Tininn Lodge

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MURRAY

2010-04-30T21:00:00.001+12:00

Greetings from Tininn Lodge - Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Culverden.20 minutes from Hanmer Springs and 90 minutes from Christchurch.

Murray had his 75th birthday on the 11th March - so we decided to have a few friends and relatives for food and drinks to celebrate.People came from Sydney,Twizel, Methven,Whakatane and of course Christchurch , Culverden and surronding districts.

This photo shows Vicky from Twizel Evan's partner,Sister in law Judy,and Daughter Judi.

Olivia and Brooke with their other grandparents Dot and Des.

Son in law Max proposing a toast to Murray

Val about to make a speech

One of the highlights for Murray was having his friend Val Baker fly down from Whakatane - Matata to be exact and stay 5 days with us I don't think I have laughed so much for ages.

Val is a real character,played rugby for Suburbs in Christchurch,Canterbury Maoris and then went on to play for New Zealand Maoris and coach rugby over in England.

One of the amazing things that happened was that Val was asking Murray about a mate from his Rugby playing days Stewart Cron.

You'll never guess who came to stay in our Bed and Breakfast that night?

Val and Stewart hadn't seen each other for many years so it was great to see the look on their faces.It was just a complete coincidence.Amazing!!!

Next week I will write about some of the changes in Culverden.

A new brother for Katie

2010-04-30T15:15:00.001+12:00

Greetings from Tininn Lodge -Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Culverden.20 minutes from Hanmer Springs and 90 minutes from Christchurch.

On the 3rd March Samuel (Sam) Thomas was born.A son for Sarah and Craig and a new brother for Katie.

This photo is just delightful-both Katie and Sam look very pleased with each other!

All sorts of happenings:

2010-04-04T12:06:00.001+12:00

Greetings from Tininn Lodge - Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Culverden.20 minutes from Hanmer Springs and 90 minutes from Christchurch.

There have been quite a few happenings in our lives over the past few weeks - so over the next few days I will attempt to write them up.

Firstly a big Congratulations to our niece Veronica and her partner Neil on their marriage on the 12/03/10.We understand that the family celebrations are to be held next year - so we look forward to that!!

This photo show Veronica and Neil with their two children Zac and Ashlee.

We have only met Neil a few times - but I don't think I've seen him smile so much.

It was great to receive the photos and the thing that struck me is how happy they look with each other.

Lots of Love and Hugs from Murray, Deirdre, Judi,Max, and family

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP IN CULVERDEN

2010-01-10T15:22:00.001+13:00

Greetings from Tininn Lodge - Bed & Breakfast accommodation in Culverden.20 minutes from Hanmer Springs and 90 minutes from Christchurch.

Happy New Year to everyone and may 2010 bring everything that you wish for.

In 2009 it was great to see improvements being made around Culverden by the Community Committee and individuals - if everyone does a little then it all adds up.I have some photos of some of the things that have been done.

This is an area behind the main street where the old railway station used to be. It has been landscaped with lime stone rock and silver birch and plane trees have been planted.

Post holes have been dug to make a fence along the back of the Culverden Bakery, Dix Engineering, Tressers Hair Studio, and the Culverden Takeaways.

A new sign and entrance to the Culverden bakery.

Seating outside the Culverden Bakery

A seat and a tree planted outside The Culverden Store.

Poppies and ground cover planted in the planter box beside the Culverden Bakery.

As I have already said these are a few of the things that have been done but it makes the township look more cared about!!!
As more improvements are made I will record them here!!
Watch this space!
Deirdre

A Trip Down South

2009-12-04T17:23:00.001+13:00

Greetings from Tininn Lodge - Bed and Breakfast accommodation
in Culverden - twenty minutes drive from Hanmer Springs and ninety minutes drive from Christchurch.

Well I can't believe that we are only three weeks away from Christmas and for the last five nights we have had the fire on.
It has been cold and wet - and do the weeds love it - they seem to be the only things growing!

