It was a long long drive for some, a short hop via the big bird for others and just a pop down the road for one, but we finally assembled on Pigeon Park to spread the news of Henkel and his Troupe.
The cemetary nearby is home to one of the original Henkel Troupe - who died tragically on his way to the sparkling waters of the Waitemata Harbour. Cause of death are unknown, though his ship's name 'Flakey Jake' suggests he may have been suffering from scurvey for many weeks. The troupe buried him there alongside his favourite pipe and a manuscript written by Henkel himself titled 'scaley old Jake was a handsome mate'. The cemetary was later to become Auckland's Jewish cemetary.
Greer Twiss's bronze sculpture 'Karangahape Rocks' 1966-9 (pictured above) lays tribute to Henkel's place in musical history, acknowledging this spot as a gathering place for song and dance.
Warwick reinacts the scattering of the ashes of Flakey Jake's favoured parrot.
Retracing the first tentative musical steps towards the Waitemata - led by Longhorn Ike.
The lost souls of Henkel's troupe pay tribute to Pigeon Park Cemetary
The men had an 'uncanny way with local flora and fauna, often followed for long distances by a trail of birdlife.
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