Tininn Lodge

FLOWERS AROUND THE HOUSE:

2011-11-20T18:07:00.001+13:00

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

Here we are and it's just about December - thought I would put up some photos of flowers etc.This year I have put a lot of old favorites in pots.

This Rhodo was given to me by my old work place - origionally I had it in a pot but have now planted it in the garden.

For about the last five years I have grown strawberries in pots - I find it much easier to manage this way.Think it must be all the rain that we've had as I've never seen so many flowers on the plants.So heres hoping for a bumper crop!!

Even one of the Weka.A planter boxes has come in handy for lettuces.

I love panseys and have several planted in pots at the front door.These lovely yellow ones remind me of smiley faces - these were also planted with daffodils - shame I didn't get an earlier photo.

More panseys!

In a gardening magazine I read about planting a variety of bulbs for a longer flowering period.So in this pot I planted hyacinths,daffodils and iris's - they have been flowering for weeks and still allow the foliage to die down naturally!! I was very pleased with the result!!

That's all for now - be happy.

Deirdre

HERE AND THERE!

2011-11-01T15:46:00.001+13:00

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

Well what a year it has been - and here we are at Spring and not long until Christmas.

This lovely old gum tree has been at the end of the property for ages.Last year it started to look a bit worse for wear and by the end of winter it was obviously dead.Guys arrived on Sunday to cut it done.

They obviously knew what they were doing as they had it done in no time at all.
I asked if I could take some photos and there first comment was "is it for insurance purposes?" and the next comment was if they had known they were going to be photographed they would have had a shave!
I really enjoy people with a sense of humour!!

By the end of the day they had cleaned up and left.Rather a sad end to such a fine old tree,but no doubt the wood will keep some people warm next winter.

A NEW FIRE STATION FOR CULVERDEN

2011-09-02T16:28:00.001+12:00

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

Culverden is getting a new Fire Station.Below are three photos taken on the 15 July showing the progress

This is taken looking down Stock Road to the Main Road

This is taken looking from the Main Road up Stock Road.

The New Zealand Fire Service and Culverden Volunteer Fire Brigade cordially invite all ex Brigade members and members of the public to the opening of the new Fire Station on Stock Road, Culverden,on Saturday 24th September at 2.00pm The official ceremony will be at 2.30pm and will be followed by afternoon tea.

We had another small snow fall this morning but followed by a beautiful sunny day.

Spring is here!

The noise of the bees in the plum tree at the back of the deck is amazing.

Be happy and keep warm!!!

COUSINS GETTING TOGETHER.

2011-07-03T16:30:00.001+12:00

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

Last month a few cousins got together for a Pot Luck Lunch to welcome Richard and Raewyn to Christchurch from Rotorua.The lunch was held at Maurice and Tracey's place at South Eyreton.They have a beautiful place which they run as a Bed and Breakfast,host weddings and events.

I managed to take a few photos - but what usually happens is that I get so engrossed talking to everyone that I forget to get photos of everyone!
Anyway here are the photos - of some of my 42 1st cousins! and Maurice and Tracey's beautiful home.

Maurice,Tom,husband of Madge,and Madge.

Tracey - in background - Gregg and his wife Lois.

Raewyn (in front),Lou my aunt,Tracey,her daughter Emily,and Greg.

Colin husband of Lou, Lou, and her daughter in law Lois

Beautiful Mirror in Entrance way.

Huge candelabra also in entrance way.

BBQ area next to the Pool

Swimming pool and spa.

It was great catching up with everyone - Thank you again Maurice and Tracey!!

CONGRATULATIONS EVAN

2011-06-09T14:14:00.001+12:00

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

Last weekend we travelled down to Twizel to attend the Gold Star Presentation for our nephew Evan.The Gold Star is presented by the New Zealand Fire Service for 25 years service.It was lovely to catch up with family and friends.I even caught up with a woman that I hadn't seen for 42 years!!!

