Thanks For The Memories -Once Party People - Always Party People - Reunion at The Windsor Castle 2013

My Husband Dale (pictured above with his beautiful Grandchildren, they had made a lovely book for him and had just presented it)... recently had his 69^th Birthday and he really wanted to catch up with old friends.

 

We did a road trip earlier this year and had such a good time staying with dear friends. 

Lots of laughs and great memories

Over the years we have organized some great parties, our friends all love to drink, dance, laugh, drink, sing, drink and have great fun.

They book their airfares, get in their cars and make their way to Auckland, to join in the various festivities.

It really is so wonderful to see them all.

The biggest problem of getting old, is that People start to die

Recently there have been  a spate of funerals, well not really a spate... but more than enough.

It seems, you are catching up with people at funerals.

These are good times, but for the wrong reasons and of the course, the dead person is not there to join in

So we decided to hold a reunion of people who have been in our lives, 

since we have been together  from 1963.

Some of these friends were around even earlier. Long wonderful friendships

Unfortunately not everyone could join us but there was still a great turnout, over 100 people.

Thanks to Bruno and Dylan at the Windsor, both who came in on their Days off to help this Bash to be the success it was.

Love the Windsor, of course I’m a bit biased, but it’s a great place to hold a function.

We have had 4 majors there, in the last 4 years, let alone the lunches we have.

We are not such good lunchers these days. Those days of lunch running into dinner and almost to breakfast have gone. We only make lunch now, finishing around 5ish

Quiz night is brilliant and of course watching Dan, Grunter and the CVE play at their regular Thursday Gigs.

I want to thank the guys for supplying music
Here's Craig, Dan and Grunter at a previous Wrightson Party 

 


















Here they are now, ably joined by Mr Wayne Gillies

and I’m

 Pleased to say Mr Tony Andrew doing his version of California Dreaming.
Then RCYC 1992                                                        Now

 We missed Our friend Graham Heinz, his version of “My Satin Doll over the years, has always been a showstopper. here he is at another Royal Cajun Yacht Club aka RCYC function, way back

Mary and Heinzie have always been a big part of our lives and parties,  even if sometimes the boys need a wee rest. Lots of travel has been taken with them over the years. They couldn't be with us but were there in spirit I'm sure

So onto Saturday, here's a Montage of shots taken by various people and thank God for that... some of my shots from my phone, I'll call artistic, other might say Blurry.
Oh well. It was just lovely to see so many Happy Shiny People.
And the 6 Degrees of Separation continues

Thank you for joining us...it meant a lot

 Tim, Gaye, Glenys and Neil
Tom worked at Unilever with me, he moved to the UK around the same time as we did.
On our trip to UK on the Northern Star. We met Glenys, spent time with her on the voyage
Lost touch but then after we had settled in, Tim invited us to lunch at his flat in East Sheen.
There was Glen, a wonderful surprise. We had great times. Neil, her then boyfriend in NZ, joined her in the UK. We all became friends and so it goes on

Glen found this shot of Dale and I and herself 1968, Just before we returned home

Sharon, Jeannie and Deb.
All friends from our Wellington Days
 Two Davids on the left lurking in the background

Juliet and Jane
We have known these girls since they were little in fact, before they were born. Family Christmases together
One of the family Christmases, at our house about 1978 I think

 Below: Juliet with Dan around 1972

Phil, Summer, David. Wolfie and Debbie
Phil and David worked with Dale at Campaign.
Great times, in the 80's

When we first moved to Auckland, Debbie was a neighbour of Phil's in Devonport.
We met then. Over many late nights of drinking and staying up late, we became firm friends.
Summer is her daughter with her lovely little man Wolfie.

 Carole, Pat and Tony.
Tony and Carole have been together for over 25 years. Pat is an associate from Dale's advertising days, then we all worked together in our Murray Ball days

Jan and Anne
I met Anne when she joined Unilever in 1962. Turns out she is related to Sharon.
So the 6 Degrees  carries on.
Jan married Gerry in late 60's
We were all teenagers together, still have the connection, part of The Arab Tribe

 A Unilever Ball, circa 1964. Dale, Moi, Lorraine. Anne and Graeme. Never ever saw Lorraine or Graeme after we left but still in contact with Anne. 50 years of friendship

Lana with Jan and Her partner David, caught in the lights so it seems at Dales 65th

Sharon, George and Marty
We all went to HVHS, have been friends ever since. Marty worked with Dale at Inglis Wright.
We were a "teenage gang" so to speak. Have never lost touch. More Arabs

Dale with Jane.
Jane is a friend of Katie's but we first met her through her uncle Robin Sommerville, a partner of Dale's in Campaign

Dale, sandwiched between 2 Roses
Catherine and Sharon
Catherine, originally a client of Campaign, of course became a friend. Moved to Auckland a bit before us. We ended up sharing premises for many fabulous years, lots of laughs.
Sharon is the friend I have known the longest, we met at Sunday School when we were about 4. Ended up in he same class at HVHS... friends ever since

Rock Chick Karen. Family and friend
Partnered to Craig, Dale's brother for many years
She suits that guitar

Debbie and Andy
Andy worked in the Recording industry with people we knew. He met Debbie, Sheryl, Larry and Michael in Wellington, all moved, Andy to Sydney, the others to Auckland and we connected then. Early 80's

 Andy Michael and Dale, sipping Cocktails
The day after Sheryl and Michael's wedding New Years Day

 Old friends since little girls, Abby, Katie and Summer.

