Pre Christmas Update

We have been very busy helping to decorate the local church for Xmas. Neil, the vicar, usually decorates his own house and people pay a donation to view the many different decorations. This year, however, his son is receiving chemotherapy treatment and Neil was advised by the doctors that it would not be a good idea to have lots of people visiting because of the risk of infection. Neil decided therefore to decorate the church instead. It has been a mammoth task, 8 Xmas trees decorated, 50+ singing Santas (all requiring fresh batteries, one of Kathy’s jobs!), numerous animated displays, it was quite an undertaking involving almost a week’s work, but good fun.

We have also visited the NZ Air Force museum out here, very interesting watching the meticulous work that goes into restoring classic aircraft, and the part they played in supporting us in the Second World War.  What was interesting was seeing the Hawker Siddeley MK1 Andover purchased from the RAF in 1976, I flew in these AC from RAF Abington back in the 70’s, and at that time they were used for Parachute training. Also many of the AC used in the RAF Canberra, Devon, Vampire, and Spitfire Etc.

Dakota AC used for VIP by RNZAF

  On Sun 13^th December, Norman played in the Woolston Brass Band, performing a concert in Christchurch Cathedral. The band is the premier band in NZ and the music was truly awesome, especially as several numbers were accompanied by the massive cathedral organ.  It really did make the hairs on the back of the neck stand up! Norman was on cloud nine for quite a while, he felt so privileged to be part of it all.   

Woolston Brass Band, performing theire Christmas concert in Christchurch Cathedral

That evening we held our church Christmas carol service outside this was well attended with Santa arriving after the service on a fire engine with lots of goodies. 

 We also visited a place called Hanmer Springs for a couple of days in the mountains. 

This is a place where natural hot springs issue from the ground, and you just sit and soak up the mineral waters in pools of various temperatures, ranging from 28 degrees to 41 degrees.   Good for the old aching joints!

Of course, while we were there, Norman had to do a mountain, so he climbed Mt Isobel 1323m. He is now a fully fledged member of Christchurch Tramping Club, and is making the most of every opportunity to explore the hills and mountains here.  Kathy takes a slightly more leisurely stance, doing the less strenuous walking tracks, but there are just so many different options out here to accommodate all levels and preferences, and, (the best bit!), the weather is warm and the days long.

Mt Isobel 1323m

We are looking forward to the Barbie Xmas Day! A Very Happy Christmas to all our friends and family. Keep warm, we will be thinking of you with love.

Our little Christmas tree

 

New Zealand - Up Date Nov 09

Hope you are all keeping well and surviving the inclement weather!   Weather here has been generally warm, although we have had a few cooler days, but still able to wear shorts and T-shirts.

Warren & Roseanna 60^th Birthday dinner  

We have been somewhat overwhelmed by the warmth and friendliness of the local people here.  We have received invites to all sorts of functions.    Last evening we attended a party given by our landlord to celebrate his 60Th birthday.  They have already invited us to spend Xmas Day with their family.

We are attending the local Anglican church here. The vicar, Neil, is quite a larger than life character, and believes in keeping services friendly and informal. He usually starts
his sermons by discussing the latest rugby scores!

Our voluntary work with the local school is also proving rewarding. We are working with a group of young people with special needs who are working towards a bronze award under the Duke of Edinburgh & Hillary Award Scheme. All of them suffer from significant learning disabilities of various degrees, and we are looking forward to getting to know then all better, both as individuals and as a group. Last week, we were teaching them how to cross a river safely by linking up as a group.

We are fortunate enough to be staying in a beautiful spot, surrounded by the sea and hills I am in my element, and we are both doing a lot of walking, exploring the beautiful countryside.   It is Spring here and the hills are covered with lovely spring flowers. Wild lupins abound here.

All in all, we are enjoying a very positive experience in this country, which we are sure will continue throughout our stay..

Again thank you to you all who have said how much you enjoyed our wedding at St James back in October.

New Zealand - Up date

 

The first view we got from our apartment when we arrived last week.   We walk down to the beach in five minutes.  The  sea is still a bit cold for a swim but warming up each day still OK for a paddle. 

We are about twenty minutes drive from Christchurch and staying in Cass Bay with the views you can see.  The small town of Lyttelton is about five minutes away with local shops, this is where we attend the local C of  E church who have made us most welcome.

Lyttelton was the landing place for the Canterbury Pilgrims in 1850, the town and local area is part of a volcano, the volcanic rock of the Port Hills at around 500m makes for good mountain biking and walking.