Proud daughters: Summer and Chelsea.

Evan's partner Vicki

Evan's brother in law Neil and sister Veronica - our niece.

Evan,his mother Rae,sister in law Ali and brother Ken.

Proud Father.

Evan and his Dad - my brother Malcolm.

A great night was had by all!

Next time you hear a Fire siren - give a thought to those guys who go out night and day to keep us safe.

Well done Evan - we are all very proud of you.

HE'S AT IT AGAIN

2011-05-08T16:21:00.001+12:00

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

I did say many months ago that I would keep you up to date with the farmers billboard in his paddock.
Well this is the latest one - there was an F there but he must have decided to change it.

Given all the Earthquakes that have happened since Sept 4 I think the comment is very relevant!!!

Let's hope the earthquakes are coming to an end and people can start rebuilding their lives.

Keep safe Deirdre

YOU'VE GOT TO HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOUR!!

2010-09-18T10:15:00.001+12:00

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

Our daughter and son in law live just outside Rangiora.

Just before you get to their place there lives a farmer with a great sense of humour.

Out in the middle of one of his paddocks he has put up a large notice board on which he comments on various topics.Every time we drive past and see a new topic I make the comment" wish I had my camera with me!"

About three weeks ago I did have my camera with me and you can see the result.

I don't know who the farmer is - but I appreciate his thought provoking comments and in future I will attempt to publish more of them.

Deirdre

GUESS WHAT WE WOKE UP TO?

2010-09-17T14:24:00.001+12:00

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

Well we were certainly woken with the big earthquake on the 4th September and have felt some of the aftershocks since.We really feel for the people struggling in Christchurch and hope that the aftershocks stop soon.We have heard on the news that there were six aftershocks in an hour last night - very scary for people.

This morning we were woken with a different noise - lots of trucks and people talking. This is unusual for us as our street is usually very quiet.This is what we saw!

They had moved a new house in over the road from us and had managed to get stuck in the wet grass. Then they brought in a frontend loader to pull the truck out!

It is now 2pm and the house is in place but still up on stilts - all is quiet!

All that is left is the deep tyre marks from where the truck got stuck.I was very relieved that they missed the plane trees that were planted there last year!You can see one of them in the first picture - there are actually three of them - platanus acerifolia and they apparently grow to about 20 metres +! Doubt if I will be around to see them get that big!

Till next time -take care.

GROWING PUMPKINS IN CULVERDEN

2010-08-08T16:23:00.001+12:00

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

It's a cold and miserable day today and snow is expected - so what better idea than to catch people up with life in Culverden.

Earlier in the year Bruce (the other half of Weka.A )
commented that he had rather a large pumpkin growing in his garden.I'm embarrassed to say that we didn't take a lot of notice!
However when he sent us the following photos I just couldn't believe it.

Then we thought perhaps he had enlarged the photo!

Well this next photo showed us the pumpkin in the garden near the garage - it was certainly big!

Later on it was harvested and the big question became"what to do with it?".People suggested that because it was so big that it wouldn't be any good to eat.

So Murray and Bruce decided to have a competition so that people could guess the weight and the proceeds would go to The Culverden Plunket.

Tickets were sold and the person who guessed the correct weight won a Seedling Tray and Planter Box donated by Weka.A

Murray is taking the pumpkin down to Amuri Transport to be weighed.It weighted a massive 86.6 kg and the prize was won by a local Shane from Mouse Point

The Seedling Tray and Planter Box that was won for guessing the correct weight of the pumpkin.

Much to everyones surprise the pumpkin was fine to eat - so there are a lot of people with pumpkin soup in their freezers this year.

As for next years pumpkins - well who knows?!

OUT AND ABOUT AROUND CULVERDEN:

2010-07-03T15:31:00.001+12:00

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

Well I can't say alot about the weather - but today for the third day in a row it has been frosty with a lovely sunny day - not a cloud in the sky.Now that is what I call winter weather!