On the 20th November we travelled down to Twizel to stay with my brother Malcolm and his wife Judy and then on to the Kurow Cemetery to put a headstone on my parents grave where their ashes are interred.

Both my parents James Lousley and Madge Lousley ( but always known as Pat) spent a large part of their lives around Kurow and Otematata so we thought it fitting that they should be in the Kurow Cemetery.

The cemetery is just a few minutes from Kurow and is situated on a small rise overlooking the Waitaki River. Their grave is close to that of Silas Lousley - Dads grandfather - or our great grandfather and just along from the graves of the Camerons.
Some how in my mind it seems appropriate that Mum and Dad are near the Camerons.

There is just a simple plaque listing their dates of birth and death attached to a greywacke rock.

Jim and Pat Lousley's two children Malcolm and Deirdre beside their headstone and grave.

Spring has sprung - or has it ?

2009-09-28T14:57:00.001+13:00

Greetings from Tininn Lodge - Bed and Breakfast accommodation
in Culverden - twenty minutes drive from Hanmer Springs.

Well after hot sunny days and a few frosts we are back to cold
days and rain.
Poor parents having their children on holiday - and it's raining.

One of the great things about not working full time is that you have more time to notice things.We planted three kowhai trees
about four years ago and they have flowered for the first time.

We have recently been up to Blenheim to attend the funeral of my
Aunt Nona and took the opportunity to visit Murray's brother and sister in law at Anakiwa in the Sounds.
The first morning we were there I was amazed to see all the tuis
in their kowhai tree - there must have been about twelve there at times.

Grahame very kindly took the next two photos for me.There are only 6 tuis in the above photo so you can imagine what twelve looked like.The other thing that amazed me was their ability to hang up side down and still feed on the nectar.

The next photo was taken last year but it's certainly a great one - just look at how content this wood pigeon looks!! He certainly doesn't look hungry.

So in a few years time lets hope we have some birds visiting our garden.

Keep warm and be happy

Deirdre

More about Three Bored Housewives at Culverden

2009-09-01T15:53:00.001+12:00

Greetings from Tininn Lodge Bed and Breakfast accommodation
in Culverden - twenty minutes drive from Hanmer Springs.

Well it is another typical Spring day - windy and hot one minute then windy and raining the next.

As promised I have taken more photos at The Three Bored Housewives - I have still missed out lots of things - so you just need to go and have a look for yourselves!!

Something for Fathers day.

This great sign really caught my eye!

These soaps are delightful - they also make a great heel balm -just the thing we all need going into spring and summer for those horrible cracked, dry heels!

What child wouldn't love to have these two Golly Wogs?

For the baby boy who has everything - how about an All Black singlet ? - I understand there are matching booties.

Great to find baby garments knitted in pure wool.

Three Bored Housewives must have the best display of dolls clothes anywhere - they are so well made.I understand they are made by a lady in her eighties from Christchurch. The dresses for a bride doll are amazing.

People are just so talented and clever with their hands.

Well I have shown you some of the things in the Three Bored Housewives craft shop on the main street in Culverden - just look for the sign.
Till next time
Deirdre

What's happening in Culverden?

2009-08-29T16:43:00.001+12:00

Greetings from Tininn Lodge:Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Culverden - 90 minutes from Christchurch and 20 minutes from Hanmer Springs.

Well where has the year gone?

Spring has arrived and the daffodils are out. At the moment we are having hot weather with nor westers.

People often ask about the shopping in Culverden.

To be honest we are really lucky to have the Three Bored Housewives craft shop. Everything is made in New Zealand and they have just about everything you can think of. Great for that last minute gift or a little something extra for the Christmas stocking or Birthday present.

I really feel that I can't do it justice so I will put in some photos. The shop is run by volunteers and open 10am to 4 pm 7 days a week. It is closed on Statuary holidays.