We caught up with Debbie and Summer in Kaikoura when we were touring the South Island

It's been 50 years of friendship
Gerry and Dale. It was through my friendship with Gerry that I met Dale, he joined Gerry's band, The Corvairs in 1963

 The Corvairs in action. Another connection, the bass player George is John McCready's cousin and his father George worked at Unilever in one of the department's I did work for.
Also John's Mother worked there as well

One of their Publicity shots. From Left
Dave, Andy Anderson, Gerry, Dale and George
Very trendy

My Cousin Darran with his partner Shaun
We first Darran when he was a little boy in Wales.
My cousins Pam and Edgar's first born. They moved to NZ in the late 70's. Great to have family with us

 Darran's Dad Edgar dancing with Catherine at Dan and Helen's wedding 20 years ago

Playmates, Work Mates and Band Mates from our Wellington Young Days. Tony and Gerry
Gerry went to the same school as me. HVHS... it was through him that I met Dale when Dale joined his band The Corvairs. Tony worked at Inglis Wright with Dale, once again. drinking and playmates. More Arabs.

Daniel our son, Darran and Shaun 

Chris, Anna and Phil, one of our visitors from Sydney. Anna and Phil part of the Campaign Group of the 80's. Good times
Chris and Anna also family friends. Holidays, Christmases.

 Left: Barrie, Stu and Trish.
Met Trish briefly in Wellington in the early 60's. through our friends Terry and Barbara, Terry worked with Dale at Inglis Wright...
then again through our friend Debbie, by then she was living in Auckland and living with Barrie.
Barrie became a client of Dale's in the 80's though Radio. 89FM

 More importantly, their daughter Cara, (the one in the middle) one of Katie's dearest friends was responsible for Katie meeting her husband Chris.

When she and Pieta returned from Queenstown she had in tow a boyfriend,,. called Karl I think he was a friend of Chris. Sheryl, Pieta's Mum, held a party for Pieta's return and Karl brought Chris along. The rest if history. Cara and her partner Duncan traveled with Katie and Chris to Pieta's wedding. to Duncan, in Spain last year. These girls are continuing our tradition. 

Keeping the contact up

Pieta and Duncan here in NZ Christmas 2011
All together in Matakana
Unfortunately Terry, Barbara, Tony and Annie part of the original friends from the 60's and the guys part of the original Campaign team couldn't make it. Luckily the guys were photographed by Sal Crisillo at the last Reunion Lunch so at least they can be represented in spirit
From Left: Craig, Pete, Terry, Tony, Phil and Dale. What a team.

 Where would the boys have been without the wives.
Glen, Barbara and Annie. Glen couldn't' make it as well. She and her current husband Mark were present at the last lunch.
Below: Christies, Burts, Louise and Craig taken in 1967

These Three spent many hours working with Dale in Studios, over our working years... Bruce, Dave and Glynn

Anne married to Dave and Carole.
Carole worked with her husband Glyn at Mandrill. We were a client of theirs. Always a pleasure dealing with Carole.

Ms Jeannie and Stu, who was a visitor from Sydney! Jeannie I met in the 60's...teenage friends and still together.
Stu we met a little later. Client of Dales in the 70's. His company moved to Auckland and so did we.
Many years of working together. Unfortunately his lovely wife Yvonne couldn't make it.
We missed her.
He joined us in late 80's. when we were working for Murray Ball. That was fun

Yvonne also worked with us on The Murray Ball projects they were our Australian representatives
Yvonne and Stu kindly put up with us for 5 weeks in 2006, whilst they were living in New York. That was a great time. here she is with our daughter in law Helen at Dale's 65th our v ery first party at The Pub.
Somehow I didn't get one shot of her this day but I'm sure she will like this one. It's a keeper

John and Hiria, Met John in early 80's when he was a gun motor racer. Dale and he found music in common. Enough said. Have spent lots of time with these guys in Raro and of course in The Pub
In the background Tim and Hali Severne. Part of our second generation

Below: Dale, John, Alan Galbraith and Peter Witcombe formed a band which played at a few of our parties. The Chateaus, playing The Shadows Music. That is John not Hank B!!!

John 3rd from left with Tim second from left and Daniel on the right. Boys in Budgies. Tim and Tina's wedding in Raro
Below: This was taken at The Whatever Bar one of our favourite places in Raro. John, Grandson Joseph, Daniel, Hiria, Your truly and Dale

Studio Gurus Rocky and Dave
Marmalade and Mandrill
Both worked with Dale over the years
Rocky and his wife Jeannie also great friends of ours and our mutual friend Catherine
Below: At our very first Royal Cajun Yacht Club get together. Rocky and Jeannie came up from Wellington. Staying with Catherine and her husband Bill. It was a mad day

McCready Family,  Sean, JT, John and Vivienne. Dale first met John in the early 60's when he was trying to sell a dodgy car.
He then became a client and friend. 50 years of friendship here. JT and John have been together over 20 years. We have spent loads of quality time with them and still do. They live within walking distance of us now. Makes it easy

JT, her first encounter with all of us. At Stu's
40th in Sydney. Another fabulous weekend with so many of our friends. Luckily it didn't put her off

At Stu's 40th. The next day. Stu and Julia

Dale put a band together for Stu's 40th. Those gorgeous looking girls were the Waitresses. The Guys were desperate to have their photo taken.

Holidays in the Sunshine Coast with Heinzies and Taymacs John and JT

Geoff and Larry
Dale met Geoff when he was the cameraman on shoots in Sydney in the 70's. He moved back to Wellington and set a very successful business.
Sharing Premises with Campaign boys and Laurie Bushell in the Pink Palace, on the Terrace.
 Larry and Dale sailed in the Hobie Cat Worlds in the 80's. Fantastic 2 weeks in Tahiti. Geoff has been a big part of our boating life.Geoff, Laurian, Larry, Debbie Dale and I all spent time in Croatia boating. Superb.