This photo was taken after Anzac Day and shows the wreath placed by the Memorial Gates at the entrance to the Domain.

Also near the Domain is a great new sign put up by the Culverden Community Committee.

The Culverden Bakery has a new colour scheme.It is amazing how nice it looks.Owners Jane and Bruce were saying that the first day after the painting was finished they had about 6 people come in to the Bakery and ask if they had just opened!

They have in fact been open for two years!!! So colour does make a differance.

Weka.A have also provided a table and seating outside the Bakery - so on a nice day you can sit outside and have a coffee and something to eat.

Bring on Summer!

Thats all for now

Keep warm and be kind to each other!!

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, or you can see more here>>
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.

- - -and things that go bump in the night?

2008-08-10T17:01:00.001+12:00

Greetings from Culverden:

About two weeks ago we were surprised to find half a house
outside our driveway.We knew it was arriving but didn't know when.
Murray said he heard it arriving about 1 30 am but I didn't hear a thing.

This is the sight we saw next morning

This is the back view of the house

It was amazing watching the house being put into position.It was pouring with rain and the truck got stuck.Eventually everything was in position and since then its done nothing but rain!

The second part of the house arrived at 5am and this time I heard it arrive.

This photo shows the two parts of the house in position

Lets hope the weather soon clears and the builders can get on with their job.

Seriously the weather is getting better-we have been having heavy frosts and beautiful sunny days-now thats how winter should be!!!

Till next time.

Deirdre

What's the weather like in Culverden?

2008-07-31T11:01:00.001+12:00

We have had heavy rain -it seems like forever.
Here are some photos taken this morning.

This is Dry Stream on the way into Culverden from the south.
Local farmer Bruce Black said that he has never seen anything like this.Note the centre pivot in the background.

Apparently the road to Hanmer Springs is also closed by slips

A house on the banks of the Pahau River

Another house on the banks of the Pahau River-river in the background

Same house showing sand bagging-hopefully it will keep out the water

The club house at the Culverden Golf Course-I didn't have my gum boots-so couldn't get closer-but the course looks badly flooded

I'm sick of this weather

2008-07-30T15:42:00.001+12:00

At the moment we are in the middle of the bad weather that is sweeping New Zealand.It is pouring with rain,windy and freezing cold-need I say more?

Last week when we had some "spring weather"I grabbed the camera and took some photos of some of the signs of spring.

Today seems a good day to look at them!

This is cheating a bit-this geranium just loves it in our lounge and flowers all year

A bit of colour on the deck

Winter Sweet outside our bathroom window-the smell is just delightful

Winter Sweet and soap in the guest bathroom.

More news following later in the week

Happy 70th Birthday Malcolm

2008-06-25T16:29:00.001+12:00

Greetings from Culverden:The Place with the Big Sky.

Last Friday Murray and I took off for a weekend away.Firstly to Timaru to watch grandson Brooke play rugby for Timaru Boys High School against Temuka-they won 27-7-then to travel to Twizel to my brother's 70th Birthday.

We ran into heavy fog at Tekapo and this continued right into Twizel-where they had a hoar frost and it was 1 deg at 2 30 in the afternoon.The hoar frost was beautiful and I'm really cross that I didn't take some photos.

The birthday party was held in the Pukaki Room at the Top Hut Hotel and was attended by about 200 people.

Malcolm has been a school teacher all his life and taught at Kurow,Otematata,Campbell Park,Mataura and Twizel.After retiring Malcolm and Judy travelled to London and he also taught at St Thomas the Apostle School in Peckham.Apparently he still relieves at times at the Twizel School.

It was a great evening,Malcolms son Evan was MC for the evening and did a great job.Speeches were given by Simon McDermott as an ex student and on behalf of the Twizel Community,Ken Lousley,an ex pupil from Australia,Bob Burgess on behalf of the Golf Club,Joe Murphy on behalf of the Fire Brigade,Murray Ewing,Murray Sisson and Charles Newton who had worked with Malcolm at the Twizel School.His speech was very moving as he spoke about Malcom's passion for the kids he taught,and how he looked out for them,in school and out.I know there are many children in New Zealand who regard MT(as they called him) with alot of respect and affection.It seems that most of the places I go there is always someone that knows Malcolm and wants to know how he is?

