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Road Crash Rescue Shows Fire Brigade Skills at Mossburn

An RCR Team works to free a trapped victim from a flipped car.

Back in August, the Mossburn Volunteer Fire Brigade hosted their first-ever Otago-Southland Road Crash Rescue Competition. It was an action-packed day for the five crews taking part. And it turned out to be riveting for the many spectators who lined the pits. 

I had no idea what I was in for when I drove to Mossburn’s old Silver Fern Farms site early on Saturday morning. But I left in awe of the skills, and dedication of all the fire-fighting teams. You couldn’t help being filled with respect for the organisational skills of the Mossburn Fire Brigade.

Mossburn B Road Crash Rescue team surround a wreck while the judges scrutinize their moves.
The Mossburn B team work out how to rescue a trapped crash dummy in this section, called Entrapped.
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Jane Sutherland: Fabulous Fashion In Kingston

Fashion designer Jane Sutherland's iconic photo in an armchair by the lake in Kingston.

Last year Jane Sutherland wowed us in Athol with a fashion show at the Hide. It had everything you’d expect: sleek hair, sexy make-up. Lights, music, models — go-getting locals rocked the gorgeous clothes on stage. What a night!

Jane’s known for her signature style. That’s top-quality fabric and timeless design married with hand-made metal jewellery. More than anything I craved the white coat. Wish I didn’t spend half my life hunched over a laptop and the other half with kids or on the farm. 

I know zilch about fashion. So my questions tumbled out when I met Jane at her Kingston studio. After 20+ years in the fashion biz, there was a lot to talk about.

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Laura Douglas: Southern Girl Finishing School

The girls and the team at the Southern Girl Finishing School.

Eight girls, a huddle of shivering adults, puppies… goats… horses and the cutest little pig in the world. What a great mix in Laura Douglas’ inaugural “Southern Girl Finishing School” workshop in Kingston.

Let’s dive into the day.

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Temple Tattoo and ROAR Coffee: Lodging In Lumsden

The Masonic Lodge Temple Building now home to ROAR coffee and Temple Tattoo

Kelly and Steve Taylor are the duo behind ROAR Coffee Roasters and Temple Tattoo. They’re committed Southlanders now, but how on earth did a couple from Matakana find their “forever home” in Lumsden?

Imagine the conversation: 

“Happy 30th birthday, darling. I’ve got such a surprise for you.” 

Such a surprise! What possibilities spring to mind? 

Holiday in Hawaii? A Spa retreat? Sparkling diamonds? Or maybe a cosy meal in your favourite restaurant. 

Steve Taylor’s idea of a birthday surprise turned out to be a huge empty Masonic Lodge building in the small, Northern Southland town of Lumsden. 

Kelly’s reaction? 

“Oh, God!”

At that point, she never dreamed that one day she would actually end up living in that big old beautiful building and loving every moment of life in Lumsden.

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ROAR: Coffee Roasters in Southland

Roasted Coffee Beans

The south has long been home to a vibrant café culture. But it wasn’t until Kelly Taylor opened ROAR Coffee Roasters that we finally had our own Southland brew.

Today, cafés up and down the province can serve the freshest-possible delicious coffee. And it’s all thanks to ROAR’S unique blend of beans and service.

I caught up with Kelly and Steve to discover more about Lumsden’s latest local brand.

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Extra-special Pumpkin Soup: Cooking On The Fire

A bowl of extra-special pumpkin soup, ready to eat.

Pumpkin Soup is an easy, hearty dish to cook in the cold months of winter. One thing I love to do is cook my soup and stews on our wood-burner stove. With the fire turned down low, it heats the house and at the same time, our dinner simmers for hours. The flavours merge and mingle and the soup or stew is tender and delicious.

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