 Geoff and Laurian on Cajun Moon

 Here we are rafted up in Croatia

Hali and Steve. Hali married to Tim part of our second generation. Steve an occasional member of our Quiz Team. Chris and Annie Tim's parents. Old friends, workmates and playmates.
Years of laughter

 Tim, stuck in the Middle. This was taken last Runion somehow he slipped out of my camera sight

 Once again both Chris and Annie somehow didn't get in my photos, on the day. This shot was taken on Cajun Moon. We met Chris when he joined Campaign  around 1980. When the guys went freelance, Chris and Tony Milne came and shared premises with us in 149 Parnell Rd. Great times.
So much fun
 Below: In 1990, there we are in the UK.
From left: Barry, Dale, Chris, Annie. Moi, Julia and Laurie

So, Lana, Julia, Annie. Moi and Jeannie. Sitting on Bacchus. Early 90's
One of many wonderful time spent on the water

Deb and Dave. Deb we met through Craig and Louise and then she married Tony.
Dave is part of our Tribe of Arabs, our "Teenage Gang"
Gerry, Jan, George, Sharon, Marty, Dale and me
Our dear departed friend  Dave Vaughan was a big part of this team.
Even though he is no longer with us his wife Ellen, keeps in touch and visits us when she is in New Zealand. We treasure that
Below: Dave v and Dave B Flirting with our Chauffeur

 Grand of Duke of York?

 Alas no longer with us Irihapeti, here in the Limo with Geroge. Two dear friends gone but not forgotten

We have been great friends for 50 years.
Have got up to a lot of mischief...mmm
Unfortunately missing here is his lovely lady Diana who couldn't make it

Sorry you couldn't make Diana. We missed you. We've had some great fun though

 Classic Shot; Farmer Dave and Diana. Masterton Gothic

 Nice time in the son while waiting for someone for come and fix the broken down car

  Below: The Arabs, probably the only shot of us all. Taken in 1969

Tennis at Ohope.
Terry, Michael, David. Dale. Gerry and Jude

 Grownup Arabs. Tennis at Club Mac

Jane, Katie, Lana and Leila.
Lana met Debbie and I, whilst lunching one day at the Melba in the 80's. Jazzerlunch!!!
We clicked and we have traveled all over the world together,  she has been an excellent first mate on Cajun Moon. She is part of our family. Leila is part of our 3rd generation, daughter of our friends Justine and Dave

 One friend who I didn't manage to capture on film at the party was June. Lots of partying, travel with Ms June. She is on the left of this shot, taken at a Hawaiian Party we had on New years Eve. Also Julia, Trishie. Lana, Pete, Glen and Moi

 In 1990, a group of us went to New Orleans,
Lana, Moi and June with a morning cocktail. We knew how to live

Tony and Doro, met through work in the late 80's found and mutual interest in eating drinking and having a good time.  They used to host wonderful Soirees from their Parnell Home.Spent  quite a bit of time boating with them as well

 Loads of laugh on Cajun Moon

Geoff and Barry Dee. We met Barry through our friends Annie and Chris Severne.  Known as the gin drinkers. We traveled to Europe with Barry, Julia, Chris and Annie for Chris' 40th birthday in the 90's, Laurie Bushell joined us as well. Great times. Meanwhile Barry sold his boat to Geoff, a few years ago.
6 Degrees once again

Yours truly, Jane, Katie our daughter and Andy

Lana and Moi

Lana, Jeannie, Sharon and Roger. I first met Roger and Jeannie through a mutual friend at Unilever. We went off to UK and reconnected on our return through a meeting in the Woolworths Supermarket in Johnsonville in 1969. We invited them for dinner, the rest is History

 Jeannie and Moi on Lake Taupo on one of Reunions in the 80's.

Dave and Anne Hurley nibbling at their lunch
In the background Dave Atkins father of Leila, and a rear view of Tim Severne, son of Chris and Annie.

It's Wellington again, Marty, Tony, Carole, Gerry,
Roger and George. Unfortunately George's lady Marianne was not able to join us

 Tony, Moi, Dale, Dave B, Alastair Circa 1969
Below: George, Alastair, Sharon, Tony and Marty 1968

 

 Below: here is Marianne at our last Reunion

A rather serious picture of Rob and Ricki.We met Ricki on The Northern Star September 1967, en-route to the UK. Another longtime connection. She met Rob and they got married in our Arney Cres House, circa 1979.
The lady with the Fab hair is Lisa

 That's more like it Rob. Very cheerful.
Below: Moi, our Tahitian Taxi Driver and Ricki. Tahiti 1967

 Sheryl, Lana and Jude our Air NZ connection. They were responsible for some excellent trips abroad. Lots of rolling off planes
Many days our Champagne and fun with them all. We spent many hours with Sheryl and her husband Michael, another sadly departed.
Our mutual love for Islands meant fabulous holidays in Raro and Tahiti. Plus loads of time in Omaha.

Completing the Air NZ team, Larry and Debbie
Debbie married Larry close to 25 years ago.
More people that we have traveled with including, San Diego, Noumea and Croatia

 Same guys different function. Celebrating the Government giving me my Gold Card

 Michael and Sheryl at a wedding we attended many years ago. Dubbed "The Glams" by Inger our receptionist in Calypso Days.That's exactly what they are.
Below: Dale and Michael in Tahiti Listening to the Rugby through Michael's Computer

 Above: Sailing on Cajun Moon and yet more drinks

Below: More time in Tahiti with Michael and Sheryl around 20 years ago.