Evan also spoke about Malcolm's passion for basketball and how one year he took two teams from Twizel School to the Nationals.Other son Ken also spoke about the fund raising that went on so that the teams could travel-he would arrive home to find someone doing the garden to raise funds for the school trip.

It was great to catch up with Malcolm's daughter Veronica,her partner Neil,and children Zac and new daughter Ashlee who was born a few weeks ago.

The Birthday Cake

Apparently the party was meant to be a secret but Malcolm was at golf one day and someone said to him"you must be 70 soon,as I'm making your cake!"So much for secrets!

Murray,Deirdre,Chelsea in front,Evan,Brooke,Olivia in front

Malcolm,Mary Cameron,and Deirdre

Deirdre and daughter Judi listening to the speeches

Malcolm on the dance floor

Murray talking about his brother in law

Judy and Malcolm listening to the speeches.

Deirdre,cousin Donald and his son Dougal from Wanaka

For Ever The Teacher!

Malcolm conducting everyone singing"Happy Birthday".He had found out there were others who had a birthday that day so he insisted that we sing Happy Birthday to them as well!!
It's not a good photo I know-but I couldn't resist it!!!
It was a great weekend-and Judy and Evan did a marvellous job organising it.
Thanks also to Donald Lousley-who took most of the photos

CONGRATULATIONS PHIL GARLAND

2008-06-09T11:20:00.001+12:00

Greetings from Culverden-the Place with the Big Sky.

Congratulations to Culverden's Phil Garland for winning
The Tui Award for the Best Folk Album 2007 which he was presented with in January this year.

PHIL GARLAND (photo by Donald Lousley-Wanaka)

PHIL GARLAND'S BAND: BUSH TELEGRAPH (photo by Donald Lousley-Wanaka)

THE AWARD WINNING ALBUM:

SOUTHERN ODYSSEY

I also understand that Phil has written a book called
Faces in the Firelight which will be published this year.I'm sure this will be well worth a read, written by a man who is a legend in New Zealand's Folk Music and just happens to live in Culverden!!!!!!

His website is www.philgarland.co.nz

Winter is here-Greetings from Culverden:

2008-06-08T16:11:00.001+12:00

This is the view that we woke up to this morning.It had started snowing about 4.30 yesterday.

The only problem was our Sky reception was out because of the weather,so Murray was up on a ladder,clearing the snow from our Sky Dish!

We watched Isaac Ross play for N.Z.Maoris against Tonga,then settled back to watch the All Blacks win.

Another view of the snow

When we were down at Katie's birthday we were given this photo of Katie which was taken of her at school.She is so like Sandra that Murray and I are 'blown away' sometimes.

Anyway I found this old photo of Sandra and put the two together and this is the result,perhaps it is the hair-I'm not really sure.Anyway I'll leave it up to you to judge.

Take care
Deirdre

Happy 80th Birthday Fred.

2008-06-04T11:52:00.001+12:00

On the 17th May friends and family were invited to celebrate Fred's 80th Birthday.We have known Fred and Lesley for 40 years when we all lived in Hanmer Springs.

Fred taught at the Amuri Area School in Culverden-full time and relieving for 25 years.Ask any pupil that Fred taught and they all seem to speak of him with affection and respect.

I remember that we could always set our clock by him,as he walked past our home whistling on his way to pick up the school bus which he drove from Hanmer Springs to Culverden and back every day.

The above photo shows Lesley and Fred enjoying the evening

Fred and Lesleys family-Liz on the left and Jen on the right

Family friend Kath reading Fred some advice on Ageing.