A general view of the inside of the shop

Beautiful Patchwork Quilts

Delicious cordials,jams,sauces,dips and pickles made in Waiau

Paintings and artwork

Towels, hand towels and face cloths. The ones with the Merino sheep on are some of my favourites - but there are also beautiful towels for that special Baby gift.

There is also a great variety of cards and postcards - and I think very reasonably priced.

I could actually go on and on - lovely jewellery, wooden goods, great socks, gloves, hats from Waimate and pottery.
What I will have to do is take more photos and what you need to do is visit Culverden.!!!

Till next time
Deirdre

Aleisha

2009-06-14T16:47:00.001+12:00

Greetings from Tininn Lodge- Bed and Breakfast accommodation
in Culverden - 20 minutes drive from Hanmer Springs.

Aleisha arrived from Perth for 10 days holiday at the end of last month - apart from freezing she enjoyed catching up with
friends and family.

Aleisha has been doing some part time modeling so I thought people might like to see some of the photos.

We all think she looks stunning!!!!

It will be great to see her again when she comes home in December to go to Richard and Summers's wedding in January.

Happy Birthday Katie

2009-06-03T21:47:00.001+12:00

Greetings from Tininn Lodge- Bed and Breakfast Accommodation in Culverden

20 minutes drive from Hanmer Springs.

I don't think I have been so cold in all my life - it is freezing!
One day we were having lovely Autumn days and the next minute we we are having snow and heavy frosts.

Katie's birthday was on the 27th May.She turned 7.On the 29th May she had her birthday party.Below are some of the photos

Don't you just love the "look" when they get something they really want ? In this case it was a T shirt from Judi, Max and family.

Lots of little girls having fun.

Party Games

The birthday cake

Till next time. Keep warm.!!

Happy 90th Birthday Jack

2009-05-22T15:00:00.001+12:00

Greetings from Tininn Lodge Culverden - Bed and Breakfast accommodation - 20 minutes drive from Hanmer Springs.

Winter is certainly here - freezing outside, snow on the hills - I suppose that is what winter is all about.

At the beginning of the month we travelled with friends Marilyn and Steve to Hanmer Springs to attend an afternoon tea for Jack Hepburn's 90th Birthday. Jack has lived for most of his life in Hanmer but he was born at Mt Somers which is where my mother came from.
Jack was also a fighter pilot in World War 2 and we heard some amusing stories about Jack during this time.

It was great to see so many people there and to catch up with people.
The following photos were taken by our grand daughter Olivia.

Jack listening to the Birthday Speeches

Michael Hepburn - Jack's son from Cromwell made an amazing speech about his fathers life.

Joan Vowles,Marilyn, Steve and Stewart Paton catching up.

Murray talking to another Hanmer Springs identity Norm Beauchamp.

More Hanmer Springs identities Dulcie Shivas, Lou Carter, Isabelle Carter

Pauline Ingram - who has also lived in Hanmer for many years - enjoying a wine at Jack's afternoon tea

Delicious Birthday cake

Chatting to Robert Crawford - who has just published his second book "Too Good to Last",on Queen Mary Hospital:The Therapy of Addictions 1972-1991.A worthwhile read if you want to understand the therapy that went on at Queen Mary Hospital

Till next time.Keep warm.
Deirdre

Getting up to date!

2009-03-27T15:00:00.006+13:00

Greetings from Tininn Lodge - Bed and Breakfast accommodation - twenty minutes drive from Hanmer Springs.

Well here we are at the end of March - I love this time of the year - sunny days, the air is cool and all the leaves are starting to change colour. We have even had a couple of frosts. How ever Culverden and Hanmer Springs are still featuring in the
New Zealand temperatures - on the 26th Culverden had 29 deg and on the 27th Hanmer Springs had 27deg, both the hottest in New Zealand.

The Bed and Breakfast is quite quiet and even the Hot Pools in Hanmer Springs don't seem as busy.

Every Monday morning a group of us from Culverden travel to Hanmer Springs to attend an exercise group in the hot pools.
It is a marvellous way to exercise - the warm water cushions those "seen their best days" joints and it's such fun. Who wouldn't enjoy that marvellous scenery?