 We miss you  Michael, so many hours of fun. Over 30 years

Rex, Photographer Extraordinaire, would be telling me off, for this out of focus shot. Mind you I would call it artistic We met Rex through our friend Julia. He had a boat...They got married a few years ago...More people to spend time with on the water

 Dan, Rex and Dale on Cajun Moon

Grunter and Dan keeping us well entertained.

In the foreground James.. James' Dad Laurie, first a printing supplier for Dale and Craig in their early day. Became a print Broker and a friend, married Adrienne and along came James. 

More second generation joining us

We spent wonderful times with Laurie, pictured here with us and Lana in Paris. Unfortunately he is no longer with us. Miss you Laurie

Left: Stu and Adrienne, Laurie's wife. They were both out of towners.
Stu from Sydney and Adrienne from Wellington. Love the fact that friends made the effort to come from all over.

Right: Rex, Tony, Dale and Tim

Left: In the foreground our son-in-law Chris with Jane. In the Background a glimpse of Caroline Dee. She is married to Barry and we have spent time on the water with them

Joining Chris and Jane are Tim and Louise our sister-in-law. Louise came up from Wellington to catch up with old friends. So pleased she could make it.

 Sisters-in-law with our In laws Faye and Bon. 1970

 Left: Louise and Dale tripping the light fantastic
Below: George, Liz, Dale, Moi, Louise and Craig. They came to see us off, on our trip to UK 1967

 Just to prove that Grunter doesn't always have to play at our parties. Here with David

Right: Dale and Jeannie, very sedate for them
Jeannie is married to Rocky we have been friends for over 40 years. They made the effort to come up for the party. They stayed with Janet.
We all met Janet when she was neighbours with Catherine in Parnell .

Here is the said Janet. Somehow I didn't get a shot of her this time but this is from a previous RCYC function at the Windsor

Another friend who couldn't make it on the day, Mary. We met her when Janet moved from next door to Catherine and Bill in Parnell, to next door to Mary in Parnell. Just around the corner from us.  Mary joined us in Raro at the same time as Lucy. Many a bottle has been shared with Mary

Left: Grandpa Greenie with Wolfie. In the background a glimpse of Annette Hood,  with James Bushell.
She and her recently departed husband John, dear friends and neighbours from Churton Park 1966 onwards

And here he is with Wolfie's Grandma. Dancing at another Wrightson Bash Dale's 65th I think

Here is a better photo of Annette, sandwiched between  Ngaire and Elsje.
Ngaire and Annette were part of our  group of neighbours, in Churton Park. The husbands all worked late so the girls used to feed the kids early and get together for a sherry or two every week night. Elsje and Ngaire met through Bridge. Turns out Elsje was a neighbour of our in Remuera. These 3 ladies, plus Jeannie and I have lunch every month

Right:John, Debbie and Jude.
Jude, I met first briefly, in Wellington. Debbie and I met her in Auckland, when we were
getting some exercise at Jazzercise.
1 hour of exercise and then Lunch at The Melba. That was the life. Jude and her then husband Leighton, introduced us to New Orleans in 1988. A start to many visits. We quite often celebrate those time with Cajun feasts. For all of us that traveled there for the Jazz Fest. Time for another one I feel

Jude and Moi circa 1985

Left: What would Unilever do without us?
Tim, Derrick, Your truly and Skid
From 1961 till 1967, I worked with these lovely guys. We had a wonderful time. Those were the days when Companies trained people. We had a superb social life.I think it is wonderful

Right: A Classic 1967 shot. Summer in Oriental Bay, At Sandy and Julie's flat. Unilever staff Party

Missing from the reunion was our friend Bill (Willie) White in the foreground being silly, Dale at the back Thumbs up.  Bill introduced me to Dave Brubeck and we went to Dave Brubeck Concert in the Wellington Town Hall circa 1962-63

Also not able to attend was Sandy. We were best friends. My Letters from Abroad Blogs which I mus finish this Winter were only possible as Sandy kept all my letters, and returned to me. Wonderful memories. Thank you Sandy

It was Streamers and "Now is The Hour" when you left by ship in the 1960's. From right George,
Dave B and Sandy. The lady with the Streamers was my Auntie Glad, my Mother's sister. They were inseparable. "Mrs Binnses Twinses"

Anna our niece, with her Father Craig and his lovely Karen. Once Wellingtonians like us. All now living here in Auckland. Unfortunately Shannon and Elizabeth Craig's son and his wife couldn't make it

 Anna and Katie with their Grandad Bon

 The cousins at Shannon and Elizabeth's wedding, around 2000

The whole Wrightson Clan 2012, celebrating a significant birthday for Lucy. Haven't we grown

Stu and Skid
Dale met Stu through work. I met Skid also through work at Unilever...as it turns out there is also a Unilever connection between them. They both worked there as well, after I left.

Roger and George. We all met 50 years ago. In Wellington, we had loads of dinner parties, our children all grew up together.
These two cemented their relationship with their mad love of fishing. We have spent many wonderful days and night at sea with these guys.

 Said Children, this was taken in Whakatane, around January 1977

Tina, Julia and Moi
Julia we met originally through Debbie and Michael. We clicked and when we needed someone to work with us in our Murray Ball Project, Dale's first choice was Julia. We had about 5 years working together. They were wonderful years. Our office in Parnell were real Halcyon days. All together, Pete Burt, Chris Severne, Tony Milne. Terry Rogers, Murray Thom. Downstairs Catherine Saunders. Stu and Yvonne the Australian connection. Superb

 Justine with moi. Justine and her husband Dave were neighbours of Katie and Chris for around 6 years. We met then. Great fun. The relationship continues.

