Victor Franklin SHELLEY born into this great big world, the third son of Fred and Ena Shelley.

1945 - 1950

Lived at 6 David Street, Palmerston North.

 May 1950

Started school at Central School, Palmerston North.

Oct 1950

Family moved to 201 Fitzherbert Ave, Palmerston North, and I shifted to College Street School where my first teacher was Nona Lock, my future sister-in-law!

1954

Teacher Mr O'Hagan

Jan 1956

Started at Palmerston North Intermediate Normal School.

Jan 1958

From indoor basketball team photo 1960

1962

Formed first band, the Comancheros, with friends Bobby Rawlings (guitar), John Muir (guitar), Jon De Wiele (bass, and son of English teacher Alan De Wiele), and myself on drums.  Our music of course was based on the Shadows and Cliff Richard who played in PN on Nov 7, 1961.

May 1962

Left school and started work at Johnson & Co, wholesale merchants, as a clerk.

August 1962

Started work at A & T Burt Ltd, Pitt St, Palmerston North, as a contracts clerk.  First boss was Ron Clark who probably shaped my work ethic for the years to come.

18 Feb 1964

Started 'adult' apprenticeship as Engineering Draughtsman at A & T Burt Ltd, a heating and ventilation company.

1962-1964

Continued playing in bands and groups as a drummer.  Bobby Rawlings died from a work place accident in 1964.  Jon became lead guitarist, Doug Rowe and Ian Farmer became part of our core group, but also played Greek music with Jon De Wiele, Johnny Tscalis and the Andis brothers, and  jazz with Bernie Dalzell and Lyndsay Saville at Bernie's coffee bar, the Sorento. 

Jon, Vic, Ian, Doug

14 May 1966

21 years old - engaged to Phyllis Lock.

29 Oct 1966

Phyllis and I married at Palmerston North Central Baptist Church.  People who have only known me in latter years who have seen the photo, on right, have genuinely asked Phyllis why she would have a wedding photo of herself on the wall with someone else, not me, standing beside her!

Nov 1967

Daughter Ruth born.

June 1968

Finished apprenticeship.

June 1969

Son Andrew born.

1971-1975

A & T Burt Ltd - on site draughtsman and administrator for new PN Hospital Clinical Services and Wards Block.

July 1972

Daughter Kirsten born.

Andrew, Me, Kirsten, Ruth

late 1973

Ian (rythm & vocals), Jon (lead & vocals), Kevin (bass), Me (drums)

1975-1978

Moved to New Plymouth office of A & T Burt Ltd as Chief Draughtsman.  Responsible for design build HVAC projects. Rented house at 61 Carrington St.

1976

Moved into new house at 4 Azalea Place, deigned and built by me.

1975 - 1978

Played in a couple of groups in New Plymouth, mainly a 'Peddlers' cover group, and with a Maori 'Elvis' cover.

1978-1986

Started back in Palmerston North as Chief Draughtsman with A & T Burt Ltd then became Regional Design Engineer.

1986-1988

Burts Mechanical, Palmerston North, Senior Engineer, responsible for Mechanical Services Contracting department.

1988-1990

NZ Mechanical, Palmerston North, Senior Engineer, HVAC design/build.

1990-1994

James Hardie Building Services, Palmerston North, Senior Engineer, HVAC design/build.

1994-1996

James Hardie Engineering, Projects Estimator for Defence Contracts.

1996-

Wormald Technology NZ, Senior Estimator, defence and special projects.

Ever wonder where those old school friends have got to?  Please try the links below and register your name and school details.  This is a great way to make contact.  Share these links with as many people as you can.