THIS WEEK IN 1984: Kiwi crew embarked on Stubbington school
Schoolchildren from Stubbington had a rare chance to see traditional dances from the other side of the world when they were visited by the crew of a New Zealand warship.
The team of about 20 dancers, pictured, from the frigate HMNZS Southland performed authentic Maori songs, dances and a war dance for the children at Meoncross School.
It was the only school to be visited by the dancers while the ship was on its visit to Portsmouth.
Dressed in Maori costume and wearing Tikis – elaborately carved neck ornaments –they sang songs accompanied by dance movements which explained the Maori lyrics. Song subjects included the stars and the moon, love and the spirits of departed ancestors.