Dale with Justine

In 2006 we all joined forces in Rarotonga. Below Chris and Dave

Katie and Justine

Also on that particular holiday...Our frequent traveling companions,
Moi, Lana, Heinzie and Mary

Gaye, Darielle, Tim, Derrick, Me and Lorraine. We have to thank Unilever for this connection. Derrick and Lorraine got married a few years ago at Hula Lodge. A great day. I was Matron of Honour at Derrick's first wedding to Frances, who started at Unilever the same month as me. She and Derrick met there. Then Derrick asked me to be his best person at his marriage to Lorraine 40 years later. Actually we went to Tim and Gaye's wedding in New Plymouth and Darrielle and Skid's in Napier.

One of the best things Unilever did was the Children's Christmas Party
A great opportunity for the Staff to dress up. Ably led by Ms Tui Flower the Home Economist
The theme this particular year Peter Pan.
 The Fairy Guess Who? Derrick played a lost boy and Frances was Wendy. It was enormous fun. We all loved it

Below: On the right front row. Frances, Derrick and Moi Top Left: Bill White

Lorraine, Derrick, Moi, Skid, Darielle and Dale
Dinner at the The Terraces in Taupo a couple of years ago

Phil, Terry and Lois
Terry we met, in 1970 when he and Ngaire moved across the road from us. Once Dale and Terry met one another, they were like Brothers in Arms. They had so many adventures together. Terry after years living in New York and Sydney, came home to become a partner in Campaign. Joining Phil, Dale, Craig, Terry Christie, Peter Burt and Tony Preston. Even after all of these years still great friends.
 Dale and Terry planning to sail around

 Cape Horn. In Acrux. 40ft of boat... Lois came up with a better idea

We all did The Horn, but in luxury. Silver Whisper Cruise. Fabulous times

 Terry and Dale really sailing, Tauranga, Vila, Wellington 1976

With my lovely daughter Katie

Craig and Dale

 Family in Raro Dale, Sophia, Moi and Helen

With Heinzie's, Lana, Chris, Katie, Mia and Cleo

Same Place different Time and Faces. John, Hiria. Dan and Joseph

The band played well. The guys always manage to find the right songs . Jeannie and Darielle

Darielle and Jeannie. We met them quite separately and found out a few years later that they both worked together at Wellington Hospital.
6 Degrees again

 Lorraine and Dale

 Derrick and Lorraine dancing, an enthusiastic crowd singing along

Craig with Stu

 Justine, Dan and Tim

Julia, Larry and Debbie

Tina with Hiria
Recently we were all in Rarotonga for Tim and Tina's wedding
In the background Johnny Day with Laurian.
Married to Geoff...Laurian and I became Movie Buddies, when they moved to Auckland.
Plus lots of time at sea

Jenny and Ian Thomsen, Boating friends, chatting with Glynn
We met the Thomsens in Whangaroa about 6 years ago. Always a pleasure to see their boat Infared in the Harbour when we arrived

John Hughes, our Designer saviour. Dale met John through Pete Burt, when we were still living in Wellington. Pete's office was above John's business premises. Dale used Pete's office on his trips to Auckland. Was intrigued by John's wonderful sense of style and started  buying lovely bits and pieces from him. We then hired him to help decorate our house in Wellington, he did the design for all Campaign Offices and has worked on all of our houses. Of course he has been a wonderful luncher and friend. We are still sitting on couches that we bought from him in 1976.

 Dale, Pete and John at out house in the 80's

Neil and Lana
As it turns out we were all in London together in the 60's. We knew Neil and had some great times with him and his wife Glenys, including a great week in Munich. Plus many hours at The Plough in East Sheen. Lana flatted with Glenys in London. Somehow we never met at that stage. We have made up for it in these last few decades
Said Plough...we used to drink them out of lager most Sundays

 On the right Moi and Tim helping to drain the Plough dry of lager

Second from left Neil Cullimore, obviously a nice day in London drinking in the carpark

Lois. She came into our lives when she met Terry.
We have spent so much time with them at Sea. Dale and Terry have done lots of blue water sailing. Lois bravely took off with Terry, in their lovely boat Alpha Cruscis. They sailed around the world, for 5 years. Amazing. Now, they live not far from us on their boat in the Viaduct. Within walking distance . No less

Tim and Tina, we haven't know them for a very long time but they have formed part of our family of friends.
We met through our son Dan. What we missed out on longevity has been made up with quality

Derrick and Tim. A lot of catching up. Friends since the 60's. Once a good friend always a good friend

Left: Skid, Terry and Darielle,  Skid and Darielle
went to live overseas, in many different countries.Before they moved they lived in Johnsonville, not far from us in Churton Park. They met Terry then. Terry has visited them on at least 2 occasions when in the same country. We also met up with them, most memorable was staying with them in Bogota
Amazing

 Hiria, Lisa and Tina. Lisa is married to BK
Great friends of Dan and Helen's. We have spent many fantastic times with them as well including
a weekend at Lake Rotoitit for our grandson Josephs birthday.
Below Bk on the left

Joseph picked outfits for us all to wear for his Birthday Dinner. Not the most flattering for some, but it was very funny

More dressing up a better photo of BK! Daniel's 40th Birthday, sandwiched between Donny and Marie

