The artwork is courtesy of Isaac Morch, our almost 11 year old grandson, from Brisbane.
Well what an occasion! Visitors from Brisbane, New Plymouth, Brussels, Port Campbell (Victoria, Australia), Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, Greytown, the Papawai Marae representatives and last but not least Martinborough (It was their wine that we enjoyed, Hudson wine). 45 happy souls for the Friday night at the White Swan, and 48 happy, happy souls for the big sit-down at Greystone on the Saturday. Constrained revelry was the password and relaxed, well lubricated revelry mixed with patches of early sobriety (they were the ones who were slightly, fashionably late) was the result.
The White Swan in Greytown is
Sammo's 'watering hole.' Various teachers regularly meet around 4 pm each Friday to wash the dust from their throats and 'talk shop.' The building has a close family connection via Evan. Evan's Dad worked for the New Zealand Railways Woburn workshop during WW II. The White Swan main building is the previous adminstration block from NZR Woburn and was transferred over the Rimutakas during 2003 for refurbishment and become such a cosy country restuarant and 'watering hole.' School and church friends of Sammo attended the Friday soiree starting at 4 pm and finsihing when the last negotiated their way through the front and back doors. Sammo and Evan's offspring were all present. How wonderful to meet up with all the offspring in such a warm environment. Lisa and partner Sonny had picked up Kristina and Sue just out of Brussels, Heathrow, Hong Kong and Auckland at Wellington airport that afternoon and driven them over the Rimutakas. Finger food complemented the house red, white, beer-on-tap and the convivial company.
If that wasn't enough the offspring organised a Champagne Breakfast (bottles of the real Bolly - what?) at Salute (Salute Eh!) on Saturday morning with all the close family; Sammo, Evan, Kristina, Joanne, Thomas, Steve, Suzanne, Carl and Isaac; it was a special and memorable event. Thomas (what a little darling, nearly four) from Taranaki found all sorts of interesting ways to spell names using the elongated sachets of sugar on various other tables.
The main event was Saturday night at Greystone and for Sammo to have all our adult offspring, in-law Steve and two grandsons in person was a wonderful present all by its-self. The warmth, friendship, goodwill and speeches (some planned, but more impromptu), showed how much each one thought well of her. The welcome from the Greytown School Kapa-Haka group to start the festivities on the Saturday set the scene so well. Their choices of waiata and the haka were very appropriate. Many thanks to the pupils of many ethnicities and, in particular, to Paora Ammunsen and Christine Robertson for their excellent leadership and coaching. Sammo's relationships and standing with the pupils of all ages is a testament to her skills as a teacher and her sound human qualities.
The Danish 'gloagg' served warm from the garage (turned into a classy country bar) fire took the edge off the somewhat cool evening and early inhibitions. Our caterer, Peter Icke and Kirsty, couldn't be with us due to a nasty bout of bronchitis, however, the staff did a great job. Peter catered for Kristina and Gregory's wedding in November 1991 in New Plymouth, Evan's 60th in January 2004 at Greystone and now Sammo's 60th August 2008. Speeches came thick and fast during the evening. The second or was it the third from Sue brought much mirth when Sammo's early exploits with stress relief (gin drinking darling!) were recounted. Cross banter made the time go so fast and enlivened the already lively evening.
Prizes were dispensed using lucky tickets supplied on the back of the place names by the lovely Lisa. First prize was a bottle of "Greystoned Gin." Second prize was two bottles of the same. Sue set the pace by auctioning the already won bottles of gin and the evening raised $300 for the Greytown Primary School Kapa Haka Group.
Much was said, all with the theme of congratulating Sally on her many achievements, the least of which was gaining the age of 60 - "the old age of youth and the youth of old age" as the Danes will have it. Two notable impromptu speeches from outside the family came from Graham Langridge (Morch Family Trust Independent Trustee) and Heather Bell (ex President NZ Reading Association) dwelling on the successful, warm family members' relationships plus achievements and Sammo's achievements in establishing the Wairarapa Reading Association chapter, respectively.
Such evenings don't take place without hard work and planning behind the scenes. The lovely Lisa Holland started work in January 2008 and her many touches resulted in such a wonderful presentation of tables, name-tags, balloons and the
continuity of the evening. Carl took 10 days away from his work in HR in Bribane to oversee and do all of the shifting, lifting and keeping his Dad under control. Jo and Steve and their lively Thomas drove in from New Plymouth and were a tower of strength helping friends and relatives. Kristina and Sue, the two lovely daughters from Brussels, amazed the friends that they would come all that way for four days in Greytown for their Mum. To all our offspring and their spice (Greystone plural of spouse(s), many thanks. A special thanks to Greg Martin and Mike Vennik who stayed behind in Briussels to allow Kristina and Sue respectively to be with us! We all get the relationships in geometric proportion to what we offer.