  

View from the Port Hills of Cass Bay 

On Friday last we went over the mountains to visit Akaroa the oldest town in Canterbury and was founded by the French settlers in 1840, and has still has many French influences with street names and a lovely water front and from the Southern Ocean looks like a Norwegian  Fiord .

Norman and Kathy celebrate their wedding day on Saturday 10th October at St James the Great church in Westerleigh

This was a wonderful wedding day for us both, with the bell ringers and Marshfield Band playing it was truly a musical extravagance.

Kathy & Norman


Signing their wedding certificate

As a tribute to Norman, the Chipping Sodbury turned out in full regalia with oars raised in true “Yachties” stiyle.

  








Geoff, my brother–in-law was our best man with Janet Kathy’s daughter as Matron of Honour. The two sprightly 90 year olds are Norman’s parents Nelly and Willie

Kath’s son Stuart who gave Kathy a way, Janet, with Geoff, with my Mum & Dad

The very happy couple enjoying a loving moment and looking forward to a long and happy marriage.

Mum and Dad surrounded with grand children to great grand children.   Brian along with Ian and his wife Alison, Katie and Lois. Kathy & Janet looking fantastic

Kathy & Janet looking fantastic

Pete Cornford conducting Marshfield band in the service

“The Irish Blessing”
“One Moment in Time”
 “Procession of the Nobles”
 Three hymns:
Just as I am, without one plea,
O Jesus, I have promised

O perfect Love, all human thought transcending

 We wish to thank Peter Cornford and all the members of Marshfield Band


On Friday 9th October a quarter peal of 1260 changes of Doubles (240 Reverse Canterbury, 480 Plain Bob and 540 grandsire) was rung in 51 minutes to mark the wedding of Kathy Poole and Norman Shanks the following day.


We wish to thank:


Diane Coslett, Henry Taysom, Kathy Mills, Martin Blanchard, Bryan Hardwick and Sandra Godwin

Our New Address in New Zealand

10 Kaikomako place
Cass Bay.
Lyttelton
Christchurch 8082.
New Zealand.

Nelly and Willie celebrate their 90th Birthday Year "1919 - 1990"

Nelly and Willie celebrate their 90th Birthday Year with the family last Saturday 12th September, in the beautiful setting at the Belfast Castle.

Unknown to Mum and Dad arrangements had been made with Edwin and Vera to take Mum and Dad out for dinner and on the way stop off at the Belfast Castle to take some photographs. 

Mum and Dad

(Nelly and Willie)

At the same time Maureen, Jim, Kathy and myself managed to walk in behind them as the photographs were been taken.

 Norman and Vera

As Dad’s birthday was not until November, arrangements were set in place when we were in Belfast back in June for the week, for us all to meet up before the wedding and our departure to New Zealand.

Maureen and Jim

  








Ed and Kathy 

 The evening was a huge success and enjoyed by all.

again, the Sunday was spent with Mum and Dad, firstly joined with them at church for morning service followed with lunch and a Sunday stroll along the coastal path at Whitehead, in glorious sunshine, returning for a superb dinner.

This has been a most enjoyable family get together and being in Belfast we had been very lucky with the weather all weekend.

TEQUILA AND SALT

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it every day. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.
1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

Around the Corner I Have a Friend

Around the corner I have a friend
In this great city that has no end,
Yet the days go by and weeks rush on,
And before I know it, a year is gone.
And I never see my old friends face,
Life is a swift and terrible race,
He knows I like him just as well,
As in the days when I rang his bell.
And he rang mine but we were younger then,
And now we are busy, tired old men.
Tired of playing a foolish game,
Tired of trying to make a name.
"Tomorrow" I say! "I will call on Jim
Just to show that I'm thinking of him."
But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,
And distance between us grows and grows.
Around the corner, yet miles away,
"Here's a telegram sir," "Jim died today."
And that's what we get and deserve in the end.
Around the corner, a vanished friend.
Remember to always say what you mean.
If you love someone, tell them.

New Zealand 2009 - 2010

Our trip to New Zealand is now been arranged, we fly out on Saturday 31st October 2009 – returning on 25th March 2010. Kathy and I will be working with Ferndale School in Christchurch helping run” The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary’s Award” with young people with special needs.

We will be staying in Lyttelton on the Banks Peninsula on the outskirts of Christchurch in rented accommodation and have arranged transport for our day-to-day activities.


We will keep the GM’s up to date and should stroll down this way you will all be made very welcome.

Saturday 10th October 2009

Plans are well in advance for our wedding on October Saturday10th to be held at “St James the Great” church in Westerleigh near Bristol, postcode for any one wishing to join us on that day BS37 8QP, please join us on our very special day.