 At the same party, Donny and Marie Osmond
Aka Dan and Helen

Missing in Action due to a trip to The US Bridgie and Steve. Steve is normally our Bongo Player at our parties. Missed you two

 Can't always show glamorous pics.  At Dan's 40th
Fab shot. Mr Roarke and Tattoo. "The Plane, The Plane"

All grown up now. All grew up together
Nicole, Scott, Dan, Joanne, Katie and Sarah

Johnny Day with Dale and Glenys
Johnny became friends after working together with Dale. His Partner Trishie and he had a Production Company Matte Box Films. Once again lots of lunches, parties, travel, you name it we did it. Unfortunately Trishie couldn't make it.
She was swanning about in Raro

 Johnny and Dale, Guitarists Extraordinaire

 Below: Trishie with Dale and I at The Bollinger Ball in the 80's. Those were the days

 Left: Pete Burt, very old friend. Dale met him at Inglis Wright, when the boys went Freelance Pete and his wife then Glen played The Burt Hilton for Dale every week. My word, that must have been a challenge. When we moved to Auckland. They were a huge part of our lives. When Pete left Campaign he came and joined us during our Murray Ball Days

Above: Greeting Craig

Below: having a quick wine, making up for lost time

We have had some wonderful times with Pete and Elpie on Cajun Moon

 Below: Here's a real shot of them at a RCYC party a few years ago   

 Classic clip from NZ Women's Weekly around 1979. Pete and Dale as the headline said Flushed with Success and Muller Thurgau. A winning team
Some other people I missed on the day

This was a RCYC at The Crib. The lovely Bruno was looking after then as well as he does now.
Bruno, Brian, Elsje's Husband and a side view of our dear departed friend John Hood

Our friend Vicky let her husband Phil come over without her to join in the festivities. Here she is at one of our other dos

 Somehow Lucy slipped from under my radar on the day. But not too worry Lots of shots. She is in between Moi and Sharon. Our Trip to New Orleans in 1989. Great times. Food Music Wine...what more can one ask for?

Aaron Christie and Sarah, represented Terry and Barb who couldn't make it on the day. Didn't get them in my lens that day so I pinched the shot off his FB page

Richard and Clare Fletcher. Clare was a Campaign Girl in the 80's. Then their daughter Casey came to work for us at Juice, early 2000s.
So the 6 degrees continue

Very Important Person in our lives is Joyce. We met Joyce at Club Med Tahiti circa 1979.  WE were there with Pete and Glen Burt. She currently lives in Rochester, New York. When she lived in San Francisco, she entertained so many of our friends visiting that fair city. Sent up by us. Joyce will look after you. It was never a problem. When she visited New Zealand in 1980 she already had loads of best friends

From Left: Moi, Joyce, a Spunk called Larry and Dale playing the photographer

 Classic Shot from the Club Med trip
Pete Burt with his Model at the Body Painting Competition. He won. Brilliant 

 Another Classic Shot. This was at the party we held for Joyce when she arrived in New Zealand for her first visit. Dale and His Father Bon... just a little tired and emotional
We took the kids to the US in 1981 to stay with Joyce.

She kindly looked after the kids in San Fran whilst Dale and I swanned about in New York for 5 days. Our first visit to that amazing city.
Here we are together with our Katie.

She has continued to visit our fair shores for over
30 years. She is part of our Family

She came and joined us in New Orleans in 1990
Joyce, Lana, Dale, Joyce's friend Suzanne from Texas, Jan and Moi. This was an amazing 2 weeks. that we will all remember for ages

 Right: Kawau Island with Robin and Eileen, unfortunately Robin is another departed.
Eileen couldn't make it on the day. Robin another partner in Campaign and they owned a sister boat to Cajun Moon, Grey Goose. Lots of fun time on the water

 Of course we mustn't forget Keith, he unfortunately couldn't make it due to a bad back.
Knew him in Wellington. He moved to Auckland and lived on his boat. He helped Dale when he was looking for a boat. Finally we bought Cajun Moon

 We launched Cajun Moon at Westhaven in  1991
As usual it became a party. I got to smash a bottle of Champagne on the Bow.
Launched 20 years of enormous fun

 Again lots of our friends came from all over to celebrate with us. We had Cajun Moon till this year. Wonderful memories

I have had so much organising this reunion, and finding all of these photos.
Thanks to all for participating in our lives. So much fun over the years.
It's been fantastic and will continue I'm sure.
Maybe a little more sedate!!!
I don't think so somehow.

Fleetwood Mac - 2009 Bash for the Bewildered - Images of Taranaki

Beautiful Mt Taranaki, a wonderful setting to Welcome Fleetwood Mac, back to New Zealand.

What a difference a few decades makes.
In 1977 Fleetwood Mac came to Auckland to perform at Western Springs.
As it turns out it was just 2 months after we moved to live in Auckland.
Fleetwood Mac were at their Peak having not long before that released the sensational "Rumours: Album.
As it turns out we were also at our peak. Early 30's young and stunning really.
We organised for a few of our equally stunning friends, to come from all over New Zealand, to join us at this great event.
A couple of buses were booked and complete with wine, beer, lots of fab food, picnic blankets sunscreen, hats...off we went. Like this year, the summer was slow to start but Auckland really turned on a superb day. We had the best time. The men treated the scene like a cricket match while we waited for the show to begin....all the gorgeous young girls who walked past, were scored on a 1 to 10 score particularly for the breasts...mmm I know, but it was 1977 after all...and it was the days of no bras for everyone...no matter what size or state of droopiness. We drank lots of wine in the sun, one of friends brought platters of smoked marlin from Whakatane. Hello Sailor were the openers and then on came Fleetwood Mac...gypsyish, whimsical Stevie Nicks. along with her then partner Lindsay Buckingham,...John and Christine McVie were still together. Mad old Mick Fleetwood bashing away at his drums. It was just wonderful.
You can understand how excited we were... to be going 32 years on.
New Plymouth is situated on the Western Arm of the North Island. It's jewel is Mount Taranaki...probably one of the most beautiful and truly symmetrical volcanic cones globally.
All of this was awaiting us as we prepared to take off on Saturday morning.