Last month Murray and I attended the wedding of our friends Tim and Sue who have a lovely property out of Culverden called Cascade. They were so lucky with the weather as we had had a lot of rain - but by 3pm the sun came out and it became quite hot, so we were glad of the leafy trees and the umbrellas to shelter under.

This photo shows some of the guests before the wedding and the front of the lovely old homestead.Music was supplied by a local band made up of the caretaker at the local high school,his son, his brother and the principal of the school and another school teacher - to be honest I could have listened to them all night!

This photo shows Tim and Sue sharing their wedding vows.

Altogether a memorable day with great food and wine and even the weather smiled on them.

Catch you next time

Deirdre

This and that and here and there!

2009-03-01T16:41:00.001+13:00

Greetings from Tininn Lodge - Bed and Breakfast accommodation
in Culverden - twenty minutes drive from Hanmer Springs.

I can't believe how quickly the year is going - here we are in
March already. I'm aware that I haven't written much here - so I will do a quick summary and make more of an effort to write here on a regular basis!

Firstly the weather - what can I say?
Culverden has 8 times had the highest temperature in New Zealand
in the last two months. However it has been so changeable - on the 8th of February we had 38 deg then on the 10th we had 10 deg and had the fire going.And so it continues.....

At the beginning of Jan we had cousins visiting - Simon, his wife Carole and their daughter Eleanor.Simon is a son of my mothers twin brother George or Geordie as we all called him.
In 2002 Simon and Carole published a book "Smiths of Staveley",
which is a book on our family history.What a great book it is - any family details that you want to know - there they are.

In 1982 Simon won the New Zealand T.V. Mastermind and I think a year later his brother Jeremy was runner-up.

Anyway Malcolm (my brother) and I always used to say that Geordies side of the family got all the brains!!!!
We had a great time talking family with a few wines of course!!

Simon and Deirdre.Jan 2009

At the beginning of February Murray and I travelled down to Wanaka to celebrate my cousin Donalds 60th Birthday.
What a great time we had.It was great to meet all Donalds friends - and have a BBQ birthday party.Murray even met someone that he played rugby with and against in the late 1950's!! I hadn't been to Wanaka for years and loved the trip through the Lindis Pass.
On more humorous note Murray was breathalized (I'm not sure of the spelling) twice - once on the way down and once coming back!!!

Cousin Donald and his son Dougal at the BBQ Birthday Party

So until next week Be happy and Kind to each other!

Deirdre

THIS AND THAT.....AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-27T17:15:00.001+13:00

GREETINGS FROM CULVERDEN - THE PLACE WITH THE BIG SKY AND
HIGH TEMPERATURES!

It seems along time since Christmas.

We have had lots of guests staying from all over the world but
this year we seem to have a lot more New Zealanders.Perhaps it's a sign of the times?

Murray opening his Christmas presents.

Katie

We had a strange Christmas Day with the fact that we had about
three present openings!
Max had to work so the first lot of presents were opened about
5.30.Craig and Katie arrived at 10.30 - more presents.
Then Max arrived home from work and the last of the presents were opened.

Gum tree outside the club house at the Hawarden Golf Club.
Look at those dry hills.

One of the main things about these holidays has been the heat.
We have had days of high temperatures - well into the 30's.
Five times these holidays we have recorded the highest temp. in New Zealand.
On Sat.24th we recorded 37deg.
Today Tues 27th it is raining and the temp is 10 deg.
The rain is very welcome and has certainly cooled down the air.I never thought that I would be so pleased to see rain.

Don't think it's enough to keep the farmers happy though!

Till next time

Deirdre

A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND ALL THE BEST FOR 2009

2008-12-23T11:53:00.001+13:00

I am running late as usual but just wanted to wish you all a Happy and Safe Christmas from us both.

