circuits before handing over to the next team. A time keeper (see lap recordings) was used to record laps and times.
The push was completed on Tuesday 2nd April, mid-morning. A new record was established after 65 laps totalling 203.5 miles.

The Bed Pushers met up with the Barrel Rollers, (also Lincoln Students) who had rolled the Beer Barrel from Timaru to Christchurch. We all then participated in The Avon River Bike Race (Hospital Bed excepted).

The media showed great support for the stunt throughout the two days with progressive reports telling the public distances covered by the team.

REUNIONS
1. 1991 May, Maui-Hawaii, USA
2. 2001 April, Lincoln, Trent's Winery & Rolleston House, NZ.
3. 2006 May, Taupo, Trout Fishing extraordinaire, NZ.
4. 2009 May, Noosa Queensland, Sunset Dinner Cruise, Australia.
5. 2011 April, Moeraki, Otago. Tree planting at the Douglas Estate. NZ.
6. 2013 May, Bright, Victoria. Vineyards & Tea Plantation, Australia.
7. 2016 May, Lincoln and Hanmer, Property inspection, golf & hot springs. NZ.
8. 2019 March/ April, Akaroa, dine/wine/golf and chit chat. NZ

And as they say all the rest is history. I believe the Bed Push was an unforgettable experience that for some unexplainable reasons has kept our disparate team together and been the catalyst for our many happy reunions. A big thank you to all the organisers of the above reunions, without whose efforts the journey would have been cut short.

We all have fond memories of two bed pushers sadly missed, Barney and Malcolm.