We are working hard on visiting all of New Zealand. We had been there before but a long time ago,

so it was like a new experience. Down the other side of the North island for a change.

Otorohanga, loved this store. Oto.Foodmarket... dot com perhaps?

next stop Te Kuiti we had lunch but I won't bother mentioning it, not the best lunch we have had but a bonus was this cute billboard across the road.

 

Escapees

 

Poor old Mum left at home with the kids.

 

Our first glimpse of that wild West Coast. Wonderful sight.

 

We found a little settlement called The Three Sisters. We imagined that there would some rocks or bumps or something. We got to a dead end, but what a superb Kiwiana Bach Area.

There was the shoe wall

 

This bach is so old that it has its own history. Printed for all to see.

 

This was on the right hand side of the bach. I guess this is idyllic in the summer. Right on the waterfront.

 

So typical New Zealand

 

Old letterboxes taker my fancy. I would have more but my friend (the driver) doesn't always want to stop.

 

Finally we arrive at our destination. Our friend Gay managed to talk one of her friends Julie, into moving out for a couple of nights and renting her house to us.

Once again we have landed on our feet. Look at these beautiful grounds.

 

Plenty or room for Mary, Heinzie, Dale and Myself...we could have played Musical Beds (I don't mean that in a grubby way) and had a different bed each night.

Unfortunately it was too chilly to use the pool.

 

Gay also booked us into "The Nice" Hotel for Dinner.

 

Dale and Heinzie who seem to have trouble finding something that they like on the menu, finally decided on a soup each which they shared.

 

Next this tasting platter.

 

Meanwhile the Mary and I were delighted with sweetbreads with a beautiful sauce and then

we both had the stuffed chicken breast.

Don't know what they were looking at here in the carport... but it was the beginning of the Bewildered.

The very Start of the Old Farts Tour.

 

It seems that opening the door is not an easy exercise. Oh dear

The next day  TOFs went to visit Gay at her fabulous property.

This lady does this wonderful garden all by herself. I am so impressed. We can barely keep our small courtyard in trim.

 

 

 

She rents out this paddock to a neighbour who is feeding this calf up. The poor little thing has only just left his Mum...he has a couple of sheep for company but they are pretty boring I would have thought.

 

We then went to Gay's local Cafe Lahar in Okato

 

Great breakfast menu, we were very impressed with the choice and the delivery.

 

One of the nicest breakfast we have had for a while. Dale and I had Eggs Benedict. Heinzie worked his way through a stuffed croissant.

 

Mary and Gay had huge plates of scrambled eggs and bacon with sour dough toast.

We even bought a couple of delicious muffins to take home for afters.

 

We were missing 2 tickets and I had to go and collect them, here is the entrance at 2pm.

The calm before the storm. Unfortunately our tickets were arriving till later in the day.

 

 So I staggered back down the road...home for a rest before the big night.

 

The Bowl of Brooklands is such a beautiful park and a wonderful natural amphitheater. Perfect for a concert. They filled it to the Max 17,500 both nights.

When we picked the tickets up finally, they were for 2 xVIP seats. Without further ado the Driver strode off for his seat, we graciously sent Mr Heinz to join him.

The three women went to find our standing position.

As far as the concert was concerned, we picked the wrong place...Our view was OK but somehow the sound didn't envelope us. It was hard to be really involved.

Our major mistake was the lack of stimulant. They sold wine there but it was a hassle to buy and as people walked past with their plastic glasses, it had the air of Chateau Weasels Piss.

Unfortunately it was cold...so even though the Band were fabulous...the girls shivered and just wished were sitting in the  car in the warm.

I know, Wimpy, but if we had maybe imbibed a little more we may have had a better time.

We need alcohol with our concerts...Sad but true.

Dale and Mr Heinz were up here at the front.

Old Lyndsay looking pretty good

They are still a Super group.

One of the bonuses of small amounts of alcohol. All feeling very chipper in the morning.

Bye Heinzies, we had a great time. (Yet again)

Thanks Gaye and Julie great hosts.

 

More Simple Comfort Food - Prawns

As I have said before, keep prawns in your freezer.
They are as cheap as chips and defrost quickly, delicious and good source of protein

Once again, using what was in the house, I made this dish.
Only took the time it takes, to peel, chop and cook potatoes

Quantities are not necessary I'll leave that up to how greedy you are

I used
1 large potato peeled and cubed
1/2 cup frozen peas

Couple of hundred grams of prawns
Olive oil
Zest of a lemon
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large tomato chopped


First thaw the prawns
Toss with olive oil, tomatoes
S & P and lemon zest

Cook your potatoes until just tender
Add peas to same pot and  cook for further 3 minutes
Drain

Meanwhile while the potatoes are cooking
Heat oven to 210C  
Throw prawns into oven
Cook exactly 6 mins
Remove from oven and set aside until potatoes are ready