Well there is one who needs a very special mention - Isaac - Carl and Amanda Drysdale's son. 11 years old in November 2008. Apart from all the balloon blowing, sign making (pictures to come on the blog), getting large quantities of wood for the fires, he spent 3 days with Sammo in her class following the festivities. He did this because that is what he wanted. On his last day in Greystone at 8.30 am, when he and Dad were leaving to get the plane back to Brisbane, some 3 hours later, he asked, "Can I go down and see Bestemor (his name for Sammo) at school?" "Yes," said Dad Carl. Isaac was there in 7 minutes having run the whole way!
The following day after the big knees-up it was tidy-up time! For the first time ever nothing had been touched following the party. As the electricians say, "Many hands make light work!" And so it was. Tables back to the St Lukes Church, chairs back to Greytown Primary School, washing up, tidying and Kristina's major effort mopping the entire kitchen, lounge and dining room.
A very special day with much family discussion taking place, complemented wonderfully by Evan's big sister Anna and husband Ray McCraw from Port Campbell, Victoria, Oz. Anna and Ray spent all Sunday till late discussing in-depth much family history from earlier generations for the benefit of the up-coming ones. Their own recently gained grandparent status courtesy of Kirsten, Ivan and Odyn was a cause for celebration, particularly that they are shifting to Port Campbell from Melbourne (right across the road). Thanks for your very valuable contribution.
John and Wendy Morch came from Eureka in the Waikato where they are changing a lifestyle property into one of significant magnificance. They enjoyed the festivities spending time with Anna and Ray at the Amber Court in between their time at Greystone. A long drive for them but it was worth it for all to catch up with them again.
Thomas's and Isaac's bird boxes were made by Morfar and Farfar respectively and secured by the lads with help. They decided where exactly they should go. Thomas was heard running around with a screw and scewdriver in his little hot hand singing out repeatedly 'screw Morfar!" Morfar's replies were somewhat subdued and not fit for publication. Thi
s is a family blog! Watch this blog for evidence of residency by local birds of the avian persuasion!
Thomas was persuaded by Mum Joanne and Dad Steve to finally get in the car for the trek back to Taranaki. Signs of Thomas's visit showed. "Come again Thomas!" said Morfar, "and we will find other things to excite you!" Jo and Steve stayed almost opposite Greystone. It was an ideal situation with Greystone full and busy and gave them and Thomas some time for themselves. Thanks Steve. Having you all here made a great birthday gift for Sammo. One that will be always rembered with fond thoughts.
Monday was a 'blast from the past' for Evan, Sammo, Kristina, Suzanne , Carl and Isaac. In the days of yore when all were much younger (excluding Isaac of course) but including Joanne many happy hours were spent tramping Mt Taranaki and staying in huts. So what better way to celebrate another day together than with a visit to the 'bush.' The Waiohine swing bridge was the venue. It is a major new construction some 60+ m long and approx 50m over the river, which was in turbulent flow that day. Rain and snow melt made for a silky, frothy bluish flow. very exciting 'swinging away!' Hudson Riesling and cold chicken for lunch. Then off to the Paua Place at Carterton for 'shopping.' Sue and Isaac used Herbie the Roadster with the hood down much to Isaac's delight. Bloody cold though! Still you are only nearly 11 once in your life even though some of us still try and pretend something similar! No names!
Yes, the next day was farewell day and courtesy of a good snow dump on the Rimutakas Carl and Isaac drove Kristina and Suzanne to Palmerston North for the flight back to Brussels via Auckland. Much excitement for the Brisbane boys to see snow falling through Mt Bruce and then again on the Pahiatua Track. The risk of not getting across the Rimutakas was too great since the Air NZ flight to Heathrow left at 9.30pm with or without them. Once again Carl came to the rescue. Thanks Carl.
Thanks Carl and Isaac for your efforts!
A prostate operation (a TURP) was recommended for Evan on 4 August for 7 August following limited success with a cytoscopy the previous week. Before accepting Evan rang Carl and asked, "Can you control all the logistics for 15th and 16th?" "Yes," was the answer and a great deal of the success of the festivities was due to the hard work that Carl and Isaac put in. Much driving, trailer work with tables and chairs, setting up and finally removals. Driving your sisters to Palmerston North due to Rimutaka snowfalls and finally arranging and delivering gifts of appreciation to Lisa kept Carl and Isaac very busy. They even had time to take in the Wellington Phoenix playing the Queensland Roar at Westpac Stadium (1 all!). Many thanks Carl we couldn't have done it to the high standard without you and Isaac.
"This Post is proceeding so those who have not been mentioned yet - wait for it! Yes there was a photographer present on Saturday and you have been noted." Spelling and/or substantive content corrections welcomed.
