You’ve undoubtedly heard of Peter Rabbit™, Beatrix Potter’s mischievously loveable bunny who took the world by storm in the 1900s. But did you know about New Zealand’s very own Peter Rabbit™ connection? Possibly not, because Peter’s House has been a special secret in Garston for a long time now. Once upon a time, a rabbit …
Continue reading “A Tale of Two Secrets: Peter Rabbit’s Garston Hideaway”
Whenever I want to know about Garston’s history, I go straight to Peter Naylor and Noel McMillan. These two farmers were born and bred in Garston and have lived here all their lives. And both men are passionate in their own ways about preserving our history. Peter has albums filled with photos of farming life …
The normally-tranquil Garston Cemetery was a-buzz early in November. Residents past and present were gathering along with SDC mayor Gary Tong and councillors John Douglas and Rob Scott, for the opening of the cemetery memorial board and shelter. The ceremony marked the end of two years planning, fundraising and organising for the Garston Cemetery Trust. …
Continue reading “The Garston Cemetery: A Very Special Shelter”
Teaching at Garston School was never boring, and we’ve had a fair few “education adventures” over the years. One of the best was the wonderful week when we brought an old gold mining shanty town to life.
Q: What do Beekeeping, Scotland and a tall lanky Kiwi have in common? A: Garston Hunny Shop owner Benedicte Sparks loves them all. And It’s probably lucky for Garston honey lovers that Scotland has such a cold, damp climate. If Scottish summers had been better, Bene might never have left the country that she describes …
I’ve lived on a farm in Garston for 35+ years so that almost makes me a local. But my husband is truly Garston born and bred. His family were one of the first to settle in the valley when it was opened up to farmers in the 1880s and the McNamees have been here ever …