Murray and Deirdre

Growing Strawberries

2008-11-22T16:45:00.001+13:00

Greetings from Culverden-The Place with the Big Sky-and Tininn
Bed and Breakfast.

Murray and I have never been great gardeners-but this year we
decided to grow some strawberries.As we haven't a lot of room, we decided to grow them in buckets

The following photos show how we got on.

Some of the crop! Murray even painted the buckets for me!

After three meals of lovely strawberries we began to feel pretty smug.

However the birds have now found the strawberries and are having a real feast.All the stock firms are closed today so I can't get any wire netting.

So I have now got this black cat standing guard, he had been out in the garden in the tussocks.
He used to belong to my Mum, I think he was given to her by her sister Lou.Anyway he was in Hanmer Springs with Mum, then Christchurch, then down to Kurow where she died.

The amazing thing is that no more strawberries have been eaten-for the moment anyway.!!!

On Monday I'm off to PGG Wrightsons or CRT to get some netting.Hopefully the Cat will keep the birds away until then.

We've become quite used to strawberries for dessert.!!

The Best part in having a Bed and Breakfast? The People!

2008-11-16T12:17:00.001+13:00

One of the nicest things about having a Bed and Breakfast in Culverden - is the lovely people that you meet.

Clifford and Greta come from Corby, Northamptonshire, England.Clifford first stayed with us in Feb/March and then decided to return Oct/Nov with Greta.They stayed with us for a few nights then took off on a tour of the South Island and returned to stay for their last night before flying out from Christchurch on Sat evening.They are great people and we enjoyed their company so much.

Clifford has an unusual hobby-he knits and crochets.I don't think I know another male who does this-even though my brother Malcolm was taught to knit when at the Prep School at Timaru Boys' High School by the then Rector Mr M A Bull.Clifford gave me a beautiful scarf that he had made from Merino wool,so when it gets nearer winter I will take a photo of it for you to see.

Anita comes from Nelson and Elizabeth from Golden Bay.They stayed with us for the Culverden Fete.

We left here at 9am the morning of the fete and didn't get home until 5pm so it was a long day.Anita and Elizabeth were such good fun and we had a great time-didn't spend too much money or drink too much wine!

It was sad to see them go home-but there's always next year!

The Culverden Fete

2008-11-01T16:13:00.001+13:00

Greetings from Tininn Lodge Bed and Breakfast in Culverden.

Well the Culverden Fete is over for another year.

What a great day it was-the weather was superb-sunny with a breeze from the snow capped hills and the grounds were lovely as usual.

This photo was taken in the late afternoon-there was alot more snow on the hills at 9am that morning.

Some of the crowd

Our Nieces Emma from Rangiora and Sarah from Wellington.Emma had a stall at the Culverden Fete called The Second Frame-she makes pictures from Recycled Clothing.They are amazing and of course I had to buy some for Christmas presents.

Some of Emma's work

Some more of Emma's work made from Recycled Clothing.In the background you can see some of the scarecrows that were for sale at $70 each-apparently they were sold out by lunch time.

After a busy day looking at all the stalls,watching a demo by Jo Seagar, and catching up with people what could be nicer than a nice cold wine under the trees while listening to music? The lovely red hat and its pin in the foreground was purchased from one of the stalls.

This lovely plant caught my eye and I was amazed to catch up with the person who purchased it-Vicki who with her cousin Ruth run a fantastic shop called Cruella's Boutique in McShane Road, Richmond, Nelson.They stock rare yarns,alpaca and merino yarns and hand knitted fashion garments.

Classic, stylish, or funky they have a garment for all occasions.See them at www.cruellas.co.nz.

I must confess to not having been in Nelson for quite a while but my "spies" tell me that this is a place not to be missed.

Well thats all about the Culverden Fete-we had people staying all week in our Tininn Bed and Breakfast so we have been busy.

I can't wait till next year for the Fete 2009!!!!!!

A GREAT READ

2008-10-08T17:20:00.001+13:00

GREETINGS FROM CULVERDEN-THE PLACE WITH THE BIG SKY.