The Grandchildren-Mitchell,Emmy,Rebecca and in front Sarah

Murray and Liz

A great evening was had by us all.

Keep warm everyone

Cheers

Deirdre

ROTHERHAM SCHOOL CELEBRATES 125 YEARS

2008-05-19T16:14:00.001+12:00

Rotherham is about 10 minutes drive from Culverden and about 20 minutes
from Hanmer Springs.

This year on the 18th and 19th of October the Rotherham School are celebrating their 125 year jubilee.On the Saturday afternoon there will be photos,a chance to catch up with friends and afternoon tea.At night drinks will be served,followed by a dinner.

On the Sunday,there is a church service,followed by a light lunch.

For more information
Contact:
Rotherham School

Phone 03 3156368

Email rotherham@xtra.co.nz

Beautiful large school grounds.

A general view of the class rooms.

STANLEY MOSES ROSS

2008-05-14T11:38:00.001+12:00

Stanley Moses Ross was born this morning at 5-43am weighting 8lb 11oz.

Son of Isaac Ross and Arnia-perhaps another Crusader or Highlander?

The above photo was taken at the beach at Surfers Paradise when Isaac was over there playing for the Highlanders against the Reds.
Isaac played for Canterbury last year and has been playing for the Highlanders this season.
We wish them all the very best.

What a Surprise?

2008-05-02T16:33:00.001+12:00

Greetings from Culverden-the Place with the Big Sky

Well what can I say?

We were all enjoying Autumn with its beautiful colours,and next minute we have this!

Duck shooting starts tomorrow,so some people will be happy.

We have been very busy with the Bed and Breakfast and have met some great
people from all walks of life.

One couple from Nelson had just finished cycling the Rail Trail in Central
Otago,while another couple were looking to buy a dairy farm.

We also had Donald and Dougal cousins from Wanaka staying-it was great to catch up with them again.

We have five men staying for the weekend-they are duck shooters-so the weather will be to their liking.

That's all for now

Keep Warm

Deirdre

LEST WE FORGET

2008-04-24T13:55:00.001+12:00

Greetings from Culverden: The Place with the Big Sky.

This is written by our Grandaughter Olivia (aged 9) about her great uncle on her father's side of the family:

Every Anzac Day is special to my family,

We remember

My great uncle

Roderick Herbert Fitzgibbon.

Died 20th October 1943.

Only 19 years,a mechanic from Culverden

Boarded a ship in Lyttleton

Excited, nervous, proud, scared

Fighter pilot in World War Two.

During the war

His plane shot down

Bang, falling spinning out of control

Uncle Rod was lost at sea in the English Channel

We Remember

My great uncle Rod.

A BAKERY FOR CULVERDEN

2008-04-18T10:58:00.000+12:00

Culverden now has its own bakery. Situated on the main road, it is the ideal place to stop for a coffee and food. It is also the place to stop to buy freshly baked bread, rolls, pies, cakes and anything else you can think of in the bakery line. They even stock Gluten Free goods. The owners Jane and Bruce have been delighted with the support they have received.

From a personal level-the custard squares are the best I have ever tasted, while Murrays favourite is the date scones.

Mon to Fri 6.30am to 4.00pm
Sat: 8.00am to 1.30pm
Sun: Closed

home

Jane and her daughter Meghan. People have commented on the friendly, helpful service they have received.

Jane and Meghan busy making coffees. The Culverden bakery uses Hummingbird Fair Trade Organic Coffee. I really like their idea that you can txt your name, time required and order. When you arrive in Culverden your order is waiting for you. Call in to sample the food and they'll supply you with the number.

How great is that??

A Busy Place. The bakery is decorated in a traditional yet modern style. Welcoming red walls, white ceilings, funky zincalume counter fronts and a beautiful polished wooden floor.

Autumn is in the air - my dad and Otematata Station memories

2008-04-14T11:43:00.001+12:00

Over the last few days I have been sorting through numerous papers, cards and photos.