Toss everything together, including the juice from the prawns

Serve
Simple, quick and delicious

Best Prawn Pasta - Quick and Easy

I always like to keep Prawns in the freezer.
Quick thaw and you have a meal that is quick and easy and luxurious.
This dish is in 3 easy stages
For 2 people 
So for the Prawns
First grab however many prawns you would like
I like plenty!
Thaw them
2-3 Tablespoons Olive oil
Zest of 1 lime
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

The Vege
1 medium red onion finely chopped
3 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped
2-3 tablespoons vinaigrette
1-2 chilies finely chopped
S & P

The Pasta
100 gms per person of penne or fusilli 
whichever you have in the pantry

Juice of the lime
Handful Chopped Coriander
Save a few leaves for garnish

When the prawns are thawed
Marinate them in the Olive oil S & P and lime zest
In a gratin dish

Season the onions, tomatoes, chili  and pour over the  vinaigrette
Set aside

Let the prawns and the tomatoes and onion marinate for about 30 minutes

When you are ready
Heat the oven to 210C

Bring a pot of  salted water to the boil
Add the pasta and cook for about 8 mins
Drain
Meanwhile pop the prawns in the pre heated oven
Cook for 6 minutes

Remove from oven and set aside

While the prawns and the pasta are cooking
Place the Tomatoes and onions into a saute pan
Just gently warm them through

Now your 3 stages are ready

Assembly
Easy
Add  prawns juice and all to the tomato mix
Add lime juice and chopped coriander
Taste and check for seasoning and adjust if necessary

Add Pasta
Toss well
Serve and garnish  with some extra coriander leaves
and Voila
Dinner

Spiced Lamp Pita Bread - Kid Friendly Dinner

Joseph and Mia holding a note. I think they held it for about 20 seconds Much to the amusement of their Grandfather

 Miss Cleo enjoying her dinner

I saw Rachel Allen make these stuffed Pita Breads on one of her programmes and got the recipe from the uktv.co.nz/food site
I thought it would be excellent for the Kids for Dinner

They all loved it
It was lightly spiced... perhaps a bit bland for adults I think
Nevertheless it was tasty
I doubled the spices and have noted that in the recipe below
I also added some  Homemade Tomato Chutney
I like that added extra

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, peeled and chopped
1 large garlic clove, peeled and crushed or finely grated
2 tsp turmeric
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp ground coriander
450 g minced lamb
225 g potatoes, peeled and cut into 5mm cubes
75 g frozen peas
Large dollop of Tomato Chutney
To serve

4-6 pita bread
Greek Yogurt

Method

Pour the olive oil into a large frying pan on a high heat and, when hot,
Add the onion and garlic and season with salt and pepper.
Fry, stirring frequently, for 6–8 minutes or until the onion is cooked and golden at the edges.

Add the spices and mince and cook for 4–5 minutes or until the mince loses its raw colour.

Tip in the potatoes and 50ml of water then cover with a lid.

Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 8–10 minutes
or until the potatoes are just tender.
Add the peas and cook uncovered for a further 2 minutes.

Shortly before the spiced mince is ready, toast the pita breads and
Pour the Greek yogurt into a small serving bowl.
Season the cooked lamb to taste and serve with the toasted pittas and the bowl of yoghurt.

Best Comfort Food - For The Love of Leeks

I love Leeks. This isn't exactly Jacques Pepin's recipe but he inspired me to make this.
Leek Gratin (a Traditional French Dish) is braised Leeks, covered with Cheese sauceTopped with Breadcrumbs and grated cheese
Baked till bubbly

I decided to top with mashed potatoes
Give it the New Zealand touch!
This makes it a real filling meal

You can make this Gluten free by substituting flour with cornflour
As simple as that
Leeks were cheap at the Supermarket this week.
I was thrilled, they are so delicious. So sweet and such a pretty colour

Normally I slice them and saute them in a little butter or oil
Season with salt and pepper then add about 100 mls water
Just enough to steam them
Cover and cook for about 5 8 minutes till they are just tender

Great base for a Fish Pie also to have as an accompaniment to your favourite protein

But this recipe is Braised Leeks
Smothered with a Cheese Sauce
Topped with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
I don't make a puree...just normal old mashed potatoes suits me

Baked and served when bubbling and golden brown
 For 3 greedy people

2 leeks with hard green leaves removed

For the Roux
4 tablespoons butter 
4 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon mustard, I used Dijon
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups milk, warmed
2 bay leaves

3/4 Cup Grated cheese. 
I used Gruyere which is a traditional cheese for Bechamel Sauce

Extra butter or Olive oil Spray

3 large potatoes peeled and cubed
Butter 
Hot Milk
Cook the potatoes, till tender
Drain
Add the hot milk
Mash
Add cold butter and beat till it reaches the consistency that suits you

Clean the leeks and cut into pieces
Place into a pan with the bottom just covered with salted water
Lay the leeks in one layer
Bring to boil and simmer covered, for about 10 minutes
Till leeks are just tender.
Drain, reserve the liquor for the sauce
There won't be a lot
Place into a gratin dish

 Meanwhile make your Bechamel Sauce
First make your Roux

Melt butter
Add flour
Stir well and cook out the flour taste, about 3-4 minutes
Season with Salt, pepper and mustard
Meanwhile warm the milk with the bay leaf
Add to roux
Stir briskly and then use whisk to make sure there are no lumps
Add the cooking liquor
Bring slowly back to boil and cook for about 5 minutes
Add grated cheese 
Taste
Adjust seasoning if necessary
Pour over leeks

Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top

Spread around, and then fork it
This gives nice peaks to make brown crispy bits
Either dot with some extra butter. or as I did spray with an olive oil spray

Bake in 180C oven for about 30 minutes till brown on top and bubbling

Guaranteed to delight