I have just finished reading " A Community Built on a Station Divided" written by James K.W.Hoban.
This book covers the 100 years from 1908 to 2008 of the Culverden Settlement Farms.

As a newcomer to the district I had no idea that the Culverden Estate was the first large sheep run to be bought under The Lands for Settlement Act of 1894 where the government used its power of compulsory purchase to satisfy the needs of people wanting to settle on the land.So in 1908 the ballot for land took place-783 applicants for 25 sections.

I don't intend to say too much more about the book(you need to read it!)but I found it fascinating, informative, and easy to read with lots of photos.
Coming from North Otago where we had our share of rabbits I loved the part in the book"Land was vast, fences were few and the earth so barren that the standing joke was that rabbits took a cut lunch whenever they ventured from the burrow"!

A great book to have.

I understand there are a small number of books left at $35.00 each(plus $5.00 post and pack)
Contact Judith or James Hoban

Parham Hill

211 Mouse Point Road

Culverden 7391

Ph (03) 315 8108

email:jkwhoban@hotmail.com

judithh@xtra.co.nz

WHATS HAPPENING IN CULVERDEN?

2008-09-23T14:36:00.001+12:00

Greetings from Culverden -the place with the big sky.

Usually when I meet up with people they tend to ask "Whats happening in Culverden"?
So this morning in the great weather that we are having-I grabbed my camera and took a few photos of whats happening around Culverden.

This photo shows Polkadots Preschool which is at 4 Highfield Street and has been running in Culverden for the past 18 months.It caters for children from 2 to 5 years.

The building was the old Wrightsons building.It's great to see the building put to good use, instead of lying empty, which tends to happen in some country towns.

Now right next to Polkadots Preschool there is a new building going up.This I understand is going to be a Nursery catering for children 0 to 5 years.
So things are happening in Culverden.

The facilities at the Culverden Domain are also getting an up grade.The Domain in the past was used for all the rugby and cricket games, but now they use a ground nearer the school.

I have always thought the Domain would be a great place to camp so at the moment it is being painted inside, new lino laid,cupboards put in etc.

This shows the back view of the Domain building, as you can see it is quite large, it has toilets, showers, a good sized kitchen, and a large lounge type area.
It also has power points, lovely views, and it far enough away from the main road to be quiet.In saying that it is only a short stroll in to the Culverden township, where you will find everything you need.

The Camping area.

The Culverden Fete is coming up, ( 30th October) so that is something to look forward to, also Art in a Garden, which is on from 4pm on the 30th till 5pm on the 2nd of November.

So things at Tininn Lodge with the Bed and Breakfast are starting to get busy!

Spring has sprung-Happy Birthday Auntie Lou

2008-09-17T15:06:00.001+12:00

Greetings From Culverden -the place with the Big Sky

We were very busy with the Bed and Breakfast when the road to Hanmer Springs was closed because of slips caused by all the rain we had.

Things are a bit quieter now but we have had five days of glorious spring weather-I've been counting as it's a novelty given the weather we've had.

I have included some spring photos for you to see.

I've had this daphne bush for a couple of years and atlast it's decided to flower-the perfume is just lovely.

Snowdrops.

Our grandaughter Katie gave me these daffodil bulbs for my birthday-I don't think she thought daffodils were very exciting but they give me no end of pleasure and they are so large you would almost think they were artificial.
Thankyou Katie -they are lovely!

More daffodils in the garden at Culverden.

Happy Birthday Lou.

My Mum came from a family of 10 and growing up we have always had lots of contact with our Aunts and Uncles.

On Sunday we gathered to celebrate Lou's 80th birthday-as I said to her I can't believe that she is 80.I wish I'd taken more photos but once again I got talking!

Auntie Lou cutting her Birthday cake, Colin her husband is on the left and a golfing friend on the right.Daughter in law Lois made and iced the cake.

Maurice, Lou's son making a speech.