Jim Lousley (my Dad) spent most of his life in Kurow and on Otematata Station. The above photo shows him out mustering with his horse Laddie. I have no idea when the photo was taken but it would be before 1969.

This is the International truck that Dad used to drive to take the wool through to the wool scour in Timaru. When it was new it was the greatest truck on the road. Now it looks like a Tonka toy!! For the "Celebrating 100 yrs. of the Cameron Family at Otematata Station 1908~2008" the truck was painted and sign written.

One of the old musterers was out on his morning walk in Kurow when he saw the truck getting painted at Haka. Motors - he went rushing in and said "What are you doing to Jimmy Lou's (pronounced Lal) truck?"

Another old musterer was over heard saying "Well they may have painted the truck-but they wont have painted the dash board where Lou used to stub out his cigarettes!"

Dad spent the last 18 years of his life in Hanmer Springs-he was quiet, loved a joke, reading, rugby racing and a gin or a beer.

This following verse I found amongst my Mothers things, I had copied it out and asked my brother Malcolm to read it at Dad's funeral which he did.

I love the clean brown tussock

And the hills where the cool winds blow

It is my prayer

I may still be there

When the Lord calls "Wayleggo" [The shepherd's command to a dog who has completed the job: Away here, Let go]

From New Zealand Farm and Station Verse.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2008-04-09T12:27:00.001+12:00

My birthday was on Sunday and I can't believe that I at last get "My Play Lunch" money-if you know what I mean!

The photo shows Katie, Brooke (home for the weekend from TBHS) and Olivia-three of my five grandchildren.

Katie played a joke on me-when Richard and Shirley were icing the cake-Katie insisted on putting a Merry Christmas decoration on it. When the cake came out Katie was beside her self with laughter.She is so like her Mum.

I received lots of lovely presents and we all ate and drank too much. A great way to celebrate a birthday!

Next time I want to share about the fantastic time we had at Otematata Station celebrating the Cameron Family at Otematata Station for 100 years.

Thats all for now-autumn is here

Deirdre

IN LOVING MEMORY OF SANDRA

2008-03-30T12:00:00.000+13:00

This is a photo of Sandra on her first pony Hopalong at the Amuri Show. They were both six years old.The funny thing about the photo was that it was taken by a friend of ours Lesley Hoffmann. The photo was meant to be of Liz Hoffmann and Sandra, but somehow it came out with half of Liz and a great photo of Sandra.

Sandra liked this photo of herself - it was taken when she was Purchasing Officer at G.L.Bowrons.

This last photo is taken of Sandra and their two dogs Wendell and Bailey. It was taken at Judi and Max's home at Fernside

Sandra died suddenly on the 30-03-03. Aged 34 years.

It was a great shock to us all.

She was much loved and is greatly missed by us all.

FLOWERS AT TININN IN CULVERDEN

2008-03-12T10:44:00.002+13:00

Greetings from the place with the big sky.

Our garden is planted in natives to match the style of the house. However I always like to have fresh flowers inside,so I have planted a few favourites in a garden outside the kitchen window.

Photography is not a strength of mine, but I did get a camera for Christmas so I have been taking a few photos to practise. Murray has been telling people that every sweet pea in the garden has been photographed!! I have included a couple of my efforts-I'm very proud of them.

Thats all for now
Deirdre

RUGBY AND MORE RUGBY

2008-03-10T21:21:00.001+13:00

Greetings again from Culverden
I guess most people by now realise that we are quite keen on Rugby!
I just have two more photos to show you.
The first is of our grandson Brooke holding the Ranfurly Shield-this was taken at Tim Drapers wedding in 2006.North Harbour had taken the shield off Canterbury and a few of the North Harbour supporters decided to take the shield to the Wedding Reception to remind the Canterbury supporters what they had lost!!!

