SOUTH WAIRARAPA REBUS CLUB

ANDY BEARPARK

We had a very interesting insight into Andy’s varied career from being a Personal Secretary and Chief of Staff to Margaret Thatcher through several other incarnations and now about to open his Yoga meditation centre in Featherston.
Andy recently published a small booklet – your first impression is of a black covered book with the word “Rules” in large letters. However on a second glance you notice the word “Serendipity” above the word “Rules”. I think this description of Serendipity Rules pretty much sums up Andy’s life as a lot of decisions or changes of direction appear to have come out of times in his life when he was trying to make a good decision of what to do next or what direction to follow.

This covers everything from what course to take at university, what career path to follow and several other decisions made at various stages of his life. It seems to me that often when Andy was taking time out to think at a particular crossroad in life someone would phone, or some problem would cross his path which he felt he could help to fix. Often on the face of it he would not appear to have the correct qualifications or experience but obviously he quickly gained a reputation for getting things done.
Andy has travelled widely and in particular has spent time in such places as Kosovo and Sarajevo assisting with redevelopment after times of conflict. This particularly included helping to organise the basics for people – access to water, food and shelter at a very stressful time in their lives.
There is no way justice can be done to Andy’s contributions in his full and interesting life in this short space but our members had a very interesting and informative talk. We look forward to hearing more of Andy’s project in Featherston with his yoga centre.
I understand he is aiming to make this available to blind and disabled people as well. A couple of waterfalls have already been constructed so that the soothing sounds can make the experience more meaningful for those with limited sight.
We also had an interesting chat from Ken and Nola Hyde who are new members of our Club. It never ceases to surprise me when we hear of all the interesting and varied careers our members have experienced. In particular Ken has spent many years with the ambulance service and they have both made major contributions to their communities. Welcome Ken and Nola!
Anyone who would like more information on our Rebus Club and our various interest groups are very welcome to contact Margaret Griffiths on 306-8102.