Maree’s Musings

STICKS … and STONES
We all know that old saying – when our ears were burning – the stock response was ‘Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me’. I recall repeating it at the time, took a bit of courage, though. Perhaps that was how it worked!
The recent epidemic of name calling, which almost became an art form in the weeks leading up to a certain election, got me thinking. What’s in a name? And, more to the point, what is a name?
We all have a name; it defines us or describes us. I was born a ‘Porter’, though I’ve never been one, neither was my dad or grandad. My maternal poppa was a ‘Bishop’, though he wasn’t. Your neighbour might be a Smith, a King, a Shepherd or a Butler. Nowadays, probably not.
Are you nicknamed for how you look? Fatso, skinny, porky, egghead, ‘ginga’ – more fashionable than being a fiery redhead. If you’re six feet tall, you might get ‘Shorty’. Intellectual prowess (more or less) inspires brainbox, smart-arse, or drongo. Many more. A reputation may be a Good Thing, or maybe not. It takes effort to ‘make a name for yourself’ and the result rests entirely on you. … Continue Reading

Guy Fawkes Display

It was Good Fun for the Whole Family at the Martinborough Community Guy Fawkes Display

A fun, family evening was had by all at the Martinborough Community Guy Fawkes Display on 5 November with a record turnout of locals and visitors. The event was a huge success and raised almost $3,000 towards Martinborough School’s ski trip and camp next year.
The food tent was flat out selling gourmet venison burgers, sausages and hot chocolates; Shane Cater (with daughter, Florence and other talented, local vocalists) played some favourite numbers creating a relaxed, family atmosphere; the kids went crazy with the new and exciting LED swords and other glow products on offer. … Continue Reading

HELEN THOMAS – “MAY YOUR SHADOW NEVER GROW LESS”

Our Rebus mini-speaker this month was David Woodhams, who is our incoming Newsletter Editor, giving us a brief glimpse into some of the main events of his life. David was a mechanical engineer for the NZ Dairy Research Institute. While there he had a research fellowship which gave him four years in Wisconsin working on spray drying of milk.
Instant whole milk powder was developed at the NZDI when David was head of the milk powder and drying section at NZDI. He was in the United States in the 1960’s and during the 1968 election which had some reflections on the current US elections.

Our main speaker was Helen Thomas of Greytown, speaking about the wonderful book she has written called “May Your Shadow Never Grow Less” on the life and times of her forbears Henry and Jane Holland. The wording of the title came from a telegram sent by Henry to his wife on her birthday. Henry went on to become Mayor of Christchurch and a Member of Parliament. The book is also a fascinating insight into the social history of early Canterbury, its farming, local body politics and the important issues faced by the new migrants. … Continue Reading

Honoured for a Life in Wine.

2016 has been a great year for Larry McKenna, culminating in his being honoured with induction as a New Zealand Winegrowers Fellow in November. Larry said “as this is a peer recognition, I feel very honoured and respect it enormously”.  The award was presented by John Clarke (right), Deputy Chair of NZ Winegrowers at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
Martinborough’s first professional winemaker has been here for 35 years, and active in local wine industry and marketing organisations.  He loves the challenge of winemaking, and perhaps his greatest sense of achievement is a beautiful wine capturing the essence of each vintage from his Te Muna Road vineyard.