The second photo is of our other grandson Hayden and his friend Isaac Ross
This was taken when they were both in the Timaru Boys High School First XV.
Hayden was playing as half back and Isaac as lock and they had just beaten Waitaki Boys High School-the score was 24-0 to Waitaki at half time!!

Enough rugby for now
Deirdre

MURRAY'S BIRTHDAY LUNCH

2008-03-09T14:26:00.000+13:00

Tuesday March 11th is Murray's birthday-so today Max and Judi put on a family lunch for him.
Max cooked a delicious leg of lamb in the BBQ, with that we had a salad, chicken kebabs, sausages and crusty bread.

For desert we had chocolate cake (the birthday cake baked by Richard McGuigan), chocolates and coffee.

After a meal of oysters for tea, we settled down to watch the Crusaders play the Force in Perth-what a great game it was-one of the best we have watched all season. Anyway the Crusaders won. What a great way to spend the day!!!

A GREAT "GET TOGETHER" AT HANMER SPRINGS YESTERDAY

2008-03-02T18:00:00.000+13:00

A few years ago at the funeral of a close friend, Wendy Carter, Sandy Jones Scott (pictured here with her brother Carl who flew in from Australia) made the comment that she was sick of catching up with friends at funerals. So the idea of a Hanmer Springs "get together " was born.

There were no invitations-anyone who had been involved with Hanmer Springs was welcome. Everyone was encouraged to spread the word: be at the Domain at 12.00 on March 1st.

What a great day it was-it rained, but that didn't dampen peoples spirits.

People had come from Nelson, Kaiapoi, Wanganui and the West Coast, just to catch up with old friends.

The afternoon was spent talking,catching up and looking at old photos.

That evening everyone went to The Hot Springs Hotel for a meal and a few drinks.Alot of people arrived at night as they had been working that day.

Thanks Sandy for organising a great day -I understand that it will be repeated in eighteen months or two years time.

Jenny Ferner and her mother Lesley Hoffman, who lived in Hanmer for many years, Jenny attended primary school in Hanmer-while her father Fred taught at the Amuri Area School,and used to drive the school bus daily from Hanmer to Culverden.

Some of the people looking at photos and just catching up with old friends.

GREETINGS EVERYONE FROM TININN IN CULVERDEN

2008-02-28T14:35:00.000+13:00

The weather here is just great-lovely sunny days and no wind.

The photo above is of our grandson Hayden(on the right) and his old
school mate Isaac Ross.
Isaac was over in Brisbane recently playing for the Highlanders and he
caught up with Hayden who is living in Surfers.

The thing that really impresses me is that when Isaac came back to New
Zealand he called in to Thomas House(the boarding hostel) Timaru Boys
High School to see Brooke (our other grandson) who is having his first
year there.For those of you who haven't attended boarding school it's a
big thing when you get visitors-,especially when they are 6ft 9ins and
played rugby for Canterbury in the N.P.C.This year he is playing for
the Highlanders.

I just thought it was so nice of him to call and see Brooke.

Apparently the rest of the boys were meant to be in Prep,but they were
so busy looking at Isaac there wasn't much work being done so the house
master asked Isaac to speak to the boys which he did.

After the Jesse Ryder episode: its nice to hear positive things about
young sports men.

New Attractions Web Page...

2008-02-27T13:21:00.000+13:00

We draw your attention to our new Culverden Attractions page

Happy New Year Everyone

2008-02-25T16:44:00.000+13:00

GREETINGS FROM CULVERDEN THE PLACE WITH THE BIG SKY.

Yes, I know this is a bit late-we are nearly into the 3rd month of the
year.

Where does the time go?

The photo is of our grandaughter toasting the New Year-we suggested
that she might like to swim in the glass seeing it was so big!

I'll finish with a message that I got from a friend on New Years Eve at
11.55pm

Before the sunsets on 2007
Before the memories fade
Before the networks get jammed and
Before I get drunk and lose my phone
I'm wishing you a fantastic 2008.

