A NEW friendship was formed between Bude Surf Life Saving Club and New Zealand recently.

On Friday, January 13, the 26th high commissioner of New Zealand, Sir Lockwood Smith, and his wife Alexandra, took a detour whilst on holiday to visit Bude and ignite links through surf life saving.

Jonathan Ball introduced the history of Bude SLSC to them, which many know as the first surf life saving club ever established in the UK.

The similarities between Sir Lockwood Smith’s club, Lyall Bay SLSC in Wellington, and Bude was ‘just wonderful’.

Both Bude and Lyall Bay were the first clubs of their kind in their respective countries to receive the reel and line and operate safety patrols on the beaches.

As Sir Lockwood Smith looked at the photos of the club’s events over the last 60 years, he said: “I know them!” as he pointed out the New Zealand ladies touring team of 1983 — a marvelous connection.

During a very Cornish afternoon tea, both Adrian (Horace) Parsons and Jonathan Ball gave very welcoming speeches and presented the guests with a water colour painting by Harry McConville, depicting Bude at its best.

A spokesperson from Bude SLSC said: “It is not often we have such guests of high regard, but without doubt, Bude SLSC put on a great affair and paid tribute to all those who have ever been involved in Bude SLSC, making it the great club that it is today — one which the town is very proud and supportive of.

“We are very pleased to say that New Zealand and Bude have renewed friendships for the future!”