View Yallop
Don Yallop
[Don & Dairne Yallop on their way to Rangatira’s 50th Anniversary Ball in 2009]
Don was born in Hamilton, but his family, unaware of the advantages of being closer to Ruapehu, moved to Auckland. As a pupil at King’s College, Don proved himself to be an outstanding swimmer and rugby player. He was first bitten by the ski bug during a trip to the mountain with old school friends in 1957. Neither the icicles hanging from the roof of the University Ski Hut, nor the outside loo with its mighty up draught put him off the sport. The following year he made three unsuccessful attempts to join existing ski clubs but there were no vacancies. He was bemoaning his lack of success to an old school mate Bruce Chambers, also a frustrated would-be ski club member, during a bus ride into town, and the rest, as they say, is history - 25 years of it!!
Committee Service
Apart from being 50% of the inspiration behind the founding of Rangatira, Don has clocked up 11 years on the committee. He began as Club Secretary in 1959 and 1960, whilst also assisting his mother, the first booking officer, for 3 years. He served as Vice President from 1964 - 1966 and was returned to office as Club President in 1976 - a position he filled for 4 years, with a further year on the committee in his capacity as Past President.
It was during Don’s Presidency that the Turoa skifield development started, and it was Don’s drive and determination that galvanised the committee into action. Their well-researched proposal to build a club lodge in the Turoa Alpine Village was accepted by members, and it has not taken long for the club to realise the advantages it gained due to this early and prompt investment in Turoa.
In 1980 Don was elected an honorary life member of Rangatira, in recognition of his services.
Ski Patrol
In 1962 Don was one of a number of Rangatira skiers who joined the Ruapehu Ski Patrol. He remained a member for 13 years. One of the more dramatic accidents he attended involved a tourist who had climbed the Knoll, with a group, in very icy conditions. Unaware of the risk, he went off to the side to answer a call of nature, slipped and ended up at the bottom of the bluff with seven fractures.
As many members may know, Don has suffered his own medical problem. In 1964 he contracted diabetes, and this continues to be a major irritant to someone who enjoys an active outdoor life.
Close to Home (as of 1984)
On leaving school, Don started his career in the Woolworth’s organisation and became an Assistant manager. He then worked for some years in the field of boats and outboards, and is currently with the firm of Bronson Jacobs, importers of chemicals.
Don lives at Rothesay Bay with his wife Dairne and two children, Robert and Sarah, both of whom are keen skiers. Robert has held a Club Scholarship.
Not only had Don pioneered club development on both sides of the mountain, but is gaining a reputation for himself as an expert in Chinese cookery - quite a feat with a full lodge.
When he is not skiing or tossing up some delicacy in a wok, Don may often be found in some of Taupo’s better known trout pools, demonstrating his skill with a rod and line.
Current
Don and Dairne have retired to Taupo where they enjoy the quiet life with views across the lake to Mt Ruapehu. The recent arrival of grand children (daughter Sarah and her husband Andrew have produced Max and Nina) keeps them busy on family visits.