History
| Dec 1983 | The Kirker family moved from Matamata to Ti Point |
| Mar 1984 | Jennifer Kirker joined the Omaha Ladies Choir (conducted by Joyce Reeves) |
| May 1984 | Basil and Jennifer Kirker joined with a group of singers from Warkworth and Wellsford to sing in Haydn's Creation, conducted by Maurice Gorbey. Performances wiere in both towns on 28 and 29 July. Following this, Basil ascertained that a good number of singers would be interested in a carol concert in December. This was put to Maurice Gorbey, who was happy and supportive that Basil proceed with the idea and a preliminary meeting was held on August 16th. |
| 4 Oct 1984 | The first carol practice was held in the Methodist hall, the piano in those days being hauled in from the church. |
| 15 Dec 1984 | The first carol concert was held in the Methodist hall. Tjere were aout 30 in the choir, the compere was John Cavender. Basil had gathered together a small group of local musicians and a children's group from Leigh Primary SFeb 1985chool. |
| Feb 1985 |
Basil and jennifer again joined with singers from Wellsford, Warkworth and Orewa for a perfomance of Elijah. The instigator and conductor was David Lacey, with Basil as assistant conductor. Performances were in all three towns, on 23 June, 6 & 7 July, Jennifer Kirker and Beverley Hicks were two of the soloists. It was now felt the singers should meet on a regular basis, and at the suggestion of Hilary Lewis a small group agreed to act as "support helpers" in matters of organisation etc. During the earlier part of 1985 at the request of Joyce Reeves, Basil took over the conducting of the Omaha Ladies Choir. This continued until the end of 1986, by which time numbers were declining and that choir finally disbanded. A few of the ladies had already bee singing with the Kowhai Singers as well and at this point a few more joined the Kowhai Singers. |
| September 1985 | The choir, by now known as the Kowhai Singers, met to start carol practices. |
| 14 December 1985 | The 2nd carol conert was performed in Mahurangi College hall. Again compered by John Cavender and again with a group of musicians and singers prepared by Basil from the Leigh school. This pattern was to remain a feature, with many musicians giving their time and talents, and dozens of children taking part from Leigh and Matakana and Warkworth schools over the years. |