Neroli, Lou's daughter at the Birthday Lunch

It was a lovely day and it's great to catch up with all the relations.

I have been thinking that we should invite all the relations up to Culverden for a lunch or BBQ-at the moment it's just a thought!!!!!

A Few Photos of Aleisha

2008-09-01T20:49:00.001+12:00

Just a few favorite photos of Aleisha-look at what Perth is getting!

Snowfall in July

At the Ensoc Ball

With Steve Brett ( of Crusaders and Canterbury fame ) at her work do(we are just good friends)

Last day at work

At her farewell lunch at Fernside

Bye Aleisha

Good bye Aleisha

2008-09-01T17:36:00.001+12:00

Greetings from Culverden-the place with the big sky.

On Sunday we had a Family Lunch at Fernside to farewell Aleisha who is away to Perth on Tuesday.
Max's parents Dot and Des,brother and sister in law Brent and Jan,Craig,Katie,Sarah,Craigs parents Richard and Shirley,Murray and I as well as Brooke and Olivia all had a delicious lunch and a few wines!

Max,Dot and Brent

Aleisha and Dot,Sarah and Craig in the background.

Aleisha with Deirdre and Dot

Max,Jan,Brent and Judi

Craig,Sarah and Murray

Great Food.

Katie ,Dot and Murray

Max making a speech wishing Aleisha all the best.
Richard in the background.

It was a great day-the weather was great too!

OH NO-NOT AGAIN

2008-08-25T15:20:00.001+12:00

Greetings from Culverden-the place with the big sky.

Who would believe it?

We have had two inches of rain up to 8am this morning and it's still raining heavily.

I have just ventured out and taken some photos-every Monday morning a group of us head to Hanmer Springs for a exercise group in the pools.Well today because of flooding we didn't go.

Below are some photos I took at the Culverden Golf Course

Looking up towards Hanmer Springs,Waiau and Rotherham

The club house at the Culverden Golf Course-if you compare this photo with one I took in an earlier blog-you will see it is not quite as bad-but it hasn't stopped raining yet!

Looking towards the 9th green.

A close up view of the 9th green on the Culverden Golf Course.

Mr and Mrs Duck must think all their birthdays have come at once!

The marks on the water show how heavily it is raining.
Well thats all for now-lets hope it doesn't rain for much longer?

A Fine Tradition

2008-08-22T22:01:00.001+12:00

TIMARU BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL-WAITAKI BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL.

Timaru Boys' High School and Waitaki Boys'High School have been playing each other in sport for the last 125 years-which I understand is the oldest inter school fixture in New Zealand.

So on the 12th August Max,Judi,Olivia and I got up at 5am and headed down to Timaru.It was a ghastly day,snowing in the foothills and raining heavily in Timaru.

We arrived in time for the school assembly,the guest speakers were Dick Tayler(of Commomwealth Games fame,old boy and a former member of the schools 1st XV) and Colin Meads(Ex All Black).Their speeches were amazing and I am sure people got alot from them.Also present at the assembly were former members of the 1st XV over the years.

In 1955 the Timaru Boys' High School 1st XV was unbeaten and there were 10 members from that team at the assembly.To see them proudly singing the school song was a delight.

There is a lot of tradition associated with the assembly and it felt great to be part of it.Speedy Oil is a liniment which the Timaru 1st XV have used for years-the recipe is a fiercely guarded secret.A bottle of the oil is presented to the Captain for the team to use and then the 1st XV comes up on the stage and does the School Haka.

Jock Ross(Old Boy of T.B.H.S.and All Black 1981) watching the game with Max.

Waitaki Boys' High School doing their Haka

Timaru Boys' High School replying with their Haka

Another tradition-Timaru Boys' High School doing the school Haka at half time

Not a good photo-but you can see how wet and muddy it was.You can't tell which team is which.

The victorious Timaru Boys' High School Captain Nick Annear proudly holding the shield.Timaru were lucky to win 15-13.

A great day.