I really liked that message

Happy Christmas

2007-12-26T19:34:00.000+13:00

Greetings Everyone
I have been silent over the last few weeks.
However Father Christmas was very kind-I now have a new camera and look
forward to writing more and taking photos
This photo was taken on Christmas Day
Back row
Murray,Deirdre,Grandson Brooke and Grandaughter Aleisha
Front row
Grandaughter Olivia,Son in law Max and Son in law Craig

THE CULVERDEN FETE

2007-10-27T16:52:00.000+13:00

Greetings From Culverden-the place with the big sky.

Well the Fete is over for another year,but what a great day it was.After all the ghastly weather we've had -the day was perfect,
sunny with blue sky.The grounds are beautiful-'park like' with beautiful leafy trees-and oh the shopping-everything you could think of.It was a great day to catch up with friends,spend lots of money,have a Pimms(I haven't had one for years!)sit in the sun and listen to the music.

We had a some women from Auckland staying with us.Penny sells the most delightful jewellery(and yes i did buy some!)while her 81 year old mother handpaints table mats(and yes I did buy some!)Penny's Collection can be seen at www.pennykemberdesign.co.nz,
Well worth a look.

We've had lots of friends visit this week-even a couple of my cousins that I last saw 50 years ago-Doesn't time fly!!!!They are now living in Rangiora-so I look forward to catching up with them again.Doing ones Family Tree certainly has its rewards.

PHOTOS(I HOPE!!!)

2007-10-15T16:36:00.000+13:00

GREETINGS FROM CULVERDEN
I have just managed to find some photos of Aleisha's 21st Birthday party.
So I hope to get them to you!!!!!Heres hoping????

The photo is of Aleisha on the right and her friend Nat.
The other photo is of Aleisha and her Dad Max(our son in law)
The photo on the left is of Hayden(our grandson) and family friend Michelle Edmans from Oxford
MORE PHOTOS NEXT TIME!!!

WHAT HAPPENED TO SPRING?

2007-10-15T13:18:00.000+13:00

GREETINGS from Culverden
I don't know what has happened to the spring weather as it has been cold windy and wet for the last week.However the farmers will be happy as I was hearing about farmers having to send stock away because it was so dry.

We attended our grandaughter Aleisha's 21st birthday on Saturday evening.Hopefully some photos will come my way.What a great night it was.Aleisha looked stunning and I have never seen so many attractive young females.Mini skirts are obviously in vogue!!!
Hayden our grandson came over from the Gold Coast,and met up with lots of his friends from Timaru Boys High School.All the boys from the rugby first XV did the Haka and as a surprise for Aleisha,Max and Judi organised a piper to play "Happy Birthday" on the bagpipes.I found it quite emotional as we have had the bagpipes at our wedding,Judi and Max's, and now Aleisha's 21st.Hopefully the tradition will continue.

Next week on the 25th October is the Christmas Country Fete at Culverden.There are 200 stalls and people came from all over New Zealand for it.It's a great time to start your Christmas shopping,meet up with friends,or just have a great day out.
I'm certainly looking forward to it.

SPRING IS HERE

2007-10-03T11:25:00.000+13:00

Greetings from Tininn Lodge in Culverden "The Place with the Big Sky"

After warm sunny weather last week,things have changed.The sun is still shining,but the wind is cold-feels like snow has fallen on the hills.

We had a great weekend with my cousin Donald and his son Dougal from Wanaka visiting some of the Stations around Culverden-namely Glens of Tekoa and Balmoral.They certainly take you back in time and are well worth a visit,makes you realise what a great place New Zealand is and how lucky we are to live here.

Hopefully some photos next time,as Donald is a great photographer.All I have to do is learn and remember how to get them on to this page!!! Wish me luck!

Busy Weekend

2007-09-30T22:00:00.000+13:00

What a busy weekend it has been.apart from having guests staying,we have had Donald and Dougal from Wanaka here.

This is a photo of our neice-India-daughter of Todd and Sarah Sisson.